Improving Inpatient Surveys: Web-Based Computer Adaptive Testing Accessed via Mobile Phone QR Codes.

PubMed

Chien, Tsair-Wei; Lin, Weir-Sen

2016-03-02

The National Health Service (NHS) 70-item inpatient questionnaire surveys inpatients on their perceptions of their hospitalization experience. However, it imposes more burden on the patient than other similar surveys. The literature shows that computerized adaptive testing (CAT) based on item response theory can help shorten the item length of a questionnaire without compromising its precision. Our aim was to investigate whether CAT can be (1) efficient with item reduction and (2) used with quick response (QR) codes scanned by mobile phones. After downloading the 2008 inpatient survey data from the Picker Institute Europe website and analyzing the difficulties of this 70-item questionnaire, we used an author-made Excel program using the Rasch partial credit model to simulate 1000 patients' true scores followed by a standard normal distribution. The CAT was compared to two other scenarios of answering all items (AAI) and the randomized selection method (RSM), as we investigated item length (efficiency) and measurement accuracy. The author-made Web-based CAT program for gathering patient feedback was effectively accessed from mobile phones by scanning the QR code. We found that the CAT can be more efficient for patients answering questions (ie, fewer items to respond to) than either AAI or RSM without compromising its measurement accuracy. A Web-based CAT inpatient survey accessed by scanning a QR code on a mobile phone was viable for gathering inpatient satisfaction responses. With advances in technology, patients can now be offered alternatives for providing feedback about hospitalization satisfaction. This Web-based CAT is a possible option in health care settings for reducing the number of survey items, as well as offering an innovative QR code access.

Scanning and mobile multi-axis DOAS measurements of SO2 and NO2 emissions from an electric power plant in Montevideo, Uruguay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frins, E.; Bobrowski, N.; Osorio, M.; Casaballe, N.; Belsterli, G.; Wagner, T.; Platt, U.

2014-12-01

In March 2012 the emissions of NO2 and SO2 from a power station located on the east side of Montevideo Bay (34° 53‧ 10″ S, 56° 11‧ 49″ W) were quantified by simultaneously using mobile and scanning multi-axis differential optical absorption spectroscopy (in the following mobile DOAS and scanning DOAS, respectively). The facility produces electricity by means of two technologies: internal combustion motors and steam generators. The motors are powered with centrifuged heavy oil and produce a maximum power of 80 MW approximately. The steam generators produce approximately 305 MW and are powered with heavy fuel oil. We compare the emissions obtained from the measured slant column densities (mobile DOAS and scanning DOAS) with the emissions estimated from fuel mass balance. On one occasion it was possible to distinguish between the two types of sources, observing two plumes with different SO2 and NO2 emission rates. During the period of the campaign the mean SO2 emission flux was determined to be 0.36 (±0.12) kg s-1 and 0.26 (±0.09) kg s-1 retrieved from mobile and scanning DOAS respectively, while the calculated SO2 flux from the sulphur content of the fuel was 0.34 (±0.03) kg s-1. The average NO2 flux calculated from mobile DOAS was determined to be 11 (±3) × 10-3 kg s-1. Using the scanning DOAS approach a mean NO2 flux of 5.4 (±1.7) × 10-3 kg s-1 was obtained, which is significantly lower than by the mobile measurements. The differences between the results of mobile MAX-DOAS measurements and scanning DOAS measurements are most probably caused by the variability and the limited knowledge of the wind speed and direction.

Multiplatform Mobile Laser Scanning: Usability and Performance

PubMed Central

Kukko, Antero; Kaartinen, Harri; Hyyppä, Juha; Chen, Yuwei

2012-01-01

Mobile laser scanning is an emerging technology capable of capturing three-dimensional data from surrounding objects. With state-of-the-art sensors, the achieved point clouds capture object details with good accuracy and precision. Many of the applications involve civil engineering in urban areas, as well as traffic and other urban planning, all of which serve to make 3D city modeling probably the fastest growing market segment in this field. This article outlines multiplatform mobile laser scanning solutions such as vehicle- and trolley-operated urban area data acquisition, and boat-mounted equipment for fluvial environments. Moreover, we introduce a novel backpack version of mobile laser scanning equipment for surveying applications in the field of natural sciences where the requirements include precision and mobility in variable terrain conditions. In addition to presenting a technical description of the systems, we discuss the performance of the solutions in the light of various applications in the fields of urban mapping and modeling, fluvial geomorphology, snow-cover characterization, precision agriculture, and in monitoring the effects of climate change on permafrost landforms. The data performance of the mobile laser scanning approach is described by the results of an evaluation of the ROAMER on a permanent MLS test field. Furthermore, an in situ accuracy assessment using a field of spherical 3D targets for the newly-introduced Akhka backpack system is conducted and reported on.

Uncertainty propagation using the Monte Carlo method in the measurement of airborne particle size distribution with a scanning mobility particle sizer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coquelin, L.; Le Brusquet, L.; Fischer, N.; Gensdarmes, F.; Motzkus, C.; Mace, T.; Fleury, G.

2018-05-01

A scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) is a high resolution nanoparticle sizing system that is widely used as the standard method to measure airborne particle size distributions (PSD) in the size range 1 nm–1 μm. This paper addresses the problem to assess the uncertainty associated with PSD when a differential mobility analyzer (DMA) operates under scanning mode. The sources of uncertainty are described and then modeled either through experiments or knowledge extracted from the literature. Special care is brought to model the physics and to account for competing theories. Indeed, it appears that the modeling errors resulting from approximations of the physics can largely affect the final estimate of this indirect measurement, especially for quantities that are not measured during day-to-day experiments. The Monte Carlo method is used to compute the uncertainty associated with PSD. The method is tested against real data sets that are monosize polystyrene latex spheres (PSL) with nominal diameters of 100 nm, 200 nm and 450 nm. The median diameters and associated standard uncertainty of the aerosol particles are estimated as 101.22 nm  ±  0.18 nm, 204.39 nm  ±  1.71 nm and 443.87 nm  ±  1.52 nm with the new approach. Other statistical parameters, such as the mean diameter, the mode and the geometric mean and associated standard uncertainty, are also computed. These results are then compared with the results obtained by SMPS embedded software.

Application of Mobile Laser Scanning for Lean and Rapid Highway Maintenance and Construction

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-08-28

Mobile Terrestrial Laser Scanning (MTLS) is an emerging technology that combines the use of a laser scanner(s), the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), and an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) on a vehicle to collect geo-spatial data. The overal...

Pole-Like Road Furniture Detection in Sparse and Unevenly Distributed Mobile Laser Scanning Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, F.; Lehtomäki, M.; Oude Elberink, S.; Vosselman, G.; Puttonen, E.; Kukko, A.; Hyyppä, J.

2018-05-01

Pole-like road furniture detection received much attention due to its traffic functionality in recent years. In this paper, we develop a framework to detect pole-like road furniture from sparse mobile laser scanning data. The framework is carried out in four steps. The unorganised point cloud is first partitioned. Then above ground points are clustered and roughly classified after removing ground points. A slicing check in combination with cylinder masking is proposed to extract pole-like road furniture candidates. Pole-like road furniture are obtained after occlusion analysis in the last stage. The average completeness and correctness of pole-like road furniture in sparse and unevenly distributed mobile laser scanning data was above 0.83. It is comparable to the state of art in the field of pole-like road furniture detection in mobile laser scanning data of good quality and is potentially of practical use in the processing of point clouds collected by autonomous driving platforms.

Evaluation of mobile phone addiction level and sleep quality in university students.

PubMed

Sahin, Sevil; Ozdemir, Kevser; Unsal, Alaattin; Temiz, Nazen

2013-07-01

To determine the mobile phone addiction level in university students, to examine several associated factors and to evaluate the relation between the addiction level and sleep quality. The study is a cross-sectional research conducted on the students of the Sakarya University between 01 November 2012 and 01 February 2013. The study group included 576 students. The Problematic Mobile Phone Use Scale was used for evaluating the mobile phone addiction level and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index for assessing the sleep quality. Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman's Correlation Analysis were used for analyzing the data. The study group consisted of 296 (51.4%) females and 208 (48.6%) males. The mean age was 20.83 ± 1.90 years (min:17, max:28). The addiction level was determined to be higher in the second-year students, those with poor family income, those with type A personality, those whose age for first mobile phone is 13 and below and those whose duration of daily mobile phone use is above 5 hours (p < 0.05 for each). The sleep quality worsens with increasing mobile phone addiction level (p < 0.05). The sleep quality worsens with increasing addiction level. It was concluded that referring the students with suspected addiction to advanced healthcare facilities, performing occasional scans for early diagnosis and informing the students about controlled mobile phone use would be useful.

Express Testing Makes for More Effective Vet Visit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2003-01-01

This paper presents a discussion on Vetscan, a system designed to provide veterinarians with instant diagnostic information needed for rapid treatment decisions. VetScan is designed for point-of-care testing in any treatment setting, including mobile environments, where veterinarians can operate the analyzer from a car-lighter adapter. A full range of tests is available for almost every species normally treated by veterinarians, including cats, dogs, birds, reptiles, and large animals, such as those in the equine and bovine families.

Soil Organic Carbon Estimation and Mapping Using "on-the-go" VisNIR Spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brown, D. J.; Bricklemyer, R. S.; Christy, C.

2007-12-01

Soil organic carbon (SOC) and other soil properties related to carbon sequestration (eg. soil clay content and mineralogy) vary spatially across landscapes. To cost effectively capture this variability, new technologies, such as Visible and Near Infrared (VisNIR) spectroscopy, have been applied to soils for rapid, accurate, and inexpensive estimation of SOC and other soil properties. For this study, we evaluated an "on the go" VisNIR sensor developed by Veris Technologies, Inc. (Salinas, KS) for mapping SOC, soil clay content and mineralogy. The Veris spectrometer spanned 350 to 2224 nm with 8 nm spectral resolution, and 25 spectra were integrated every 2 seconds resulting in 3 -5 m scanning distances on the ground. The unit was mounted to a mobile sensor platform pulled by a tractor, and scanned soils at an average depth of 10 cm through a quartz-sapphire window. We scanned eight 16.2 ha (40 ac) wheat fields in north central Montana (USA), with 15 m transect intervals. Using random sampling with spatial inhibition, 100 soil samples from 0-10 cm depths were extracted along scanned transects from each field and were analyzed for SOC. Neat, sieved (<2 mm) soil sample materials were also scanned in the lab using an Analytical Spectral Devices (ASD, Boulder, CO, USA) Fieldspec Pro FR spectroradiometer with a spectral range of 350-2500 and spectral resolution of 2-10 nm. The analyzed samples were used to calibrate and validate a number of partial least squares regression (PLSR) VisNIR models to compare on-the-go scanning vs. higher spectral resolution laboratory spectroscopy vs. standard SOC measurement methods.

Mobile cloud-computing-based healthcare service by noncontact ECG monitoring.

PubMed

Fong, Ee-May; Chung, Wan-Young

2013-12-02

Noncontact electrocardiogram (ECG) measurement technique has gained popularity these days owing to its noninvasive features and convenience in daily life use. This paper presents mobile cloud computing for a healthcare system where a noncontact ECG measurement method is employed to capture biomedical signals from users. Healthcare service is provided to continuously collect biomedical signals from multiple locations. To observe and analyze the ECG signals in real time, a mobile device is used as a mobile monitoring terminal. In addition, a personalized healthcare assistant is installed on the mobile device; several healthcare features such as health status summaries, medication QR code scanning, and reminders are integrated into the mobile application. Health data are being synchronized into the healthcare cloud computing service (Web server system and Web server dataset) to ensure a seamless healthcare monitoring system and anytime and anywhere coverage of network connection is available. Together with a Web page application, medical data are easily accessed by medical professionals or family members. Web page performance evaluation was conducted to ensure minimal Web server latency. The system demonstrates better availability of off-site and up-to-the-minute patient data, which can help detect health problems early and keep elderly patients out of the emergency room, thus providing a better and more comprehensive healthcare cloud computing service.

Mobile Cloud-Computing-Based Healthcare Service by Noncontact ECG Monitoring

PubMed Central

Fong, Ee-May; Chung, Wan-Young

2013-01-01

Noncontact electrocardiogram (ECG) measurement technique has gained popularity these days owing to its noninvasive features and convenience in daily life use. This paper presents mobile cloud computing for a healthcare system where a noncontact ECG measurement method is employed to capture biomedical signals from users. Healthcare service is provided to continuously collect biomedical signals from multiple locations. To observe and analyze the ECG signals in real time, a mobile device is used as a mobile monitoring terminal. In addition, a personalized healthcare assistant is installed on the mobile device; several healthcare features such as health status summaries, medication QR code scanning, and reminders are integrated into the mobile application. Health data are being synchronized into the healthcare cloud computing service (Web server system and Web server dataset) to ensure a seamless healthcare monitoring system and anytime and anywhere coverage of network connection is available. Together with a Web page application, medical data are easily accessed by medical professionals or family members. Web page performance evaluation was conducted to ensure minimal Web server latency. The system demonstrates better availability of off-site and up-to-the-minute patient data, which can help detect health problems early and keep elderly patients out of the emergency room, thus providing a better and more comprehensive healthcare cloud computing service. PMID:24316562

A comparison of mobile scanning to a total station survey at the I-35 and IA 92 interchange in Warren County, Iowa.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-08-01

The purpose of this project was to investigate the potential for collecting and using data from mobile terrestrial laser scanning (MTLS) technology that would reduce the need for traditional survey methods for the development of highway improvement p...

77 FR 40637 - Honeywell International, Scanning and Mobility Division, Formerly Known as Hand Held Products...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-07-10

..., Scanning and Mobility Division, Formerly Known as Hand Held Products, Inc., Including On-Site Leased Workers From Manpower, Skaneatelles Falls, NY; Amended Certification Regarding Eligibility To Apply for...''), 19 U.S.C. 2273, the Department of Labor issued a Certification of Eligibility to Apply for Worker...

[A mobile sensor for remote detection of natural gas leakage].

PubMed

Zhang, Shuai; Liu, Wen-qing; Zhang, Yu-jun; Kan, Rui-feng; Ruan, Jun; Wang, Li-ming; Yu, Dian-qiang; Dong, Jin-ting; Han, Xiao-lei; Cui, Yi-ben; Liu, Jian-guo

2012-02-01

The detection of natural gas pipeline leak becomes a significant issue for body security, environmental protection and security of state property. However, the leak detection is difficult, because of the pipeline's covering many areas, operating conditions and complicated environment. A mobile sensor for remote detection of natural gas leakage based on scanning wavelength differential absorption spectroscopy (SWDAS) is introduced. The improved soft threshold wavelet denoising was proposed by analyzing the characteristics of reflection spectrum. And the results showed that the signal to noise ratio (SNR) was increased three times. When light intensity is 530 nA, the minimum remote sensitivity will be 80 ppm x m. A widely used SWDAS can make quantitative remote sensing of natural gas leak and locate the leak source precisely in a faster, safer and more intelligent way.

Dedicated mobile volumetric cone-beam computed tomography for human brain imaging: A phantom study.

PubMed

Ryu, Jong-Hyun; Kim, Tae-Hoon; Jeong, Chang-Won; Jun, Hong-Young; Heo, Dong-Woon; Lee, Jinseok; Kim, Kyong-Woo; Yoon, Kwon-Ha

2015-01-01

Mobile computed tomography (CT) with a cone-beam source is increasingly used in the clinical field. Mobile cone-beam CT (CBCT) has great merits; however, its clinical utility for brain imaging has been limited due to problems including scan time and image quality. The aim of this study was to develop a dedicated mobile volumetric CBCT for obtaining brain images, and to optimize the imaging protocol using a brain phantom. The mobile volumetric CBCT system was evaluated with regards to scan time and image quality, measured as signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise-ratio (CNR), spatial resolution (10% MTF), and effective dose. Brain images were obtained using a CT phantom. The CT scan took 5.14 s at 360 projection views. SNR and CNR were 5.67 and 14.5 at 120 kV/10 mA. SNR and CNR values showed slight improvement as the x-ray voltage and current increased (p < 0.001). Effective dose and 10% MTF were 0.92 mSv and 360 μ m at 120 kV/10 mA. Various intracranial structures were clearly visible in the brain phantom images. Using this CBCT under optimal imaging acquisition conditions, it is possible to obtain human brain images with low radiation dose, reproducible image quality, and fast scan time.

Retrieval Algorithms for Road Surface Modelling Using Laser-Based Mobile Mapping.

PubMed

Jaakkola, Anttoni; Hyyppä, Juha; Hyyppä, Hannu; Kukko, Antero

2008-09-01

Automated processing of the data provided by a laser-based mobile mapping system will be a necessity due to the huge amount of data produced. In the future, vehiclebased laser scanning, here called mobile mapping, should see considerable use for road environment modelling. Since the geometry of the scanning and point density is different from airborne laser scanning, new algorithms are needed for information extraction. In this paper, we propose automatic methods for classifying the road marking and kerbstone points and modelling the road surface as a triangulated irregular network. On the basis of experimental tests, the mean classification accuracies obtained using automatic method for lines, zebra crossings and kerbstones were 80.6%, 92.3% and 79.7%, respectively.

Evaluation of mobile phone addiction level and sleep quality in university students

PubMed Central

Sahin, Sevil; Ozdemir, Kevser; Unsal, Alaattin; Temiz, Nazen

2013-01-01

Objective: To determine the mobile phone addiction level in university students, to examine several associated factors and to evaluate the relation between the addiction level and sleep quality. Methods: The study is a cross-sectional research conducted on the students of the Sakarya University between 01 November 2012 and 01 February 2013. The study group included 576 students. The Problematic Mobile Phone Use Scale was used for evaluating the mobile phone addiction level and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index for assessing the sleep quality. Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman’s Correlation Analysis were used for analyzing the data. Results: The study group consisted of 296 (51.4%) females and 208 (48.6%) males. The mean age was 20.83 ± 1.90 years (min:17, max:28). The addiction level was determined to be higher in the second-year students, those with poor family income, those with type A personality, those whose age for first mobile phone is 13 and below and those whose duration of daily mobile phone use is above 5 hours (p < 0.05 for each). The sleep quality worsens with increasing mobile phone addiction level (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The sleep quality worsens with increasing addiction level. It was concluded that referring the students with suspected addiction to advanced healthcare facilities, performing occasional scans for early diagnosis and informing the students about controlled mobile phone use would be useful. PMID:24353658

Investigation of Biomass Burning Aerosol Hygroscopicity Using a New Tandem Differential Mobility Analyzer and New Inversion Routine.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oxford, C. R.; Williams, B. J.

2017-12-01

Biomass burning aerosol (BBA) constitutes a significant fraction of atmospheric aerosol and impacts health, visibility, and radiative forcing. The nature and scale of these impacts are influenced by the size distribution of the aerosol. Hygroscopicity governs the water content of an aerosol at elevated relative humidity, and thus determines the size distribution of the hydrated aerosol. Characterization of BBA during the second Fire Lab At Missoula Experiment (FLAME-II) determined that BBA with high inorganic concentrations did not have a single hygroscopicity, but exhibited a bimodal nature. Mechanisms contributing to this bimodality could include condensation of hygrophilic inorganics, release of hygrophobic soot aerosol, presence of non-spherical morphologies, and condensation of volatile organic compounds with low hygroscopicity. Conclusions from FLAME-II attribute the bimodality to externally mixed BBA at a given diameter. Other authors, using different fuels, attribute differences in BBA hygroscopicity to non-spherical morphologies. We measured the hygroscopicity of BBA emitted from the burning of grasses obtained from western Montana in a laboratory burn chamber. The investigation used a newly built Tandem Differential Mobility Analyzer (TDMA) and a Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer together with a new TDMA inversion routine specifically designed for the analysis of multi-charged phenomena. Additionally, we used Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) to assess particle morphology. Outputs from the inversion routine along with images from TEM were used to evaluate reasons for hygroscopicity dependence on mobility diameter.

Space Subdivision in Indoor Mobile Laser Scanning Point Clouds Based on Scanline Analysis.

PubMed

Zheng, Yi; Peter, Michael; Zhong, Ruofei; Oude Elberink, Sander; Zhou, Quan

2018-06-05

Indoor space subdivision is an important aspect of scene analysis that provides essential information for many applications, such as indoor navigation and evacuation route planning. Until now, most proposed scene understanding algorithms have been based on whole point clouds, which has led to complicated operations, high computational loads and low processing speed. This paper presents novel methods to efficiently extract the location of openings (e.g., doors and windows) and to subdivide space by analyzing scanlines. An opening detection method is demonstrated that analyses the local geometric regularity in scanlines to refine the extracted opening. Moreover, a space subdivision method based on the extracted openings and the scanning system trajectory is described. Finally, the opening detection and space subdivision results are saved as point cloud labels which will be used for further investigations. The method has been tested on a real dataset collected by ZEB-REVO. The experimental results validate the completeness and correctness of the proposed method for different indoor environment and scanning paths.

Boresight alignment method for mobile laser scanning systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rieger, P.; Studnicka, N.; Pfennigbauer, M.; Zach, G.

2010-06-01

Mobile laser scanning (MLS) is the latest approach towards fast and cost-efficient acquisition of 3-dimensional spatial data. Accurately evaluating the boresight alignment in MLS systems is an obvious necessity. However, recent systems available on the market may lack of suitable and efficient practical workflows on how to perform this calibration. This paper discusses an innovative method for accurately determining the boresight alignment of MLS systems by employing 3D laser scanners. Scanning objects using a 3D laser scanner operating in a 2D line-scan mode from various different runs and scan directions provides valuable scan data for determining the angular alignment between inertial measurement unit and laser scanner. Field data is presented demonstrating the final accuracy of the calibration and the high quality of the point cloud acquired during an MLS campaign.

Omni-Directional Scanning Localization Method of a Mobile Robot Based on Ultrasonic Sensors.

PubMed

Mu, Wei-Yi; Zhang, Guang-Peng; Huang, Yu-Mei; Yang, Xin-Gang; Liu, Hong-Yan; Yan, Wen

2016-12-20

Improved ranging accuracy is obtained by the development of a novel ultrasonic sensor ranging algorithm, unlike the conventional ranging algorithm, which considers the divergence angle and the incidence angle of the ultrasonic sensor synchronously. An ultrasonic sensor scanning method is developed based on this algorithm for the recognition of an inclined plate and to obtain the localization of the ultrasonic sensor relative to the inclined plate reference frame. The ultrasonic sensor scanning method is then leveraged for the omni-directional localization of a mobile robot, where the ultrasonic sensors are installed on a mobile robot and follow the spin of the robot, the inclined plate is recognized and the position and posture of the robot are acquired with respect to the coordinate system of the inclined plate, realizing the localization of the robot. Finally, the localization method is implemented into an omni-directional scanning localization experiment with the independently researched and developed mobile robot. Localization accuracies of up to ±3.33 mm for the front, up to ±6.21 for the lateral and up to ±0.20° for the posture are obtained, verifying the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed localization method.

Impact of Audio-Coaching on the Position of Lung Tumors

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

Haasbeek, Cornelis J.A.; Spoelstra, Femke; Lagerwaard, Frank J.

2008-07-15

Purpose: Respiration-induced organ motion is a major source of positional, or geometric, uncertainty in thoracic radiotherapy. Interventions to mitigate the impact of motion include audio-coached respiration-gated radiotherapy (RGRT). To assess the impact of coaching on average tumor position during gating, we analyzed four-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) scans performed both with and without audio-coaching. Methods and Materials: Our RGRT protocol requires that an audio-coached 4DCT scan is performed when the initial free-breathing 4DCT indicates a potential benefit with gating. We retrospectively analyzed 22 such paired scans in patients with well-circumscribed tumors. Changes in lung volume and position of internal target volumesmore » (ITV) generated in three consecutive respiratory phases at both end-inspiration and end-expiration were analyzed. Results: Audio-coaching increased end-inspiration lung volumes by a mean of 10.2% (range, -13% to +43%) when compared with free breathing (p = 0.001). The mean three-dimensional displacement of the center of ITV was 3.6 mm (SD, 2.5; range, 0.3-9.6mm), mainly caused by displacement in the craniocaudal direction. Displacement of ITV caused by coaching was more than 5 mm in 5 patients, all of whom were in the subgroup of 9 patients showing total tumor motion of 10 mm or more during both coached and uncoached breathing. Comparable ITV displacements were observed at end-expiration phases of the 4DCT. Conclusions: Differences in ITV position exceeding 5 mm between coached and uncoached 4DCT scans were detected in up to 56% of mobile tumors. Both end-inspiration and end-expiration RGRT were susceptible to displacements. This indicates that the method of audio-coaching should remain unchanged throughout the course of treatment.« less

Note: Evaluation of slurry particle size analyzers for chemical mechanical planarization process

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

Jang, Sunjae; Kulkarni, Atul; Qin, Hongyi

In the chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) process, slurry particle size is important because large particles can cause defects. Hence, selection of an appropriate particle measuring system is necessary in the CMP process. In this study, a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) were compared for particle size distribution (PSD) measurements. In addition, the actual particle size and shape were confirmed by transmission electron microscope (TEM) results. SMPS classifies the particle size according to the electrical mobility, and measures the particle concentration (single particle measurement). On the other hand, the DLS measures the particle size distribution bymore » analyzing scattered light from multiple particles (multiple particle measurement). For the slurry particles selected for evaluation, it is observed that SMPS shows bi-modal particle sizes 30 nm and 80 nm, which closely matches with the TEM measurements, whereas DLS shows only single mode distribution in the range of 90 nm to 100 nm and showing incapability of measuring small particles. Hence, SMPS can be a better choice for the evaluation of CMP slurry particle size and concentration measurements.« less

Analysis of Carina Position as Surrogate Marker for Delivering Phase-Gated Radiotherapy

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

Weide, Lineke van der; Soernsen de Koste, John R. van; Lagerwaard, Frank J.

2008-07-15

Purpose: Respiratory gating can mitigate the effect of tumor mobility in radiotherapy (RT) for lung cancer. Because the tumor is generally not visualized, external surrogates of tumor position are used to trigger respiration-gated RT. We evaluated the suitability of the carina position as a surrogate in respiration-gated RT. Methods and Materials: A total of 30 four-dimensional (4D) computed tomography (CT) scans from 14 patients with lung cancer were retrospectively analyzed. Both uncoached (free breathing) and audio-coached 4D-CT scans were acquired from 9 patients, and 12 uncoached 4D-CT scans were acquired from 5 other patients during a 2-4-week period of stereotacticmore » RT. The repeat scans were co-registered. The carina position was identified on the coronal cut planes in all 4D-CT phases. The correlation between the carina position and the total lung volume for each phase was determined, and the reproducibility of the carina position was studied in the 5 patients with repeat uncoached 4D-CT scans. Results: The mean extent of carina motion in 21 uncoached scans was 5.3 {+-} 1.6 mm in the craniocaudal (CC), 2.3 {+-} 1.4 mm in the anteroposterior, and 1.5 {+-} 0.7 mm in the mediolateral direction. Audio coaching resulted in a twofold increase in carina mobility in all directions. The CC carina position correlated with changes in the total lung volume (R = 0.89 {+-} 0.14), but the correlation was better for the audio-coached than for the uncoached 4D-CT scans (R = 0.93 {+-} 0.08 vs. R = 0.85 {+-} 0.17; paired t test, p = 0.034). Preliminary data from the 5 patients indicated that the CC carina motion correlated better with tumor motion than did the motion of the diaphragm. Conclusions: The CC position of the carina correlated well with the total lung volume, indicating that the carina is a good surrogate for verifying the total lung volume during respiration-gated RT.« less

Local 2D-2D tunneling in high mobility electron systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pelliccione, Matthew; Sciambi, Adam; Bartel, John; Goldhaber-Gordon, David; Pfeiffer, Loren; West, Ken; Lilly, Michael; Bank, Seth; Gossard, Arthur

2012-02-01

Many scanning probe techniques have been utilized in recent years to measure local properties of high mobility two-dimensional (2D) electron systems in GaAs. However, most techniques lack the ability to tunnel into the buried 2D system and measure local spectroscopic information. We report scanning gate measurements on a bilayer GaAs/AlGaAs heterostructure that allows for a local modulation of tunneling between two 2D electron layers. We call this technique Virtual Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (VSTM) [1,2] as the influence of the scanning gate is analogous to an STM tip, except at a GaAs/AlGaAs interface instead of a surface. We will discuss the spectroscopic capabilities of the technique, and show preliminary results of measurements on a high mobility 2D electron system.[1] A. Sciambi, M. Pelliccione et al., Appl. Phys. Lett. 97, 132103 (2010).[2] A. Sciambi, M. Pelliccione et al., Phys. Rev. B 84, 085301 (2011).

Radial microstrip slotline feed network for circular mobile communications array

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simons, Rainee N.; Kelly, Eron S.; Lee, Richard Q.; Taub, Susan R.

1994-01-01

In mobile and satellite communications there is a need for low cost and low profile antennas which have a toroidal pattern. Antennas that have been developed for mobile communications include a L-Band electronically steered stripline phased array, a Ka-Band mechanically steered elliptical reflector antenna and a Ka-Band printed dipole. In addition, a L-Band mechanically steered microstrip array, a L-Band microstrip phased array tracking antenna for mounting on a car roof and an X-Band radial line slotted waveguide antenna have been demonstrated. In the above electronically scanned printed arrays, the individual element radiates normally to the plane of the array and hence require a phase shifter to scan the beam towards the horizon. Scanning in the azimuth is by mechanical or electronic steering. An alternate approach is to mount microstrip patch radiators on the surface of a cone to achieve the required elevation angle. The array then scans in the azimuth by beam switching.

Performance of a scanning mobility particle sizer in measuring diverse types of airborne nanoparticles: Multi-walled carbon nanotubes, welding fumes, and titanium dioxide spray.

PubMed

Chen, Bean T; Schwegler-Berry, Diane; Cumpston, Amy; Cumpston, Jared; Friend, Sherri; Stone, Samuel; Keane, Michael

2016-07-01

Direct-reading instruments have been widely used for characterizing airborne nanoparticles in inhalation toxicology and industrial hygiene studies for exposure/risk assessments. Instruments using electrical mobility sizing followed by optical counting, e.g., scanning or sequential mobility particle spectrometers (SMPS), have been considered as the "gold standard" for characterizing nanoparticles. An SMPS has the advantage of rapid response and has been widely used, but there is little information on its performance in assessing the full spectrum of nanoparticles encountered in the workplace. In this study, an SMPS was evaluated for its effectiveness in producing "monodisperse" aerosol and its adequacy in characterizing overall particle size distribution using three test aerosols, each mimicking a unique class of real-life nanoparticles: singlets of nearly spherical titanium dioxide (TiO2), agglomerates of fiber-like multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT), and aggregates that constitutes welding fume (WF). These aerosols were analyzed by SMPS, cascade impactor, and by counting and sizing of discrete particles by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The effectiveness of the SMPS to produce classified particles (fixed voltage mode) was assessed by examination of the resulting geometric standard deviation (GSD) from the impactor measurement. Results indicated that SMPS performed reasonably well for TiO2 (GSD = 1.3), but not for MWCNT and WF as evidenced by the large GSD values of 1.8 and 1.5, respectively. For overall characterization, results from SMPS (scanning voltage mode) exhibited particle-dependent discrepancies in the size distribution and total number concentration compared to those from microscopic analysis. Further investigation showed that use of a single-stage impactor at the SMPS inlet could distort the size distribution and underestimate the concentration as shown by the SMPS, whereas the presence of vapor molecules or atom clusters in some test aerosols might cause artifacts by counting "phantom particles." Overall, the information obtained from this study will help understand the limitations of the SMPS in measuring nanoparticles so that one can adequately interpret the results for risk assessments and exposure prevention in an occupational or ambient environment.

Bias of cylinder diameter estimation from ground-based laser scanners with different beam widths: A simulation study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Forsman, Mona; Börlin, Niclas; Olofsson, Kenneth; Reese, Heather; Holmgren, Johan

2018-01-01

In this study we have investigated why diameters of tree stems, which are approximately cylindrical, are often overestimated by mobile laser scanning. This paper analyzes the physical processes when using ground-based laser scanning that may contribute to a bias when estimating cylinder diameters using circle-fit methods. A laser scanner simulator was implemented and used to evaluate various properties, such as distance, cylinder diameter, and beam width of a laser scanner-cylinder system to find critical conditions. The simulation results suggest that a positive bias of the diameter estimation is expected. Furthermore, the bias follows a quadratic function of one parameter - the relative footprint, i.e., the fraction of the cylinder width illuminated by the laser beam. The quadratic signature opens up a possibility to construct a compensation model for the bias.

Land-Based Mobile Laser Scanning Systems: a Review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Puente, I.; González-Jorge, H.; Arias, P.; Armesto, J.

2011-09-01

Mobile mapping has been using various photogrammetric techniques for many years. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of mobile mapping systems using laser scanners available in the market, partially because of the improvement in GNSS/INS performance for direct georeferencing. In this article, some of the most important land-based mobile laser scanning (MLS) systems are reviewed. Firstly, the main characteristics of MLS systems vs. airborne (ALS) and terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) systems are compared. Secondly, a short overview of the mobile mapping technology is also provided so that the reader can fully grasp the complexity and operation of these devices. As we put forward in this paper, a comparison of different systems is briefly carried out regarding specifications provided by the manufacturers. Focuses on the current research are also addressed with emphasis on the practical applications of these systems. Most of them have been utilized for data collection on road infrastructures or building façades. This article shows that MLS technology is nowadays well established and proven, since the demand has grown to the point that there are several systems suppliers offering their products to satisfy this particular market.

Semantic Labelling of Road Furniture in Mobile Laser Scanning Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, F.; Oude Elberink, S.; Vosselman, G.

2017-09-01

Road furniture semantic labelling is vital for large scale mapping and autonomous driving systems. Much research has been investigated on road furniture interpretation in both 2D images and 3D point clouds. Precise interpretation of road furniture in mobile laser scanning data still remains unexplored. In this paper, a novel method is proposed to interpret road furniture based on their logical relations and functionalities. Our work represents the most detailed interpretation of road furniture in mobile laser scanning data. 93.3 % of poles are correctly extracted and all of them are correctly recognised. 94.3 % of street light heads are detected and 76.9 % of them are correctly identified. Despite errors arising from the recognition of other components, our framework provides a promising solution to automatically map road furniture at a detailed level in urban environments.

Analyzing Intracellular Binding and Diffusion with Continuous Fluorescence Photobleaching

PubMed Central

Wachsmuth, Malte; Weidemann, Thomas; Müller, Gabriele; Hoffmann-Rohrer, Urs W.; Knoch, Tobias A.; Waldeck, Waldemar; Langowski, Jörg

2003-01-01

Transport and binding of molecules to specific sites are necessary for the assembly and function of ordered supramolecular structures in cells. For analyzing these processes in vivo, we have developed a confocal fluorescence fluctuation microscope that allows both imaging of the spatial distribution of fluorescent molecules with confocal laser scanning microscopy and probing their mobility at specific positions in the cell with fluorescence correlation spectroscopy and continuous fluorescence photobleaching (CP). Because fluorescence correlation spectroscopy is restricted to rapidly diffusing particles and CP to slower processes, these two methods complement each other. For the analysis of binding-related contributions to mobility we have derived analytical expressions for the temporal behavior of CP curves from which the bound fraction and/or the dissociation rate or residence time at binding sites, respectively, can be obtained. In experiments, we investigated HeLa cells expressing different fluorescent proteins: Although enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) shows high mobility, fusions of histone H2B with the yellow fluorescent protein are incorporated into chromatin, and these nuclei exhibit the presence of a stably bound and a freely diffusing species. Nonpermanent binding was found for mTTF-I, a transcription termination factor for RNA polymerase I, fused with EGFP. The cells show fluorescent nucleoli, and binding is transient. CP yields residence times for mTTF-I-EGFP of ∼13 s. PMID:12719264

Analyzing intracellular binding and diffusion with continuous fluorescence photobleaching.

PubMed

Wachsmuth, Malte; Weidemann, Thomas; Müller, Gabriele; Hoffmann-Rohrer, Urs W; Knoch, Tobias A; Waldeck, Waldemar; Langowski, Jörg

2003-05-01

Transport and binding of molecules to specific sites are necessary for the assembly and function of ordered supramolecular structures in cells. For analyzing these processes in vivo, we have developed a confocal fluorescence fluctuation microscope that allows both imaging of the spatial distribution of fluorescent molecules with confocal laser scanning microscopy and probing their mobility at specific positions in the cell with fluorescence correlation spectroscopy and continuous fluorescence photobleaching (CP). Because fluorescence correlation spectroscopy is restricted to rapidly diffusing particles and CP to slower processes, these two methods complement each other. For the analysis of binding-related contributions to mobility we have derived analytical expressions for the temporal behavior of CP curves from which the bound fraction and/or the dissociation rate or residence time at binding sites, respectively, can be obtained. In experiments, we investigated HeLa cells expressing different fluorescent proteins: Although enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) shows high mobility, fusions of histone H2B with the yellow fluorescent protein are incorporated into chromatin, and these nuclei exhibit the presence of a stably bound and a freely diffusing species. Nonpermanent binding was found for mTTF-I, a transcription termination factor for RNA polymerase I, fused with EGFP. The cells show fluorescent nucleoli, and binding is transient. CP yields residence times for mTTF-I-EGFP of approximately 13 s.

Effective density and morphology of particles emitted from small-scale combustion of various wood fuels.

PubMed

Leskinen, Jani; Ihalainen, Mika; Torvela, Tiina; Kortelainen, Miika; Lamberg, Heikki; Tiitta, Petri; Jakobi, Gert; Grigonyte, Julija; Joutsensaari, Jorma; Sippula, Olli; Tissari, Jarkko; Virtanen, Annele; Zimmermann, Ralf; Jokiniemi, Jorma

2014-11-18

The effective density of fine particles emitted from small-scale wood combustion of various fuels were determined with a system consisting of an aerosol particle mass analyzer and a scanning mobility particle sizer (APM-SMPS). A novel sampling chamber was combined to the system to enable measurements of highly fluctuating combustion processes. In addition, mass-mobility exponents (relates mass and mobility size) were determined from the density data to describe the shape of the particles. Particle size, type of fuel, combustion phase, and combustion conditions were found to have an effect on the effective density and the particle shape. For example, steady combustion phase produced agglomerates with effective density of roughly 1 g cm(-3) for small particles, decreasing to 0.25 g cm(-3) for 400 nm particles. The effective density was higher for particles emitted from glowing embers phase (ca. 1-2 g cm(-3)), and a clear size dependency was not observed as the particles were nearly spherical in shape. This study shows that a single value cannot be used for the effective density of particles emitted from wood combustion.

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Resources Suggest a Purchase Hours & Locations Main Library Mobile Services Ellet Fairlawn-Bath Training Print/Scan/Fax/Copy Assistive Services Borrower Services Library Computers Meeting Rooms Mobile ; Notable Student Resources Suggest a Purchase Hours & Locations Main Library Mobile Services Ellet

Characterization of PCBs from computers and mobile phones, and the proposal of newly developed materials for substitution of gold, lead and arsenic.

PubMed

Dervišević, Irma; Minić, Duško; Kamberović, Željko; Ćosović, Vladan; Ristić, Mirjana

2013-06-01

In this paper, we have analyzed parts of printed circuit board (PCB) and liquid crystal display (LCD) screens of mobile phones and computers, quantitative and qualitative chemical compositions of individual components, and complete PCBs were determined. Differential thermal analysis (DTA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) methods were used to determine the temperatures of phase transformations, whereas qualitative and quantitative compositions of the samples were determined by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)-energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) analyses. The microstructure of samples was studied by optical microscopy. Based on results of the analysis, a procedure for recycling PCBs is proposed. The emphasis was on the effects that can be achieved in the recycling process by extraction of some parts before the melting process. In addition, newly developed materials can be an adequate substitute for some of the dangerous and harmful materials, such as lead and arsenic are proposed, which is in accordance with the European Union (EU) Restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances (RoHS) directive as well as some alternative materials for use in the electronics industry instead of gold and gold alloys.

Mobility of the forearm in the raccoon (Procyon lotor), raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) and red panda (Ailurus fulgens).

PubMed

Kamioka, Minao; Sasaki, Motoki; Yamada, Kazutaka; Endo, Hideki; Oishi, Motoharu; Yuhara, Kazutoshi; Tomikawa, Sohei; Sugimoto, Miki; Oshida, Tatsuo; Kondoh, Daisuke; Kitamura, Nobuo

2017-01-24

The ranges of pronation/supination of forearms in raccoons, raccoon dogs and red pandas were nondestructively examined. Three carcasses of each species were used for CT analysis, and the left forearms were scanned with a CT scanner in two positions: maximal supination and maximal pronation. Scanning data were reconstructed into three-dimensional images, cross-sectional images were extracted at the position that shows the largest area in the distal part of ulna, and then, the centroids of each cross section of the radius and ulna were detected. CT images of two positions were superimposed, by overlapping the outlines of each ulna, and then, the centroids were connected by lines to measure the angle of rotation, as an index of range of mobility. The measurements in each animal were analyzed, using the Tukey-Kramer method. The average angle of rotation was largest in raccoons and smallest in raccoon dogs, and the difference was significant. In the maximally pronated forearm of all species, the posture was almost equal to the usual grounding position with palms touching the ground. Therefore, the present results demonstrate that the forearms of raccoons can supinate to a greater degree from the grounding position with palms on the ground, as compared with those of raccoon dogs and red pandas.

Miniaturized NIR scanning grating spectrometer for use in mobile phones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Knobbe, Jens; Pügner, Tino; Grüger, Heinrich

2016-05-01

An extremely miniaturized scanning grating spectrometer at the size of a sugar cube has been developed at Fraunhofer IPMS. To meet the requirements for the integration into a mobile phone a new system approach has been pursued. The key component within the system is a silicon-based deflectable diffraction grating with an integrated driving mechanism. A first sample of the new spectrometer was built and characterized. It was found to have a spectral range from 950 nm to 1900 nm at a resolution of 10 nm. The results show that the performance of the new MEMS spectrometer is in good agreement with the requirements for mobile phone integration.

Quantification of polyethylene degradation in mobile bearing knees: a retrieval analysis of the Anterior-Posterior-Glide (APG) and Rotating Platform (RP) Low Contact Stress (LCS) knee.

PubMed

Kop, Alan M; Swarts, Eric

2007-06-01

Routine qualitative observations of more than 850 polyethylene fixed and mobile bearings at our institution have noted minimal wear of mobile bearings. The APG mobile bearing is the most recent design variant of the LCS knee, allows multi-directional movement at the tibiofemoral articulation, and is posterior cruciate sparing. Even though it is difficult to perform, quantitative wear measurement is important in determining the likely longevity of new arthroplasty devices, and is especially relevant because of increasing numbers of new mobile bearing designs. We analyzed 10 retrieved APG and 7 retrieved RP tibial bearings (De Puy) with a mean implantation period of 33 (9-70) months. We used coordinate-measuring techniques to quantitatively determine linear penetration, and optical and scanning electron microscopy to assess wear mechanisms qualitatively. The mean total volume loss (superior and inferior articulations) of the APG and RP designs was 85 mm((3))/year and 77 mm((3))/year, respectively. Burnishing was the predominant wear mechanism, and to a lesser extent scratching, abrasion and pitting. Multidirectional scratching and abrasion were noted on the APG inserts inferiorly, whereas there was circumferential scratching on the RP inserts. Our short-term results for the APG and RP mobile bearing designs are similar and compare more than favorably with reported values for fixed-bearing designs. However, increased backside wear due to multidirectional movement may predispose the APG design to greater wear in the long term.

Effects of mobile phone distraction on pedestrians' crossing behavior and visual attention allocation at a signalized intersection: An outdoor experimental study.

PubMed

Jiang, Kang; Ling, Feiyang; Feng, Zhongxiang; Ma, Changxi; Kumfer, Wesley; Shao, Chen; Wang, Kun

2018-06-01

With the rapid growth in mobile phone use worldwide, traffic safety experts have begun to consider the impact of mobile phone distractions on pedestrian crossing safety. This study sought to investigate how mobile phone distractions (music distraction, phone conversation distraction and text distraction) affect the behavior of pedestrians while they are crossing the street. An outdoor-environment experiment was conducted among 28 college student pedestrians. Two HD videos and an eye tracker were employed to record and analyze crossing behavior and visual attention allocation. The results of the research showed that the three mobile phone distractions cause different levels of impairment to pedestrians' crossing performance, with the greatest effect from text distraction, followed by phone conversation distraction and music distraction. Pedestrians distracted by music initiate crossing later, have increased pupil diameter, and reduce their scanning frequency, fixation points and fixation times toward traffic signal area priorities. In addition to the above effects, pedestrians distracted by phone conversation cross the street more slowly, direct fewer fixation points to the right traffic area, and spend less fixation time and lower average fixation duration on the left traffic area. Moreover, pedestrians distracted by texting look left and right less often and switch, distribute and maintain less visual attention on the traffic environment. These findings may inform researchers, policy makers, and pedestrians. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Extended investigation into continuous laser scanning of underground mine workings by means of Landis inertial navigation system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belyaev, E. N.

2017-10-01

The paper investigates the method of applying mobile scanning systems (MSSs) with inertial navigators in the underground conditions for carrying out the surveying tasks. The available mobile laser scanning systems cannot be used in the underground environment since Global Positioning System (GPS) signals cannot be received in mines. This signal not only is necessary for space positioning, but also operates as the main corrective signal for the primary navigation system - the inertial navigation system. The idea of the method described in this paper consists in using MSSs with a different correction of the inertial system than GPS is.

Real-time characterization of the mixing state and droplet growth kinetics of CCN sampled during ICARTT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nenes, A.; Medina, J.; Cottrell, L.; Griffin, R.

2005-12-01

Ground measurements of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) were made during July and August of 2004 as part of the NEAQS ITCT-2K4 (New England Air Quality Study - Intercontinental Transport and Chemical Transformation 2004) mission at the Thompson Farm sampling site maintained by the University of New Hampshire. Over the duration of the field campaign, the two CCN instruments (built by Droplet Measurement Technologies, Inc.) were used to measure the concentration of CCN at 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.37, 0.4, 0.5 and 0.6% supersaturation continuously over extended periods of time. One of the CCN instruments sampled unclassified ambient aerosol and the other was operated in our newly developed "Scanning Mobility CCN Analysis" technique (in which classified ambient aerosol obtained from a scanning DMA is introduced into the CCN counter), which allows the rapid characterization of the activation properties of classified ambient aerosol. Aerosol size distributions were measured using a TSI scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS 3080). Finally, an Aerodyne Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (AMS) operated by the University of New Hampshire was used to measure the size-resolved chemical composition of the aerosol. We analyze the measurements using detailed numerical models of the CCN instrumentation. By close integration of measurements and theory, CCN closure can be assessed and real-time observations of CCN mixing state, ageing and droplet growth kinetics can be obtained. Finally, we derive characteristic aggregate properties for the carbonaceous component of the CCN, and discuss how this information can be introduced into aerosol-cloud interaction modules for GCM assessments of the aerosol indirect effect.

Epitaxial Growth and Electronic Structure of Half Heuslers Co1-xNixTiSb (001), Ni1-xCoxTiSn, and PtLuSb

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-01-09

studied in detail using scanning tunneling microscopy and angle resolved photoemission. For the doping levels achieved in cobalt titanium antimony, the...angle resolved photoemission. For the doping levels achieved in cobalt titanium antimony, the electron mobility at room temperature was comparable...scanning tunneling microscopy and angle resolved photoemission. For the doping levels achieved in cobalt titanium antimony, the electron mobility at room

3D Digital Smile Design With a Mobile Phone and Intraoral Optical Scanner.

PubMed

Daher, René; Ardu, Stefano; Vjero, Osela; Krejci, Ivo

2018-06-01

Extraoral facial scanning using a mobile phone has emerged as a viable, cost-effective option for certain applications not requiring high precision, such as patient education and 3-dimensional (3D) digital smile design. This technological development is particularly promising for general practitioners (GPs) who may not be able to invest in expensive,complex digital impressioning devices. This article describes and illustrates a relatively simple and accessible workflow that avails digital 3D facial scanning benefits to GPs.

The use of a computed tomographic application for mobile devices in the diagnosis of oral and maxillofacial surgery.

PubMed

Aoki, Eduardo Massaharu; Cortes, Arthur Rodriguez Gonzalez; Arita, Emiko Saito

2015-01-01

The aim of the current technical report was to introduce a computed tomographic (CT) application for mobile devices as a diagnostic tool for analyzing CT images. An iPad and an iPhone (Apple, Cuppertino, CA) were used to navigate through multiplanar reconstructions of cone beam CT scans, using an application derived from the OsiriX CT software. Tools and advantages of this method were recorded. In addition, images rendered in the iPad were manipulated during dental implant placement and grafting procedures to follow up and confirm the implant digital planning in real time. The study population consisted of 10 patients. In all cases, it was possible to use image manipulation tools, such as changing contrast and brightness, zooming, rotating, panning, performing both linear and area measurements, and analyzing gray-scale values of a region of interest. Furthermore, it was possible to use the OsiriX application in the dental clinic where the study was conducted, to follow-up the analyzed implant placement and grafting procedures at the chairside. The current findings suggest that technological and practical methods to visualize radiographic images are invaluable resources to improve training, teaching, networking, and the performance of real-time follow-up of oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures. This article discusses the advantages and disadvantages of introducing this new technology in the clinical routine.

Measuring and imaging diffusion with multiple scan speed image correlation spectroscopy.

PubMed

Gröner, Nadine; Capoulade, Jérémie; Cremer, Christoph; Wachsmuth, Malte

2010-09-27

The intracellular mobility of biomolecules is determined by transport and diffusion as well as molecular interactions and is crucial for many processes in living cells. Methods of fluorescence microscopy like confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) can be used to characterize the intracellular distribution of fluorescently labeled biomolecules. Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) is used to describe diffusion, transport and photo-physical processes quantitatively. As an alternative to FCS, spatially resolved measurements of mobilities can be implemented using a CLSM by utilizing the spatio-temporal information inscribed into the image by the scan process, referred to as raster image correlation spectroscopy (RICS). Here we present and discuss an extended approach, multiple scan speed image correlation spectroscopy (msICS), which benefits from the advantages of RICS, i.e. the use of widely available instrumentation and the extraction of spatially resolved mobility information, without the need of a priori knowledge of diffusion properties. In addition, msICS covers a broad dynamic range, generates correlation data comparable to FCS measurements, and allows to derive two-dimensional maps of diffusion coefficients. We show the applicability of msICS to fluorophores in solution and to free EGFP in living cells.

Investigation of AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistor structures on 200-mm silicon (111) substrates employing different buffer layer configurations.

PubMed

Lee, H-P; Perozek, J; Rosario, L D; Bayram, C

2016-11-21

AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) structures are grown on 200-mm diameter Si(111) substrates by using three different buffer layer configurations: (a) Thick-GaN/3 × {Al x Ga 1-x N}/AlN, (b) Thin-GaN/3 × {Al x Ga 1-x N}/AlN, and (c) Thin-GaN/AlN, so as to have crack-free and low-bow (<50 μm) wafer. Scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, high resolution-cross section transmission electron microscopy, optical microscopy, atomic-force microscopy, cathodoluminescence, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (ω/2θ scan and symmetric/asymmetric ω scan (rocking curve scan), reciprocal space mapping) and Hall effect measurements are employed to study the structural, optical, and electrical properties of these AlGaN/GaN HEMT structures. The effects of buffer layer stacks (i.e. thickness and content) on defectivity, stress, and two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) mobility and 2DEG concentration are reported. It is shown that 2DEG characteristics are heavily affected by the employed buffer layers between AlGaN/GaN HEMT structures and Si(111) substrates. Particularly, we report that in-plane stress in the GaN layer affects the 2DEG mobility and 2DEG carrier concentration significantly. Buffer layer engineering is shown to be essential for achieving high 2DEG mobility (>1800 cm 2 /V∙s) and 2DEG carrier concentration (>1.0 × 10 13  cm -2 ) on Si(111) substrates.

Investigation of AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistor structures on 200-mm silicon (111) substrates employing different buffer layer configurations

PubMed Central

Lee, H.-P.; Perozek, J.; Rosario, L. D.; Bayram, C.

2016-01-01

AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) structures are grown on 200-mm diameter Si(111) substrates by using three different buffer layer configurations: (a) Thick-GaN/3 × {AlxGa1−xN}/AlN, (b) Thin-GaN/3 × {AlxGa1−xN}/AlN, and (c) Thin-GaN/AlN, so as to have crack-free and low-bow (<50 μm) wafer. Scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, high resolution-cross section transmission electron microscopy, optical microscopy, atomic-force microscopy, cathodoluminescence, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (ω/2θ scan and symmetric/asymmetric ω scan (rocking curve scan), reciprocal space mapping) and Hall effect measurements are employed to study the structural, optical, and electrical properties of these AlGaN/GaN HEMT structures. The effects of buffer layer stacks (i.e. thickness and content) on defectivity, stress, and two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) mobility and 2DEG concentration are reported. It is shown that 2DEG characteristics are heavily affected by the employed buffer layers between AlGaN/GaN HEMT structures and Si(111) substrates. Particularly, we report that in-plane stress in the GaN layer affects the 2DEG mobility and 2DEG carrier concentration significantly. Buffer layer engineering is shown to be essential for achieving high 2DEG mobility (>1800 cm2/V∙s) and 2DEG carrier concentration (>1.0 × 1013 cm−2) on Si(111) substrates. PMID:27869222

Benchmarking the Performance of Mobile Laser Scanning Systems Using a Permanent Test Field

PubMed Central

Kaartinen, Harri; Hyyppä, Juha; Kukko, Antero; Jaakkola, Anttoni; Hyyppä, Hannu

2012-01-01

The performance of various mobile laser scanning systems was tested on an established urban test field. The test was connected to the European Spatial Data Research (EuroSDR) project “Mobile Mapping—Road Environment Mapping Using Mobile Laser Scanning”. Several commercial and research systems collected laser point cloud data on the same test field. The system comparisons focused on planimetric and elevation errors using a filtered digital elevation model, poles, and building corners as the reference objects. The results revealed the high quality of the point clouds generated by all of the tested systems under good GNSS conditions. With all professional systems properly calibrated, the elevation accuracy was better than 3.5 cm up to a range of 35 m. The best system achieved a planimetric accuracy of 2.5 cm over a range of 45 m. The planimetric errors increased as a function of range, but moderately so if the system was properly calibrated. The main focus on mobile laser scanning development in the near future should be on the improvement of the trajectory solution, especially under non-ideal conditions, using both improvements in hardware and software. Test fields are relatively easy to implement in built environments and they are feasible for verifying and comparing the performance of different systems and also for improving system calibration to achieve optimum quality.

Mobile-bearing total knee arthroplasty: a full traumatic rotation of 180°.

PubMed

Sudanese, Alessandra; Castiello, Emanuela; Affatato, Saverio

2013-06-25

From February 2008 to September 2012 we implanted 204 mobile-bearing knee prostheses in 192 patients. All the prostheses were cemented (both femoral and tibial components), and the patella was not replaced. Only one early complication of the implants (1/204 = 0.004%) occurred after a traumatic event as a full 180° rotation of the mobile-bearing polyethylene insert. A 78-year-old woman presented with swelling and severe pain at her right knee. This traumatic event was the only case among our mobile-bearing insert patients. 
The failed polyethylene inserts were retrieved and studied using a scanning electron microscope (SEM, ZEISS EVO 50 EP, Cambridge, UK) operating at 20 kV. 
Scratching and pitting were found on the UHMWPE insert perpendicular to the machining tracks for the concave surface. SEM micrographs of the insert showed burnishing on the concave surfaces and longitudinal scratches were clearly detectable and well-marked on the analyzed surfaces. 
A traumatic, fully rotating, polyethylene insert is rare and our case is the first report describing a traumatic event with a complete 180 degree rotation mobile-bearing in a total knee prosthesis. 
In the literature few reports discuss clinical outcomes after total knee arthroplasty in patients with Parkinson's disease and they cite mixed results. However, some authors suggest that posterior-stabilized and cruciate-retaining TKA should work well while others prefer cruciate-retaining, condylar constrained kinetics, or hinged devices. Although we did not implant a posterior-stabilized mobile-bearing total knee prosthesis or a constrained prosthesis, we obtained good clinical and radiological results at the 2-year followup.

Sol-Gel Electrolytes Incorporated by Lanthanide Luminescent Materials and Their Photophysical Properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Chufang; Zhang, Zhengyang; Fu, Meizhen; Gao, Jinwei; Zheng, Yuhui

2017-10-01

A group of silica gel electrolytes with lanthanide luminescent hybrid materials were assembled and investigated. Photophysical studies showed that terbium and europium hybrids displayed characteristic green and red emissions within the electrolytes. The influence of different concentration of the lanthanide hybrids on the electrochemical behavior of a gelled electrolyte valve-regulated lead-acid battery were studied through cyclic voltammograms, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, water holding experiments and mobility tests. The morphology and particle size were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The results proved that lanthanide (Tb3+/Eu3+) luminescent materials are effective additives which will significantly improve the electrochemical properties of lead-acid batteries.

Deployment of ARM Aerial Facility Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer Field Campaign Report

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

Wang, Jian

2016-09-01

Atmospheric aerosols influence global climate by scattering and absorbing sunlight (direct effects) and by changing the microphysical structure, lifetime, and coverage of clouds (indirect effects). While it is widely accepted that aerosol indirect effects cool the Earth-atmosphere system by increasing cloud reflectivity and coverage, the magnitudes of the indirect effects are poorly quantified. One key aerosol property for understanding aerosol indirect effects is the ability of aerosol particles to form cloud droplets at atmospheric relevant supersaturations—i.e., cloud condensation Nuclei (CCN) activity. For particles consisting of typical atmospheric inorganic compounds, their CCN activity is well understood and can be effectively predictedmore » using Köhler theory based on physicochemical properties of the solute, such as its mass, molar volume, and activity coefficient. However, atmospheric aerosols often consist of hundreds of organic species, which can contribute ~20-90% to the total fine aerosol mass. Depending on their properties, organic species can significantly influence the ability of aerosol particles to act as CCN and form cloud droplets. This project focuses on the CCN activity of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) compounds formed from key biogenic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) under representative conditions, and the relationship between the hygroscopicity and composition of organic aerosols. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Climate Research Facility Aerial Facility (AAF) scanning mobility particles sizer (SMPS) was deployed during a ~ 2-week intensive measurement campaign, taking place February 10-February 23, 2016 at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) Environmental Simulation Chamber. The SMPS was operated with a CCN counter (CCNc). Aerosol particles were first classified by the differential mobility analyzer inside the SMPS; the classified aerosol will then be simultaneously characterized by a condensation particle counter (CPC) (part of the SMPS) and the CCNc.« less

Performance Comparison of Field Portable Instruments to the Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer Using Monodispersed and Polydispersed Sodium Chloride Aerosols.

PubMed

Vo, Evanly; Horvatin, Matthew; Zhuang, Ziqing

2018-05-21

This study compared the performance of the following field portable aerosol instrument sets to performance of the reference Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS): the handheld CPC-3007, the portable aerosol mobility spectrometer (PAMS), the NanoScan scanning mobility particle sizer (NanoScan SMPS) combined with an optical particle sizer (OPS). Tests were conducted with monodispersed and polydispersed aerosols. Monodispersed aerosols were controlled at the approximate concentration of 1 × 105 particles cm-3 and four monodispersed particle sizes of 30, 60, 100, and 300 nm were selected and classified for the monodispersed aerosol test, while three different steady-state concentration levels (low, medium, and high: ~8 × 103, 5 × 104, and 1 × 105 particles cm-3, respectively) were selected for the polydispersed aerosol test. For all four monodispersed aerosol sizes, particle concentrations measured with the NanoScan SMPS were within 13% of those measured with the reference SMPS. Particle concentrations measured with the PAMS were within 25% of those measured with the reference SMPS. Concentrations measured with the handheld condensation particle counter were within 30% of those measured with the reference SMPS. For the polydispersed aerosols, the particle sizes and concentrations measured with the NanoScan-OPS compared most favorably with those measured with the reference SMPS for three different concentration levels of low, medium, and high (concentration deviations ≤10% for all three concentration levels; deviations of particle size ≤4%). Although the particle-size comparability between the PAMS and the reference SMPS was quite reasonable with the deviations within 10%, the polydispersed particle concentrations measured with the PAMS were within 36% of those measured with the reference SMPS. The results of this evaluation will be useful for selecting a suitable portable device for our next workplace study phase of respiratory protection assessment. This study also provided the advantages and limitations of each individual portable instrument and therefore results from this study can be used by industrial hygienists and safety professionals, with appropriate caution, when selecting a suitable portable instrument for aerosol particle measurement in nanotechnology workplaces.

Differentiation of dental restorative materials combining energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and post-mortem CT.

PubMed

Merriam, Tim; Kaufmann, Rolf; Ebert, Lars; Figi, Renato; Erni, Rolf; Pauer, Robin; Sieberth, Till

2018-06-01

Today, post-mortem computed tomography (CT) is routinely used for forensic identification. Mobile energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectroscopy of a dentition is a method of identification that has the potential to be easier and cheaper than CT, although it cannot be used with every dentition. In challenging cases, combining both techniques could facilitate the process of identification and prove to be advantageous over chemical analyses. Nine dental restorative material brands were analyzed using EDXRF spectroscopy. Their differentiability was assessed by comparing each material's x-ray fluorescence spectrum and then comparing the spectra to previous research investigating differentiability in CT. To verify EDXRF's precision and accuracy, select dental specimens underwent comparative electron beam excited x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) scans, while the impact of the restorative surface area was studied by scanning a row of dental specimens with varying restorative surface areas (n = 10). EDXRF was able to differentiate all 36 possible pairs of dental filling materials; however, dual-energy CT was only able to differentiate 33 out of 36. The EDS scans showed correlating x-ray fluorescence peaks on the x-ray spectra compared to our EDXRF. In addition, the surface area showed no influence on the differentiability of the dental filling materials. EDXRF has the potential to facilitate corpse identification by differentiating and comparing restorative materials, providing more information compared to post-mortem CT alone. Despite not being able to explicitly identify a brand without a control sample or database, its fast and mobile use could accelerate daily routines or mass victim identification processes. To achieve this goal, further development of EDXRF scanners for this application and further studies evaluating the method within a specific routine need to be performed.

An intelligent detection method for high-field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry.

PubMed

Li, Yue; Yu, Jianwen; Ruan, Zhiming; Chen, Chilai; Chen, Ran; Wang, Han; Liu, Youjiang; Wang, Xiaozhi; Li, Shan

2018-04-01

In conventional high-field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry signal acquisition, multi-cycle detection is time consuming and limits somewhat the technique's scope for rapid field detection. In this study, a novel intelligent detection approach has been developed in which a threshold was set on the relative error of α parameters, which can eliminate unnecessary time spent on detection. In this method, two full-spectrum scans were made in advance to obtain the estimated compensation voltage at different dispersion voltages, resulting in a narrowing down of the whole scan area to just the peak area(s) of interest. This intelligent detection method can reduce the detection time to 5-10% of that of the original full-spectrum scan in a single cycle.

Aging of Diesel and Wood Burning Emissions in Smogchamber Experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prevot, Andre S. H.

2010-05-01

Photochemical aging experiments were performed for emissions of a diesel passenger car and logwood-burner at the smogchamber at the Paul Scherrer Institute in Switzerland. The measurements include black carbon measurements (with Aethalometer, Multi-Angle Absorption Photometer, Single Particle Soot Photometer (SP-2), and Photoacoustic Spectrometer), organic mass measurements with the Aerodyne high-resolution Aerosol mass spectrometer and off-line GC-MS measurements. Single particle composition was measured with the TSI-Aerosol time-of-flight mass spectrometer. The size distribution is characterized with a scanning mobility particle sizer, and the hygroscopicity with a hygroscopicity tandem differential mobility analyzer. The given overview of the results of experiments during the last 1.5 years will focus on the formation secondary organic aerosol and include the oxidation of primary organic aerosols and the change of optical and hygroscopic properties. A considerable variability of most results is found for different after treatment systems of diesel cars and for different burning conditions of the log-wood burner which will be discussed in detail.

Domestic scan tour report : land use and transportation coordination : lessons learned from domestic scan tour

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2003-03-01

Designing transportation systems that enhance mobility, economic opportunity, and community livability is a major challenge for many communities across the country. In the United States, political leaders, planning professionals, and private citizens...

Scan Line Based Road Marking Extraction from Mobile LiDAR Point Clouds.

PubMed

Yan, Li; Liu, Hua; Tan, Junxiang; Li, Zan; Xie, Hong; Chen, Changjun

2016-06-17

Mobile Mapping Technology (MMT) is one of the most important 3D spatial data acquisition technologies. The state-of-the-art mobile mapping systems, equipped with laser scanners and named Mobile LiDAR Scanning (MLS) systems, have been widely used in a variety of areas, especially in road mapping and road inventory. With the commercialization of Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADASs) and self-driving technology, there will be a great demand for lane-level detailed 3D maps, and MLS is the most promising technology to generate such lane-level detailed 3D maps. Road markings and road edges are necessary information in creating such lane-level detailed 3D maps. This paper proposes a scan line based method to extract road markings from mobile LiDAR point clouds in three steps: (1) preprocessing; (2) road points extraction; (3) road markings extraction and refinement. In preprocessing step, the isolated LiDAR points in the air are removed from the LiDAR point clouds and the point clouds are organized into scan lines. In the road points extraction step, seed road points are first extracted by Height Difference (HD) between trajectory data and road surface, then full road points are extracted from the point clouds by moving least squares line fitting. In the road markings extraction and refinement step, the intensity values of road points in a scan line are first smoothed by a dynamic window median filter to suppress intensity noises, then road markings are extracted by Edge Detection and Edge Constraint (EDEC) method, and the Fake Road Marking Points (FRMPs) are eliminated from the detected road markings by segment and dimensionality feature-based refinement. The performance of the proposed method is evaluated by three data samples and the experiment results indicate that road points are well extracted from MLS data and road markings are well extracted from road points by the applied method. A quantitative study shows that the proposed method achieves an average completeness, correctness, and F-measure of 0.96, 0.93, and 0.94, respectively. The time complexity analysis shows that the scan line based road markings extraction method proposed in this paper provides a promising alternative for offline road markings extraction from MLS data.

Scan Line Based Road Marking Extraction from Mobile LiDAR Point Clouds†

PubMed Central

Yan, Li; Liu, Hua; Tan, Junxiang; Li, Zan; Xie, Hong; Chen, Changjun

2016-01-01

Mobile Mapping Technology (MMT) is one of the most important 3D spatial data acquisition technologies. The state-of-the-art mobile mapping systems, equipped with laser scanners and named Mobile LiDAR Scanning (MLS) systems, have been widely used in a variety of areas, especially in road mapping and road inventory. With the commercialization of Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADASs) and self-driving technology, there will be a great demand for lane-level detailed 3D maps, and MLS is the most promising technology to generate such lane-level detailed 3D maps. Road markings and road edges are necessary information in creating such lane-level detailed 3D maps. This paper proposes a scan line based method to extract road markings from mobile LiDAR point clouds in three steps: (1) preprocessing; (2) road points extraction; (3) road markings extraction and refinement. In preprocessing step, the isolated LiDAR points in the air are removed from the LiDAR point clouds and the point clouds are organized into scan lines. In the road points extraction step, seed road points are first extracted by Height Difference (HD) between trajectory data and road surface, then full road points are extracted from the point clouds by moving least squares line fitting. In the road markings extraction and refinement step, the intensity values of road points in a scan line are first smoothed by a dynamic window median filter to suppress intensity noises, then road markings are extracted by Edge Detection and Edge Constraint (EDEC) method, and the Fake Road Marking Points (FRMPs) are eliminated from the detected road markings by segment and dimensionality feature-based refinement. The performance of the proposed method is evaluated by three data samples and the experiment results indicate that road points are well extracted from MLS data and road markings are well extracted from road points by the applied method. A quantitative study shows that the proposed method achieves an average completeness, correctness, and F-measure of 0.96, 0.93, and 0.94, respectively. The time complexity analysis shows that the scan line based road markings extraction method proposed in this paper provides a promising alternative for offline road markings extraction from MLS data. PMID:27322279

A Greedy Scanning Data Collection Strategy for Large-Scale Wireless Sensor Networks with a Mobile Sink.

PubMed

Zhu, Chuan; Zhang, Sai; Han, Guangjie; Jiang, Jinfang; Rodrigues, Joel J P C

2016-09-06

Mobile sink is widely used for data collection in wireless sensor networks. It can avoid 'hot spot' problems but energy consumption caused by multihop transmission is still inefficient in real-time application scenarios. In this paper, a greedy scanning data collection strategy (GSDCS) is proposed, and we focus on how to reduce routing energy consumption by shortening total length of routing paths. We propose that the mobile sink adjusts its trajectory dynamically according to the changes of network, instead of predetermined trajectory or random walk. Next, the mobile sink determines which area has more source nodes, then it moves toward this area. The benefit of GSDCS is that most source nodes are no longer needed to upload sensory data for long distances. Especially in event-driven application scenarios, when event area changes, the mobile sink could arrive at the new event area where most source nodes are located currently. Hence energy can be saved. Analytical and simulation results show that compared with existing work, our GSDCS has a better performance in specific application scenarios.

A Greedy Scanning Data Collection Strategy for Large-Scale Wireless Sensor Networks with a Mobile Sink

PubMed Central

Zhu, Chuan; Zhang, Sai; Han, Guangjie; Jiang, Jinfang; Rodrigues, Joel J. P. C.

2016-01-01

Mobile sink is widely used for data collection in wireless sensor networks. It can avoid ‘hot spot’ problems but energy consumption caused by multihop transmission is still inefficient in real-time application scenarios. In this paper, a greedy scanning data collection strategy (GSDCS) is proposed, and we focus on how to reduce routing energy consumption by shortening total length of routing paths. We propose that the mobile sink adjusts its trajectory dynamically according to the changes of network, instead of predetermined trajectory or random walk. Next, the mobile sink determines which area has more source nodes, then it moves toward this area. The benefit of GSDCS is that most source nodes are no longer needed to upload sensory data for long distances. Especially in event-driven application scenarios, when event area changes, the mobile sink could arrive at the new event area where most source nodes are located currently. Hence energy can be saved. Analytical and simulation results show that compared with existing work, our GSDCS has a better performance in specific application scenarios. PMID:27608022

A walk by the river: three-dimensional reconstruction of surface sedimentology and topography using wearable laser scanning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Williams, R.; Lamy, M. L.; Stott, E.; Maniatis, G.

2017-12-01

In the last two decades, quantification of fluvial topography has been transformed by a number of geomatics technologies that have enabled the acquisition of data with unprecedented spatial resolution. Hyperscale surveys with spatial extents of <1 km2 have been widely demonstrated, by means of Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) and Structure-from-Motion (SfM) photogrammetry. Recent advances in the development and integration of GNSS, IMU, lightweight laser scanning and SLAM technologies are now resulting in the emergence of wearable, mobile laser scanning systems that have the potential to increase data acquisition and processing rates by 1-2 orders of magnitude compared to TLS/SfM, and thus challenge the recent dominance of these two geomatics technologies. In this study we describe the methods and results of a comparison between a wearable laser scanning survey, using a Leica Pegasus Backpack, and a multi-station static TLS survey, using a Riegl VZ-1000 scanner. The evaluation is undertaken on a 600 m long reach of the braided River Feshie, Scotland, using data acquired in June 2017. Comparison between the DEMs produced from static and mobile laser scanning, across non-vegetated areas, revealed a Mean Error (ME) of -0.002 m and a Standard Deviation Error (SDE) of 0.109 m. Comparison to 100 independent check point resulted in a similar ME and SDE for static (ME = 0.061m; SDE = 0.030 m) and mobile (ME = 0.044 m; SDE = 0.029 m) laser scanning. Empirical relationships between sub-metre topographic variability and median sediment grain size (10-100 mm), across 14 grid-by-number samples, were similar and demonstrate that surface roughness from wearable laser scanning can be used to derive reach-scale maps of median grain size. These results demonstrate that wearable laser scanning generates hyperscale topographic models that are comparable in quality to more time-consuming multi-station TLS setups. Wearable laser scanning is likely to be commonly adopted for fluvial topographic surveys and will become established as a versatile survey technology.

Effect of nitrogen oxides (NO and NO2) and toluene on SO2 photooxidation, nucleation and growth: A smog chamber study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Kangwei; Chen, Linghong; White, Stephen J.; Han, Ke; Lv, Biao; Bao, Kaiji; Wu, Xuecheng; Gao, Xiang; Azzi, Merched; Cen, Kefa

2017-08-01

The formation and growth of new particles has recently been shown to have a significant influence on Chinese haze pollution, and sulfuric acid has long been recognized as a major contributor to new particle formation. In this study, four comparison groups of experiments related to SO2 photooxidation, as well as aerosol nucleation and growth, have been conducted in the CAPS-ZJU (Complex Air Pollution Study-Zhejiang University) smog chamber. These were conducted either under SO2/NOx or SO2/toluene gas-phase environments in the absence of seed particles. During aerosol nucleation and growth process, several physical properties such as mass, size and effective density were measured simultaneously by Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS) and Differential Mobility Analyzer-Aerosol Particle Mass Analyzer-Condensation Particle Counter (DMA-APM-CPC). The effective density of new particles decreased from 1.8 to 1.35 g/cm3 as the particle size increased from 20 to 65 nm. The single particle mass showed good power-law relationship with mobility diameter, with an average mass-mobility exponent of 2.885. A new algorithm and a reference density of 1.38 g/cm3 based on size-resolved single particle mass (SPM) were proposed to calculate the mass concentration of new particles. Two methods based on Log Normal and Max Concentration were applied to derive particle growth rate (GR), and data merging from both methods was implemented to decrease calculation uncertainty. Meanwhile, both continuous nucleation and inhibition of further growth in sub-20 nm size range were observed in different experiments depending on composition, and possible reasons were analyzed. The presence of NO was found to suppress nucleation and subsequent aerosol growth; while the presence of NO2 or toluene promoted it. It was concluded that decreasing NOx (NO or NO2) or increasing toluene may promote SO2 photooxidation, nucleation and subsequent aerosol growth, all of which is significant for deeper understanding of complex air pollution in China.

Column-by-column observation of dislocation motion in CdTe: Dynamic scanning transmission electron microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Chen; Zhang, Yu-Yang; Pennycook, Timothy J.; Wu, Yelong; Lupini, Andrew R.; Paudel, Naba; Pantelides, Sokrates T.; Yan, Yanfa; Pennycook, Stephen J.

2016-10-01

The dynamics of partial dislocations in CdTe have been observed at the atomic scale using aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), allowing the mobility of different dislocations to be directly compared: Cd-core Shockley partial dislocations are more mobile than Te-core partials, and dislocation cores with unpaired columns have higher mobility than those without unpaired columns. The dynamic imaging also provides insight into the process by which the dislocations glide. Dislocations with dangling bonds on unpaired columns are found to be more mobile because the dangling bonds mediate the bond exchanges required for the dislocations to move. Furthermore, a screw dislocation has been resolved to dissociate into a Shockley partial-dislocation pair along two different directions, revealing a way for the screw dislocation to glide in the material. The results show that dynamic STEM imaging has the potential to uncover the details of dislocation motion not easily accessible by other means.

An introduction to QR Codes: linking libraries and mobile patrons.

PubMed

Hoy, Matthew B

2011-01-01

QR codes, or "Quick Response" codes, are two-dimensional barcodes that can be scanned by mobile smartphone cameras. These codes can be used to provide fast access to URLs, telephone numbers, and short passages of text. With the rapid adoption of smartphones, librarians are able to use QR codes to promote services and help library users find materials quickly and independently. This article will explain what QR codes are, discuss how they can be used in the library, and describe issues surrounding their use. A list of resources for generating and scanning QR codes is also provided.

Sensitivity and daily quality control of a mobile PET/CT scanner operating in 3-dimensional mode.

PubMed

Belakhlef, Abdelfatihe; Church, Clifford; Fraser, Ron; Lakhanpal, Suresh

2007-12-01

This study investigated the stability of the sensitivity of a mobile PET/CT scanner and tested a phantom experiment to improve on the daily quality control recommendations of the manufacturer. Unlike in-house scanners, mobile PET/CT devices are subjected to a harsher, continuously changing environment that can alter their performance. The parameter of sensitivity was investigated because it reflects directly on standardized uptake value, a key factor in cancer evaluation. A (68)Ge phantom of known activity concentration was scanned 6 times a month for 11 consecutive months using a mobile PET/CT scanner that operates in 3-dimensional mode only. The scans were acquired as 2 contiguous bed positions, with raw data obtained and reconstructed using parameters identical to those used for oncology patients, including CT-extracted attenuation coefficients and decay, scatter, geometry, and randoms corrections. After visual inspection of all reconstructed images, identical regions of interest were drawn on each image to obtain the activity concentration of individual slices. The original activity concentration was then decay-corrected to the scanning day, and the percentage sensitivity of the slice was calculated and graphed. The daily average sensitivity of the scanner, over 11 consecutive months, was also obtained and used to evaluate the stability of sensitivity. Our particular scanner showed a daily average sensitivity ranging from -8.6% to 6.5% except for one instance, when the sensitivity dropped by an unacceptable degree, 34.8%. Our 11-mo follow-up of a mobile PET/CT scanner demonstrated that its sensitivity remained within acceptable clinical limits except for one instance, when the scanner had to be serviced before patients could be imaged. To enhance our confidence in the uniformity of sensitivity across slices, we added a phantom scan to the daily quality control recommendations of the manufacturer.

SU-E-E-11: Novel Matching Module for Respiration-Gated Motion Tumor of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) to 4DCT

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

Yu, P; Tsai, Y; Nien, H

2015-06-15

Purpose: Four dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) scans reliably record whole respiratory phase and generate internal target volumes (ITV) for radiotherapy planning. However, image guiding with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) cannot acquire all or specific respiratory phases. This study was designed to investigate the correlation between average CT and Maximum Intensity Projection (MIP) from 4DCT and CBCT. Methods: Retrospective respiratory gating were performed by GE Discovery CT590 RT. 4DCT and CBCT data from CRIS Dynamic Thorax Phantom with simulated breathing mode were analyzed. The lung tissue equivalent material encompassed 3 cm sphere tissue equivalent material. Simulated breathing cycle period was setmore » as 4 seconds, 5 seconds and 6 seconds for representing variation of patient breathing cycle time, and the sphere material moved toward inferior and superior direction with 1 cm amplitude simulating lung tumor motion during respiration. Results: Under lung window, the volume ratio of CBCT scans to ITVs derived from 10 phases average scans was 1.00 ± 0.02, and 1.03 ± 0.03 for ratio of CBCT scans to MIP scans. Under abdomen window, the ratio of CBCT scans to ITVs derived from 10 phases average scans was 0.39 ± 0.06, and 0.06 ± 0.00 for ratio of CBCT scans to MIP scans. There was a significant difference between lung window Result and abdomen window Result. For reducing image guiding uncertainty, CBCT window was set with width 500 and level-250. The ratio of CBCT scans to ITVs derived from 4 phases average scans with abdomen window was 1.19 ± 0.02, and 1.06 ± 0.01 for ratio of CBCT to MIP scans. Conclusion: CBCT images with suitable window width and level can efficiently reduce image guiding uncertainty for patient with mobile tumor. By our setting, we can match motion tumor to gating tumor location on planning CT more accurately neglecting other motion artifacts during CBCT scans.« less

Nanosized aerosols from consumer sprays: experimental analysis and exposure modeling for four commercial products

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lorenz, Christiane; Hagendorfer, Harald; von Goetz, Natalie; Kaegi, Ralf; Gehrig, Robert; Ulrich, Andrea; Scheringer, Martin; Hungerbühler, Konrad

2011-08-01

Consumer spray products are already on the market in the cosmetics and household sector, which suggest by their label that they contain engineered nanoparticles (ENP). Sprays are considered critical for human health, because the lungs represent a major route for the uptake of ENP into the human body. To contribute to the exposure assessment of ENP in consumer spray products, we analyzed ENP in four commercially available sprays: one antiperspirant, two shoe impregnation sprays, and one plant-strengthening agent. The spray dispersions were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) and (scanning-) transmission electron microscopy ((S)TEM). Aerosols were generated by using the original vessels, and analyzed by scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) and (S)TEM. On the basis of SMPS results, the nanosized aerosol depositing in the respiratory tract was modeled for female and male consumers. The derived exposure levels reflect a single spray application. We identified ENP in the dispersions of two products (shoe impregnation and plant spray). Nanosized aerosols were observed in three products that contained propellant gas. The aerosol number concentration increased linearly with the sprayed amount, with the highest concentration resulting from the antiperspirant. Modeled aerosol exposure levels were in the range of 1010 nanosized aerosol components per person and application event for the antiperspirant and the impregnation sprays, with the largest fraction of nanosized aerosol depositing in the alveolar region. Negligible exposure from the application of the plant spray (pump spray) was observed.

Mobile Computing and Ubiquitous Networking: Concepts, Technologies and Challenges.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pierre, Samuel

2001-01-01

Analyzes concepts, technologies and challenges related to mobile computing and networking. Defines basic concepts of cellular systems. Describes the evolution of wireless technologies that constitute the foundations of mobile computing and ubiquitous networking. Presents characterization and issues of mobile computing. Analyzes economical and…

Mobile Gaming and Student Interactions in a Science Center: The Future of Gaming in Science Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Atwood-Blaine, Dana; Huffman, Douglas

2017-01-01

This article explores the impact of an augmented reality iPad-based mobile game, called The Great STEM Caper, on students' interaction at a science center. An open-source, location-based game platform called ARIS (i.e. Augmented Reality and Interactive Storytelling) was used to create an iPad-based mobile game. The game used QR scan codes and a…

Characterization of protein dynamics in asymmetric cell division by scanning fluorescence correlation spectroscopy.

PubMed

Petrásek, Zdenek; Hoege, Carsten; Mashaghi, Alireza; Ohrt, Thomas; Hyman, Anthony A; Schwille, Petra

2008-12-01

The development and differentiation of complex organisms from the single fertilized egg is regulated by a variety of processes that all rely on the distribution and interaction of proteins. Despite the tight regulation of these processes with respect to temporal and spatial protein localization, exact quantification of the underlying parameters, such as concentrations and distribution coefficients, has so far been problematic. Recent experiments suggest that fluorescence correlation spectroscopy on a single molecule level in living cells has great promise in revealing these parameters with high precision. The optically challenging situation in multicellular systems such as embryos can be ameliorated by two-photon excitation, where scattering background and cumulative photobleaching is limited. A more severe problem is posed by the large range of molecular mobilities observed at the same time, as standard FCS relies strongly on the presence of mobility-induced fluctuations. In this study, we overcame the limitations of standard FCS. We analyzed in vivo polarity protein PAR-2 from eggs of Caenorhabditis elegans by beam-scanning FCS in the cytosol and on the cortex of C. elegans before asymmetric cell division. The surprising result is that the distribution of PAR-2 is largely uncoupled from the movement of cytoskeletal components of the cortex. These results call for a more systematic future investigation of the different cortical elements, and show that the FCS technique can contribute to answering these questions, by providing a complementary approach that can reveal insights not obtainable by other techniques.

MobileFusion: real-time volumetric surface reconstruction and dense tracking on mobile phones.

PubMed

Ondrúška, Peter; Kohli, Pushmeet; Izadi, Shahram

2015-11-01

We present the first pipeline for real-time volumetric surface reconstruction and dense 6DoF camera tracking running purely on standard, off-the-shelf mobile phones. Using only the embedded RGB camera, our system allows users to scan objects of varying shape, size, and appearance in seconds, with real-time feedback during the capture process. Unlike existing state of the art methods, which produce only point-based 3D models on the phone, or require cloud-based processing, our hybrid GPU/CPU pipeline is unique in that it creates a connected 3D surface model directly on the device at 25Hz. In each frame, we perform dense 6DoF tracking, which continuously registers the RGB input to the incrementally built 3D model, minimizing a noise aware photoconsistency error metric. This is followed by efficient key-frame selection, and dense per-frame stereo matching. These depth maps are fused volumetrically using a method akin to KinectFusion, producing compelling surface models. For each frame, the implicit surface is extracted for live user feedback and pose estimation. We demonstrate scans of a variety of objects, and compare to a Kinect-based baseline, showing on average ∼ 1.5cm error. We qualitatively compare to a state of the art point-based mobile phone method, demonstrating an order of magnitude faster scanning times, and fully connected surface models.

ViRPET--combination of virtual reality and PET brain imaging

DOEpatents

Majewski, Stanislaw; Brefczynski-Lewis, Julie

2017-05-23

Various methods, systems and apparatus are provided for brain imaging during virtual reality stimulation. In one example, among others, a system for virtual ambulatory environment brain imaging includes a mobile brain imager configured to obtain positron emission tomography (PET) scans of a subject in motion, and a virtual reality (VR) system configured to provide one or more stimuli to the subject during the PET scans. In another example, a method for virtual ambulatory environment brain imaging includes providing stimulation to a subject through a virtual reality (VR) system; and obtaining a positron emission tomography (PET) scan of the subject while moving in response to the stimulation from the VR system. The mobile brain imager can be positioned on the subject with an array of imaging photodetector modules distributed about the head of the subject.

Rapid screening of 35 new psychoactive substances by ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) and direct analysis in real time (DART) coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (QTOF-MS).

PubMed

Gwak, Seongshin; Almirall, Jose R

2015-10-01

The recent propagation of new psychoactive substances (NPS) has led to the development of new techniques for the rapid characterization of controlled substances in this category. A commercial bench-top ion mobility spectrometer (IMS) with a (63) Ni ionization source and a direct analysis in real time (DART) coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight (QTOF) were used for the rapid characterization of 35 NPS. The advantages of these techniques are fast response, ease of operation, and minimal sample preparation. The characteristic reduced mobilities of each substance are reported as are the mass spectra of the 35 compounds. The acquired product ion scan mass spectra were also compared to a library database constructed by QTOF with a electrospray ionization (ESI) source and showed a consistent relative abundance for each peak over time. A total of four seized drug samples provided by the local forensic laboratory were analyzed in order to demonstrate the utility of this approach. The results of this study suggest that both IMS and DART-QTOF are promising alternatives for the rapid screening and characterization of these new psychoactive substances. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Crystallization kinetics and molecular mobility of an amorphous active pharmaceutical ingredient: A case study with Biclotymol.

PubMed

Schammé, Benjamin; Couvrat, Nicolas; Malpeli, Pascal; Delbreilh, Laurent; Dupray, Valérie; Dargent, Éric; Coquerel, Gérard

2015-07-25

The present case study focuses on the crystallization kinetics and molecular mobility of an amorphous mouth and throat drug namely Biclotymol, through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), temperature resolved X-ray powder diffraction (TR-XRPD) and hot stage microscopy (HSM). Kinetics of crystallization above the glass transition through isothermal and non-isothermal cold crystallization were considered. Avrami model was used for isothermal crystallization process. Non-isothermal cold crystallization was investigated through Augis and Bennett model. Differences between crystallization processes have been ascribed to a site-saturated nucleation mechanism of the metastable form, confirmed by optical microscopy images. Regarding molecular mobility, a feature of molecular dynamics in glass-forming liquids as thermodynamic fragility index m was determined through calorimetric measurements. It turned out to be around m=100, describing Biclotymol as a fragile glass-former for Angell's classification. Relatively long-term stability of amorphous Biclotymol above Tg was analyzed indirectly by calorimetric monitoring to evaluate thermodynamic parameters and crystallization behavior of glassy Biclotymol. Within eight months of storage above Tg (T=Tg+2°C), amorphous Biclotymol does not show a strong inclination to crystallize and forms a relatively stable glass. This case study, involving a multidisciplinary approach, points out the importance of continuing looking for stability predictors. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Wideband, mobile networking technologies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hyer, Kevin L.; Bowen, Douglas G.; Pulsipher, Dennis C.

2005-05-01

Ubiquitous communications will be the next era in the evolving communications revolution. From the human perspective, access to information will be instantaneous and provide a revolution in services available to both the consumer and the warfighter. Services will be from the mundane - anytime, anywhere access to any movie ever made - to the vital - reliable and immediate access to the analyzed real-time video from the multi-spectral sensors scanning for snipers in the next block. In the former example, the services rely on a fixed infrastructure of networking devices housed in controlled environments and coupled to fixed terrestrial fiber backbones - in the latter, the services are derived from an agile and highly mobile ad-hoc backbone established in a matter of minutes by size, weight, and power-constrained platforms. This network must mitigate significant changes in the transmission media caused by millisecond-scale atmospheric temperature variations, the deployment of smoke, or the drifting of a cloud. It must mitigate against structural obscurations, jet wash, or incapacitation of a node. To maintain vital connectivity, the mobile backbone must be predictive and self-healing on both near-real-time and real-time time scales. The nodes of this network must be reconfigurable to mitigate intentional and environmental jammers, block attackers, and alleviate interoperability concerns caused by changing standards. The nodes must support multi-access of disparate waveform and protocols.

Rapid Measurements of Aerosol Size Distribution and Hygroscopic Growth via Image Processing with a Fast Integrated Mobility Spectrometer (FIMS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Y.; Pinterich, T.; Spielman, S. R.; Hering, S. V.; Wang, J.

2017-12-01

Aerosol size distribution and hygroscopicity are among key parameters in determining the impact of atmospheric aerosols on global radiation and climate change. In situ submicron aerosol size distribution measurements commonly involve a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS). The SMPS scanning time is in the scale of minutes, which is often too slow to capture the variation of aerosol size distribution, such as for aerosols formed via nucleation processes or measurements onboard research aircraft. To solve this problem, a Fast Integrated Mobility Spectrometer (FIMS) based on image processing was developed for rapid measurements of aerosol size distributions from 10 to 500 nm. The FIMS consists of a parallel plate classifier, a condenser, and a CCD detector array. Inside the classifier an electric field separates charged aerosols based on electrical mobilities. Upon exiting the classifier, the aerosols pass through a three stage growth channel (Pinterich et al. 2017; Spielman et al. 2017), where aerosols as small as 7 nm are enlarged to above 1 μm through water or heptanol condensation. Finally, the grown aerosols are illuminated by a laser sheet and imaged onto a CCD array. The images provide both aerosol concentration and position, which directly relate to the aerosol size distribution. By this simultaneous measurement of aerosols with different sizes, the FIMS provides aerosol size spectra nearly 100 times faster than the SMPS. Recent deployment onboard research aircraft demonstrated that the FIMS is capable of measuring aerosol size distributions in 1s (Figure), thereby offering a great advantage in applications requiring high time resolution (Wang et al. 2016). In addition, the coupling of the FIMS with other conventional aerosol instruments provides orders of magnitude more rapid characterization of aerosol optical and microphysical properties. For example, the combination of a differential mobility analyzer, a relative humidity control unit, and a FIMS was used to measure aerosol hygroscopic growth. Such a system reduced the time of measuring the hygroscopic properties of submicron aerosols (six sizes) to less than three minutes in total, with an error within 1%. Pinterich et al. (2017) Aerosol Sci. Technol. accepted Spielman et al. (2017) Aerosol Sci. Technol. accepted Wang et al. (2016) Nature 539:416-419

Unusual scintigraphic appearances of a mobile accessory lobe of the liver. [/sup 67/Ga; /sup 99m/Tc-sulfur colloid; /sup 99m/Tc-dihydrothioctic acid

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

Bingham, J.B.; Maisey, M.N.

1978-11-01

Accessory hepatic lobules are an uncommon occurrence. In a gallium scan, a highly mobile, asymptomatic liver lobule gave rise to diagnostic confusion. It was resolved by the use of multiple radiopharmaceuticals.

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) combined with hyperspectral imaging for the evaluation of printed circuit board composition.

PubMed

Carvalho, Rodrigo R V; Coelho, Jomarc A O; Santos, Jozemir M; Aquino, Francisco W B; Carneiro, Renato L; Pereira-Filho, Edenir R

2015-03-01

In this study, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) was combined with chemometric strategies (PCA, Principal Component Analysis) and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) to investigate the metal composition of a printed circuit board (PCB) sample from a mobile phone. Scanning electron microscopy-EDS was used for two main reasons: it was possible at the same time to visualize the sample surface, craters (made by the laser pulses) and also the chemical composition of the samples. A 30 mm×40 mm area of the mobile phone PCB sample, which was manufactured in 2011, was investigated. In this case, a matrix with 30 rows and 40 columns (1200 points) was analyzed, and 10 pulses were performed at each point. A total of 12,000 emission spectra were recorded in the wavelength range from 186 to 1040 nm. After an initial exploratory investigation using PCA, 18 emission lines were selected (representing the elements Al, Au, Ba, Ca, Co, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Sb, Si, Sn, Ti and Zn) and then normalized by the relative intensities, and a new PCA was calculated with the autoscaled data. For example, Au and Si were mainly observed in the superficial electrical contacts and in the bulk of the PCB, respectively. A second sample (a mouse PCB) was also analyzed and Pb (emission lines 357.273, 363.956, 368.346, 373.994 and 405.780 nm) was identified in the solders. In addition, this element was determined using FAAS (flame atomic absorption spectrometry) and the Pb concentration was around 25% (w/w). This study opens the possibility for improved recycling processes and the chemical investigation of solid samples measuring a few millimeters in dimension without sample preparation. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Barn owls maximize head rotations by a combination of yawing and rolling in functionally diverse regions of the neck.

PubMed

Krings, Markus; Nyakatura, John A; Boumans, Mark L L M; Fischer, Martin S; Wagner, Hermann

2017-07-01

Owls are known for their outstanding neck mobility: these birds can rotate their heads more than 270°. The anatomical basis of this extraordinary neck rotation ability is not well understood. We used X-ray fluoroscopy of living owls as well as forced neck rotations in dead specimens and computer tomographic (CT) reconstructions to study how the individual cervical joints contribute to head rotation in barn owls (Tyto furcata pratincola). The X-ray data showed the natural posture of the neck, and the reconstructions of the CT-scans provided the shapes of the individual vertebrae. Joint mobility was analyzed in a spherical coordinate system. The rotational capability was described as rotation about the yaw and roll axes. The analyses suggest a functional division of the cervical spine into several regions. Most importantly, an upper region shows high rolling and yawing capabilities. The mobility of the lower, more horizontally oriented joints of the cervical spine is restricted mainly to the roll axis. These rolling movements lead to lateral bending, effectively resulting in a side shift of the head compared with the trunk during large rotations. The joints in the middle of the cervical spine proved to contribute less to head rotation. The analysis of joint mobility demonstrated how owls might maximize horizontal head rotation by a specific and variable combination of yawing and rolling in functionally diverse regions of the neck. © 2017 Anatomical Society.

Alabama statewide mobility report, 2014.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-09-01

This Alabama Statewide Mobility Report for 2014 is a new way to analyze interstate mobility performance over an entire year. Over half a billion speed records were acquired, stored, and analyzed for this report. These observations capture recurring c...

A novel approach for fit analysis of thermal protective clothing using three-dimensional body scanning.

PubMed

Lu, Yehu; Song, Guowen; Li, Jun

2014-11-01

The garment fit played an important role in protective performance, comfort and mobility. The purpose of this study is to quantify the air gap to quantitatively characterize a three-dimensional (3-D) garment fit using a 3-D body scanning technique. A method for processing of scanned data was developed to investigate the air gap size and distribution between the clothing and human body. The mesh model formed from nude and clothed body was aligned, superimposed and sectioned using Rapidform software. The air gap size and distribution over the body surface were analyzed. The total air volume was also calculated. The effects of fabric properties and garment size on air gap distribution were explored. The results indicated that average air gap of the fit clothing was around 25-30 mm and the overall air gap distribution was similar. The air gap was unevenly distributed over the body and it was strongly associated with the body parts, fabric properties and garment size. The research will help understand the overall clothing fit and its association with protection, thermal and movement comfort, and provide guidelines for clothing engineers to improve thermal performance and reduce physiological burden. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd and The Ergonomics Society. All rights reserved.

Popular Mobile Phone Apps for Diet and Weight Loss: A Content Analysis.

PubMed

Zaidan, Sarah; Roehrer, Erin

2016-07-11

A review of the literature has revealed that the rates of overweight and obesity have been increasing in Australia over the last two decades and that wellness mobile phone apps play a significant role in monitoring and managing individuals' weight. Although mobile phone app markets (iTunes and Google Play) list thousands of mobile phone health apps, it is not always clear whether those apps are supported by credible sources. Likewise, despite the prevailing use of mobile phone apps to aid with weight management, the usability features of these apps are not well characterized. The research explored how usability taxonomy could inform the popularity of downloaded, socially focused wellness mobile phone apps, in particular weight loss and diet apps. The aim of the study was to investigate the Australian mobile phone app stores (iTunes and Google Play) in order to examine the usability features of the most popular (ie, most downloaded) wellness apps. The design of this study comprises 3 main stages: stage 1, identifying apps; stage 2, development of weight loss and diet evaluation framework; and stage 3, application of the evaluation framework. Each stage includes specific data collection, analysis tools, and techniques. The study has resulted in the development of a justified evaluation framework for weight loss and diet mobile phone apps. Applying the evaluation framework to the identified apps has shown that the most downloaded iTunes and Google Play apps are not necessarily the most usable or effective. In addition, the research found that search algorithms for iTunes and Google Play are biased toward apps' titles and keywords that do not accurately define the real functionality of the app. Moreover, the study has also analyzed the apps' user reviews, which served as justification for the developed evaluation framework. The analysis has shown that ease of use, reminder, bar code scanning, motivation, usable for all, and synchronization are significant attributes that should be included in weight loss and diet mobile phone apps and ultimately in potential weight loss and diet evaluation frameworks.

Popular Mobile Phone Apps for Diet and Weight Loss: A Content Analysis

PubMed Central

Roehrer, Erin

2016-01-01

Background A review of the literature has revealed that the rates of overweight and obesity have been increasing in Australia over the last two decades and that wellness mobile phone apps play a significant role in monitoring and managing individuals’ weight. Although mobile phone app markets (iTunes and Google Play) list thousands of mobile phone health apps, it is not always clear whether those apps are supported by credible sources. Likewise, despite the prevailing use of mobile phone apps to aid with weight management, the usability features of these apps are not well characterized. Objective The research explored how usability taxonomy could inform the popularity of downloaded, socially focused wellness mobile phone apps, in particular weight loss and diet apps. The aim of the study was to investigate the Australian mobile phone app stores (iTunes and Google Play) in order to examine the usability features of the most popular (ie, most downloaded) wellness apps. Methods The design of this study comprises 3 main stages: stage 1, identifying apps; stage 2, development of weight loss and diet evaluation framework; and stage 3, application of the evaluation framework. Each stage includes specific data collection, analysis tools, and techniques. Results The study has resulted in the development of a justified evaluation framework for weight loss and diet mobile phone apps. Applying the evaluation framework to the identified apps has shown that the most downloaded iTunes and Google Play apps are not necessarily the most usable or effective. In addition, the research found that search algorithms for iTunes and Google Play are biased toward apps’ titles and keywords that do not accurately define the real functionality of the app. Moreover, the study has also analyzed the apps’ user reviews, which served as justification for the developed evaluation framework. Conclusions The analysis has shown that ease of use, reminder, bar code scanning, motivation, usable for all, and synchronization are significant attributes that should be included in weight loss and diet mobile phone apps and ultimately in potential weight loss and diet evaluation frameworks. PMID:27400806

A Noninvasive In Vivo Glucose Sensor Based on Mid-Infrared Quantum Cascade Laser Spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Werth, Alexandra; Liakat, Sabbir; Xu, Laura; Gmachl, Claire

Diabetes affects over 387 million people worldwide; a number which grows every year. The most common method of measuring blood glucose concentration involves a finger prick which for some can be a harrowing process. Therefore, a portable, accurate, noninvasive glucose sensor can significantly improve the quality of life for many of these diabetics who draw blood multiple times a day to monitor their glucose levels. We have implemented a noninvasive, mobile glucose sensor using a mid-infrared (MIR) quantum cascade laser (QCL), integrating sphere, and thermal electrically (TE) cooled detector. The QCL is scanned from 8 - 10 microns wavelength over which are distinct absorption features of glucose molecules with little competition of absorption from other molecules found in the blood and interstitial fluid. The obtained absorption spectra are analyzed using a neural network algorithm which relates the small changes in absorption to the changing glucose concentration. The integrating sphere has increased the signal-to-noise ratio from a previous design, allowing us to use the TE-cooled detector which increases mobility without loss of accuracy.

Intrapetrous Internal Carotid Artery: Evaluation of Exposure, Mobilization and Surgical Maneuvers Feasibility from a Retrosigmoid Approach in a Cadaveric Model.

PubMed

Scerrati, Alba; Ercan, Serdar; Wu, Pengfei; Zhang, Jun; Ammirati, Mario

2016-07-01

To provide a quantification of the exposure of the vertical and horizontal segments of the intrapetrous carotid artery (IPCA) and to evaluate the possibilities of its mobilization and of performing surgical maneuvers on it using the retrosigmoid approach. Twelve surgical dissections were performed bilaterally on 6 fresh cadavers. Predissection computed tomography (CT) scans with bone fiducials for intraoperative navigation were acquired. A retrosigmoid craniectomy was performed. The inframeatal space was drilled, the horizontal (HoIPCA) and vertical (VeIPCA) segments of the IPCA were exposed, and their measurements were recorded. The carotid canal was enlarged, the artery was carefully detached from the bone, and a vessel loop was inserted in order to mobilize its horizontal segment. Afterwards we performed different surgical maneuvers: We inflated a 5-French Fogarty balloon to compress the IPCA and repaired a 7-mm arteriotomy with a running suture. Specimens underwent a new CT scan to evaluate the amount of bone removal and the integrity of the inner ear structures. The HoIPCA and VeIPCA were exposed and anatomically preserved in all specimens without injuring the surrounding neurovascular structures. The HoIPCA presented an average length of 24.89 mm (range: 19.41-31.47 mm), and the VeIPCA presented an average length of 10.07 mm (range: 8.92-11.58 mm). The possibility of IPCA mobilization and the feasibility of performing surgical maneuvers were demonstrated. Postdissection CT scan showed the preservation of inner ear structures. Exposure and mobilization of the IPCA using a retrosigmoid approach are feasible and could represent a viable option for the possibility of reaching a total resection of selected skull base tumors, even when involvement of the carotid canal is present. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Four-Dimensional Patient Dose Reconstruction for Scanned Ion Beam Therapy of Moving Liver Tumors

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

Richter, Daniel; TU Darmstadt, Darmstadt; Saito, Nami

2014-05-01

Purpose: Estimation of the actual delivered 4-dimensional (4D) dose in treatments of patients with mobile hepatocellular cancer with scanned carbon ion beam therapy. Methods and Materials: Six patients were treated with 4 fractions to a total relative biological effectiveness (RBE)–weighted dose of 40 Gy (RBE) using a single field. Respiratory motion was addressed by dedicated margins and abdominal compression (5 patients) or gating (1 patient). 4D treatment dose reconstructions based on the treatment records and the measured motion monitoring data were performed for the single-fraction dose and a total of 17 fractions. To assess the impact of uncertainties in the temporalmore » correlation between motion trajectory and beam delivery sequence, 3 dose distributions for varying temporal correlation were calculated per fraction. For 3 patients, the total treatment dose was formed from the fractional distributions using all possible combinations. Clinical target volume (CTV) coverage was analyzed using the volumes receiving at least 95% (V{sub 95}) and 107% (V{sub 107}) of the planned doses. Results: 4D dose reconstruction based on daily measured data is possible in a clinical setting. V{sub 95} and V{sub 107} values for the single fractions ranged between 72% and 100%, and 0% and 32%, respectively. The estimated total treatment dose to the CTV exhibited improved and more robust dose coverage (mean V{sub 95} > 87%, SD < 3%) and overdose (mean V{sub 107} < 4%, SD < 3%) with respect to the single-fraction dose for all analyzed patients. Conclusions: A considerable impact of interplay effects on the single-fraction CTV dose was found for most of the analyzed patients. However, due to the fractionated treatment, dose heterogeneities were substantially reduced for the total treatment dose. 4D treatment dose reconstruction for scanned ion beam therapy is technically feasible and may evolve into a valuable tool for dose assessment.« less

Color intensity projections: A rapid approach for evaluating four-dimensional CT scans in treatment planning

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

Cover, Keith S.; Lagerwaard, Frank J.; Senan, Suresh

2006-03-01

Purpose: Four-dimensional computerized tomography scans (4DCT) enable intrafractional motion to be determined. Because more than 1500 images can be generated with each 4DCT study, tools for efficient data visualization and evaluation are needed. We describe the use of color intensity projections (CIP) for visualizing mobility. Methods: Four-dimensional computerized tomography images of each patient slice were combined into a CIP composite image. Pixels largely unchanged over the component images appear unchanged in the CIP image. However, pixels whose intensity changes over the phases of the 4DCT appear in the CIP image as colored pixels, and the hue encodes the percentage ofmore » time the tissue was in each location. CIPs of 18 patients were used to study tumor and surrogate markers, namely the diaphragm and an abdominal marker block. Results: Color intensity projections permitted mobility of high-contrast features to be quickly visualized and measured. In three selected expiratory phases ('gating phases') that were reviewed in the sagittal plane, gating would have reduced mean tumor mobility from 6.3 {+-} 2.0 mm to 1.4 {+-} 0.5 mm. Residual tumor mobility in gating phases better correlated with residual mobility of the marker block than that of the diaphragm. Conclusion: CIPs permit immediate visualization of mobility in 4DCT images and simplify the selection of appropriate surrogates for gated radiotherapy.« less

Comparison of High-Flexion Fixed-Bearing and High-Flexion Mobile-Bearing Total Knee Arthroplasties-A Prospective Randomized Study.

PubMed

Kim, Young-Hoo; Park, Jang-Won; Kim, Jun-Shik

2018-01-01

There is none, to our knowledge, about comparison of high-flexion fixed-bearing and high-flexion mobile-bearing total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) in the same patients. The purpose of this study was to determine whether clinical results; radiographic and computed tomographic scan results; and the survival rate of a high-flexion mobile-bearing TKA is better than that of a high-flexion fixed-bearing TKA. The present study consisted of 92 patients (184 knees) who underwent same-day bilateral TKA. Of those, 17 were men and 75 were women. The mean age at the time of index arthroplasty was 61.5 ± 8.3 years (range 52-65 years). The mean body mass index was 26.2 ± 3.3 kg/m 2 (range 23-34 kg/m 2 ). The mean follow-up was 11.2 years (range 10-12 years). The Knee Society knee scores (93 vs 92 points; P = .531) and function scores (80 vs 80 points; P = 1.000), WOMAC scores (14 vs 15 points; P = .972), and UCLA activity scores (6 vs 6 points; P = 1.000) were not different between the 2 groups at 12 years follow-up. There were no differences in any radiographic and CT scan parameters between the 2 groups. Kaplan-Meier survivorship of the TKA component was 98% (95% confidence interval, 93-100) in the high-flexion fixed-bearing TKA group and 99% (95% confidence interval, 94-100) in the high-flexion mobile-bearing TKA group 12 years after the operation. We found no benefit to mobile-bearing TKA in terms of pain, function, radiographic and CT scan results, and survivorship. Longer-term follow-up is necessary to prove the benefit of the high-flexion mobile-bearing TKA over the high-flexion fixed-bearing TKA. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Recycling-oriented characterization of plastic frames and printed circuit boards from mobile phones by electronic and chemical imaging

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

Palmieri, Roberta; Bonifazi, Giuseppe; Serranti, Silvia, E-mail: silvia.serranti@uniroma1.it

Highlights: • A recycling oriented characterization of end-of-life mobile phones was carried out. • Characterization was developed in a zero-waste-perspective, aiming to recover all the mobile phone materials. • Plastic frames and printed circuit boards were analyzed by electronic and chemical imaging. • Suitable milling/classification strategies were set up to define specialized-pre-concentrated-streams. • The proposed approach can improve the recovery of polymers, base/precious metals, rare earths and critical raw materials. - Abstract: This study characterizes the composition of plastic frames and printed circuit boards from end-of-life mobile phones. This knowledge may help define an optimal processing strategy for using thesemore » items as potential raw materials. Correct handling of such a waste is essential for its further “sustainable” recovery, especially to maximize the extraction of base, rare and precious metals, minimizing the environmental impact of the entire process chain. A combination of electronic and chemical imaging techniques was thus examined, applied and critically evaluated in order to optimize the processing, through the identification and the topological assessment of the materials of interest and their quantitative distribution. To reach this goal, end-of-life mobile phone derived wastes have been systematically characterized adopting both “traditional” (e.g. scanning electronic microscopy combined with microanalysis and Raman spectroscopy) and innovative (e.g. hyperspectral imaging in short wave infrared field) techniques, with reference to frames and printed circuit boards. Results showed as the combination of both the approaches (i.e. traditional and classical) could dramatically improve recycling strategies set up, as well as final products recovery.« less

Mobile Infrared Thermographic Surveys Of Buildings Within A Community

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allen, Sharon

1988-01-01

Over the years, constant developments and improvements have been made in the portability of infrared equipment. The ability to move around and travel from job to job easily greatly enhances the effectiveness of most in-field infrared thermographic surveys. Many vehicles have been modified to offer mobile infrared thermographic services. This paper describes one approach, and the results, to mobile infrared thermography. It covers the various stages in adapting a vehicle for mobile infrared thermography (IR) and problems encountered along the way. Originally designed for scanning electrical distribution lines, the "IR Van" also serves as a mobile unit for building diagnostics. The paper addresses building diagnostic applications for mobile IR and some of the findings recorded during an initial community investigation.

Boosting antenatal care attendance and number of hospital deliveries among pregnant women in rural communities: a community initiative in Ghana based on mobile phones applications and portable ultrasound scans.

PubMed

Amoah, Benjamin; Anto, Evelyn A; Osei, Prince K; Pieterson, Kojo; Crimi, Alessandro

2016-06-14

The World Health Organization has recommended at least four antenatal care (ANC) visits and skilled attendants at birth. Most pregnant women in rural communities in low-income countries do not achieve the minimum recommended visits and deliver without skilled attendants. With the aim of increasing number of ANC visits, reducing home deliveries, and supplementing care given by ANC clinics, a proposed system based on low-cost mobile phones and portable ultrasound scan machines was piloted. A sample of 323 pregnant women from four rural communities in the Central Region of Ghana were followed within a 11-month project. In each community, at least one health worker was trained and equipped with a mobile phone to promote ANC and hospital deliveries in her own community. If women cannot attend ANC, technicians acquired scans by using portable ultrasound machines in her community directly and sent them almost in real time to be analyzed by a gynecologist in an urban hospital. A preliminary survey to assess ANC status preceding the pilot study was conducted. During this, one hundred women who had had pregnancies within five years prior to the study were interviewed. The preliminary survey showed that women who attended ANC were less likely to have a miscarriage and more likely to have delivery at hospital or clinic than those who did not, and women who attained at least four ANC visits were less likely to practice self-medication. Among the women involved in the project, 40 gave birth during the period of observation. The proposed prenatal care approach showed that 62.5 % of pregnant women who gave birth during the observation period included in the project (n=40) had their labor attended in clinics or hospitals as against 37.5 % among the cases reported in the pre-survey. One case of ectopic and two cases of breech pregnancies were detected during the pilot through the proposed approach, and appropriate medical interventions were sought. Our results show that the proposed prenatal care approach can make quality ANC accessible in rural communities where pregnant women have not been able to access proper ANC.

Determination of smoke plume and layer heights using scanning lidar data

Treesearch

Vladimir A. Kovalev; Alexander Petkov; Cyle Wold; Shawn Urbanski; Wei Min Hao

2009-01-01

The methodology of using mobile scanning lidar data for investigation of smoke plume rise and high-resolution smoke dispersion is considered. The methodology is based on the lidar-signal transformation proposed recently [Appl. Opt. 48, 2559 (2009)]. In this study, similar methodology is used to create the atmospheric heterogeneity height indicator (HHI...

RAPID IDENTIFICATION OF MICROORGANISMS BY CONTINUOUS PARTICLE ELECTROPHORESIS.

DTIC Science & Technology

MICROORGANISMS, IDENTIFICATION), (*ELECTROPHORESIS, MICROORGANISMS), MOBILITY, PH FACTOR, OPTICAL SCANNING, ESCHERICHIA COLI, SHIGELLA FLEXNERI, BACILLUS CEREUS, SERRATIA MARCESCENS , BACILLUS SUBTILIS

Complex Stoichiometry reordering of PTCDA on Ag(111) upon K Intercalation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brivio, G. P.; Baby, A.; Zwick, C.; Gruenewald, M.; Forker, R.; Fritz, T.; Fratesi, G.; Hofmann, O. T.; Zojer, E.

Alkali metal atoms are a simple yet efficient n-type dopant of organic semiconductors. However, the molecular crystal structures need be controlled and well understood in order to optimize the electronic properties (charge carrier density and mobility) of the target material. Here, we report that potassium intercalation into PTCDA monolayer domains on a Ag(111) substrate induces distinct stoichiometry-dependent structural reordering processes, resulting in highly ordered and large KxPTCDA domains. The emerging structures are analyzed by low temperature scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), scanning tunneling hydrogen microscopy (STHM), and low-energy electron diffraction (LEED) as a function of the stoichiometry and by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Large stable monolayer domains are found for x=2,4. The epitaxy types for all intercalated stages are determined as point-on-line. The K atoms adsorb in the vicinity of the oxygen atoms of the PTCDA molecules, and their positions are determined with sub-Angstrom precision. This is a crucial prerequisite for the prospective assessment of the electronic properties of such composite films, as they depend on the mutual alignment between donor atoms and acceptor molecules.

Multimedia Messaging Service teleradiology in the provision of emergency neurosurgery services.

PubMed

Ng, Wai Hoe; Wang, Ernest; Ng, Ivan

2007-04-01

Neurosurgical emergencies constitute a significant proportion of workload of a tertiary neurosurgical service. Prompt diagnosis and emergent institution of definitive treatment are critical to reduce neurological mortality and morbidity. Diagnosis is highly dependent on accurate interpretation of scans by experienced clinicians. This expertise may not be readily available especially after office hours because many neurosurgical units are manned by middle-level neurosurgical staff with varying levels of experience in scan interpretation. Multimedia Messaging Service mobile phone technology offers a simple, cheap, quick, and effective solution to the problem of scan interpretation. An MMS takes only a few minutes to send and receive and allows senior doctors to view important images and make important clinical decisions to enhance patient management in an emergency situation. A mobile phone (with VGA camera and MMS capabilities) was provided to the neurosurgery registrar on call. The on-call mobile phone is passed on to the corresponding registrar on-call the next day. All consultants had personal mobile phones that are MMS-enabled. Relevant representative CT/MRI images can be taken directly from the mobile phone from the PACS off the computer screen. When only hard copies are available, the images can be taken off the light box. After a 12-month trial period, a questionnaire was given to all staff involved in the project to ascertain the usefulness of the MMS teleradiology service. The survey on the use of the MMS service in a tertiary neurosurgical service demonstrated that the technology significantly improved the level of confidence of the senior-level staff in emergent clinical decision making. Significantly, the MMS images were of sufficient quality and resolution to obviate the need to view the actual scans. The impact of MMS is less pronounced in the middle-level staff, but there was a trend that most of the junior staff found the service more useful. The MMS technology is demonstrated to be a useful media for the transmission of high-quality images to assist in the diagnostic process and implementation of emergent clinical therapy. It is already in widespread use and can be seamlessly and rapidly implemented in the clinical arena to improve the quality of patient care.

Exploring mobility & workplace choice in a flexible office through post-occupancy evaluation.

PubMed

Göçer, Özgür; Göçer, Kenan; Ergöz Karahan, Ebru; İlhan Oygür, Işıl

2018-02-01

Developments in information and communication systems, organisational structure and the nature of work have contributed to the restructuring of work environments. In these new types of work environments, employees do not have assigned workplaces. This arrangement helps organisations to minimise rent costs and increase employee interaction and knowledge exchange through mobility. This post-occupancy evaluation (POE) study focuses on a flexible office in a Gold Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-certified building in Istanbul. An integrated qualitative and quantitative POE technique with occupancy tracking via barcode scanning and instant surveying has been introduced. Using this unique approach, we examined the directives/drivers in workplace choice and mobility from different perspectives. The aggregated data was used to discern work-related consequences such as flexibility, workplace choice, work and indoor environment satisfaction, place attachment and identity. The results show that employees who have a conventional working culture develop a new working style: 'fixed-flexible working'. Practitioner Summary: This paper introduces a new POE approach for flexible offices based on occupancy tracking through barcode scanning to explore workplace choice and mobility. More than half (52.1%) of the participants have tended to choose the same desk every day. However, the satisfaction level of the 'mobile' employees was higher than that of the 'fixed flexible' employees.

VirtoScan - a mobile, low-cost photogrammetry setup for fast post-mortem 3D full-body documentations in x-ray computed tomography and autopsy suites.

PubMed

Kottner, Sören; Ebert, Lars C; Ampanozi, Garyfalia; Braun, Marcel; Thali, Michael J; Gascho, Dominic

2017-03-01

Injuries such as bite marks or boot prints can leave distinct patterns on the body's surface and can be used for 3D reconstructions. Although various systems for 3D surface imaging have been introduced in the forensic field, most techniques are both cost-intensive and time-consuming. In this article, we present the VirtoScan, a mobile, multi-camera rig based on close-range photogrammetry. The system can be integrated into automated PMCT scanning procedures or used manually together with lifting carts, autopsy tables and examination couch. The VirtoScan is based on a moveable frame that carries 7 digital single-lens reflex cameras. A remote control is attached to each camera and allows the simultaneous triggering of the shutter release of all cameras. Data acquisition in combination with the PMCT scanning procedures took 3:34 min for the 3D surface documentation of one side of the body compared to 20:20 min of acquisition time when using our in-house standard. A surface model comparison between the high resolution output from our in-house standard and a high resolution model from the multi-camera rig showed a mean surface deviation of 0.36 mm for the whole body scan and 0.13 mm for a second comparison of a detailed section of the scan. The use of the multi-camera rig reduces the acquisition time for whole-body surface documentations in medico-legal examinations and provides a low-cost 3D surface scanning alternative for forensic investigations.

Role of microRNA in Aggressive Prostate Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-09-01

j.issn.2223-4683.2013.08.01 Scan to your mobile device or view this article at: http://www.amepc.org/tau/article/view/2550/3635 229Translational Andrology...of Ezh2, accompanied with diminished clonogenic ability and sphere formation in PCa cells (45). Another let-7 target gene is High- mobility group AT...2013;32:4139-47. 89. Motoyama K, Inoue H, Nakamura Y, et al. Clinical significance of high mobility group A2 in human gastric cancer and its

Effects of Electromagnetic Fields on Automated Blood Cell Measurements.

PubMed

Vagdatli, Eleni; Konstandinidou, Vasiliki; Adrianakis, Nikolaos; Tsikopoulos, Ioannis; Tsikopoulos, Alexios; Mitsopoulou, Kyriaki

2014-08-01

The aim of this study is to investigate whether the electromagnetic fields associated with mobile phones and/or laptops interfere with blood cell counts of hematology analyzers. Random blood samples were analyzed on an Aperture Impedance hematology analyzer. The analysis was performed in four ways: (A) without the presence of any mobile phone or portable computer in use, (B) with mobile phones in use (B1: one mobile, B4: four mobiles), (C) with portable computers (laptops) in use (C1: one laptop, C3: three laptops), and (D) with four mobile phones and three laptops in use simultaneously. The results obtained demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in neutrophil, erythrocyte, and platelet count and an increase in lymphocyte count, mean corpuscular volume, and red blood cell distribution width, notably in the B4 group. Despite this statistical significance, in clinical practice, only the red blood cell reduction could be taken into account, as the mean difference between the A and B4 group was 60,000 cells/µL. In group D, the analyzer gave odd results after 11 measurements and finally stopped working. The combined and multiple use of mobile phones and computers affects the function of hematology analyzers, leading to false results. Consequently, the use of such electronic devices must be avoided. © 2014 Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening.

Relationship Between the Elevated Muscle FDG Uptake in the Distal Upper Extremities on PET/CT Scan and Prescan Utilization of Mobile Devices in Young Patients.

PubMed

Bai, Xia; Wang, Xuemei; Zhuang, Hongming

2018-03-01

It is common to notice increased FDG activity in the muscles of the forearms or hands on PET/CT images. The purpose of this study was to determine relationship between the prevalence of increased FDG activity in the forearms or hands and using mobile devices prior to the FDG PET/CT study. A total of 443 young patients with ages between 5 and 19 years who underwent FDG PET/CT scan were included in this retrospective analysis. All patients had FDG PET/CT with their arms within the field of views. The images were reviewed for elevated activity in the muscles of the distal upper extremities (DUEs), which include forearms and hands. The preimaging questionnaire/interview records regarding using mobile devices prior to FDG PET/CT were also reviewed and compared with the imaging findings. Most patients (72.0% [319/443]) used mobile devices more than 60 minutes in the period of 24 hours prior to the FDG PET/CT study. Elevated uptake in the muscles in the DUEs was observed in 38.6% (123/319) of these patients. In contrast, among 124 patients who did not use the mobile devices or used the mobile device minimally prior to the study, only 6.5% (8/124) of them had elevated FDG activity in the DUEs. The difference persisted following stratification analysis for sex, age, and serum glucose level in our patient population. Increased FDG uptake in the muscles of the DUEs in young patients is commonly seen in those who used mobile devices prior to PET/CT study. Recommendation should be considered to reduce using mobile devices prior to FDG PET/CT study in young patient population.

Physicochemistry, morphology and leachability of selected metals from post-galvanized sewage sludge from screw factory in Łańcut, SE Poland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Galas, Dagmara; Kalembkiewicz, Jan; Sitarz-Palczak, Elżbieta

2016-12-01

Morphology, physicochemical properties, chemical composition of post-galvanized sewage sludge from Screw Factory in Łańcut, leachability and mobility of metals has been analyzed. The analyses with the use of scanning electron microscope with an adapter to perform chemical analysis of microsites (EDS) showed that the material is characterized by a high fragmentation and a predominant number of irregularly shaped grains. The sewage sludge is alkaline with a large loss of ignition (34.6%) and small bulk density (< 1 g/cm3). The EDS analyses evidenced presence of oxygen, silicon, calcium, chromium, iron and zinc in all examined areas, and presence of manganese and copper in selected areas indicating a non-uniform distribution of metals in the sewage sludge. Within one-stage mineralization and FAAS technique a predominant share of calcium, zinc and iron in terms of dry matter was recorded in the sewage sludge. The contents of Co, Cr, Cu, K, Mn, Ni and Pb in sewage sludge are below 1%. Evaluation of mobility and leaching of metals in sewage sludge was carried out by means of two parameters: accumulation coefficient of mobile fractions and leaching level related to the mass solubility of sewage sludge. The results indicate that the short-term or long-term storage of not inactivated post-galvanized sewage sludge can result in release of metals.

ZnO Photoanode Effect on the Efficiency Performance of Organic Based Dye Sensitized Solar Cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohamad, I. S.; Ismail, S. S.; Norizan, M. N.; Murad, S. A. Z.; Abdullah, M. M. A.

2017-06-01

Dye sensitized solar cell has been emerged as one of the most promising candidates for photovoltaics applications in good quality of their low manufacturing cost and impressive conversion energy. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) which is used as photoanode in the market has the advantage of wide bandgap energy but low in electron mobility (∼10 cm2/(V.s)). Ruthenium in the other hand, as the dye sensitizer is a rare noble metal and harmful to human health. Thus, this article reveals the performance of photo-to-electric conversion efficiency with the usage of Zinc Oxide as photoanode with higher electron mobility (155 cm2/(V.s)) compared to TiO2 utilizing three natural fruit dyes of Prunus domestica, Magnifera indica and Citrus limon. ZnO and TiO2 photoanodes were fabricated using sol gel and dr blade method respectively. The morphology of the photoanodes were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscope and the efficiency of the complete DSSC with all different fruit dyes were characterized using Semiconductor Parametric Analyzer. The different property of electron mobility photoanodes effect in DSSC proved to give better performance with the photoconversion efficiency of 3.082% using ZnO with Prunus domestica dye. This article also reveals that pH indicator does not affect the selection and the performance of DSSC.

Utilization of a Terrestrial Laser Scanner for the Calibration of Mobile Mapping Systems

PubMed Central

Hong, Seunghwan; Park, Ilsuk; Lee, Jisang; Lim, Kwangyong; Choi, Yoonjo; Sohn, Hong-Gyoo

2017-01-01

This paper proposes a practical calibration solution for estimating the boresight and lever-arm parameters of the sensors mounted on a Mobile Mapping System (MMS). On our MMS devised for conducting the calibration experiment, three network video cameras, one mobile laser scanner, and one Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)/Inertial Navigation System (INS) were mounted. The geometric relationships between three sensors were solved by the proposed calibration, considering the GNSS/INS as one unit sensor. Our solution basically uses the point cloud generated by a 3-dimensional (3D) terrestrial laser scanner rather than using conventionally obtained 3D ground control features. With the terrestrial laser scanner, accurate and precise reference data could be produced and the plane features corresponding with the sparse mobile laser scanning data could be determined with high precision. Furthermore, corresponding point features could be extracted from the dense terrestrial laser scanning data and the images captured by the video cameras. The parameters of the boresight and the lever-arm were calculated based on the least squares approach and the precision of the boresight and lever-arm could be achieved by 0.1 degrees and 10 mm, respectively. PMID:28264457

NARSTO EPA SS PITTSBURGH GAS PM PROPERTY DATA

Atmospheric Science Data Center

2018-04-09

... Sizer Nephelometer Aerosol Collector SMPS - Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer Fluorescence Spectroscopy ... Get Google Earth Related Data:  Environmental Protection Agency Supersites Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania ...

a Man-Portable Imu-Free Mobile Mapping System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nüchter, A.; Borrmann, D.; Koch, P.; Kühn, M.; May, S.

2015-08-01

Mobile mapping systems are commonly mounted on cars, ships and robots. The data is directly geo-referenced using GPS data and expensive IMU (inertial measurement systems). Driven by the need for flexible, indoor mapping systems we present an inexpensive mobile mapping solution that can be mounted on a backpack. It combines a horizontally mounted 2D profiler with a constantly spinning 3D laser scanner. The initial system featuring a low-cost MEMS IMU was revealed and demonstrated at MoLaS: Technology Workshop Mobile Laser Scanning at Fraunhofer IPM in Freiburg in November 2014. In this paper, we present an IMU-free solution.

Automated detection of analyzable metaphase chromosome cells depicted on scanned digital microscopic images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qiu, Yuchen; Wang, Xingwei; Chen, Xiaodong; Li, Yuhua; Liu, Hong; Li, Shibo; Zheng, Bin

2010-02-01

Visually searching for analyzable metaphase chromosome cells under microscopes is quite time-consuming and difficult. To improve detection efficiency, consistency, and diagnostic accuracy, an automated microscopic image scanning system was developed and tested to directly acquire digital images with sufficient spatial resolution for clinical diagnosis. A computer-aided detection (CAD) scheme was also developed and integrated into the image scanning system to search for and detect the regions of interest (ROI) that contain analyzable metaphase chromosome cells in the large volume of scanned images acquired from one specimen. Thus, the cytogeneticists only need to observe and interpret the limited number of ROIs. In this study, the high-resolution microscopic image scanning and CAD performance was investigated and evaluated using nine sets of images scanned from either bone marrow (three) or blood (six) specimens for diagnosis of leukemia. The automated CAD-selection results were compared with the visual selection. In the experiment, the cytogeneticists first visually searched for the analyzable metaphase chromosome cells from specimens under microscopes. The specimens were also automated scanned and followed by applying the CAD scheme to detect and save ROIs containing analyzable cells while deleting the others. The automated selected ROIs were then examined by a panel of three cytogeneticists. From the scanned images, CAD selected more analyzable cells than initially visual examinations of the cytogeneticists in both blood and bone marrow specimens. In general, CAD had higher performance in analyzing blood specimens. Even in three bone marrow specimens, CAD selected 50, 22, 9 ROIs, respectively. Except matching with the initially visual selection of 9, 7, and 5 analyzable cells in these three specimens, the cytogeneticists also selected 41, 15 and 4 new analyzable cells, which were missed in initially visual searching. This experiment showed the feasibility of applying this CAD-guided high-resolution microscopic image scanning system to prescreen and select ROIs that may contain analyzable metaphase chromosome cells. The success and the further improvement of this automated scanning system may have great impact on the future clinical practice in genetic laboratories to detect and diagnose diseases.

Identification of pH-sensitive regions in the mouse prion by the cysteine-scanning spin-labeling ESR technique

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

Watanabe, Yasuko; Inanami, Osamu; Horiuchi, Motohiro

2006-11-24

We analyzed the pH-induced mobility changes in moPrP{sup C} {alpha}-helix and {beta}-sheets by cysteine-scanning site-directed spin labeling (SDSL) with ESR. Nine amino acid residues of {alpha}-helix1 (H1, codon 143-151), four amino acid residues of {beta}-sheet1 (S1, codon 127-130), and four amino acid residues of {beta}-sheet2 (S2, codon 160-163) were substituted for by cysteine residues. These recombinant mouse PrP{sup C} (moPrP{sup C}) mutants were reacted with a methane thiosulfonate sulfhydryl-specific spin labeling reagent (MTSSL). The 1/{delta}H of the central ({sup 14}N hyperfine) component (M{sub I} = 0) in the ESR spectrum of spin-labeled moPrP{sup C} was measured as a mobility parametermore » of nitroxide residues (R1). The mobilities of E145R1 and Y149R1 at pH 7.4, which was identified as a tertiary contact site by a previous NMR study of moPrP, were lower than those of D143R1, R147R1, and R150R1 reported on the helix surface. Thus, the mobility in the H1 region in the neutral solution was observed with the periodicity associated with a helical structure. On the other hand, the values in the S2 region, known to be located in the buried side, were lower than those in the S1 region located in the surface side. These results indicated that the mobility parameter of the nitroxide label was well correlated with the 3D structure of moPrP. Furthermore, the present study clearly demonstrated three pH-sensitive sites in moPrP, i.e. (1) the N-terminal tertiary contact site of H1 (2) the C-terminal end of H1, and (3) the S2 region. In particular, among these pH-sensitive sites, the N-terminal tertiary contact region of H1 was found to be the most pH-sensitive one and was easily converted to a flexible structure by a slight decrease of pH in the solution. These data provided molecular evidence to explain the cellular mechanism for conversion from PrP{sup C} to PrP{sup Sc} in acidic organelles such as the endosome.« less

Security Measures to Protect Mobile Agents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dadhich, Piyanka; Govil, M. C.; Dutta, Kamlesh

2010-11-01

The security issues of mobile agent systems have embarrassed its widespread implementation. Mobile agents that move around the network are not safe because the remote hosts that accommodate the agents initiates all kinds of attacks. These hosts try to analyze the agent's decision logic and their accumulated data. So, mobile agent security is the most challenging unsolved problems. The paper analyzes various security measures deeply. Security especially the attacks performed by hosts to the visiting mobile agent (the malicious hosts problem) is a major obstacle that prevents mobile agent technology from being widely adopted. Being the running environment for mobile agent, the host has full control over them and could easily perform many kinds of attacks against them.

Electrophoretic mobility shift scanning using an automated infrared DNA sequencer.

PubMed

Sano, M; Ohyama, A; Takase, K; Yamamoto, M; Machida, M

2001-11-01

Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) is widely used in the study of sequence-specific DNA-binding proteins, including transcription factors and mismatch binding proteins. We have established a non-radioisotope-based protocol for EMSA that features an automated DNA sequencer with an infrared fluorescent dye (IRDye) detection unit. Our modification of the elec- trophoresis unit, which includes cooling the gel plates with a reduced well-to-read length, has made it possible to detect shifted bands within 1 h. Further, we have developed a rapid ligation-based method for generating IRDye-labeled probes with an approximately 60% cost reduction. This method has the advantages of real-time scanning, stability of labeled probes, and better safety associated with nonradioactive methods of detection. Analysis of a promoter from an industrially important filamentous fungus, Aspergillus oryzae, in a prototype experiment revealed that the method we describe has potential for use in systematic scanning and identification of the functionally important elements to which cellular factors bind in a sequence-specific manner.

Development, Calibration and Evaluation of a Portable and Direct Georeferenced Laser Scanning System for Kinematic 3D Mapping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heinz, Erik; Eling, Christian; Wieland, Markus; Klingbeil, Lasse; Kuhlmann, Heiner

2015-12-01

In recent years, kinematic laser scanning has become increasingly popular because it offers many benefits compared to static laser scanning. The advantages include both saving of time in the georeferencing and a more favorable scanning geometry. Often mobile laser scanning systems are installed on wheeled platforms, which may not reach all parts of the object. Hence, there is an interest in the development of portable systems, which remain operational even in inaccessible areas. The development of such a portable laser scanning system is presented in this paper. It consists of a lightweight direct georeferencing unit for the position and attitude determination and a small low-cost 2D laser scanner. This setup provides advantages over existing portable systems that employ heavy and expensive 3D laser scanners in a profiling mode. A special emphasis is placed on the system calibration, i. e. the determination of the transformation between the coordinate frames of the direct georeferencing unit and the 2D laser scanner. To this end, a calibration field is used, which consists of differently orientated georeferenced planar surfaces, leading to estimates for the lever arms and boresight angles with an accuracy of mm and one-tenth of a degree. Finally, point clouds of the mobile laser scanning system are compared with georeferenced point clouds of a high-precision 3D laser scanner. Accordingly, the accuracy of the system is in the order of cm to dm. This is in good agreement with the expected accuracy, which has been derived from the error propagation of previously estimated variance components.

Comic image understanding based on polygon detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Luyuan; Wang, Yongtao; Tang, Zhi; Liu, Dong

2013-01-01

Comic image understanding aims to automatically decompose scanned comic page images into storyboards and then identify the reading order of them, which is the key technique to produce digital comic documents that are suitable for reading on mobile devices. In this paper, we propose a novel comic image understanding method based on polygon detection. First, we segment a comic page images into storyboards by finding the polygonal enclosing box of each storyboard. Then, each storyboard can be represented by a polygon, and the reading order of them is determined by analyzing the relative geometric relationship between each pair of polygons. The proposed method is tested on 2000 comic images from ten printed comic series, and the experimental results demonstrate that it works well on different types of comic images.

Gas-to-Particle Conversion in Surface Discharge Nonthermal Plasmas and Its Implications for Atmospheric Chemistry

PubMed Central

Kim, Hyun-Ha; Ogata, Atsushi

2011-01-01

This paper presents some experimental data on gas-to-particle conversion of benzene using nonthermal plasma (NTP) technology and discusses the possibility of its technical application in atmospheric chemistry. Aerosol measurement using a differential mobility analyzer (DMA) revealed that the parts of benzene molecules were converted into a nanometer-sized aerosol. Aerosol formation was found to be highly related with the missing part in carbon balance. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that the aerosols formed in synthetic humid air are the collection of nanoparticles. The carbonyl band (C=O) was found to be an important chemical constituent in the aerosol. The potential of the NTP as an accelerated test tool in studying secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation from VOCs will be also addressed. PMID:22163781

Issues in implementing a knowledge-based ECG analyzer for personal mobile health monitoring.

PubMed

Goh, K W; Kim, E; Lavanya, J; Kim, Y; Soh, C B

2006-01-01

Advances in sensor technology, personal mobile devices, and wireless broadband communications are enabling the development of an integrated personal mobile health monitoring system that can provide patients with a useful tool to assess their own health and manage their personal health information anytime and anywhere. Personal mobile devices, such as PDAs and mobile phones, are becoming more powerful integrated information management tools and play a major role in many people's lives. We focus on designing a health-monitoring system for people who suffer from cardiac arrhythmias. We have developed computer simulation models to evaluate the performance of appropriate electrocardiogram (ECG) analysis techniques that can be implemented on personal mobile devices. This paper describes an ECG analyzer to perform ECG beat and episode detection and classification. We have obtained promising preliminary results from our study. Also, we discuss several key considerations when implementing a mobile health monitoring solution. The mobile ECG analyzer would become a front-end patient health data acquisition module, which is connected to the Personal Health Information Management System (PHIMS) for data repository.

Method for imaging liquid and dielectric materials with scanning polarization force microscopy

DOEpatents

Hu, Jun; Ogletree, D. Frank; Salmeron, Miguel; Xiao, Xudong

1999-01-01

The invention images dielectric polarization forces on surfaces induced by a charged scanning force microscope (SFM) probe tip. On insulators, the major contribution to the surface polarizability at low frequencies is from surface ions. The mobility of these ions depends strongly on the humidity. Using the inventive SFM, liquid films, droplets, and other weakly adsorbed materials have been imaged.

Apparatus for imaging liquid and dielectric materials with scanning polarization force microscopy

DOEpatents

Hu, Jun; Ogletree, D. Frank; Salmeron, Miguel; Xiao, Xudong

1998-01-01

The invention images dielectric polarization forces on surfaces induced by a charged scanning force microscope (SFM) probe tip. On insulators, the major contribution to the surface polarizability at low frequencies is from surface ions. The mobility of these ions depends strongly on the humidity. Using the inventive SFM, liquid films, droplets, and other weakly adsorbed materials have been imaged.

Soft x-ray spectromicroscopy using compact scanning transmission x-ray microscope at the photon factory

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

Takeichi, Yasuo, E-mail: yasuo.takeichi@kek.jp; Inami, Nobuhito; Ono, Kanta

We report the stability and recent performances of a new type of scanning transmission X-ray microscopy. The optics and compact design of the microscope realized mobility and robust performance. Detailed consideration to the vibration control will be described. The insertion device upgraded to elliptical polarization undulator enabled linear dichroism and circular dichroism experiments.

Transformation optics with windows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oxburgh, Stephen; White, Chris D.; Antoniou, Georgios; Orife, Ejovbokoghene; Courtial, Johannes

2014-09-01

Identity certification in the cyberworld has always been troublesome if critical information and financial transaction must be processed. Biometric identification is the most effective measure to circumvent the identity issues in mobile devices. Due to bulky and pricy optical design, conventional optical fingerprint readers have been discarded for mobile applications. In this paper, a digital variable-focus liquid lens was adopted for capture of a floating finger via fast focusplane scanning. Only putting a finger in front of a camera could fulfill the fingerprint ID process. This prototyped fingerprint reader scans multiple focal planes from 30 mm to 15 mm in 0.2 second. Through multiple images at various focuses, one of the images is chosen for extraction of fingerprint minutiae used for identity certification. In the optical design, a digital liquid lens atop a webcam with a fixed-focus lens module is to fast-scan a floating finger at preset focus planes. The distance, rolling angle and pitching angle of the finger are stored for crucial parameters during the match process of fingerprint minutiae. This innovative compact touchless fingerprint reader could be packed into a minute size of 9.8*9.8*5 (mm) after the optical design and multiple focus-plane scan function are optimized.

Morphology and Mobility of the Reconstructed Basilar Joint of the Pollicized Index Finger.

PubMed

Strugarek-Lecoanet, Clotilde; Chevrollier, Jérémie; Pauchard, Nicolas; Blum, Alain; Dap, François; Dautel, Gilles

2016-09-01

To evaluate outcome and function of the reconstructed basilar thumb joint after index finger pollicization in patients presenting congenital thumb deficiency. Plain radiographs and 4-dimensional dynamic volume computed tomography scan were used to evaluate the outcome of 23 pollicizations performed on 14 children between 1996 and 2009. The mean follow-up was 8 years. Patients performed continuous movements of thumb opposition during the imaging studies. Four-dimensional scan images made it possible to visualize mobility within the reconstructed joint. In 14 cases, union occurred in the metacarpal head/metacarpal base interface. In the 9 other cases, there was a nonunion at this interface. The reconstructed joint was mobile in 20 cases, including 3 in which there was also mobility at the site of the nonunion. In 3 cases in our series, mobility was present only at the site of the nonunion, between the base and the head of the second metacarpal. Remodeling and flattening out of the metacarpal head occurred in 16 of 23 cases. The transposed metacarpal head remained spherical in 7 cases. The reconstructed joint adapts, both morphologically and functionally, allowing movement on all 3 spatial planes. Existing mechanical constraints on the reconstructed joint may explain its remodeled appearance. Therapeutic IV. Copyright © 2016 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

X-ray and neutron interrogation of air cargo for mobile applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Van Liew, Seth

2015-06-01

A system for scanning break-bulk cargo for mobile applications is presented. This combines a 140 kV multi-view, multi-energy X-ray system with 2.5 MeV neutrons. The system uses dual energy X-ray radiography with neutron radiography. The X-ray and neutron systems were designed to be collocated in a mobile environment. Various materials were interrogated with the intent of distinguishing threat materials such as explosives from similar benign materials. In particular, the identification of threats and bengins with nearly identical effective atomic numbers has been demonstrated.

Comparison of avian biochemical test results with Abaxis VetScan and Hitachi 911 analyzers.

PubMed

Greenacre, Cheryl B; Flatland, Bente; Souza, Marcy J; Fry, Michael M

2008-12-01

To compare results of clinical biochemical analysis using an Abaxis VetScan bench-top analyzer with reagents specifically marketed for avian use and a Hitachi 911 analyzer, plasma (both methods) and whole blood (VetScan method) samples from 20 clinically healthy Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis) were analyzed. Correlation between methods was very high (r = 0.9-1.0) for aspartate aminotransferase (AST), calcium, glucose, and uric acid; high (r = 0.7-0.89) for creatine kinase (CK), phosphorus, potassium, and total protein; moderate (r = 0.5-0.69) for globulin; and low (r = 0.3-0.49) for albumin and sodium. VetScan analyzer results for globulin, sodium, and uric acid had a constant negative bias (values below those from the Hitachi method). Based on difference plot analysis, results for AST, calcium, CK, and glucose are comparable. Because 16 of 20 values fell below the lower detection limit of the VetScan analyzer, bile acid data were excluded from analysis. By using a relatively small sample size (0.1 ml whole blood or plasma), the VetScan analyzer offers rapid in-house results, compact size, and ease of operation. For 4 of the most clinically relevant biochemical analytes used in avian medicine (AST, calcium, CK, glucose), it offers reliable values. For an additional 4 analytes (phosphorous, potassium, total protein, uric acid), establishing analyzer-specific reference intervals is recommended. Neither the VetScan nor the Hitachi method is recommended to assess albumin and globulin concentrations.

Ultrasonic inspection and deployment apparatus

DOEpatents

Michaels, Jennifer E.; Michaels, Thomas E.; Mech, Jr., Stephen J.

1984-01-01

An ultrasonic inspection apparatus for the inspection of metal structures, especially installed pipes. The apparatus combines a specimen inspection element, an acoustical velocity sensing element, and a surface profiling element, all in one scanning head. A scanning head bellows contains a volume of oil above the pipe surface, serving as acoustical couplant between the scanning head and the pipe. The scanning head is mounted on a scanning truck which is mobile around a circular track surrounding the pipe. The scanning truck has sufficient motors, gears, and position encoders to allow the scanning head six degrees of motion freedom. A computer system continually monitors acoustical velocity, and uses that parameter to process surface profiling and inspection data. The profiling data is used to automatically control scanning head position and alignment and to define a coordinate system used to identify and interpret inspection data. The apparatus is suitable for highly automated, remote application in hostile environments, particularly high temperature and radiation areas.

NARSTO EPA SS LOS ANGELES SMPS DATA

Atmospheric Science Data Center

2018-04-09

... Ground Station Instrument:  SMPS - Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer Location:  Los Angeles, ... Get Google Earth Related Data:  Environmental Protection Agency Supersites Los Angeles, California ...

Blood Culture Testing via a Mobile App That Uses a Mobile Phone Camera: A Feasibility Study

PubMed Central

Chong, Yong Pil; Jang, Seongsoo; Kim, Mi Na; Kim, Jeong Hoon; Kim, Woo Sung

2016-01-01

Background To evaluate patients with fever of unknown origin or those with suspected bacteremia, the precision of blood culture tests is critical. An inappropriate step in the test process or error in a parameter could lead to a false-positive result, which could then affect the direction of treatment in critical conditions. Mobile health apps can be used to resolve problems with blood culture tests, and such apps can hence ensure that point-of-care guidelines are followed and processes are monitored for blood culture tests. Objective In this pilot project, we aimed to investigate the feasibility of using a mobile blood culture app to manage blood culture test quality. We implemented the app at a university hospital in South Korea to assess the potential for its utilization in a clinical environment by reviewing the usage data among a small group of users and by assessing their feedback and the data related to blood culture sampling. Methods We used an iOS-based blood culture app that uses an embedded camera to scan the patient identification and sample number bar codes. A total of 4 medical interns working at 2 medical intensive care units (MICUs) participated in this project, which spanned 3 weeks. App usage and blood culture sampling parameters (including sampler, sampling site, sampling time, and sample volume) were analyzed. The compliance of sampling parameter entry was also measured. In addition, the participants’ opinions regarding patient safety, timeliness, efficiency, and usability were recorded. Results In total, 356/644 (55.3%) of all blood culture samples obtained at the MICUs were examined using the app, including 254/356 (71.3%) with blood collection volumes of 5-7 mL and 256/356 (71.9%) with blood collection from the peripheral veins. The sampling volume differed among the participants. Sampling parameters were completely entered in 354/356 cases (99.4%). All the participants agreed that the app ensured good patient safety, disagreed on its timeliness, and did not believe that it was efficient. Although the bar code scanning speed was acceptable, the Wi-Fi environment required improvement. Moreover, the participants requested feedback regarding their sampling quality. Conclusions Although this app could be used in the clinical setting, improvements in the app functions, environment network, and internal policy of blood culture testing are needed to ensure hospital-wide use. PMID:27784649

Blood Culture Testing via a Mobile App That Uses a Mobile Phone Camera: A Feasibility Study.

PubMed

Lee, Guna; Lee, Yura; Chong, Yong Pil; Jang, Seongsoo; Kim, Mi Na; Kim, Jeong Hoon; Kim, Woo Sung; Lee, Jae-Ho

2016-10-26

To evaluate patients with fever of unknown origin or those with suspected bacteremia, the precision of blood culture tests is critical. An inappropriate step in the test process or error in a parameter could lead to a false-positive result, which could then affect the direction of treatment in critical conditions. Mobile health apps can be used to resolve problems with blood culture tests, and such apps can hence ensure that point-of-care guidelines are followed and processes are monitored for blood culture tests. In this pilot project, we aimed to investigate the feasibility of using a mobile blood culture app to manage blood culture test quality. We implemented the app at a university hospital in South Korea to assess the potential for its utilization in a clinical environment by reviewing the usage data among a small group of users and by assessing their feedback and the data related to blood culture sampling. We used an iOS-based blood culture app that uses an embedded camera to scan the patient identification and sample number bar codes. A total of 4 medical interns working at 2 medical intensive care units (MICUs) participated in this project, which spanned 3 weeks. App usage and blood culture sampling parameters (including sampler, sampling site, sampling time, and sample volume) were analyzed. The compliance of sampling parameter entry was also measured. In addition, the participants' opinions regarding patient safety, timeliness, efficiency, and usability were recorded. In total, 356/644 (55.3%) of all blood culture samples obtained at the MICUs were examined using the app, including 254/356 (71.3%) with blood collection volumes of 5-7 mL and 256/356 (71.9%) with blood collection from the peripheral veins. The sampling volume differed among the participants. Sampling parameters were completely entered in 354/356 cases (99.4%). All the participants agreed that the app ensured good patient safety, disagreed on its timeliness, and did not believe that it was efficient. Although the bar code scanning speed was acceptable, the Wi-Fi environment required improvement. Moreover, the participants requested feedback regarding their sampling quality. Although this app could be used in the clinical setting, improvements in the app functions, environment network, and internal policy of blood culture testing are needed to ensure hospital-wide use.

The mobile hospital technology industry: focus on the computerized tomography scanner.

PubMed

Hartley, D; Moscovice, I

1996-01-01

This study of firms offering mobile hospital technology to rural hospitals in eight northwestern states found that several permanently parked computerized tomography (CT) units were found where mobile routes had atrophied due to the purchase of fixed units by former mobile CT hospital clients. Based on a criterion of 140 scans per month per unit as a threshold of profitable production, units owned by larger firms (those that operate five or more units) were more likely to be profitable than units owned by smaller firms (71% versus 20%, P = 0.03). A substantial number of rural hospitals lose money on mobile CT due to low Medicare reimbursement. In some areas, mobile hospital technology is a highly competitive industry. Evidence was found that several firms compete in some geographic areas and that some firms have lost hospital clients to competing vendors.

Accuracy assessment of a mobile terrestrial lidar survey at Padre Island National Seashore

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lim, Samsung; Thatcher, Cindy A.; Brock, John C.; Kimbrow, Dustin R.; Danielson, Jeffrey J.; Reynolds, B.J.

2013-01-01

The higher point density and mobility of terrestrial laser scanning (light detection and ranging (lidar)) is desired when extremely detailed elevation data are needed for mapping vertically orientated complex features such as levees, dunes, and cliffs, or when highly accurate data are needed for monitoring geomorphic changes. Mobile terrestrial lidar scanners have the capability for rapid data collection on a larger spatial scale compared with tripod-based terrestrial lidar, but few studies have examined the accuracy of this relatively new mapping technology. For this reason, we conducted a field test at Padre Island National Seashore of a mobile lidar scanner mounted on a sport utility vehicle and integrated with a position and orientation system. The purpose of the study was to assess the vertical and horizontal accuracy of data collected by the mobile terrestrial lidar system, which is georeferenced to the Universal Transverse Mercator coordinate system and the North American Vertical Datum of 1988. To accomplish the study objectives, independent elevation data were collected by conducting a high-accuracy global positioning system survey to establish the coordinates and elevations of 12 targets spaced throughout the 12 km transect. These independent ground control data were compared to the lidar scanner-derived elevations to quantify the accuracy of the mobile lidar system. The performance of the mobile lidar system was also tested at various vehicle speeds and scan density settings (e.g. field of view and linear point spacing) to estimate the optimal parameters for desired point density. After adjustment of the lever arm parameters, the final point cloud accuracy was 0.060 m (east), 0.095 m (north), and 0.053 m (height). The very high density of the resulting point cloud was sufficient to map fine-scale topographic features, such as the complex shape of the sand dunes.

Two-dimensional scanning high-energy particle diagnostic system in Large Helical Device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ozaki, T.; Goncharov, P.; Sudo, S.; Shoji, M.; Kawahata, K.; Kaneko, O.; Murakami, S.

2004-10-01

A high-energy neutral particle measurement is one of the important diagnostics for ion temperature and high-energy particle confinement analysis. The neutral particle analyzer in the large helical device is capable of wide range scanning as a feature. We have obtained various data using the horizontal scan of the analyzer. Recently, in addition to the horizontal scan, a high-speed perpendicular scan became possible which enables acquisition of new information in the poloidal direction. Two stainless blocks are set on the opposite sides of the chain in order to balance the weight (700 kg) of the analyzer and reduce the load for the motor. Therefore a very high scan speed of 1°/s can be obtained. The scanning speed is 1°/s. By adding the vertical scan, the ion temperature profile and the radial variation of the signal loss associated with the resonant loss was obtained in preliminary experimental results.

Biochar provides a safe and value-added solution for hyperaccumulating plant disposal: A case study of Phytolacca acinosa Roxb. (Phytolaccaceae).

PubMed

Wang, Shengsen; Gao, Bin; Li, Yuncong; Ok, Yong Sik; Shen, Chaofeng; Xue, Shengguo

2017-07-01

In this work, an innovative approach using biochar technology for hyperaccumulator disposal was developed and evaluated. The heavy metal enriched P. acinosa biomass (PBM) was pyrolyzed to produce biochar (PBC). Both PBM and PBC were characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD) for crystal phases, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for surface topography, and analyzed for elemental composition and mobility. The results revealed that whewellite, a dominant crystal form in biomass, was decomposed to calcite after pyrolysis. Elemental analysis indicated that 91-99% total non-volatile elements in the biomass were retained in the biochar. The toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) results revealed that 94.6% and 0.15% of total Mn was extracted for biomass and biochar, respectively. This suggests that mobility and bioavailability of Mn in biochar was much lower relative to pristine biomass. Batch sorption experiment showed that excellent removal of aqueous silver, lead, cadmium, and copper ions can be achieved with PBC. Findings from this work indicated that biochar technology can provide a value-added solution for hyperaccumulator disposal. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Shipborne measurements of aerosol number size distribution and hygroscopicity over the North Pacific Ocean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Royalty, T. M.; Phillips, B.; Dawson, K. W.; Reed, R. E.; Meskhidze, N.

2016-12-01

We report aerosol number size distribution and hygroscopicity data collected over the Pacific Ocean near the Hawaii Ocean Timeseries (HOT) Station ALOHA (centered near 22°N, 158°W). From June 25 to July 3, 2016 our hygroscopicity tandem differential mobility analyzer (HTDMA)/scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) system was deployed onboard of NOAA Ship Hi'ialakai that participated in mooring operations associated with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution WHOTS project. The ambient aerosol data was collected during the ship's planned operations. The inlet was located at the bow of the ship and the air samples were drawn (using 3/8 inch stainless steel tubing) inside a dry, air-conditioned lab. The region north of Oahu was very clean, with total particle number approximately 200 cm-3, occasionally dropping below 100 cm-3. We compare our particle number size distribution and hygroscopicity data with previously reported estimates. Our measurements contribute to process-level understanding of the role of sea spray aerosol in marine boundary layer cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) budget and provide crucial information to the community interested in studying and projecting climate change using Earth System Models.

Increased endothelial progenitor cell circulation and VEGF production in a rat model of noise-induced hearing loss.

PubMed

Yang, Dong; Zhou, Huifang; Zhang, Jianning; Liu, Li

2015-06-01

The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-mediated mechanism of endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) mobilization, migration, and differentiation may occur in response to noise-induced acoustic trauma of the cochlea, leading to the protection of cochlear function. The purpose of this study was to analyze changes in the cochlear vessel under an intensive noise environment. Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups. Acoustic trauma was induced by 120 dB SPL white noise for 4 h. Auditory function was evaluated by the auditory brainstem response threshold. Morphological changes of the cochleae, the expression of VEGF, and the circulation of EPCs in the peripheral blood were studied by immunohistochemistry, Western blotting analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and flow cytometry. Vascular recovery of the cochlea began after noise exposure. The change in the number of EPCs was consistent with the expression of VEGF at different time points after noise exposure. We propose that VEGF evokes specific permeable and chemotactic effects on the vascular endothelial cells. These effects can mobilize EPCs into the peripheral blood, leading the EPCs to target damaged sites and to exert a neoangiogenic effect.

In Situ Graphene Growth Dynamics on Polycrystalline Catalyst Foils

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

The dynamics of graphene growth on polycrystalline Pt foils during chemical vapor deposition (CVD) are investigated using in situ scanning electron microscopy and complementary structural characterization of the catalyst with electron backscatter diffraction. A general growth model is outlined that considers precursor dissociation, mass transport, and attachment to the edge of a growing domain. We thereby analyze graphene growth dynamics at different length scales and reveal that the rate-limiting step varies throughout the process and across different regions of the catalyst surface, including different facets of an individual graphene domain. The facets that define the domain shapes lie normal to slow growth directions, which are determined by the interfacial mobility when attachment to domain edges is rate-limiting, as well as anisotropy in surface diffusion as diffusion becomes rate-limiting. Our observations and analysis thus reveal that the structure of CVD graphene films is intimately linked to that of the underlying polycrystalline catalyst, with both interfacial mobility and diffusional anisotropy depending on the presence of step edges and grain boundaries. The growth model developed serves as a general framework for understanding and optimizing the growth of 2D materials on polycrystalline catalysts. PMID:27576749

A plume capture technique for the remote characterization of aircraft engine emissions.

PubMed

Johnson, G R; Mazaheri, M; Ristovski, Z D; Morawska, L

2008-07-01

A technique for capturing and analyzing plumes from unmodified aircraft or other combustion sources under real world conditions is described and applied to the task of characterizing plumes from commercial aircraft during the taxiing phase of the Landing/Take-Off (LTO) cycle. The method utilizes a Plume Capture and Analysis System (PCAS) mounted in a four-wheel drive vehicle which is positioned in the airfield 60 to 180 m downwind of aircraft operations. The approach offers low test turnaround times with the ability to complete careful measurements of particle and gaseous emission factors and sequentially scanned particle size distributions without distortion due to plume concentration fluctuations. These measurements can be performed for individual aircraft movements at five minute intervals. A Plume Capture Device (PCD) collected samples of the naturally diluted plume in a 200 L conductive membrane conforming to a defined shape. Samples from over 60 aircraft movements were collected and analyzed in situ for particulate and gaseous concentrations and for particle size distribution using a Scanning Particle Mobility Sizer (SMPS). Emission factors are derived for particle number, NO(x), and PM2.5 for a widely used commercial aircraft type, Boeing 737 airframes with predominantly CFM56 class engines, during taxiing. The practical advantages of the PCAS include the capacity to perform well targeted and controlled emission factor and size distribution measurements using instrumentation with varying response times within an airport facility, in close proximity to aircraft during their normal operations.

Method for imaging liquid and dielectric materials with scanning polarization force microscopy

DOEpatents

Hu, J.; Ogletree, D.F.; Salmeron, M.; Xiao, X.

1999-03-09

The invention images dielectric polarization forces on surfaces induced by a charged scanning force microscope (SFM) probe tip. On insulators, the major contribution to the surface polarizability at low frequencies is from surface ions. The mobility of these ions depends strongly on the humidity. Using the inventive SFM, liquid films, droplets, and other weakly adsorbed materials have been imaged. 9 figs.

Apparatus for imaging liquid and dielectric materials with scanning polarization force microscopy

DOEpatents

Hu, J.; Ogletree, D.F.; Salmeron, M.; Xiao, X.

1998-04-28

The invention images dielectric polarization forces on surfaces induced by a charged scanning force microscope (SFM) probe tip. On insulators, the major contribution to the surface polarizability at low frequencies is from surface ions. The mobility of these ions depends strongly on the humidity. Using the inventive SFM, liquid films, droplets, and other weakly adsorbed materials have been imaged. 9 figs.

Mobile Laser Scanning Systems for Measuring the Clearance Gauge of Railways: State of Play, Testing and Outlook

PubMed Central

Mikrut, Sławomir; Kohut, Piotr; Pyka, Krystian; Tokarczyk, Regina; Barszcz, Tomasz; Uhl, Tadeusz

2016-01-01

The paper contains a survey of mobile scanning systems for measuring the railway clearance gauge. The research was completed as part of the project carried out for the PKP (PKP Polish Railway Lines S.A., Warsaw, Poland) in 2011–2013. The authors conducted experiments, including a search for the latest solutions relating to mobile measurement systems that meet the basic requirement. At the very least, these solutions needed to be accurate and have the ability for quick retrieval of data. In the paper, specifications and the characteristics of the component devices of the scanning systems are described. Based on experiments, the authors did some examination of the selected mobile systems to be applied for measuring the clearance gauge. The Riegl (VMX-250) and Z+F (Zoller + Fröhlich) Solution were tested. Additional test measurements were carried out within a 30-kilometer section of the Warsaw-Kraków route. These measurements were designed so as to provide various elements of the railway infrastructure, the track geometry and the installed geodetic control network. This ultimately made it possible to reduce the time for the preparation of geodetic reference measurements for the testing of the accuracy of the selected systems. Reference measurements included the use of the polar method to select profiles perpendicular to the axis of the track. In addition, the coordinates selected were well defined as measuring points of the objects of the infrastructure of the clearance gauge. All of the tested systems meet the accuracy requirements initially established (within the range of 2 cm as required by the PKP). The tested systems have shown their advantages and disadvantages. PMID:27187400

The Effects of Compensatory Scanning Training on Mobility in Patients with Homonymous Visual Field Defects: Further Support, Predictive Variables and Follow-Up

PubMed Central

Melis-Dankers, Bart J. M.; Brouwer, Wiebo H.; Tucha, Oliver; Heutink, Joost

2016-01-01

Introduction People with homonymous visual field defects (HVFD) often report difficulty detecting obstacles in the periphery on their blind side in time when moving around. Recently, a randomized controlled trial showed that the InSight-Hemianopia Compensatory Scanning Training (IH-CST) specifically improved detection of peripheral stimuli and avoiding obstacles when moving around, especially in dual task situations. Method The within-group training effects of the previously reported IH-CST are examined in an extended patient group. Performance of patients with HVFD on a pre-assessment, post-assessment and follow-up assessment and performance of a healthy control group are compared. Furthermore, it is examined whether training effects can be predicted by demographic characteristics, variables related to the visual disorder, and neuropsychological test results. Results Performance on both subjective and objective measures of mobility-related scanning was improved after training, while no evidence was found for improvement in visual functions (including visual fields), reading, visual search and dot counting. Self-reported improvement did not correlate with improvement in objective mobility performance. According to the participants, the positive effects were still present six to ten months after training. No demographic characteristics, variables related to the visual disorder, and neuropsychological test results were found to predict the size of training effect, although some inconclusive evidence was found for more improvement in patients with left-sided HVFD than in patients with right-sided HFVD. Conclusion Further support was found for a positive effect of IH-CST on detection of visual stimuli during mobility-related activities specifically. Based on the reports given by patients, these effects appear to be long-term effects. However, no conclusions can be drawn on the objective long-term training effects. PMID:27935973

Combating QR-Code-Based Compromised Accounts in Mobile Social Networks.

PubMed

Guo, Dong; Cao, Jian; Wang, Xiaoqi; Fu, Qiang; Li, Qiang

2016-09-20

Cyber Physical Social Sensing makes mobile social networks (MSNs) popular with users. However, such attacks are rampant as malicious URLs are spread covertly through quick response (QR) codes to control compromised accounts in MSNs to propagate malicious messages. Currently, there are generally two types of methods to identify compromised accounts in MSNs: one type is to analyze the potential threats on wireless access points and the potential threats on handheld devices' operation systems so as to stop compromised accounts from spreading malicious messages; the other type is to apply the method of detecting compromised accounts in online social networks to MSNs. The above types of methods above focus neither on the problems of MSNs themselves nor on the interaction of sensors' messages, which leads to the restrictiveness of platforms and the simplification of methods. In order to stop the spreading of compromised accounts in MSNs effectively, the attacks have to be traced to their sources first. Through sensors, users exchange information in MSNs and acquire information by scanning QR codes. Therefore, analyzing the traces of sensor-related information helps to identify the compromised accounts in MSNs. This paper analyzes the diversity of information sending modes of compromised accounts and normal accounts, analyzes the regularity of GPS (Global Positioning System)-based location information, and introduces the concepts of entropy and conditional entropy so as to construct an entropy-based model based on machine learning strategies. To achieve the goal, about 500,000 accounts of Sina Weibo and about 100 million corresponding messages are collected. Through the validation, the accuracy rate of the model is proved to be as high as 87.6%, and the false positive rate is only 3.7%. Meanwhile, the comparative experiments of the feature sets prove that sensor-based location information can be applied to detect the compromised accounts in MSNs.

Combating QR-Code-Based Compromised Accounts in Mobile Social Networks

PubMed Central

Guo, Dong; Cao, Jian; Wang, Xiaoqi; Fu, Qiang; Li, Qiang

2016-01-01

Cyber Physical Social Sensing makes mobile social networks (MSNs) popular with users. However, such attacks are rampant as malicious URLs are spread covertly through quick response (QR) codes to control compromised accounts in MSNs to propagate malicious messages. Currently, there are generally two types of methods to identify compromised accounts in MSNs: one type is to analyze the potential threats on wireless access points and the potential threats on handheld devices’ operation systems so as to stop compromised accounts from spreading malicious messages; the other type is to apply the method of detecting compromised accounts in online social networks to MSNs. The above types of methods above focus neither on the problems of MSNs themselves nor on the interaction of sensors’ messages, which leads to the restrictiveness of platforms and the simplification of methods. In order to stop the spreading of compromised accounts in MSNs effectively, the attacks have to be traced to their sources first. Through sensors, users exchange information in MSNs and acquire information by scanning QR codes. Therefore, analyzing the traces of sensor-related information helps to identify the compromised accounts in MSNs. This paper analyzes the diversity of information sending modes of compromised accounts and normal accounts, analyzes the regularity of GPS (Global Positioning System)-based location information, and introduces the concepts of entropy and conditional entropy so as to construct an entropy-based model based on machine learning strategies. To achieve the goal, about 500,000 accounts of Sina Weibo and about 100 million corresponding messages are collected. Through the validation, the accuracy rate of the model is proved to be as high as 87.6%, and the false positive rate is only 3.7%. Meanwhile, the comparative experiments of the feature sets prove that sensor-based location information can be applied to detect the compromised accounts in MSNs. PMID:27657071

Capturing and analyzing wheelchair maneuvering patterns with mobile cloud computing.

PubMed

Fu, Jicheng; Hao, Wei; White, Travis; Yan, Yuqing; Jones, Maria; Jan, Yih-Kuen

2013-01-01

Power wheelchairs have been widely used to provide independent mobility to people with disabilities. Despite great advancements in power wheelchair technology, research shows that wheelchair related accidents occur frequently. To ensure safe maneuverability, capturing wheelchair maneuvering patterns is fundamental to enable other research, such as safe robotic assistance for wheelchair users. In this study, we propose to record, store, and analyze wheelchair maneuvering data by means of mobile cloud computing. Specifically, the accelerometer and gyroscope sensors in smart phones are used to record wheelchair maneuvering data in real-time. Then, the recorded data are periodically transmitted to the cloud for storage and analysis. The analyzed results are then made available to various types of users, such as mobile phone users, traditional desktop users, etc. The combination of mobile computing and cloud computing leverages the advantages of both techniques and extends the smart phone's capabilities of computing and data storage via the Internet. We performed a case study to implement the mobile cloud computing framework using Android smart phones and Google App Engine, a popular cloud computing platform. Experimental results demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed mobile cloud computing framework.

Geometric validation of a mobile laser scanning system for urban applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guan, Haiyan; Li, Jonathan; Yu, Yongtao; Liu, Yan

2016-03-01

Mobile laser scanning (MLS) technologies have been actively studied and implemented over the past decade, as their application fields are rapidly expanding and extending beyond conventional topographic mapping. Trimble's MX-8, as one of the MLS systems in the current market, generates rich survey-grade laser and image data for urban surveying. The objective of this study is to evaluate whether Trimble MX-8 MLS data satisfies the accuracy requirements of urban surveying. According to the formula of geo-referencing, accuracies of navigation solution and laser scanner determines the accuracy of the collected LiDAR point clouds. Two test sites were selected to test the performance of Trimble MX-8. Those extensive tests confirm that Trimble MX-8 offers a very promising tool to survey complex urban areas.

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

Sato, Chikara, E-mail: ti-sato@aist.go.jp; Manaka, Sachie; Nakane, Daisuke

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Mycoplasma mobile was observed in buffer with the Atmospheric Scanning Electron Microscope. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Characteristic protein localizations were visualized using immuno-labeling. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer M. mobile attached to sialic acid on the SiN film surface within minutes. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Cells were observed at low concentrations. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer ASEM should promote study and early-stage diagnosis of mycoplasma. -- Abstract: Mycoplasma is a genus of bacterial pathogen that causes disease in vertebrates. In humans, the species Mycoplasma pneumoniae causes 15% or more of community-acquired pneumonia. Because this bacterium is tiny, corresponding in size to a large virus, diagnosis using optical microscopy is not easy. Inmore » current methods, chest X-rays are usually the first action, followed by serology, PCR amplification, and/or culture, but all of these are particularly difficult at an early stage of the disease. Using Mycoplasma mobile as a model species, we directly observed mycoplasma in buffer with the newly developed Atmospheric Scanning Electron Microscope (ASEM). This microscope features an open sample dish with a pressure-resistant thin film window in its base, through which the SEM beam scans samples in solution, from below. Because of its 2-3 {mu}m-deep scanning capability, it can observe the whole internal structure of mycoplasma cells stained with metal solutions. Characteristic protein localizations were visualized using immuno-labeling. Cells were observed at low concentrations, because suspended cells concentrate in the observable zone by attaching to sialic acid on the silicon nitride (SiN) film surface within minutes. These results suggest the applicability of the ASEM for the study of mycoplasmas as well as for early-stage mycoplasma infection diagnosis.« less

Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging: theory, instrumentation and applications.

PubMed

Senarathna, Janaka; Rege, Abhishek; Li, Nan; Thakor, Nitish V

2013-01-01

Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging (LSCI) is a wide field of view, non scanning optical technique for observing blood flow. Speckles are produced when coherent light scattered back from biological tissue is diffracted through the limiting aperture of focusing optics. Mobile scatterers cause the speckle pattern to blur; a model can be constructed by inversely relating the degree of blur, termed speckle contrast to the scatterer speed. In tissue, red blood cells are the main source of moving scatterers. Therefore, blood flow acts as a virtual contrast agent, outlining blood vessels. The spatial resolution (~10 μm) and temporal resolution (10 ms to 10 s) of LSCI can be tailored to the application. Restricted by the penetration depth of light, LSCI can only visualize superficial blood flow. Additionally, due to its non scanning nature, LSCI is unable to provide depth resolved images. The simple setup and non-dependence on exogenous contrast agents have made LSCI a popular tool for studying vascular structure and blood flow dynamics. We discuss the theory and practice of LSCI and critically analyze its merit in major areas of application such as retinal imaging, imaging of skin perfusion as well as imaging of neurophysiology.

An automated inner dimensional measurement system based on a laser displacement sensor for long-stepped pipes.

PubMed

Zhang, Fumin; Qu, Xinghua; Ouyang, Jianfei

2012-01-01

A novel measurement prototype based on a mobile vehicle that carries a laser scanning sensor is proposed. The prototype is intended for the automated measurement of the interior 3D geometry of large-diameter long-stepped pipes. The laser displacement sensor, which has a small measurement range, is mounted on an extended arm of known length. It is scanned to improve the measurement accuracy for large-sized pipes. A fixing mechanism based on two sections is designed to ensure that the stepped pipe is concentric with the axis of rotation of the system. Data are acquired in a cylindrical coordinate system and fitted in a circle to determine diameter. Systematic errors covering arm length, tilt, and offset errors are analyzed and calibrated. The proposed system is applied to sample parts and the results are discussed to verify its effectiveness. This technique measures a diameter of 600 mm with an uncertainty of 0.02 mm at a 95% confidence probability. A repeatability test is performed to examine precision, which is 1.1 μm. A laser tracker is used to verify the measurement accuracy of the system, which is evaluated as 9 μm within a diameter of 600 mm.

Towards a Low-Cost Real-Time Photogrammetric Landslide Monitoring System Utilising Mobile and Cloud Computing Technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chidburee, P.; Mills, J. P.; Miller, P. E.; Fieber, K. D.

2016-06-01

Close-range photogrammetric techniques offer a potentially low-cost approach in terms of implementation and operation for initial assessment and monitoring of landslide processes over small areas. In particular, the Structure-from-Motion (SfM) pipeline is now extensively used to help overcome many constraints of traditional digital photogrammetry, offering increased user-friendliness to nonexperts, as well as lower costs. However, a landslide monitoring approach based on the SfM technique also presents some potential drawbacks due to the difficulty in managing and processing a large volume of data in real-time. This research addresses the aforementioned issues by attempting to combine a mobile device with cloud computing technology to develop a photogrammetric measurement solution as part of a monitoring system for landslide hazard analysis. The research presented here focusses on (i) the development of an Android mobile application; (ii) the implementation of SfM-based open-source software in the Amazon cloud computing web service, and (iii) performance assessment through a simulated environment using data collected at a recognized landslide test site in North Yorkshire, UK. Whilst the landslide monitoring mobile application is under development, this paper describes experiments carried out to ensure effective performance of the system in the future. Investigations presented here describe the initial assessment of a cloud-implemented approach, which is developed around the well-known VisualSFM algorithm. Results are compared to point clouds obtained from alternative SfM 3D reconstruction approaches considering a commercial software solution (Agisoft PhotoScan) and a web-based system (Autodesk 123D Catch). Investigations demonstrate that the cloud-based photogrammetric measurement system is capable of providing results of centimeter-level accuracy, evidencing its potential to provide an effective approach for quantifying and analyzing landslide hazard at a local-scale.

Electronic, optical and photocatalytic behavior of Mn, N doped and co-doped TiO{sub 2}: Experiment and simulation

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

Zhao, Ya Fei; Li, Can, E-mail: canli1983@gmail.com; Lu, Song

2016-03-15

The crystal phase structure, surface morphology, chemical states and optical properties of Mn, N mono-doped and co-doped TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles were investigated by X-ray powder diffractometry, Raman spectra, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Meanwhile, geometry structures, formation energies, electronic and optical properties of all systems have been also analyzed by density functional theory. The results showed that the band gap values and the carrier mobility in the valence band, conduction band and impurity levels have a synergetic influence on the visible-light absorption and photocatalytic activity of the doped TiO{sub 2}. The number and themore » carrier mobility of impurity level jointly influence the photocatalytic activity of catalyst under visible-light. Especially, the photocatalytic activity of Mn-2N co-doped TiO{sub 2} beyond three-fold than that of pure TiO{sub 2} under visible-light. - Graphical abstract: The ILs formed by N-2p orbital in N single doped specimen lie above the VB, while the ILs formed by Mn-3d orbital in Mn single doped specimen appear below the CB. However, a large amount of ILs formed by N-2p orbital and Mn-3d orbital in N and Mn codoped specimens. The band gap values and the carrier mobility in the valence band, conduction band and impurity levels have a synergetic influence on the visible-light absorption and photocatalytic activity of the doped TiO{sub 2}. The number and the carrier mobility of impurity level jointly influence the photocatalytic activity of catalyst under visible-light.« less

Conceptual development of a transportable/deployable x-ray inspection system for cars and vans

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Swift, Roderick D.

1997-02-01

The technology of transmission and backscatter imaging by flying-spot x-ray beams was extended to 450 kV beam energies with the installation of a prototype CargoSearchTM system at Otay Mesa, California in the summer of 1994. CargoSearchTM is a fixed-site system designed for the inspection of large over-the-road vehicles at border crossings. A self-contained, mobile implementation of the same technology has also been developed to scan objects ranging in size from a small car up to a full-scale tractor- trailer rig. MobileSearchTM is able to be moved over ordinary roadways to its intended operating site and set up easily by two or three people, but is currently limited to backscatter imaging only. It also lacks the ability to effectively image the vehicle's undercarriage, which is important for the detection of contraband concealed in the vehicle itself rather than its cargo. There is a need for a transportable, deployable scanning system that combines the self-contained mobility of MobileSearchTM and the combined transmission and backscatter imaging characteristics of CargoSearchTM, including its good geometry for backscatter imaging of the undercarriage of inspected vehicles. Concepts for two approaches that meet these needs are presented.

Defect-mediated transport and electronic irradiation effect in individual domains of CVD-grown monolayer MoS 2

DOE PAGES

Durand, Corentin; Zhang, Xiaoguang; Fowlkes, Jason; ...

2015-01-16

We study the electrical transport properties of atomically thin individual crystalline grains of MoS 2 with four-probe scanning tunneling microscopy. The monolayer MoS 2 domains are synthesized by chemical vapor deposition on SiO 2/Si substrate. Temperature dependent measurements on conductance and mobility show that transport is dominated by an electron charge trapping and thermal release process with very low carrier density and mobility. The effects of electronic irradiation are examined by exposing the film to electron beam in the scanning electron microscope in an ultrahigh vacuum environment. The irradiation process is found to significantly affect the mobility and the carriermore » density of the material, with the conductance showing a peculiar time-dependent relaxation behavior. It is suggested that the presence of defects in active MoS 2 layer and dielectric layer create charge trapping sites, and a multiple trapping and thermal release process dictates the transport and mobility characteristics. The electron beam irradiation promotes the formation of defects and impact the electrical properties of MoS 2. Finally, our study reveals the important roles of defects and the electron beam irradiation effects in the electronic properties of atomic layers of MoS 2.« less

Identification of Mobile Phone and Analysis of Original Version of Videos through a Delay Time Analysis of Sound Signals from Mobile Phone Videos.

PubMed

Hwang, Min Gu; Har, Dong Hwan

2017-11-01

This study designs a method of identifying the camera model used to take videos that are distributed through mobile phones and determines the original version of the mobile phone video for use as legal evidence. For this analysis, an experiment was conducted to find the unique characteristics of each mobile phone. The videos recorded by mobile phones were analyzed to establish the delay time of sound signals, and the differences between the delay times of sound signals for different mobile phones were traced by classifying their characteristics. Furthermore, the sound input signals for mobile phone videos used as legal evidence were analyzed to ascertain whether they have the unique characteristics of the original version. The objective of this study was to find a method for validating the use of mobile phone videos as legal evidence using mobile phones through differences in the delay times of sound input signals. © 2017 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

Mass spectrometric analysis and aerodynamic properties of various types of combustion-related aerosol particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schneider, J.; Weimer, S.; Drewnick, F.; Borrmann, S.; Helas, G.; Gwaze, P.; Schmid, O.; Andreae, M. O.; Kirchner, U.

2006-12-01

Various types of combustion-related particles in the size range between 100 and 850 nm were analyzed with an aerosol mass spectrometer and a differential mobility analyzer. The measurements were performed with particles originating from biomass burning, diesel engine exhaust, laboratory combustion of diesel fuel and gasoline, as well as from spark soot generation. Physical and morphological parameters like fractal dimension, effective density, bulk density and dynamic shape factor were derived or at least approximated from the measurements of electrical mobility diameter and vacuum aerodynamic diameter. The relative intensities of the mass peaks in the mass spectra obtained from particles generated by a commercial diesel passenger car, by diesel combustion in a laboratory burner, and by evaporating and re-condensing lubrication oil were found to be very similar. The mass spectra from biomass burning particles show signatures identified as organic compounds like levoglucosan but also others which are yet unidentified. The aerodynamic behavior yielded a fractal dimension (Df) of 2.09 +/- 0.06 for biomass burning particles from the combustion of dry beech sticks, but showed values around three, and hence more compact particle morphologies, for particles from combustion of more natural oak. Scanning electron microscope images confirmed the finding that the beech combustion particles were fractal-like aggregates, while the oak combustion particles displayed a much more compact shape. For particles from laboratory combusted diesel fuel, a Df value of 2.35 was found, for spark soot particles, Df [approximate] 2.10. The aerodynamic properties of fractal-like particles from dry beech wood combustion indicate an aerodynamic shape factor [chi] that increases with electrical mobility diameter, and a bulk density of 1.92 g cm-3. An upper limit of [chi] [approximate] 1.2 was inferred for the shape factor of the more compact particles from oak combustion.

Compact touchless fingerprint reader based on digital variable-focus liquid lens

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsai, C. W.; Wang, P. J.; Yeh, J. A.

2014-09-01

Identity certification in the cyberworld has always been troublesome if critical information and financial transaction must be processed. Biometric identification is the most effective measure to circumvent the identity issues in mobile devices. Due to bulky and pricy optical design, conventional optical fingerprint readers have been discarded for mobile applications. In this paper, a digital variable-focus liquid lens was adopted for capture of a floating finger via fast focusplane scanning. Only putting a finger in front of a camera could fulfill the fingerprint ID process. This prototyped fingerprint reader scans multiple focal planes from 30 mm to 15 mm in 0.2 second. Through multiple images at various focuses, one of the images is chosen for extraction of fingerprint minutiae used for identity certification. In the optical design, a digital liquid lens atop a webcam with a fixed-focus lens module is to fast-scan a floating finger at preset focus planes. The distance, rolling angle and pitching angle of the finger are stored for crucial parameters during the match process of fingerprint minutiae. This innovative compact touchless fingerprint reader could be packed into a minute size of 9.8*9.8*5 (mm) after the optical design and multiple focus-plane scan function are optimized.

Sociotechnical analysis of nurses' use of personal mobile phones at work.

PubMed

Bautista, John Robert; Lin, Trisha T C

2016-11-01

Nurses' use of personal mobiles phones at work is a growing trend in healthcare organizations. Although recent studies have explored the positive and negative implications of nurses using personal mobile phones at work, none has yet analyzed the interactions of sociotechnical components (users, technology and policy) on nurses' use of personal mobile phones at work. Identify sociotechnical interactions by analyzing each sociotechnical component (users, technology and policy) that affects nurses' use of personal mobile phones at work. In-depth interviews were conducted with 30 nurses employed in 13 hospitals in the Philippines. The respondents include staff nurses (n=23), charge nurses (n=4), and nurse managers (n=3). Staff nurses were asked on their use of personal mobile phones at work, while charge and nurse managers were asked on their observations regarding staff nurses' use of personal mobile phones at work. Responses were analyzed qualitatively using sociotechnical analysis. Sociotechnical analysis indicated that staff nurses used their personal mobile phones at work in various ways because its use helped in their nursing work, but inevitably altered a few of their routines. Although most hospitals had policies that prohibit the use of mobile phones, staff nurses justified their use of personal mobile phones by using it for work purposes and for the benefit of their patients. Staff nurses highlighted the absence of hospital-provided mobile phones as a key reason for using personal mobile phones at work. Charge nurses and nurse managers also influenced staff nurses' use of personal mobile phones at work. Nurses could use their personal mobile phones at work for work purposes to enhance their clinical performance and improve patient care. Hospital administrators can leverage on nurses' use of personal mobile phones at work by formulating policies that consider both the benefits and potential drawbacks of mobile phone usage. Recommendations are made for the formulation of hospital policies to optimize the use of personal mobile phones of nurses at work. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Consideration of Mobile Medical Device Regulation].

PubMed

Peng, Liang; Yang, Pengfei; He, Weigang

2015-07-01

The regulation of mobile medical devices is one of the hot topics in the industry now. The definition, regulation scope and requirements, potential risks of mobile medical devices were analyzed and discussed based on mobile computing techniques and the FDA guidance of mobile medical applications. The regulation work of mobile medical devices in China needs to adopt the risk-based method.

Mobility particle size spectrometers: harmonization of technical standards and data structure to facilitate high quality long-term observations of atmospheric particle number size distributions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wiedensohler, A.; Birmili, W.; Nowak, A.; Sonntag, A.; Weinhold, K.; Merkel, M.; Wehner, B.; Tuch, T.; Pfeifer, S.; Fiebig, M.; Fjäraa, A. M.; Asmi, E.; Sellegri, K.; Depuy, R.; Venzac, H.; Villani, P.; Laj, P.; Aalto, P.; Ogren, J. A.; Swietlicki, E.; Williams, P.; Roldin, P.; Quincey, P.; Hüglin, C.; Fierz-Schmidhauser, R.; Gysel, M.; Weingartner, E.; Riccobono, F.; Santos, S.; Grüning, C.; Faloon, K.; Beddows, D.; Harrison, R.; Monahan, C.; Jennings, S. G.; O'Dowd, C. D.; Marinoni, A.; Horn, H.-G.; Keck, L.; Jiang, J.; Scheckman, J.; McMurry, P. H.; Deng, Z.; Zhao, C. S.; Moerman, M.; Henzing, B.; de Leeuw, G.; Löschau, G.; Bastian, S.

2012-03-01

Mobility particle size spectrometers often referred to as DMPS (Differential Mobility Particle Sizers) or SMPS (Scanning Mobility Particle Sizers) have found a wide range of applications in atmospheric aerosol research. However, comparability of measurements conducted world-wide is hampered by lack of generally accepted technical standards and guidelines with respect to the instrumental set-up, measurement mode, data evaluation as well as quality control. Technical standards were developed for a minimum requirement of mobility size spectrometry to perform long-term atmospheric aerosol measurements. Technical recommendations include continuous monitoring of flow rates, temperature, pressure, and relative humidity for the sheath and sample air in the differential mobility analyzer. We compared commercial and custom-made inversion routines to calculate the particle number size distributions from the measured electrical mobility distribution. All inversion routines are comparable within few per cent uncertainty for a given set of raw data. Furthermore, this work summarizes the results from several instrument intercomparison workshops conducted within the European infrastructure project EUSAAR (European Supersites for Atmospheric Aerosol Research) and ACTRIS (Aerosols, Clouds, and Trace gases Research InfraStructure Network) to determine present uncertainties especially of custom-built mobility particle size spectrometers. Under controlled laboratory conditions, the particle number size distributions from 20 to 200 nm determined by mobility particle size spectrometers of different design are within an uncertainty range of around ±10% after correcting internal particle losses, while below and above this size range the discrepancies increased. For particles larger than 200 nm, the uncertainty range increased to 30%, which could not be explained. The network reference mobility spectrometers with identical design agreed within ±4% in the peak particle number concentration when all settings were done carefully. The consistency of these reference instruments to the total particle number concentration was demonstrated to be less than 5%. Additionally, a new data structure for particle number size distributions was introduced to store and disseminate the data at EMEP (European Monitoring and Evaluation Program). This structure contains three levels: raw data, processed data, and final particle size distributions. Importantly, we recommend reporting raw measurements including all relevant instrument parameters as well as a complete documentation on all data transformation and correction steps. These technical and data structure standards aim to enhance the quality of long-term size distribution measurements, their comparability between different networks and sites, and their transparency and traceability back to raw data.

High-resolution mobile optical 3D scanner with color mapping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramm, Roland; Bräuer-Burchardt, Christian; Kühmstedt, Peter; Notni, Gunther

2017-07-01

A high-resolution mobile handheld scanning device suitable for 3D data acquisition and analysis for forensic investigations, rapid prototyping, design, quality management, and archaeology with a measurement volume of approximately 325 mm x 200 mm x 100mm and a lateral object resolution of 170 µm developed at our institute is introduced. The scanners weight is 4.4 kg with an optional color DLSR camera. The PC for measurement control and point calculation is included inside the housing. Power supply is realized by rechargeable batteries. Possible operation time is between 30 and 60 minutes. The object distance is between 400 and 500 mm, and the scan time for one 3D shot may vary between 0.1 and 0.5 seconds. The complete 3D result is obtained a few seconds after starting the scan. For higher quality 3D and color images the scanner is attachable to tripod use. Measurement objects larger than the measurement volume must be acquired partly. The different resulting datasets are merged using a suitable software module. The scanner has been successfully used in various applications.

Student Mobility in Portugal: Grappling with Adversity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sin, Cristina; Tavares, Orlanda; Neave, Guy

2017-01-01

The article examines how far the key Bologna objective of student mobility has been achieved in Portuguese higher education institutions and the main factors shaping it. It analyzes credit mobility, outgoing and incoming, between Portugal and Europe. Although mobility overall has risen, incoming mobility has grown faster, making Portugal an…

A Microfluidics-HPLC/Differential Mobility Spectrometer Macromolecular Detection System for Human and Robotic Missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Coy, S. L.; Killeen, K.; Han, J.; Eiceman, G. A.; Kanik, I.; Kidd, R. D.

2011-01-01

Our goal is to develop a unique, miniaturized, solute analyzer based on microfluidics technology. The analyzer consists of an integrated microfluidics High Performance Liquid Chromatographic chip / Differential Mobility Spectrometer (?HPLCchip/ DMS) detection system

Microelectrode Geochemical Observatory for In Situ Monitoring of Metals Concentration and Mobility in Contaminated Sediments

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-09-01

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: 17. LIMITATION OF ABSTRACT 18. NUMBER OF PAGES 19a. NAME OF RESPONSIBLE PERSON a. REPORT b. ABSTRACT c . THIS PAGE 19b. TELEPHONE...Report Microelectrode Geochemcial Observatory for In Situ Monitoring of Metals Concentration and Mobility in Contaminated Sediments N62583-11- C -0524...Representative Poor Electrochemical Scans APPENDIX B: Standard Solution Test Data APPENDIX C : Bremerton Porewater Test Data APPENDIX D: Porewater

Sensor-Topology Based Simplicial Complex Reconstruction from Mobile Laser Scanning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guinard, S.; Vallet, B.

2018-05-01

We propose a new method for the reconstruction of simplicial complexes (combining points, edges and triangles) from 3D point clouds from Mobile Laser Scanning (MLS). Our main goal is to produce a reconstruction of a scene that is adapted to the local geometry of objects. Our method uses the inherent topology of the MLS sensor to define a spatial adjacency relationship between points. We then investigate each possible connexion between adjacent points and filter them by searching collinear structures in the scene, or structures perpendicular to the laser beams. Next, we create triangles for each triplet of self-connected edges. Last, we improve this method with a regularization based on the co-planarity of triangles and collinearity of remaining edges. We compare our results to a naive simplicial complexes reconstruction based on edge length.

Effect of molecular asymmetry on the charge transport physics of high mobility n-type molecular semiconductors investigated by scanning Kelvin probe microscopy.

PubMed

Hu, Yuanyuan; Berdunov, Nikolai; Di, Chong-an; Nandhakumar, Iris; Zhang, Fengjiao; Gao, Xike; Zhu, Daoben; Sirringhaus, Henning

2014-07-22

We have investigated the influence of the symmetry of the side chain substituents in high-mobility, solution processable n-type molecular semiconductors on the performance of organic field-effect transistors (OFETs). We compare two molecules with the same conjugated core, but either symmetric or asymmetric side chain substituents, and investigate the transport properties and thin film growth mode using scanning Kelvin probe microscopy (SKPM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). We find that asymmetric side chains can induce a favorable two-dimensional growth mode with a bilayer structure, which enables ultrathin films with a single bilayer to exhibit excellent transport properties, while the symmetric molecules adopt an unfavorable three-dimensional growth mode in which transport in the first monolayer at the interface is severely hindered by high-resistance grain boundaries.

Stability-indicating methods for the determination of racecadotril in the presence of its degradation products.

PubMed

Mohamed, Afaf O; Fouad, Manal M; Hasan, Mona M; Abdel Razeq, Sawsan A; Elsherif, Zeinab A

2009-12-01

Three stability-indicating methods were developed for the determination of racecadotril (RCT) in the presence of its alkaline degradation products. The first was an HPLC method in which efficient chromatographic separation was achieved on a C18 analytical column and a mobile phase of acetonitrile-methanol-water-acetic acid (52:28:20:0.1, v/v/v/v). Linearity was obtained in the range of 4-40 microg/mL with mean accuracy of 99.5 +/- 0.88%. The second method was a densitometric evaluation of thin-layer chromatograms of the drug using a mobile phase of isopropanol-ammonia (33%)-n-hexane (9:0.5:20, v/v/v). The chromatograms were scanned at 232 nm, a wavelength at which RCT can be readily separated from its degradation products and determined in the range of 2-20 microg per spot with mean accuracy of 99.5 +/- 0.56%. The third method is based on the use of first-derivative spectrophotometry (D1) at 240 nm, and the drug was determined in the range of 5-40 microg/mL with mean accuracy of 99.2 +/- 1.02%. The three methods provided satisfactory recovery of the intact drug (100.8 +/- 0.82, 100.4 +/- 0.55, and 99.9 +/- 0.72%, respectively) in the presence of up to 90% of its degradation products. Determination was also successful when analyzing RCT in a formulation in the form of acetorphan packets. Results were statistically analyzed and found to be in accordance with those given by a reported method.

Design of a Microlecture Mobile Learning System Based on Smartphone and Web Platforms

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wen, Chuanxue; Zhang, Junfei

2015-01-01

This paper first analyzes the concept and features of microlecture, mobile learning, and ubiquitous learning, then presents the combination of microlecture and mobile learning, to propose a novel way of micro-learning through mobile terminals. Details are presented of a microlecture mobile learning system (MMLS) that can support multiplatforms,…

Uncovering stable and occasional human mobility patterns: A case study of the Beijing subway

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yong, Nuo; Ni, Shunjiang; Shen, Shifei; Chen, Peng; Ji, Xuewei

2018-02-01

There have generally been two kinds of approaches to the empirical study of human mobility. At the group level, some valuable information might be submerged in statistical noise, while due to the diversity of individual purpose and preference, there is still no general statistical regularity of human mobility at the individual level. In this paper, we considered group-level human mobility as the combination of several basic patterns and analyzed the collective mobility by category. Utilizing matrix factorization and correlation analysis, we extracted some of the stable/occasional components from the collective human mobility in the Beijing subway and found that the departure and arrival mobility patterns have different characteristics, both in time and space, under various conditions. We classified individual records into different patterns and analyzed the most likely trip distance by category. The proposed method can decompose stable/occasional mobility patterns from the collective mobility and identify passengers belonging to different patterns, helping us to better understand the origin of different mobility patterns and provide guidance for emergency management of large crowds.

Geophysical monitoring of solute transport in dual-domain environments through laboratory experiments, field-scale solute tracer tests, and numerical simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Swanson, Ryan David

The advection-dispersion equation (ADE) fails to describe non-Fickian solute transport breakthrough curves (BTCs) in saturated porous media in both laboratory and field experiments, necessitating the use of other models. The dual-domain mass transfer (DDMT) model partitions the total porosity into mobile and less-mobile domains with an exchange of mass between the two domains, and this model can reproduce better fits to BTCs in many systems than ADE-based models. However, direct experimental estimation of DDMT model parameters remains elusive and model parameters are often calculated a posteriori by an optimization procedure. Here, we investigate the use of geophysical tools (direct-current resistivity, nuclear magnetic resonance, and complex conductivity) to estimate these model parameters directly. We use two different samples of the zeolite clinoptilolite, a material shown to demonstrate solute mass transfer due to a significant internal porosity, and provide the first evidence that direct-current electrical methods can track solute movement into and out of a less-mobile pore space in controlled laboratory experiments. We quantify the effects of assuming single-rate DDMT for multirate mass transfer systems. We analyze pore structures using material characterization methods (mercury porosimetry, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray computer tomography), and compare these observations to geophysical measurements. Nuclear magnetic resonance in conjunction with direct-current resistivity measurements can constrain mobile and less-mobile porosities, but complex conductivity may have little value in relation to mass transfer despite the hypothesis that mass transfer and complex conductivity lengths scales are related. Finally, we conduct a geoelectrical monitored tracer test at the Macrodispersion Experiment (MADE) site in Columbus, MS. We relate hydraulic and electrical conductivity measurements to generate a 3D hydraulic conductivity field, and compare to hydraulic conductivity fields estimated through ordinary kriging and sequential Gaussian simulation. Time-lapse electrical measurements are used to verify or dismiss aspects of breakthrough curves for different hydraulic conductivity fields. Our results quantify the potential for geophysical measurements to infer on single-rate DDMT parameters, show site-specific relations between hydraulic and electrical conductivity, and track solute exchange into and out of less-mobile domains.

Symptoms and Cognitive Functions in Adolescents in Relation to Mobile Phone Use during Night

PubMed Central

Schoeni, Anna; Roser, Katharina; Röösli, Martin

2015-01-01

Many adolescents tend to leave their mobile phones turned on during night, accepting that they may be awakened by an incoming text message or call. Using self-reported and objective operator recorded mobile phone use data, we thus aimed to analyze how being awakened during night by mobile phone affects adolescents’ perceived health and cognitive functions. In this cross-sectional study, 439 adolescents completed questionnaires about their mobile phone use during night, health related quality of life and possible confounding factors. Standardized computerized cognitive tests were performed to assess memory and concentration capacity. Objective operator recorded mobile phone use data was further collected for 233 study participants. Data were analyzed by multivariable regression models adjusted for relevant confounders including amount of mobile phone use. For adolescents reporting to be awakened by a mobile phone during night at least once a month the odds ratio for daytime tiredness and rapid exhaustibility were 1.86 (95% CI: 1.02–3.39) and 2.28 (95% CI: 0.97–5.34), respectively. Similar results were found when analyzing objective operator recorded mobile phone use data (tiredness: 1.63, 95% CI: 0.94–2.82 and rapid exhaustibility: 2.32, 95% CI: 1.01–5.36). The cognitive tests on memory and concentration capacity were not related to mobile phone use during night. Overall, being awakened during night by mobile phone was associated with an increase in health symptom reports such as tiredness, rapid exhaustibility, headache and physical ill-being, but not with memory and concentration capacity. Prevention strategies should focus on helping adolescents set limits for their accessibility by mobile phone, especially during night. PMID:26222312

Symptoms and Cognitive Functions in Adolescents in Relation to Mobile Phone Use during Night.

PubMed

Schoeni, Anna; Roser, Katharina; Röösli, Martin

2015-01-01

Many adolescents tend to leave their mobile phones turned on during night, accepting that they may be awakened by an incoming text message or call. Using self-reported and objective operator recorded mobile phone use data, we thus aimed to analyze how being awakened during night by mobile phone affects adolescents' perceived health and cognitive functions. In this cross-sectional study, 439 adolescents completed questionnaires about their mobile phone use during night, health related quality of life and possible confounding factors. Standardized computerized cognitive tests were performed to assess memory and concentration capacity. Objective operator recorded mobile phone use data was further collected for 233 study participants. Data were analyzed by multivariable regression models adjusted for relevant confounders including amount of mobile phone use. For adolescents reporting to be awakened by a mobile phone during night at least once a month the odds ratio for daytime tiredness and rapid exhaustibility were 1.86 (95% CI: 1.02-3.39) and 2.28 (95% CI: 0.97-5.34), respectively. Similar results were found when analyzing objective operator recorded mobile phone use data (tiredness: 1.63, 95% CI: 0.94-2.82 and rapid exhaustibility: 2.32, 95% CI: 1.01-5.36). The cognitive tests on memory and concentration capacity were not related to mobile phone use during night. Overall, being awakened during night by mobile phone was associated with an increase in health symptom reports such as tiredness, rapid exhaustibility, headache and physical ill-being, but not with memory and concentration capacity. Prevention strategies should focus on helping adolescents set limits for their accessibility by mobile phone, especially during night.

Non-urban mobile radio market demand forecast

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Castruccio, P. A.; Cooper, J.

1982-01-01

A national nonmetropolitan land mobile traffic model for 1990-2000 addresses user classes, density classes, traffic mix statistics, distance distribution, geographic distribution, price elasticity, and service quality elasticity. Traffic demands for business, special industrial, and police were determined on the basis of surveys in 73 randomly selected nonurban counties. The selected services represent 69% of total demand. The results were extrapolated to all services in the non-SMSA areas of the contiguous United States. Radiotelephone services were considered separately. Total non-SMSA mobile radio demand (one way) estimates are given. General functional requirements include: hand portability, privacy, reduction of blind spots, two way data transmission, position location, slow scan imagery.

Scanning electron microscopy combined with image processing technique: Analysis of microstructure, texture and tenderness in Semitendinous and Gluteus Medius bovine muscles.

PubMed

Pieniazek, Facundo; Messina, Valeria

2016-11-01

In this study the effect of freeze drying on the microstructure, texture, and tenderness of Semitendinous and Gluteus Medius bovine muscles were analyzed applying Scanning Electron Microscopy combined with image analysis. Samples were analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy at different magnifications (250, 500, and 1,000×). Texture parameters were analyzed by Texture analyzer and by image analysis. Tenderness by Warner-Bratzler shear force. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were obtained for image and instrumental texture features. A linear trend with a linear correlation was applied for instrumental and image features. Image texture features calculated from Gray Level Co-occurrence Matrix (homogeneity, contrast, entropy, correlation and energy) at 1,000× in both muscles had high correlations with instrumental features (chewiness, hardness, cohesiveness, and springiness). Tenderness showed a positive correlation in both muscles with image features (energy and homogeneity). Combing Scanning Electron Microscopy with image analysis can be a useful tool to analyze quality parameters in meat.Summary SCANNING 38:727-734, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Microelectrode Geochemcial Observatory for In Situ Monitoring of Metals Concentration and Mobility in Contaminated Sediments

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-09-01

ABSTRACT 18. NUMBER OF PAGES 19a. NAME OF RESPONSIBLE PERSON a. REPORT b. ABSTRACT c . THIS PAGE 19b. TELEPHONE NUMBER (include area code) Standard Form 298...Monitoring of Metals Concentration and Mobility in Contaminated Sediments N62583-11- C -0524 NAVFAC EXWC - Nancy Ruiz, Ph.D. Geosyntec Consultants...OF APPENDICES APPENDIX A: Representative Poor Electrochemical Scans APPENDIX B: Standard Solution Test Data APPENDIX C : Bremerton Porewater Test

Mobile robot motion estimation using Hough transform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aldoshkin, D. N.; Yamskikh, T. N.; Tsarev, R. Yu

2018-05-01

This paper proposes an algorithm for estimation of mobile robot motion. The geometry of surrounding space is described with range scans (samples of distance measurements) taken by the mobile robot’s range sensors. A similar sample of space geometry in any arbitrary preceding moment of time or the environment map can be used as a reference. The suggested algorithm is invariant to isotropic scaling of samples or map that allows using samples measured in different units and maps made at different scales. The algorithm is based on Hough transform: it maps from measurement space to a straight-line parameters space. In the straight-line parameters, space the problems of estimating rotation, scaling and translation are solved separately breaking down a problem of estimating mobile robot localization into three smaller independent problems. The specific feature of the algorithm presented is its robustness to noise and outliers inherited from Hough transform. The prototype of the system of mobile robot orientation is described.

Environmental Scanning and the Information Manager.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Newsome, James; McInerney, Claire

1990-01-01

Discusses nine components of an environmental scanning model: selecting the scanning team; selecting resources to scan; choosing criteria for scanning; scanning the resources; identifying signals of new issues; selecting key events/issues; monitoring and analyzing events/issues; disseminating information; and deciding on appropriate organizational…

Tracking Human Mobility Using WiFi Signals.

PubMed

Sapiezynski, Piotr; Stopczynski, Arkadiusz; Gatej, Radu; Lehmann, Sune

2015-01-01

We study six months of human mobility data, including WiFi and GPS traces recorded with high temporal resolution, and find that time series of WiFi scans contain a strong latent location signal. In fact, due to inherent stability and low entropy of human mobility, it is possible to assign location to WiFi access points based on a very small number of GPS samples and then use these access points as location beacons. Using just one GPS observation per day per person allows us to estimate the location of, and subsequently use, WiFi access points to account for 80% of mobility across a population. These results reveal a great opportunity for using ubiquitous WiFi routers for high-resolution outdoor positioning, but also significant privacy implications of such side-channel location tracking.

[Optimized resource mobilization and quality of treatment of severely injured patients through a structured trauma room alarm system].

PubMed

Spering, C; Roessler, M; Kurlemann, T; Dresing, K; Stürmer, K M; Lehmann, W; Sehmisch, S

2017-12-12

The treatment of severely injured patients in the trauma resuscitation unit (TRU) requires an interdisciplinary and highly professional trauma team approach. The complete team needs to be waiting for the patient in the TRU on arrival. Treating severely injured patients in the TRU, the trauma team connects the initial preclinical emergency stabilization with the subsequent sophisticated treatment. Thus, the trauma team depends on concise information from the emergency personnel at the scene to provide its leader with further information as well as an accurate alarm including all departments necessary to stabilize the patient in the TRU. Aiming at an accurate and most efficient trauma team alarm, this study was designed to provide and analyze an alarm system which mobilizes the trauma team in a stepwise fashion depending on the pattern of injuries and the threat to life. The trauma team alarm system was analyzed in a prospective data acquisition at a level I trauma center over a period of 12 months. Evaluation followed the acquisition phase and provided comparison to the status prior to the establishment of the alarm system. All items underwent statistical testing using t‑tests (p < 0.05). The data of 775 TRU patients showed a significant reduction of false information on the patients status prior to arrival. It also showed an increase in punctual arrival in the TRU of the emergency teams. False alarms were significantly reduced (from 11.9% to 2.7%, p > 0.01). The duration from arrival of the patient in the TRU to the initial multislice computed tomography (CT) scan was reduced by 6 min while the total period of treatment in the TRU was reduced by 17 min. After the alarm system to gradually mobilize the trauma team was put into action, team members left the TRU if unneeded prior to finishing the initial treatment in only 4% of the cases. The patient fatality rate was 8.8% (injury severity score, ISS = 23 points) after establishment of the alarm system compared to 12.9% (ISS = 25 points) before. The implementation of an accurate and patient status-based alarm system to mobilize the trauma team can improve the quality of treatment while the duration of treatment of the severely injured patients in the TRU can be decreased. It also provides a most efficient mobilization of personnel resources while sustaining patient safety.

Flow Reactor for studying Physicochemical and aging properties of SOA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Babar, Z. B.

2016-12-01

Secondary organic aerosols (SOA) have importance in environmental processes such as affecting earth's radiative balance and cloud formation processes. For studying SOA formation large scale environmental batch reactors and laboratory scale flow reactors have been used. In this study application of flow reactor to study physicochemical properties of SOA is also investigated after its characterization. The flow reactor is of cylindrical design (ID 15 cm x L 70 cm) equipped with UV lamps. It is coupled with various instruments such as scanning mobility particle sizer, NOx analyzer, ozone analyzer, VOC analyzer, hygrometer, and temperature sensors for gas and particle phase measurements. OH radicals were generated by custom build ozone generator and relative humidity. The following characterizations were performed: (1) residence time distribution (RTD) measurements, (2) RH and temperature control, (3) OH radical exposure range (atmospheric aging time), (4) gas phase oxidation of SOA precursors such as α-pinene by OH radical. The flow reactor yielded narrow RTDs. In particular, RH and temperature can be controlled effectively between 0-60% and 22-43oC, respectively. OH radical exposure ranges from 6.49x1010 to 3.68x1011 molecules/cm3s (0.49 to 4.91 days). Our initial efforts on OH radical generation using hydrogen peroxide and its quantification by using flourescenet technique will be also be presented.

Interpretation of Secondary Organic Aerosol Formation from Diesel Exhaust Photooxidation in an Environmental Chamber

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

Nakao, Shunsuke; Shrivastava, ManishKumar B.; Nguyen, Anh

2011-04-14

Secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation from diesel exhaust in a smog chamber was investigated. Particle volume measurement based on mobility diameter is shown to underestimate SOA formation from diesel exhaust due to the external void space of agglomerate particles, in which case mass-based measurement technique is necessary. Rapid determination of particle effective density as a function of particle mass was performed by an Aerosol Particle Mass analyzer – Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (APM-SMPS) to obtain particle mass concentration and fractal dimension. Continuous aging of aerosol was observed in terms of atomic ratio (O/C), from 0.05 to 0.25 in 12 hours,more » underscoring the importance of multi-generational oxidation of low-volatile organic vapors emitted from diesel engine as the significant source of oxygenated SOA. Experimental conditions possibly have strong impacts on physical evolution of diesel particulates in a smog chamber. Higher particle effective densities were observed when raw exhaust was injected into a full bag as opposed to filling a bag with diluted exhaust using an ejector diluter. When longer transfer line was used for injecting diesel exhaust into the smog chamber, rapid particle coagulation was observed, leading to increasing particle volume concentration in dark while its mass concentration is decreasing.« less

Scanning Cloud Radar Observations at the ARM sites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kollias, P.; Clothiaux, E. E.; Shupe, M.; Widener, K.; Bharadwaj, N.; Miller, M. A.; Verlinde, H.; Luke, E. P.; Johnson, K. L.; Jo, I.; Tatarevic, A.; Lamer, K.

2012-12-01

Recently, the DOE Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) program upgraded its fixed and mobile facilities with the acquisition of state-of-the-art scanning, dual-wavelength, polarimetric, Doppler cloud radars. The scanning ARM cloud radars (SACR's) are the most expensive and significant radar systems at all ARM sites and eight SACR systems will be operational at ARM sites by the end of 2013. The SACR's are the primary instruments for the detection of 3D cloud properties (boundaries, volume cloud fractional coverage, liquid water content, dynamics, etc.) beyond the soda-straw (profiling) limited view. Having scanning capabilities with two frequencies and polarization allows more accurate probing of a variety of cloud systems (e.g., drizzle and shallow, warm rain), better correction for attenuation, use of attenuation for liquid water content retrievals, and polarimetric and dual-wavelength ratio characterization of non-spherical particles for improved ice crystal habit identification. Examples of SACR observations from four ARM sites are presented here: the fixed sites at Southern Great Plains (SGP) and North Slope of Alaska (NSA), and the mobile facility deployments at Graciosa Island, Azores and Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The 3D cloud structure is investigated both at the macro-scale (20-50 km) and cloud-scale (100-500 m). Doppler velocity measurements are corrected for velocity folding and are used either to describe the in-cloud horizontal wind profile or the 3D vertical air motions.

Coordination of Mobile Devices : Technology and Standards Scan.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-06-19

The connected vehicle environment was envisioned as a means of exchanging messages through a connected vehicle fleet. The majority of the current connected vehicle environment focuses on the vehicle, by supporting the exchange of messages from vehicl...

Multi-Beam Sonar Infrastructure Mapping Research

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-10-01

The hydraulics unit in MnDOTs bridge office applied for a research grant to develop in-house underwater acoustic 3D imaging capabilities. This research report presents both stationary and mobile scanning techniques, outlines the setup of both syst...

Synthesis of nanoparticles in a flame aerosol reactor with independent and strict control of their size, crystal phase and morphology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Jingkun; Chen, Da-Ren; Biswas, Pratim

2007-07-01

A flame aerosol reactor (FLAR) was developed to synthesize nanoparticles with desired properties (crystal phase and size) that could be independently controlled. The methodology was demonstrated for TiO2 nanoparticles, and this is the first time that large sets of samples with the same size but different crystal phases (six different ratios of anatase to rutile in this work) were synthesized. The degree of TiO2 nanoparticle agglomeration was determined by comparing the primary particle size distribution measured by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to the mobility-based particle size distribution measured by online scanning mobility particle spectrometry (SMPS). By controlling the flame aerosol reactor conditions, both spherical unagglomerated particles and highly agglomerated particles were produced. To produce monodisperse nanoparticles, a high throughput multi-stage differential mobility analyser (MDMA) was used in series with the flame aerosol reactor. Nearly monodisperse nanoparticles (geometric standard deviation less than 1.05) could be collected in sufficient mass quantities (of the order of 10 mg) in reasonable time (1 h) that could be used in other studies such as determination of functionality or biological effects as a function of size.

Classification of Mobile Laser Scanning Point Clouds from Height Features

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, M.; Lemmens, M.; van Oosterom, P.

2017-09-01

The demand for 3D maps of cities and road networks is steadily growing and mobile laser scanning (MLS) systems are often the preferred geo-data acquisition method for capturing such scenes. Because MLS systems are mounted on cars or vans they can acquire billions of points of road scenes within a few hours of survey. Manual processing of point clouds is labour intensive and thus time consuming and expensive. Hence, the need for rapid and automated methods for 3D mapping of dense point clouds is growing exponentially. The last five years the research on automated 3D mapping of MLS data has tremendously intensified. In this paper, we present our work on automated classification of MLS point clouds. In the present stage of the research we exploited three features - two height components and one reflectance value, and achieved an overall accuracy of 73 %, which is really encouraging for further refining our approach.

Using Mobile Laser Scanning Data for Features Extraction of High Accuracy Driving Maps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Bisheng; Liu, Yuan; Liang, Fuxun; Dong, Zhen

2016-06-01

High Accuracy Driving Maps (HADMs) are the core component of Intelligent Drive Assistant Systems (IDAS), which can effectively reduce the traffic accidents due to human error and provide more comfortable driving experiences. Vehicle-based mobile laser scanning (MLS) systems provide an efficient solution to rapidly capture three-dimensional (3D) point clouds of road environments with high flexibility and precision. This paper proposes a novel method to extract road features (e.g., road surfaces, road boundaries, road markings, buildings, guardrails, street lamps, traffic signs, roadside-trees, power lines, vehicles and so on) for HADMs in highway environment. Quantitative evaluations show that the proposed algorithm attains an average precision and recall in terms of 90.6% and 91.2% in extracting road features. Results demonstrate the efficiencies and feasibilities of the proposed method for extraction of road features for HADMs.

Formation of nitrogen-containing oligomers by methylglyoxal and amines in simulated evaporating cloud droplets.

PubMed

De Haan, David O; Hawkins, Lelia N; Kononenko, Julia A; Turley, Jacob J; Corrigan, Ashley L; Tolbert, Margaret A; Jimenez, Jose L

2011-02-01

Reactions of methylglyoxal with amino acids, methylamine, and ammonium sulfate can take place in aqueous aerosol and evaporating cloud droplets. These processes are simulated by drying droplets and bulk solutions of these compounds (at low millimolar and 1 M concentrations, respectively) and analyzing the residuals by scanning mobility particle sizing, nuclear magnetic resonance, aerosol mass spectrometry (AMS), and electrospray ionization MS. The results are consistent with imine (but not diimine) formation on a time scale of seconds, followed by the formation of nitrogen-containing oligomers, methylimidazole, and dimethylimidazole products on a time scale of minutes to hours. Measured elemental ratios are consistent with imidazoles and oligomers being major reaction products, while effective aerosol densities suggest extensive reactions take place within minutes. These reactions may be a source of the light-absorbing, nitrogen-containing oligomers observed in urban and biomass-burning aerosol particles.

Mapping Vineyard Leaf Area Using Mobile Terrestrial Laser Scanners: Should Rows be Scanned On-the-Go or Discontinuously Sampled?

PubMed Central

del-Moral-Martínez, Ignacio; Rosell-Polo, Joan R.; Company, Joaquim; Sanz, Ricardo; Escolà, Alexandre; Masip, Joan; Martínez-Casasnovas, José A.; Arnó, Jaume

2016-01-01

The leaf area index (LAI) is defined as the one-side leaf area per unit ground area, and is probably the most widely used index to characterize grapevine vigor. However, LAI varies spatially within vineyard plots. Mapping and quantifying this variability is very important for improving management decisions and agricultural practices. In this study, a mobile terrestrial laser scanner (MTLS) was used to map the LAI of a vineyard, and then to examine how different scanning methods (on-the-go or discontinuous systematic sampling) may affect the reliability of the resulting raster maps. The use of the MTLS allows calculating the enveloping vegetative area of the canopy, which is the sum of the leaf wall areas for both sides of the row (excluding gaps) and the projected upper area. Obtaining the enveloping areas requires scanning from both sides one meter length section along the row at each systematic sampling point. By converting the enveloping areas into LAI values, a raster map of the latter can be obtained by spatial interpolation (kriging). However, the user can opt for scanning on-the-go in a continuous way and compute 1-m LAI values along the rows, or instead, perform the scanning at discontinuous systematic sampling within the plot. An analysis of correlation between maps indicated that MTLS can be used discontinuously in specific sampling sections separated by up to 15 m along the rows. This capability significantly reduces the amount of data to be acquired at field level, the data storage capacity and the processing power of computers. PMID:26797618

Mapping Vineyard Leaf Area Using Mobile Terrestrial Laser Scanners: Should Rows be Scanned On-the-Go or Discontinuously Sampled?

PubMed

del-Moral-Martínez, Ignacio; Rosell-Polo, Joan R; Company, Joaquim; Sanz, Ricardo; Escolà, Alexandre; Masip, Joan; Martínez-Casasnovas, José A; Arnó, Jaume

2016-01-19

The leaf area index (LAI) is defined as the one-side leaf area per unit ground area, and is probably the most widely used index to characterize grapevine vigor. However, LAI varies spatially within vineyard plots. Mapping and quantifying this variability is very important for improving management decisions and agricultural practices. In this study, a mobile terrestrial laser scanner (MTLS) was used to map the LAI of a vineyard, and then to examine how different scanning methods (on-the-go or discontinuous systematic sampling) may affect the reliability of the resulting raster maps. The use of the MTLS allows calculating the enveloping vegetative area of the canopy, which is the sum of the leaf wall areas for both sides of the row (excluding gaps) and the projected upper area. Obtaining the enveloping areas requires scanning from both sides one meter length section along the row at each systematic sampling point. By converting the enveloping areas into LAI values, a raster map of the latter can be obtained by spatial interpolation (kriging). However, the user can opt for scanning on-the-go in a continuous way and compute 1-m LAI values along the rows, or instead, perform the scanning at discontinuous systematic sampling within the plot. An analysis of correlation between maps indicated that MTLS can be used discontinuously in specific sampling sections separated by up to 15 m along the rows. This capability significantly reduces the amount of data to be acquired at field level, the data storage capacity and the processing power of computers.

An Agent Based Collaborative Simplification of 3D Mesh Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Li-Rong; Yu, Bo; Hagiwara, Ichiro

Large-volume mesh model faces the challenge in fast rendering and transmission by Internet. The current mesh models obtained by using three-dimensional (3D) scanning technology are usually very large in data volume. This paper develops a mobile agent based collaborative environment on the development platform of mobile-C. Communication among distributed agents includes grasping image of visualized mesh model, annotation to grasped image and instant message. Remote and collaborative simplification can be efficiently conducted by Internet.

3D WindScanner lidar measurements of wind and turbulence around wind turbines, buildings and bridges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mikkelsen, T.; Sjöholm, M.; Angelou, N.; Mann, J.

2017-12-01

WindScanner is a distributed research infrastructure developed at DTU with the participation of a number of European countries. The research infrastructure consists of a mobile technically advanced facility for remote measurement of wind and turbulence in 3D. The WindScanners provide coordinated measurements of the entire wind and turbulence fields, of all three wind components scanned in 3D space. Although primarily developed for research related to on- and offshore wind turbines and wind farms, the facility is also well suited for scanning turbulent wind fields around buildings, bridges, aviation structures and of flow in urban environments. The mobile WindScanner facility enables 3D scanning of wind and turbulence fields in full scale within the atmospheric boundary layer at ranges from 10 meters to 5 (10) kilometers. Measurements of turbulent coherent structures are applied for investigation of flow pattern and dynamical loads from turbines, building structures and bridges and in relation to optimization of the location of, for example, wind farms and suspension bridges. This paper presents our achievements to date and reviews briefly the state-of-the-art of the WindScanner measurement technology with examples of uses for wind engineering applications.

Single cell and single molecule techniques for the analysis of the epigenome

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wallin, Christopher Benjamin

Epigenetic regulation is a critical biological process for the health and development of a cell. Epigenetic regulation is facilitated by covalent modifications to the underlying DNA and chromatin proteins. A fundamental understanding of these epigenetic modifications and their associated interactions at the molecular scale is necessary to explain phenomena including cellular identity, stem cell plasticity, and neoplastic transformation. It is widely known that abnormal epigenetic profiles have been linked to many diseases, most notably cancer. While the field of epigenetics has progressed rapidly with conventional techniques, significant advances remain to be made with respect to combinatoric analysis of epigenetic marks and single cell epigenetics. Therefore, in this dissertation, I will discuss our development of devices and methodologies to address these pertinent issues. First, we designed a preparatory polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microdevice for the extraction, purification, and stretching of human chromosomal DNA and chromatin from small cell populations down to a single cell. The valveless device captures cells by size exclusion within the micropillars, entraps the DNA or chromatin in the micropillars after cell lysis, purifies away the cellular debris, and fluorescently labels the DNA and/or chromatin all within a single reaction chamber. With the device, we achieve nearly 100% extraction efficiency of the DNA. The device is also used for in-channel immunostaining of chromatin followed by downstream single molecule chromatin analysis in nanochannels (SCAN). Second, using multi-color, time-correlated single molecule measurements in nanochannels, simultaneous coincidence detection of 2 epigenetic marks is demonstrated. Coincidence detection of 3 epigenetic marks is also established using a pulsed interleaved excitation scheme. With these two promising results, genome-wide quantification of epigenetic marks was pursued. Unfortunately, quantitative SCAN never materialized. Reasons for this, including poor signal to background, are explained in detail. Third, development of mobility-SCAN, an analytical technique for measuring and analyzing single molecules based on their fluorescent signature and their electrophoretic mobility in nanochannels is described. We use the technique to differentiate biomolecules from complex mixtures and derive parameters such as diffusion coefficients and effective charges. Finally, the device is used to detect binding interactions of various complexes similar to affinity capillary electrophoresis, but on a single molecule level. Fourth, we conclude by briefly discussing SCAN-sort, a technique to sort individual chromatin molecules based on their fluorescent emissions for further downstream analysis such as DNA sequencing. We demonstrate a 2-fold enrichment of chromatin from sorting and discuss possible system modifications for better performance in the future.

Analysis of the grounding system for a mobile communication site placed on HV power line mast

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bîrsan, I.; Munteanu, C.; Horgoș, M.; Ilut, T.

2016-08-01

This paper aims to analyze the potential distribution on the soil surface or potential variation on the main directions inside computing mobile site. I want to study a system made the earth a mobile communications site, antennas operator and the system of which the earth is placed on a High Voltage Power Line Mast (LEA 110 KV). I made direct measurements and I use a 3D software for analyze the results and simulating some possible solutions.

The 2002 urban mobility report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2002-06-01

The Annual Report of the Urban Mobility Study provides some information about congestion and mobility issues in ways that everyone can understand. This report focuses on the trends from 1982 to 2000 and analyzes issues that the motoring public, trans...

An Automated Inner Dimensional Measurement System Based on a Laser Displacement Sensor for Long-Stepped Pipes

PubMed Central

Zhang, Fumin; Qu, Xinghua; Ouyang, Jianfei

2012-01-01

A novel measurement prototype based on a mobile vehicle that carries a laser scanning sensor is proposed. The prototype is intended for the automated measurement of the interior 3D geometry of large-diameter long-stepped pipes. The laser displacement sensor, which has a small measurement range, is mounted on an extended arm of known length. It is scanned to improve the measurement accuracy for large-sized pipes. A fixing mechanism based on two sections is designed to ensure that the stepped pipe is concentric with the axis of rotation of the system. Data are acquired in a cylindrical coordinate system and fitted in a circle to determine diameter. Systematic errors covering arm length, tilt, and offset errors are analyzed and calibrated. The proposed system is applied to sample parts and the results are discussed to verify its effectiveness. This technique measures a diameter of 600 mm with an uncertainty of 0.02 mm at a 95% confidence probability. A repeatability test is performed to examine precision, which is 1.1 μm. A laser tracker is used to verify the measurement accuracy of the system, which is evaluated as 9 μm within a diameter of 600 mm. PMID:22778615

Automatic Feature Detection, Description and Matching from Mobile Laser Scanning Data and Aerial Imagery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hussnain, Zille; Oude Elberink, Sander; Vosselman, George

2016-06-01

In mobile laser scanning systems, the platform's position is measured by GNSS and IMU, which is often not reliable in urban areas. Consequently, derived Mobile Laser Scanning Point Cloud (MLSPC) lacks expected positioning reliability and accuracy. Many of the current solutions are either semi-automatic or unable to achieve pixel level accuracy. We propose an automatic feature extraction method which involves utilizing corresponding aerial images as a reference data set. The proposed method comprise three steps; image feature detection, description and matching between corresponding patches of nadir aerial and MLSPC ortho images. In the data pre-processing step the MLSPC is patch-wise cropped and converted to ortho images. Furthermore, each aerial image patch covering the area of the corresponding MLSPC patch is also cropped from the aerial image. For feature detection, we implemented an adaptive variant of Harris-operator to automatically detect corner feature points on the vertices of road markings. In feature description phase, we used the LATCH binary descriptor, which is robust to data from different sensors. For descriptor matching, we developed an outlier filtering technique, which exploits the arrangements of relative Euclidean-distances and angles between corresponding sets of feature points. We found that the positioning accuracy of the computed correspondence has achieved the pixel level accuracy, where the image resolution is 12cm. Furthermore, the developed approach is reliable when enough road markings are available in the data sets. We conclude that, in urban areas, the developed approach can reliably extract features necessary to improve the MLSPC accuracy to pixel level.

Geometric design practices for European roads

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2001-06-01

The objective of the scanning tour was to review and document European procedures and practices in roadway geometric design and context-sensitive design, in which a balance is sought between safety and mobility needs and community interests. The U.S....

Understanding Mobile Apps

MedlinePlus

... share personal information let your kids spend real money — even if the app is free include ads link to social media What’s more, ... Money & Credit Homes & Mortgages Health & Fitness Jobs & Making ... Security "Free" Security Scans Computer Security Disposing of Old Computers ...

Biomedical sensing analyzer (BSA) for mobile-health (mHealth)-LTE.

PubMed

Adibi, Sasan

2014-01-01

The rapid expansion of mobile-based systems, the capabilities of smartphone devices, as well as the radio access and cellular network technologies are the wind beneath the wing of mobile health (mHealth). In this paper, the concept of biomedical sensing analyzer (BSA) is presented, which is a novel framework, devised for sensor-based mHealth applications. The BSA is capable of formulating the Quality of Service (QoS) measurements in an end-to-end sense, covering the entire communication path (wearable sensors, link-technology, smartphone, cell-towers, mobile-cloud, and the end-users). The characterization and formulation of BSA depend on a number of factors, including the deployment of application-specific biomedical sensors, generic link-technologies, collection, aggregation, and prioritization of mHealth data, cellular network based on the Long-Term Evolution (LTE) access technology, and extensive multidimensional delay analyses. The results are studied and analyzed in a LabView 8.5 programming environment.

[Potential selection bias in telephone surveys: landline and mobile phones].

PubMed

Garcia-Continente, Xavier; Pérez-Giménez, Anna; López, María José; Nebot, Manel

2014-01-01

The increasing use of mobile phones in the last decade has decreased landline telephone coverage in Spanish households. This study aimed to analyze sociodemographic characteristics and health indicators by type of telephone service (mobile phone vs. landline or landline and mobile phone). Two telephone surveys were conducted in Spanish samples (February 2010 and February 2011). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to analyze differences in the main sociodemographic characteristics and health indicators according to the type of telephone service available in Spanish households. We obtained 2027 valid responses (1627 landline telephones and 400 mobile phones). Persons contacted through a mobile phone were more likely to be a foreigner, to belong to the manual social class, to have a lower educational level, and to be a smoker than those contacted through a landline telephone. The profile of the population that has only a mobile phone differs from that with a landline telephone. Therefore, telephone surveys that exclude mobile phones could show a selection bias. Copyright © 2013 SESPAS. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

A decision support system for telemedicine through the mobile telecommunications platform.

PubMed

Eren, Ali; Subasi, Abdulhamit; Coskun, Osman

2008-02-01

In this paper we have discussed the application of artificial intelligence in telemedicine using mobile device. The main goal of our research is to develop methods and systems to collect, analyze, distribute and use medical diagnostics information from multiple knowledge sources and areas of expertise. Physicians may collect and analyze information obtained from experts worldwide with the help of a medical decision support system. In this information retrieval system, modern communication tools such as computers and mobile phones can be used efficiently. In this work we propose a medical decision support system using the general packet radio service (GPRS). GPRS, a data extension of the mobile telephony standard Global system for mobile communications (GSM) is emerging as the first true packet-switched architecture to allow mobile subscribers to benefit from high-speed transmission rates and run JAVA based applications from their mobile terminals. An academic prototype of a medical decision support system using mobile device was implemented. The results reveal that the system could find acceptance from the medical community and it could be an effective means of providing quality health care in developing countries.

Modular scanning FCS quantifies receptor-ligand interactions in living multicellular organisms.

PubMed

Ries, Jonas; Yu, Shuizi Rachel; Burkhardt, Markus; Brand, Michael; Schwille, Petra

2009-09-01

Analysis of receptor-ligand interactions in vivo is key to biology but poses a considerable challenge to quantitative microscopy. Here we combine static-volume, two-focus and dual-color scanning fluorescence correlation spectroscopy to solve this task at cellular resolution in complex biological environments. We quantified the mobility of fibroblast growth factor receptors Fgfr1 and Fgfr4 in cell membranes of living zebrafish embryos and determined their in vivo binding affinities to their ligand Fgf8.

Tracking Human Mobility Using WiFi Signals

PubMed Central

Sapiezynski, Piotr; Stopczynski, Arkadiusz; Gatej, Radu; Lehmann, Sune

2015-01-01

We study six months of human mobility data, including WiFi and GPS traces recorded with high temporal resolution, and find that time series of WiFi scans contain a strong latent location signal. In fact, due to inherent stability and low entropy of human mobility, it is possible to assign location to WiFi access points based on a very small number of GPS samples and then use these access points as location beacons. Using just one GPS observation per day per person allows us to estimate the location of, and subsequently use, WiFi access points to account for 80% of mobility across a population. These results reveal a great opportunity for using ubiquitous WiFi routers for high-resolution outdoor positioning, but also significant privacy implications of such side-channel location tracking. PMID:26132115

Functional improvements following the use of the NVT Vision Rehabilitation program for patients with hemianopia following stroke.

PubMed

Hayes, Allison; Chen, Celia S; Clarke, Gayle; Thompson, Annette

2012-01-01

The incidence of visual deficits following stroke ranges from 20%-68% and has significant impact on activities of daily living. The NVT system is a compensatory visual scanning training program that consists of combined static and mobility training and transfer to activities of daily living. The study aims to evaluate functional changes following the NVT program for people who have homonymous hemianopia (HH) following stroke. Interventional case series of 13 consecutive participants with HH undergoing NVT vision rehabilitation. The primary outcome measure was the number of targets missed on a standardized Mobility Assessment Course (MAC). Other outcome measures included assessment of visual scanning, vision specific Quality of Life questionnaires and reading performance. The average number of targets (sd) missed on the MAC course was 39.6 ± 20.9% before intervention, 27.5 ± 16.3% immediately post intervention and 20.8 ± 15.5% at 3 months post rehabilitation. The study showed a statistically significant trend in improvement in mobility related subscales of National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-NEI VFQ-25 (p=0.003) and the Veteran Affairs Low Vision Visual Function Questionnaire-VA LVFQ-48 (p=0.036) at 3 months post rehabilitation. The NVT intervention resulted in functional improvements in mobility post rehabilitation. The NVT training showed improvement in vision specific quality of life. There is a need for standardised vision therapy intervention, in conjunction with existing rehabilitation services, for patients with stroke and traumatic brain injury.

Improving Sickle Cell Transitions of Care Through Health Information Technology.

PubMed

Frost, Jennifer R; Cherry, Rebecca K; Oyeku, Suzette O; Faro, Elissa Z; Crosby, Lori E; Britto, Maria; Tuchman, Lisa K; Horn, Ivor B; Homer, Charles J; Jain, Anjali

2016-07-01

Transitions between inpatient and outpatient care and pediatric to adult care are associated with increased mortality for sickle cell disease (SCD) patients. As accurate and timely sharing of health information is essential during transitions, a health information technology (HIT)-enabled tool holds promise to improve care transitions. From 2012 through 2014, the team conducted and analyzed data from an environmental scan, key informant interviews, and focus groups to inform the development of an HIT-enabled tool for SCD patients' use during care transitions. The scan included searches of peer-reviewed and gray literature to understand SCD patient needs, transition concerns, and best practices in mobile health applications, and searches of websites and online stores to identify existing transition tools and their features. Eleven focus groups consisted of four groups of SCD patients of varying ages (≥9 years); three groups of parents/caregivers of SCD patients; three groups of providers; and one with IT developers. In focus groups, patients and caregivers reported that the transition from home to the emergency department (ED) was the most challenging; the ED was also where transitions from pediatric to adult care usually occurred. Patients felt they were not taken seriously by unfamiliar ED providers, and their inability to convey their diagnosis, pain regimen, and detailed medical history while in significant pain hindered care. The environmental scan did not reveal an existing suitable transition tool, but patients, parents, providers, and IT experts saw the potential and appeal of creating a tool to meet ED health information needs to improve care transitions. Copyright © 2016 American Journal of Preventive Medicine. All rights reserved.

Characterization of diesel particles: effects of fuel reformulation, exhaust aftertreatment, and engine operation on particle carbon composition and volatility.

PubMed

Alander, Timo J A; Leskinen, Ari P; Raunemaa, Taisto M; Rantanen, Leena

2004-05-01

Diesel exhaust particles are the major constituent of urban carbonaceous aerosol being linked to a large range of adverse environmental and health effects. In this work, the effects of fuel reformulation, oxidation catalyst, engine type, and engine operation parameters on diesel particle emission characteristics were investigated. Particle emissions from an indirect injection (IDI) and a direct injection (DI) engine car operating under steady-state conditions with a reformulated low-sulfur, low-aromatic fuel and a standard-grade fuel were analyzed. Organic (OC) and elemental (EC) carbon fractions of the particles were quantified by a thermal-optical transmission analysis method and particle size distributions measured with a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS). The particle volatility characteristics were studied with a configuration that consisted of a thermal desorption unit and an SMPS. In addition, the volatility of size-selected particles was determined with a tandem differential mobility analyzer technique. The reformulated fuel was found to produce 10-40% less particulate carbon mass compared to the standard fuel. On the basis of the carbon analysis, the organic carbon contributed 27-61% to the carbon mass of the IDI engine particle emissions, depending on the fuel and engine operation parameters. The fuel reformulation reduced the particulate organic carbon emissions by 10-55%. In the particles of the DI engine, the organic carbon contributed 14-26% to the total carbon emissions, the advanced engine technology, and the oxidation catalyst, thus reducing the OC/EC ratio of particles considerably. A relatively good consistency between the particulate organic fraction quantified with the thermal optical method and the volatile fraction measured with the thermal desorption unit and SMPS was found.

Insertion and deletion mutations in the dinucleotide repeat region of the Norrie disease gene in patients with advanced retinopathy of prematurity.

PubMed

Hiraoka, M; Berinstein, D M; Trese, M T; Shastry, B S

2001-01-01

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of blindness in premature children. It is a multifactorial disorder which causes fibrovascular tissue changes that affect the retina in low birth-weight and short gestational age infants. To determine the prevalence of Norrie disease (ND) gene mutations, clinical examination and molecular genetic analyses were performed in 100 pre-term babies of different ethnic backgrounds who developed advanced ROP. The leukocyte DNA was extracted, amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and analyzed by single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP), G/T and C/A scanning, and by DNA sequencing. All three exons, including splice sites and the 3'-untranslated region, were screened. Of the 100 patients analyzed, 2 patients with advanced ROP showed a mobility shift in the DNA. In 1 patient, this mobility shift was caused by the insertion of an additional 12-bp CT repeat in exon 1, and in the second patient, there was a 14-bp deletion in the same exon of the ND gene, as evidenced by direct sequencing of the amplified products. Similar analyses of exons 2 and 3 and the 3'-untranslated region failed to detect additional mutations in the gene. None of the 130 normal, unrelated controls revealed similar changes. Taking into account the above results, as well as those of other studies, it appears that the ND gene mutations can account for 3% of cases of advanced ROP. Although the ND gene is not frequently involved in advanced ROP, the present large-scale study further supports the hypothesis that genetic influences may play an important role in the development of severe ROP in some premature infants.

Evaluating QR Code Case Studies Using a Mobile Learning Framework

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rikala, Jenni

2014-01-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of Quick Response (QR) codes and mobile devices in the context of Finnish basic education. The feasibility was analyzed through a mobile learning framework, which includes the core characteristics of mobile learning. The study is part of a larger research where the aim is to develop a…

Socio-Economic Determinants of Inter-State Student Mobility in India: Implications for Higher Education Policy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jha, Shashiranjan; Kumar, Sumit

2017-01-01

This article analyzes the socio-economic determinants of student mobility in India and evaluates the factors that hinder and promote higher educational mobility. It is argued that despite the mass expansion of higher education in India in recent times, student mobility is directed towards developed educational regions. India is a unique case…

Cd Mobility in Anoxic Fe-Mineral-Rich Environments - Potential Use of Fe(III)-Reducing Bacteria in Soil Remediation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muehe, E. M.; Adaktylou, I. J.; Obst, M.; Schröder, C.; Behrens, S.; Hitchcock, A. P.; Tylsizczak, T.; Michel, F. M.; Krämer, U.; Kappler, A.

2014-12-01

Agricultural soils are increasingly burdened with heavy metals such as Cd from industrial sources and impure fertilizers. Metal contaminants enter the food chain via plant uptake from soil and negatively affect human and environmental health. New remediation approaches are needed to lower soil metal contents. To apply these remediation techniques successfully, it is necessary to understand how soil microbes and minerals interact with toxic metals. Here we show that microbial Fe(III) reduction initially mobilizes Cd before its immobilization under anoxic conditions. To study how microbial Fe(III) reduction influences Cd mobility, we isolated a new Cd-tolerant, Fe(III)-reducing Geobacter sp. from a heavily Cd-contaminated soil. In lab experiments, this Geobacter strain first mobilized Cd from Cd-loaded Fe(III) hydroxides followed by precipitation of Cd-bearing mineral phases. Using Mössbauer spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, the original and newly formed Cd-containing Fe(II) and Fe(III) mineral phases, including Cd-Fe-carbonates, Fe-phosphates and Fe-(oxyhydr)oxides, were identified and characterized. Using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and synchrotron-based scanning transmission X-ray microscopy, Cd was mapped in the Fe(II) mineral aggregates formed during microbial Fe(III) reduction. Microbial Fe(III) reduction mobilizes Cd prior to its precipitation in Cd-bearing mineral phases. The mobilized Cd could be taken up by phytoremediating plants, resulting in a net removal of Cd from contaminated sites. Alternatively, Cd precipitation could reduce Cd bioavailability in the environment, causing less toxic effects to crops and soil microbiota. However, the stability and thus bioavailability of these newly formed Fe-Cd mineral phases needs to be assessed thoroughly. Whether phytoremediation or immobilization of Cd in a mineral with reduced Cd bioavailability are feasible mechanisms to reduce toxic effects of Cd in the environment remains to be determined.

Laser-Assisted Atom Probe Tomography of Deformed Minerals: A Zircon Case Study.

PubMed

La Fontaine, Alexandre; Piazolo, Sandra; Trimby, Patrick; Yang, Limei; Cairney, Julie M

2017-04-01

The application of atom probe tomography to the study of minerals is a rapidly growing area. Picosecond-pulsed, ultraviolet laser (UV-355 nm) assisted atom probe tomography has been used to analyze trace element mobility within dislocations and low-angle boundaries in plastically deformed specimens of the nonconductive mineral zircon (ZrSiO4), a key material to date the earth's geological events. Here we discuss important experimental aspects inherent in the atom probe tomography investigation of this important mineral, providing insights into the challenges in atom probe tomography characterization of minerals as a whole. We studied the influence of atom probe tomography analysis parameters on features of the mass spectra, such as the thermal tail, as well as the overall data quality. Three zircon samples with different uranium and lead content were analyzed, and particular attention was paid to ion identification in the mass spectra and detection limits of the key trace elements, lead and uranium. We also discuss the correlative use of electron backscattered diffraction in a scanning electron microscope to map the deformation in the zircon grains, and the combined use of transmission Kikuchi diffraction and focused ion beam sample preparation to assist preparation of the final atom probe tip.

Mobile Disdrometer Observations of Nocturnal Mesoscale Convective Systems During PECAN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bodine, D. J.; Rasmussen, K. L.

2015-12-01

Understanding microphysical processes in nocturnal mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) is an important objective of the Plains Elevated Convection At Night (PECAN) experiment, which occurred from 1 June - 15 July 2015 in the central Great Plains region of the United States. Observations of MCSs were collected using a large array of mobile and fixed instrumentation, including ground-based radars, soundings, PECAN Integrated Sounding Arrays (PISAs), and aircraft. In addition to these observations, three mobile Parsivel disdrometers were deployed to obtain drop-size distribution (DSD) measurements to further explore microphysical processes in convective and stratiform regions of nocturnal MCSs. Disdrometers were deployed within close range of a multiple frequency network of mobile and fixed dual-polarization radars (5 - 30 km range), and near mobile sounding units and PISAs. Using mobile disdrometer and multiple-wavelength, dual-polarization radar data, microphysical properties of convective and stratiform regions of MCSs are investigated. The analysis will also examine coordinated Range-Height Indicator (RHI) scans over the disdrometers to elucidate vertical DSD structure. Analysis of dense observations obtained during PECAN in combination with mobile disdrometer DSD measurements contributes to a greater understanding of the structural characteristics and evolution of nocturnal MCSs.

Results of the survey activities and mobile gamma scanning in Monticello, Utah

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

Little, C.A.; Berven, B.A.

The town of Monticello, Utah, was once the site of an active mill which processed vanadium ore (1942 to 1948), and uranium ore (1948 to 1960). Properties in the vicinity of that mill have become contaminated with radioactive material from ore processing. The Radiological Survey Activities (RASA) group at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) was requested by the Division of Remedial Action Projects (DRAP) in the Department of Energy (DOE) to: (1) identify potentially contaminated properties; (2) assess natural background radiation levels; and (3) rapidly assess the magnitude, extent, and type (i.e. ore, tailings, etc.) of contamination present on thesemore » properties (if any). This survey was conducted by RASA during April 1983. In addition to the 114 properties previously identified from historical information, the ORNL mobile gamma scanning van located 36 new properties exhibiting anomalous gamma radiation levels. Onsite surveys were conducted on 145 of the 150 total properties identified either historically or with the gamma scanning van. Of these 145 properties, 122 of them appeared to have some type of contaminated material present on them; however, only 48 appeared to be contaminated to the extent where they were in excess of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) criteria (40 CFR 192). Twenty-one other properties were recommended for additional investigation (indoor gamma scanning and radon daughter measurements); of these, only ten required further analysis. This report provides the detailed data and analyses related to the radiological survey efforts performed by ORNL in Monticello, Utah.« less

Embed dynamic content in your poster.

PubMed

Hutchins, B Ian

2013-01-29

A new technology has emerged that will facilitate the presentation of dynamic or otherwise inaccessible data on posters at scientific meetings. Video, audio, or other digital files hosted on mobile-friendly sites can be linked to through a quick response (QR) code, a two-dimensional barcode that can be scanned by smartphones, which then display the content. This approach is more affordable than acquiring tablet computers for playing dynamic content and can reach many users at large conferences. This resource details how to host videos, generate QR codes, and view the associated files on mobile devices.

Mobile Stroke Unit Reduces Time to Image Acquisition and Reporting.

PubMed

Nyberg, E M; Cox, J R; Kowalski, R G; Duarte, D V; Schimpf, B; Jones, W J

2018-05-17

Timely administration of thrombolytic therapy is critical to maximizing the likelihood of favorable outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Although emergency medical service activation overall improves the timeliness of acute stroke treatment, the time from emergency medical service dispatch to hospital arrival unavoidably decreases the timeliness of thrombolytic administration. Our mobile stroke unit, a new-generation ambulance with on-board CT scanning capability, reduces key imaging time metrics and facilitates in-the-field delivery of IV thrombolytic therapy. © 2018 by American Journal of Neuroradiology.

Provision of CT Scanning Capability to VA/DoD (Veterans Administration/ Department of Defense) Health Care Facilities through a Shared Mobile CT Unit: A Feasibility Study

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-07-27

all Federal sectoT facilities. Shared services have long been recna, nzed as one way to reduce costs, throuph optima’ itilizaticn of capacity, but...stock arguments against shared services . A CT scanner may be installed in a mobile van and the service moved in its entirety from hospital to hospital...annually. This severely restricted further acquisition by hospitals in most health service areas (5,9,14). Shared Services : A Response to Regulation

Perspectives on the geographic stability and mobility of people in cities

PubMed Central

Hanson, Susan

2005-01-01

A class of questions in the human environment sciences focuses on the relationship between individual or household behavior and local geographic context. Central to these questions is the nature of people's geographic mobility as well as the duration of their locational stability at varying spatial and temporal scales. The problem for researchers is that the processes of mobility/stability are temporally and spatially dynamic and therefore difficult to measure. Whereas time and space are continuous, analysts must select levels of aggregation for both length of time in place and spatial scale of place that fit with the problem in question. Previous work has emphasized mobility and suppressed stability as an analytic category. I focus here on stability and show how analyzing individuals' stability requires also analyzing their mobility. Through an empirical example centered on the relationship between entrepreneurship and place, I demonstrate how a spotlight on stability illuminates a resolution to the measurement problem by highlighting the interdependence between the time and space dimensions of stability/mobility. PMID:16230616

Grain-Size-Limited Mobility in Methylammonium Lead Iodide Perovskite Thin Films

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

Reid, Obadiah G.; Yang, Mengjin; Kopidakis, Nikos

2016-09-09

We report a systematic study of the gigahertz-frequency charge carrier mobility found in methylammonium lead iodide perovskite films as a function of average grain size using time-resolved microwave conductivity and a single processing chemistry. Our measurements are in good agreement with the Kubo formula for the AC mobility of charges confined within finite grains, suggesting (1) that the surface grains imaged via scanning electron microscopy are representative of the true electronic domain size and not substantially subdivided by twinning or other defects not visible by microscopy and (2) that the time scale of diffusive transport across grain boundaries is muchmore » slower than the period of the microwave field in this measurement (-100 ps). The intrinsic (infinite grain size) minimum mobility extracted form the model is 29 +/- 6 cm2 V-1 s-1 at the probe frequency (8.9 GHz).« less

Mobility versus terrain: a game theoretic approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bednarz, David; Muench, Paul

2016-05-01

Mobility and terrain are two sides of the same coin. You cannot describe mobility unless you describe the terrain. For example, if my world is trench warfare, the tank may be the ideal vehicle. If my world is urban warfare, clearing buildings and such, the tank may not be an ideal vehicle, perhaps an anthropomorphic robot would be better. We seek a general framework for mobility that captures the relative value of different mobility strategies. Game theory is positively the right way to analyze the interactions of rational players who behave strategically. In this paper, we will describe the interactions between a mobility player, who is trying to make it from point A to point B with one chance to refuel, and a terrain player who is trying to minimize that probability by placing an obstacle somewhere along the path from A to B. In previous work [1], we used Monte Carlo methods to analyze this mobility game, and found optimal strategies for a discretized version of the game. Here we show the relationship of this game to a classic game of timing [2], and use solution methods from that literature to solve for optimal strategies in a continuous version of this mobility game.

Advances in 4D Treatment Planning for Scanned Particle Beam Therapy — Report of Dedicated Workshops

PubMed Central

Bert, Christoph; Graeff, Christian; Riboldi, Marco; Nill, Simeon; Baroni, Guido; Knopf, Antje-Christin

2014-01-01

We report on recent progress in the field of mobile tumor treatment with scanned particle beams, as discussed in the latest editions of the 4D treatment planning workshop. The workshop series started in 2009, with about 20 people from 4 research institutes involved, all actively working on particle therapy delivery and development. The first workshop resulted in a summary of recommendations for the treatment of mobile targets, along with a list of requirements to apply these guidelines clinically. The increased interest in the treatment of mobile tumors led to a continuously growing number of attendees: the 2012 edition counted more than 60 participants from 20 institutions and commercial vendors. The focus of research discussions among workshop participants progressively moved from 4D treatment planning to complete 4D treatments, aiming at effective and safe treatment delivery. Current research perspectives on 4D treatments include all critical aspects of time resolved delivery, such as in-room imaging, motion detection, beam application, and quality assurance techniques. This was motivated by the start of first clinical treatments of hepato cellular tumors with a scanned particle beam, relying on gating or abdominal compression for motion mitigation. Up to date research activities emphasize significant efforts in investigating advanced motion mitigation techniques, with a specific interest in the development of dedicated tools for experimental validation. Potential improvements will be made possible in the near future through 4D optimized treatment plans that require upgrades of the currently established therapy control systems for time resolved delivery. But since also these novel optimization techniques rely on the validity of the 4DCT, research focusing on alternative 4D imaging technique, such as MRI based 4DCT generation will continue. PMID:24354749

Mobile economics and pricing of health care services.

PubMed

Huttin, Christine C

2012-01-01

This paper presents tools and concepts to analyze the business environment of the biopharmaceutical industry. It was presented at MEDETEL 2010. Emerging paradigms appear in that industry and new ways to value life science technologies are developed especially using mobile economics analysis. At a time, mobile computing technologies revolutionize the field of health care, this paper contributes to show how the value chain concept can be useful to analyze the value system in a mobile computing environment. It is also a milestone for the designs of future technology platforms and of health care infrastructure, in order to retain enough value between innovators, new and traditionnal players from life science, IT and other new comers, in a fragmented global competitive environment.

Education and Intergenerational Income Mobility in Urban China

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Congbin, Guo; Weifang, Min

2008-01-01

This study examines the relationship between education and intergenerational income mobility in urban China based on the data of "Chinese Urban Household Education and Employment Survey" (CHUHEES)--2004 by Institute of Economics of Education of Peking University. It analyzes the characteristics of the intergenerational income mobility of…

Mobile Laser Scanning for Indoor Modelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thomson, C.; Apostolopoulos, G.; Backes, D.; Boehm, J.

2013-10-01

The process of capturing and modelling buildings has gained increased focus in recent years with the rise of Building Information Modelling (BIM). At the heart of BIM is a process change for the construction and facilities management industries whereby a BIM aids more collaborative working through better information exchange, and as a part of the process Geomatic/Land Surveyors are not immune from the changes. Terrestrial laser scanning has been proscribed as the preferred method for rapidly capturing buildings for BIM geometry. This is a process change from a traditional measured building survey just with a total station and is aided by the increasing acceptance of point cloud data being integrated with parametric building models in BIM tools such as Autodesk Revit or Bentley Architecture. Pilot projects carried out previously by the authors to investigate the geometry capture and modelling of BIM confirmed the view of others that the process of data capture with static laser scan setups is slow and very involved requiring at least two people for efficiency. Indoor Mobile Mapping Systems (IMMS) present a possible solution to these issues especially in time saved. Therefore this paper investigates their application as a capture device for BIM geometry creation over traditional static methods through a fit-for-purpose test.

Chemical stability of amorphous materials: specific and general media effects in the role of water in the degradation of freeze-dried zoniporide.

PubMed

Luthra, Suman A; Shalaev, Evgenyi Y; Medek, Ales; Hong, Jinyang; Pikal, Michael J

2012-09-01

The objective of the present work was to determine whether hydrolysis in a model lyophile was influenced by general media effects with water-changing properties of the medium or via a specific mechanism of water as a reactant. Four formulations of zoniporide and sucrose (1:10) were prepared with variable amounts of sorbitol [0%-25% (w/v) of total solids). These formulations were then equilibrated at 6% and 11% relative humidity using saturated salt solutions. The lyophile cakes were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetery (DSC), (isothermal microcalorimetry (IMC), solid- state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR) spectroscopy, and ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance (DFR) spectroscopy. DSC and IMC were used to assess the global molecular mobility. ssNMR relaxation times were measured to access local mobility. The DFR was used to determine the solid-state acidity expressed as the Hammett acidity function. Stability of samples was evaluated at 40°C by monitoring potency and purity by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results were interpreted in terms of the various roles of water: media effect, plasticization, polarity, and reactant. The kinetics of hydrolysis was observed to be correlated with either/both specific "chemical" effects, that is, water reactant as well as media effect, specifically global molecular mobility of the matrix. Increase in reaction rate with increase in water content is not linear and is a weaker dependence than in some hydrolytic reactions in organic solvents. A moderate amount of an inert plasticizer, sorbitol, conferred additional stabilization, possibly by restricting the amplitude and frequency of fast motions that are on a small length scale. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Measurements of Soot Mass Absorption Coefficients from 300 to 660 nm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Renbaum-Wolff, Lindsay; Fisher, Al; Helgestad, Taylor; Lambe, Andrew; Sedlacek, Arthur; Smith, Geoffrey; Cappa, Christopher; Davidovits, Paul; Onasch, Timothy; Freedman, Andrew

2016-04-01

Soot, a product of incomplete combustion, plays an important role in the earth's climate system through the absorption and scattering of solar radiation. In particular, the assumed mass absorption coefficient (MAC) of soot and its variation with wavelength presents a significant uncertainty in the calculation of radiative forcing in global climate change models. As part of the fourth Boston College/Aerodyne soot properties measurement campaign, we have measured the mass absorption coefficient of soot produced by an inverted methane diffusion flame over a spectral range of 300-660 nm using a variety of optical absorption techniques. Extinction and absorption were measured using a dual cavity ringdown photoacoustic spectrometer (CRD-PAS, UC Davis) at 405 nm and 532 nm. Scattering and extinction were measured using a CAPS PMssa single scattering albedo monitor (Aerodyne) at 630 nm; the absorption coefficient was determined by subtraction. In addition, the absorption coefficients in 8 wavelength bands from 300 to 660 nm were measured using a new broadband photoacoustic absorption monitor (UGA). Soot particle mass was quantified using a centrifugal particle mass analyzer (CPMA, Cambustion), mobility size with a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS, TSI) and soot concentration with a CPC (Brechtel). The contribution of doubly charged particles to the sample mass was determined using a Single Particle Soot Photometer (DMT). Over a mass range of 1-8 fg, corresponding to differential mobility diameters of ~150 nm to 550 nm, the value of the soot MAC proved to be independent of mass for all wavelengths. The wavelength dependence of the MAC was best fit to a power law with an Absorption Ångstrom Coefficient slightly greater than 1.

Soot Particle Studies - Instrument Inter-Comparison – Project Overview

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

Cross, E.; Sedlacek, A.; Onasch, T. B.

2010-03-06

An inter-comparison study of instruments designed to measure the microphysical and optical properties of soot particles was completed. The following mass-based instruments were tested: Couette Centrifugal Particle Mass Analyzer (CPMA), Time-of-Flight Aerosol Mass Spectrometer - Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (AMS-SMPS), Single Particle Soot Photometer (SP2), Soot Particle-Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (SP-AMS) and Photoelectric Aerosol Sensor (PAS2000CE). Optical instruments measured absorption (photoacoustic, interferometric, and filter-based), scattering (in situ), and extinction (light attenuation within an optical cavity). The study covered an experimental matrix consisting of 318 runs that systematically tested the performance of instruments across a range of parameters including: fuel equivalence ratiomore » (1.8 {le} {phi} {le} 5), particle shape (mass-mobility exponent (D{sub f m}), 2.0 {le} D{sub f m} {le} 3.0), particle mobility size (30 {le} d{sub m} {le} 300 nm), black carbon mass (0.07 {le} m{sub BC} {le} 4.2 fg) and particle chemical composition. In selected runs, particles were coated with sulfuric acid or dioctyl sebacate (DOS) (0.5 {le} {Delta}r{sub ve} {le} 201 nm) where {Delta}r{sub ve} is the change in the volume equivalent radius due to the coating material. The effect of non-absorbing coatings on instrument response was determined. Changes in the morphology of fractal soot particles were monitored during coating and denuding processes and the effect of particle shape on instrument response was determined. The combination of optical and mass based measurements was used to determine the mass specific absorption coefficient for denuded soot particles. The single scattering albedo of the particles was also measured. An overview of the experiments and sample results are presented.« less

Early Experiences with Mobile Electronic Health Records Application in a Tertiary Hospital in Korea

PubMed Central

Park, Minah; Hong, Eunseok; Kim, Sunhyu; Ahn, Ryeok; Hong, Jungseok; Song, Seungyeol; Kim, Tak; Kim, Jeongkeun; Yeo, Seongwoon

2015-01-01

Objectives Recent advances in mobile technology have opened up possibilities to provide strongly integrated mobile-based services in healthcare and telemedicine. Although the number of mobile Electronic Health Record (EHR) applications is large and growing, there is a paucity of evidence demonstrating the usage patterns of these mobile applications by healthcare providers. This study aimed to illustrate the deployment process for an integrated mobile EHR application and to analyze usage patterns after provision of the mobile EHR service. Methods We developed an integrated mobile application that aimed to enhance the mobility of healthcare providers by improving access to patient- and hospital-related information during their daily medical activities. The study included mobile EHR users who accessed patient healthcare records between May 2013 and May 2014. We performed a data analysis using a web server log file analyzer from the integrated EHR system. Cluster analysis was applied to longitudinal user data based on their application usage pattern. Results The mobile EHR service named M-UMIS has been in service since May 2013. Every healthcare provider in the hospital could access the mobile EHR service and view the medical charts of their patients. The frequency of using services and network packet transmission on the M-UMIS increased gradually during the study period. The most frequently accessed service in the menu was the patient list. Conclusions A better understanding regarding the adoption of mobile EHR applications by healthcare providers in patient-centered care provides useful information to guide the design and implementation of future applications. PMID:26618036

Evidence of sharp and diffuse domain walls in BiFeO3 by means of unit-cell-wise strain and polarization maps obtained with high resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy.

PubMed

Lubk, A; Rossell, M D; Seidel, J; He, Q; Yang, S Y; Chu, Y H; Ramesh, R; Hÿtch, M J; Snoeck, E

2012-07-27

Domain walls (DWs) substantially influence a large number of applications involving ferroelectric materials due to their limited mobility when shifted during polarization switching. The discovery of greatly enhanced conduction at BiFeO(3) DWs has highlighted yet another role of DWs as a local material state with unique properties. However, the lack of precise information on the local atomic structure is still hampering microscopical understanding of DW properties. Here, we examine the atomic structure of BiFeO(3) 109° DWs with pm precision by a combination of high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy and a dedicated structural analysis. By measuring simultaneously local polarization and strain, we provide direct experimental proof for the straight DW structure predicted by ab initio calculations as well as the recently proposed theory of diffuse DWs, thus resolving a long-standing discrepancy between experimentally measured and theoretically predicted DW mobilities.

Laser-based pedestrian tracking in outdoor environments by multiple mobile robots.

PubMed

Ozaki, Masataka; Kakimuma, Kei; Hashimoto, Masafumi; Takahashi, Kazuhiko

2012-10-29

This paper presents an outdoors laser-based pedestrian tracking system using a group of mobile robots located near each other. Each robot detects pedestrians from its own laser scan image using an occupancy-grid-based method, and the robot tracks the detected pedestrians via Kalman filtering and global-nearest-neighbor (GNN)-based data association. The tracking data is broadcast to multiple robots through intercommunication and is combined using the covariance intersection (CI) method. For pedestrian tracking, each robot identifies its own posture using real-time-kinematic GPS (RTK-GPS) and laser scan matching. Using our cooperative tracking method, all the robots share the tracking data with each other; hence, individual robots can always recognize pedestrians that are invisible to any other robot. The simulation and experimental results show that cooperating tracking provides the tracking performance better than conventional individual tracking does. Our tracking system functions in a decentralized manner without any central server, and therefore, this provides a degree of scalability and robustness that cannot be achieved by conventional centralized architectures.

Performance of cancer cluster Q-statistics for case-control residential histories

PubMed Central

Sloan, Chantel D.; Jacquez, Geoffrey M.; Gallagher, Carolyn M.; Ward, Mary H.; Raaschou-Nielsen, Ole; Nordsborg, Rikke Baastrup; Meliker, Jaymie R.

2012-01-01

Few investigations of health event clustering have evaluated residential mobility, though causative exposures for chronic diseases such as cancer often occur long before diagnosis. Recently developed Q-statistics incorporate human mobility into disease cluster investigations by quantifying space- and time-dependent nearest neighbor relationships. Using residential histories from two cancer case-control studies, we created simulated clusters to examine Q-statistic performance. Results suggest the intersection of cases with significant clustering over their life course, Qi, with cases who are constituents of significant local clusters at given times, Qit, yielded the best performance, which improved with increasing cluster size. Upon comparison, a larger proportion of true positives were detected with Kulldorf’s spatial scan method if the time of clustering was provided. We recommend using Q-statistics to identify when and where clustering may have occurred, followed by the scan method to localize the candidate clusters. Future work should investigate the generalizability of these findings. PMID:23149326

3D modeling of underground objects with the use of SLAM technology on the example of historical mine in Ciechanowice (Ołowiane Range, The Sudetes)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wajs, Jaroslaw; Kasza, Damian; Zagożdżon, Paweł P.; Zagożdżon, Katarzyna D.

2018-01-01

Terrestrial Laser Scanning is a currently one of the most popular methods for producing representations of 3D objects. This paper presents the potential of applying the mobile laser scanning method to inventory underground objects. The examined location was a historic crystalline limestone mine situated in the vicinity of Ciechanowice village (Kaczawa Mts., SW Poland). The authors present a methodology for performing measurements and for processing the obtained results, whose accuracy is additionally verified.

Unique case of oligoastrocytoma with recurrence and grade progression: Exhibiting differential expression of high mobility group-A1 and human telomerase reverse transcriptase

PubMed Central

Gandhi, Puneet; Khare, Richa; Niraj, Kavita; Garg, Nitin; Sorte, Sandeep K; Gulwani, Hanni

2016-01-01

Mixed gliomas, primarily oligoastrocytomas, account for about 5%-10% of all gliomas. Distinguishing oligoastrocytoma based on histological features alone has limitations in predicting the exact biological behavior, necessitating ancillary markers for greater specificity. In this case report, human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) and high mobility group-A1 (HMGA1); markers of proliferation and stemness, have been quantitatively analyzed in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples of a 34 years old patient with oligoastrocytoma. Customized florescence-based immunohistochemistry protocol with enhanced sensitivity and specificity is used in the study. The patient presented with a history of generalized seizures and his magnetic resonance imaging scans revealed infiltrative ill-defined mass lesion with calcified foci within the left frontal white matter, suggestive of glioma. He was surgically treated at our center for four consecutive clinical events. Histopathologically, the tumor was identified as oligoastrocytoma-grade II followed by two recurrence events and final progression to grade III. Overall survival of the patient without adjuvant therapy was more than 9 years. Glial fibrillary acidic protein, p53, Ki-67, nuclear atypia index, pre-operative neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, are the other parameters assessed. Findings suggest that hTERT and HMGA1 are linked to tumor recurrence and progression. Established markers can assist in defining precise histopathological grade in conjuction with conventional markers in clinical setup. PMID:27672647

Effect of deposition pressure on the microstructure and thermoelectric properties of epitaxial ScN(001) thin films sputtered onto MgO(001) substrates

DOE PAGES

Burmistrova, Polina V.; Zakharov, Dmitri N.; Favaloro, Tela; ...

2015-03-14

Four epitaxial ScN(001) thin films were successfully deposited on MgO(001) substrates by dc reactive magnetron sputtering at 2, 5, 10, and 20 mTorr in an Ar/N2 ambient atmosphere at 650 °C. The microstructure of the resultant films was analyzed by x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Electrical resistivity, electron mobility and concentration were measured using the room temperature Hall technique, and temperature dependent in-plain measurements of the thermoelectric properties of the ScN thin films were performed. The surface morphology and film crystallinity significantly degrade with increasing deposition pressure. The ScN thin film deposited at 20 mTorr exhibitsmore » the presence of <221> oriented secondary grains resulting in decreased electric properties and a low thermoelectric power factor of 0.5 W/m-K² at 800 K. ScN thin films grown at 5 and 10 mTorr are single crystalline, yielding the power factor of approximately 2.5 W/m-K² at 800 K. The deposition performed at 2 mTorr produces the highest quality ScN thin film with the electron mobility of 98 cm² V⁻¹ s⁻¹ and the power factor of 3.3 W/m-K² at 800 K.« less

Women Administrators in Higher Education: Their Geographic Mobility. Ruth Strang Research Award Monograph Series: No. 4.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Curby, Vicki Morgan

Relationships between selected characteristics of women administrators and their geographical mobility were studied. In addition to identifying variables associated with the geographic mobility of women administrators, factors women administrators identify in considering relocation are described. Questionnaire responses were analyzed for 1,389…

Globalization and International Student Mobility: A Network Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shields, Robin

2013-01-01

This article analyzes changes to the network of international student mobility in higher education over a 10-year period (1999-2008). International student flows have increased rapidly, exceeding 3 million in 2009, and extensive data on mobility provide unique insight into global educational processes. The analysis is informed by three theoretical…

Analyzing the Effects of Context-Aware Mobile Design Principles on Student Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Seneca, Eric

2014-01-01

The adoption of mobile technology is rapidly transforming how individuals obtain information. Learning occurs when content is accessed in a recursive process of awareness, exploration, reflection and resolution within one's social context. Specifically, the most visible, current definitions of mobile learning provide an overview of the learning…

Mobile Learning: Extreme Outcomes of "Everywhere, Anytime"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

De Simone, Giuseppe Cosimo

2016-01-01

Mobile learning, if considered in its most enthusiastic versions, promises to transform the world of learning. It seems that mobile devices will lead to overcome the narrow limits of the classroom to achieve ubiquitous learning. But if we analyze critically the promise of the everywhere, anytime, suspending judgment on its feasibility, interesting…

Development of scanning graphene Hall probes for magnetic microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schaefer, Brian T.; Wang, Lei; McEuen, Paul L.; Nowack, Katja C.

We discuss our progress on developing scanning Hall probes fabricated from hexagonal boron nitride (hBN)-encapsulated graphene, with the goal to image magnetic fields with submicron resolution. In contrast to scanning superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) microscopy, this technique is compatible with a large applied magnetic field and not limited to cryogenic temperatures. The field sensitivity of a Hall probe depends inversely on carrier density, while the primary source of noise in the measurement is Johnson noise originating from the device resistance. hBN-encapsulated graphene demonstrates high carrier mobility at low carrier densities, therefore making it an ideal material for sensitive Hall probes. Furthermore, engineering the dielectric environment of graphene by encapsulating in hBN reduces low-frequency charge noise and disorder from the substrate. We outline our plans for adapting these devices for scanning, including characterization of the point spread function with a scanned current loop and fabrication of a deep-etched structure that enables positioning the sensitive area within 100 nanometers of the sample surface.

Changes in urination according to the sound of running water using a mobile phone application.

PubMed

Kwon, Whi-An; Kim, Sung Han; Kim, Sohee; Joung, Jae Young; Chung, Jinsoo; Lee, Kang Hyun; Lee, Sang-Jin; Seo, Ho Kyung

2015-01-01

The sound of running water (SRW) has been effectively used for toilet training during toddlerhood. However, the effect of SRW on voiding functions in adult males with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) has not been evaluated. To determine the effect of SRW on urination in male patients with LUTS, multiple voiding parameters of uroflowmetry with postvoid residual urine (PVR) were assessed according to the presence of SRW played by a mobile application. Eighteen consecutive male patients with LUTS were prospectively enrolled between March and April 2014. Uroflowmetry with PVR measured by a bladder scan was randomly performed once weekly for two consecutive weeks with and without SRW in a completely sealed room after pre-checked bladder volume was scanned to be more than 150 cc. SRW was played with river water sounds amongst relaxed melodies from a smartphone mobile application. The mean age of enrolled patients and their mean International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) were 58.9 ± 7.7 years (range: 46-70) and 13.1 ± 5.9, respectively. All patients had not been prescribed any medications, including alpha-blockers or anti-muscarinic agents, in the last 3 months. There was a significant increase in mean peak flow rate (PFR) with SRW in comparison to without SRW (15.7 mL/s vs. 12.3 mL/s, respectively, p = 0.0125). However, there were no differences in other uroflowmetric parameters, including PVR. The study showed that SRW from a mobile phone application may be helpful in facilitating voiding functions by increasing PFR in male LUTS patients.

Improving vaccine registries through mobile technologies: a vision for mobile enhanced Immunization information systems.

PubMed

Wilson, Kumanan; Atkinson, Katherine M; Deeks, Shelley L; Crowcroft, Natasha S

2016-01-01

Immunization registries or information systems are critical to improving the quality and evaluating the ongoing success of immunization programs. However, the completeness of these systems is challenged by a myriad of factors including the fragmentation of vaccine administration, increasing mobility of individuals, new vaccine development, use of multiple products, and increasingly frequent changes in recommendations. Mobile technologies could offer a solution, which mitigates some of these challenges. Engaging individuals to have more control of their own immunization information using their mobile devices could improve the timeliness and accuracy of data in central immunization information systems. Other opportunities presented by mobile technologies that could be exploited to improve immunization information systems include mobile reporting of adverse events following immunization, the capacity to scan 2D barcodes, and enabling bidirectional communication between individuals and public health officials. Challenges to utilizing mobile solutions include ensuring privacy of data, access, and equity concerns, obtaining consent and ensuring adoption of technology at sufficiently high rates. By empowering individuals with their own health information, mobile technologies can also serve as a mechanism to transfer immunization information as individuals cross local, regional, and national borders. Ultimately, mobile enhanced immunization information systems can help realize the goal of the individual, the healthcare provider, and public health officials always having access to the same immunization information. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Medical Informatics Association. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Mobile applications and patient education: Are currently available GERD mobile apps sufficient?

PubMed

Bobian, Michael; Kandinov, Aron; El-Kashlan, Nour; Svider, Peter F; Folbe, Adam J; Mayerhoff, Ross; Eloy, Jean Anderson; Raza, S Naweed

2017-08-01

Despite the increasing role of mobile applications (apps) in patient education, there has been little inquiry evaluating the quality of these resources. Because poor health literacy has been associated with inferior health outcomes, evaluating the quality of patient education materials takes on great importance. Our objective was to employ validated readability tools for the evaluation of gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) mobile apps. GERD-specific apps found in the Apple App Store (Apple Inc., Cupertino CA) were evaluated using the Readability Studio Professional Version 2015 for Windows (Oleander Software, Ltd, Vandalia, OH). All text was evaluated using nine validated algorithms measuring readability including Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, Simple Measure of Gobbledygook grading, Gunning Fog index, Coleman-Liau, New Fog Count formula, Raygor Readability Estimate, FORCAST, Fry graph, and Flesch Reading Ease score. Average reading grade levels for individual GERD apps ranged from 9.6 to 12.9 (interquartile range 10.3-12). The average reading grade level for all apps analyzed was 11.1 ± 0.2 standard error of the mean (SEM), with an average Flesch Reading Ease score for all mobile apps analyzed of 51 ± 2.05 (SEM), falling into the "fairly difficult" category given by this measure. Raygor Readability estimates that most mobile apps have a reading grade level between 10 and 12, with the majority of this outcome due to long words. This analysis demonstrates the feasibility of assessing readability of mobile health apps. Our findings suggest significant gaps in potential comprehension between the apps analyzed and the average reader, diminishing the utility of these resources. We hope our findings influence future mobile health-related app development and thereby improve patient outcomes in GERD and other chronic diseases. NA. Laryngoscope, 127:1775-1779, 2017. © 2016 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.

Fabrication of single Ga-doped ZnS nanowires as high-gain photosensors by focused ion beam deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yen, Shih-Hsiang; Hung, Yu-Chen; Yeh, Ping-Hung; Su, Ya-Wen; Wang, Chiu-Yen

2017-09-01

ZnS nanowires were synthesized via a vapor-liquid-solid mechanism and then fabricated into a single-nanowire field-effect transistor by focused ion beam (FIB) deposition. The field-effect electrical properties of the FIB-fabricated ZnS nanowire device, namely conductivity, mobility and hole concentration, were 9.13 Ω-1 cm-1, 13.14 cm2 V-1 s-1and 4.27 × 1018 cm-3, respectively. The photoresponse properties of the ZnS nanowires were studied and the current responsivity, current gain, response time and recovery time were 4.97 × 106 A W-1, 2.43 × 107, 9 s and 24 s, respectively. Temperature-dependent I-V measurements were used to analyze the interfacial barrier height between ZnS and the FIB-deposited Pt electrode. The results show that the interfacial barrier height is as low as 40 meV. The energy-dispersive spectrometer elemental line scan shows the influence of Ga ions on the ZnS nanowire surface on the FIB-deposited Pt contact electrodes. The results of temperature-dependent I-V measurements and the elemental line scan indicate that Ga ions were doped into the ZnS nanowire, reducing the barrier height between the FIB-deposited Pt electrodes and the single ZnS nanowire. The small barrier height results in the FIB-fabricated ZnS nanowire device acting as a high-gain photosensor.

Obesity, sarcopenia, sarcopenic obesity and reduced mobility in Brazilian older people aged 80 years and over.

PubMed

Santos, Vanessa Ribeiro Dos; Gomes, Igor Conterato; Bueno, Denise Rodrigues; Christofaro, Diego Giulliano Destro; Freitas, Ismael Forte; Gobbo, Luis Alberto

2017-01-01

To analyze which abnormalities in body composition (obesity, sarcopenia or sarcopenic obesity) are related to reduced mobility in older people aged 80 years and older. The sample included 116 subjects aged 80 years and older. The body composition was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and mobility was assessed by motor tests. The χ2 test was used to analyze the proportion of older people with sarcopenia, obesity and sarcopenic obesity based on sex as well as to indicate an association between obesity, sarcopenia, sarcopenic obesity and mobility. Binary logistic regression, adjusted for the variables (sex and osteoarticular diseases), was used to express the magnitude of these associations. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare the mobility of four groups (Normal, Obesity, Sarcopenia and Sarcopenic Obesity). The Sarcopenia Group had lower performance in the lower limbs strength test and in sum of two tests compared with Obesity and Normal Groups. Older people with sarcopenia had higher chance of reduced mobility (OR: 3.44; 95%CI: 1.12-10.52). Older people aged 80 years and older with sarcopenia have more chance for reduction in mobility.

Discriminant analysis of fused positive and negative ion mobility spectra using multivariate self-modeling mixture analysis and neural networks.

PubMed

Chen, Ping; Harrington, Peter B

2008-02-01

A new method coupling multivariate self-modeling mixture analysis and pattern recognition has been developed to identify toxic industrial chemicals using fused positive and negative ion mobility spectra (dual scan spectra). A Smiths lightweight chemical detector (LCD), which can measure positive and negative ion mobility spectra simultaneously, was used to acquire the data. Simple-to-use interactive self-modeling mixture analysis (SIMPLISMA) was used to separate the analytical peaks in the ion mobility spectra from the background reactant ion peaks (RIP). The SIMPLSIMA analytical components of the positive and negative ion peaks were combined together in a butterfly representation (i.e., negative spectra are reported with negative drift times and reflected with respect to the ordinate and juxtaposed with the positive ion mobility spectra). Temperature constrained cascade-correlation neural network (TCCCN) models were built to classify the toxic industrial chemicals. Seven common toxic industrial chemicals were used in this project to evaluate the performance of the algorithm. Ten bootstrapped Latin partitions demonstrated that the classification of neural networks using the SIMPLISMA components was statistically better than neural network models trained with fused ion mobility spectra (IMS).

A Hybrid Constant and Oscillatory Field Ion Mobility Analyzer in Structures for Lossless Ion Manipulations

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

Prabhakaran Nair Syamala Amma, Aneesh; Hamid, Ahme

2018-02-28

Ion mobility (IM) spectrometry is becoming an important approach for analyzing molecular ions in the gas phase with applications that span a multitude of scientific areas. There are a variety of IM-based approaches that utilize either constant or oscillatory electric fields. Here, we explore the combination of constant and oscillatory fields applied in a single device to affect the separation and filtering of ions based on their mobilities. The mobility analyzer allows confining and manipulating ions utilizing a combination of radio frequency (RF), direct current (DC) fields, and traveling waves (TW) in a structures for lossless ion manipulations (SLIM) module.more » In this work, we have investigated theoretically and experimentally the concept for continuous filtering of ions based on their mobilities where ions are mobility separated and selected by a combination of TW and constant fields providing opposing forces on the ions. The SLIM module was composed of two surfaces with mirror-image arrays of electrodes and had two regions where the different TW and opposing DC fields could be applied. By appropriately choosing the DC gradient and TW parameters for the two sections, it is possible to transmit ions of a selected mobility while filtering out others. The filtering capabilities are determined by the applied DC gradient and the TW parameters, such as frequency, amplitude and the TW sequence (i.e., the duty cycle of the traveling wave). The effect of different parameters on the sensitivity and the IM resolution of the device have been investigated.« less

A Hybrid Constant and Oscillatory Field Ion Mobility Analyzer Using Structures for Lossless Ion Manipulations

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

Prabhakaran, Aneesh; Hamid, Ahmed M.; Garimella, Sandilya V. B.

Ion mobility (IM) spectrometry is becoming an important approach for analyzing molecular ions in the gas phase with applications that span a multitude of scientific areas. There are a variety of IM-based approaches that utilize either constant or oscillatory electric fields. Here, we explore the combination of constant and oscillatory fields applied in a single device to affect the separation and filtering of ions based on their mobilities. The mobility analyzer allows confining and manipulating ions utilizing a combination of radio frequency (RF), direct current (DC) fields, and traveling waves (TW) in a structures for lossless ion manipulations (SLIM) module.more » In this work, we have investigated theoretically and experimentally the concept for continuous filtering of ions based on their mobilities where ions are mobility separated and selected by a combination of TW and constant fields providing opposing forces on the ions. The SLIM module was composed of two surfaces with mirror-image arrays of electrodes and had two regions where the different TW and opposing DC fields could be applied. By appropriately choosing the DC gradient and TW parameters for the two sections, it is possible to transmit ions of a selected mobility while filtering out others. The filtering capabilities are determined by the applied DC gradient and the TW parameters, such as frequency, amplitude and the TW sequence (i.e., the duty cycle of the traveling wave). The effect of different parameters on the sensitivity and the IM resolution of the device have been investigated.« less

Current-voltage characteristics in organic field-effect transistors. Effect of interface dipoles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sworakowski, Juliusz

2015-07-01

The role of polar molecules present at dielectric/semiconductor interfaces of organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) has been assessed employing the electrostatic model put forward in a recently published paper (Sworakowski et al., 2014). The interface dipoles create dipolar traps in the surface region of the semiconductor, their depths decreasing with the distance from the interface. This feature results in appearance of mobility gradients in the direction perpendicular to the dielectric/semiconductor interface, manifesting themselves in modification of the shapes of current-voltage characteristics. The effect may account for differences in carrier mobilities determined from the same experimental data using methods scanning different ranges of channel thicknesses (e.g., transconductances vs. transfer characteristics), differences between turn-on voltages and threshold voltages, and gate voltage dependence of mobility.

Is Adaptive Treatment Planning Required for Stereotactic Radiotherapy of Stage I Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer?

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

Haasbeek, Cornelis J.A.; Lagerwaard, Frank J.; Cuijpers, Johan P.

2007-04-01

Purpose: Changes in position or size of target volumes have been observed during radiotherapy for lung cancer. The need for adaptive treatment planning during stereotactic radiotherapy of Stage I tumors was retrospectively analyzed using repeat four-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) scans. Methods and Materials: A planning study was performed for 60 tumors in 59 patients using 4DCT scans repeated after two or more treatment fractions. Planning target volumes (PTV) encompassed all tumor mobility, and dose distributions from the initial plan were projected onto PTVs derived from the repeat 4DCT. A dosimetric and volumetric analysis was performed. Results: The repeat 4DCT scansmore » were performed at a mean of 6.6 days (range, 2-12 days) after the first fraction of stereotactic radiotherapy. In 25% of cases the repeat PTV was larger, but the difference exceeded 1 mL in 5 patients only. The mean 3D displacement between the center of mass of both PTVs was 2.0 mm. The initial 80% prescription isodose ensured a mean coverage of 98% of repeat PTVs, and this isodose fully encompassed the repeat internal target volumes in all but 1 tumor. 'Inadequate' coverage in the latter was caused by a new area of atelectasis adjacent to the tumor on the repeat 4DCT. Conclusions: Limited 'time trends' were observed in PTVs generated by repeated uncoached 4DCT scans, and the dosimetric consequences proved to be minimal. Treatment based only on the initial PTV would not have resulted in major tumor underdosage, indicating that adaptive treatment planning is of limited value for fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy.« less

Hologic QDR 2000 whole-body scans: a comparison of three combinations of scan modes and analysis software

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spector, E.; LeBlanc, A.; Shackelford, L.

1995-01-01

This study reports on the short-term in vivo precision and absolute measurements of three combinations of whole-body scan modes and analysis software using a Hologic QDR 2000 dual-energy X-ray densitometer. A group of 21 normal, healthy volunteers (11 male and 10 female) were scanned six times, receiving one pencil-beam and one array whole-body scan on three occasions approximately 1 week apart. The following combinations of scan modes and analysis software were used: pencil-beam scans analyzed with Hologic's standard whole-body software (PB scans); the same pencil-beam analyzed with Hologic's newer "enhanced" software (EPB scans); and array scans analyzed with the enhanced software (EA scans). Precision values (% coefficient of variation, %CV) were calculated for whole-body and regional bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), fat mass, lean mass, %fat and total mass. In general, there was no significant difference among the three scan types with respect to short-term precision of BMD and only slight differences in the precision of BMC. Precision of BMC and BMD for all three scan types was excellent: < 1% CV for whole-body values, with most regional values in the 1%-2% range. Pencil-beam scans demonstrated significantly better soft tissue precision than did array scans. Precision errors for whole-body lean mass were: 0.9% (PB), 1.1% (EPB) and 1.9% (EA). Precision errors for whole-body fat mass were: 1.7% (PB), 2.4% (EPB) and 5.6% (EA). EPB precision errors were slightly higher than PB precision errors for lean, fat and %fat measurements of all regions except the head, although these differences were significant only for the fat and % fat of the arms and legs. In addition EPB precision values exhibited greater individual variability than PB precision values. Finally, absolute values of bone and soft tissue were compared among the three combinations of scan and analysis modes. BMC, BMD, fat mass, %fat and lean mass were significantly different between PB scans and either of the EPB or EA scans. Differences were as large as 20%-25% for certain regional fat and BMD measurements. Additional work may be needed to examine the relative accuracy of the scan mode/software combinations and to identify reasons for the differences in soft tissue precision with the array whole-body scan mode.

Pre-Service Teachers' Intention to Adopt Mobile Learning: A Motivational Model

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Baydas, Ozlem; Yilmaz, Rabia M.

2018-01-01

This study proposes a model for determining preservice teachers' intentions to adopt mobile learning from a motivational perspective. Data were collected from 276 preservice teachers and analyzed by structural equation modeling. A model capable of explaining 87% of the variance in preservice teachers' intention to adopt mobile learning was…

77 FR 36447 - Hazardous Waste Management System; Identification and Listing of Hazardous Waste

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-06-19

... the point of waste generation. C. How did ExxonMobil sample and analyze the data in this petition? To support its petition, ExxonMobil submitted: (1) Historical information on waste generation and management... North Landfarm underflow water twice during the first six months of waste generation. ExxonMobil would...

Audio Frequency Analysis in Mobile Phones

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aguilar, Horacio Munguía

2016-01-01

A new experiment using mobile phones is proposed in which its audio frequency response is analyzed using the audio port for inputting external signal and getting a measurable output. This experiment shows how the limited audio bandwidth used in mobile telephony is the main cause of the poor speech quality in this service. A brief discussion is…

Guidelines for Lifelong Education Management to Mobilize Learning Community

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Charungkaittikul, Suwithida

2018-01-01

This article is a study of the guidelines for lifelong education management to mobilize learning communities in the social-cultural context of Thailand is intended to 1) analyze and synthesize the management of lifelong learning to mobilize learning community in the social-cultural context of Thailand; and 2) propose guidelines for lifelong…

Modeling neck mobility in fossil turtles.

PubMed

Werneburg, Ingmar; Hinz, Juliane K; Gumpenberger, Michaela; Volpato, Virginie; Natchev, Nikolay; Joyce, Walter G

2015-05-01

Turtles have the unparalleled ability to retract their heads and necks within their shell but little is known about the evolution of this trait. Extensive analysis of neck mobility in turtles using radiographs, CT scans, and morphometry reveals that basal turtles possessed less mobility in the neck relative to their extant relatives, although the anatomical prerequisites for modern mobility were already established. Many extant turtles are able to achieve hypermobility by dislocating the central articulations, which raises cautions about reconstructing the mobility of fossil vertebrates. A 3D-model of the Late Triassic turtle Proganochelys quenstedti reveals that this early stem turtle was able to retract its head by tucking it sideways below the shell. The simple ventrolateral bend seen in this stem turtle, however, contrasts with the complex double-bend of extant turtles. The initial evolution of neck retraction therefore occurred in a near-synchrony with the origin of the turtle shell as a place to hide the unprotected neck. In this early, simplified retraction mode, the conical osteoderms on the neck provided further protection. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Essentials of LIDAR multiangle data processing methodology for smoke polluted atmospheres

Treesearch

V. A. Kovalev; A. Petkov; C. Wold; S. Urbanski; W. M. Hao

2009-01-01

Mobile scanning lidar is the most appropriate tool for monitoring wildfire smoke-plume dynamics and optical properties. Lidar is the only remote sensing instrument capable of obtaining detailed three-dimensional range-resolved information for smoke distributions and optical properties over ranges of 10+ km at different wavelengths simultaneously.

OZONE-ISOPRENE REACTION: RE-EXAMINATION OF THE FORMATION OF SECONDARY ORGANIC AEROSOL

EPA Science Inventory

The reaction of ozone and isoprene has been studied to examine physical and chemical characteristics of the secondary organic aerosol formed. Using a scanning mobility particle sizer, the volume distribution of the aerosol was found in the range 0.05 - 0.2 µm. The aerosol yield w...

Segway Robotic Mobility Platform

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-10-01

involved changes to firmware and creation of an electrical interface to the RMP. The existing HT design offered the possibility of creating a reliable...mounted on its side and swept back and forth by an Amtec pan-and-tilt unit to acquire 3-D scans of the environment. The RMP also carries an

Algan/Gan Hemt By Magnetron Sputtering System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garcia Perez, Roman

In this thesis, the growth of the semiconductor materials AlGaN and GaN is achieved by magnetron sputtering for the fabrication of High Electron Mobility Transistors (HEMTs). The study of the deposited nitrides is conducted by spectroscopy, diffraction, and submicron scale microscope methods. The preparation of the materials is performed using different parameters in terms of power, pressure, temperature, gas, and time. Silicon (Si) and Sapphire (Al2O3) wafers are used as substrates. The chemical composition and surface topography of the samples are analyzed to calculate the materials atomic percentages and to observe the devices surface. The instruments used for the semiconductors characterization are X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Atomic Force Microscope (AFM). The project focused its attention on the reduction of impurities during the deposition, the controlled thicknesses of the thin-films, the atomic configuration of the alloy AlxGa1-xN, and the uniformity of the surfaces.

A simple method for the analysis by MS/MS of underivatized amino acids on dry blood spots from newborn screening.

PubMed

Wang, Chunyan; Zhang, Wenyan; Song, Fengrui; Liu, Zhiqiang; Liu, Shuying

2012-05-01

The analysis by electrospray-ionization tandem mass spectrometry of amino acids with butyl esterification and isotopically labeled internal standard is routine in newborn screening laboratories worldwide. In the present study, we established a direct analysis method of higher accuracy that uses a non-deuterated internal standard. The automatic sampler and the pump of an LC apparatus were used to inject sample and mobile phase to MS, but no LC column was needed. The dry blood spot (DBS) material was prepared at levels of low, medium and high concentration; the running time was 1 min. In parallel to the new procedure, we applied the established method to analyze nine amino acids on DBS of healthy newborns and phenylketonuria newborns. The newly proposed method of product ion confirmation scan along with multiple reaction monitoring resulted in a very accurate identification of each amino acid. Our innovative protocol had high sensitivity and specificity in the analysis of cases of suspected metabolic diseases.

Aging of a Binary Colloidal Glass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lynch, Jennifer M.; Cianci, Gianguido C.; Weeks, Eric R.

2008-03-01

After having undergone a glass transition, a glass is in a non-equilibrium state, and its properties depend on the time elapsed since vitrification. We study this phenomenon, known as aging. In particular, we study a colloidal suspension consisting of micron-sized particles in a liquid --- a good model system for studying the glass transition. In this system, the glass transition is approached by increasing the particle concentration, instead of decreasing the temperature. We observe samples composed of particles of two sizes (d1= 1.0μm and d2= 2.0μm) using fast laser scanning confocal microscopy, which yields real-time, three-dimensional movies deep inside the colloidal glass. We then analyze the trajectories of several thousand particles as the glassy suspension ages. Specifically, we look at how the size, motion and structural organization of the particles relate to the overall aging of the glass. We find that areas richer in small particles are more mobile and therefore contribute more to the structural changes found in aging glasses.

GoAmazon2014/15. Oxidation Flow Reactor Final Campaign Report

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

Jimenez, J. L.; Day, D. A.; Hu, W.

The primary goal of the Green Ocean Amazon (GoAmazon2014/5) field campaign was to measure and mechanistically understand the formation of particle number and mass in a region affected by large tropical rainforest biogenic emissions and sometimes anthropogenic influence from a large urban center. As part of the two intensive operational periods (IOPs) and in collaboration with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and Harvard, the Jimenez Group proposed to deploy a High-Resolution Time-of-Flight Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (HR-ToF-AMS), Thermal Denuder (TD), Scanning Mobility Particle Size (SMPS), two oxidation flow reactors (OFR; including supporting O 3, CO/CO 2/CH 4, RH analyzers), and amore » high volume filter sampler (MCV) for the measurement of gas and aerosol chemical, physicochemical, and volatility properties. The two IOPs were conducted during the wet season (February to March, 2014) and dry season (August to October, 2014). This proposal was part of a collaborative proposal involving other university and government laboratories.« less

Lipids in cheese

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Lipids are present in cheese at levels above 20 percent and are analyzed by several techniques. Scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy are used to examine the microstructure, gas chromatography is employed to look at fatty acid composition, and differential scanning cal...

Cloud-based crowd sensing: a framework for location-based crowd analyzer and advisor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aishwarya, K. C.; Nambi, A.; Hudson, S.; Nadesh, R. K.

2017-11-01

Cloud computing is an emerging field of computer science to integrate and explore large and powerful computing systems and storages for personal and also for enterprise requirements. Mobile Cloud Computing is the inheritance of this concept towards mobile hand-held devices. Crowdsensing, or to be precise, Mobile Crowdsensing is the process of sharing resources from an available group of mobile handheld devices that support sharing of different resources such as data, memory and bandwidth to perform a single task for collective reasons. In this paper, we propose a framework to use Crowdsensing and perform a crowd analyzer and advisor whether the user can go to the place or not. This is an ongoing research and is a new concept to which the direction of cloud computing has shifted and is viable for more expansion in the near future.

Laser-Based Slam with Efficient Occupancy Likelihood Map Learning for Dynamic Indoor Scenes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Li; Yao, Jian; Xie, Renping; Tu, Jinge; Feng, Chen

2016-06-01

Location-Based Services (LBS) have attracted growing attention in recent years, especially in indoor environments. The fundamental technique of LBS is the map building for unknown environments, this technique also named as simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) in robotic society. In this paper, we propose a novel approach for SLAMin dynamic indoor scenes based on a 2D laser scanner mounted on a mobile Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) with the help of the grid-based occupancy likelihood map. Instead of applying scan matching in two adjacent scans, we propose to match current scan with the occupancy likelihood map learned from all previous scans in multiple scales to avoid the accumulation of matching errors. Due to that the acquisition of the points in a scan is sequential but not simultaneous, there unavoidably exists the scan distortion at different extents. To compensate the scan distortion caused by the motion of the UGV, we propose to integrate a velocity of a laser range finder (LRF) into the scan matching optimization framework. Besides, to reduce the effect of dynamic objects such as walking pedestrians often existed in indoor scenes as much as possible, we propose a new occupancy likelihood map learning strategy by increasing or decreasing the probability of each occupancy grid after each scan matching. Experimental results in several challenged indoor scenes demonstrate that our proposed approach is capable of providing high-precision SLAM results.

The Problem of Developing Professional Mobility of Teachers in the Works of Foreign Scholars

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pavlenko, Marina

2017-01-01

The article analyzes the positions of foreign and domestic scholars on the problem of developing professional mobility of teachers. It has been stated that today professional mobility is a necessary component of training a skilled worker. It has been indicated that the teacher possesses an appropriate set of competences that provide an opportunity…

Going Places: Exploring the Impact of Intra-Sectoral Mobility on Research Productivity and Communication Behaviors in Japanese Academia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Horta, Hugo; Yonezawa, Akiyoshi

2013-01-01

This study analyzes the impact of intra-sectoral mobility of academics on research productivity and R&D information exchange dynamics in Japan. The analysis shows intra-sectoral mobility impacting positively both research productivity and information exchange dynamics, but that this effect--except for information exchange with peers based…

Mobile-Assisted Language Learning Community and Culture in French-Speaking Belgium: The Teachers' Perspective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Van de Vyver, Julie

2016-01-01

This paper focuses on the perceptions and uses of mobile technologies by 118 Belgian teachers in foreign language teaching and learning in secondary education. The purpose of the study is to analyze the teachers' attitudes towards the use of mobile technologies in- and outside the classroom via an online questionnaire. The preliminary findings…

Economic, Demographic, and Sociological Factors Influencing the Geographic Mobility of Young Workers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smith, Lewis H.

Geographic mobility of the labor force is an adjustment mechanism essential to the maintenance of a growing economy which is undergoing technological change and a rising educational level. This study analyzes the factors which influence mobility decisions to determine whether these choices are made on the basis of rational economic motives. To…

Impact of Contextuality on Mobile Learning Acceptance: An Empirical Study Based on a Language Learning App

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Böhm, Stephan; Constantine, Georges Philip

2016-01-01

Purpose: This paper aims to focus on contextualized features for mobile language learning apps. The scope of this paper is to explore students' perceptions of contextualized mobile language learning. Design/Methodology/Approach: An extended Technology Acceptance Model was developed to analyze the effect of contextual app features on students'…

[Change settings for visual analyzer of child users of mobile communication: longitudinal study].

PubMed

Khorseva, N I; Grigor'ev, Iu G; Gorbunova, N V

2014-01-01

The paper represents theresults of longitudinal monitoring of the changes in the parameters of simple visual-motor reaction, the visual acuity and the rate of the visual discrimination in the child users of mobile communication, which indicate the multivariability of the possible effects of radiation from mobile phones on the auditory system of children.

Use of multidetector-row computed tomography scan to detect pannus formation in prosthetic mechanical aortic valves.

PubMed

Aladmawi, Mohamed A; Pragliola, Claudio; Vriz, Olga; Galzerano, Domenico

2017-04-01

Obstruction of a mechanical aortic valve by pannus formation at the subvalvular level is a major long-term complication of aortic valve replacement (AVR). In fact, pannus is sometime difficult to differentiate from patient-prosthesis mismatch or valve thrombosis. In most cases cine-angiography and echocardiography, either transthoracic or transesophageal, cannot correctly visualize the complication when the leaflets show a normal mobility. Recent technological refinements made this difficult diagnosis possible by ECG-gated computed tomography (CT) scan which shows adequate images in 90% of the cases and can differentiate pannus from fresh and organized thrombus.

Significant Transient Mobility of Platinum Clusters via a Hot Precursor State on the Alumina Surface.

PubMed

Beniya, Atsushi; Hirata, Hirohito; Watanabe, Yoshihide

2016-11-17

Relaxation dynamics of hot metal clusters on oxide surfaces play a crucial role in a variety of physical and chemical processes. However, their transient mobility has not been investigated as much as other systems such as atoms and molecules on metal surfaces due to experimental difficulties. To study the role of the transient mobility of clusters on the oxide surface, we investigated the initial adsorption process of size-selected Pt clusters on a thin Al 2 O 3 film. Soft-landing the size-selected clusters while suppressing the thermal migration resulted in the transient migration controlling the initial adsorption states as an isolated and aggregated cluster, as revealed using scanning tunneling microscopy. We demonstrate that transient migration significantly contributes to the initial cluster adsorption process; the cross section for aggregation is seven times larger than the expected value from geometrical considerations, indicating that metal clusters are highly mobile during a energy dissipation process on the oxide surface.

Room-temperature mobility above 2200 cm{sup 2}/V·s of two-dimensional electron gas in a sharp-interface AlGaN/GaN heterostructure

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

Chen, Jr-Tai, E-mail: jrche@ifm.liu.se; Persson, Ingemar; Nilsson, Daniel

A high mobility of 2250 cm{sup 2}/V·s of a two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) in a metalorganic chemical vapor deposition-grown AlGaN/GaN heterostructure was demonstrated. The mobility enhancement was a result of better electron confinement due to a sharp AlGaN/GaN interface, as confirmed by scanning transmission electron microscopy analysis, not owing to the formation of a traditional thin AlN exclusion layer. Moreover, we found that the electron mobility in the sharp-interface heterostructures can sustain above 2000 cm{sup 2}/V·s for a wide range of 2DEG densities. Finally, it is promising that the sharp-interface AlGaN/GaN heterostructure would enable low contact resistance fabrication, less impurity-related scattering, andmore » trapping than the AlGaN/AlN/GaN heterostructure, as the high-impurity-contained AlN is removed.« less

AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistor grown on GaN template substrate by molecule beam epitaxy system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsai, Jenn-Kai; Chen, Y. L.; Gau, M. H.; Pang, W. Y.; Hsu, Y. C.; Lo, Ikai; Hsieh, C. H.

2008-03-01

In this study, AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) structure was grow on GaN template substrate radio frequency plasma assisted molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) equipped with an EPI UNI-Bulb nitrogen plasma source. The undoped GaN template substrate was grown on c-sapphire substrate by metal organic vapor phase epitaxy system (MOPVD). After growth of MOVPE and MBE, the samples are characterized by double crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and Hall effect measurements. We found that the RMS roughness of template substrate play the major role in got the high value of mobility on AlGaN/GaN HEMT. When the roughness was lower than 0.77 nm in a 25 μm x 25 μm area, the mobility of HEMT at the temperature of 77 K was over 10000 cm^2/Vs.

Large Scale Textured Mesh Reconstruction from Mobile Mapping Images and LIDAR Scans

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boussaha, M.; Vallet, B.; Rives, P.

2018-05-01

The representation of 3D geometric and photometric information of the real world is one of the most challenging and extensively studied research topics in the photogrammetry and robotics communities. In this paper, we present a fully automatic framework for 3D high quality large scale urban texture mapping using oriented images and LiDAR scans acquired by a terrestrial Mobile Mapping System (MMS). First, the acquired points and images are sliced into temporal chunks ensuring a reasonable size and time consistency between geometry (points) and photometry (images). Then, a simple, fast and scalable 3D surface reconstruction relying on the sensor space topology is performed on each chunk after an isotropic sampling of the point cloud obtained from the raw LiDAR scans. Finally, the algorithm proposed in (Waechter et al., 2014) is adapted to texture the reconstructed surface with the images acquired simultaneously, ensuring a high quality texture with no seams and global color adjustment. We evaluate our full pipeline on a dataset of 17 km of acquisition in Rouen, France resulting in nearly 2 billion points and 40000 full HD images. We are able to reconstruct and texture the whole acquisition in less than 30 computing hours, the entire process being highly parallel as each chunk can be processed independently in a separate thread or computer.

Analyzing Neutrophil Morphology, Mechanics, and Motility in Sepsis: Options and Challenges for Novel Bedside Technologies.

PubMed

Zonneveld, Rens; Molema, Grietje; Plötz, Frans B

2016-01-01

Alterations in neutrophil morphology (size, shape, and composition), mechanics (deformability), and motility (chemotaxis and migration) have been observed during sepsis. We combine summarizing features of neutrophil morphology, mechanics, and motility that change during sepsis with an investigation into their clinical utility as markers for sepsis through measurement with novel technologies. We performed an initial literature search in MEDLINE using search terms "neutrophil," "morphology," "mechanics," "dynamics," "motility," "mobility," "spreading," "polarization," "migration," and "chemotaxis." We then combined the results with "sepsis" and "septic shock." We scanned bibliographies of included articles to identify additional articles. Final selection was done after the authors reviewed recovered articles. We included articles based on their relevance for our review topic. When compared with resting conditions, sepsis causes an increase in circulating numbers of larger, more rigid neutrophils that show diminished granularity, migration, and chemotaxis. Combined measurement of these variables could provide a more complete view on neutrophil phenotype manifestation. For that purpose, sophisticated automated hematology analyzers, microscopy, and bedside microfluidic devices provide clinically feasible, high-throughput, and cost-limiting means. We propose that integration of features of neutrophil morphology, mechanics, and motility with these new analytical methods can be useful as markers for diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of sepsis and may even contribute to basic understanding of its pathophysiology.

Determination of caffeine, theobromine and theophylline in Mate beer and Mate soft drinks by high-performance thin-layer chromatography.

PubMed

Oellig, Claudia; Schunck, Jacob; Schwack, Wolfgang

2018-01-19

Mate beer and Mate soft drinks are beverages produced from the dried leaves of Ilex paraguariensis (Yerba Mate). In Yerba Mate, the xanthine derivatives caffeine, theobromine and theophylline, also known as methylxanthines, are important active components. The presented method for the determination of caffeine, theobromine and theophylline in Mate beer and Mate soft drinks by high-performance thin-layer chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPTLC-UV) offers a fully automated and sensitive determination of the three methylxanthines. Filtration of the samples was followed by degassing, dilution with acetonitrile in the case of Mate beers for protein precipitation, and centrifugation before the extracts were analyzed by HPTLC-UV on LiChrospher silica gel plates with fluorescence indicator and acetone/toluene/chloroform (4:3:3, v/v/v) as the mobile phase. For quantitation, the absorbance was scanned at 274nm. Limits of detection and quantitation were 1 and 4ng/zone, respectively, for caffeine, theobromine and theophylline. With recoveries close to 100% and low standard deviations reliable results were guaranteed. Experimental Mate beers as well as Mate beers and Mate soft drinks from the market were analyzed for their concentrations of methylxanthines. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Multi-Instrument Manager Tool for Data Acquisition and Merging of Optical and Electrical Mobility Size Distributions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tritscher, Torsten; Koched, Amine; Han, Hee-Siew; Filimundi, Eric; Johnson, Tim; Elzey, Sherrie; Avenido, Aaron; Kykal, Carsten; Bischof, Oliver F.

2015-05-01

Electrical mobility classification (EC) followed by Condensation Particle Counter (CPC) detection is the technique combined in Scanning Mobility Particle Sizers(SMPS) to retrieve nanoparticle size distributions in the range from 2.5 nm to 1 μm. The detectable size range of SMPS systems can be extended by the addition of an Optical Particle Sizer(OPS) that covers larger sizes from 300 nm to 10 μm. This optical sizing method reports an optical equivalent diameter, which is often different from the electrical mobility diameter measured by the standard SMPS technique. Multi-Instrument Manager (MIMTM) software developed by TSI incorporates algorithms that facilitate merging SMPS data sets with data based on optical equivalent diameter to compile single, wide-range size distributions. Here we present MIM 2.0, the next-generation of the data merging tool that offers many advanced features for data merging and post-processing. MIM 2.0 allows direct data acquisition with OPS and NanoScan SMPS instruments to retrieve real-time particle size distributions from 10 nm to 10 μm, which we show in a case study at a fireplace. The merged data can be adjusted using one of the merging options, which automatically determines an overall aerosol effective refractive index. As a result an indirect and average characterization of aerosol optical and shape properties is possible. The merging tool allows several pre-settings, data averaging and adjustments, as well as the export of data sets and fitted graphs. MIM 2.0 also features several post-processing options for SMPS data and differences can be visualized in a multi-peak sample over a narrow size range.

Computer program for afterheat temperature distribution for mobile nuclear power plant

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parker, W. G.; Vanbibber, L. E.

1972-01-01

ESATA computer program was developed to analyze thermal safety aspects of post-impacted mobile nuclear power plants. Program is written in FORTRAN 4 and designed for IBM 7094/7044 direct coupled system.

Mobile element biology – new possibilities with high-throughput sequencing

PubMed Central

Xing, Jinchuan; Witherspoon, David J.; Jorde, Lynn B.

2014-01-01

Mobile elements compose more than half of the human genome, but until recently their large-scale detection was time-consuming and challenging. With the development of new high-throughput sequencing technologies, the complete spectrum of mobile element variation in humans can now be identified and analyzed. Thousands of new mobile element insertions have been discovered, yielding new insights into mobile element biology, evolution, and genomic variation. We review several high-throughput methods, with an emphasis on techniques that specifically target mobile element insertions in humans, and we highlight recent applications of these methods in evolutionary studies and in the analysis of somatic alterations in human cancers. PMID:23312846

Electric wind in a Differential Mobility Analyzer

DOE PAGES

Palo, Marus; Meelis Eller; Uin, Janek; ...

2015-10-25

Electric wind -- the movement of gas, induced by ions moving in an electric field -- can be a distorting factor in size distribution measurements using Differential Mobility Analyzers (DMAs). The aim of this study was to determine the conditions under which electric wind occurs in the locally-built VLDMA (Very Long Differential Mobility Analyzer) and TSI Long-DMA (3081) and to describe the associated distortion of the measured spectra. Electric wind proved to be promoted by the increase of electric field strength, aerosol layer thickness, particle number concentration and particle size. The measured size spectra revealed three types of distortion: wideningmore » of the size distribution, shift of the mode of the distribution to smaller diameters and smoothing out the peaks of the multiply charged particles. Electric wind may therefore be a source of severe distortion of the spectrum when measuring large particles at high concentrations.« less

Nontraumatic tibial polyethylene insert cone fracture in mobile-bearing posterior-stabilized total knee arthroplasty.

PubMed

Tanikake, Yohei; Hayashi, Koji; Ogawa, Munehiro; Inagaki, Yusuke; Kawate, Kenji; Tomita, Tetsuya; Tanaka, Yasuhito

2016-12-01

A 72-year-old male patient underwent mobile-bearing posterior-stabilized total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis. He experienced a nontraumatic polyethylene tibial insert cone fracture 27 months after surgery. Scanning electron microscopy of the fracture surface of the tibial insert cone suggested progress of ductile breaking from the posterior toward the anterior of the cone due to repeated longitudinal bending stress, leading to fatigue breaking at the anterior side of the cone, followed by the tibial insert cone fracture at the anterior side of the cone, resulting in fracture at the base of the cone. This analysis shows the risk of tibial insert cone fracture due to longitudinal stress in mobile-bearing posterior-stabilized total knee arthroplasty in which an insert is designed to highly conform to the femoral component.

A CityGML extension for traffic-sign objects that guides the automatic processing of data collected using Mobile Mapping technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Varela-González, M.; Riveiro, B.; Arias-Sánchez, P.; González-Jorge, H.; Martínez-Sánchez, J.

2014-11-01

The rapid evolution of integral schemes, accounting for geometric and semantic data, has been importantly motivated by the advances in the last decade in mobile laser scanning technology; automation in data processing has also recently influenced the expansion of the new model concepts. This paper reviews some important issues involved in the new paradigms of city 3D modelling: an interoperable schema for city 3D modelling (cityGML) and mobile mapping technology to provide the features that composing the city model. This paper focuses in traffic signs, discussing their characterization using cityGML in order to ease the implementation of LiDAR technology in road management software, as well as analysing some limitations of the current technology in the labour of automatic detection and classification.

Pseudotachometer for mobile metabolic analyzer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Currie, J. R.

1974-01-01

Metabolic analyzer determines a patient's walking or ambulation speed and simultaneously measures his metabolic parameters. Analyzer is designed to move at some preselected human ambulation speed. During test, patient is connected to system and follows analyzer closely while his metabolic data is being monitored.

CONTINUOUS MEASUREMENT OF FINE AND ULTRAFINE PARTICULATE MATTER, CRITERIA POLLUTANTS AND METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS IN URBAN EL PASO, TEXAS

EPA Science Inventory

Continuous measurements of aerosol size distributions were made in El Paso, TX, for a period in winter 1999. Size distribution measurements were performed at two urban locations in El Paso using two pairs of the scanning mobility particle sizer and the aerodynamic particle si...

Miniature, mobile X-ray computed radiography system

DOEpatents

Watson, Scott A; Rose, Evan A

2017-03-07

A miniature, portable x-ray system may be configured to scan images stored on a phosphor. A flash circuit may be configured to project red light onto a phosphor and receive blue light from the phosphor. A digital monochrome camera may be configured to receive the blue light to capture an article near the phosphor.

An Automated Road Roughness Detection from Mobile Laser Scanning Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, P.; Angelats, E.

2017-05-01

Rough roads influence the safety of the road users as accident rate increases with increasing unevenness of the road surface. Road roughness regions are required to be efficiently detected and located in order to ensure their maintenance. Mobile Laser Scanning (MLS) systems provide a rapid and cost-effective alternative by providing accurate and dense point cloud data along route corridor. In this paper, an automated algorithm is presented for detecting road roughness from MLS data. The presented algorithm is based on interpolating smooth intensity raster surface from LiDAR point cloud data using point thinning process. The interpolated surface is further processed using morphological and multi-level Otsu thresholding operations to identify candidate road roughness regions. The candidate regions are finally filtered based on spatial density and standard deviation of elevation criteria to detect the roughness along the road surface. The test results of road roughness detection algorithm on two road sections are presented. The developed approach can be used to provide comprehensive information to road authorities in order to schedule maintenance and ensure maximum safety conditions for road users.

3D local feature BKD to extract road information from mobile laser scanning point clouds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Bisheng; Liu, Yuan; Dong, Zhen; Liang, Fuxun; Li, Bijun; Peng, Xiangyang

2017-08-01

Extracting road information from point clouds obtained through mobile laser scanning (MLS) is essential for autonomous vehicle navigation, and has hence garnered a growing amount of research interest in recent years. However, the performance of such systems is seriously affected due to varying point density and noise. This paper proposes a novel three-dimensional (3D) local feature called the binary kernel descriptor (BKD) to extract road information from MLS point clouds. The BKD consists of Gaussian kernel density estimation and binarization components to encode the shape and intensity information of the 3D point clouds that are fed to a random forest classifier to extract curbs and markings on the road. These are then used to derive road information, such as the number of lanes, the lane width, and intersections. In experiments, the precision and recall of the proposed feature for the detection of curbs and road markings on an urban dataset and a highway dataset were as high as 90%, thus showing that the BKD is accurate and robust against varying point density and noise.

A dual growing method for the automatic extraction of individual trees from mobile laser scanning data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Lin; Li, Dalin; Zhu, Haihong; Li, You

2016-10-01

Street trees interlaced with other objects in cluttered point clouds of urban scenes inhibit the automatic extraction of individual trees. This paper proposes a method for the automatic extraction of individual trees from mobile laser scanning data, according to the general constitution of trees. Two components of each individual tree - a trunk and a crown can be extracted by the dual growing method. This method consists of coarse classification, through which most of artifacts are removed; the automatic selection of appropriate seeds for individual trees, by which the common manual initial setting is avoided; a dual growing process that separates one tree from others by circumscribing a trunk in an adaptive growing radius and segmenting a crown in constrained growing regions; and a refining process that draws a singular trunk from the interlaced other objects. The method is verified by two datasets with over 98% completeness and over 96% correctness. The low mean absolute percentage errors in capturing the morphological parameters of individual trees indicate that this method can output individual trees with high precision.

Towards the automatic scanning of indoors with robots.

PubMed

Adán, Antonio; Quintana, Blanca; Vázquez, Andres S; Olivares, Alberto; Parra, Eduardo; Prieto, Samuel

2015-05-19

This paper is framed in both 3D digitization and 3D data intelligent processing research fields. Our objective is focused on developing a set of techniques for the automatic creation of simple three-dimensional indoor models with mobile robots. The document presents the principal steps of the process, the experimental setup and the results achieved. We distinguish between the stages concerning intelligent data acquisition and 3D data processing. This paper is focused on the first stage. We show how the mobile robot, which carries a 3D scanner, is able to, on the one hand, make decisions about the next best scanner position and, on the other hand, navigate autonomously in the scene with the help of the data collected from earlier scans. After this stage, millions of 3D data are converted into a simplified 3D indoor model. The robot imposes a stopping criterion when the whole point cloud covers the essential parts of the scene. This system has been tested under real conditions indoors with promising results. The future is addressed to extend the method in much more complex and larger scenarios.

Laser-Based Pedestrian Tracking in Outdoor Environments by Multiple Mobile Robots

PubMed Central

Ozaki, Masataka; Kakimuma, Kei; Hashimoto, Masafumi; Takahashi, Kazuhiko

2012-01-01

This paper presents an outdoors laser-based pedestrian tracking system using a group of mobile robots located near each other. Each robot detects pedestrians from its own laser scan image using an occupancy-grid-based method, and the robot tracks the detected pedestrians via Kalman filtering and global-nearest-neighbor (GNN)-based data association. The tracking data is broadcast to multiple robots through intercommunication and is combined using the covariance intersection (CI) method. For pedestrian tracking, each robot identifies its own posture using real-time-kinematic GPS (RTK-GPS) and laser scan matching. Using our cooperative tracking method, all the robots share the tracking data with each other; hence, individual robots can always recognize pedestrians that are invisible to any other robot. The simulation and experimental results show that cooperating tracking provides the tracking performance better than conventional individual tracking does. Our tracking system functions in a decentralized manner without any central server, and therefore, this provides a degree of scalability and robustness that cannot be achieved by conventional centralized architectures. PMID:23202171

Towards the Automatic Scanning of Indoors with Robots

PubMed Central

Adán, Antonio; Quintana, Blanca; Vázquez, Andres S.; Olivares, Alberto; Parra, Eduardo; Prieto, Samuel

2015-01-01

This paper is framed in both 3D digitization and 3D data intelligent processing research fields. Our objective is focused on developing a set of techniques for the automatic creation of simple three-dimensional indoor models with mobile robots. The document presents the principal steps of the process, the experimental setup and the results achieved. We distinguish between the stages concerning intelligent data acquisition and 3D data processing. This paper is focused on the first stage. We show how the mobile robot, which carries a 3D scanner, is able to, on the one hand, make decisions about the next best scanner position and, on the other hand, navigate autonomously in the scene with the help of the data collected from earlier scans. After this stage, millions of 3D data are converted into a simplified 3D indoor model. The robot imposes a stopping criterion when the whole point cloud covers the essential parts of the scene. This system has been tested under real conditions indoors with promising results. The future is addressed to extend the method in much more complex and larger scenarios. PMID:25996513

The effect of static scanning and mobility training on mobility in people with hemianopia after stroke: A randomized controlled trial comparing standardized versus non-standardized treatment protocols

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Visual loss following stroke impacts significantly on activities of daily living and is an independent risk factor for becoming dependent. Routinely, allied health clinicians provide training for visual field loss, mainly with eye movement based therapy. The effectiveness of the compensatory approach to rehabilitation remains inconclusive largely due to difficulty in validating functional outcome with the varied type and dosage of therapy received by an individual patient. This study aims to determine which treatment is more effective, a standardized approach or individualized therapy in patients with homonymous hemianopia post stroke. Methods/Design This study is a double-blind randomized controlled, multicenter trial. A standardised scanning rehabilitation program (Neuro Vision Technology (NVT) program) of 7 weeks at 3 times per week, is compared to individualized therapy recommended by clinicians. Discussion The results of the trial will provide information that could potentially inform the allocation of resources in visual rehabilitation post stroke. Trial Registration Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register (ANZCTR): ACTRN12610000494033 PMID:21767413

[A new method for safety monitoring of natural dietary supplements--quality profile].

PubMed

Wang, Juan; Wang, Li-Ping; Yang, Da-Jin; Chen, Bo

2008-07-01

A new method for safety monitoring of natural dietary supplements--quality profile was proposed. It would convert passive monitoring of synthetic drug to active, and guarantee the security of natural dietary supplements. Preliminary research on quality profile was completed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry (MS). HPLC was employed to analyze chemical constituent profiles of natural dietary supplements. The separation was completed on C18 column with acetonitrile and water (0.05% H3PO4) as mobile phase, the detection wavelength was 223 nm. Based on HPLC, stability of quality profile had been studied, and abnormal compounds in quality profile had been analyzed after addition of phenolphthalein, sibutramine, rosiglitazone, glibenclamide and gliclazide. And by MS, detector worked with ESI +, capillary voltage: 3.5 kV, cone voltage: 30 V, extractor voltage: 4 V, RF lens voltage: 0.5 V, source temperature: 105 degrees C, desolvation temperature: 300 degrees C, desolvation gas flow rate: 260 L/h, cone gas flow rate: 50 L/h, full scan mass spectra: m/z 100-600. Abnormal compound in quality profile had been analyzed after addition of N-mono-desmethyl sibutramine. Quality profile based on HPLC had good stability (Similarity > 0.877). Addition of phenolphthalein, sibutramine, rosiglitazone, glibenclamide and gliclazide in natural dietary supplements could be reflected by HPLC, and addition of N-mono-desmethyl sibutramine in natural dietary supplements could be reflected by MS. Quality profile might monitor adulteration of natural dietary supplements, and prevent addition of synthetic drug after "approval".

Ambient intelligence application based on environmental measurements performed with an assistant mobile robot.

PubMed

Martinez, Dani; Teixidó, Mercè; Font, Davinia; Moreno, Javier; Tresanchez, Marcel; Marco, Santiago; Palacín, Jordi

2014-03-27

This paper proposes the use of an autonomous assistant mobile robot in order to monitor the environmental conditions of a large indoor area and develop an ambient intelligence application. The mobile robot uses single high performance embedded sensors in order to collect and geo-reference environmental information such as ambient temperature, air velocity and orientation and gas concentration. The data collected with the assistant mobile robot is analyzed in order to detect unusual measurements or discrepancies and develop focused corrective ambient actions. This paper shows an example of the measurements performed in a research facility which have enabled the detection and location of an uncomfortable temperature profile inside an office of the research facility. The ambient intelligent application has been developed by performing some localized ambient measurements that have been analyzed in order to propose some ambient actuations to correct the uncomfortable temperature profile.

Ambient Intelligence Application Based on Environmental Measurements Performed with an Assistant Mobile Robot

PubMed Central

Martinez, Dani; Teixidó, Mercè; Font, Davinia; Moreno, Javier; Tresanchez, Marcel; Marco, Santiago; Palacín, Jordi

2014-01-01

This paper proposes the use of an autonomous assistant mobile robot in order to monitor the environmental conditions of a large indoor area and develop an ambient intelligence application. The mobile robot uses single high performance embedded sensors in order to collect and geo-reference environmental information such as ambient temperature, air velocity and orientation and gas concentration. The data collected with the assistant mobile robot is analyzed in order to detect unusual measurements or discrepancies and develop focused corrective ambient actions. This paper shows an example of the measurements performed in a research facility which have enabled the detection and location of an uncomfortable temperature profile inside an office of the research facility. The ambient intelligent application has been developed by performing some localized ambient measurements that have been analyzed in order to propose some ambient actuations to correct the uncomfortable temperature profile. PMID:24681671

NAVIS-An UGV Indoor Positioning System Using Laser Scan Matching for Large-Area Real-Time Applications

PubMed Central

Tang, Jian.; Chen, Yuwei.; Jaakkola, Anttoni.; Liu, Jinbing.; Hyyppä, Juha.; Hyyppä, Hannu.

2014-01-01

Laser scan matching with grid-based maps is a promising tool for real-time indoor positioning of mobile Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs). While there are critical implementation problems, such as the ability to estimate the position by sensing the unknown indoor environment with sufficient accuracy and low enough latency for stable vehicle control, further development work is necessary. Unfortunately, most of the existing methods employ heuristics for quick positioning in which numerous accumulated errors easily lead to loss of positioning accuracy. This severely restricts its applications in large areas and over lengthy periods of time. This paper introduces an efficient real-time mobile UGV indoor positioning system for large-area applications using laser scan matching with an improved probabilistically-motivated Maximum Likelihood Estimation (IMLE) algorithm, which is based on a multi-resolution patch-divided grid likelihood map. Compared with traditional methods, the improvements embodied in IMLE include: (a) Iterative Closed Point (ICP) preprocessing, which adaptively decreases the search scope; (b) a totally brute search matching method on multi-resolution map layers, based on the likelihood value between current laser scan and the grid map within refined search scope, adopted to obtain the global optimum position at each scan matching; and (c) a patch-divided likelihood map supporting a large indoor area. A UGV platform called NAVIS was designed, manufactured, and tested based on a low-cost robot integrating a LiDAR and an odometer sensor to verify the IMLE algorithm. A series of experiments based on simulated data and field tests with NAVIS proved that the proposed IMEL algorithm is a better way to perform local scan matching that can offer a quick and stable positioning solution with high accuracy so it can be part of a large area localization/mapping, application. The NAVIS platform can reach an updating rate of 12 Hz in a feature-rich environment and 2 Hz even in a feature-poor environment, respectively. Therefore, it can be utilized in a real-time application. PMID:24999715

NAVIS-An UGV indoor positioning system using laser scan matching for large-area real-time applications.

PubMed

Tang, Jian; Chen, Yuwei; Jaakkola, Anttoni; Liu, Jinbing; Hyyppä, Juha; Hyyppä, Hannu

2014-07-04

Laser scan matching with grid-based maps is a promising tool for real-time indoor positioning of mobile Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs). While there are critical implementation problems, such as the ability to estimate the position by sensing the unknown indoor environment with sufficient accuracy and low enough latency for stable vehicle control, further development work is necessary. Unfortunately, most of the existing methods employ heuristics for quick positioning in which numerous accumulated errors easily lead to loss of positioning accuracy. This severely restricts its applications in large areas and over lengthy periods of time. This paper introduces an efficient real-time mobile UGV indoor positioning system for large-area applications using laser scan matching with an improved probabilistically-motivated Maximum Likelihood Estimation (IMLE) algorithm, which is based on a multi-resolution patch-divided grid likelihood map. Compared with traditional methods, the improvements embodied in IMLE include: (a) Iterative Closed Point (ICP) preprocessing, which adaptively decreases the search scope; (b) a totally brute search matching method on multi-resolution map layers, based on the likelihood value between current laser scan and the grid map within refined search scope, adopted to obtain the global optimum position at each scan matching; and (c) a patch-divided likelihood map supporting a large indoor area. A UGV platform called NAVIS was designed, manufactured, and tested based on a low-cost robot integrating a LiDAR and an odometer sensor to verify the IMLE algorithm. A series of experiments based on simulated data and field tests with NAVIS proved that the proposed IMEL algorithm is a better way to perform local scan matching that can offer a quick and stable positioning solution with high accuracy so it can be part of a large area localization/mapping, application. The NAVIS platform can reach an updating rate of 12 Hz in a feature-rich environment and 2 Hz even in a feature-poor environment, respectively. Therefore, it can be utilized in a real-time application.

AMF3 ARM's Research Facility and MAOS at Oliktok Point Alaska

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Helsel, F.; Ivey, M.; Dexheimer, D.; Hardesty, J.; Lucero, D. A.; Roesler, E. L.

2016-12-01

Scientific Infrastructure To Support Atmospheric Science And Aerosol Science For The Department Of Energy's Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Programs Mobile Facility 3 Located At Oliktok Point, Alaska.The Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Program's Mobile Facility 3 (AMF3) located at Oliktok Point, Alaska is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) site designed to collect data to determine the impact that clouds and aerosols have on solar radiation. The site provides a scientific infrastructure and data archives for the international Arctic research community. The infrastructure at Oliktok is designed to be mobile and it may be relocated in the future to support other ARM science missions. AMF3's present instruments include: scanning precipitation Radar-cloud radar, Raman Lidar, Eddy correlation flux systems, Ceilometer, Balloon sounding system, Atmospheric Emitted Radiance Interferometer (AERI), Micro-pulse Lidar (MPL), Millimeter cloud radar along with all the standard metrological measurements. A Mobile Aerosol Observing System (MAOS) has been added to AMF3 in 2016 more details of the instrumentation at www.arm.gov/sites/amf/mobile-aos. Data from these instruments are placed in the ARM data archives and are available to the international research community. This poster will discuss what instruments are at the ARM Program's AMF3 and highlight the newest addition to AMF3, the Mobile Aerosol Observing System (MAOS).

Particle size and morphology of UHMWPE wear debris in failed total knee arthroplasties--a comparison between mobile bearing and fixed bearing knees.

PubMed

Huang, Chun-Hsiung; Ho, Fang-Yuan; Ma, Hon-Ming; Yang, Chan-Tsung; Liau, Jiann-Jong; Kao, Hung-Chan; Young, Tai-Horng; Cheng, Cheng-Kung

2002-09-01

Osteolysis induced by ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene wear debris has been recognized as the major cause of long-term failure in total joint arthroplasties. In a previous study, the prevalence of intraoperatively identified osteolysis during primary revision surgery was much higher in mobile bearing knee replacements (47%) than in fixed bearing knee replacements (13%). We postulated that mobile bearing knee implants tend to produce smaller sized particles. In our current study, we compared the particle size and morphology of polyethylene wear debris between failed mobile bearing and fixed bearing knees. Tissue specimens from interfacial and lytic regions were extracted during revision surgery of 10 mobile bearing knees (all of the low contact stress (LCS) design) and 17 fixed bearing knees (10 of the porous-coated anatomic (PCA) and 7 of the Miller/Galante design). Polyethylene particles were isolated from the tissue specimens and examined using both scanning electron microscopy and light-scattering analyses. The LCS mobile bearing knees produced smaller particulate debris (mean equivalent spherical diameter: 0.58 microm in LCS, 1.17 microm in PCA and 5.23 microm in M/G) and more granular debris (mean value: 93% in LCS, 77% in PCA and 15% in M/G).

Mobility Spectrometer Studies on Hydrazine and Ammonia Detection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Niu, William; Eiceman, Gary; Szumlas, Andrew; Lewis, John

2011-01-01

An airborne vapor analyzer for detecting sub- to low- parts-per-million (ppm) hydrazine in the presence of higher concentration levels of ammonia has been under development for the Orion program. The detector is based on ambient pressure ionization and ion mobility characterization. The detector encompasses: 1) a membrane inlet to exclude particulate and aerosols from the analyzer inlet; 2) a method to separate hydrazine from ammonia which would otherwise lead to loss of calibration and quantitative accuracy for the hydrazine determination; and 3) response and quantitative determinations for both hydrazine and ammonia. Laboratory studies were made to explore some of these features including mobility measurements mindful of power, size, and weight issues. The study recommended the use of a mobility spectrometer of traditional design with a reagent gas and equipped with an inlet transfer line of bonded phase fused silica tube. The inlet transfer line provided gas phase separation of neutrals of ammonia from hydrazine at 50 C simplifying significantly the ionization chemistry that underlies response in a mobility spectrometer. Performance of the analyzer was acceptable between ranges of 30 to 80 C for both the pre-fractionation column and the drift tube. An inlet comprised of a combined membrane with valve-less injector allowed high speed quantitative determination of ammonia and hydrazine without cross reactivity from common metabolites such as alcohols, esters, and aldehydes. Preliminary test results and some of the design features are discussed.

Sensitivity of GRETINA position resolution to hole mobility

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

Prasher, V. S.; Cromaz, M.; Merchan, E.

The sensitivity of the position resolution of the gamma-ray tracking array GRETINA to the hole charge-carrier mobility parameter is investigated. The χ 2 results from a fit of averaged signal (“superpulse”) data exhibit a shallow minimum for hole mobilities 15% lower than the currently adopted values. Calibration data on position resolution is analyzed, together with simulations that isolate the hole mobility dependence of signal decomposition from other effects such as electronics cross-talk. Our results effectively exclude hole mobility as a dominant parameter for improving the position resolution for reconstruction of gamma-ray interaction points in GRETINA.

Sensitivity of GRETINA position resolution to hole mobility

DOE PAGES

Prasher, V. S.; Cromaz, M.; Merchan, E.; ...

2017-02-01

The sensitivity of the position resolution of the gamma-ray tracking array GRETINA to the hole charge-carrier mobility parameter is investigated. The χ 2 results from a fit of averaged signal (“superpulse”) data exhibit a shallow minimum for hole mobilities 15% lower than the currently adopted values. Calibration data on position resolution is analyzed, together with simulations that isolate the hole mobility dependence of signal decomposition from other effects such as electronics cross-talk. Our results effectively exclude hole mobility as a dominant parameter for improving the position resolution for reconstruction of gamma-ray interaction points in GRETINA.

[Detection of tibial condylar fractures using 3D imaging with a mobile image amplifier (Siemens ISO-C-3D): Comparison with plain films and spiral CT].

PubMed

Kotsianos, D; Rock, C; Wirth, S; Linsenmaier, U; Brandl, R; Fischer, T; Euler, E; Mutschler, W; Pfeifer, K J; Reiser, M

2002-01-01

To analyze a prototype mobile C-arm 3D image amplifier in the detection and classification of experimental tibial condylar fractures with multiplanar reconstructions (MPR). Human knee specimens (n = 22) with tibial condylar fractures were examined with a prototype C-arm (ISO-C-3D, Siemens AG), plain films (CR) and spiral CT (CT). The motorized C-arm provides fluoroscopic images during a 190 degrees orbital rotation computing a 119 mm data cube. From these 3D data sets MP reconstructions were obtained. All images were evaluated by four independent readers for the detection and assessment of fracture lines. All fractures were classified according to the Müller AO classification. To confirm the results, the specimens were finally surgically dissected. 97 % of the tibial condylar fractures were easily seen and correctly classified according to the Müller AO classification on MP reconstruction of the ISO-C-3D. There is no significant difference between ISO-C and CT in detection and correct classification of fractures, but ISO-CD-3D is significant by better than CR. The evaluation of fractures with the ISO-C is better than with plain films alone and comparable to CT scans. The three-dimensional reconstruction of the ISO-C can provide important information which cannot be obtained from plain films. The ISO-C-3D may be useful in planning operative reconstructions and evaluating surgical results in orthopaedic surgery of the limbs.

A wireless mobile health-related quality of life assessment.

PubMed

Wu, Cai; Volk, Robert J; Steinbauer, Jeffrey R; Kuo, Grace M; Smith, J Scott

2003-01-01

Self-administered waiting room questionnaires are popular tools for gathering health information from patients, but they require optical scanning or manual data entry to obtain survey results. The application described here eliminates those extra steps by inputting the results into a remote database directly through wireless connection, and the assessment can be finished easily anywhere in the clinic through a mobile platform. A measure of health-related quality of life, the SF-8 Health Survey, was used in developing this application for using in the clinical setting. It has only eight questions measuring each of the eight domains of health in the longer SF-36 Health Survey.

Atomic-scale studies on the effect of boundary coherency on stability in twinned Cu

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niu, Rongmei; Han, Ke; Su, Yi-Feng; Salters, Vincent J.

2014-01-01

The stored energy and hardness of nanotwinned (NT) Cu are related to interaction between dislocations and {111}-twin boundaries (TBs) studied at atomic scales by high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscope. Lack of mobile dislocations at coherent TBs (CTBs) provides as-deposited NT Cu a rare combination of stability and hardness. The introduction of numerous incoherent TBs (ITBs) reduces both the stability and hardness. While storing more energy in their ITBs than in the CTBs, deformed NT Cu also exhibits high dislocation density and TB mobility and therefore has increased the driving force for recovery, coarsening, and recrystallization.

Direct Liquid Sampling for Corona Discharge Ion Mobility Spectrometry.

PubMed

Sabo, Martin; Malásková, Michaela; Harmathová, Olga; Hradski, Jasna; Masár, Marián; Radjenovic, Branislav; Matejčík, Štefan

2015-07-21

We present a new technique suitable for direct liquid sampling and analysis by ion mobility spectrometry (IMS). The technique is based on introduction of a droplet stream to the IMS reaction region. The technique was successfully used to detect explosives dissolved in methanol and oil as well as to analyze amino acids and dipeptides. One of the main advantages of this technique is its ability to analyze liquid samples without the requirement of any special solution.

[Diagnosis of strangulated Spiegel hernia based on CT scan: about a case].

PubMed

Akpo, Geraud; Deme, Hamidou; Badji, Nfally; Niang, Fallou; Toure, Mohamadou; Niang, Ibrahima; Diouf, Malick; Niang, El Hadj

2016-01-01

We report a case of a 86-year old woman with Spiegel hernia complicated by occlusion whose diagnosis was based on CT scan. She was examined in the Emergency Surgery Department for brutal onset of pain in the right iliac fossa associated with vomiting. On physical examination the patient was febrile (38.2° C). It showed hard, sensitive and mobile mass located in the right iliac fossa, with respect to both planes. Abdominal CT scan showed a hernia sac with the neck measuring 13 mm in the right iliac fossa, in front of the aponeurosis of the external oblique muscle. It contained fat and a small bowel loop (curved arrow) with two zones of transition giving a double beak-like appearance at the level of the neck. CT scan showed a lack of enhancement of the wall of the loop after administration of contrast material. The diagnosis of strangulated spiegel hernia associated with sign of arterial ischemia of the digestive wall was retained. Surgery was perfomed with simple postoperative management.

Pathways to the Future: Linking Environmental Scanning to Strategic Management.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mecca, Thomas V.; Morrison, James L.

1988-01-01

Describes an ED QUEST (Quick Environmental Scanning Technique) workshop demonstrating the links between an environmental scanning/forecasting process and formulation of institutional strategy. Explains ED QUEST's use in identifying and analyzing critical trends and events, and identifying the nature of the organization; developing alternative…

Role of the Strength of Drug-Polymer Interactions on the Molecular Mobility and Crystallization Inhibition in Ketoconazole Solid Dispersions.

PubMed

Mistry, Pinal; Mohapatra, Sarat; Gopinath, Tata; Vogt, Frederick G; Suryanarayanan, Raj

2015-09-08

The effects of specific drug-polymer interactions (ionic or hydrogen-bonding) on the molecular mobility of model amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) were investigated. ASDs of ketoconazole (KTZ), a weakly basic drug, with each of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA), and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) were prepared. Drug-polymer interactions in the ASDs were evaluated by infrared and solid-state NMR, the molecular mobility quantified by dielectric spectroscopy, and crystallization onset monitored by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and variable temperature X-ray diffractometry (VTXRD). KTZ likely exhibited ionic interactions with PAA, hydrogen-bonding with PHEMA, and weaker dipole-dipole interactions with PVP. On the basis of dielectric spectroscopy, the α-relaxation times of the ASDs followed the order: PAA > PHEMA > PVP. In addition, the presence of ionic interactions also translated to a dramatic and disproportionate decrease in mobility as a function of polymer concentration. On the basis of both DSC and VTXRD, an increase in strength of interaction translated to higher crystallization onset temperature and a decrease in extent of crystallization. Stronger drug-polymer interactions, by reducing the molecular mobility, can potentially delay the crystallization onset temperature as well as crystallization extent.

A brick-architecture-based mobile under-vehicle inspection system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qian, Cheng; Page, David; Koschan, Andreas; Abidi, Mongi

2005-05-01

In this paper, a mobile scanning system for real-time under-vehicle inspection is presented, which is founded on a "Brick" architecture. In this "Brick" architecture, the inspection system is basically decomposed into bricks of three kinds: sensing, mobility, and computing. These bricks are physically and logically independent and communicate with each other by wireless communication. Each brick is mainly composed by five modules: data acquisition, data processing, data transmission, power, and self-management. These five modules can be further decomposed into submodules where the function and the interface are well-defined. Based on this architecture, the system is built by four bricks: two sensing bricks consisting of a range scanner and a line CCD, one mobility brick, and one computing brick. The sensing bricks capture geometric data and texture data of the under-vehicle scene, while the mobility brick provides positioning data along the motion path. Data of these three modalities are transmitted to the computing brick where they are fused and reconstruct a 3D under-vehicle model for visualization and danger inspection. This system has been successfully used in several military applications and proved to be an effective safer method for national security.

A shape-based segmentation method for mobile laser scanning point clouds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Bisheng; Dong, Zhen

2013-07-01

Segmentation of mobile laser point clouds of urban scenes into objects is an important step for post-processing (e.g., interpretation) of point clouds. Point clouds of urban scenes contain numerous objects with significant size variability, complex and incomplete structures, and holes or variable point densities, raising great challenges for the segmentation of mobile laser point clouds. This paper addresses these challenges by proposing a shape-based segmentation method. The proposed method first calculates the optimal neighborhood size of each point to derive the geometric features associated with it, and then classifies the point clouds according to geometric features using support vector machines (SVMs). Second, a set of rules are defined to segment the classified point clouds, and a similarity criterion for segments is proposed to overcome over-segmentation. Finally, the segmentation output is merged based on topological connectivity into a meaningful geometrical abstraction. The proposed method has been tested on point clouds of two urban scenes obtained by different mobile laser scanners. The results show that the proposed method segments large-scale mobile laser point clouds with good accuracy and computationally effective time cost, and that it segments pole-like objects particularly well.

Surgery to Treat Symptomatic Mobile Cecum Syndrome Is Safe and Associated with Good Recovery Outcomes.

PubMed

Cesaretti, Manuela; Trotta, Manuela; Leale, Irene; Minetti, Giuseppe Antonio; Cittadini, Giuseppe; Montecucco, Fabrizio; Camerini, Giovanni Bruno; Borgonovo, Giacomo

2018-01-01

The mobile cecum syndrome includes a spectrum of conditions. The cecal volvulus represents the acute form, with typical feature of a bowel obstruction that needs immediate operative treatment. On the other hand, a chronic form of mobile cecum syndrome which is the most common form reported a history of intermittent crampy abdominal pain, distension, and constipation. In this study, five patients came to our attention during the last ten years, presenting different symptoms due to a mobile cecum. All patients were investigated by several diagnostic techniques according to the specific clinical setting. All patients were found to have the cecum and ascending colon unattached to the posterior peritoneum. Surgery was the treatment of choice. In our experience, the best diagnostic technique was computed tomography scan, especially if performed in the Trendelenburg position. We also propose virtual colonoscopy as a good option for diagnosis (in patients with chronic syndrome) and follow-up after surgery. In conclusion, laparoscopic approach guaranteed a good result, with no symptoms of recurrence, in both acute and elective treatments. The diagnosis of mobile cecum needs a high index of suspicion and a targeted radiological investigation. Surgery, especially laparoscopic cecopexy and appendectomy, is the recommended treatment.

Aerosol and trace gas flux measurements from a mobile car platform on the highway

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gordon, M.; Miller, S. J.; Staebler, R. M.; Taylor, P.

2016-12-01

Mobile flux measurements of aerosols and trace gases at the surface can provide valuable information about the vertical transport of these compounds from near-surface sources. These measurements can be complimentary to stationary tower measurements or elevated mobile measurements from aircraft and unmanned aerial systems (UAS). In July, 2016 a mobile platform (Toyota Highlander), outfitted with a sonic anemometer (ATI), an open path CO2/H2O analyzer (Licor), and an ultrafine particle sizer (DMT), was driven on highways as part of a chasing study to investigate vehicle-induced turbulence and mixing. The open path analyzer and particle sizer inlet were co-located with the anemometer in order to investigate the feasibility of making flux measurements of heat, momentum, water vapour, CO2, and sub-micron aerosols on the highway. These highway flux measurements are compared to stationary platform measurements made upwind and downwind of the highway. Statistical and spectral analyses are used to demonstrate the validity of the mobile measurements. Uncertainties due to flow distortion around the vehicle, under-sampling, and heterogeneity of the vertical temperature and concentrations are investigated and discussed.

Lifelink: 3G-based mobile telemedicine system.

PubMed

Alis, Christian; del Rosario, Carlos; Buenaobra, Bernardino; Mar Blanca, Carlo

2009-04-01

Current wired telemedicine systems encounter difficulties when implemented in archipelagic developing countries because of the high cost of fixed infrastructure. In this research, we devised Lifelink, a mobile real-time telemonitoring and diagnostic facility to command and control remote medical devices through mobile phones. The whole process is phone-based, effectively freeing offsite medical specialists from stationary monitoring consoles and endowing the system with the potential to increase the number participating consultants. The electrocardiogram (ECG) readings are analyzed using a detrended fluctuation technique and classified into pathological cases using an unassisted K-means clustering algorithm. We analyzed 30 batches of 2-hour ECG signals taken from cardiac patients (20 males, 10 females, mean age 46.7 years) with pre-diagnosed pathologies. The method successfully categorized the 30 subjects without user intervention into the following cases: normal (at 86.7% accuracy), congestive heart failure (86.7%), and atrial fibrillation (80.0%). The synergy of mobile monitoring and fluctuation analysis presents a powerful platform to reach remote, underserved communities with poor or nonexistent wired communication structures. It is likely to be essential in the development of new mobile diagnostic and prognostic measures.

Characterization of ion processes in a GC/DMS air quality monitor by integration of the instrument to a mass spectrometer.

PubMed

Limero, T F; Nazarov, E G; Menlyadiev, M; Eiceman, G A

2015-02-07

The air quality monitor (AQM), which included a portable gas chromatograph (GC) and a detector was interfaced to a mass spectrometer (MS) by introducing flow from the GC detector to the atmospheric pressure ion source of the MS. This small GC system, with a gas recirculation loop for carrier and detector make-up gases, comprised an inlet to preconcentrate volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in air, a thermal desorber before the GC column, a differential mobility spectrometer (DMS), and another DMS as an atmospheric pressure ionization source for the MS. Return flow to the internally recirculated air system of the AQM's DMS was replenished using purified air. Although ions and unreacted neutral vapors flowed from the detector through Viton® tubing into the source of the MS, ions were not detected in the MS without the auxillary ion source, (63)Ni as in the mobility detector. The GC-DMS-MS instrument provided a 3-D measurement platform (GC, DMS, and MS analysis) to explore the gas composition inside the GC-DMS recirculation loop and provide DMS-MS measurement of the components of a complex VOC mixture with performance significantly enhanced by mass-analysis, either with mass spectral scans or with an extracted ion chromatogram. This combination of a mobility spectrometer and a mass spectrometer was possible as vapors and ions are carried together through the DMS analyzer, thereby preserving the chromatographic separation efficiency. The critical benefit of this instrument concept is that all flows in and through the thoroughly integrated GC-DMS analyzer are kept intact allowing a full measure of the ion and vapor composition in the complete system. Performance has been evaluated using a synthetic air sample and a sample of airborne vapors in a laboratory. Capabilities and performance values are described using results from AQM-MS analysis of purified air, ambient air from a research laboratory in a chemistry building, and a sample of synthetic air of known composition. Quantitative measures of a stand-alone AQM are disclosed for VOCs in the ppb to ppm levels with an average precision of 5.8% RSD and accuracy from 4% to 28% error against a standard method.

Factors Influencing the Use of Mobile Technologies in a University Environment: A Case from Latin America

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yamakawa, Peter; Delgado, Carlos; Díaz, Esperanza; Garayar, Erik; Laguna, Hedda

2013-01-01

The use of mobile technologies in higher education seem to be lagging those in other service sectors, which have been quick to utilize the advantages that mobile communications have to offer. Based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), this study analyzes the range factors and the level of influence on undergraduate intention to use a proposed…

On the Process and Consequences of Job Rationing in Oregon's Declining Wood Products Industry. WRDC Discussion Paper No. 4.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stevens, Joe B.; And Others

The study of the mobility of the wood products labor force was made in response to a predicted decline in manpower needs for the wood products industry in western Oregon and western Washington. Variables affecting workers' employability and mobility were analyzed to determine the potential in Oregon for mobility within and out of the industry, the…

Imaging ballistic carrier trajectories in graphene using scanning gate microscopy

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

Morikawa, Sei; Masubuchi, Satoru; Dou, Ziwei

2015-12-14

We use scanning gate microscopy to map out the trajectories of ballistic carriers in high-mobility graphene encapsulated by hexagonal boron nitride and subject to a weak magnetic field. We employ a magnetic focusing geometry to image carriers that emerge ballistically from an injector, follow a cyclotron path due to the Lorentz force from an applied magnetic field, and land on an adjacent collector probe. The local electric field generated by the scanning tip in the vicinity of the carriers deflects their trajectories, modifying the proportion of carriers focused into the collector. By measuring the voltage at the collector while scanningmore » the tip, we are able to obtain images with arcs that are consistent with the expected cyclotron motion. We also demonstrate that the tip can be used to redirect misaligned carriers back to the collector.« less

LOSA-M3: multi-wave polarization scanning lidar for research of the troposphere and cirrus clouds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kokhanenko, G. P.; Balin, Yu. S.; Klemasheva, M. G.; Penner, I. E.; Nasonov, S. V.; Samoilova, S. V.

2017-11-01

Lidar is designed to study the aerosol fields of the troposphere and the polarization characteristics of crystal clouds. Two laser wavelengths are used - 1064 and 532 nm, elastic scattering signals and spontaneous Raman scattering of nitrogen (607 nm) are recorded. Lidar is made in a mobile version, allowing its transportation by road and working under expeditionary conditions. The lidar transceiver is placed on a scanning column, which allows to change the direction of sounding within the upper hemisphere at a speed of 1 degree per second. The polarization characteristics of the transmitter and receiver can be changed by rotating the phase plates synchronously with the the laser pulses. In combination with conical scanning of the lidar, this makes it possible to detect the anisotropy of scattering and the possible azimuthal orientation of the crystal particles.

Comparison of chemistry analytes between 2 portable, commercially available analyzers and a conventional laboratory analyzer in reptiles.

PubMed

McCain, Stephanie L; Flatland, Bente; Schumacher, Juergen P; Clarke Iii, Elsburgh O; Fry, Michael M

2010-12-01

Advantages of handheld and small bench-top biochemical analyzers include requirements for smaller sample volume and practicality for use in the field or in practices, but little has been published on the performance of these instruments compared with standard reference methods in analysis of reptilian blood. The aim of this study was to compare reptilian blood biochemical values obtained using the Abaxis VetScan Classic bench-top analyzer and a Heska i-STAT handheld analyzer with values obtained using a Roche Hitachi 911 chemical analyzer. Reptiles, including 14 bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps), 4 blue-tongued skinks (Tiliqua gigas), 8 Burmese star tortoises (Geochelone platynota), 10 Indian star tortoises (Geochelone elegans), 5 red-tailed boas (Boa constrictor), and 5 Northern pine snakes (Pituophis melanoleucus melanoleucus), were manually restrained, and a single blood sample was obtained and divided for analysis. Results for concentrations of albumin, bile acids, calcium, glucose, phosphates, potassium, sodium, total protein, and uric acid and activities of aspartate aminotransferase and creatine kinase obtained from the VetScan Classic and Hitachi 911 were compared. Results for concentrations of chloride, glucose, potassium, and sodium obtained from the i-STAT and Hitachi 911 were compared. Compared with results from the Hitachi 911, those from the VetScan Classic and i-STAT had variable correlations, and constant or proportional bias was found for many analytes. Bile acid data could not be evaluated because results for 44 of 45 samples fell below the lower linearity limit of the VetScan Classic. Although the 2 portable instruments might provide measurements with clinical utility, there were significant differences compared with the reference analyzer, and development of analyzer-specific reference intervals is recommended. ©2010 American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology.

A validated UPLC-MS/MS method for the analysis of linezolid and a novel oxazolidinone derivative (PH027) in plasma and its application to tissue distribution study in rabbits.

PubMed

Hedaya, Mohsen A; Thomas, Vidhya; Abdel-Hamid, Mohamed E; Kehinde, Elijah O; Phillips, Oludotun A

2017-01-01

Linezolid is the first approved oxazolidinone antibacterial agent, whereas PH027 is a novel compound of the same class that exhibits good in vitro antibacterial activity. The objective of this study was to develop an UPLC-MS/MS assay for the analysis of linezolid and PH027 in plasma and to apply the method for comparative pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution studies of both compounds. Plasma samples and calibrators were extracted with diethyl ether after addition of the internal standard solution. After evaporation of the ether layer, the residue was reconstituted in mobile phase and injected into UPLC-MS/MS. The mobile phase consisted of 2mM ammonium acetate buffer solution and acetonitrile (70:30) at a flow rate of 0.2ml/min. Separation was achieved using UPLC BEH C 18 column, and quantitative determination of the analytes was performed using multiple-reaction monitoring (MRM) scanning mode. The method was validated by analyzing quality control tissue homogenate samples, and was applied to analyze tissue homogenate samples obtained following IV injections of linezolid and PH027 in rabbits. The developed UPLC-MS/MS method was linear in the concentration range of 50-5000ng/ml. Validation of the method proved that the method's precision, selectivity and stability were all within the acceptable limits. Linezolid and PH027 concentrations were accurately determined in the quality control tissue homogenate samples, and analysis of samples obtained following IV administration of the two compounds showed that the tissue to plasma concentration ratio of PH027 was higher than that of linezolid probably due to its higher lipophilicity. The developed UPLC-MS/MS method for the analysis of linezolid and PH027 in rabbit's plasma can accurately determine the concentrations of these compounds in different tissues. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Integrated Chemical and Microorganism Monitoring of Air Using Gas Chromatography/Ion Mobility Spectometry: Toward an Expanded-Use Volatile Organic Analyzer (VOA)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eiceman, G. A.

1999-01-01

The work described in this research program originated with the choice by NASA of an ion mobility spectrometer for air quality monitoring on-board the international spacestation. Though the gas chromatograph-ion mobility spectrometer analyzer known as VOA met or exceeded expectations, limitations in the basic understanding of response and the utilization of foundational principles into usable technology was considered unacceptable. In this research program, a comprehensive model for the origins of mobility spectra was proposed, tested and verified. The principles considered responsible for the appearance of mobility spectra have now been elucidated through this project. This understanding has been applied in automated identification of mobility spectra using neural networks and routine procedures for this now exist. Finally, the limitation on linear range has been shown to be a technical limitation and not a fundamental limitation so that a hardware component was crafted to extend the linear range of a mobility spectrometer by 10X. This project has led to one Ph.D. dissertation and one MS thesis. In addition, over ten public presentations at professional meetings and six journal publications have resulted from this program of research. The findings are so plentiful that total analysis of the findings may require four to six years or more. The findings confirm that the decision to use VOA was sound and that the chemical and physical principles of mobility spectrometry are both understandable and predictable.

The Short Physical Performance Battery is a discriminative tool for identifying patients with COPD at risk of disability.

PubMed

Bernabeu-Mora, Roberto; Medina-Mirapeix, Françesc; Llamazares-Herrán, Eduardo; García-Guillamón, Gloria; Giménez-Giménez, Luz María; Sánchez-Nieto, Juan Miguel

2015-01-01

Limited mobility is a risk factor for developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)-related disabilities. Little is known about the validity of the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) for identifying mobility limitations in patients with COPD. To determine the clinical validity of the SPPB summary score and its three components (standing balance, 4-meter gait speed, and five-repetition sit-to-stand) for identifying mobility limitations in patients with COPD. This cross-sectional study included 137 patients with COPD, recruited from a hospital in Spain. Muscle strength tests and SPPB were measured; then, patients were surveyed for self-reported mobility limitations. The validity of SPPB scores was analyzed by developing receiver operating characteristic curves to analyze the sensitivity and specificity for identifying patients with mobility limitations; by examining group differences in SPPB scores across categories of mobility activities; and by correlating SPPB scores to strength tests. Only the SPPB summary score and the five-repetition sit-to-stand components showed good discriminative capabilities; both showed areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves greater than 0.7. Patients with limitations had significantly lower SPPB scores than patients without limitations in nine different mobility activities. SPPB scores were moderately correlated with the quadriceps test (r>0.40), and less correlated with the handgrip test (r<0.30), which reinforced convergent and divergent validities. A SPPB summary score cutoff of 10 provided the best accuracy for identifying mobility limitations. This study provided evidence for the validity of the SPPB summary score and the five-repetition sit-to-stand test for assessing mobility in patients with COPD. These tests also showed potential as a screening test for identifying patients with COPD that have mobility limitations.

The Short Physical Performance Battery is a discriminative tool for identifying patients with COPD at risk of disability

PubMed Central

Bernabeu-Mora, Roberto; Medina-Mirapeix, Françesc; Llamazares-Herrán, Eduardo; García-Guillamón, Gloria; Giménez-Giménez, Luz María; Sánchez-Nieto, Juan Miguel

2015-01-01

Background Limited mobility is a risk factor for developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)-related disabilities. Little is known about the validity of the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) for identifying mobility limitations in patients with COPD. Objective To determine the clinical validity of the SPPB summary score and its three components (standing balance, 4-meter gait speed, and five-repetition sit-to-stand) for identifying mobility limitations in patients with COPD. Methods This cross-sectional study included 137 patients with COPD, recruited from a hospital in Spain. Muscle strength tests and SPPB were measured; then, patients were surveyed for self-reported mobility limitations. The validity of SPPB scores was analyzed by developing receiver operating characteristic curves to analyze the sensitivity and specificity for identifying patients with mobility limitations; by examining group differences in SPPB scores across categories of mobility activities; and by correlating SPPB scores to strength tests. Results Only the SPPB summary score and the five-repetition sit-to-stand components showed good discriminative capabilities; both showed areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves greater than 0.7. Patients with limitations had significantly lower SPPB scores than patients without limitations in nine different mobility activities. SPPB scores were moderately correlated with the quadriceps test (r>0.40), and less correlated with the handgrip test (r<0.30), which reinforced convergent and divergent validities. A SPPB summary score cutoff of 10 provided the best accuracy for identifying mobility limitations. Conclusion This study provided evidence for the validity of the SPPB summary score and the five-repetition sit-to-stand test for assessing mobility in patients with COPD. These tests also showed potential as a screening test for identifying patients with COPD that have mobility limitations. PMID:26664110

CHARACTERIZATION OF ROTATING-WING AIRCRAFT EMISSIONS

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

Cheng, Mengdawn; Corporan, E.; Mahurin, Shannon Mark

2007-01-01

Rotating-wing aircraft or helicopters are heavily used by the US military to transport cargo, troops and personnel, and perform combat missions. Similar helicopter engines (those from the Chinook helicopter, for example) are being used by civilian companies to lift and transport heavy loads. Emissions data for this type of engines are limited but are important for development and design of air quality control strategy for military installations and bases in the country that are surrounded by cities and metropolitan areas. Major gaseous, selected air toxics, and particulate emissions data from helicopters were measured for T700-GE-700 and T700-GE-701C running JP-8 andmore » Fischer-Tropsch fuels in separate engine exhaust tests. Each engine-fuel combination test was run at three engine power levels from idle to maximum in sequence in each test in June 2007 at Hunter Army Airfield (HAAF) in Savannah, GA. The emissions from these engines were smaller than those (T33 and T56) tested earlier in terms of gas concentrations and particulate mass/number concentration. The mode diameter of a particle size distribution obtained from a test run throughout the whole campaign was smaller than 100 nm by a research-grade fast scanning mobility particle sizer, which was confirmed by a commercial scanning mobility particle sizer taking sample from a collocated position right at the engine exhaust exit plane. Use of FT fuel led to reduced particulate and gaseous emissions as compared to the use of JP-8 fuel on the same engine. Production of nanoparticles (with mobility diameter smaller than 20 nm) by the engine running on JP-8 fuel was clearly observed using a nano-DMA equipped scanning mobility particle sizer a few meters downstream from the engine exhaust plane. The production was proportional to the engine power setting, and likely to be caused by the sulfur content in the JP-8 fuel. Sulfate/sulfur data measured at the engine exhaust and the same downstream location supports such a hypothesis. Such a production was not observed when FT-fuel was used that further strengthens the hypothesis, since the sulfur content of the FT-fuel was zero. This work was supported by the Department of Defense Strategic Environmental Research and Defense Program (SERDP) under project number WP 1401.« less

Scanning probe recognition microscopy investigation of tissue scaffold properties

PubMed Central

Fan, Yuan; Chen, Qian; Ayres, Virginia M; Baczewski, Andrew D; Udpa, Lalita; Kumar, Shiva

2007-01-01

Scanning probe recognition microscopy is a new scanning probe microscopy technique which enables selective scanning along individual nanofibers within a tissue scaffold. Statistically significant data for multiple properties can be collected by repetitively fine-scanning an identical region of interest. The results of a scanning probe recognition microscopy investigation of the surface roughness and elasticity of a series of tissue scaffolds are presented. Deconvolution and statistical methods were developed and used for data accuracy along curved nanofiber surfaces. Nanofiber features were also independently analyzed using transmission electron microscopy, with results that supported the scanning probe recognition microscopy-based analysis. PMID:18203431

Scanning probe recognition microscopy investigation of tissue scaffold properties.

PubMed

Fan, Yuan; Chen, Qian; Ayres, Virginia M; Baczewski, Andrew D; Udpa, Lalita; Kumar, Shiva

2007-01-01

Scanning probe recognition microscopy is a new scanning probe microscopy technique which enables selective scanning along individual nanofibers within a tissue scaffold. Statistically significant data for multiple properties can be collected by repetitively fine-scanning an identical region of interest. The results of a scanning probe recognition microscopy investigation of the surface roughness and elasticity of a series of tissue scaffolds are presented. Deconvolution and statistical methods were developed and used for data accuracy along curved nanofiber surfaces. Nanofiber features were also independently analyzed using transmission electron microscopy, with results that supported the scanning probe recognition microscopy-based analysis.

Environmental Scanning for Occupational Education. A Facilitator's Guide. A Model for Environmental Scanning to Systematically Assess Future Occupational Education and Training Needs of a Michigan Community College Service Area.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kellogg Foundation, Battle Creek, MI.

This manual is designed to facilitate the planning and implementation of an environmental scanning project in Michigan's community colleges. (Environmental scanning is a systematic process for gathering and analyzing information about the external environment and relating it to an organization's internal environment.) This facilitator's guide is…

Color Breakup In Sequentially-Scanned LC Displays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arend, L.; Lubin, J.; Gille, J.; Larimer, J.; Statler, Irving C. (Technical Monitor)

1994-01-01

In sequentially-scanned liquid-crystal displays the chromatic components of color pixels are distributed in time. For such displays eye, head, display, and image-object movements can cause the individual color elements to be visible. We analyze conditions (scan designs, types of eye movement) likely to produce color breakup.

Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) Evaluation of the Interface between a Nanostructured Calcium-Incorporated Dental Implant Surface and the Human Bone.

PubMed

Mangano, Francesco; Raspanti, Mario; Maghaireh, Hassan; Mangano, Carlo

2017-12-17

Purpose . The aim of this scanning electron microscope (SEM) study was to investigate the interface between the bone and a novel nanostructured calcium-incorporated dental implant surface in humans. Methods . A dental implant (Anyridge ® , Megagen Implant Co., Gyeongbuk, South Korea) with a nanostructured calcium-incorporated surface (Xpeed ® , Megagen Implant Co., Gyeongbuk, South Korea), which had been placed a month earlier in a fully healed site of the posterior maxilla (#14) of a 48-year-old female patient, and which had been subjected to immediate functional loading, was removed after a traumatic injury. Despite the violent trauma that caused mobilization of the fixture, its surface appeared to be covered by a firmly attached, intact tissue; therefore, it was subjected to SEM examination. The implant surface of an unused nanostructured calcium-incorporated implant was also observed under SEM, as control. Results . The surface of the unused implant showed a highly-structured texture, carved by irregular, multi-scale hollows reminiscent of a fractal structure. It appeared perfectly clean and devoid of any contamination. The human specimen showed trabecular bone firmly anchored to the implant surface, bridging the screw threads and filling the spaces among them. Conclusions . Within the limits of this human histological report, the sample analyzed showed that the nanostructured calcium-incorporated surface was covered by new bone, one month after placement in the posterior maxilla, under an immediate functional loading protocol.

Representing Road Related Laserscanned Data in Curved Regular Grid: a Support to Autonomous Vehicles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Potó, V.; Csepinszky, A.; Barsi, Á.

2018-05-01

The terrestrial and mobile laser scanning has become nowadays a mature technology applied in several technical and non-technical applications. The transportation infrastructure can be surveyed by these technologies in an excellent way, then 3D maps, fly-through videos and road furniture inventories can be derived among many other applications. The very detailed measurement and the realistic feature enable even to be used in games or simulators. This advantage was to be analyzed in vehicular simulation environment; the primary goal of the paper was to demonstrate a potential workflow and use case for such laser scanning data. The selected simulation package was the OpenCRG, which is being a component of OpenDRIVE-OpenCRG-OpenSCENARIO system, where it has been developed for microscopic simulations, e.g. vibrations, tire models or vehicle suspension systems. Because of the realistic visualization of CRG models it is very popular in the design and development of autonomous vehicles. The paper presents two different paved pilot sites surveyed by these technologies, then the raw data preparation is described and the details of the CRG model building is shown. The results of the experiments bring an overview, how the captured field data can be represented and interpreted in road surface context. The diagrams illustrate the potential of the very high resolution (1 cm) model, which allows to identify each separate cobble stone or to study surface roughness.

Recent Developments in Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy for Diffusion Measurements in Planar Lipid Membranes

PubMed Central

Macháň, Radek; Hof, Martin

2010-01-01

Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) is a single molecule technique used mainly for determination of mobility and local concentration of molecules. This review describes the specific problems of FCS in planar systems and reviews the state of the art experimental approaches such as 2-focus, Z-scan or scanning FCS, which overcome most of the artefacts and limitations of standard FCS. We focus on diffusion measurements of lipids and proteins in planar lipid membranes and review the contributions of FCS to elucidating membrane dynamics and the factors influencing it, such as membrane composition, ionic strength, presence of membrane proteins or frictional coupling with solid support. PMID:20386647

Scanning gate microscopy of electronic inhomogeneities in single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hunt, Steven R.; Collins, Phillip G.

2010-03-01

The electronic properties of graphitic carbon devices are primarily determined by the contact metal and the carbon band structure. However, inhomogeneities such as substrate imperfections, surface defects, and mobile contaminants also contribute and can lead to transistor-like behaviors. We experimentally investigate this phenomena in the 1-D limit using metallic single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) before and after the electrochemical creation of sidewall defects. While scanning gate microscopy readily identifies the defect sites, the energy-dependence of the technique allows quantitative analysis of the defects and discrimination of different defect types. This research is partly supported by the NSF (DMR 08-xxxx).

Use of multidetector-row computed tomography scan to detect pannus formation in prosthetic mechanical aortic valves

PubMed Central

Aladmawi, Mohamed A.; Vriz, Olga; Galzerano, Domenico

2017-01-01

Obstruction of a mechanical aortic valve by pannus formation at the subvalvular level is a major long-term complication of aortic valve replacement (AVR). In fact, pannus is sometime difficult to differentiate from patient-prosthesis mismatch or valve thrombosis. In most cases cine-angiography and echocardiography, either transthoracic or transesophageal, cannot correctly visualize the complication when the leaflets show a normal mobility. Recent technological refinements made this difficult diagnosis possible by ECG-gated computed tomography (CT) scan which shows adequate images in 90% of the cases and can differentiate pannus from fresh and organized thrombus. PMID:28540078

Compact scanning transmission x-ray microscope at the photon factory

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

Takeichi, Yasuo, E-mail: yasuo.takeichi@kek.jp; Inami, Nobuhito; Ono, Kanta

We report the design and performance of a compact scanning transmission X-ray microscope developed at the Photon Factory. Piezo-driven linear stages are used as coarse stages of the microscope to realize excellent compactness, mobility, and vibrational and thermal stability. An X-ray beam with an intensity of ∼10{sup 7} photons/s was focused to a diameter of ∼40 nm at the sample. At the soft X-ray undulator beamline used with the microscope, a wide range of photon energies (250–1600 eV) is available. The microscope has been used to research energy materials and in environmental sciences.

Electrical transport and low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy of microsoldered graphene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Geringer, V.; Subramaniam, D.; Michel, A. K.; Szafranek, B.; Schall, D.; Georgi, A.; Mashoff, T.; Neumaier, D.; Liebmann, M.; Morgenstern, M.

2010-02-01

Using the recently developed technique of microsoldering, we perform systematic transport studies of the influence of polymethylmethacrylate on graphene revealing a doping effect with a n-type dopant density Δn of up to Δn =3.8×1012 cm-2 but negligible influence on mobility and hysteresis. Moreover, we show that microsoldered graphene is free of contamination and exhibits very similar intrinsic rippling as found for lithographically contacted flakes. Characterizing the microsoldered sample by scanning tunneling spectroscopy, we demonstrate a current induced closing of the phonon gap and a B-field induced double peak attributed to the 0 Landau level.

Mobile Functional Reach Test in People Who Suffer Stroke: A Pilot Study

PubMed Central

Merchán-Baeza, Jose Antonio; González-Sánchez, Manuel

2015-01-01

Background Postural instability is one of the major complications found in people who survive a stroke. Parameterizing the Functional Reach Test (FRT) could be useful in clinical practice and basic research, as this test is a clinically accepted tool (for its simplicity, reliability, economy, and portability) to measure the semistatic balance of a subject. Objective The aim of this study is to analyze the reliability in the FRT parameterization using inertial sensor within mobile phones (mobile sensors) for recording kinematic variables in patients who have suffered a stroke. Our hypothesis is that the sensors in mobile phones will be reliable instruments for kinematic study of the FRT. Methods This is a cross-sectional study of 7 subjects over 65 years of age who suffered a stroke. During the execution of FRT, the subjects carried two mobile phones: one placed in the lumbar region and the other one on the trunk. After analyzing the data obtained in the kinematic registration by the mobile sensors, a number of direct and indirect variables were obtained. The variables extracted directly from FRT through the mobile sensors were distance, maximum angular lumbosacral/thoracic displacement, time for maximum angular lumbosacral/thoracic displacement, time of return to the initial position, and total time. Using these data, we calculated speed and acceleration of each. A descriptive analysis of all kinematic outcomes recorded by the two mobile sensors (trunk and lumbar) was developed and the average range achieved in the FRT. Reliability measures were calculated by analyzing the internal consistency of the measures with 95% confidence interval of each outcome variable. We calculated the reliability of mobile sensors in the measurement of the kinematic variables during the execution of the FRT. Results The values in the FRT obtained in this study (2.49 cm, SD 13.15) are similar to those found in other studies with this population and with the same age range. Intrasubject reliability values observed in the use of mobile phones are all located above 0.831, ranging from 0.831 (time B_C trunk area) and 0.894 (displacement A_B trunk area). Likewise, the observed intersubject values range from 0.835 (time B_C trunk area) and 0.882 (displacement A_C trunk area). On the other hand, the reliability of the FRT was 0.989 (0.981-0.996) and 0.978 (0.970-0.985), intrasubject and intersubject respectively. Conclusions We found that mobile sensors in mobile phones could be reliable tools in the parameterization of the Functional Reach Test in people who have had a stroke. PMID:28582239

Differences between centric relation and maximum intercuspation as possible cause for development of temporomandibular disorder analyzed with T-scan III

PubMed Central

Lila-Krasniqi, Zana D.; Shala, Kujtim Sh.; Pustina-Krasniqi, Teuta; Bicaj, Teuta; Dula, Linda J.; Guguvčevski, Ljuben

2015-01-01

Objective: To compare subjects from the group with fixed dentures, the group who present temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and a control group considering centric relation (CR) and maximum intercuspation (MIC)/habitual occlusion (Hab. Occl.) and to analyze the related variables also compared and analyzed with electronic system T-scan III. Materials and Methods: A total of 54 subjects were divided into three groups; 17 subjects with fixed dentures, 14 with TMD and 23 controls-selection based on anamnesis-responded to a Fonseca questionnaire and clinical measurements analyzed with electronic system T-scan III. Occlusal force, presented by percentage (automatically by the T-scan electronic system) was analyzed in CR and in MIC. Results: Data were presented as mean ± standard deviation and differences in P < 0.05 were considered significant. After measurements of the differences between CR and MIC in the three groups were noticed varieties but the P > 0.05 it was not significant in all three groups. Conclusion: In our study, it was concluded that there are not statistically significant differences between CR and MIC in the group of individuals without any symptom or sign of TMD although there are noticed in the group with TMD and fixed dentures disharmonic relation between the arches with overload of the occlusal force on the one side. PMID:26929698

Charged particle mobility refrigerant analyzer

DOEpatents

Allman, S.L.; Chunghsuan Chen; Chen, F.C.

1993-02-02

A method for analyzing a gaseous electronegative species comprises the steps of providing an analysis chamber; providing an electric field of known potential within the analysis chamber; admitting into the analysis chamber a gaseous sample containing the gaseous electronegative species; providing a pulse of free electrons within the electric field so that the pulse of free electrons interacts with the gaseous electronegative species so that a swarm of electrically charged particles is produced within the electric field; and, measuring the mobility of the electrically charged particles within the electric field.

Charged particle mobility refrigerant analyzer

DOEpatents

Allman, Steve L.; Chen, Chung-Hsuan; Chen, Fang C.

1993-01-01

A method for analyzing a gaseous electronegative species comprises the steps of providing an analysis chamber; providing an electric field of known potential within the analysis chamber; admitting into the analysis chamber a gaseous sample containing the gaseous electronegative species; providing a pulse of free electrons within the electric field so that the pulse of free electrons interacts with the gaseous electronegative species so that a swarm of electrically charged particles is produced within the electric field; and, measuring the mobility of the electrically charged particles within the electric field.

Ballbot-type motion of N-heterocyclic carbenes on gold surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Gaoqiang; Rühling, Andreas; Amirjalayer, Saeed; Knor, Marek; Ernst, Johannes Bruno; Richter, Christian; Gao, Hong-Jun; Timmer, Alexander; Gao, Hong-Ying; Doltsinis, Nikos L.; Glorius, Frank; Fuchs, Harald

2017-02-01

Recently, N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) were introduced as alternative anchors for surface modifications and so offered many attractive features, which might render them superior to thiol-based systems. However, little effort has been made to investigate the self-organization process of NHCs on surfaces, an important aspect for the formation of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), which requires molecular mobility. Based on investigations with scanning tunnelling microscopy and first-principles calculations, we provide an understanding of the microscopic mechanism behind the high mobility observed for NHCs. These NHCs extract a gold atom from the surface, which leads to the formation of an NHC-gold adatom complex that displays a high surface mobility by a ballbot-type motion. Together with their high desorption barrier this enables the formation of ordered and strongly bound SAMs. In addition, this mechanism allows a complementary surface-assisted synthesis of dimeric and hitherto unknown trimeric NHC gold complexes on the surface.

Ballbot-type motion of N-heterocyclic carbenes on gold surfaces.

PubMed

Wang, Gaoqiang; Rühling, Andreas; Amirjalayer, Saeed; Knor, Marek; Ernst, Johannes Bruno; Richter, Christian; Gao, Hong-Jun; Timmer, Alexander; Gao, Hong-Ying; Doltsinis, Nikos L; Glorius, Frank; Fuchs, Harald

2017-02-01

Recently, N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) were introduced as alternative anchors for surface modifications and so offered many attractive features, which might render them superior to thiol-based systems. However, little effort has been made to investigate the self-organization process of NHCs on surfaces, an important aspect for the formation of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), which requires molecular mobility. Based on investigations with scanning tunnelling microscopy and first-principles calculations, we provide an understanding of the microscopic mechanism behind the high mobility observed for NHCs. These NHCs extract a gold atom from the surface, which leads to the formation of an NHC-gold adatom complex that displays a high surface mobility by a ballbot-type motion. Together with their high desorption barrier this enables the formation of ordered and strongly bound SAMs. In addition, this mechanism allows a complementary surface-assisted synthesis of dimeric and hitherto unknown trimeric NHC gold complexes on the surface.

Oxidation/volatilization rates in air for candidate fusion reactor blanket materials, PCA and HT-9

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piet, S. J.; Kraus, H. G.; Neilson, R. M.; Jones, J. L.

1986-11-01

Large uncertainties exist in the quantity of neutron-induced activation products that can be mobilized in potential fusion accidents. The accidental combination of high temperatures and oxidizing conditions might lead to mobilization of a significant amount of activation products from structural materials. Here, the volatilization of constituents of PCA and HT-9 resulting form oxidation in air was investigated. Tests were conducted in flowing air at temperatures from 600 to 1300°C for 1, 5, or 20 h. Elemental volatility was calculated in terms of the weight fraction of the element volatilized from the initial alloy. Molybdenum and manganese were the radiologically significant primary constituents most volatilized, suggesting that molybdenum and manganese should be minimized in fusion steel compositions. Higher chromium content appears beneficial in reducing hazards from mobile activation products. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy were used to study the oxide layer on samples.

Mobile In Vivo Infrared Data Collection and Diagnoses Comparison System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mintz, Frederick W. (Inventor); Gunapala, Sarath D. (Inventor); Moynihan, Philip I. (Inventor)

2013-01-01

Described is a mobile in vivo infrared brain scan and analysis system. The system includes a data collection subsystem and a data analysis subsystem. The data collection subsystem is a helmet with a plurality of infrared (IR) thermometer probes. Each of the IR thermometer probes includes an IR photodetector capable of detecting IR radiation generated by evoked potentials within a user's skull. The helmet is formed to collect brain data that is reflective of firing neurons in a mobile subject and transmit the brain data to the data analysis subsystem. The data analysis subsystem is configured to generate and display a three-dimensional image that depicts a location of the firing neurons. The data analysis subsystem is also configured to compare the brain data against a library of brain data to detect an anomaly in the brain data, and notify a user of any detected anomaly in the brain data.

Theory of a Quantum Scanning Microscope for Cold Atoms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, D.; Laflamme, C.; Vasilyev, D. V.; Baranov, M. A.; Zoller, P.

2018-03-01

We propose and analyze a scanning microscope to monitor "live" the quantum dynamics of cold atoms in a cavity QED setup. The microscope measures the atomic density with subwavelength resolution via dispersive couplings to a cavity and homodyne detection within the framework of continuous measurement theory. We analyze two modes of operation. First, for a fixed focal point the microscope records the wave packet dynamics of atoms with time resolution set by the cavity lifetime. Second, a spatial scan of the microscope acts to map out the spatial density of stationary quantum states. Remarkably, in the latter case, for a good cavity limit, the microscope becomes an effective quantum nondemolition device, such that the spatial distribution of motional eigenstates can be measured backaction free in single scans, as an emergent quantum nondemolition measurement.

Theory of a Quantum Scanning Microscope for Cold Atoms.

PubMed

Yang, D; Laflamme, C; Vasilyev, D V; Baranov, M A; Zoller, P

2018-03-30

We propose and analyze a scanning microscope to monitor "live" the quantum dynamics of cold atoms in a cavity QED setup. The microscope measures the atomic density with subwavelength resolution via dispersive couplings to a cavity and homodyne detection within the framework of continuous measurement theory. We analyze two modes of operation. First, for a fixed focal point the microscope records the wave packet dynamics of atoms with time resolution set by the cavity lifetime. Second, a spatial scan of the microscope acts to map out the spatial density of stationary quantum states. Remarkably, in the latter case, for a good cavity limit, the microscope becomes an effective quantum nondemolition device, such that the spatial distribution of motional eigenstates can be measured backaction free in single scans, as an emergent quantum nondemolition measurement.

Scanning fluorescence correlation spectroscopy techniques to quantify the kinetics of DNA double strand break repair proteins after γ-irradiation and bleomycin treatment

PubMed Central

Abdisalaam, Salim; Davis, Anthony J.; Chen, David J.; Alexandrakis, George

2014-01-01

A common feature of DNA repair proteins is their mobilization in response to DNA damage. The ability to visualizing and quantifying the kinetics of proteins localizing/dissociating from DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) via immunofluorescence or live cell fluorescence microscopy have been powerful tools in allowing insight into the DNA damage response, but these tools have some limitations. For example, a number of well-established DSB repair factors, in particular those required for non-homologous end joining (NHEJ), do not form discrete foci in response to DSBs induced by ionizing radiation (IR) or radiomimetic drugs, including bleomycin, in living cells. In this report, we show that time-dependent kinetics of the NHEJ factors Ku80 and DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunits (DNA–PKcs) in response to IR and bleomycin can be quantified by Number and Brightness analysis and Raster-scan Image Correlation Spectroscopy. Fluorescent-tagged Ku80 and DNA–PKcs quickly mobilized in response to IR and bleomycin treatments consistent with prior reports using laser-generated DSBs. The response was linearly dependent on IR dose, and blocking NHEJ enhanced immobilization of both Ku80 and DNA–PKcs after DNA damage. These findings support the idea of using Number and Brightness and Raster-scan Image Correlation Spectroscopy as methods to monitor kinetics of DSB repair proteins in living cells under conditions mimicking radiation and chemotherapy treatments. PMID:24137007

Mobile user environment and satellite diversity for NGSO S-PCN's

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Werner, Markus; Bischl, Hermann; Lutz, Erich

1995-01-01

The performance of satellite diversity under the influence of the mobile user environment is analyzed. To this end, a digital channel model is presented which takes into account the elevation angle as well as the user mobility in a given environment. For different LEO and MEO systems and for varying mobile user environments, some crucial benefits and drawbacks of satellite diversity are discussed. Specifically, the important GW service area concept is introduced. The conclusions are validated by numerical results from computer simulations. Globalstar (LEO) and Inmarsat (MEO) are compared in terms of visibility, service availability and equivalent handover complexity for different environments and user mobility.

Crustal dynamics project data analysis, 1987. Volume 2: Mobile VLBI geodetic results, 1982-1986

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ma, C.; Ryan, J. W.

1987-01-01

The Goddard VLBI group reports the results of analyzing 101 Mark III data sets acquired from mobile observing sites through the end of 1986 and available to the Crustal Dynamics Project. The fixed VLBI observations at Hat Creek, Ft. Davis, Mojave, and OVRO are included as they participate heavily in the mobile schedules. One large solution GLB171 was used to obtain baseline length and transverse evolutions. Radio source positions were estimated globally, while nutation offsets were estimated from each data set. The results include 28 mobile sites.

Mobile automatic metabolic analyzer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bynum, B. G.; Currie, J. R.

1975-01-01

Two flexible pipes, attached to face mask, are connected to spirometers in mobile cart. Inhaled air volume is measured as it is drawn from one spirometer, and exhaled air volume is measured as it is breathed into second spirometer. Sensor is used to monitor heartbeat rate.

Balancing the costs of mobility investments in work zones : phase 1 final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-06-01

Work zone safety and mobility continue to be critical transportation concerns in Michigan and elsewhere. : Previous research has led to the development of a variety of tools, performance measures and decision-making frameworks to analyze work zone sa...

Very low emissions of airborne particulate pollutants measured from two municipal solid waste incineration plants in Switzerland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Setyan, Ari; Patrick, Michael; Wang, Jing

2017-10-01

A field campaign has been performed in two municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) plants in Switzerland, at Hinwil (ZH) and Giubiasco (TI). The aim was to measure airborne pollutants at different locations of the abatement systems (including those released from the stacks into the atmosphere) and at a near-field (∼1 km) downwind site, in order to assess the efficiency of the abatement systems and the environmental impact of these plants. During this study, we measured the particle number concentration with a condensation particle counter (CPC), and the size distribution with a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) and an aerodynamic particle sizer (APS). We also sampled particles on filters for subsequent analyses of the morphology, size and elemental composition with a scanning electron microscope coupled to an energy dispersive X-ray spectroscope (SEM/EDX), and of water soluble ions by ion chromatography (IC). Finally, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were sampled on adsorbing cartridges and analyzed by thermal desorption-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (TD-GC/MS), and a portable gas analyzer was used to monitor NO, SO2, CO, CO2, and O2. The particle concentration decreased significantly at two locations of the plants: at the electrostatic precipitator and the bag-house filter. The particle concentrations measured at the stacks were very low (<100 #/cm3), stressing the efficiency of the abatement system of the two plants. At Hinwil, particles sampled at the stack were mainly constituted of NaCl and KCl, two salts known to be involved in the corrosion process in incinerators. At Giubiasco, no significant differences were observed for the morphology and chemical composition of the particles collected in the ambient background and at the downwind site, suggesting that the incineration plant released very limited amounts of particles to the surrounding areas.

Experimental studies the evolution of stress-strain state in structured rock specimens under uniaxial loading

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oparin, Viktor; Tsoy, Pavel; Usoltseva, Olga; Semenov, Vladimir

2014-05-01

The aim of this study was to analyze distribution and development of stress-stress state in structured rock specimens subject to uniaxial loading to failure. Specific attention was paid to possible oscillating motion of structural elements of the rock specimens under constraints (pre-set stresses at the boundaries of the specimens) and the kinetic energy fractals. The detailed studies into the micro-level stress-strain state distribution and propagation over acting faces of rock specimens subject to uniaxial loading until failure, using automated digital speckle photography analyzer ALMEC-tv, have shown that: • under uniaxial stiff loading of prismatic sandstone, marble and sylvinite specimens on the Instron-8802 servohydraulic testing machine at the mobile grip displacement rate 0.02-0.2 mm/min, at a certain level of stressing, low-frequency micro-deformation processes originate in the specimens due to slow (quasi-static) force; • the amplitude of that deformation-wave processes greatly depends on the micro-loading stage: — at the elastic deformation stage, under the specimen stress lower than half ultimate strength of the specimen, there are no oscillations of microstrains; —at the nonlinearly elastic deformation stage, under stress varied from 0.5 to 1 ultimate strength of the specimens, the amplitudes of microstrains grow, including the descending stage 3; the oscillation frequency f=0.5-4 Hz; —at the residual strength stage, the amplitudes of the microstrains drop abruptly (3-5 times) as against stages 2 and 3; • in the elements of the scanned specimen surface in the region with the incipient crack, the microstrain rate amplitudes are a few times higher than in the undamged surface region of the same specimen. Sometimes, deformation rate greatly grows with increase in the load. The authors have used the energy scanning function of the deformation-wave processes in processing experimental speckle-photography data on the surface of the test specimen subject to loading until failure.

[The Explore of the Security Strategy Model in Hospital Mobile Clinic New Mode].

PubMed

Li, Ke; Xia, Yong; Wang, Wei

2016-03-01

The paper elaborates and analyzes the current status of mobile hospital information security, then puts forward a security new model of the mobile treatment, then its architecture and solutions is elaborated. The use of this model makes the overall security level of hospital information to be further improved and enhanced, it has a positive signifi cance to promote the overal hospital management level.

Hooked differential mobility spectrometry apparatus and method therefore

DOEpatents

Shvartsburg, Alexandre A [Richland, WA; Tang, Keqi [Richland, WA; Ibrahim, Yehia M [Richland, WA; Smith, Richard D [Richland, WA

2009-02-17

Disclosed are a device and method for improved interfacing of differential mobility spectrometry (DMS) or field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS) analyzers of substantially planar geometry to subsequent or preceding instrument stages. Interfacing is achieved using curved DMS elements, where a thick ion beam emitted by planar DMS analyzers or injected into them for ion filtering is compressed to the gap median by DMS ion focusing effect in a spatially inhomogeneous electric field. Resulting thinner beams are more effectively transmitted through necessarily constrained conductance limit apertures to subsequent instrument stages operated at a pressure lower than DMS, and/or more effectively injected into planar DMS analyzers. The technology is synergetic with slit apertures, slit aperture/ion funnels, and high-pressure ion funnel interfaces known in the art which allow for increasing cross-sectional area of MS inlets. The invention may be used in integrated analytical platforms, including, e.g., DMS/MS, LC/DMS/MS, and DMS/IMS/MS that could replace and/or enhance current LC/MS methods, e.g., for proteomics research.

A mobile-phone immunization record in Ontario: uptake and opportunities for improving public health.

PubMed

Wilson, Kumanan; Atkinson, Katherine; Pluscauskas, Michael; Bell, Cameron

2014-12-01

A free iPhone app was designed to help parents in Ontario track their children's vaccination records. It was launched in the iTunes app store on 20 November 2012. There were 4867 downloads in the following 12 months. We observed that downloads of the app were correlated with media coverage. Usage of the app was measured by app opens and the time spent in the app per open: on average there were 53 opens per day and 126 seconds spent per open. Users expressed concerns about the privacy of health information and accessibility by people of lower socioeconomic status, who were less likely to be smartphone owners. A national version of the app is now being developed for multiple mobile phone types. There is potential to develop additional features such as mobile adverse event reporting, vaccine vial barcode scanning and integration with immunization registries. Immunization is an area in which a mobile solution is very useful. © The Author(s) 2014 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav.

Mobility of rare earth elements in mine drainage: Influence of iron oxides, carbonates, and phosphates.

PubMed

Edahbi, Mohamed; Plante, Benoît; Benzaazoua, Mostafa; Ward, Matthew; Pelletier, Mia

2018-05-01

The geochemical behavior of rare earth elements (REE) was investigated using weathering cells. The influence of sorption and precipitation on dissolved REE mobility and fractionation is evaluated using synthetic iron-oxides, carbonates, and phosphates. Sorption cell tests are conducted on the main lithologies of the expected waste rocks from the Montviel deposit. The sorbed materials are characterized using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with a microanalysis system (energy dispersive spectroscopy EDS) (SEM-EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) in order to understand the effect of the synthetic minerals on REE mobility. The results confirm that sorption and precipitation control the mobility and fractionation of REE. The main sorbent phases are the carbonates, phosphates (present as accessory minerals in the Montviel waste rocks), and iron oxides (main secondary minerals generated upon weathering of the Montviel lithologies). The XANES results show that REE are present as trivalent species after weathering. Thermodynamic equilibrium calculations results using Visual Minteq suggest that REE could precipitate as secondary phosphates (REEPO 4 ). Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mobile Phones and Mental Well-Being: Initial Evidence Suggesting the Importance of Staying Connected to Family in Rural, Remote Communities in Uganda

PubMed Central

Mack, Elizabeth; Namanya, Judith

2017-01-01

Due to the ubiquity of mobile phones around the globe, studies are beginning to analyze their influence on health. Prior work from developed countries highlights negative mental health outcomes related to overuse of mobile phones. However, there is little work on mental health impacts of mobile phone use or ownership in developing countries. This is an important gap to address because there are likely variations in mental health impacts of mobile phones between developing and developed countries, due to cultural nuances to phone use and distinct variations in financial models for obtaining mobile phone access in developing countries. To address this gap, this study analyzes survey data from 92 households in sparse, rural villages in Uganda to test two hypotheses about mobile phone ownership and mental health in a developing country context: (i) Mobile phone ownership is higher among more privileged groups, compared to less privileged groups (ie, wealth and ethnicity); and (ii) mobile phone ownership is positively associated with a culturally-relevant indicator of mental health, ‘feelings of peace’. Results indicate that households with mobile phones had higher levels of wealth on average, yet no significant differences were detected by ethnicity. As hypothesized, mobile phone ownership was associated with increased mental well-being for persons without family nearby (in the District) (p = 0.038) after adjusting for wealth, ethnicity and amount of land for crops and land for grazing. Mobile phone ownership was not significantly associated with increased mental well-being for persons with family nearby. These findings are consistent with studies of mobile phone use in other sub-Saharan African countries which find that phones are important tools for social connection and are thus beneficial for maintaining family ties. One might infer then that this increased feeling of mental well-being for persons located farther from family stems from the ability to maintain family connections. These findings are quite different from work in developed countries where mobile phone use is a source of technology-related stress or technostress. PMID:28095427

Mobile Phones and Mental Well-Being: Initial Evidence Suggesting the Importance of Staying Connected to Family in Rural, Remote Communities in Uganda.

PubMed

Pearson, Amber L; Mack, Elizabeth; Namanya, Judith

2017-01-01

Due to the ubiquity of mobile phones around the globe, studies are beginning to analyze their influence on health. Prior work from developed countries highlights negative mental health outcomes related to overuse of mobile phones. However, there is little work on mental health impacts of mobile phone use or ownership in developing countries. This is an important gap to address because there are likely variations in mental health impacts of mobile phones between developing and developed countries, due to cultural nuances to phone use and distinct variations in financial models for obtaining mobile phone access in developing countries. To address this gap, this study analyzes survey data from 92 households in sparse, rural villages in Uganda to test two hypotheses about mobile phone ownership and mental health in a developing country context: (i) Mobile phone ownership is higher among more privileged groups, compared to less privileged groups (ie, wealth and ethnicity); and (ii) mobile phone ownership is positively associated with a culturally-relevant indicator of mental health, 'feelings of peace'. Results indicate that households with mobile phones had higher levels of wealth on average, yet no significant differences were detected by ethnicity. As hypothesized, mobile phone ownership was associated with increased mental well-being for persons without family nearby (in the District) (p = 0.038) after adjusting for wealth, ethnicity and amount of land for crops and land for grazing. Mobile phone ownership was not significantly associated with increased mental well-being for persons with family nearby. These findings are consistent with studies of mobile phone use in other sub-Saharan African countries which find that phones are important tools for social connection and are thus beneficial for maintaining family ties. One might infer then that this increased feeling of mental well-being for persons located farther from family stems from the ability to maintain family connections. These findings are quite different from work in developed countries where mobile phone use is a source of technology-related stress or technostress.

TH-CD-209-10: Scanning Proton Arc Therapy (SPArc) - The First Robust and Delivery-Efficient Spot Scanning Proton Arc Therapy

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

Ding, X; Li, X; Zhang, J

Purpose: To develop a delivery-efficient proton spot-scanning arc therapy technique with robust plan quality. Methods: We developed a Scanning Proton Arc(SPArc) optimization algorithm integrated with (1)Control point re-sampling by splitting control point into adjacent sub-control points; (2)Energy layer re-distribution by assigning the original energy layers to the new sub-control points; (3)Energy layer filtration by deleting low MU weighting energy layers; (4)Energy layer re-sampling by sampling additional layers to ensure the optimal solution. A bilateral head and neck oropharynx case and a non-mobile lung target case were tested. Plan quality and total estimated delivery time were compared to original robust optimizedmore » multi-field step-and-shoot arc plan without SPArc optimization (Arcmulti-field) and standard robust optimized Intensity Modulated Proton Therapy(IMPT) plans. Dose-Volume-Histograms (DVH) of target and Organ-at-Risks (OARs) were analyzed along with all worst case scenarios. Total delivery time was calculated based on the assumption of a 360 degree gantry room with 1 RPM rotation speed, 2ms spot switching time, beam current 1nA, minimum spot weighting 0.01 MU, energy-layer-switching-time (ELST) from 0.5 to 4s. Results: Compared to IMPT, SPArc delivered less integral dose(−14% lung and −8% oropharynx). For lung case, SPArc reduced 60% of skin max dose, 35% of rib max dose and 15% of lung mean dose. Conformity Index is improved from 7.6(IMPT) to 4.0(SPArc). Compared to Arcmulti-field, SPArc reduced number of energy layers by 61%(276 layers in lung) and 80%(1008 layers in oropharynx) while kept the same robust plan quality. With ELST from 0.5s to 4s, it reduced 55%–60% of Arcmulti-field delivery time for the lung case and 56%–67% for the oropharynx case. Conclusion: SPArc is the first robust and delivery-efficient proton spot-scanning arc therapy technique which could be implemented in routine clinic. For modern proton machine with ELST close to 0.5s, SPArc would be a popular treatment option for both single and multi-room center.« less

Mobile computing device as tools for college student education: a case on flashcards application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, Congying

2012-04-01

Traditionally, college students always use flash cards as a tool to remember massive knowledge, such as nomenclature, structures, and reactions in chemistry. Educational and information technology have enabled flashcards viewed on computers, like Slides and PowerPoint, works as tunnels of drilling and feedback for the learners. The current generation of students is more capable of information technology and mobile computing devices. For example, they use their Mobile phones much more intensively everyday day. Trends of using Mobile phone as an educational tool is analyzed and a educational technology initiative is proposed, which use Mobile phone flash cards applications to help students learn biology and chemistry. Experiments show that users responded positively to these mobile flash cards.

Application of DIRI dynamic infrared imaging in reconstructive surgery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pawlowski, Marek; Wang, Chengpu; Jin, Feng; Salvitti, Matthew; Tenorio, Xavier

2006-04-01

We have developed the BioScanIR System based on QWIP (Quantum Well Infrared Photodetector). Data collected by this sensor are processed using the DIRI (Dynamic Infrared Imaging) algorithms. The combination of DIRI data processing methods with the unique characteristics of the QWIP sensor permit the creation of a new imaging modality capable of detecting minute changes in temperature at the surface of the tissue and organs associated with blood perfusion due to certain diseases such as cancer, vascular disease and diabetes. The BioScanIR System has been successfully applied in reconstructive surgery to localize donor flap feeding vessels (perforators) during the pre-surgical planning stage. The device is also used in post-surgical monitoring of skin flap perfusion. Since the BioScanIR is mobile; it can be moved to the bedside for such monitoring. In comparison to other modalities, the BioScanIR can localize perforators in a single, 20 seconds scan with definitive results available in minutes. The algorithms used include (FFT) Fast Fourier Transformation, motion artifact correction, spectral analysis and thermal image scaling. The BioScanIR is completely non-invasive and non-toxic, requires no exogenous contrast agents and is free of ionizing radiation. In addition to reconstructive surgery applications, the BioScanIR has shown promise as a useful functional imaging modality in neurosurgery, drug discovery in pre-clinical animal models, wound healing and peripheral vascular disease management.

Identifying Mobility Types in Cognitively Heterogeneous Older Adults Based on GPS-Tracking: What Discriminates Best?

PubMed

Wettstein, Markus; Wahl, Hans-Werner; Shoval, Noam; Auslander, Gail; Oswald, Frank; Heinik, Jeremia

2015-12-01

Heterogeneity in older adults' mobility and its correlates have rarely been investigated based on objective mobility data and in samples including cognitively impaired individuals. We analyzed mobility profiles within a cognitively heterogeneous sample of N = 257 older adults from Israel and Germany based on GPS tracking technology. Participants were aged between 59 and 91 years (M = 72.9; SD = 6.4) and were either cognitively healthy (CH, n = 146), mildly cognitively impaired (MCI, n = 76), or diagnosed with an early-stage dementia of the Alzheimer's type (DAT, n = 35). Based on cluster analysis, we identified three mobility types ("Mobility restricted," "Outdoor oriented," "Walkers"), which could be predicted based on socio-demographic indicators, activity, health, and cognitive impairment status using discriminant analysis. Particularly demented individuals and persons with worse health exhibited restrictions in mobility. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of heterogeneity in mobility in old age. © The Author(s) 2013.

Solar-cell defect analyzer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gauthier, M. K.; Miller, E. L.; Shumka, A.

1980-01-01

Laser-Scanning System pinpoints imperfections in solar cells. Entire solar panels containing large numbers of cells can be scanned. Although technique is similar to use of scanning electron microscope (SEM) to locate microscopic imperfections, it differs in that large areas may be examined, including entire solar panels, and it is not necessary to remove cover glass or encapsulants.

Focus on the Future: Environmental Scanning at Columbia Basin College.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Knutzen, Judi, Comp.

As the first step of the process of developing a strategic plan, the Institutional Research Director at Columbia Basin College (Washington) was asked to perform an environmental scan. Environmental scanning is a careful and continuous process of tracking and analyzing trends relevant to an institution's goals. It involves making forecasts of…

Accuracy of Bolton analysis measured in laser scanned digital models compared with plaster models (gold standard) and cone-beam computer tomography images.

PubMed

Kim, Jooseong; Lagravére, Manuel O

2016-01-01

The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of Bolton analysis obtained from digital models scanned with the Ortho Insight three-dimensional (3D) laser scanner system to those obtained from cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images and traditional plaster models. CBCT scans and plaster models were obtained from 50 patients. Plaster models were scanned using the Ortho Insight 3D laser scanner; Bolton ratios were calculated with its software. CBCT scans were imported and analyzed using AVIZO software. Plaster models were measured with a digital caliper. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Anterior and overall Bolton ratios obtained by the three different modalities exhibited excellent agreement (> 0.970). The mean differences between the scanned digital models and physical models and between the CBCT images and scanned digital models for overall Bolton ratios were 0.41 ± 0.305% and 0.45 ± 0.456%, respectively; for anterior Bolton ratios, 0.59 ± 0.520% and 1.01 ± 0.780%, respectively. ICC results showed that intraexaminer error reliability was generally excellent (> 0.858 for all three diagnostic modalities), with < 1.45% discrepancy in the Bolton analysis. Laser scanned digital models are highly accurate compared to physical models and CBCT scans for assessing the spatial relationships of dental arches for orthodontic diagnosis.

LARGE-SCALE PREDICTIONS OF MOBILE SOURCE CONTRIBUTIONS TO CONCENTRATIONS OF TOXIC AIR POLLUTANTS

EPA Science Inventory

This presentation shows concentrations and deposition of toxic air pollutants predicted by a 3-D air quality model, the Community Multi Scale Air Quality (CMAQ) modeling system. Contributions from both on-road and non-road mobile sources are analyzed.

Modeling and analyzing the impact of advanced technologies on livability and multimodal transportation performance measures in arterial corridors : phase 2.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-03-01

Transportation corridors are complex systems. Tradeoffs, particularly in terms of traffic mobility, transit performance, accessibility and pedestrian : interactions, are not well understood. When the focus is on motorized vehicle mobility and through...

Accuracy of laser-scanned models compared to plaster models and cone-beam computed tomography.

PubMed

Kim, Jooseong; Heo, Giseon; Lagravère, Manuel O

2014-05-01

To compare the accuracy of measurements obtained from the three-dimensional (3D) laser scans to those taken from the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans and those obtained from plaster models. Eighteen different measurements, encompassing mesiodistal width of teeth and both maxillary and mandibular arch length and width, were selected using various landmarks. CBCT scans and plaster models were prepared from 60 patients. Plaster models were scanned using the Ortho Insight 3D laser scanner, and the selected landmarks were measured using its software. CBCT scans were imported and analyzed using the Avizo software, and the 26 landmarks corresponding to the selected measurements were located and recorded. The plaster models were also measured using a digital caliper. Descriptive statistics and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were used to analyze the data. The ICC result showed that the values obtained by the three different methods were highly correlated in all measurements, all having correlations>0.808. When checking the differences between values and methods, the largest mean difference found was 0.59 mm±0.38 mm. In conclusion, plaster models, CBCT models, and laser-scanned models are three different diagnostic records, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The present results showed that the laser-scanned models are highly accurate to plaster models and CBCT scans. This gives general clinicians an alternative to take into consideration the advantages of laser-scanned models over plaster models and CBCT reconstructions.

Compact and mobile high resolution PET brain imager

DOEpatents

Majewski, Stanislaw [Yorktown, VA; Proffitt, James [Newport News, VA

2011-02-08

A brain imager includes a compact ring-like static PET imager mounted in a helmet-like structure. When attached to a patient's head, the helmet-like brain imager maintains the relative head-to-imager geometry fixed through the whole imaging procedure. The brain imaging helmet contains radiation sensors and minimal front-end electronics. A flexible mechanical suspension/harness system supports the weight of the helmet thereby allowing for patient to have limited movements of the head during imaging scans. The compact ring-like PET imager enables very high resolution imaging of neurological brain functions, cancer, and effects of trauma using a rather simple mobile scanner with limited space needs for use and storage.

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

Dahal, Arjun; Dohnálek, Zdenek

Anatase TiO2 is indispensable material for energy-harvesting applications and catalysis. In this study, we employ scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and study water adsorption on most stable TiO2(101) surface of anatase. We demonstrate that at very low temperatures (80 K), water has the transient mobility that allows it to move on the surface and form extended chains. In contrast with many other oxides, these water chains are only metastable in nature. Adsorption at higher temperatures, where sustained diffusion is observed (190 K) leads to isolated water monomers in accord with prior literature. We speculate that the observed low-temperature mobility is amore » result of adsorption in a long-lived precursor state with a low diffusion barrier.« less

Evaluation of electron mobility in InSb quantum wells by means of percentage-impact

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

Mishima, T. D.; Edirisooriya, M.; Santos, M. B.

2014-05-15

In order to quantitatively analyze the contribution of each scattering factor toward the total carrier mobility, we use a new convenient figure-of-merit, named a percentage impact. The mobility limit due to a scattering factor, which is widely used to summarize a scattering analysis, has its own advantage. However, a mobility limit is not quite appropriate for the above purpose. A comprehensive understanding of the difference in contribution among many scattering factors toward the total carrier mobility can be obtained by evaluating percentage impacts of scattering factors, which can be straightforwardly calculated from their mobility limits and the total mobility. Ourmore » percentage impact analysis shows that threading dislocation is one of the dominant scattering factors for the electron transport in InSb quantum wells at room temperature.« less

Studying Upper-Limb Kinematics Using Inertial Sensors Embedded in Mobile Phones

PubMed Central

Bennett, Paul

2015-01-01

Background In recent years, there has been a great interest in analyzing upper-limb kinematics. Inertial measurement with mobile phones is a convenient and portable analysis method for studying humerus kinematics in terms of angular mobility and linear acceleration. Objective The aim of this analysis was to study upper-limb kinematics via mobile phones through six physical properties that correspond to angular mobility and acceleration in the three axes of space. Methods This cross-sectional study recruited healthy young adult subjects. Humerus kinematics was studied in 10 young adults with the iPhone4. They performed flexion and abduction analytical tasks. Mobility angle and lineal acceleration in each of its axes (yaw, pitch, and roll) were obtained with the iPhone4. This device was placed on the right half of the body of each subject, in the middle third of the humerus, slightly posterior. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Results Descriptive graphics of analytical tasks performed were obtained. The biggest range of motion was found in pitch angle, and the biggest acceleration was found in the y-axis in both analytical tasks. Focusing on tridimensional kinematics, bigger range of motion and acceleration was found in abduction (209.69 degrees and 23.31 degrees per second respectively). Also, very strong correlation was found between angular mobility and linear acceleration in abduction (r=.845) and flexion (r=.860). Conclusions The use of an iPhone for humerus tridimensional kinematics is feasible. This supports use of the mobile phone as a device to analyze upper-limb kinematics and to facilitate the evaluation of the patient. PMID:28582241

Evaluation and management of 2 ferocactus spines in the orbit.

PubMed

Russell, David J; Kim, Tim I; Kubis, Kenneth

2013-01-01

A 49-year-old woman, who had fallen face first in a cactus 1 week earlier, presented with a small, mobile, noninflamed subcutaneous nodule at the rim of her right lateral orbit with no other functional deficits. A CT scan was obtained, which revealed a 4-cm intraorbital tubular-shaped foreign body resembling a large cactus spine. A second preoperative CT scan, obtained for an intraoperative guidance system, demonstrated a second cactus spine, which was initially not seen on the first CT scan. Both spines were removed surgically without complication. The authors discuss factors that can cause diagnosis delay, review the radiographic features of cactus spines, and discuss the often times benign clinical course of retained cactus spine foreign bodies. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first case report of cactus spines in the orbit. Health-care professionals should have a low threshold for imaging in cases of traumatic injuries involving cactus spines.

Special report: workshop on 4D-treatment planning in actively scanned particle therapy--recommendations, technical challenges, and future research directions.

PubMed

Knopf, Antje; Bert, Christoph; Heath, Emily; Nill, Simeon; Kraus, Kim; Richter, Daniel; Hug, Eugen; Pedroni, Eros; Safai, Sairos; Albertini, Francesca; Zenklusen, Silvan; Boye, Dirk; Söhn, Matthias; Soukup, Martin; Sobotta, Benjamin; Lomax, Antony

2010-09-01

This article reports on a 4D-treatment planning workshop (4DTPW), held on 7-8 December 2009 at the Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI) in Villigen, Switzerland. The participants were all members of institutions actively involved in particle therapy delivery and research. The purpose of the 4DTPW was to discuss current approaches, challenges, and future research directions in 4D-treatment planning in the context of actively scanned particle radiotherapy. Key aspects were addressed in plenary sessions, in which leaders of the field summarized the state-of-the-art. Each plenary session was followed by an extensive discussion. As a result, this article presents a summary of recommendations for the treatment of mobile targets (intrafractional changes) with actively scanned particles and a list of requirements to elaborate and apply these guidelines clinically.

An indoor positioning technology in the BLE mobile payment system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Tiantian; Ding, Lei

2017-05-01

Mobile payment system for large supermarkets, the core function is through the BLE low-power Bluetooth technology to achieve the amount of payment in the mobile payment system, can through an indoor positioning technology to achieve value-added services. The technology by collecting Bluetooth RSSI, the fingerprint database of sampling points corresponding is established. To get Bluetooth module RSSI by the AP. Then, to use k-Nearest Neighbor match the value of the fingerprint database. Thereby, to help businesses find customers through the mall location, combined settlement amount of the customer's purchase of goods, to analyze customer's behavior. When the system collect signal strength, the distribution of the sampling points of RSSI is analyzed and the value is filtered. The system, used in the laboratory is designed to demonstrate the feasibility.

The Shock and Vibration Digest. Volume 18, Number 9

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-09-01

microprocessors. ods for mobility measurements, methods for Modeling and computation of transient rotor analyzing mobility data, mathematical modeling...behavior and nonlinear fluid-film bearing from mobility data, and applications of modal behavior will be described. Sessions will be test results will be...Zoned Viscoelastic Analysis of the Response of Dams to Earth- soil, quakesR. Abascal, J. Dominguez V. Lotfi , N6 445 • . , .-e ’SJ. PP %-’ , Ph.D. Thesis

Block-Based Connected-Component Labeling Algorithm Using Binary Decision Trees

PubMed Central

Chang, Wan-Yu; Chiu, Chung-Cheng; Yang, Jia-Horng

2015-01-01

In this paper, we propose a fast labeling algorithm based on block-based concepts. Because the number of memory access points directly affects the time consumption of the labeling algorithms, the aim of the proposed algorithm is to minimize neighborhood operations. Our algorithm utilizes a block-based view and correlates a raster scan to select the necessary pixels generated by a block-based scan mask. We analyze the advantages of a sequential raster scan for the block-based scan mask, and integrate the block-connected relationships using two different procedures with binary decision trees to reduce unnecessary memory access. This greatly simplifies the pixel locations of the block-based scan mask. Furthermore, our algorithm significantly reduces the number of leaf nodes and depth levels required in the binary decision tree. We analyze the labeling performance of the proposed algorithm alongside that of other labeling algorithms using high-resolution images and foreground images. The experimental results from synthetic and real image datasets demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is faster than other methods. PMID:26393597

Functionalities and input methods for recording food intake: a systematic review.

PubMed

Rusin, Miroslav; Arsand, Eirik; Hartvigsen, Gunnar

2013-08-01

Increasing healthcare costs related to lifestyle-related chronic diseases require new solutions. Research on self-management tools is expanding and many new tools are emerging. Recording food intake is a key functionality in many of these tools. Nutrition monitoring is a relevant method to gain an overview of factors influencing health. However, keeping a food diary often constitutes a challenge for a patient, and developing a user-friendly and useful electronic food diary is not straightforward. To gain insight into the existing approaches to recording food intake, and to analyze current functionalities and input methods. We searched digital libraries, vendor markets and social networks focusing on nutrition. Selection criteria were publications written in English, and patient-oriented tools that offered recording of food intake or nutrition. The system properties that we searched for were types of data, types of terminal, target population, and types of reports and sharing functionalities. We summarized the properties based on their frequency in the reviewed sample. 31 publications met the selection criteria. The majority of the identified food recording systems (67%) facilitated entry of food type and the consumed quantity of food; 16% of the systems were able to record more than one type of data. The three most frequent target populations were people with obesity, diabetes and overweight. Mobile phones were used as terminals in 35% of the cases, personal computers (PCs) in 29%, and personal digital assistants in 23%. Only 10% supported both PCs and mobile phones. Data sharing was provided by 71% and reports by 51% of the systems. We searched for apps in Google Play and the Apple Store and tested 45 mobile applications that stored food intake data, of which 62% supported recording of types of food, 24% recording of carbohydrate intake and 15% recording of calorie intake. The majority of the mobile applications offered some kind of reports and data sharing, mainly via All of the tested social-network-enabled applications supported access from a personal computer and a mobile phone, search in a food database, reports, graphical presentation, listing of favorite foods, overview of own meals, and entering of consumed food type and quantity. The analyzed apps reflected a variety of approaches to recording food intake and nutrition using different terminals--mostly mobile phones (35%), followed by PCs (29%) and PDAs (23%) for older studies, designed mainly for users with obesity (45%), diabetes mellitus (42%) and overweight (32%), or people who want to stay healthy (10%). The majority of the reviewed applications (67%) offered only input of food type and quantity. All approaches (n=31), except for two, relied on manual input of data, either by typing or by selecting a food type from a database. The exceptions (n=2) used a barcode scanning function. Users of mobile phone applications were not limited to data recording, but could view their data on the screen and send it via email. The tested web applications offered similar functionalities for recording food intake. The systems studied provided some degree of personalization: users can access some systems via PCs or mobile phones and they can choose among various types of data input content for recording food intake. Many functions, such as search in a food database, reports, graphical presentation, listing of favorite foods, and overview of the user's own meals, are optimized to simplify the recording process and save time. Data sharing and reports are common features of the reviewed systems. However, none use the user's recorded food history to make suggestions on new nutritional intake, during the food recording process. This may be an area for future research. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Clinico-statistical study on availability of Esterman disability score for assessment of mobility difficulty in patients with visual field loss].

PubMed

Yamagata, Yoshitaka; Terada, Yuko; Suzuki, Atsushi; Mimura, Osamu

2010-01-01

The visual efficiency scale currently adopted to determine the legal grade of visual disability associated with visual field loss in Japan is not appropriate for the evaluation of disability regarding daily living activities. We investigated whether Esterman disability score (EDS) is suitable for the assessment of mobility difficulty in patients with visual field loss. The correlation between the EDS calculated from Goldmann's kinetic visual field and the degree of subjective mobility difficulty determined by a questionnaire was investigated in 164 patients with visual field loss. The correlation between the EDS determined using a program built into the Humphrey field analyzer and that calculated from Goldmann's kinetic visual field was also investigated. The EDS based on the kinetic visual field was correlated well with the degree of subjective mobility difficulty, and the EDS measured using the Humphrey field analyzer could be estimated from the kinetic visual field-based EDS. Instead of the currently adopted visual efficiency scale, EDS should be employed for the assessment of mobility difficulty in patients with visual field loss, also to establish new judgment criteria concerning the visual field.

AlGaN/GaN High Electron Mobility Transistor Grown and Fabricated on ZrTi Metallic Alloy Buffer Layers

DOE PAGES

Ren, Fan; Pearton, Stephen J.; Ahn, Shihyun; ...

2017-09-26

AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) were demonstrated for structures grown on ZrTi metallic alloy buffer layers, which provided lattice matching of the in-plane lattice parameter (“a-parameter”) to hexagonal GaN. The quality of the GaN buffer layer and HEMT structure were confirmed with X-ray 2θ and rocking scans as well as cross-section transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images. The X-ray 2θ scans showed full widths at half maximum (FWHM) of 0.06°, 0.05° and 0.08° for ZrTi alloy, GaN buffer layer, and the entire HEMT structure, respectively. TEM of the lower section of the HEMT structure containing the GaN buffer layer andmore » the AlN/ZrTi/AlN stack on the Si substrate showed that it was important to grow AlN on the top of ZrTi prior to growing the GaN buffer layer. Finally, the estimated threading dislocation (TD) density in the GaN channel layer of the HEMT structure was in the 10 8 cm -2 range.« less

Bag-of-visual-phrases and hierarchical deep models for traffic sign detection and recognition in mobile laser scanning data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Yongtao; Li, Jonathan; Wen, Chenglu; Guan, Haiyan; Luo, Huan; Wang, Cheng

2016-03-01

This paper presents a novel algorithm for detection and recognition of traffic signs in mobile laser scanning (MLS) data for intelligent transportation-related applications. The traffic sign detection task is accomplished based on 3-D point clouds by using bag-of-visual-phrases representations; whereas the recognition task is achieved based on 2-D images by using a Gaussian-Bernoulli deep Boltzmann machine-based hierarchical classifier. To exploit high-order feature encodings of feature regions, a deep Boltzmann machine-based feature encoder is constructed. For detecting traffic signs in 3-D point clouds, the proposed algorithm achieves an average recall, precision, quality, and F-score of 0.956, 0.946, 0.907, and 0.951, respectively, on the four selected MLS datasets. For on-image traffic sign recognition, a recognition accuracy of 97.54% is achieved by using the proposed hierarchical classifier. Comparative studies with the existing traffic sign detection and recognition methods demonstrate that our algorithm obtains promising, reliable, and high performance in both detecting traffic signs in 3-D point clouds and recognizing traffic signs on 2-D images.

Mass screening of multiple abdominal solid organs using mobile helical computed tomography scanner--a preliminary report.

PubMed

Ishikawa, Susumu; Aoki, Jun; Ohwada, Susumu; Takahashi, Toru; Morishita, Yasuo; Ueda, Keisuke

2007-04-01

The possibility of a new screening procedure for multiple abdominal solid organs using a mobile helical computed tomography (CT) scanner was evaluated. A total of 4,543 residents, who were 40 years of age or older, received CT scanning without contrast medium. The mean age of participants was 64 years including 2,022 males and 2,521 females. A total of 2,105 abnormal findings were uniquely detected in 1,594 participants. Liver and kidney diseases including ureter occupied around 30% of total abnormal findings, respectively. Besides frequent cystic or calcified lesions, solid tumours were suspected in 56 lesions, which received further examination by specialized physicians. Five (9%) of them were confirmed as being malignant tumours including pancreatic cancer in two patients, and liver, lung and ovary cancers in one patient each, respectively. All five patients with each malignant lesion received curative operations. Small-sized abdominal aortic aneurysms and heart valve diseases were uniquely found in 22 and two patients, respectively. Qualitative diagnoses of solid tumours were difficult using CT findings without contrast medium. CT screening procedures require further investigation in aspect of the selection of examinees, CT scanning procedure, sensitivity and specificity, and cost-effectiveness.

Hierarchical extraction of urban objects from mobile laser scanning data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Bisheng; Dong, Zhen; Zhao, Gang; Dai, Wenxia

2015-01-01

Point clouds collected in urban scenes contain a huge number of points (e.g., billions), numerous objects with significant size variability, complex and incomplete structures, and variable point densities, raising great challenges for the automated extraction of urban objects in the field of photogrammetry, computer vision, and robotics. This paper addresses these challenges by proposing an automated method to extract urban objects robustly and efficiently. The proposed method generates multi-scale supervoxels from 3D point clouds using the point attributes (e.g., colors, intensities) and spatial distances between points, and then segments the supervoxels rather than individual points by combining graph based segmentation with multiple cues (e.g., principal direction, colors) of the supervoxels. The proposed method defines a set of rules for merging segments into meaningful units according to types of urban objects and forms the semantic knowledge of urban objects for the classification of objects. Finally, the proposed method extracts and classifies urban objects in a hierarchical order ranked by the saliency of the segments. Experiments show that the proposed method is efficient and robust for extracting buildings, streetlamps, trees, telegraph poles, traffic signs, cars, and enclosures from mobile laser scanning (MLS) point clouds, with an overall accuracy of 92.3%.

Robust dead reckoning system for mobile robots based on particle filter and raw range scan.

PubMed

Duan, Zhuohua; Cai, Zixing; Min, Huaqing

2014-09-04

Robust dead reckoning is a complicated problem for wheeled mobile robots (WMRs), where the robots are faulty, such as the sticking of sensors or the slippage of wheels, for the discrete fault models and the continuous states have to be estimated simultaneously to reach a reliable fault diagnosis and accurate dead reckoning. Particle filters are one of the most promising approaches to handle hybrid system estimation problems, and they have also been widely used in many WMRs applications, such as pose tracking, SLAM, video tracking, fault identification, etc. In this paper, the readings of a laser range finder, which may be also interfered with by noises, are used to reach accurate dead reckoning. The main contribution is that a systematic method to implement fault diagnosis and dead reckoning in a particle filter framework concurrently is proposed. Firstly, the perception model of a laser range finder is given, where the raw scan may be faulty. Secondly, the kinematics of the normal model and different fault models for WMRs are given. Thirdly, the particle filter for fault diagnosis and dead reckoning is discussed. At last, experiments and analyses are reported to show the accuracy and efficiency of the presented method.

Robust Dead Reckoning System for Mobile Robots Based on Particle Filter and Raw Range Scan

PubMed Central

Duan, Zhuohua; Cai, Zixing; Min, Huaqing

2014-01-01

Robust dead reckoning is a complicated problem for wheeled mobile robots (WMRs), where the robots are faulty, such as the sticking of sensors or the slippage of wheels, for the discrete fault models and the continuous states have to be estimated simultaneously to reach a reliable fault diagnosis and accurate dead reckoning. Particle filters are one of the most promising approaches to handle hybrid system estimation problems, and they have also been widely used in many WMRs applications, such as pose tracking, SLAM, video tracking, fault identification, etc. In this paper, the readings of a laser range finder, which may be also interfered with by noises, are used to reach accurate dead reckoning. The main contribution is that a systematic method to implement fault diagnosis and dead reckoning in a particle filter framework concurrently is proposed. Firstly, the perception model of a laser range finder is given, where the raw scan may be faulty. Secondly, the kinematics of the normal model and different fault models for WMRs are given. Thirdly, the particle filter for fault diagnosis and dead reckoning is discussed. At last, experiments and analyses are reported to show the accuracy and efficiency of the presented method. PMID:25192318

Traffic sign detection in MLS acquired point clouds for geometric and image-based semantic inventory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soilán, Mario; Riveiro, Belén; Martínez-Sánchez, Joaquín; Arias, Pedro

2016-04-01

Nowadays, mobile laser scanning has become a valid technology for infrastructure inspection. This technology permits collecting accurate 3D point clouds of urban and road environments and the geometric and semantic analysis of data became an active research topic in the last years. This paper focuses on the detection of vertical traffic signs in 3D point clouds acquired by a LYNX Mobile Mapper system, comprised of laser scanning and RGB cameras. Each traffic sign is automatically detected in the LiDAR point cloud, and its main geometric parameters can be automatically extracted, therefore aiding the inventory process. Furthermore, the 3D position of traffic signs are reprojected on the 2D images, which are spatially and temporally synced with the point cloud. Image analysis allows for recognizing the traffic sign semantics using machine learning approaches. The presented method was tested in road and urban scenarios in Galicia (Spain). The recall results for traffic sign detection are close to 98%, and existing false positives can be easily filtered after point cloud projection. Finally, the lack of a large, publicly available Spanish traffic sign database is pointed out.

Path optimization with limited sensing ability

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

Kang, Sung Ha, E-mail: kang@math.gatech.edu; Kim, Seong Jun, E-mail: skim396@math.gatech.edu; Zhou, Haomin, E-mail: hmzhou@math.gatech.edu

2015-10-15

We propose a computational strategy to find the optimal path for a mobile sensor with limited coverage to traverse a cluttered region. The goal is to find one of the shortest feasible paths to achieve the complete scan of the environment. We pose the problem in the level set framework, and first consider a related question of placing multiple stationary sensors to obtain the full surveillance of the environment. By connecting the stationary locations using the nearest neighbor strategy, we form the initial guess for the path planning problem of the mobile sensor. Then the path is optimized by reducingmore » its length, via solving a system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs), while maintaining the complete scan of the environment. Furthermore, we use intermittent diffusion, which converts the ODEs into stochastic differential equations (SDEs), to find an optimal path whose length is globally minimal. To improve the computation efficiency, we introduce two techniques, one to remove redundant connecting points to reduce the dimension of the system, and the other to deal with the entangled path so the solution can escape the local traps. Numerical examples are shown to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.« less

Scanning thermo-ionic microscopy for probing local electrochemistry at the nanoscale

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

Eshghinejad, Ahmadreza; Nasr Esfahani, Ehsan; Wang, Peiqi

2016-05-28

Conventional electrochemical characterization techniques based on voltage and current measurements only probe faradaic and capacitive rates in aggregate. In this work we develop a scanning thermo-ionic microscopy (STIM) to probe local electrochemistry at the nanoscale, based on imaging of Vegard strain induced by thermal oscillation. It is demonstrated from both theoretical analysis and experimental validation that the second harmonic response of thermally induced cantilever vibration, associated with thermal expansion, is present in all solids, whereas the fourth harmonic response, caused by local transport of mobile species, is only present in ionic materials. The origin of STIM response is further confirmedmore » by its reduced amplitude with respect to increased contact force, due to the coupling of stress to concentration of ionic species and/or electronic defects. The technique has been applied to probe Sm-doped Ceria and LiFePO{sub 4}, both of which exhibit higher concentrations of mobile species near grain boundaries. The STIM gives us a powerful method to study local electrochemistry with high sensitivity and spatial resolution for a wide range of ionic systems, as well as ability to map local thermomechanical response.« less

Automatic registration of panoramic image sequence and mobile laser scanning data using semantic features

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jianping; Yang, Bisheng; Chen, Chi; Huang, Ronggang; Dong, Zhen; Xiao, Wen

2018-02-01

Inaccurate exterior orientation parameters (EoPs) between sensors obtained by pre-calibration leads to failure of registration between panoramic image sequence and mobile laser scanning data. To address this challenge, this paper proposes an automatic registration method based on semantic features extracted from panoramic images and point clouds. Firstly, accurate rotation parameters between the panoramic camera and the laser scanner are estimated using GPS and IMU aided structure from motion (SfM). The initial EoPs of panoramic images are obtained at the same time. Secondly, vehicles in panoramic images are extracted by the Faster-RCNN as candidate primitives to be matched with potential corresponding primitives in point clouds according to the initial EoPs. Finally, translation between the panoramic camera and the laser scanner is refined by maximizing the overlapping area of corresponding primitive pairs based on the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), resulting in a finer registration between panoramic image sequences and point clouds. Two challenging urban scenes were experimented to assess the proposed method, and the final registration errors of these two scenes were both less than three pixels, which demonstrates a high level of automation, robustness and accuracy.

Study of Te Inclusion and Related Point Defects in THM-Growth CdMnTe Crystal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mao, Yifei; Zhang, Jijun; Min, Jiahua; Liang, Xiaoyan; Huang, Jian; Tang, Ke; Ling, Liwen; Li, Ming; Zhang, Ying; Wang, Linjun

2018-02-01

This study establishes a model for describing the interaction between Te inclusions, dislocations and point defects in CdMnTe crystals. The role of the complex environment surrounding the formation of Te inclusions was analyzed. Images of Te inclusions captured by scanning electron microscope and infrared microscope were used to observe the morphology of Te inclusions. The morphology of Te inclusions is discussed in light of crystallography, from the crystal growth temperature at 900°C to the melting temperature of Te inclusions using the traveling heater method. The dislocation nets around Te inclusions were calculated by counting lattice mismatches between the Te inclusions and the bulk CdMnTe at 470°C. The point defects of Te antisites were found to be gathered around Te inclusions, with dislocation climb during the cooling phase of crystal growth from 470°C to room temperature. The Te inclusions, dislocation nets and surrounding point defects are considered to be an entirety for evaluating the effect of Te inclusions on CdMnTe detector performance, and an effective mobility-lifetime product (μτ) was obtained.

A hinge migration mechanism unlocks the evolution of green-to-red photoconversion in GFP-like proteins

DOE PAGES

Kim, Hanseong; Zou, Taisong; Modi, Chintan; ...

2014-12-31

In proteins, functional divergence involves mutations that modify structure and dynamics. In this paper, we provide experimental evidence for an evolutionary mechanism driven solely by long-range dynamic motions without significant backbone adjustments, catalytic group rearrangements, or changes in subunit assembly. Crystallographic structures were determined for several reconstructed ancestral proteins belonging to a GFP class frequently employed in superresolution microscopy. Their chain flexibility was analyzed using molecular dynamics and perturbation response scanning. The green-to-red photoconvertible phenotype appears to have arisen from a common green ancestor by migration of a knob-like anchoring region away from the active site diagonally across the βmore » barrel fold. The allosterically coupled mutational sites provide active site conformational mobility via epistasis. We propose that light-induced chromophore twisting is enhanced in a reverse-protonated subpopulation, activating internal acid-base chemistry and backbone cleavage to enlarge the chromophore. Finally, dynamics-driven hinge migration may represent a more general platform for the evolution of novel enzyme activities.« less

Investigations on the role of mixed-solvent for improved efficiency in perovskite solar cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Ranbir; Suranagi, Sanjaykumar R.; Kumar, Manish; Shukla, Vivek Kumar

2017-12-01

The morphology of the spin-coated photoactive layer is one of the major factors affecting the performance of perovskite solar cells. In this work, we have employed a mixed-solvent strategy to obtain a high quality MAPbI3 (MA = CH3NH3) perovskite film, without pinholes and reduced grain boundaries. Perovskite films formed with single and mixed-solvents are systematically characterized for their optical, structural, and morphological properties using UV-vis absorption, photoluminescence (PL), X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tools. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the devices fabricated using the mixed-solvent showed better performance than the devices made using the single solvent. The best-optimized mixed-solvent perovskite film exhibited a PCE of 15.2% with uniform film coverage on the substrate, better charge generation, and a high hole mobility of 1.16 × 10-4cm2/V s. The disparities in photovoltaic properties have been analyzed with the intensity dependent current density-voltage (J-V), transient photovoltage (TPV), and relationship between photocurrent (Jph) and effective voltage (Veff).

Supramolecular structure, phase behavior and thermo-rheological properties of a poly (L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) statistical copolymer.

PubMed

Ugartemendia, Jone M; Muñoz, M E; Santamaria, A; Sarasua, J R

2015-08-01

PLAcoCL samples, both unaged, termed PLAcoCLu, and aged over time, PLAcoCLa, were prepared and analyzed to study the phase structure, morphology, and their evolution under non-quiescent conditions. X- ray diffraction, Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Atomic Force Microscopy were complemented with thermo-rheological measurements to reveal that PLAcoCL evolves over time from a single amorphous metastable state to a 3 phase system, made up of two compositionally different amorphous phases and a crystalline phase. The supramolecular arrangements developed during aging lead to a rheological complex behavior in the PLAcoCLa copolymer: Around Tt=131 °C thermo-rheological complexity and a peculiar chain mobility reduction were observed, but at T>Tt the thermo-rheological response of a homogeneous system was recorded. In comparison with the latter, the PLLA/PCL 70:30 physical blend counterpart showed double amorphous phase behavior at all temperatures, supporting the hypothesis that phase separation in the PLAcoCLa copolymer is caused by the crystallization of polylactide segment blocks during aging. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

IDAHO TEACHER MOBILITY--1965.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

ORLICH, DONALD C.; AND OTHERS

WITH IMPROVED CLASSROOM TEACHING AS A MAJOR GOAL, RESPONSES FROM 717 TEACHERS (72.7 PERCENT OF THE 929 SURVEYED) WERE ANALYZED TO DETERMINE CAUSES OF IDAHO'S RELATIVELY HIGH RATE OF PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHER MOBILITY AND TO RECOMMEND MEASURES PROMOTING TEACHER RETENTION. BASED UPON SIX CONTRIBUTING FACTORS--ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMUNITY, ECONOMIC,…

Brief report: Mobility and circular migration in Lesotho: implications for transmission, treatment, and control of a severe HIV epidemic.

PubMed

Palk, Laurence; Blower, Sally

2015-04-15

We analyzed georeferenced data on mobility and HIV infection from the 2009 Demographic and Health Survey of Lesotho. We found ∼50% of the population traveled in the preceding year. By constructing gender-specific mobility maps, we discovered that travel is highest in the urban areas bordering South Africa and in the mountainous interior of the country. For both genders, increased mobility was associated with increased levels of "recent" sexual behavior. Notably, mobility was only associated with an increased risk of HIV infection for men who traveled frequently. We discuss the implications of our results for designing effective treatment programs and HIV interventions.

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

Mikheev, Evgeny; Himmetoglu, Burak; Kajdos, Adam P.

We analyze and compare the temperature dependence of the electron mobility of two- and three-dimensional electron liquids in SrTiO{sub 3}. The contributions of electron-electron scattering must be taken into account to accurately describe the mobility in both cases. For uniformly doped, three-dimensional electron liquids, the room temperature mobility crosses over from longitudinal optical (LO) phonon-scattering-limited to electron-electron-scattering-limited as a function of carrier density. In high-density, two-dimensional electron liquids, LO phonon scattering is completely screened and the mobility is dominated by electron-electron scattering up to room temperature. The possible origins of the observed behavior and the consequences for approaches to improvemore » the mobility are discussed.« less

Mobility management techniques for the next-generation wireless networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Junzhao; Howie, Douglas P.; Sauvola, Jaakko J.

2001-10-01

The tremendous demands from social market are pushing the booming development of mobile communications faster than ever before, leading to plenty of new advanced techniques emerging. With the converging of mobile and wireless communications with Internet services, the boundary between mobile personal telecommunications and wireless computer networks is disappearing. Wireless networks of the next generation need the support of all the advances on new architectures, standards, and protocols. Mobility management is an important issue in the area of mobile communications, which can be best solved at the network layer. One of the key features of the next generation wireless networks is all-IP infrastructure. This paper discusses the mobility management schemes for the next generation mobile networks through extending IP's functions with mobility support. A global hierarchical framework model for the mobility management of wireless networks is presented, in which the mobility management is divided into two complementary tasks: macro mobility and micro mobility. As the macro mobility solution, a basic principle of Mobile IP is introduced, together with the optimal schemes and the advances in IPv6. The disadvantages of the Mobile IP on solving the micro mobility problem are analyzed, on the basis of which three main proposals are discussed as the micro mobility solutions for mobile communications, including Hierarchical Mobile IP (HMIP), Cellular IP, and Handoff-Aware Wireless Access Internet Infrastructure (HAWAII). A unified model is also described in which the different micro mobility solutions can coexist simultaneously in mobile networks.

Fuzzy Logic based Handoff Latency Reduction Mechanism in Layer 2 of Heterogeneous Mobile IPv6 Networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anwar, Farhat; Masud, Mosharrof H.; Latif, Suhaimi A.

2013-12-01

Mobile IPv6 (MIPv6) is one of the pioneer standards that support mobility in IPv6 environment. It has been designed to support different types of technologies for providing seamless communications in next generation network. However, MIPv6 and subsequent standards have some limitations due to its handoff latency. In this paper, a fuzzy logic based mechanism is proposed to reduce the handoff latency of MIPv6 for Layer 2 (L2) by scanning the Access Points (APs) while the Mobile Node (MN) is moving among different APs. Handoff latency occurs when the MN switches from one AP to another in L2. Heterogeneous network is considered in this research in order to reduce the delays in L2. Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) and velocity of the MN are considered as the input of fuzzy logic technique. This technique helps the MN to measure optimum signal quality from APs for the speedy mobile node based on fuzzy logic input rules and makes a list of interfaces. A suitable interface from the list of available interfaces can be selected like WiFi, WiMAX or GSM. Simulation results show 55% handoff latency reduction and 50% packet loss improvement in L2 compared to standard to MIPv6.

Interpretation of inverted photocurrent transients in organic lead halide perovskite solar cells: proof of the field screening by mobile ions and determination of the space charge layer widths

DOE PAGES

Belisle, Rebecca A.; Nguyen, William H.; Bowring, Andrea R.; ...

2017-01-01

In Methyl Ammonium Lead Iodide (MAPI) perovskite solar cells, screening of the built-in field by mobile ions has been proposed as part of the cause of the large hysteresis observed in the current/voltage scans in many cells. Here, we show that photocurrent transients measured immediately (e.g. 100 μs) after a voltage step can provide direct evidence that this field screening exists. Just after a step to forward bias, the photocurrent transients are reversed in sign (i.e. inverted), and the magnitude of the inverted transients can be used to find an upper bound on the width of the space charge layersmore » adjacent to the electrodes. This in turn provides a lower bound on the mobile charge concentration, which we find to be ≳1 x 10 17 cm -3. Using a new photocurrent transient experiment, we show that the space charge layer thickness remains approximately constant as a function of bias, as expected for mobile ions in a solid electrolyte. We also discuss additional characteristics of the inverted photocurrent transients that imply either an unusually stable deep trapping, or a photo effect on the mobile ion conductivity.« less

Interpretation of inverted photocurrent transients in organic lead halide perovskite solar cells: proof of the field screening by mobile ions and determination of the space charge layer widths

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

Belisle, Rebecca A.; Nguyen, William H.; Bowring, Andrea R.

In Methyl Ammonium Lead Iodide (MAPI) perovskite solar cells, screening of the built-in field by mobile ions has been proposed as part of the cause of the large hysteresis observed in the current/voltage scans in many cells. Here, we show that photocurrent transients measured immediately (e.g. 100 μs) after a voltage step can provide direct evidence that this field screening exists. Just after a step to forward bias, the photocurrent transients are reversed in sign (i.e. inverted), and the magnitude of the inverted transients can be used to find an upper bound on the width of the space charge layersmore » adjacent to the electrodes. This in turn provides a lower bound on the mobile charge concentration, which we find to be ≳1 x 10 17 cm -3. Using a new photocurrent transient experiment, we show that the space charge layer thickness remains approximately constant as a function of bias, as expected for mobile ions in a solid electrolyte. We also discuss additional characteristics of the inverted photocurrent transients that imply either an unusually stable deep trapping, or a photo effect on the mobile ion conductivity.« less

Unique capabilities of AC frequency scanning and its implementation on a Mars Organic Molecule Analyzer linear ion trap.

PubMed

Snyder, Dalton T; Kaplan, Desmond A; Danell, Ryan M; van Amerom, Friso H W; Pinnick, Veronica T; Brinckerhoff, William B; Mahaffy, Paul R; Cooks, R Graham

2017-06-21

A limitation of conventional quadrupole ion trap scan modes which use rf amplitude control for mass scanning is that, in order to detect a subset of an ion population, the rest of the ion population must also be interrogated. That is, ions cannot be detected out of order; they must be detected in order of either increasing or decreasing mass-to-charge (m/z). However, an ion trap operated in the ac frequency scan mode, where the rf amplitude is kept constant and instead the ac frequency is used for mass-selective operations, has no such limitation because any variation in the ac frequency affects only the subset of ions whose secular frequencies match the perturbation frequency. Hence, an ion trap operated in the ac frequency scan mode can perform any arbitrary mass scan, as well as a sequence of scans, using a single ion injection; we demonstrate both capabilities here. Combining these two capabilities, we demonstrate the acquisition of a full mass spectrum, a product ion spectrum, and a second generation product ion spectrum using a single ion injection event. We further demonstrate a "segmented scan" in which different mass ranges are interrogated at different rf amplitudes in order to improve resolution over a portion of the mass range, and a "periodic scan" in which ions are continuously introduced into the ion trap to achieve a nearly 100% duty cycle. These unique scan modes, along with other characteristics of ac frequency scanning, are particularly appropriate for miniature ion trap mass spectrometers. Hence, implementation of ac frequency scanning on a prototype of the Mars Organic Molecule Analyzer mass spectrometer is also described.

Performance Analysis of Optical Mobile Fronthaul for Cloud Radio Access Networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Jiawei; Xiao, Yuming; Li, Hui; Ji, Yuefeng

2017-10-01

Cloud radio access networks (C-RAN) separates baseband units (BBU) of conventional base station to a centralized pool which connects remote radio heads (RRH) through mobile fronthaul. Mobile fronthaul is a new network segment of C-RAN, it is designed to transport digital sampling data between BBU and RRH. Optical transport networks that provide large bandwidth and low latency is a promising fronthaul solution. In this paper, we discuss several optical transport networks which are candidates for mobile fronthaul, analyze their performances including the number of used wavelength, round-trip latency and wavelength utilization.

Mobile Functional Reach Test in People Who Suffer Stroke: A Pilot Study.

PubMed

Merchán-Baeza, Jose Antonio; González-Sánchez, Manuel; Cuesta-Vargas, Antonio

2015-06-11

Postural instability is one of the major complications found in people who survive a stroke. Parameterizing the Functional Reach Test (FRT) could be useful in clinical practice and basic research, as this test is a clinically accepted tool (for its simplicity, reliability, economy, and portability) to measure the semistatic balance of a subject. The aim of this study is to analyze the reliability in the FRT parameterization using inertial sensor within mobile phones (mobile sensors) for recording kinematic variables in patients who have suffered a stroke. Our hypothesis is that the sensors in mobile phones will be reliable instruments for kinematic study of the FRT. This is a cross-sectional study of 7 subjects over 65 years of age who suffered a stroke. During the execution of FRT, the subjects carried two mobile phones: one placed in the lumbar region and the other one on the trunk. After analyzing the data obtained in the kinematic registration by the mobile sensors, a number of direct and indirect variables were obtained. The variables extracted directly from FRT through the mobile sensors were distance, maximum angular lumbosacral/thoracic displacement, time for maximum angular lumbosacral/thoracic displacement, time of return to the initial position, and total time. Using these data, we calculated speed and acceleration of each. A descriptive analysis of all kinematic outcomes recorded by the two mobile sensors (trunk and lumbar) was developed and the average range achieved in the FRT. Reliability measures were calculated by analyzing the internal consistency of the measures with 95% confidence interval of each outcome variable. We calculated the reliability of mobile sensors in the measurement of the kinematic variables during the execution of the FRT. The values in the FRT obtained in this study (2.49 cm, SD 13.15) are similar to those found in other studies with this population and with the same age range. Intrasubject reliability values observed in the use of mobile phones are all located above 0.831, ranging from 0.831 (time B_C trunk area) and 0.894 (displacement A_B trunk area). Likewise, the observed intersubject values range from 0.835 (time B_C trunk area) and 0.882 (displacement A_C trunk area). On the other hand, the reliability of the FRT was 0.989 (0.981-0.996) and 0.978 (0.970-0.985), intrasubject and intersubject respectively. We found that mobile sensors in mobile phones could be reliable tools in the parameterization of the Functional Reach Test in people who have had a stroke. ©Jose Antonio Merchán-Baeza, Manuel González-Sánchez, Antonio Cuesta-Vargas. Originally published in JMIR Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology (http://rehab.jmir.org), 11.06.2015.

Establishing an Environmental Scanning Process.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Morrison, James L.

1985-01-01

A formal environmental scanning system designed to identify emerging issues, events, or trends threatening or bringing opportunity to an institution is discussed that uses a committee to systematically collect and analyze data from a variety of sources. (MSE)

Aging Americans: Trends and Projections. 1985-86 Edition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Congress of the U.S., Washington, DC. Senate Special Committee on Aging.

Analyzed statistics relevant to and about older Americans are contained in this document. Chapter topics (with some subtopics) include the following: (1) size and growth of the older population (age distribution, life expectancy); (2) geographic distribution and mobility (mobility, countermigration); (3) economic status (median cash income, sex,…

A Blended Learning Scenario to Enhance Learners' Oral Production Skills

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kim, Hee-Kyung

2015-01-01

This paper examines the effectiveness of a mobile assisted blended learning scenario for pronunciation in Korean language. In particular, we analyze how asynchronous oral communication between learners of Korean and native speakers via "kakaotalk" (an open source mobile phone application) may be beneficial to the learner in terms of…

Learning Mathematics in the Mobile Phone Environment: Students' Emotions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Daher, Wajeeh

2011-01-01

Researchers point at the importance of emotions and its study in mathematics education. This research examines middle school students' emotions during learning mathematics outdoors using the mobile phone. The constant comparison method was used to analyze 30 middle school students' emotions while carrying out 15 outdoor activities using the mobile…

Ultra High-Resolution Electrospray Ionization/Ion Mobility Spectrometer System for In-Situ Detection of Organic Compounds

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kanik, I.; Beegle, L. W.; Hill, H. H.

2001-01-01

The potential of the high-resolution Electrospray Ionization/Ion Mobility Spectrometry (ESI/IMS) technique as analytical separation tool in analyzing bio-molecular mixtures in the search for the chemical signatures of life is demonstrated. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.

Examining Long-Term Trends in Mobile Source Related Pollutants through Analysis of Emissions, Observations and Model Simulations

EPA Science Inventory

Anthropogenic emissions from a variety of sectors including mobile sources have decreased substantially over the past decades despite continued growth in population and economic activity. In this study, we analyze 1990-2010 trends in emission inventories, ambient observations and...

Mining Survey System (MSS) - innovative solution in Polish mines. (Polish Title: Mobilna Platforma Gurnicza (MPG) - nowatorskim rozwilazaniem w polskich kopalniach)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adamek, A.

2015-12-01

Mobile laser scanning technology is developing rapidly also in mining. For several years research and tests are conducted on the use of that type of measurement in the inventory of the mine shafts. The company SKALA 3D in the project 1.4 POIG by PARP undertook to create Mobile automatic steering system of spatial geometry measurements mine shafts using laser scanning technology. Its main advantage is a faithful reflection of the object being measured in just a few hours. It is based on the data flowing from laser scanners and precision inertial unit. The main problem of the research was to determine the trajectory of the passing Mobile Platforms Mining (MPG) in the shaft as accurately as possible. Unable to receive signals from satellites in the pipe shaft prevented the use of solutions known for measuring terrestrial mobile systems. The company SKALA 3D has developed a methodology for determine the trajectory of the system, based on geometrical data coming from laser scanners and readings of accelerometers and gyroscopes of inertial unit. To improve the quality and accuracy of measurements MPG is also equipped with a set of anti-vibration parts prevent the transmission of vibrations ascending while cage is moving in the shaft on the measuring system. The whole forms a calibrated system, which in a short time is able to provide spatial measurement data from the measuring shaft. The accuracy of 2-3 mm in a single measurement horizon and a few centimeters determine the position of a point on the thousandth meter below ground make the system very accurate. During the project there have been numerous research problems, including the need to define the physical references, drift of IMU whether harsh weather conditions in the shaft. However, the company SKALA 3D solved these problems and making MPG unique in the world.

Commissioning an in-room mobile CT for adaptive proton therapy with a compact proton system.

PubMed

Oliver, Jasmine A; Zeidan, Omar; Meeks, Sanford L; Shah, Amish P; Pukala, Jason; Kelly, Patrick; Ramakrishna, Naren R; Willoughby, Twyla R

2018-05-01

To describe the commissioning of AIRO mobile CT system (AIRO) for adaptive proton therapy on a compact double scattering proton therapy system. A Gammex phantom was scanned with varying plug patterns, table heights, and mAs on a CT simulator (CT Sim) and on the AIRO. AIRO-specific CT-stopping power ratio (SPR) curves were created with a commonly used stoichiometric method using the Gammex phantom. A RANDO anthropomorphic thorax, pelvis, and head phantom, and a CIRS thorax and head phantom were scanned on the CT Sim and AIRO. Clinically realistic treatment plans and nonclinical plans were generated on the CT Sim images and subsequently copied onto the AIRO CT scans for dose recalculation and comparison for various AIRO SPR curves. Gamma analysis was used to evaluate dosimetric deviation between both plans. AIRO CT values skewed toward solid water when plugs were scanned surrounded by other plugs in phantom. Low-density materials demonstrated largest differences. Dose calculated on AIRO CT scans with stoichiometric-based SPR curves produced over-ranged proton beams when large volumes of low-density material were in the path of the beam. To create equivalent dose distributions on both data sets, the AIRO SPR curve's low-density data points were iteratively adjusted to yield better proton beam range agreement based on isodose lines. Comparison of the stoichiometric-based AIRO SPR curve and the "dose-adjusted" SPR curve showed slight improvement on gamma analysis between the treatment plan and the AIRO plan for single-field plans at the 1%, 1 mm level, but did not affect clinical plans indicating that HU number differences between the CT Sim and AIRO did not affect dose calculations for robust clinical beam arrangements. Based on this study, we believe the AIRO can be used offline for adaptive proton therapy on a compact double scattering proton therapy system. © 2018 Orlando Health UF Health Cancer Center. Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Timbre Analysis of the Sonicguide

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Welch, James

1977-01-01

The timbre of various Sonicguide (an ultar-sonic binaural device mounted in a spectacle frame) signals was measured and analyzed by a "Sona-Graph" (sound spectral analyzer) to aid/mobility training of blind Ss. (Author/MH)

Effects of foveal information processing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harris, R. L., Sr.

1984-01-01

The scanning behavior of pilots must be understood so that cockpit displays can be assembled which will provide the most information accurately and quickly to the pilot. The results of seven years of collecting and analyzing pilot scanning data are summarized. The data indicate that pilot scanning behavior is: (1) subsconscious; (2) situation dependent; and (3) can be disrupted if pilots are forced to make conscious decisions. Testing techniques and scanning analysis techniques have been developed that are sensitive to pilot workload.

Self-reported mobile phone use and semen parameters among men from a fertility clinic.

PubMed

Lewis, Ryan C; Mínguez-Alarcón, Lidia; Meeker, John D; Williams, Paige L; Mezei, Gabor; Ford, Jennifer B; Hauser, Russ

2017-01-01

There is increasing concern that use of mobile phones, a source of low-level radio-frequency electromagnetic fields, may be associated with poor semen quality, but the epidemiologic evidence is limited and conflicting. The relationship between mobile phone use patterns and markers of semen quality was explored in a longitudinal cohort study of 153 men that attended an academic fertility clinic in Boston, Massachusetts. Information on mobile phone use duration, headset or earpiece use, and the body location in which the mobile phone was carried was ascertained via nurse-administered questionnaire. Semen samples (n=350) were collected and analyzed onsite. To account for multiple semen samples per man, linear mixed models with random intercepts were used to investigate the association between mobile phone use and semen parameters. Overall, there was no evidence for a relationship between mobile phone use and semen quality. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Self-reported mobile phone use and semen parameters among men from a fertility clinic

PubMed Central

Lewis, Ryan C.; Mínguez-Alarcón, Lidia; Meeker, John D.; Williams, Paige L.; Mezei, Gabor; Ford, Jennifer B.; Hauser, Russ

2017-01-01

There is increasing concern that use of mobile phones, a source of low-level radio-frequency electromagnetic fields, may be associated with poor semen quality, but the epidemiologic evidence is limited and conflicting. The relationship between mobile phone use patterns and markers of semen quality was explored in a longitudinal cohort study of 153 men that attended an academic fertility clinic in Boston, Massachusetts. Information on mobile phone use duration, headset or earpiece use, and the body location in which the mobile phone was carried was ascertained via nurse-administered questionnaire. Semen samples (n=350) were collected and analyzed onsite. To account for multiple semen samples per man, linear mixed models with random intercepts were used to investigate the association between mobile phone use and semen parameters. Overall, there was no evidence for a relationship between mobile phone use and semen quality. PMID:27838386

Tree Classification with Fused Mobile Laser Scanning and Hyperspectral Data

PubMed Central

Puttonen, Eetu; Jaakkola, Anttoni; Litkey, Paula; Hyyppä, Juha

2011-01-01

Mobile Laser Scanning data were collected simultaneously with hyperspectral data using the Finnish Geodetic Institute Sensei system. The data were tested for tree species classification. The test area was an urban garden in the City of Espoo, Finland. Point clouds representing 168 individual tree specimens of 23 tree species were determined manually. The classification of the trees was done using first only the spatial data from point clouds, then with only the spectral data obtained with a spectrometer, and finally with the combined spatial and hyperspectral data from both sensors. Two classification tests were performed: the separation of coniferous and deciduous trees, and the identification of individual tree species. All determined tree specimens were used in distinguishing coniferous and deciduous trees. A subset of 133 trees and 10 tree species was used in the tree species classification. The best classification results for the fused data were 95.8% for the separation of the coniferous and deciduous classes. The best overall tree species classification succeeded with 83.5% accuracy for the best tested fused data feature combination. The respective results for paired structural features derived from the laser point cloud were 90.5% for the separation of the coniferous and deciduous classes and 65.4% for the species classification. Classification accuracies with paired hyperspectral reflectance value data were 90.5% for the separation of coniferous and deciduous classes and 62.4% for different species. The results are among the first of their kind and they show that mobile collected fused data outperformed single-sensor data in both classification tests and by a significant margin. PMID:22163894

Tree classification with fused mobile laser scanning and hyperspectral data.

PubMed

Puttonen, Eetu; Jaakkola, Anttoni; Litkey, Paula; Hyyppä, Juha

2011-01-01

Mobile Laser Scanning data were collected simultaneously with hyperspectral data using the Finnish Geodetic Institute Sensei system. The data were tested for tree species classification. The test area was an urban garden in the City of Espoo, Finland. Point clouds representing 168 individual tree specimens of 23 tree species were determined manually. The classification of the trees was done using first only the spatial data from point clouds, then with only the spectral data obtained with a spectrometer, and finally with the combined spatial and hyperspectral data from both sensors. Two classification tests were performed: the separation of coniferous and deciduous trees, and the identification of individual tree species. All determined tree specimens were used in distinguishing coniferous and deciduous trees. A subset of 133 trees and 10 tree species was used in the tree species classification. The best classification results for the fused data were 95.8% for the separation of the coniferous and deciduous classes. The best overall tree species classification succeeded with 83.5% accuracy for the best tested fused data feature combination. The respective results for paired structural features derived from the laser point cloud were 90.5% for the separation of the coniferous and deciduous classes and 65.4% for the species classification. Classification accuracies with paired hyperspectral reflectance value data were 90.5% for the separation of coniferous and deciduous classes and 62.4% for different species. The results are among the first of their kind and they show that mobile collected fused data outperformed single-sensor data in both classification tests and by a significant margin.

Interfacial Water at Protein Surfaces: Wide-Line NMR and DSC Characterization of Hydration in Ubiquitin Solutions

PubMed Central

Tompa, Kálmán; Bánki, Péter; Bokor, Mónika; Kamasa, Pawel; Lasanda, György; Tompa, Péter

2009-01-01

Wide-line 1H-NMR and differential scanning calorimetry measurements were done in aqueous solutions and on lyophilized samples of human ubiquitin between −70°C and +45°C. The measured properties (size, thermal evolution, and wide-line NMR spectra) of the protein-water interfacial region are substantially different in the double-distilled and buffered-water solutions of ubiquitin. The characteristic transition in water mobility is identified as the melting of the nonfreezing/hydrate water. The amount of water in the low-temperature mobile fraction is 0.4 g/g protein for the pure water solution. The amount of mobile water is higher and its temperature dependence more pronounced for the buffered solution. The specific heat of the nonfreezing/hydrate water was evaluated using combined differential scanning calorimetry and NMR data. Considering the interfacial region as an independent phase, the values obtained are 5.0–5.8 J·g−1·K−1, and the magnitudes are higher than that of pure/bulk water (4.2 J·g−1·K−1). This unexpected discrepancy can only be resolved in principle by assuming that hydrate water is in tight H-bond coupling with the protein matrix. The specific heat for the system composed of the protein molecule and its hydration water is 2.3 J·g−1·K−1. It could be concluded that the protein ubiquitin and its hydrate layer behave as a highly interconnected single phase in a thermodynamic sense. PMID:19348762

Mobile genetic elements and cancer. From mutations to gene therapy.

PubMed

Kozeretska, I A; Demydov, S V; Ostapchenko, L I

2011-12-01

In the present review, an association between cancer and the activity of the non-LTR retroelements L1, Alu, and SVA, as well as endogenous retroviruses, in the human genome, is analyzed. Data suggesting that transposons have been involved in embryogenesis and malignization processes, are presented. Events that lead to the activation of mobile elements in mammalian somatic cells, as well as the use of mobile elements in genetic screening and cancer gene therapy, are reviewed.

Reduced functionality of PSE-like chicken breast meat batter resulting from alterations in protein conformation.

PubMed

Li, K; Zhao, Y Y; Kang, Z L; Wang, P; Han, M Y; Xu, X L; Zhou, G H

2015-01-01

The objectives of this study were to evaluate protein thermal stability, water-protein interaction, microstructure, and protein conformation between PSE-like and normal chicken breast meat batters. Sixty pale, soft, and exudative (PSE)-like (L*>53, pH24 h<5.7) and 60 normal (46

Personalized Popular Blog Recommender Service for Mobile Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsai, Pei-Yun; Liu, Duen-Ren

Weblogs have emerged as a new communication and publication medium on the Internet for diffusing the latest useful information. Providing value-added mobile services such as blog articles is increasingly important to attract mobile users to mobile commerce. There are, however, a tremendous number of blog articles, and mobile users generally have difficulty in browsing weblogs. Accordingly, providing mobile users with blog articles that suit their interests is an important issue. Very little research, however, focuses on this issue. In this work, we propose a Customized Content Service on a mobile device (m-CCS) to filter and push blog articles to mobile users. The m-CCS can predict the latest popular blog topics by forecasting the trend of time-sensitive popularity of weblogs. Furthermore, to meet the diversified interest of mobile users, m-CCS further analyzes users’ browsing logs to derive their interests, which are then used to recommend their preferred popular blog topics and articles. The prototype system of m-CCS demonstrates that the system can effectively recommend mobile users desirable blog articles with respect to both popularity and personal interests.

Sediment matrix characterization as a tool for evaluating the environmental impact of heavy metals in metal mining, smelting, and ore processing areas.

PubMed

Ružičková, Silvia; Remeteiová, Dagmar; Mičková, Vladislava; Dirner, Vojtech

2018-02-21

In this work, the matrix characterization (mineralogy, total and local chemical composition, and total organic (TOC) and inorganic carbon (TIC) contents) of different types of sediments from mining- and metallurgy-influenced areas and the assessment of the impact of the matrix on the association of potentially hazardous metals with the mineral phases of these samples, which affect their mobility in the environment, are presented. For these purposes, sediment samples with different origins and from different locations in the environment were analyzed. Anthropogenic sediments from metal-rich post-flotation tailings (Lintich, Slovakia) represent waste from ore processing, natural river sediments from the Hornád River (Košice, Slovakia) represent areas influenced predominantly by the metallurgical industry, and lake sediments from a water reservoir Ružín (inflow from the Hornád and Hnilec Rivers, Slovakia) represent the impact of the metallurgical and/or mining industries. The total metal contents were determined by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis, the local chemical and morphological microanalysis by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and the TOC and TIC contents by infrared (IR) spectrometry. The mobility/bioavailability of Cu, Pb, and Zn in/from sediments at the studied areas was assessed by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and acetic acid (AA) extraction and is discussed in the context of the matrix composition. The contents of selected potentially hazardous elements in the extracts were determined by the high-resolution continuum source flame atomic absorption spectrometry (HR-CS FAAS).

Hygroscopic growth of water soluble organic carbon isolated from atmospheric aerosol collected at US national parks and Storm Peak Laboratory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taylor, Nathan F.; Collins, Don R.; Lowenthal, Douglas H.; McCubbin, Ian B.; Gannet Hallar, A.; Samburova, Vera; Zielinska, Barbara; Kumar, Naresh; Mazzoleni, Lynn R.

2017-02-01

Due to the atmospheric abundance and chemical complexity of water soluble organic carbon (WSOC), its contribution to the hydration behavior of atmospheric aerosol is both significant and difficult to assess. For the present study, the hygroscopicity and CCN activity of isolated atmospheric WSOC particulate matter was measured without the compounding effects of common, soluble inorganic aerosol constituents. WSOC was extracted with high purity water from daily high-volume PM2.5 filter samples and separated from water soluble inorganic constituents using solid-phase extraction. The WSOC filter extracts were concentrated and combined to provide sufficient mass for continuous generation of the WSOC-only aerosol over the combined measurement time of the tandem differential mobility analyzer and coupled scanning mobility particle sizer-CCN counter used for the analysis. Aerosol samples were taken at Great Smoky Mountains National Park during the summer of 2006 and fall-winter of 2007-2008; Mount Rainier National Park during the summer of 2009; Storm Peak Laboratory (SPL) near Steamboat Springs, Colorado, during the summer of 2010; and Acadia National Park during the summer of 2011. Across all sampling locations and seasons, the hygroscopic growth of WSOC samples at 90 % RH, expressed in terms of the hygroscopicity parameter, κ, ranged from 0.05 to 0.15. Comparisons between the hygroscopicity of WSOC and that of samples containing all soluble materials extracted from the filters implied a significant modification of the hydration behavior of inorganic components, including decreased hysteresis separating efflorescence and deliquescence and enhanced water uptake between 30 and 70 % RH.

Effects of Chlorine Promoted Oxidation on Arsenic Release from Sulfide Minerals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

West, N.; Schreiber, M.; Gotkowitz, M.

2007-12-01

High arsenic concentrations (>100 ppb) have been measured in wells completed in the Ordovician St. Peter sandstone aquifer of eastern Wisconsin. The primary source of arsenic is As-bearing sulfide minerals within the aquifer. Periodic disinfection of wells by chlorination may facilitate arsenic release to groundwater by increasing the rate of sulfide mineral oxidation. During typical well disinfection procedures, aquifer solids exposed along uncased portions of wells remain in direct contact with chlorine disinfection solutions for up to twenty-four hours. Due to the redox sensitivity of arsenic mobility in groundwater, it is important to evaluate the effect of repeatedly adding oxidizers to an arsenic impacted aquifer system. This study focuses on abiotic processes that mobilize arsenic from the solid phase during controlled exposure to chlorinated solutions. Two St. Peter samples with As concentrations of 21 and 674 ppm were selected for the experiments. Before reaction, the aquifer mineralogy is characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron microprobe analysis (EMPA). The samples are then reacted with solutions of 60 mg/L free chlorine, 1200 mg/L free chlorine, or nanopure water (control) at pH 7.0 and pH 8.5. These parameters represent typical solution chemistries present within the wells after disinfection. Solutions are sampled periodically during the experiments and analyzed for As, Fe, other trace metals such as Co, Mo, Cr, and Ni, and sulfate. Analysis of the post-reaction solids using SEM, EMPA, laser ablation ICP-MS and Raman techniques are used to document the changes in mineralogy due to chlorination and to document which solid phases contain As.

Accuracy of Bolton analysis measured in laser scanned digital models compared with plaster models (gold standard) and cone-beam computer tomography images

PubMed Central

Kim, Jooseong

2016-01-01

Objective The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of Bolton analysis obtained from digital models scanned with the Ortho Insight three-dimensional (3D) laser scanner system to those obtained from cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images and traditional plaster models. Methods CBCT scans and plaster models were obtained from 50 patients. Plaster models were scanned using the Ortho Insight 3D laser scanner; Bolton ratios were calculated with its software. CBCT scans were imported and analyzed using AVIZO software. Plaster models were measured with a digital caliper. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results Anterior and overall Bolton ratios obtained by the three different modalities exhibited excellent agreement (> 0.970). The mean differences between the scanned digital models and physical models and between the CBCT images and scanned digital models for overall Bolton ratios were 0.41 ± 0.305% and 0.45 ± 0.456%, respectively; for anterior Bolton ratios, 0.59 ± 0.520% and 1.01 ± 0.780%, respectively. ICC results showed that intraexaminer error reliability was generally excellent (> 0.858 for all three diagnostic modalities), with < 1.45% discrepancy in the Bolton analysis. Conclusions Laser scanned digital models are highly accurate compared to physical models and CBCT scans for assessing the spatial relationships of dental arches for orthodontic diagnosis. PMID:26877978

Stress Analyzer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1990-01-01

SPATE 900 Dynamic Stress Analyzer is an acronym for Stress Pattern Analysis by Thermal Emission. It detects stress-induced temperature changes in a structure and indicates the degree of stress. Ometron, Inc.'s SPATE 9000 consists of a scan unit and a data display. The scan unit contains an infrared channel focused on the test structure to collect thermal radiation, and a visual channel used to set up the scan area and interrogate the stress display. Stress data is produced by detecting minute temperature changes, down to one-thousandth of a degree Centigrade, resulting from the application to the structure of dynamic loading. The electronic data processing system correlates the temperature changes with a reference signal to determine stress level.

Solving LR Conflicts Through Context Aware Scanning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leon, C. Rodriguez; Forte, L. Garcia

2011-09-01

This paper presents a new algorithm to compute the exact list of tokens expected by any LR syntax analyzer at any point of the scanning process. The lexer can, at any time, compute the exact list of valid tokens to return only tokens in this set. In the case than more than one matching token is in the valid set, the lexer can resort to a nested LR parser to disambiguate. Allowing nested LR parsing requires some slight modifications when building the LR parsing tables. We also show how LR parsers can parse conflictive and inherently ambiguous languages using a combination of nested parsing and context aware scanning. These expanded lexical analyzers can be generated from high level specifications.

Identifying seasonal mobility profiles from anonymized and aggregated mobile phone data. Application in food security.

PubMed

Zufiria, Pedro J; Pastor-Escuredo, David; Úbeda-Medina, Luis; Hernandez-Medina, Miguel A; Barriales-Valbuena, Iker; Morales, Alfredo J; Jacques, Damien C; Nkwambi, Wilfred; Diop, M Bamba; Quinn, John; Hidalgo-Sanchís, Paula; Luengo-Oroz, Miguel

2018-01-01

We propose a framework for the systematic analysis of mobile phone data to identify relevant mobility profiles in a population. The proposed framework allows finding distinct human mobility profiles based on the digital trace of mobile phone users characterized by a Matrix of Individual Trajectories (IT-Matrix). This matrix gathers a consistent and regularized description of individual trajectories that enables multi-scale representations along time and space, which can be used to extract aggregated indicators such as a dynamic multi-scale population count. Unsupervised clustering of individual trajectories generates mobility profiles (clusters of similar individual trajectories) which characterize relevant group behaviors preserving optimal aggregation levels for detailed and privacy-secured mobility characterization. The application of the proposed framework is illustrated by analyzing fully anonymized data on human mobility from mobile phones in Senegal at the arrondissement level over a calendar year. The analysis of monthly mobility patterns at the livelihood zone resolution resulted in the discovery and characterization of seasonal mobility profiles related with economic activities, agricultural calendars and rainfalls. The use of these mobility profiles could support the timely identification of mobility changes in vulnerable populations in response to external shocks (such as natural disasters, civil conflicts or sudden increases of food prices) to monitor food security.

Effect of occupational mobility and health status on life satisfaction of Chinese residents of different occupations: logistic diagonal mobility models analysis of cross-sectional data on eight Chinese provinces.

PubMed

Liang, Ying; Lu, Peiyi

2014-02-08

Life satisfaction research in China is in development, requiring new perspectives for enrichment. In China, occupational mobility is accompanied by changes in economic liberalization and the emergence of occupational stratification. On the whole, however, occupational mobility has rarely been used as an independent variable. Health status is always used as the observed or dependent variable in studies of the phenomenon and its influencing factors. A research gap still exists for enriching this field. The data used in this study were obtained from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS). The study included nine provinces in China. The survey was conducted from 1989 to 2009.Every survey involved approximately 4400 families or 19,000 individual samples and parts of community data. First, we built a 5 × 5 social mobility table and calculated life satisfaction of Chinese residents of different occupations in each table. Second, gender, age, marital status, education level, annual income and hukou, health status, occupational mobility were used as independent variables. Lastly, we used logistic diagonal mobility models to analyze the relationship between life satisfaction and the variables. Model 1 was the basic model, which consisted of the standard model and controlled variables and excluded drift variables. Model 2 was the total model, which consisted of all variables of interest in this study. Model 3 was the screening model, which excluded the insignificant drift effect index in Model 2. From the perspective of the analysis of controlled variables, health conditions, direction, and distance of occupational mobility significantly affected life satisfaction of Chinese residents of different occupations. (1) From the perspective of health status, respondents who have not been sick or injured had better life satisfaction than those who had been sick or injured. (2) From the perspective of occupational mobility direction, the coefficients of occupational mobility in the models are less than 0, which means that upward mobility negatively affects life satisfaction. (3) From the perspective of distance, when analyzing mobility distance in Models 2 and 3, a greater distance indicates better life satisfaction.

Effect of occupational mobility and health status on life satisfaction of Chinese residents of different occupations: logistic diagonal mobility models analysis of cross-sectional data on eight Chinese provinces

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Life satisfaction research in China is in development, requiring new perspectives for enrichment. In China, occupational mobility is accompanied by changes in economic liberalization and the emergence of occupational stratification. On the whole, however, occupational mobility has rarely been used as an independent variable. Health status is always used as the observed or dependent variable in studies of the phenomenon and its influencing factors. A research gap still exists for enriching this field. Methods The data used in this study were obtained from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS). The study included nine provinces in China. The survey was conducted from 1989 to 2009.Every survey involved approximately 4400 families or 19,000 individual samples and parts of community data. Results First, we built a 5 × 5 social mobility table and calculated life satisfaction of Chinese residents of different occupations in each table. Second, gender, age, marital status, education level, annual income and hukou, health status, occupational mobility were used as independent variables. Lastly, we used logistic diagonal mobility models to analyze the relationship between life satisfaction and the variables. Model 1 was the basic model, which consisted of the standard model and controlled variables and excluded drift variables. Model 2 was the total model, which consisted of all variables of interest in this study. Model 3 was the screening model, which excluded the insignificant drift effect index in Model 2. Conclusion From the perspective of the analysis of controlled variables, health conditions, direction, and distance of occupational mobility significantly affected life satisfaction of Chinese residents of different occupations. (1) From the perspective of health status, respondents who have not been sick or injured had better life satisfaction than those who had been sick or injured. (2) From the perspective of occupational mobility direction, the coefficients of occupational mobility in the models are less than 0, which means that upward mobility negatively affects life satisfaction. (3) From the perspective of distance, when analyzing mobility distance in Models 2 and 3, a greater distance indicates better life satisfaction. PMID:24506976

Driver eye-scanning behavior at intersections at night.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-10-01

This research project analyzed drivers eye scanning behavior at night when approaching signalized : and unsignalized intersections using the data from a head-mounted eye-tracking system during open road : driving on a prescribed route. During the ...

Techniques used for the analysis of oculometer eye-scanning data obtained from an air traffic control display

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Crawford, Daniel J.; Burdette, Daniel W.; Capron, William R.

1993-01-01

The methodology and techniques used to collect and analyze look-point position data from a real-time ATC display-format comparison experiment are documented. That study compared the delivery precision and controller workload of three final approach spacing aid display formats. Using an oculometer, controller lookpoint position data were collected, associated with gaze objects (e.g., moving aircraft) on the ATC display, and analyzed to determine eye-scan behavior. The equipment involved and algorithms for saving, synchronizing with the ATC simulation output, and filtering the data are described. Target (gaze object) and cross-check scanning identification algorithms are also presented. Data tables are provided of total dwell times, average dwell times, and cross-check scans. Flow charts, block diagrams, file record descriptors, and source code are included. The techniques and data presented are intended to benefit researchers in other studies that incorporate non-stationary gaze objects and oculometer equipment.

Behavior Life Style Analysis for Mobile Sensory Data in Cloud Computing through MapReduce

PubMed Central

Hussain, Shujaat; Bang, Jae Hun; Han, Manhyung; Ahmed, Muhammad Idris; Amin, Muhammad Bilal; Lee, Sungyoung; Nugent, Chris; McClean, Sally; Scotney, Bryan; Parr, Gerard

2014-01-01

Cloud computing has revolutionized healthcare in today's world as it can be seamlessly integrated into a mobile application and sensor devices. The sensory data is then transferred from these devices to the public and private clouds. In this paper, a hybrid and distributed environment is built which is capable of collecting data from the mobile phone application and store it in the cloud. We developed an activity recognition application and transfer the data to the cloud for further processing. Big data technology Hadoop MapReduce is employed to analyze the data and create user timeline of user's activities. These activities are visualized to find useful health analytics and trends. In this paper a big data solution is proposed to analyze the sensory data and give insights into user behavior and lifestyle trends. PMID:25420151

Behavior life style analysis for mobile sensory data in cloud computing through MapReduce.

PubMed

Hussain, Shujaat; Bang, Jae Hun; Han, Manhyung; Ahmed, Muhammad Idris; Amin, Muhammad Bilal; Lee, Sungyoung; Nugent, Chris; McClean, Sally; Scotney, Bryan; Parr, Gerard

2014-11-20

Cloud computing has revolutionized healthcare in today's world as it can be seamlessly integrated into a mobile application and sensor devices. The sensory data is then transferred from these devices to the public and private clouds. In this paper, a hybrid and distributed environment is built which is capable of collecting data from the mobile phone application and store it in the cloud. We developed an activity recognition application and transfer the data to the cloud for further processing. Big data technology Hadoop MapReduce is employed to analyze the data and create user timeline of user's activities. These activities are visualized to find useful health analytics and trends. In this paper a big data solution is proposed to analyze the sensory data and give insights into user behavior and lifestyle trends.

U-10Mo Sample Preparation and Examination using Optical and Scanning Electron Microscopy

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

Prabhakaran, Ramprashad; Joshi, Vineet V.; Rhodes, Mark A.

2016-10-01

The purpose of this document is to provide guidelines to prepare specimens of uranium alloyed with 10 weight percent molybdenum (U-10Mo) for optical metallography and scanning electron microscopy. This document also provides instructions to set up an optical microscope and a scanning electron microscope to analyze U-10Mo specimens and to obtain the required information.

U-10Mo Sample Preparation and Examination using Optical and Scanning Electron Microscopy

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

Prabhakaran, Ramprashad; Joshi, Vineet V.; Rhodes, Mark A.

2016-03-30

The purpose of this document is to provide guidelines to prepare specimens of uranium alloyed with 10 weight percent molybdenum (U-10Mo) for optical metallography and scanning electron microscopy. This document also provides instructions to set up an optical microscope and a scanning electron microscope to analyze U-10Mo specimens and to obtain the required information.

National, State, and Local Trends: Environmental Scan of Trends and Key Issues Affecting Planning.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kangas, Jon; Budros, Kathleen; Yoshioka, Joyce

This document is a collection of one-page summaries, or "Trends Newsletters" (Numbers 50, 54-7, 59-60, 67-71, and 73-91), that analyze the national, state, and local trends affecting planning for the San Jose/Evergreen Community College District in California. The document is divided into two sections: External Scan and Internal Scan.…

Studying Upper-Limb Kinematics Using Inertial Sensors Embedded in Mobile Phones.

PubMed

Roldan-Jimenez, Cristina; Cuesta-Vargas, Antonio; Bennett, Paul

2015-05-20

In recent years, there has been a great interest in analyzing upper-limb kinematics. Inertial measurement with mobile phones is a convenient and portable analysis method for studying humerus kinematics in terms of angular mobility and linear acceleration. The aim of this analysis was to study upper-limb kinematics via mobile phones through six physical properties that correspond to angular mobility and acceleration in the three axes of space. This cross-sectional study recruited healthy young adult subjects. Humerus kinematics was studied in 10 young adults with the iPhone4. They performed flexion and abduction analytical tasks. Mobility angle and lineal acceleration in each of its axes (yaw, pitch, and roll) were obtained with the iPhone4. This device was placed on the right half of the body of each subject, in the middle third of the humerus, slightly posterior. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Descriptive graphics of analytical tasks performed were obtained. The biggest range of motion was found in pitch angle, and the biggest acceleration was found in the y-axis in both analytical tasks. Focusing on tridimensional kinematics, bigger range of motion and acceleration was found in abduction (209.69 degrees and 23.31 degrees per second respectively). Also, very strong correlation was found between angular mobility and linear acceleration in abduction (r=.845) and flexion (r=.860). The use of an iPhone for humerus tridimensional kinematics is feasible. This supports use of the mobile phone as a device to analyze upper-limb kinematics and to facilitate the evaluation of the patient. ©Cristina Roldan-Jimenez, Antonio Cuesta-Vargas, Paul Bennett. Originally published in JMIR Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology (http://rehab.jmir.org), 20.05.2015.

Can the Accuracy of Home Blood Glucose Monitors be affected by the Received Signal Strength of 900 MHz GSM Mobile Phones?

PubMed Central

Eslami, J.; Ghafaripour, F.; Mortazavi, S.A.R.; Mortazavi, S.M.J.; Shojaei-fard, M.B.

2015-01-01

Background People who use home blood glucose monitors may use their mobile phones in the close vicinity of medical devices. This study is aimed at investigating the effect of the signal strength of 900 MHz GSM mobile phones on the accuracy of home blood glucose monitors. Methods Sixty non-diabetic volunteer individuals aged 21 - 28 years participated in this study. Blood samples were analyzed for glucose level by using a common blood glucose monitoring system. Each blood sample was analyzed twice, within ten minutes in presence and absence of electromagnetic fields generated by a common GSM mobile phone during ringing. Blood samples were divided into 3 groups of 20 samples each. Group 1: exposure to mobile phone radiation with weak signal strength. Group2: exposure to mobile phone radiation with strong signal strength. Group3: exposure to a switched–on mobile phone with no signal strength. Results The magnitude of the changes in the first, second and third group between glucose levels of two measurements (׀ΔC׀) were 7.4±3.9 mg/dl, 10.2±4.5 mg/dl, 8.7±8.4 mg/dl respectively. The difference in the magnitude of the changes between the 1st and the 3rd groups was not statistically significant. Furthermore, the difference in the magnitude of the changes between the 2nd and the 3rd groups was not statistically significant. Conclusion Findings of this study showed that the signal strength of 900 MHz GSM mobile phones cannot play a significant role in changing the accuracy of home blood glucose monitors. PMID:26688798

Can the Accuracy of Home Blood Glucose Monitors be affected by the Received Signal Strength of 900 MHz GSM Mobile Phones?

PubMed

Eslami, J; Ghafaripour, F; Mortazavi, S A R; Mortazavi, S M J; Shojaei-Fard, M B

2015-12-01

People who use home blood glucose monitors may use their mobile phones in the close vicinity of medical devices. This study is aimed at investigating the effect of the signal strength of 900 MHz GSM mobile phones on the accuracy of home blood glucose monitors. Sixty non-diabetic volunteer individuals aged 21 - 28 years participated in this study. Blood samples were analyzed for glucose level by using a common blood glucose monitoring system. Each blood sample was analyzed twice, within ten minutes in presence and absence of electromagnetic fields generated by a common GSM mobile phone during ringing. Blood samples were divided into 3 groups of 20 samples each. Group 1: exposure to mobile phone radiation with weak signal strength. Group2: exposure to mobile phone radiation with strong signal strength. Group3: exposure to a switched-on mobile phone with no signal strength. The magnitude of the changes in the first, second and third group between glucose levels of two measurements (׀ΔC׀) were 7.4±3.9 mg/dl, 10.2±4.5 mg/dl, 8.7±8.4 mg/dl respectively. The difference in the magnitude of the changes between the 1st and the 3rd groups was not statistically significant. Furthermore, the difference in the magnitude of the changes between the 2nd and the 3rd groups was not statistically significant. Findings of this study showed that the signal strength of 900 MHz GSM mobile phones cannot play a significant role in changing the accuracy of home blood glucose monitors.

Comparison of in vivo polyethylene wear particles between mobile- and fixed-bearing TKA in the same patients.

PubMed

Minoda, Yukihide; Hata, Kanako; Ikebuchi, Mitsuhiko; Mizokawa, Shigekazu; Ohta, Yoichi; Nakamura, Hiroaki

2017-09-01

Polyethylene wear particle generation is one of the most important factors that affects the mid- to long-term results of total knee arthroplasties (TKA). Mobile-bearing total knee prostheses were developed to reduce polyethylene wear generation. However, whether mobile-bearing prostheses actually generate fewer polyethylene wear particles than fixed-bearing prostheses remains controversial. The aim of this study was to compare, within individual patients, the in vivo polyethylene wear particles created by a newly introduced mobile-bearing prosthesis in one knee and a conventional fixed-bearing prosthesis in other knee. Eighteen patients receiving bilateral TKAs to treat osteoarthritis were included. The synovial fluid was obtained from 36 knees at an average of 3.5 years after the operation. The in vivo polyethylene wear particles were isolated from the synovial fluid using a previously validated method and examined using a scanning electron microscope and an image analyser. The size and shape of the polyethylene wear particles from the mobile-bearing prostheses were similar to those from the conventional fixed-bearing prostheses. Although the number of wear particles from the mobile-bearing prosthesis (1.63 × 10 7  counts/knee) appeared smaller than that from the fixed-bearing prosthesis (2.16 × 10 7  counts/knee), the difference was not statistically significant. The current in vivo study shows that no statistically significant differences were found between the polyethylene wear particles generated by a newly introduced mobile-bearing PS prosthesis and a conventional fixed-bearing PS prosthesis during the early clinical stage after implantation. Therapeutic study, Level III.

Mobile microscopy as a screening tool for oral cancer in India: A pilot study.

PubMed

Skandarajah, Arunan; Sunny, Sumsum P; Gurpur, Praveen; Reber, Clay D; D'Ambrosio, Michael V; Raghavan, Nisheena; James, Bonney Lee; Ramanjinappa, Ravindra D; Suresh, Amritha; Kandasarma, Uma; Birur, Praveen; Kumar, Vinay V; Galmeanu, Honorius-Cezar; Itu, Alexandru Mihail; Modiga-Arsu, Mihai; Rausch, Saskia; Sramek, Maria; Kollegal, Manohar; Paladini, Gianluca; Kuriakose, Moni; Ladic, Lance; Koch, Felix; Fletcher, Daniel

2017-01-01

Oral cancer is the most common type of cancer among men in India and other countries in South Asia. Late diagnosis contributes significantly to this mortality, highlighting the need for effective and specific point-of-care diagnostic tools. The same regions with high prevalence of oral cancer have seen extensive growth in mobile phone infrastructure, which enables widespread access to telemedicine services. In this work, we describe the evaluation of an automated tablet-based mobile microscope as an adjunct for telemedicine-based oral cancer screening in India. Brush biopsy, a minimally invasive sampling technique was combined with a simplified staining protocol and a tablet-based mobile microscope to facilitate local collection of digital images and remote evaluation of the images by clinicians. The tablet-based mobile microscope (CellScope device) combines an iPad Mini with collection optics, LED illumination and Bluetooth-controlled motors to scan a slide specimen and capture high-resolution images of stained brush biopsy samples. Researchers at the Mazumdar Shaw Medical Foundation (MSMF) in Bangalore, India used the instrument to collect and send randomly selected images of each slide for telepathology review. Evaluation of the concordance between gold standard histology, conventional microscopy cytology, and remote pathologist review of the images was performed as part of a pilot study of mobile microscopy as a screening tool for oral cancer. Results indicated that the instrument successfully collected images of sufficient quality to enable remote diagnoses that show concordance with existing techniques. Further studies will evaluate the effectiveness of oral cancer screening with mobile microscopy by minimally trained technicians in low-resource settings.

A Mobility-Aware QoS Signaling Protocol for Ambient Networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jeong, Seong-Ho; Lee, Sung-Hyuck; Bang, Jongho

Mobility-aware quality of service (QoS) signaling is crucial to provide seamless multimedia services in the ambient environment where mobile nodes may move frequently between different wireless access networks. The mobility of an IP-based node in ambient networks affects routing paths, and as a result, can have a significant impact on the operation and state management of QoS signaling protocols. In this paper, we first analyze the impact of mobility on QoS signaling protocols and how the protocols operate in mobility scenarios. We then propose an efficient mobility-aware QoS signaling protocol which can operate adaptively in ambient networks. The key features of the protocol include the fast discovery of a crossover node where the old and new paths converge or diverge due to handover and the localized state management for seamless services. Our analytical and simulation/experimental results show that the proposed/implemented protocol works better than existing protocols in the IP-based mobile environment.

Usability evaluation of mobile applications using ISO 9241 and ISO 25062 standards.

PubMed

Moumane, Karima; Idri, Ali; Abran, Alain

2016-01-01

This paper presents an empirical study based on a set of measures to evaluate the usability of mobile applications running on different mobile operating systems, including Android, iOS and Symbian. The aim is to evaluate empirically a framework that we have developed on the use of the Software Quality Standard ISO 9126 in mobile environments, especially the usability characteristic. To do that, 32 users had participated in the experiment and we have used ISO 25062 and ISO 9241 standards for objective measures by working with two widely used mobile applications: Google Apps and Google Maps. The QUIS 7.0 questionnaire have been used to collect measures assessing the users' level of satisfaction when using these two mobile applications. By analyzing the results we highlighted a set of mobile usability issues that are related to the hardware as well as to the software and that need to be taken into account by designers and developers in order to improve the usability of mobile applications.

Pre and post-amputation mobility of trans-tibial amputees: correlation to medical problems, age and mortality.

PubMed

Johnson, V J; Kondziela, S; Gottschalk, F

1995-12-01

This retrospective study compares pre and post-amputation mobility and the influence of age and associated medical problems. Data from the charts of 120 male patients who underwent unilateral trans-tibial (below-knee) amputation at the Dallas Veteran's Administration Hospital between June, 1983 and October, 1991, were collected and analyzed. Mobility was assessed with a six level scale developed by Volpicelli et al. (1983). The presence of cardiac disease, pulmonary disease (COPD), peripheral vascular disease (PVD), diabetes mellitus, degenerative joint disease, blindness, cerebral vascular accident (CVA), and age are correlated with changes in mobility after amputation. Older patients had more medical problems and lower post-amputation scores Individual medical problems did not influence mobility scores, but the presence of COPD and PVD lowered pre-amputation mobility scores. Cardiac disease and diabetes mellitus influenced post-amputation mobility scores by lowering them, either together or individually. Regardless of age, however, patients with more medical problems were poor ambulators. The cause of amputation per se did not influence mobility scores.

A Modified Decision Tree Algorithm Based on Genetic Algorithm for Mobile User Classification Problem

PubMed Central

Liu, Dong-sheng; Fan, Shu-jiang

2014-01-01

In order to offer mobile customers better service, we should classify the mobile user firstly. Aimed at the limitations of previous classification methods, this paper puts forward a modified decision tree algorithm for mobile user classification, which introduced genetic algorithm to optimize the results of the decision tree algorithm. We also take the context information as a classification attributes for the mobile user and we classify the context into public context and private context classes. Then we analyze the processes and operators of the algorithm. At last, we make an experiment on the mobile user with the algorithm, we can classify the mobile user into Basic service user, E-service user, Plus service user, and Total service user classes and we can also get some rules about the mobile user. Compared to C4.5 decision tree algorithm and SVM algorithm, the algorithm we proposed in this paper has higher accuracy and more simplicity. PMID:24688389

Mobile Phone Overuse Among Elementary School Students in Korea: Factors Associated With Mobile Phone Use as a Behavior Addiction.

PubMed

Kim, Ran; Lee, Kwang-Ja; Choi, Yun-Jung

2015-01-01

This research was conducted to examine the relationships among mobile phone use, anxiety, and parental attitudes toward child-rearing in a convenience sample of 351 Grade 6 elementary school students. There were 157 boys and 194 girls. A mobile phone overuse questionnaire, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Parental Attitude Inventory were used for data collection. The data were analyzed by the t test, analysis of variance, hierarchical regression, and descriptive analysis using SPSS WIN 18.0. Mobile phone use was greater in girls than in boys, and the difference was statistically significant. Mobile phone use was positively correlated with anxiety, and it was negatively correlated with parental child-raising attitudes. Mobile phone use in girls was mainly affected by anxiety, and in boys, it was significantly affected by the maternal child-raising attitude. This research provides basic data for parent education, school policy, and prevention programs about mobile phone overuse that support mental health improvement in the individual, family, and community.

Differential Ion Mobility Separations in up to 100 % Helium Using Microchips

PubMed Central

Shvartsburg, Alexandre A.; Ibrahim, Yehia M.; Smith, Richard D.

2014-01-01

The performance of differential IMS (FAIMS) analyzers is much enhanced by gases comprising He, especially He/N2 mixtures. However, electrical breakdown has limited the He fraction to ~50 %–75 %, depending on the field strength. By the Paschen law, the threshold field for breakdown increases at shorter distances. This allows FAIMS using chips with microscopic channels to utilize much stronger field intensities (E) than “full-size” analyzers with wider gaps. Here we show that those chips can employ higher He fractions up to 100 %. Use of He-rich gases improves the resolution and resolution/sensitivity balance substantially, although less than for full-size analyzers. The optimum He fraction is ~80 %, in line with first-principles theory. Hence, one can now measure the dependences of ion mobility on E in pure He, where ion-molecule cross section calculations are much more tractable than in other gases that form deeper and more complex interaction potentials. This capability may facilitate quantitative modeling of high-field ion mobility behavior and, thus, FAIMS separation properties, which would enable a priori extraction of structural information about the ions. PMID:24402673

Analysis of time in establishing synchronization radio communication system with expanded spectrum conditions for communication with mobile robots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Latinovic, T. S.; Kalabic, S. B.; Barz, C. R.; Petrica, P. Paul; Pop-Vădean, A.

2018-01-01

This paper analyzes the influence of the Doppler Effect on the length of time to establish synchronization pseudorandom sequences in radio communications systems with an expanded spectrum. Also, this paper explores the possibility of using secure wireless communication for modular robots. Wireless communication could be used for local and global communication. We analyzed a radio communication system integrator, including the two effects of the Doppler signal on the duration of establishing synchronization of the received and locally generated pseudorandom sequence. The effects of the impact of the variability of the phase were analyzed between the said sequences and correspondence of the phases of these signals with the interval of time of acquisition of received sequences. An analysis of these impacts is essential in the transmission of signal and protection of the transfer of information in the communication systems with an expanded range (telecommunications, mobile telephony, Global Navigation Satellite System GNSS, and wireless communication). Results show that wireless communication can provide a safety approach for communication with mobile robots.

Process Analyzer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1994-01-01

The ChemScan UV-6100 is a spectrometry system originally developed by Biotronics Technologies, Inc. under a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract. It is marketed to the water and wastewater treatment industries, replacing "grab sampling" with on-line data collection. It analyzes the light absorbance characteristics of a water sample, simultaneously detects hundreds of individual wavelengths absorbed by chemical substances in a process solution, and quantifies the information. Spectral data is then processed by ChemScan analyzer and compared with calibration files in the system's memory in order to calculate concentrations of chemical substances that cause UV light absorbance in specific patterns. Monitored substances can be analyzed for quality and quantity. Applications include detection of a variety of substances, and the information provided enables an operator to control a process more efficiently.

Multi Sensor Data Integration for AN Accurate 3d Model Generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chhatkuli, S.; Satoh, T.; Tachibana, K.

2015-05-01

The aim of this paper is to introduce a novel technique of data integration between two different data sets, i.e. laser scanned RGB point cloud and oblique imageries derived 3D model, to create a 3D model with more details and better accuracy. In general, aerial imageries are used to create a 3D city model. Aerial imageries produce an overall decent 3D city models and generally suit to generate 3D model of building roof and some non-complex terrain. However, the automatically generated 3D model, from aerial imageries, generally suffers from the lack of accuracy in deriving the 3D model of road under the bridges, details under tree canopy, isolated trees, etc. Moreover, the automatically generated 3D model from aerial imageries also suffers from undulated road surfaces, non-conforming building shapes, loss of minute details like street furniture, etc. in many cases. On the other hand, laser scanned data and images taken from mobile vehicle platform can produce more detailed 3D road model, street furniture model, 3D model of details under bridge, etc. However, laser scanned data and images from mobile vehicle are not suitable to acquire detailed 3D model of tall buildings, roof tops, and so forth. Our proposed approach to integrate multi sensor data compensated each other's weakness and helped to create a very detailed 3D model with better accuracy. Moreover, the additional details like isolated trees, street furniture, etc. which were missing in the original 3D model derived from aerial imageries could also be integrated in the final model automatically. During the process, the noise in the laser scanned data for example people, vehicles etc. on the road were also automatically removed. Hence, even though the two dataset were acquired in different time period the integrated data set or the final 3D model was generally noise free and without unnecessary details.

The UF GEM Research Center Mobile Terrestrial Laser Scanner System M-TLSS Applied to Beach Morphology Studies in St. Augustine, Florida.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fernandez, J. C.; Shrestha, R. L.; Carter, W. E.; Slatton, C. K.; Singhania, A.

2006-12-01

The UF GEM Research Center is working towards developing a Mobile Terrestrial Laser Scanning System (M- TLSS). The core of the M-TLSS is a commercial 2-axis ground based laser scanner, Optech ILRIS-36D, which is capable of generating XYZ with laser intensity or RGB textured point clouds in a range from 3m to 1500m. The laser operates at a wavelength of 1535 nm. The sample separation can be adjusted down to 0.00115°, and the scanning speed is 2,000 points per second. The scanner is integrated to a mobile telescoping, rotating and tilting platform which is essentially a telescopic lift mounted on the back of a pick up truck. This provides up to 6 degrees of freedom for performing scanning operations. A scanner built-in 6 megapixel digital camera and a digital video camera provide the M-TLSS moving and still imagining capability. The applications of the M-TLSS data sets are numerous in both the fields of science and engineering. This paper will focus on the application of M-TLSS as a complement to ALSM in the study of beach morphology in the St. Augustine, Florida area. ALSM data covers a long stretch of beach with a moderate sample density of approximately 1 laser return per square meter, which enables the detection of submeter-scale changes in shoreline position and dune heights over periods of few months. The M-TLSS, on the other hand, can provide high density point clouds (centimeter scale point spacing) of smaller areas known to be highly prone to erosion. From these point clouds centimeter level surface grids are created. These grids will be compared with the ALSM data and with a time series of M-TLSS data over the same area to provide high resolution, short term beach erosion monitoring. Surface morphological parameters that will be compared among the ALSM and M-TLSS data sets include shoreline position and gradients and standard deviations of elevations on cross- shore transects.

WE-EF-303-05: Development and Commissioning of Real-Time Imaging Function for Respiratory-Gated Spot-Scanning Proton Beam Therapy

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

Miyamoto, N; Takao, S; Matsuura, T

2015-06-15

Purpose: To realize real-time-image gated proton beam therapy (RGPT) for treating mobile tumors. Methods: The rotating gantry of spot scanning proton beam therapy has been designed to equip two x-ray fluoroscopy devices that enable real-time imaging of the internal fiducial markers during respiration. Three-dimensional position of the fiducial marker located near the tumor can be calculated from the fluoroscopic images obtained from orthogonal directions and therapeutic beam is gated only when the fiducial marker is within the predefined gating window. Image acquisition rate can be selected from discrete value ranging from 0.1 Hz to 30 Hz. In order to confirmmore » the effectiveness of RGPT and apply it clinically, clinical commissioning was conducted. Commissioning tests were categorized to main three parts including geometric accuracy, temporal accuracy and dosimetric evaluation. Results: Developed real-time imaging function has been installed and its basic performances have been confirmed. In the evaluation of geometric accuracy, coincidence of three-dimensional treatment room coordinate system and imaging coordinate system was confirmed to be less than 1 mm. Fiducial markers (gold sphere and coil) were able to be tracked in simulated clinical condition using an anthropomorphic chest phantom. In the evaluation of temporal accuracy, latency from image acquisition to gate on/off signal was about 60 msec in typical case. In dosimetric evaluation, treatment beam characteristics including beam irradiation position and dose output were stable in gated irradiation. Homogeneity indices to the mobile target were 0.99 (static), 0.89 (w/o gating, motion is parallel to direction of scan), 0.75 (w/o gating, perpendicular), 0.98 (w/ gating, parallel) and 0.93 (w/ gating, perpendicular). Dose homogeneity to the mobile target can be maintained in RGPT. Conclusion: Real-time imaging function utilizing x-ray fluoroscopy has been developed and commissioned successfully in order to realize RGPT. Funding Support: This research was partially supported by Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) through the FIRST Program. Conflict of Interest: Prof. Shirato has research fund from Hitachi Ltd, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd and Shimadzu Corporation.« less

Hybrid processing of laser scanning data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Badenko, Vladimir; Zotov, Dmitry; Fedotov, Alexander

2018-03-01

In this article the analysis of gaps in processing of raw laser scanning data and results of bridging the gaps discovered on the base of usage of laser scanning data for historic building information modeling is presented. The results of the development of a unified hybrid technology for the processing, storage, access and visualization of combined laser scanning and photography data about historical buildings are analyzed. The first result of the technology application for the historical building of St. Petersburg Polytechnic University shows reliability of the proposed approaches.

Relationship between static foot posture and foot mobility

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background It is not uncommon for a person's foot posture and/or mobility to be assessed during a clinical examination. The exact relationship, however, between static posture and mobility is not known. Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the degree of association between static foot posture and mobility. Method The static foot posture and foot mobility of 203 healthy individuals was assessed and then analyzed to determine if low arched or "pronated" feet are more mobile than high arched or "supinated" feet. Results The study demonstrated that those individuals with a lower standing dorsal arch height and/or a wider standing midfoot width had greater mobility in their foot. In addition, those individuals with higher Foot Posture Index (FPI) values demonstrated greater mobility and those with lower FPI values demonstrated less mobility. Finally, the amount of foot mobility that an individual has can be predicted reasonably well using either a 3 or 4 variable linear regression model. Conclusions Because of the relationship between static foot posture and mobility, it is recommended that both be assessed as part of a comprehensive evaluation of a individual with foot problems. PMID:21244705

MIXI: Mobile Intelligent X-Ray Inspection System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arodzero, Anatoli; Boucher, Salime; Kutsaev, Sergey V.; Ziskin, Vitaliy

2017-07-01

A novel, low-dose Mobile Intelligent X-ray Inspection (MIXI) concept is being developed at RadiaBeam Technologies. The MIXI concept relies on a linac-based, adaptive, ramped energy source of short X-ray packets of pulses, a new type of fast X-ray detector, rapid processing of detector signals for intelligent control of the linac, and advanced radiography image processing. The key parameters for this system include: better than 3 mm line pair resolution; penetration greater than 320 mm of steel equivalent; scan speed with 100% image sampling rate of up to 15 km/h; and material discrimination over a range of thicknesses up to 200 mm of steel equivalent. Its minimal radiation dose, size and weight allow MIXI to be placed on a lightweight truck chassis.

Design and Development of a Low-Cost Aerial Mobile Mapping System for Multi-Purpose Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Acevedo Pardo, C.; Farjas Abadía, M.; Sternberg, H.

2015-08-01

The research project with the working title "Design and development of a low-cost modular Aerial Mobile Mapping System" was formed during the last year as the result from numerous discussions and considerations with colleagues from the HafenCity University Hamburg, Department Geomatics. The aim of the project is to design a sensor platform which can be embedded preferentially on an UAV, but also can be integrated on any adaptable vehicle. The system should perform a direct scanning of surfaces with a laser scanner and supported through sensors for determining the position and attitude of the platform. The modular design allows his extension with other sensors such as multispectral cameras, digital cameras or multiple cameras systems.

High-Definition Differential Ion Mobility Spectrometry with Resolving Power up to 500

PubMed Central

Shvartsburg, Alexandre A.; Seim, Tom A.; Danielson, William F.; Norheim, Randy; Moore, Ronald J.; Anderson, Gordon A.; Smith, Richard D.

2013-01-01

As the resolution of analytical methods improves, further progress tends to be increasingly limited by instrumental parameter instabilities that could be ignored before. This is now the case with differential ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS), where fluctuations of the voltages and gas pressure have become critical. A new high-definition generator for FAIMS compensation voltage reported here provides a stable and accurate output than can be scanned with negligible steps. This reduces the spectral drift and peak width, thus improving the resolving power (R) and resolution. The gain for multiply-charged peptides that have narrowest peaks is up to ~40%, and R ~ 400 – 500 is achievable using He/N2 or H2/N2 gas mixtures. PMID:23345059

Development of large-surface Nafion-metal composite actuator and its electrochemical characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Noh, Taegeun; Tak, Yong Suk; Nam, Jaedo; Jeon, Jaewook; Kim, Hunmo; Choi, Hyoukryeol; Bae, Sang Sik

2001-07-01

Behaviors of nafion-based actuators are significantly affected by interfacial area between electrode and polymer electrolyte. Replication method was utilized to manufacture a large surface-area composite actuator. Etched aluminum foil was used as a template for replication using liquid nafion solution. Measurement of double layer charging and scanning electron microscopy indicated that interfacial area was greatly increased by replication method. Higher surface area induced a better bending performance of ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC). In parallel, the effect of cations on IPMC was interpreted with constant current experiment, linear sweep voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. For univalent cations, ion size is the most influencing parameter on ionic mobility inside membrane. However, ion-ion interaction affects an ionic mobility for divalent cations.

High-Definition Differential Ion Mobility Spectrometry with Resolving Power up to 500

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

Shvartsburg, Alexandre A.; Seim, Thomas A.; Danielson, William F.

2013-01-20

As the resolution of analytical methods improve, further progress tends to be increasingly limited by instrumental parameter instabilities that could be ignored before. This is now the case with differential ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS), where fluctuations of the voltages and gas pressure have become critical. A new high-definition generator for FAIMS compensation voltage reported here provides a stable and accurate output than can be scanned with negligible steps. This reduces the spectral drift and peak width, thus improving the resolving power (R) and resolution. The gain for multiply-charged peptides that have narrowest peaks is up to ~40%, and R ~more » 400 - 500 is achievable using He/N2 or H2/N2 gas mixtures.« less

Electrotransport and diffusivity of molybdenum, rhenium, tungsten, and zirconium in beta-thorium

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schmidt, F. A.; Beck, M. S.; Rehbein, D. K.; Conzemius, R. J.; Carlson, O. N.

1984-01-01

The electric mobilities, diffusivities, and effective valences were determined for molybdenum, rhenium, tungsten, and zirconium in beta-thorium. All four solutes migrated in the same direction as the electron flow. Rhenium and molybdenum were found to be very mobile, with tungsten somewhat slower. Zirconium was found to move at a rate near that of the self-diffusion of beta-thorium, viz., about 10 to the -11th sq m/s at 1500 C. The electromigration velocities showed a similar trend. A comparison was made between experimental data obtained by scanning laser mass spectrometry and theoretical transport equations for two purification experiments. Good agreement was obtained with both the concentration profile predicted by DeGroot and the purification ratio predicted by Verhoeven.

Swalley canal ice detection system : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1990-01-01

This report evaluates the reliability of information provided by a "SCAN 16" surface condition analyzer. SCAN systems are designed to inform highway maintenance personnel when frost, ice and snow are present on a roadway surface or bridge deck. The s...

Error analysis of motion correction method for laser scanning of moving objects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goel, S.; Lohani, B.

2014-05-01

The limitation of conventional laser scanning methods is that the objects being scanned should be static. The need of scanning moving objects has resulted in the development of new methods capable of generating correct 3D geometry of moving objects. Limited literature is available showing development of very few methods capable of catering to the problem of object motion during scanning. All the existing methods utilize their own models or sensors. Any studies on error modelling or analysis of any of the motion correction methods are found to be lacking in literature. In this paper, we develop the error budget and present the analysis of one such `motion correction' method. This method assumes availability of position and orientation information of the moving object which in general can be obtained by installing a POS system on board or by use of some tracking devices. It then uses this information along with laser scanner data to apply correction to laser data, thus resulting in correct geometry despite the object being mobile during scanning. The major application of this method lie in the shipping industry to scan ships either moving or parked in the sea and to scan other objects like hot air balloons or aerostats. It is to be noted that the other methods of "motion correction" explained in literature can not be applied to scan the objects mentioned here making the chosen method quite unique. This paper presents some interesting insights in to the functioning of "motion correction" method as well as a detailed account of the behavior and variation of the error due to different sensor components alone and in combination with each other. The analysis can be used to obtain insights in to optimal utilization of available components for achieving the best results.

Applicability Analysis of Cloth Simulation Filtering Algorithm for Mobile LIDAR Point Cloud

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, S.; Zhang, W.; Qi, J.; Wan, P.; Shao, J.; Shen, A.

2018-04-01

Classifying the original point clouds into ground and non-ground points is a key step in LiDAR (light detection and ranging) data post-processing. Cloth simulation filtering (CSF) algorithm, which based on a physical process, has been validated to be an accurate, automatic and easy-to-use algorithm for airborne LiDAR point cloud. As a new technique of three-dimensional data collection, the mobile laser scanning (MLS) has been gradually applied in various fields, such as reconstruction of digital terrain models (DTM), 3D building modeling and forest inventory and management. Compared with airborne LiDAR point cloud, there are some different features (such as point density feature, distribution feature and complexity feature) for mobile LiDAR point cloud. Some filtering algorithms for airborne LiDAR data were directly used in mobile LiDAR point cloud, but it did not give satisfactory results. In this paper, we explore the ability of the CSF algorithm for mobile LiDAR point cloud. Three samples with different shape of the terrain are selected to test the performance of this algorithm, which respectively yields total errors of 0.44 %, 0.77 % and1.20 %. Additionally, large area dataset is also tested to further validate the effectiveness of this algorithm, and results show that it can quickly and accurately separate point clouds into ground and non-ground points. In summary, this algorithm is efficient and reliable for mobile LiDAR point cloud.

Improvement of electron mobility in La:BaSnO{sub 3} thin films by insertion of an atomically flat insulating (Sr,Ba)SnO{sub 3} buffer layer

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

Shiogai, Junichi, E-mail: junichi.shiogai@imr.tohoku.ac.jp; Nishihara, Kazuki; Sato, Kazuhisa

One perovskite oxide, ASnO{sub 3} (A = Sr, Ba), is a candidate for use as a transparent conductive oxide with high electron mobility in single crystalline form. However, the electron mobility of films grown on SrTiO{sub 3} substrates does not reach the bulk value, probably because of dislocation scattering that originates from the large lattice mismatch. This study investigates the effect of insertion of bilayer BaSnO{sub 3} / (Sr,Ba)SnO{sub 3} for buffering this large lattice mismatch between La:BaSnO{sub 3} and SrTiO{sub 3} substrate. The insertion of 200-nm-thick BaSnO{sub 3} on (Sr,Ba)SnO{sub 3} bilayer buffer structures reduces the number of dislocationsmore » and improves surface smoothness of the films after annealing as proved respectively by scanning transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. A systematic investigation of BaSnO{sub 3} buffer layer thickness dependence on Hall mobility of the electron transport in La:BaSnO{sub 3} shows that the highest obtained value of mobility is 78 cm{sup 2}V{sup −1}s{sup −1} because of its fewer dislocations. High electron mobility films based on perovskite BaSnO{sub 3} can provide a good platform for transparent-conducting-oxide electronic devices and for creation of fascinating perovskite heterostructures.« less

Fast words boundaries localization in text fields for low quality document images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ilin, Dmitry; Novikov, Dmitriy; Polevoy, Dmitry; Nikolaev, Dmitry

2018-04-01

The paper examines the problem of word boundaries precise localization in document text zones. Document processing on a mobile device consists of document localization, perspective correction, localization of individual fields, finding words in separate zones, segmentation and recognition. While capturing an image with a mobile digital camera under uncontrolled capturing conditions, digital noise, perspective distortions or glares may occur. Further document processing gets complicated because of its specifics: layout elements, complex background, static text, document security elements, variety of text fonts. However, the problem of word boundaries localization has to be solved at runtime on mobile CPU with limited computing capabilities under specified restrictions. At the moment, there are several groups of methods optimized for different conditions. Methods for the scanned printed text are quick but limited only for images of high quality. Methods for text in the wild have an excessively high computational complexity, thus, are hardly suitable for running on mobile devices as part of the mobile document recognition system. The method presented in this paper solves a more specialized problem than the task of finding text on natural images. It uses local features, a sliding window and a lightweight neural network in order to achieve an optimal algorithm speed-precision ratio. The duration of the algorithm is 12 ms per field running on an ARM processor of a mobile device. The error rate for boundaries localization on a test sample of 8000 fields is 0.3

Mobile Traffic Alert and Tourist Route Guidance System Design Using Geospatial Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhattacharya, D.; Painho, M.; Mishra, S.; Gupta, A.

2017-09-01

The present study describes an integrated system for traffic data collection and alert warning. Geographical information based decision making related to traffic destinations and routes is proposed through the design. The system includes a geospatial database having profile relating to a user of a mobile device. The processing and understanding of scanned maps, other digital data input leads to route guidance. The system includes a server configured to receive traffic information relating to a route and location information relating to the mobile device. Server is configured to send a traffic alert to the mobile device when the traffic information and the location information indicate that the mobile device is traveling toward traffic congestion. Proposed system has geospatial and mobile data sets pertaining to Bangalore city in India. It is envisaged to be helpful for touristic purposes as a route guidance and alert relaying information system to tourists for proximity to sites worth seeing in a city they have entered into. The system is modular in architecture and the novelty lies in integration of different modules carrying different technologies for a complete traffic information system. Generic information processing and delivery system has been tested to be functional and speedy under test geospatial domains. In a restricted prototype model with geo-referenced route data required information has been delivered correctly over sustained trials to designated cell numbers, with average time frame of 27.5 seconds, maximum 50 and minimum 5 seconds. Traffic geo-data set trials testing is underway.

300% Enhancement of Carrier Mobility in Uniaxial-Oriented Perovskite Films Formed by Topotactic-Oriented Attachment

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

Kim, Dong Hoe; Park, Jaehong; Li, Zhen

Organic-inorganic perovskites with intriguing optical and electrical properties have attracted significant research interests due to their excellent performance in optoelectronic devices. Recent efforts on preparing uniform and large-grain polycrystalline perovskite films have led to enhanced carrier lifetime up to several microseconds. However, the mobility and trap densities of polycrystalline perovskite films are still significantly behind their single-crystal counterparts. Here, a facile topotactic-oriented attachment (TOA) process to grow highly oriented perovskite films, featuring strong uniaxial-crystallographic texture, micrometer-grain morphology, high crystallinity, low trap density (≈4 x 10 14 cm -3), and unprecedented 9 GHz charge-carrier mobility (71 cm 2 V -1 smore » -1), is demonstrated. TOA-perovskite-based n-i-p planar solar cells show minimal discrepancies between stabilized efficiency (19.0%) and reverse-scan efficiency (19.7%). In conclusion, the TOA process is also applicable for growing other state-of-the-art perovskite alloys, including triple-cation and mixed-halide perovskites.« less

AMF3 ARM's Research Facility at Oliktok Point Alaska

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Helsel, F.; Lucero, D. A.; Ivey, M.; Dexheimer, D.; Hardesty, J.; Roesler, E. L.

2015-12-01

Scientific Infrastructure To Support Atmospheric Science And Aerosol Science For The Department Of Energy's Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Programs Mobile Facility 3 Located At Oliktok Point, Alaska.The Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Program's Mobile Facility 3 (AMF3) located at Oliktok Point, Alaska is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) site. The site provides a scientific infrastructure and data archives for the international Arctic research community. The infrastructure at Oliktok is designed to be mobile and it may be relocated in the future to support other ARM science missions. AMF-3 instruments include: scanning precipitation Radar-cloud radar, Raman Lidar, Eddy correlation flux systems, Ceilometer, Balloon sounding system, Atmospheric Emitted Radiance Interferometer (AERI), Micro-pulse Lidar (MPL), Millimeter cloud radar along with all the standard metrological measurements. Data from these instruments is placed in the ARM data archives and are available to the international research community. This poster will discuss what instruments are at AMF3 and the challenges of powering an Arctic site without the use of grid power.

300% Enhancement of Carrier Mobility in Uniaxial-Oriented Perovskite Films Formed by Topotactic-Oriented Attachment

DOE PAGES

Kim, Dong Hoe; Park, Jaehong; Li, Zhen; ...

2017-04-18

Organic-inorganic perovskites with intriguing optical and electrical properties have attracted significant research interests due to their excellent performance in optoelectronic devices. Recent efforts on preparing uniform and large-grain polycrystalline perovskite films have led to enhanced carrier lifetime up to several microseconds. However, the mobility and trap densities of polycrystalline perovskite films are still significantly behind their single-crystal counterparts. Here, a facile topotactic-oriented attachment (TOA) process to grow highly oriented perovskite films, featuring strong uniaxial-crystallographic texture, micrometer-grain morphology, high crystallinity, low trap density (≈4 x 10 14 cm -3), and unprecedented 9 GHz charge-carrier mobility (71 cm 2 V -1 smore » -1), is demonstrated. TOA-perovskite-based n-i-p planar solar cells show minimal discrepancies between stabilized efficiency (19.0%) and reverse-scan efficiency (19.7%). In conclusion, the TOA process is also applicable for growing other state-of-the-art perovskite alloys, including triple-cation and mixed-halide perovskites.« less

Dopamine-imprinted monolithic column for capillary electrochromatography.

PubMed

Aşır, Süleyman; Sarı, Duygu; Derazshamshir, Ali; Yılmaz, Fatma; Şarkaya, Koray; Denizli, Adil

2017-11-01

A dopamine-imprinted monolithic column was prepared and used in capillary electrochromatography as stationary phase for the first time. Dopamine was selectively separated from aqueous solution containing the competitor molecule norepinephrine, which is similar in size and shape to the template molecule. Morphology of the dopamine-imprinted column was observed by scanning electron microscopy. The influence of the organic solvent content of mobile phase, applied pressure and pH of the mobile phase on the recognition of dopamine by the imprinted monolithic column has been evaluated, and the imprinting effect in the dopamine-imprinted monolithic polymer was verified. Developed dopamine-imprinted monolithic column resulted in excellent separation of dopamine from structurally related competitor molecule, norepinephrine. Separation was achieved in a short period of 10 min, with the electrophoretic mobility of 5.81 × 10 -5  m 2 V -1 s -1 at pH 5.0 and 500 mbar pressure. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Approach to the Phenomenon of M-Learning in English Teaching

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

García, Sergio; Fombona, Javier

2015-01-01

This research analyzes the situation of mobile devices and some specific options of support for the teaching of the English language. The features of this complex and novel phenomenon of Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL) are addressed with an exploratory descriptive methodology. The article is part of a more extensive research which deals…

Review of Mobile Learning Trends 2010-2015: A Meta-Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chee, Ken Nee; Yahaya, Noraffandy; Ibrahim, Nor Hasniza; Hasan, Mohamed Noor

2017-01-01

This study examined the longitudinal trends of mobile learning (M-Learning) research using text mining techniques in a more comprehensive manner. One hundred and forty four (144) refereed journal articles were retrieved and analyzed from the Social Science Citation Index database selected from top six major educational technology-based learning…

Factors Predicting Online University Students' Use of a Mobile Learning Management System (m-LMS)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Joo, Young Ju; Kim, Nari; Kim, Nam Hee

2016-01-01

This study analyzed the relationships among factors predicting online university students' actual usage of a mobile learning management system (m-LMS) through a structural model. Data from 222 students in a Korean online university were collected to investigate integrated relationships among their perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness,…

Pension Policy for a Mobile Labor Force.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Turner, John A.; And Others

This book analyzes what happens to the pension benefits of workers who quit or are laid off jobs. The first chapter reviews the connection between job mobility and pension portability. Chapter 2 portrays a labor market undergoing changes that often result in reductions in retirement benefits. Chapter 3 describes job change further by examining…

Portuguese Policies Fostering International Student Mobility: A Colonial Legacy or A New Strategy?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

França, Thais; Alves, Elisa; Padilla, Beatriz

2018-01-01

This paper explores policies on international student mobility to Portugal from within the Lusophone space, analyzing the cases of Angola, Cape Verde and Brazil. We argue that Portuguese strategies to attract international students respond to different demands and interests embedded in its geopolitical memberships. One the one hand, they respond…

Resettling Notions of Social Mobility: Locating Refugees as "Educable" and "Employable"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Koyama, Jill

2013-01-01

The global movement of people alters our understandings of social mobility. Here, I draw on ethnographic data collected since January 2011 and utilize the notion of "assemblage" to document and analyze how disparate people, their material objects, and discursive practices are brought together to render refugees as educable, productive,…

Labor Market Experiences of Central American Migrants in Washington, D.C.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Repak, Terry A.

1993-01-01

Explores labor market experiences of Central American men and women in Washington, DC; analyzes variables determining wage levels; and assesses employment mobility. Results from 50 individuals and 100 households illustrate striking advantages in income and mobility of men. Most migrant women in Washington, DC, are segregated into low-paid service…

A High-Pressure Hollow Cathode Discharge Source for Ion Mobility Spectrometers for In-Situ Detection of Organic Molecules on Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beegle, L. W.; Noren, C.; Kanik, I.

2000-01-01

We have designed, constructed and begun testing of a new high-pressure (5-10 Torr) hollow cathode discharge source (HCDS) that can be utilized as an ionizer for ion mobility spectrometers as well as in a wide variety of mass analyzers.

Educational Training and Careers of Ph.D. Holders: An Exploratory Empirical Study. Planning Paper 27.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Morris, Jeffrey

This study analyzes the occupational mobility of individuals who hold the Ph.D. degree. Drawing upon data contained in the National Register of Scientific and Technical Personnel compiled by the National Science Foundation, this paper presents the quantitative relationships between educational background, occupational mobility, and salaries. Based…

Diet and mobility in Early Medieval Bavaria: a study of carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes.

PubMed

Hakenbeck, Susanne; McManus, Ellen; Geisler, Hans; Grupe, Gisela; O'Connell, Tamsin

2010-10-01

This study investigates patterns of mobility in Early Medieval Bavaria through a combined study of diet and associated burial practice. Carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios were analyzed in human bone samples from the Late Roman cemetery of Klettham and from the Early Medieval cemeteries of Altenerding and Straubing-Bajuwarenstrasse. For dietary comparison, samples of faunal bone from one Late Roman and three Early Medieval settlement sites were also analyzed. The results indicate that the average diet was in keeping with a landlocked environment and fairly limited availability of freshwater or marine resources. The diet appears not to have changed significantly from the Late Roman to the Early Medieval period. However, in the population of Altenerding, there were significant differences in the diet of men and women, supporting a hypothesis of greater mobility among women. Furthermore, the isotopic evidence from dietary outliers is supported by "foreign" grave goods and practices, such as artificial skull modification. These results reveal the potential of carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis for questions regarding migration and mobility. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Mobile C-arm cone-beam CT for guidance of spine surgery: Image quality, radiation dose, and integration with interventional guidance

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

Schafer, S.; Nithiananthan, S.; Mirota, D. J.

Purpose: A flat-panel detector based mobile isocentric C-arm for cone-beam CT (CBCT) has been developed to allow intraoperative 3D imaging with sub-millimeter spatial resolution and soft-tissue visibility. Image quality and radiation dose were evaluated in spinal surgery, commonly relying on lower-performance image intensifier based mobile C-arms. Scan protocols were developed for task-specific imaging at minimum dose, in-room exposure was evaluated, and integration of the imaging system with a surgical guidance system was demonstrated in preclinical studies of minimally invasive spine surgery. Methods: Radiation dose was assessed as a function of kilovolt (peak) (80-120 kVp) and milliampere second using thoracic andmore » lumbar spine dosimetry phantoms. In-room radiation exposure was measured throughout the operating room for various CBCT scan protocols. Image quality was assessed using tissue-equivalent inserts in chest and abdomen phantoms to evaluate bone and soft-tissue contrast-to-noise ratio as a function of dose, and task-specific protocols (i.e., visualization of bone or soft-tissues) were defined. Results were applied in preclinical studies using a cadaveric torso simulating minimally invasive, transpedicular surgery. Results: Task-specific CBCT protocols identified include: thoracic bone visualization (100 kVp; 60 mAs; 1.8 mGy); lumbar bone visualization (100 kVp; 130 mAs; 3.2 mGy); thoracic soft-tissue visualization (100 kVp; 230 mAs; 4.3 mGy); and lumbar soft-tissue visualization (120 kVp; 460 mAs; 10.6 mGy) - each at (0.3 x 0.3 x 0.9 mm{sup 3}) voxel size. Alternative lower-dose, lower-resolution soft-tissue visualization protocols were identified (100 kVp; 230 mAs; 5.1 mGy) for the lumbar region at (0.3 x 0.3 x 1.5 mm{sup 3}) voxel size. Half-scan orbit of the C-arm (x-ray tube traversing under the table) was dosimetrically advantageous (prepatient attenuation) with a nonuniform dose distribution ({approx}2 x higher at the entrance side than at isocenter, and {approx}3-4 lower at the exit side). The in-room dose (microsievert) per unit scan dose (milligray) ranged from {approx}21 {mu}Sv/mGy on average at tableside to {approx}0.1 {mu}Sv/mGy at 2.0 m distance to isocenter. All protocols involve surgical staff stepping behind a shield wall for each CBCT scan, therefore imparting {approx}zero dose to staff. Protocol implementation in preclinical cadaveric studies demonstrate integration of the C-arm with a navigation system for spine surgery guidance-specifically, minimally invasive vertebroplasty in which the system provided accurate guidance and visualization of needle placement and bone cement distribution. Cumulative dose including multiple intraoperative scans was {approx}11.5 mGy for CBCT-guided thoracic vertebroplasty and {approx}23.2 mGy for lumbar vertebroplasty, with dose to staff at tableside reduced to {approx}1 min of fluoroscopy time ({approx}40-60 {mu}Sv), compared to 5-11 min for the conventional approach. Conclusions: Intraoperative CBCT using a high-performance mobile C-arm prototype demonstrates image quality suitable to guidance of spine surgery, with task-specific protocols providing an important basis for minimizing radiation dose, while maintaining image quality sufficient for surgical guidance. Images demonstrate a significant advance in spatial resolution and soft-tissue visibility, and CBCT guidance offers the potential to reduce fluoroscopy reliance, reducing cumulative dose to patient and staff. Integration with a surgical guidance system demonstrates precise tracking and visualization in up-to-date images (alleviating reliance on preoperative images only), including detection of errors or suboptimal surgical outcomes in the operating room.« less

Direct Nanoscale Characterization of Submolecular Mobility in Complex Organic Non-linear Optical Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Knorr, Daniel; Gray, Tomoko; Kim, Tae-Dong; Luo, Jingdong; Jen, Alex; Overney, Rene

2008-03-01

For organic non-linear optical (NLO) materials composed of intricate molecular building blocks, the challenge is to deduce meaningful molecular scale mobility information to understand complex relaxation and phase behavior. This is crucial, as the process of achieving a robust acentric alignment strongly depends on the availability of inter- and intra-molecular mobilities outside the temperature range of the device operation window. Here, we introduce a nanoscale methodology based on scanning probe microscopy that provides direct insight into structural relaxations and shows great potential to direct material design of sophisticated macromolecules. It also offers a means by which mesoscale dynamics and cooperativity involved in relaxation processes can be quantified in terms of dynamic entropy and enthalpy. This study demonstrates this methodology to describe the mesocale dynamics of two systems (1) organic networking dendronized NLO molecular glasses that self-assemble into physically linked polymers due to quadrupolar phenyl-perfluorophenyl interactions and (2) dendronized side-chain electro-optic (EO) polymers. For the self assembling glasses, the degree of intermolecular cooperativity can be deduced using this methodology, while for the dendronized side-chain polymers, specific side chain mobilities are exploited to improve EO properties.

The situation of waste mobile phone management in developed countries and development status in China.

PubMed

Xu, Chengjian; Zhang, Wenxuan; He, Wenzhi; Li, Guangming; Huang, Juwen

2016-12-01

With the rapid development of electronic industry and improvement of living standards, a large number of waste mobile phones were generated. According to statistics, approximately 400million waste mobile phones are generated each year in the world, and 25% of that are contributed by China. Irregular disposal of waste mobile phones will do great harm to environment and human health, while at the same time recycling of them has the potential for high profits. Given the enormous quantity, great harm and resource properties, developed countries have taken necessary measures to manage waste mobile phones. As the largest developing country, China has also set out to pay close attention to waste mobile phones. This paper reviewed the situation ofwaste mobile phone management in the developed countries, focused on the development of waste mobile phone management in China, and analyzed existing problems. In light of the successful experience of the developed countries, some suggestions were proposed to promote the waste mobile phone management in China and worked as a valuable reference for other countries. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.