School Stakeholders' Experience with Navigating ICT Policy Reforms in Singapore

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reyes, Vicente Chua, Jr.; Kheng, Catherine Chua Siew

2015-01-01

Using qualitative research inquiry methods, this inquiry attempts to explore how school stakeholders cope with incessant and seemingly endless transformations in schools. The central phenomenon to be studied focuses on how school stakeholders "make sense" of educational reform. In order to do this, an exploratory case study of two target…

From Bush Pump to Blackboard: The "Fluid" Workings of a Virtual Environment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Enriquez, Judith Guevarra

2009-01-01

"Impact" is possibly the most frequently evaluated construct associated with any kind of technological diffusion or adoption within educational settings. Seemingly endless research projects are funded to measure it and to validate the educational value we have become adept at inscribing into practically all novel technologies brought to…

Instilling a Lifelong Love of Reading

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Duncan, Sarah Parks

2010-01-01

Each year, teachers are overwhelmed with too much to cover and an endless list of things to accomplish between the first bell and the final report card. In addition to helping students master mandated curriculum and prep for standardized tests, there seems to be a never-ending stream of surprise fire drills and last-minute assemblies that rob…

A New Tool for Climatic Analysis Using the Koppen Climate Classification

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Larson, Paul R.; Lohrengel, C. Frederick, II

2011-01-01

The purpose of climate classification is to help make order of the seemingly endless spatial distribution of climates. The Koppen classification system in a modified format is the most widely applied system in use today. This system may not be the best nor most complete climate classification that can be conceived, but it has gained widespread…

Effect of crib dimensions on burning rate

Treesearch

S. McAllister; M. Finney

2013-01-01

The burning rate of unconfined cribs has long been identified to occur in two regimes: the densely-packed regime where the burning rate is proportional to the crib porosity and the loosely-packed regime where the burning rate is independent of porosity. Though the cribs used to define these burning regimes were primarily cubic in dimension, there are seemingly endless...

Handbook for Dynamic Data Acquisition and Analysis - IES Recommended Practices 012.1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Himelblau, H.; Wise, J. W.; Piersol, A. G.; Grundvig, M. R.

1994-01-01

The original motivation for this Handbook came from personnel of The Aerospace Corporation (TAC), who are technical advisors to the Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center. Over the preceding two decades, TAC has observed a seemingly endless series of errors and anomalies in the acquisition and analysis of structural dynamic and aeroacoustic data.

Changing Perspectives: Teaching and Learning Centres' Strategic Contributions to Academic Development in Australian Higher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Holt, Dale; Palmer, Stuart; Challis, Di

2011-01-01

This article reports on a study of Australian teaching and learning centres to identify factors that contribute to their effective strategic leadership. These centres remain in a state of flux, with seemingly endless reconfiguration. The drivers for such change appear to lie in decision makers' search for their centres to add more strategic value…

Surveying Geology Concepts in Education Standards for a Rapidly Changing Global Context

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Guffey, Sarah K.; Slater, Stephanie J.; Schleigh, Sharon P.; Slater, Timothy F.; Heyer, Inge

2016-01-01

Internationally much attention is being paid to which of a seemingly endless list of scientific concepts should be taught to schoolchildren to enable them to best participate in the global economy of the 21st Century. In regards to science education, the concepts framing the subject of geology holds exalted status as core scientific principles in…

High School Students' Attitudes toward Islam and Muslims: Can a Social Studies Course Make a Difference?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Klepper, Adam

2014-01-01

Despite 9/11, the seemingly endless Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the possibility of Iran developing nuclear weapons capabilities, and the Arab Spring and its aftermath, the social studies curricula of high schools throughout the nation generally put little emphasis on the Middle East and Islam as the foundation for understanding vital issues that…

The Selection of a Dean in an Academic Environment: Are We Getting What We Deserve?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harvey, Michael; Shaw, James B.; McPhail, Ruth; Erickson, Anthony

2013-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of the development of the paper was due to the seemingly endless searching for deans to replace the former dean of three to four years. Design/methodology/approach: The paper was developed around the present relevant secondary data. Findings: The key findings of the paper were that deans were being replaced due to the…

Why Did They Fight the Great War? A Multi-Level Class Analysis of the Causes of the First World War

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gillette, Aaron

2006-01-01

The question, "What were the causes of World War I?," has become one of the classic historical debates of which there seem to be endless permutations. In the past 90 years historians, journalists, and politicians have offered many more or less rational explanations for the war. Although at least some of the usual "causes"…

Wind flow through shrouded wind turbines

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-03-01

were so patient with me during this process, sometimes spending hours in the wind tunnel room with me while I performed what seemed like endless runs ...disorderly wind velocities that result from the rotating turbine blades . In 2011, a study conducted by the White House Office of Science and...targets, and scattering target returns” [4]. Furthermore, the shadowing effects from spinning wind turbine blades can adversely impact air-traffic

Why Aren't We There Yet? Taking Personal Responsibility for Creating an Inclusive Campus. An ACPA Publication

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Arminio, Jan, Ed.; Torres, Vasti, Ed.; Pope, Raechele L., Ed.

2012-01-01

Despite seeming endless debate and public attention given to the issue for several decades, those committed to creating welcoming and engaging campus environments for all students recognize that there is considerably more work to be done, and ask "Why aren't we there yet, and when will we be done?" While our campuses have evolved from being…

From Campus Tug-of-War to Pulling Together: Using the Lean Approach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

MacIntyre, Stephen; Meade, Kelly; McEwen, Melissa

2009-01-01

Some days seem like bouts in an endless game of tug-of-war. At one end of the rope, facilities professionals must do more--tackle deferred maintenance, develop a climate strategy, and meet the energy and operational needs for a complex mix of building types and stakeholders. Tugging on the other end are the obstacles of less money, staff, and…

A New Era for Jefferson Lab

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

McKeown, R. D.; Montgomery, H. E.; Pennington, M. R.

On a cool Saturday morning in late April a seemingly endless stream of cars turned off Jefferson Avenue in Newport News, Virginia, bringing 12,000 people ages 1 to 91 to the Open House to learn more about “the new era in science” at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility. Here, the visitors were dazzled by the complex equipment, the enthusiastic staff, and the advanced technology at the Laboratory.

A New Era for Jefferson Lab

DOE PAGES

McKeown, R. D.; Montgomery, H. E.; Pennington, M. R.

2016-09-16

On a cool Saturday morning in late April a seemingly endless stream of cars turned off Jefferson Avenue in Newport News, Virginia, bringing 12,000 people ages 1 to 91 to the Open House to learn more about “the new era in science” at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility. Here, the visitors were dazzled by the complex equipment, the enthusiastic staff, and the advanced technology at the Laboratory.

Electronic Resources Evaluation Central: Using Off-the-Shelf Software, Web 2.0 Tools, and LibGuides to Manage an Electronic Resources Evaluation Process

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

England, Lenore; Fu, Li

2011-01-01

A critical part of electronic resources management, the electronic resources evaluation process is multi-faceted and includes a seemingly endless range of resources and tools involving numerous library staff. A solution is to build a Web site to bring all of the components together that can be implemented quickly and result in an organizational…

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

Ding, Wenhui; Jiang, Yi; Gao, Ran, E-mail: bitjy@bit.edu.cn

A photonic crystal fiber (PCF) based high-temperature fiber-optic sensor is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The sensor head is a Fabry-Perot cavity manufactured with a short section of endless single-mode photonic crystal fiber (ESM PCF). The interferometric spectrum of the Fabry-Perot interferometer is collected by a charge coupled device linear array based micro spectrometer. A high-resolution demodulation algorithm is used to interrogate the peak wavelengths. Experimental results show that the temperature range of 1200 °C and the temperature resolution of 1 °C are achieved.

Department of Defense Manpower Requirements Report, FY 1985. Volume III. Force Readiness Report.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-02-01

forces are made up of a variety of different types of units. Each unit has associated with it a collection of positions that must be filled by...available inventory, accession arid separation predictions, fiscal constraints, manpower ceilings--the list seems endless. The collection of positions that...units complete collective training and remain in FORSCOM for 18 months if deploying to a long-tour area such as Europe; or for 24 months if pre- paring

An Analysis of Noise Reduction in Variable Reluctance Motors Using Pulse Position Randomization

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-05-01

finally turned. Kamakshi Srinivasan consistently took the time to answer my endless stream of questions. Karen Walrath provided the data acquisition...equipment. Many other people in the lab helped me along the way: Mary Tolikas, Deron Jackson, Jeff Chapman, Brian Eidson ... the list includes most people...in the lab, because people always seemed to have time to help. Most of all I thank my parents, Bill and Jane Smoot, for their love, support and

Characterization and In Vitro Toxicity of Copper Nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) in Murine Neuroblastoma (N2A) Cells

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-03-01

represent the actual size. 3-Hydroxynaphthalene-2- carboxylic acid (3,4 dihydroxybenzylidene) hydrazide, or Dynasore, is a non-competitive inhibitor...F12 (Sigma powder), 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), and 1 % antibiotics (Pen/Strep) *Note: discard if pink (too acidic ) or orange (too basic)…should...the 1 - 100 nanometer range, have seemingly endless applications that can be beneficial to both the military as well as to the greater society. Even

USGS: providing scientific understanding of the sagebrush biome

USGS Publications Warehouse

,

2005-01-01

Early explorers wrote about the vast sea of sagebrush that stretched in front of them. Today, the consequences of land-use practices, invasion by exotic plants, and altered disturbance regimes have touched virtually all of these seemingly endless expanses. Increasing human populations in the western United States, the infrastructure necessary to support these populations, and a growing demand for natural resources exert a large influence. Changes within the biome have resulted in its designation as one of the most endangered ecosystems in North America.

High-temperature fiber-optic Fabry-Perot interferometric sensors.

PubMed

Ding, Wenhui; Jiang, Yi; Gao, Ran; Liu, Yuewu

2015-05-01

A photonic crystal fiber (PCF) based high-temperature fiber-optic sensor is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The sensor head is a Fabry-Perot cavity manufactured with a short section of endless single-mode photonic crystal fiber (ESM PCF). The interferometric spectrum of the Fabry-Perot interferometer is collected by a charge coupled device linear array based micro spectrometer. A high-resolution demodulation algorithm is used to interrogate the peak wavelengths. Experimental results show that the temperature range of 1200 °C and the temperature resolution of 1 °C are achieved.

High-temperature fiber-optic Fabry-Perot interferometric sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, Wenhui; Jiang, Yi; Gao, Ran; Liu, Yuewu

2015-05-01

A photonic crystal fiber (PCF) based high-temperature fiber-optic sensor is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The sensor head is a Fabry-Perot cavity manufactured with a short section of endless single-mode photonic crystal fiber (ESM PCF). The interferometric spectrum of the Fabry-Perot interferometer is collected by a charge coupled device linear array based micro spectrometer. A high-resolution demodulation algorithm is used to interrogate the peak wavelengths. Experimental results show that the temperature range of 1200 °C and the temperature resolution of 1 °C are achieved.

From Hospital to Home Care: Creating a Domotic Environment for Elderly and Disabled People.

PubMed

Lopez, Natalia M; Ponce, Sergio; Piccinini, David; Perez, Elisa; Roberti, Martin

2016-01-01

Advances in medicine have led to a significant increase in human life expectancy and, therefore, to a growing number of disabled elderly people who need chronic care and assistance [1]. The World Health Organization reports that the world's population over 60 years old will double between 2000 and 2050 and quadruple for seniors older than 80 years, reaching 400 million [2]. In addition, strokes, traffic-related and other accidents, and seemingly endless wars and acts of terrorism contribute to an increasing number of disabled younger people.

Landscape esthetics: How to quantify the scenics of a river valley

USGS Publications Warehouse

Leopold, Luna Bergere

1969-01-01

There are an increasing number of bills before Congress that in one way or another affect the landscape or the environment. Each of these requires seemingly endless numbers of congressional hearings, which are recorded upon endless reams of paper.And if, for some reason, you happen to read the voluminous testimony surrounding one of these environment-affecting proposals, you will generally find a marked contrast between the volume and kind of information presented by those who are pressing for technical development - building a dam, constructing a highway, installing a nuclear power plant - and the testimony of those who either oppose the development or wish to alter it in some way. The developer usually employs numerical arguments, which tend to show that there is an economic benefit to be obtained by constructing something - whatever that something may be. The argument is usually expressed in terms of a "cost-benefit ratio." It is typically argued, for instance, that the construction cost of a given project will be repaid over a period of time and will yield a profit or a benefit in excess of the development costs by a ratio of, let us say, 1.2 to 1. The argument is further supported with great numbers of charts, graphs, tables, and additional figures.In marked contrast, those who favor protection of the environment against development are fewer in number, their statements are based on emotion or personal feelings, and they usually lack numerical information, quantitative data, and detailed computations. Perhaps this is the reason why this latter group seems to be continually fighting rearguard actions - losing battle after battle.

Bringing the physical sciences into your cell biology research

PubMed Central

Robinson, Douglas N.; Iglesias, Pablo A.

2012-01-01

Historically, much of biology was studied by physicists and mathematicians. With the advent of modern molecular biology, a wave of researchers became trained in a new scientific discipline filled with the language of genes, mutants, and the central dogma. These new molecular approaches have provided volumes of information on biomolecules and molecular pathways from the cellular to the organismal level. The challenge now is to determine how this seemingly endless list of components works together to promote the healthy function of complex living systems. This effort requires an interdisciplinary approach by investigators from both the biological and the physical sciences. PMID:23112230

Bringing the physical sciences into your cell biology research.

PubMed

Robinson, Douglas N; Iglesias, Pablo A

2012-11-01

Historically, much of biology was studied by physicists and mathematicians. With the advent of modern molecular biology, a wave of researchers became trained in a new scientific discipline filled with the language of genes, mutants, and the central dogma. These new molecular approaches have provided volumes of information on biomolecules and molecular pathways from the cellular to the organismal level. The challenge now is to determine how this seemingly endless list of components works together to promote the healthy function of complex living systems. This effort requires an interdisciplinary approach by investigators from both the biological and the physical sciences.

Candy or apple? How self-control resources and motives impact dietary healthiness in women.

PubMed

Sproesser, Gudrun; Strohbach, Stefanie; Schupp, Harald; Renner, Britta

2011-06-01

People can choose between a virtually endless array of food items rising the question, which factors determine healthy or unhealthy food choice. The present study examines the impact of two contrasting motives for food choice (affect regulation and body weight control) and self-regulatory competences on healthy eating within a sample of women (N=761). The data show that a relative lack of self-regulatory resources combined with a high tendency to regulate negative affect through comfort eating was associated with an unfavorable dietary pattern. Accordingly, a healthy dietary pattern requires not only self-regulatory capacities but also a facilitating motive structure. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A love affair with Bacillus subtilis.

PubMed

Losick, Richard

2015-01-30

My career in science was launched when I was an undergraduate at Princeton University and reinforced by graduate training at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. However, it was only after I moved to Harvard University as a junior fellow that my affections were captured by a seemingly mundane soil bacterium. What Bacillus subtilis offered was endless fascinating biological problems (alternative sigma factors, sporulation, swarming, biofilm formation, stochastic cell fate switching) embedded in a uniquely powerful genetic system. Along the way, my career in science became inseparably interwoven with teaching and mentoring, which proved to be as rewarding as the thrill of discovery. © 2015 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Controversies on the beginning of human life - science and religions closer and closer.

PubMed

Kurjak, Asim

2017-04-01

One of the most controversial topics in modern bioethics, science, and philosophy is the beginning of individual human life. In the seemingly endless debate, strongly stimulated by recent technologic advances in human reproduction, a synthesis between scientific data and hypothesis, philosophical thought, and issues of humanities has become a necessity to deal with ethical, juridical, and social problems. Furthermore, in this field there is a temptation to ask science to choose between opinions and beliefs, which neutralize one another. The question of when human life begins requires the essential aid of different forms of knowledge. Here we become involved in the juncture between science and religion, which needs to be carefully explored.

Benjamin Franklin's place in the history of medicine.

PubMed

Huth, E J

2007-12-01

Benjamin Franklin's seemingly endless curiosity and his prolific contributions in diplomacy, politics, literature, and science may well justify calling him the most eminent man in eighteenth-century American life. One portion of these contributions still striking for the insights and productivity it shows was in medicine. He saw the value in inoculation against smallpox. He was aware of the placebo effect. He, in effect, launched the first American medical school. He devised a flexible urethral catheter. He identified lead poisoning as a cause of abdominal pain and peripheral neuropathy. He accurately described psoriasis well before RobertWillan. These contributions in medicine of his time were not then notably influential, but they certainly illustrate the versatility of his intellect.

Evo-devo and accounting for Darwin's endless forms

PubMed Central

Brakefield, Paul M.

2011-01-01

Evo-devo has led to dramatic advances in our understanding of how the processes of development can contribute to explaining patterns of evolutionary diversification that underlie the endless forms of animal life on the Earth. This is increasingly the case not only for the origins of evolutionary novelties that permit new functions and open up new adaptive zones, but also for the processes of evolutionary tinkering that occur within the subsequent radiations of related species. Evo-devo has time and again yielded spectacular examples of Darwin's notions of common ancestry and of descent with modification. It has also shown that the evolution of endless forms is more about the evolution of the regulatory machinery of ancient genes than the origin and elaboration of new genes. Evolvability, especially with respect to the capacity of a developmental system to evolve and to generate the variation in form for natural selection to screen, has become a pivotal focus of evo-devo. As a consequence, a balancing of the concept of endless forms in morphospace with a greater awareness of the potential for developmental constraints and bias is becoming more general. The prospect of parallel horizons opening up for the evolution of behaviour is exciting; in particular, does Sean Carroll's phrase referring to old genes learning new tricks in the evolution of endless forms apply equally as well to patterns of diversity and disparity in behavioural trait-space? PMID:21690125

Evo-devo and accounting for Darwin's endless forms.

PubMed

Brakefield, Paul M

2011-07-27

Evo-devo has led to dramatic advances in our understanding of how the processes of development can contribute to explaining patterns of evolutionary diversification that underlie the endless forms of animal life on the Earth. This is increasingly the case not only for the origins of evolutionary novelties that permit new functions and open up new adaptive zones, but also for the processes of evolutionary tinkering that occur within the subsequent radiations of related species. Evo-devo has time and again yielded spectacular examples of Darwin's notions of common ancestry and of descent with modification. It has also shown that the evolution of endless forms is more about the evolution of the regulatory machinery of ancient genes than the origin and elaboration of new genes. Evolvability, especially with respect to the capacity of a developmental system to evolve and to generate the variation in form for natural selection to screen, has become a pivotal focus of evo-devo. As a consequence, a balancing of the concept of endless forms in morphospace with a greater awareness of the potential for developmental constraints and bias is becoming more general. The prospect of parallel horizons opening up for the evolution of behaviour is exciting; in particular, does Sean Carroll's phrase referring to old genes learning new tricks in the evolution of endless forms apply equally as well to patterns of diversity and disparity in behavioural trait-space?

Networked: The New Social Operating System

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rainie, Lee; Wellman, Barry

2012-01-01

Daily life is connected life, its rhythms driven by endless email pings and responses, the chimes and beeps of continually arriving text messages, tweets and retweets, Facebook updates, pictures and videos to post and discuss. Our perpetual connectedness gives us endless opportunities to be part of the give-and-take of networking. Some worry that…

29 CFR 1910.184 - Slings.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... under the load and has both ends, end attachments, eyes or handles on the hook or a single master link... lifting hook. Cable laid endless sling-mechanical joint is a wire rope sling made endless by joining the.... N-184-1.) Handle eye is an opening in a handle of a metal mesh sling shaped to accept a hook...

29 CFR 1910.184 - Slings.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... under the load and has both ends, end attachments, eyes or handles on the hook or a single master link... lifting hook. Cable laid endless sling-mechanical joint is a wire rope sling made endless by joining the.... N-184-1.) Handle eye is an opening in a handle of a metal mesh sling shaped to accept a hook...

29 CFR 1910.184 - Slings.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... under the load and has both ends, end attachments, eyes or handles on the hook or a single master link... lifting hook. Cable laid endless sling-mechanical joint is a wire rope sling made endless by joining the.... N-184-1.) Handle eye is an opening in a handle of a metal mesh sling shaped to accept a hook...

"Thoughts across My Corpus Callosum": What Lewis Thomas's Essays Can Teach Students about Writing Well.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

White, Fred D.

As Lewis Thomas has maintained, much of today's public anxiety about science is the apprehension that the whole is being overlooked by an endless, obsessive preoccupation with the parts, and this is a suitable analogy for composition teaching. Students and teachers alike tend to fret endlessly over minute details of writing, like grammar,…

Managing the star performer.

PubMed

Hills, Laura

2013-01-01

Our culture seems to be endlessly fascinated with its stars in entertainment, athletics, politics, and business, and holds fast to the idea that extraordinary talent accounts for an individual's extraordinary performance. At first glance, managing a star performer in your medical practice may seem like it would be an easy task. However, there's much more to managing a star performer than many practice managers realize. The concern is how to keep the star performer happy and functioning at a high level without detriment to the rest of the medical practice team. This article offers tips for practice managers who manage star performers. It explores ways to keep the star performer motivated, while at the same time helping the star performer to meld into the existing medical practice team. This article suggests strategies for redefining the star performer's role, for holding the star performer accountable for his or her behavior, and for coaching the star performer. Finally, this article offers practical tips for keeping the star performer during trying times, for identifying and cultivating new star performers, and for managing medical practice prima donnas.

Desert Patterns

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-12-08

Desert Patterns - April 13th, 2003 Description: Seen through the "eyes" of a satellite sensor, ribbons of Saharan sand dunes seem to glow in sunset colors. These patterned stripes are part of Erg Chech, a desolate sand sea in southwestern Algeria, Africa, where the prevailing winds create an endlessly shifting collage of large, linear sand dunes. The term "erg" is derived from an Arabic word for a field of sand dunes. Credit: USGS/NASA/Landsat 7 To learn more about the Landsat satellite go to: landsat.gsfc.nasa.gov/ NASA Goddard Space Flight Center enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission. Follow us on Twitter Join us on Facebook

The relationship between form and function throughout the history of excitation-contraction coupling.

PubMed

Franzini-Armstrong, Clara

2018-02-05

The concept of excitation-contraction coupling is almost as old as Journal of General Physiology It was understood as early as the 1940s that a series of stereotyped events is responsible for the rapid contraction response of muscle fibers to an initial electrical event at the surface. These early developments, now lost in what seems to be the far past for most young investigators, have provided an endless source of experimental approaches. In this Milestone in Physiology, I describe in detail the experiments and concepts that introduced and established the field of excitation-contraction coupling in skeletal muscle. More recent advances are presented in an abbreviated form, as readers are likely to be familiar with recent work in the field. © 2018 Franzini-Armstrong.

Pharmacogenomics in childhood rheumatic disorders: a foundation for future individualized therapy.

PubMed

Polk, Brooke I; Becker, Mara L

2013-12-01

Investigating the effect of genotype on drug response in children is an evolving field, with many challenges, but there is great potential to optimize safe and effective use of drugs in children. An exponential increase in available medications for use in children with rheumatic disease has opened seemingly endless genotype/phenotype relationships to explore, but challenges inherent in studying rare diseases and the often overlooked role of ontogeny contribute to limitations in pharmacogenomic studies in this population. With careful recognition of the importance of development, improved phenotyping with the incorporation of biomarkers, and expanding collaborative efforts on a national and even international scale, the field of pediatric rheumatology has the opportunity to strategically study the new therapeutic armamentarium available and provide individualized/personalized safe and effective therapies to our population of patients.

Social Network Analysis and Its Applications in Wireless Sensor and Vehicular Networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Papadimitriou, Alexis; Katsaros, Dimitrios; Manolopoulos, Yannis

Ever since the introduction of wireless sensor networks in the research and development agenda, the corresponding community has been eager to harness the endless possibilities that this new technology has to offer. These micro sensor nodes, whose capabilities have skyrocketed over the last couple of years, have allowed for a wide range of applications to be created; applications that not so long ago would seem impossible, impractical and time-consuming. It would only be logical to expect that researchers from other fields would take an interest in sensor networks, hence expanding the already wide variety of algorithms, theoretical proofs and applications that existed beforehand. Social Network Analysis is one such field, which has instigated a paradigm shift in the way we view sensor nodes.

Endlessly Circulating Messages in IEEE 1588-2008 Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-05-13

section 13.5 of the standard. Once the timing topology is established by the BMC algo- rithm, each clock synchronizes to its master by exchanging timing ...Endlessly Circulating Messages in IEEE 1588-2008 Systems David Broman Patricia Derler Ankush Desai John Eidson Sanjit A. Seshia Electrical...estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the

Endless Night, Endless Mourning: Living with Alzheimer's. Hearing before the Special Committee on Aging. United States Senate, Ninety-Eighth Congress, First Session (New York, NY). S. Hrg. 98-410.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Congress of the U.S., Washington, DC. Senate Special Committee on Aging.

This document presents the prepared statements and witness testimony from the Congressional hearing on Alzheimer's Disease. Following an opening statement by Senator John Heinz, statements by Senators Larry Pressler and Alfonse M. D'Amato are given. Topics which are discussed include incidence of the disease, family and victim ramifications,…

Detection of herpes simplex virus-specific DNA sequences in latently infected mice and in humans.

PubMed

Efstathiou, S; Minson, A C; Field, H J; Anderson, J R; Wildy, P

1986-02-01

Herpes simplex virus-specific DNA sequences have been detected by Southern hybridization analysis in both central and peripheral nervous system tissues of latently infected mice. We have detected virus-specific sequences corresponding to the junction fragment but not the genomic termini, an observation first made by Rock and Fraser (Nature [London] 302:523-525, 1983). This "endless" herpes simplex virus DNA is both qualitatively and quantitatively stable in mouse neural tissue analyzed over a 4-month period. In addition, examination of DNA extracted from human trigeminal ganglia has shown herpes simplex virus DNA to be present in an "endless" form similar to that found in the mouse model system. Further restriction enzyme analysis of latently infected mouse brainstem and human trigeminal DNA has shown that this "endless" herpes simplex virus DNA is present in all four isomeric configurations.

Detection of herpes simplex virus-specific DNA sequences in latently infected mice and in humans.

PubMed Central

Efstathiou, S; Minson, A C; Field, H J; Anderson, J R; Wildy, P

1986-01-01

Herpes simplex virus-specific DNA sequences have been detected by Southern hybridization analysis in both central and peripheral nervous system tissues of latently infected mice. We have detected virus-specific sequences corresponding to the junction fragment but not the genomic termini, an observation first made by Rock and Fraser (Nature [London] 302:523-525, 1983). This "endless" herpes simplex virus DNA is both qualitatively and quantitatively stable in mouse neural tissue analyzed over a 4-month period. In addition, examination of DNA extracted from human trigeminal ganglia has shown herpes simplex virus DNA to be present in an "endless" form similar to that found in the mouse model system. Further restriction enzyme analysis of latently infected mouse brainstem and human trigeminal DNA has shown that this "endless" herpes simplex virus DNA is present in all four isomeric configurations. Images PMID:3003377

Focusing and the healing sequence: reclaiming authentic emotions as an aid to communication and well-being in medicine.

PubMed

Bub, Barry

2007-01-01

The reality and prevalence of suicide presents us with myriad questions and levels of concern. What does the dying person do in the face of seemingly endless adversity, loss, fear of abandonment, disfigurement, dependence, and/or unmitigated pain? Everyone working in end-of-life palliative care keeps these very concerns foremost in heart and mind. Yet how can providers process the unfinished spiritual and emotional business that remains when one of our former patients indeed nosedives into Jobian loss and makes the ultimate decision? This dilemma has been a constant companion in the end-of-life terrain, and our guest author Dr Barry Bub brings a wealth of insight into the healing power of authentic emotion in his narrative about the death of the gourmet chef named Ben.

The Future of U.S. Science - To Follow or To Lead?

ScienceCinema

Lane, Neal

2018-05-24

The message of the talk is simple. Since the end of WWII and Vannevar Bush's legendary report 'Science, The Endless Frontier,' the U.S. has enjoyed an extraordinary period of leadership in science and success in delivering its many benefits to the American people, indeed humanity throughout the world. But things change over a span of fifty years. The critical role of science, in particular, the federal investment in basic research, has gotten lost in a vast array of other societal concerns. Perhaps we are at a 'tipping point' with regard to U.S. science. If so, the stakes are high; and it is our responsibility to help the American people and their elected representatives get the message. I will describe some concerns I have about the future, comment on several recent reports, which I think are relevant, and attempt to offer some reasons to be optimistic.

Assembling mesoscopic particles by various optical schemes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fournier, Jean-Marc; Rohner, Johann; Jacquot, Pierre; Johann, Robert; Mias, Solon; Salathé, René-P.

2005-08-01

Shaping optical fields is the key issue in the control of optical forces that pilot the manipulation of mesoscopic polarizable dielectric particles. The latter can be positioned according to endless configurations. The scope of this paper is to review and discuss several unusual designs which produce what we think are among some of the most interesting arrangements. The simplest schemes result from interference between two or several coherent light beams, leading to periodic as well as pseudo-periodic arrays of optical traps. Complex assemblages of traps can be created with holographic-type set-ups; this case is widely used by the trapping community. Clusters of traps can also be configured through interferometric-type set-ups or by generating external standing waves by diffractive elements. The particularly remarkable possibilities of the Talbot effect to generate three-dimensional optical lattices and several schemes of self-organization represent further very interesting means for trapping. They will also be described and discussed. in this paper. The mechanisms involved in those trapping schemes do not require the use of high numerical aperture optics; by avoiding the need for bulky microscope objectives, they allow for more physical space around the trapping area to perform experiments. Moreover, very large regular arrays of traps can be manufactured, opening numerous possibilities for new applications.

President's message: We must remain committed to scientific integrity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McPhaden, Michael

2012-02-01

During the third week of February our global community of Earth and space scientists witnessed the shocking fall from grace of an accomplished AGU member who betrayed the principles of scientific integrity. In doing so he compromised AGU's credibility as a scientific society, weakened the public's trust in scientists, and produced fresh fuel for the unproductive and seemingly endless ideological firestorm surrounding the reality of the Earth's changing climate. Peter Gleick resigned as chair of AGU's Task Force on Scientific Ethics on 16 February, prior to admitting in a blog post that he obtained documents from the Heartland Institute under false pretenses. His transgression cannot be condoned, regardless of his motives. It is a tragedy that requires us to stop and reflect on what we value as scientists and how we want to be perceived by the public. Here are a few things that come immediately to mind:

Using the IRAS data to search in the asteroid belt for any potential evidence of galactic colonization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Papagiannis, M. D.

1986-01-01

The end product of the biological evolution seems to be the appearance of technological civilizations, which are characterized by superior technology that supercedes biological capabilities. The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) has gained scientific recognition in recent years. The concept of galactic colonization is debated extensively, with opinions ranging from the impossible to the inevitable, but without a clear resolution. Answers can be obtained only with experimental tests and not with endless debates. A search for large space colonies in the asteroid belt, an ideal source of raw materials for a spaceborne civilization, is a test of the galactic colonization theory. The catalogue of solar system objects obtained form the Infrared Astronomy Satellite (IRAS) observations at 12, 25, 60, and 100 microns, is an ideal source for such a search. The catalog is expected to be ready at the end of 1985 and will contain more than 10,000 objects.

Vladimir Naumovich Gribov (1930-1997)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frenkel, Andor

V.N. Gribov was incapable of sparing himself. All his life he has acted as passionately, as intensively as he did in his youth when he worked with Landau and Pomeranchuk and led the Theoretical Physics Department of the Ioffe Institute and later of the Nuclear Physics Institute in Leningrad. For him "leading" meant just hiring the most talented students to join the institute and then engaging in merciless, endless but fruitful discussions with them on the problems they worked on. He did not care about who was right, he cared only about the right answer. Incidentally, only in physics did he push tirelessly to reach a decision. In conversations about literature or politics as a rule he argued mildly and kindly. Not that he did not have thoughtful and firm opinions about many questions, but because he seemed to realize that in these matters different points of view were arguable...

Electric filter with movable belt electrode

DOEpatents

Bergman, W.

1983-09-20

A method and apparatus for removing airborne contaminants entrained in a gas or airstream includes an electric filter characterized by a movable endless belt electrode, a grounded electrode, and a filter medium sandwiched there between. Inclusion of the movable, endless belt electrode provides the driving force for advancing the filter medium through the filter, and reduces frictional drag on the filter medium, thereby permitting a wide choice of filter medium materials. Additionally, the belt electrode includes a plurality of pleats in order to provide maximum surface area on which to collect airborne contaminants. 4 figs.

Electric filter with movable belt electrode

DOEpatents

Bergman, Werner

1983-01-01

A method and apparatus for removing airborne contaminants entrained in a gas or airstream includes an electric filter characterized by a movable endless belt electrode, a grounded electrode, and a filter medium sandwiched therebetween. Inclusion of the movable, endless belt electrode provides the driving force for advancing the filter medium through the filter, and reduces frictional drag on the filter medium, thereby permitting a wide choice of filter medium materials. Additionally, the belt electrode includes a plurality of pleats in order to provide maximum surface area on which to collect airborne contaminants.

Wide spectral range confocal microscope based on endlessly single-mode fiber.

PubMed

Hubbard, R; Ovchinnikov, Yu B; Hayes, J; Richardson, D J; Fu, Y J; Lin, S D; See, P; Sinclair, A G

2010-08-30

We report an endlessly single mode, fiber-optic confocal microscope, based on a large mode area photonic crystal fiber. The microscope confines a very broad spectral range of excitation and emission wavelengths to a single spatial mode in the fiber. Single-mode operation over an optical octave is feasible. At a magnification of 10 and λ = 900 nm, its resolution was measured to be 1.0 μm (lateral) and 2.5 μm (axial). The microscope's use is demonstrated by imaging single photons emitted by individual InAs quantum dots in a pillar microcavity.

Blood biomarkers of kidney transplant rejection, an endless search?

PubMed

Jacquemont, Lola; Soulillou, Jean-Paul; Degauque, Nicolas

2017-07-01

The tailoring of immunosuppressive treatment is recognized as a promising strategy to improve long-term kidney graft outcome. To guide the standard care of transplant recipients, physicians need objective biomarkers that can identify an ongoing pathology with the graft or low intensity signals that will be later evolved to accelerated transplant rejection. The early identification of 'high-risk /low-risk' patients enables the adjustment of standard of caring, including managing the frequency of clinical visits and the immunosuppression dosing. Given their ease of availability and the compatibility with a large technical array, blood-based biomarkers have been widely scrutinized for use as potential predictive and diagnostic biomarkers. Areas covered: Here, the authors report on non-invasive biomarkers, such as modification of immune cell subsets and mRNA and miRNA profiles, identified in the blood of kidney transplant recipients collected before or after transplantation. Expert commentary: Combined with functional tests, the identification of biomarkers will improve our understanding of pathological processes and will contribute to a global improvement in clinical management.

APPARATUS FOR TRAPPING ENERGETIC CHARGED PARTICLES AND CONFINING THE RESULTING PLASMA

DOEpatents

Gibson, G.; Jordan, W.C.; Lauer, E.J.

1963-04-01

The present invention relates to a plasma-confining device and a particle injector therefor, the device utilizing a generally toroidal configuration with magnetic fields specifically tailored to the associated injector. The device minimizes the effects of particle end losses and particle drift to the walls with a relatively simple configuration. More particularly, the magnetic field configuration is created by a continuous array of circular, mirror field coils, disposed side-by- side, in particularly spaced relation, to form an endless, toroidal loop. The resulting magnetic field created therein has the appearance of a bumpy'' torus, from which is derived the name Bumpy Torus.'' One of the aforementioned coils is split transverse to its axis, and injection of particles is accomplished along a plane between the halves of such modified coil. The guiding center of the particles follows a constant magnetic field in the plane for a particular distance within the torus, to move therefrom onto a precessional surface which does not intersect the point of injection. (AEC)

Polarization Control with Piezoelectric and LiNbO3 Transducers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bradley, E.; Miles, E.; Loginov, B.; Vu, N.

Several Polarization control transducers have appeared on the market, and now automated, endless polarization control systems using these transducers are becoming available. Unfortunately it is not entirely clear what benchmark performance tests a polarization control system must pass, and the polarization disturbances a system must handle are open to some debate. We present quantitative measurements of realistic polarization disturbances and two benchmark tests we have successfully used to evaluate the performance of an automated, endless polarization control system. We use these tests to compare the performance of a system using piezoelectric transducers to that of a system using LiNbO3 transducers.

Angle stations in or for endless conveyor belts

DOEpatents

Steel, Alan

1987-04-07

In an angle station for an endless conveyor belt, there are presented to each incoming run of the belt stationary curved guide members (18, 19) of the shape of a major segment of a right-circular cylinder and having in the part-cylindrical portion (16 or 17) thereof rectangular openings (15) arranged in parallel and helical paths and through which project small freely-rotatable rollers (14), the continuously-changing segments of the curved surfaces of which projecting through said openings (15) are in attitude to change the direction of travel of the belt (13) through 90.degree. during passage of the belt about the part-cylindrical portion (16 or 17) of the guide member (18 or 19). The rectangular openings (15) are arranged with their longer edges lengthwise of the diagonals representing the mean of the helix but with those of a plurality of the rows nearest to each end of the part-cylindrical portion (16 or 17) slightly out of axial symmetry with said diagonals, being slightly inclined in a direction about the intersections (40) of the diagonals of the main portion of the openings, to provide a "toe-in" attitude in relation to the line of run of the endless conveyor belt.

Consequences of childhood sexual abuse for health and well-being: gender similarities and differences.

PubMed

Sigurdardottir, Sigrun; Halldorsdottir, Sigridur; Bender, Soley S

2014-05-01

Analyse gender similarities and differences in the consequences of childhood sexual abuse for health and well-being. Comparative analysis of 28 in-depth interviews with 14 purposefully chosen participants, seven women and seven men, who had experienced childhood sexual abuse; two interviews were conducted with each participant. The participants expressed a journey of deep and silent suffering which seems, for them, to be endless and almost unbearable. All of them have suffered from complex health problems since childhood. A gender difference was shown in the tendency of women to internalize their emotional pain while the men had a tendency to externalize it. It is important for health professionals to be aware of the symptoms and consequences of child sexual abuse in order to provide support, appropriate care and treatment for the survivors. Finally, preventive and long lasting public health measures have to be taken in order to prevent children from experiencing such serious trauma.

Design of 3x3 Focusing Array for Heavy Ion Driver Final Report on CRADA TC-02082-04

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

Martovetsky, N.

This memo presents a design of a 3x3 quadrupole array for HIF. It contains 3 D magnetic field computations of the array build with racetrack coils with and without different shields. It is shown that it is possible to have a low error magnetic field in the cells and shield the stray fields to acceptable levels. The array design seems to be a practical solution to any size array for future multi-beam heavy ion fusion drivers.

Silicosis in Turkey: Is it an Endless Nightmare or is There Still Hope?

PubMed Central

Akgün, Metin

2018-01-01

Silicosis is an ancient but still life-threatening occupational lung disease because of its incurable nature. Although its risks are known in many occupational settings and effective control strategies are well established, new cases, even epidemics, continue to occur in different sectors of Turkey. Before taking action, defining the magnitude of the problem is essential. In this concise review, we aimed to present the current situation of silicosis in Turkey. According to the data available to date, silicosis continues to be a major health problem in different sectors. Sandblasting seems to have the highest risk for the development of silicosis. Disease onset at early age and history of short exposure duration may indicate intense silica exposure. After denim sandblasters, dental technicians seem to be the new and recently recognized high-risk occupation group as per the increasing reports. Because of the lack of a definite treatment of silicosis, prevention of the disease should be the main target. Better occupational disease registry systems would be useful to assess the magnitude of the problem. In addition to implementing the necessary regulations, a close inspection of the workplaces for potential risks is essential. Other social and economic factors related with the occurrence of disease, such as unregistered employment rate and unlicensed and uninsured work, should also be considered. Finally, optimal healthcare and better living conditions for patients with silicosis should be ensured. PMID:29755813

Distance and Cable Length Measurement System

PubMed Central

Hernández, Sergio Elias; Acosta, Leopoldo; Toledo, Jonay

2009-01-01

A simple, economic and successful design for distance and cable length detection is presented. The measurement system is based on the continuous repetition of a pulse that endlessly travels along the distance to be detected. There is a pulse repeater at both ends of the distance or cable to be measured. The endless repetition of the pulse generates a frequency that varies almost inversely with the distance to be measured. The resolution and distance or cable length range could be adjusted by varying the repetition time delay introduced at both ends and the measurement time. With this design a distance can be measured with centimeter resolution using electronic system with microsecond resolution, simplifying classical time of flight designs which require electronics with picosecond resolution. This design was also applied to position measurement. PMID:22303169

Launch device using endlessly single-mode PCF for ultra-wideband WDM transmission in graded-index multi-mode fiber.

PubMed

Ma, Lin; Hanzawa, Nobutomo; Tsujikawa, Kyozo; Azuma, Yuji

2012-10-22

We demonstrated ultra-wideband wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) transmission from 850 to 1550 nm in graded-index multi-mode fiber (GI-MMF) using endlessly single-mode photonic crystal fiber (ESM-PCF) as a launch device. Effective single-mode guidance is obtained in multi-mode fiber at all wavelengths by splicing cm-order length ESM-PCF to the transmission fiber. We achieved 3 × 10 Gbit/s WDM transmission in a 1 km-long 50-μm-core GI-MMF. We also realized penalty free 10 Gbit/s data transmission at a wavelength of 850 nm by optimizing the PCF structure. This method has the potential to achieve greater total transmission capacity for MMF systems by the addition of more wavelength channels.

A model project for exploring the role of sustainability science in a citizen-centered, collaborative decision-making process

USGS Publications Warehouse

Karl, Herman A.; Turner, Christine

2002-01-01

The role of science in society is evolving as we enter the 21st century. The report, Science — The Endless Frontier (Bush 1990[1945]), outlined a model of national scientific research that served the country for 50 years. The contract between science and society established in that report stipulated that science is essential and that basic research meets national needs (Pielke and Byerly 1998). This stipulation and the abundant — seemingly unlimited and unquestioned — funding for research during the Cold War caused many scientists to come to believe that funding for science was an entitlement independent of societal needs. Implicit in this belief is that science alone can solve society’s problems. We now are learning that many policy issues that involve science involve diverse economic, political, social, and aesthetic values as well, and rarely, if ever, is scientific information alone the basis of public policy (e.g., see Sarewitz 1996a, 1996b; Frodeman 1997). Moreover, resources are increasingly more limited and many in society are questioning the value of public-supported science.

Flatfish: an asymmetric perspective on metamorphosis.

PubMed

Schreiber, Alexander M

2013-01-01

The most asymmetrically shaped and behaviorally lateralized of all the vertebrates, the flatfishes are an endless source of fascination to all fortunate enough to study them. Although all vertebrates undergo left-right asymmetric internal organ placement during embryogenesis, flatfish are unusual in that they experience an additional period of postembryonic asymmetric remodeling during metamorphosis, and thus deviate from a bilaterally symmetrical body plan more than other vertebrates. As with amphibian metamorphosis, all the developmental programs of flatfish metamorphosis are ultimately under the control of thyroid hormone. At least one gene pathway involved in embryonic organ lateralization (nodal-lefty-pitx2) is re-expressed in the larval stage during flatfish metamorphosis. Aspects of modern flatfish ontogeny, such as the gradual translocation of one eye to the opposite side of the head and the appearance of key neurocranial elements during metamorphosis, seem to elegantly recapitulate flatfish phylogeny. This chapter highlights the current state of knowledge of the developmental biology of flatfish metamorphosis with emphases on the genetic, morphological, behavioral, and evolutionary origins of flatfish asymmetry. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Nanophotonic production, modulation and switching of ions by silicon microcolumn arrays

DOEpatents

Vertes, Akos; Walker, Bennett N.

2013-09-10

The production and use of silicon microcolumn arrays that harvest light from a laser pulse to produce ions are described. The systems of the present invention seem to behave like a quasi-periodic antenna array with ion yields that show profound dependence on the plane of laser light polarization and the angle of incidence. By providing photonic ion sources, this enables enhanced control of ion production on a micro/nano scale and direct integration with miniaturized analytical devices.

Nanophotonic production, modulation and switching of ions by silicon microcolumn arrays

DOEpatents

Vertes, Akos; Walker, Bennett N

2015-04-07

The production and use of silicon microcolumn arrays that harvest light from a laser pulse to produce ions are described. The systems of the present invention seem to behave like a quasi-periodic antenna array with ion yields that show profound dependence on the plane of laser light polarization and the angle of incidence. By providing photonic ion sources, this enables enhanced control of ion production on a micro/nano scale and direct integration with miniaturized analytical devices.

Nanophotonic production, modulation and switching of ions by silicon microcolumn arrays

DOEpatents

Vertes, Akos [Reston, VA; Walker, Bennett N [Washington, DC

2012-02-07

The production and use of silicon microcolumn arrays that harvest light from a laser pulse to produce ions are described. The systems of the present invention seem to behave like a quasi-periodic antenna array with ion yields that show profound dependence on the plane of laser light polarization and the angle of incidence. By providing photonic ion sources, this enables enhanced control of ion production on a micro/nano scale and direct integration with miniaturized analytical devices.

Particle beam injection system

DOEpatents

Jassby, Daniel L.; Kulsrud, Russell M.

1977-01-01

This invention provides a poloidal divertor for stacking counterstreaming ion beams to provide high intensity colliding beams. To this end, method and apparatus are provided that inject high energy, high velocity, ordered, atomic deuterium and tritium beams into a lower energy, toroidal, thermal equilibrium, neutral, target plasma column that is magnetically confined along an endless magnetic axis in a strong restoring force magnetic field having helical field lines to produce counterstreaming deuteron and triton beams that are received bent, stacked and transported along the endless axis, while a poloidal divertor removes thermal ions and electrons all along the axis to increase the density of the counterstreaming ion beams and the reaction products resulting therefrom. By balancing the stacking and removal, colliding, strong focused particle beams, reaction products and reactions are produced that convert one form of energy into another form of energy.

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

Guo, Yiming; Fredrickson, Daniel C.

Intermetallic crystal structures offer an enormous structural diversity, with an endless array of structural motifs whose connection to stability and physical properties are often mysterious. Making sense of the often complex crystal structures that arise here, developing a clear structural description, and identifying connections to other phases can be laborious and require an encyclopedic knowledge of structure types. In this Article, we present PRINCEPS, an algorithm based on a new coordination environment projection scheme that facilitates the structural analysis and comparison of such crystal structures. We demonstrate the potential of this approach by applying it to the complex Ce-Ni-Si ternarymore » system, whose 17 binary and 21 ternary phases would present a daunting challenge to one seeking to understand the system by manual inspection (but has nonetheless been well-described through the heroic efforts of previous researchers). With the help of PRINCEPS, most of the ternary phases in this system can be rationalized as intergrowths of simple structural fragments, and grouped into a handful of structural series (with some outliers). Lastly, these results illustrate how the PRINCEPS approach can be used to organize a vast collection of crystal structures into structurally meaningful families, and guide the description of complex atomic arrangements.« less

Real-Time Data Streaming and Storing Structure for the LHD's Fusion Plasma Experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakanishi, Hideya; Ohsuna, Masaki; Kojima, Mamoru; Imazu, Setsuo; Nonomura, Miki; Emoto, Masahiko; Yoshida, Masanobu; Iwata, Chie; Ida, Katsumi

2016-02-01

The LHD data acquisition and archiving system, i.e., LABCOM system, has been fully equipped with high-speed real-time acquisition, streaming, and storage capabilities. To deal with more than 100 MB/s continuously generated data at each data acquisition (DAQ) node, DAQ tasks have been implemented as multitasking and multithreaded ones in which the shared memory plays the most important role for inter-process fast and massive data handling. By introducing a 10-second time chunk named “subshot,” endless data streams can be stored into a consecutive series of fixed length data blocks so that they will soon become readable by other processes even while the write process is continuing. Real-time device and environmental monitoring are also implemented in the same way with further sparse resampling. The central data storage has been separated into two layers to be capable of receiving multiple 100 MB/s inflows in parallel. For the frontend layer, high-speed SSD arrays are used as the GlusterFS distributed filesystem which can provide max. 2 GB/s throughput. Those design optimizations would be informative for implementing the next-generation data archiving system in big physics, such as ITER.

32. William E. Barrett, Photographer, 1973. DEADEND WELL WITH WOODEN ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

32. William E. Barrett, Photographer, 1973. DEAD-END WELL WITH WOODEN OIL TANK, PIPE ROCKER ARM. - West Oil Company Endless Wire Pumping Station, U.S. Route 50 (Volcano vicinity), Petroleum, Ritchie County, WV

14. Photocopied 1973 from original owned by Albert M. Stiles, ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

14. Photocopied 1973 from original owned by Albert M. Stiles, Jr., Parkersburg, WV, 1907. MOUNT FARM OIL COMPANY. - West Oil Company Endless Wire Pumping Station, U.S. Route 50 (Volcano vicinity), Petroleum, Ritchie County, WV

Mining machine with adjustable jib

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

Hart, D.

1987-05-26

A mining machine is described having a pair of crawler tracks, a means for individually driving each of the crawler tracks, a frame mounted on the crawler tracks, an elongated jib carrying a sprocket at each end, an endless cutting chain supported on the sprockets, cutters and loading flights mounted on the endless cutting chain, and means on the frame supporting the elongated jib. The means support the elongated jib consisting of a bridge on the frame, at least one scissors linkage pivotally mounted on the bridge, and arm having a first end attached to the scissors linkage, a frontmore » plate mounted on the second end of the arm and means adjustably mounting the elongated jib on the front plate. The means adjustably mount the elongated jib on the front plate including a first means for rotating the elongated jib between a vertical position and a horizontal position.« less

The use of supernatural entities in moral conversations as a cultural-psychological attractor.

PubMed

Tófalvy, Tamás; Viciana, Hugo

2009-06-01

Social behavior in most human societies is characterized by the following of moral rules explicitly justified by religious belief systems. These systems constitute the diverse domain of human sacred values. Supernatural entities as founders or warranty of moral principles may be seen as a form of "conversation stoppers," considerations that can be dropped into a moral decision process in order to prevent endlessly reconsidering and endlessly asking for further justification. In this article we offer a general naturalistic framework toward answering the question of why supernatural entities are so attractive in moral argumentation. We present an explanatory model based on the phenomena of multiple channels of moral reasoning, the suspension of epistemic vigilance, and relevance assumptions through the attractiveness of the sacred, moral dumbfounding, and the expression of social coalitionary commitment. Thus, in light of much of current cognitive theory, sacred values make sense as basins in the evolutionary landscape of human morality.

Apparent Endless Extraction of Energy from the Vacuum by Cyclic Manipulation of Casimir Cavity Dimensions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Forward, Robert L.

1999-01-01

In 1983, Ambjorn and Wolfram produced plots of the energy density of the quantum mechanical electromagnetic fluctuations in a volume of vacuum bounded by perfectly conducting walls in the shape of a rectangular cavity of dimensions a(1), a(2), and a(3), as a function of the ratios a(2)/a(1) and a(3)/a(1). Portions of these plots are double-valued, in that they allow rectangular cavities with the same, value of a(2)/a(1), but different values of a(3)/a(1), to have the saint total energy. Using these double-valued regions of the plots, I show that it is possible to define a "Casimir Vacuum Energy Extraction Cycle" which apparently would allow for the endless extraction of energy from the vacuum in the Casimir cavity by cyclic manipulation of the Casimir cavity dimensions.

Radiation-Hardened Wafer Scale Integration

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-10-25

unlimited. LEXINGTON MASSACHUSETTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY A focal plane processor (FPP) for a large array of LWIR photodetectors on a space platform must...It seems certain that large. scanning LWIR arrays will once again be of interest in the future, though their specifications will differ from those... nonuniformity and defects in the ZMR material, but films of good quality produced by this technique are now available commercially from Kopin Corporation. Such

2. VIEW OF BLOCK AND TACKLE FOR MOVING CEDAR LOGS ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

2. VIEW OF BLOCK AND TACKLE FOR MOVING CEDAR LOGS FROM POND TO JACK LADDER--AN ENDLESS CHAIN CONVEYOR THAT MOVES LOGS INTO MILL - Lester Shingle Mill, 1602 North Eighteenth Street, Sweet Home, Linn County, OR

Cancer systems biology: signal processing for cancer research

PubMed Central

Yli-Harja, Olli; Ylipää, Antti; Nykter, Matti; Zhang, Wei

2011-01-01

In this editorial we introduce the research paradigms of signal processing in the era of systems biology. Signal processing is a field of science traditionally focused on modeling electronic and communications systems, but recently it has turned to biological applications with astounding results. The essence of signal processing is to describe the natural world by mathematical models and then, based on these models, develop efficient computational tools for solving engineering problems. Here, we underline, with examples, the endless possibilities which arise when the battle-hardened tools of engineering are applied to solve the problems that have tormented cancer researchers. Based on this approach, a new field has emerged, called cancer systems biology. Despite its short history, cancer systems biology has already produced several success stories tackling previously impracticable problems. Perhaps most importantly, it has been accepted as an integral part of the major endeavors of cancer research, such as analyzing the genomic and epigenomic data produced by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) project. Finally, we show that signal processing and cancer research, two fields that are seemingly distant from each other, have merged into a field that is indeed more than the sum of its parts. PMID:21439242

HARNESSING OCEAN WAVE ENERGY TO GENERATE ELECTRICITY

EPA Science Inventory

A technical challenge to sustainability is finding an energy source that is abundant enough to meet global demands without producing greenhouse gases or radioactive waste. Energy from ocean surface waves can provide the people of this planet a clean, endless power source to me...

Ultrasonic Sorter for Handling and Collecting Dust or Soil Particles Separated by Size/Density

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gonzalez, I.; Pinto, A.

2018-04-01

A new device is proposed consisting of an endless screw attached to a small sorter actuated by ultrasounds where particles collect from soil or dust to be separated and collected in different reservoirs for their return to the Earth.

On the Road

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Collins, Mary Ellen

2012-01-01

Veteran development officers say the experience of visiting and traveling to different places or countries often feels like an endless cycle of getting lost, missing flights, and eating midnight dinners from hotel vending machines. Despite ongoing travel challenges, experienced road warriors have learned how to maximize their effectiveness,…

Vexing Vaccines

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bowman, Darcia Harris

2004-01-01

Schools play a key role in ensuring that children are being immunized against diseases, but conflicting research is making enforcement difficult. This article discusses a growing trend of vaccine avoidance and the endless supply of conflicting information and research about immunization safety. Despite the controversy, many people appear to accept…

Airship-windmill

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

Engelsman, G.J.

1984-09-11

From one or more lighter than air bodies, carrying wind energy catching rotor devices, like windmills, turbines or the like, the caught energy is mechanically transmitted to earth by at least one endless cable-rope transmission. Each of the cables is led over an individual sheave fitted to a turntable on earth (ground, ship, float or so), from which it drives a stationary machine, like a generator or such, and cable guide rolls are provided as needed. All functions of forcetransmission, consisting of energy transmission, wind-resistance and upward-floating forces and steering are performed by the turntable through the endless energy transmissionmore » cable(s), and no tethering or other force-transmitting cables are applied. In addition a loose, very low tensioned communication line for control, gas supply and the like extends from the turntalbe to the floating parts. Cable guide rolls are provided as needed. The design aims for a simple installation which avoids cables getting entangled when wind direction changes suddenly or in absolute calm.« less

The endless spiral

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nielsen, Henry

1993-06-01

A Danish textbook on the history of technology, Skruen uden ende — Den vestlige teknologis historie (The Endless Spiral: A History of Western Technology), was published in 1990. In the present article, one of the authors presents some of the background to this event and puts the work into historical perspective by describing a number of different traditions for writing textbooks on the history of technology. Next follows a discussion of why history of technology ought to be an important ingredient in upper secondary education and why only the “contextualist” tradition — inspired by the rapidly developing school of research centered around the journal Technology & Culture — offers any real hope for providing meaningful teaching materials on history of technology. The paper ends with a brief outline of the textbook's contents, with special emphasis on one of its several case studies describing the development of certain mainstream technologies in the context of the scientific, economic, social and cultural developments existing when the particular technology came into being.

Traditional and possible technological uses of Digitaria exilis (acha) and Digitaria iburua (iburu): a review.

PubMed

Jideani, I A

1999-01-01

The focus of this article is the traditional and technological uses of two tropical cereal grains: Digitaria exilis (acha) and D. iburua (iburu); with emphasis on their carbohydrate and protein components. Some useful attributes of the grains emanating from present knowledge are discussed. The major classes of traditional foods from these grains are thick and thin porridges; steam cooked products, e.g. couscous; and nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages. The proteins in these grains are not easily extractable; however, the digestibility of the proteins are better than those of sorghum and millet. The high levels of residue protein in them may have important functional properties. Technologically, acha and iburu can be utilized in ways similar to rice. The two grains require minimal processing due to grain size and location of constituents. Whole acha and iburu grains are now used for quick cooking, non-conventional food products including weaning foods of low bulk density and breakfast cereal with good fiber content. The grains could be used in a wide variety of other products. Cookies, crackers, and popcorn, made in an almost endless array of forms are examples. The breeding of acha and iburu cultivars with good kernel properties is critically important to their utilization potential.

Plasma-driven self-organization of Ni nanodot arrays on Si(100)

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

Levchenko, I.; Ostrikov, K.; Diwan, K.

The results of the combined experimental and numerical study suggest that nonequilibrium plasma-driven self-organization leads to better size and positional uniformity of nickel nanodot arrays on a Si(100) surface compared with neutral gas-based processes under similar conditions. This phenomenon is explained by introducing the absorption zone patterns, whose areas relative to the small nanodot sizes become larger when the surface is charged. Our results suggest that strongly nonequilibrium and higher-complexity plasma systems can be used to improve ordering and size uniformity in nanodot arrays of various materials, a common and seemingly irresolvable problem in self-organized systems of small nanoparticles.

3D MHD Simulations of Radial Wire Array Z-pinches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niasse, N.; Chittenden, J. P.; Bland, S. N.; Suzuki-Vidal, F. A.; Hall, G. N.; Lebedev, S. V.; Calamy, H.; Zucchini, F.; Lassalle, F.; Bedoch, J. P.

2009-01-01

Recent experiments carried out on the MAGPIE (1 MA, 250 ns), OEDIPE (730 kA, 1.5 μs) and SPHINX (4 MA, 700 ns)[1] facilities have shown the relatively high level of scalability of the Radial Wire Array Z-pinches. These configurations where the wires stretch radially outwards from a central cathode offer numerous advantages over standard cylindrical arrays. In particular, imploding in a very stable and compact way, they seem suitable for coupling to small scale hohlraums. Making use of the 3D resistive magneto-hydrodynamic code GORGON[2] developed at Imperial College, the dynamic of the radial wire arrays is investigated. Influence of the cathode hotspots and wires angle on the x-ray emissions is also discussed. Comparison with experiments is offered to validate the numerical studies.

Avaricious and Envious: Confessions of a Computer-Literate Educator.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burniske, R. W.

2001-01-01

How did educators become enslaved to networked computers and mesmerized by iridescent screens? The computer encourages endless acquisitions, some motivated by intellectual avarice, others by petty jealousies incited by colleagues raving about the latest "innovation." How much computer literacy is sufficient? What other literacies must…

Go outside to Learn: The Value of Outdoor Learning Environments

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Randall, Robin R.

2012-01-01

Outdoors opens up endless possibilities. Every place and space people experience offers an opportunity to learn. Accepted educational research first theorized by social scientist and author, Howard Gardner, shows that learners have nine multiple intelligences--visual, logical, intrapersonal, musical, body-kinesthetic, linguistic, interpersonal,…

Enriching Addition and Subtraction Fact Mastery through Games

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bay-Williams, Jennifer M.; Kling, Gina

2014-01-01

The learning of "basic facts"--single-digit combinations for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division--has long been a focus of elementary school mathematics. Many people remember completing endless worksheets, timed tests, and flash card drills as they attempted to "master" their basic facts as children. However,…

Generation and Maintenance of Recirculations by Gulf Stream Instabilities

DTIC Science & Technology

1999-02-01

Francois Primeau for endless discus- sions of various scientific problems, Kirill Pankratov for useful advice on the numerical methods in fluid...recirculation. J. Phys. Oceanogr., 18, 662-682. [7] Davis C. A. and K. A. Emanuel, 1991 : Potential vorticity diagnostics of cyclo- genesis. Mon. Weather. Rev

Sustainability of U.S. Government Projects in Afghanistan

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-05-19

centers, schools for boys, to training for girls and dental services.8 For the USG, sustainability of these projects is of critical importance.9...produce success. The enemy uses economic and political warfare, propaganda and naked military aggression in an endless combination to oppose a free

Separation of Church and State: The Endless Struggle.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Klein, Joseph P.

1983-01-01

The author advocates his belief in the separation of church and state, considers the implications of complete separation, and discusses the "resurgence of religion in our public school system," as well as the "intrusion of religious authority into the privacy of personal bio-ethics issues." (JM)

Read-Alouds with Young Children.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Campbell, Robin

Regardless of a child's experience with or exposure to books when he or she enters elementary school, teachers can greatly extend a child's literacy development through interactive classroom read-alouds. Reading a story aloud presents endless opportunities for related activities such as classroom discussions, role plays, shared readings, group…

Data Transformation in a Three Dimensional Integrated Circuit Implementation

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-03-01

the difficult moments. My special thank to my wife Vanessa , who is always beside me with her endless love. Your support and motivation were... Van Oorschot and S. A. Vanstone. Handbook of Applied Cryptograpy, 1997. [19] L. C. Washington and W. Trappe, Introduction to Cryptography: With

Endless Minds Most Beautiful

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Finlay, Barbara L.

2007-01-01

The marriage of evolution and development to produce the new discipline "evo-devo" in biology is situated in the general history of evolutionary biology, and its significance for developmental cognitive science is discussed. The discovery and description of the highly conserved, robust and "evolvable" mechanisms that organize the vertebrate body…

School Trips: Are They Worth the Effort?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johnston, Robert

2015-01-01

Even the most basic of school trips will require booking places, arranging transport, writing to parents, collecting payments, planning activities, producing worksheets and, of course, endless risk assessments. It always leaves teachers wondering: "is it really worth all this effort?" Robert Johnston believes that every teacher should…

Oil price: Endless ability to surprise

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manzano, Baltasar

2016-05-01

Economic agents have varying expectations on oil price fluctuations that play an important role in determining the timing and magnitude of oil price shocks. A study now shows that heterogeneous expectations should be included when modelling oil price shocks to grasp their impact on macroeconomic outcomes and energy policies.

Marine Neurotoxins: Ingestible Toxins.

PubMed

Stommel, Elijah W.; Watters, Michael R.

2004-03-01

Fish and shellfish account for a significant portion of food-borne illnesses throughout the world. In general, three classes of diseases result from seafood consumption--intoxication, allergies, and infections. In this review, the authors discuss several seafood-borne toxins, including domoic acid, which acts on the central nervous system. In addition, the authors discuss ciguatoxin-, brevetoxin-, saxitoxin-, tetrodotoxin-, and scombroid-related histamine toxicity, all of which act primarily on the peripheral nervous system. Fish has become a very popular food in the US mostly related to its potential health benefits. Fish is consumed to such a degree that fishing stocks are reportedly at an all time low from what seemed like an endless supply even 30 years ago. One of the most significant threats to human intoxication is the recreational harvest of shellfish, often times located in remote locations where the harvesters are subsistent on fishery resources and have no monitoring in place. The hazard to intoxication is not as common in purchased seafood, which is more stringently regulated, yet still is a serious problem. Most ingestible toxins are thermo-stable and therefore unaffected by cooking, freezing, or salting. Air transport of consumable products throughout the world makes it easy to obtain exotic edibles from far away countries. A seemingly unusual toxin can be more commonly encountered than previously thought and it is important to consider this when evaluating patients. Recognition and treatment of various neurologic symptoms related to seafood ingestion is paramount in today's mobile, gastronomic world. Specific treatments vary with each individual toxin and with the individual's specific reaction to the toxin. Generally, some degree of medical care is required with all ingestible toxin exposure, ranging from simple administration of medication and hydration to ventilatory and cardiovascular support.

Renewable Energy for the Next Generation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barton, Leslie

2005-01-01

Renewable energy is harnessed from natural and sustainable sources, like wind, sun and water. They offer a pollution-free, endless source of electricity that is crucial in the fight against climate change. Every unit of this "green" electricity directly replaces electricity normally generated from conventional polluting sources such as coal or…

No Free Lunch: A Condensed Strategic Planning Process

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kohrmann, Patrick C., II

2008-01-01

Most people picture "strategic planning" as endless meetings spent doing SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analyses, crafting vision and mission statements, and developing goals and action plans. Few look forward to the experience or reflect back on it with pleasure. In this article, the author describes how he…

"We Can Deliver More and Save Money"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hayes, John

2010-01-01

This article discusses the UK government's consultations on skills policy and further education funding. Adult learning has, throughout the years, been subject to endless strategies and proposed plans--but none of these has fully realised its potential. There are two contrasting attitudes to the outlook for further education and, indeed, the…

Reconciliation--A Rhetorical Concept/ion

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Doxtader, Erik

2003-01-01

What is reconciliation? A source of historical puzzlement and contemporary controversy over how to make history, this question asks after those words which constitute a beginning (again), that moment in which endless cycles of conflict give way to the hope for "unity in difference." Concerned with the dynamics of its operation, the present essay…

Lessons from Alison: A Narrative Study of Differentiation in Classroom Teaching

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Geelan, David; Christie, Pam; Mills, Martin; Keddie, Amanda; Renshaw, Peter; Monk, Sue

2015-01-01

Teaching is challenging in part because, although school structures are to some extent modelled on industrial approaches in which the "raw materials" are assumed to be very similar, human beings are endlessly diverse. Understanding the many differences amongst students, and treating these differences as teaching resources rather than…

Science via Photography

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jones, Alex D.

2010-01-01

As an amateur photographer and science teacher, the author shares how to use digital media to enhance the study of habitat and adaptation. The author also helps you to discover how to use the camera to boost science vocabulary, especially for English language learners. Through breathtaking photographs--the possibilities are endless, your students…

A Quiet Place for Student Veterans

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hollingsworth, Margaret

2015-01-01

As electronic gadgets predominate a student's life, there comes a need for silence. A quiet place free of electromagnetic spectrum waves, dirty and stray electricity, and the endless chirps, whistles, beeps, and customized signaling. A quiet place can offer solitude for meditation, inspiration, and spiritual awareness. Student involvement in the…

Preparing to Prescribe: How Do Clerkship Students Learn in the Midst of Complexity?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McLellan, Lucy; Yardley, Sarah; Norris, Ben; de Bruin, Anique; Tully, Mary P.; Dornan, Tim

2015-01-01

Prescribing tasks, which involve pharmacological knowledge, clinical decision-making and practical skill, take place within unpredictable social environments and involve interactions within and between endlessly changing health care teams. Despite this, curriculum designers commonly assume them to be simple to learn and perform. This research used…

Curriculum Cake: Baking Your Curriculum Cake

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rees, Rob

2004-01-01

Food is talked about endlessly in the media, at local, regional, national and indeed global levels. People are always wondering, therefore, about what is "good" or "right" to eat. To look for answers without giving enough consideration to trends and fashions, without thinking of the bigger picture, the implications of what…

Primary Students and Informational Texts

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yopp, Hallie Kay; Yopp, Ruth Helen

2006-01-01

Anyone who has spent time looking at science books with young children has no doubt experienced the endless questions that the information and visuals in the books can stimulate. Books prompt questions, which can lead to further reading about and investigation of science topics. Whether from a textbook or a nonfiction trade book, informational…

Enhancing Elementary Curricula through Internet Technology.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Oliver, Brad E.; Malm, Loren D.; Malone, Bobby G.; Nay, Fred W.; Saunders, Nancy G.; Thompson, Jay C., Jr.

Radical advancements in Internet technology over the last decade have created endless opportunities to expand the realm of the elementary classroom. The World Wide Web (WWW), e-mail, newsgroups, and Internet Relay Chat (IRC) are four of the most prominent utilizations of Internet technology. This paper demonstrates how one suburban mid-western…

Teaching Responsibly with Technology-Mediated Communication

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Veltsos, Jennifer R.; Veltsos, Christophe

2010-01-01

Technology-mediated communication, or "new media," such as blogs, Twitter, wikis, and social network sites, can be an endless source of ideas for activities or inspiration for classroom discussion. Many instructors ask students to monitor current events by following keywords and industry leaders on Twitter and reading both corporate and…

Reagan's Quest for Freedom in the 1987 State of the Union Address.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moore, Mark P.

1989-01-01

Examines Ronald Reagan's 1987 State of the Union Address as a quest story that reaffirms his vision of America's endless search for freedom in a persuasive, archetypal pattern that produces a common vision of the future through the mythic appeals of the past. (RAE)

Using Playful Practice to Communicate with Special Children. David Fulton/Nasen

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Corke, Margaret

2011-01-01

Playfulness is important; it creates an alternative space where emotional, cognitive and social dimensions can be explored and tested. This highly practical book explores the endless possibilities of using playful, creative and interactive activities to meaningfully engage with children with multiple learning difficulties or autistic spectrum…

Circ's Up, Budgets Leap

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hoffert, Barbara

2007-01-01

From the ascendance of the reference database and web sites offering endless opportunities for cyber-promotion to the crowds swarming through the doors to avail themselves of new computers, the Internet has transformed the way public libraries do business. That is not news. What is exciting, though, is how the Internet continues to change public…

Fostering Enterprise Architecture Education and Training with the Enterprise Architecture Competence Framework

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tambouris, Efthimios; Zotou, Maria; Kalampokis, Evangelos; Tarabanis, Konstantinos

2012-01-01

Enterprise architecture (EA) implementation refers to a set of activities ultimately aiming to align business objectives with information technology infrastructure in an organization. EA implementation is a multidisciplinary, complicated and endless process, hence, calls for adequate education and training programs that will build highly skilled…

Author! Author! Colleges Struggle to Evaluate Applicants' Writing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gose, Ben

2007-01-01

The dreaded personal essay used to be the toughest part of the college-admissions process for the applicant. These days it's admissions officers who fret about student writing--and not just because they fall asleep reading endless takes on "overcoming adversity." They've got weightier concerns--plagiarized essays, students who receive…

Michigan's Chartering Strategy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Goenner, James N.

2012-01-01

Michigan's former governor, John Engler, was naturally attracted to charter schools. He had seen for too long how school districts treated students as their property and the state as an endless funding source, and he wanted that to change. Engler saw the chartering strategy as a politically viable means for gaining leverage over school districts…

George Morrison: Anishinaabe Expressionist Artist

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vizenor, Gerald

2006-01-01

In this article, the author discusses the life and works of an Anishinaabe expressionist artist George Morrison. Morrison was an eminent expressionist painter with a singular romantic vision and an erudite sense of natural reason and liberty. He created an elusive shimmer of "endless space," the color and eternal motion of nature. The…

[The unwisdom of reason and social injustice].

PubMed

Gillieron, E

1978-01-01

This paper attempts to show that in cases of conflict between a patient and any given agency (e.g. insurance company), the conclusions to which the expert will arrive at are often biassed by the spirit of the law. So when dealing with "responsibility" the law is often stressing a concept which is closer to that of "guilt" (the patient is guilty or the insurance company, or society are guilty). This then brings about an endless conflict where neither party is ready to accept fault. Thus, all measures which could lead to an adequate solution seem to be automatically excluded. Therefore, both parties find themselves in an inevitable deadlock due to the "causal" appreciation of the problem to be solved. The above situation could be avoided if the focus were shifted on results and the means to attain them, instead of trying to establish the origin of a given behaviour. In other words, a "system theory" approach appears to be the best frame of reference for the expert. Such an approach would not only have an impact on the spirit of the law, but also throw a new light on the role of the expert, who would no longer have to seek for more or less fair solutions, but would be able to propose constructive measures liable to solve the conflict.

Chances and limitations of nanosized titanium dioxide practical application in view of its physicochemical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bogdan, Janusz; Jackowska-Tracz, Agnieszka; Zarzyńska, Joanna; Pławińska-Czarnak, Joanna

2015-02-01

Nanotechnology is a field of science that is nowadays developing in a dynamic way. It seems to offer almost endless opportunities of contribution to many areas of economy and human activity, in general. Thanks to nanotechnology, the so-called nanomaterials can be designed. They present structurally altered materials, with their physical, chemical and biological properties entirely differing from properties of the same materials manufactured in microtechnology. Nanotechnology creates a unique opportunity to modify the matter at the level of atoms and particles. Therefore, it has become possible to obtain items displaying new, useful properties, i.e. self-disinfecting and self-cleaning surfaces. Those surfaces are usually covered by a thin layer of a photocatalyst. The role of the photocatalyst is most of the time performed by the nanosized titanium dioxide (nano-TiO2). Excitation of nano-TiO2 by ultraviolet radiation initiates advanced oxidation processes and reactions leading to the creation of oxygen vacancies that bind water particles. As a result, photocatalytic surfaces are given new properties. Those properties can then be applied in a variety of disciplines, such as medicine, food hygiene, environmental protection or building industry. Practically, the applications include inactivation of microorganisms, degradation of toxins, removing pollutants from buildings and manufacturing of fog-free windows or mirrors.

INDIVIDUAL-BASED MODELS: POWERFUL OR POWER STRUGGLE?

PubMed

Willem, L; Stijven, S; Hens, N; Vladislavleva, E; Broeckhove, J; Beutels, P

2015-01-01

Individual-based models (IBMs) offer endless possibilities to explore various research questions but come with high model complexity and computational burden. Large-scale IBMs have become feasible but the novel hardware architectures require adapted software. The increased model complexity also requires systematic exploration to gain thorough system understanding. We elaborate on the development of IBMs for vaccine-preventable infectious diseases and model exploration with active learning. Investment in IBM simulator code can lead to significant runtime reductions. We found large performance differences due to data locality. Sorting the population once, reduced simulation time by a factor two. Storing person attributes separately instead of using person objects also seemed more efficient. Next, we improved model performance up to 70% by structuring potential contacts based on health status before processing disease transmission. The active learning approach we present is based on iterative surrogate modelling and model-guided experimentation. Symbolic regression is used for nonlinear response surface modelling with automatic feature selection. We illustrate our approach using an IBM for influenza vaccination. After optimizing the parameter spade, we observed an inverse relationship between vaccination coverage and the clinical attack rate reinforced by herd immunity. These insights can be used to focus and optimise research activities, and to reduce both dimensionality and decision uncertainty.

A brief review: history to understand fundamentals of electrocardiography

PubMed Central

AlGhatrif, Majd; Lindsay, Joseph

2012-01-01

The last decade of the 19th century witnessed the rise of a new era in which physicians used technology along with classical history taking and physical examination for the diagnosis of heart disease. The introduction of chest x-rays and the electrocardiograph (electrocardiogram) provided objective information about the structure and function of the heart. In the first half of the 20th century, a number of innovative individuals set in motion a fascinating sequence of discoveries and inventions that led to the 12-lead electrocardiogram, as we know it now. Electrocardiography, nowadays, is an essential part of the initial evaluation for patients presenting with cardiac complaints. As a first line diagnostic tool, health care providers at different levels of training and expertise frequently find it imperative to interpret electrocardiograms. It is likely that an understanding of the electrical basis of electrocardiograms would reduce the likelihood of error. An understanding of the disorders behind electrocardiographic phenomena could reduce the need for memorizing what may seem to be an endless list of patterns. In this article, we will review the important steps in the evolution of electrocardiogram. As is the case in most human endeavors, an understanding of history enables one to deal effectively with the present. PMID:23882360

Radiologic and functional evaluation of electrode dislocation from the scala tympani to the scala vestibuli in patients with cochlear implants.

PubMed

Fischer, N; Pinggera, L; Weichbold, V; Dejaco, D; Schmutzhard, J; Widmann, G

2015-02-01

Localization of the electrode after cochlear implantation seems to have an impact on auditory outcome, and conebeam CT has emerged as a reliable method for visualizing the electrode array position within the cochlea. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the frequency and clinical impact of scalar dislocation of various electrodes and surgical approaches and to evaluate its influence on auditory outcome. This retrospective single-center study analyzed a consecutive series of 63 cochlear implantations with various straight electrodes. The placement of the electrode array was evaluated by using multiplanar reconstructed conebeam CT images. For the auditory outcome, we compared the aided hearing thresholds and the charge units of maximum comfortable loudness level at weeks 6, 12, and 24 after implantation. In 7.9% of the cases, the electrode array showed scalar dislocation. In all cases, the electrode array penetrated the basal membrane within 45° of the electrode insertion. All 3 cases of cochleostomy were dislocated in the first 45° segment. No hearing differences were noted, but the charge units of maximum comfortable loudness level seemed to increase with time in patients with dislocations. The intracochlear dislocation rate of various straight electrodes detected by conebeam CT images is relatively low. Scalar dislocation may not negatively influence the hearing threshold but may require an increase of the necessary stimulus charge and should be reported by the radiologist. © 2015 by American Journal of Neuroradiology.

Ties That Bind: Communities in American History.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Auel, Lisa B.

The communities that individuals have created are endlessly diverse. They have followed ancient patterns and have experimented boldly with innovative ideas. This publication and the exhibition it complements present only a few of the many ways that individuals have found to live together. It is divided according to the specific forces behind the…

Manage habitat, monitor species [Chapter 10

Treesearch

Michael K. Schwartz; Jamie S. Sanderlin; William M. Block

2015-01-01

Monitoring is the collection of data over time. We monitor many things: temperatures at local weather stations, daily changes in sea level along the coastline, annual prevalence of specific diseases, sunspot cycles, unemployment rates, inflation, commodity futures-the list is virtually endless. In wildlife biology, we also conduct a lot of monitoring, most commonly...

Art History in 3-D

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Snyder, Jennifer

2012-01-01

Students often have a hard time equating time spent on art history as time well spent in the art room. Likewise, art teachers struggle with how to keep interest in their classrooms high when the subject turns to history. Some teachers show endless videos, with the students nodding sleepily along to the narrator. Others try to incorporate small…

Considering the Big Picture: How Significant Are Policy Initiatives?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fisher, Trevor

2011-01-01

Academic and journalistic comment is prioritised by the endless flood of policy initiatives. Yet these can be seen to be determined by long term intellectual frameworks which define why some issues remain constant and others remain marginal. Thus the dominance of academic provision and neglect of the vocational dates back to the nineteenth…

Challenges to Academic Disciplines in an Era of Interdisciplinary Emphasis.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Paige, Lowell J.

The author's premise rests on the endless parade of public controversies regarding education. He specifically opposes the views of those scientists who feel that they, and their work, are being discredited and that the scientific capability of the nation is being dismantled. He restricts his remarks to the science disciplines. Rather than…

Becoming an Educable Lifelong Learning Subject: Adult Graduates' Transitions in Education and Working Life

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Siivonen, Päivi

2016-01-01

Continuous learning and updating one's competences and abilities have become requirements for staying "up-to-date" and "at the top of one's game". Lifelong learning policy has been persuasive in its emphasis on equal learning opportunities for all: everyone has endless possibilities and capabilities to learn according to…

The Use of Twitter for Professional Growth and Development

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gerstein, Jackie

2011-01-01

Twitter, the micro blogging tool, has seen unprecedented growth in the past year and is expected to continue into the future. Twitter's power, engagement, and popularity lie in its endless networking opportunities. Its potential as a venue for professional growth and development needs to be explored, discussed, and ultimately used as such. A brief…

It's Time the Locker Got a Facelift

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schneider, Tod

2009-01-01

Lockers are often begrudging investments, scraped from the bottom of the budget barrel. This is unfortunate for a number of reasons, one of which is that they often serve as the internal face of the school: endless, grim sentries lining mile-long halls. Alternately, they may be entombed, a catacomb of visual obstacles stuffed into independent…

Virtually Endless Possibilities for Business Communication

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jennings, Susan Evans

2010-01-01

Business communication educators need to realize that as technology changes and evolves, they must also change and evolve their teaching methods and content. Cell phones, email, blogs, wikis, and text messaging are just a few examples of business communication technologies that not so long ago were viewed as entertainment for teens or techies, but…

School to Work: Using Active Learning to Teach Business Writing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Karmas, Cristina

2011-01-01

To succeed as tomorrow's workers in the knowledge society of the new century--a world characterized by ceaseless change, boundless knowledge and endless doubt, today's business writing students must develop the skills and traits needed to become creative problem-solvers, flexible team-players and risk-taking life-time learners (Bereiter, 2002a).…

Semantic Language Extensions for Implicit Parallel Programming

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-09-01

mobile CPU interacts with a GPU on the same device and a cloud based backend at a remote location presents endless possibilities for solving com...for his contribution to the compiler infrastructure . His creativity in solving research problems and expertise in architecting and implementing...92 5.5.1 Frontend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 5.5.2 Backend

College Confidential: A Field Guide

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hoover, Eric

2013-01-01

Day and night the locals chatter. They counsel and console, bicker and rant. Their questions are endless. Though often hopeful, they never stop pounding the drums of worry. This is College Confidential, a vast virtual realm where visitors can find the best and worst of human nature. Here, in moderated discussion forums, people help strangers. They…

Becoming A/r/tography

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Irwin, Rita L.

2013-01-01

This article explores moments of becoming a/r/tography. A/r/tography is a research methodology, a creative practice, and a performative pedagogy that lives in the rhizomatic practices of the in-between. Resisting the tendency for endless critique of past experience and bodies of knowledge, a/r/tography is concerned with the creative invention of…

A Round Is a Circle...

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Boyarsky, Terry L.

2006-01-01

Circles are everywhere and endlessly intriguing. We know, sense, and feel them in time, space, sound, and the cycles of nature. A person's life contains spirals, repetitions, going out and coming back. Poets write of circles; composers write song cycles. Circles are at the root of the curriculum, concepts deep yet accessible, infinite in their…

Science Educators Teaching Engineering Design: An Examination across Science Professional Development Sites

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Grubbs, Michael E.; Love, Tyler S.; Long, David E.; Kittrell, Danielle

2016-01-01

Although the currently employed STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) acronym is of recent origin, dating to the early 2000s (Chute, 2009), the United States has long emphasized the importance of teaching STEM in its public schools. Early efforts, such as "Science, the Endless Frontier" (Bush, 1945) and the…

News: A Consumer's Guide.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Doig, Ivan; Doig, Carol

A guide to news media, this book describes how to tell when a report is biased; provides tips on spotting hoaxes and public relations ploys in the news; gives standards to judge expert opinion and reliable sources; lists critics and other sources of help for the news consumer; discusses the endless contest among politicians, newsmen, and…

"Golden Walk" Gets a Makeover from an Auditor of Campus Visits

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hoover, Eric

2009-01-01

A consultant on an endless road trip, Jeff Kallay travels the nation visiting colleges and universities that hire him to conduct a "campus visit audit." After each tour, he discusses his first impressions with admissions officials. Later he sends them a detailed report, with recommendations covering the logistical aspects of visits, such…

Increasing Our Acceptance as Parents of Children with Special Needs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Loewenstein, David

2007-01-01

Accepting the limitations of a child whose life was supposed to be imbued with endless possibilities requires parents to come to terms with expectations of themselves and the world around them. In this article, the author offers some helpful strategies for fostering acceptance and strengthening family relationships: (1) Remember that parenting is…

Mourning a Lost Childhood: A Therapeutic Task.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kulish, Nancy Mann

J. M. Barrie's popular story of Peter Pan depicts the never-neverland of an endless happy childhood. Analysis of the story and of J. M. Barrie's personal background, however, reveals that the tale is a conflicted solution to and separation from early childhood losses and disappointments. Themes of separation and reunion, redesertion and revenge…

22. National Geographic Paper in the making. In this large ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

22. National Geographic Paper in the making. In this large room, some two hundred feet long, the liquid pulp shown in the previous picture is converted into uncoated paper. At the end of each machine is a tank of the pulp. A film of this pulp flows out upon an endless belt of fine-meshed wire, which is shaken vigorously. The water drops through the wire and gradually the residue solidifies. By the time the endless belt reaches the returning point, this residue is solid enough to hold its form as paper. It is then caught up between two rolls, which squeeze out the remaining water. Thence it passes around a series of iron drums filled with live steam; these dry it. After that is passes between big calender rolls and emerges in the foreground as machine-finish paper, ready for the coating or glazing process. These machines give one an idea of the huge proportions of a modern paper plant. (p.237.) - Champion-International Paper Company, West bank of Spicket River at Canal Street, Lawrence, Essex County, MA

Theory of Maxwell's fish eye with mutually interacting sources and drains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leonhardt, Ulf; Sahebdivan, Sahar

2015-11-01

Maxwell's fish eye is predicted to image with a resolution not limited by the wavelength of light. However, interactions between sources and drains may ruin the subwavelength imaging capabilities of this and similar absolute optical instruments. Nevertheless, as we show in this paper, at resonance frequencies of the device, an array of drains may resolve a single source, or alternatively, a single drain may scan an array of sources, no matter how narrowly spaced they are. It seems that near-field information can be obtained from far-field distances.

PRINCEPS: A computer-based approach to the structural description and recognition of trends within structural databases, and its application to the Ce-Ni-Si System

DOE PAGES

Guo, Yiming; Fredrickson, Daniel C.

2016-04-01

Intermetallic crystal structures offer an enormous structural diversity, with an endless array of structural motifs whose connection to stability and physical properties are often mysterious. Making sense of the often complex crystal structures that arise here, developing a clear structural description, and identifying connections to other phases can be laborious and require an encyclopedic knowledge of structure types. In this Article, we present PRINCEPS, an algorithm based on a new coordination environment projection scheme that facilitates the structural analysis and comparison of such crystal structures. We demonstrate the potential of this approach by applying it to the complex Ce-Ni-Si ternarymore » system, whose 17 binary and 21 ternary phases would present a daunting challenge to one seeking to understand the system by manual inspection (but has nonetheless been well-described through the heroic efforts of previous researchers). With the help of PRINCEPS, most of the ternary phases in this system can be rationalized as intergrowths of simple structural fragments, and grouped into a handful of structural series (with some outliers). Lastly, these results illustrate how the PRINCEPS approach can be used to organize a vast collection of crystal structures into structurally meaningful families, and guide the description of complex atomic arrangements.« less

Space Power Engineering Problems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Senkevich, V. P.

2002-01-01

Development of space power engineering in the first half of XXI century shall be aimed at preventing the forthcoming energy crisis and ecological catastrophes. The problem can be solved through using solar energy being perpetual, endless, and ecologically safe. As of now, issues on the development and employment of solar power stations and its beaming to the ground stations in the SHF band are put on the agenda. The most pressing problem is to develop orbital solar reflectors to illuminate towns in the polar regions, agricultural regions, and areas of processing sea products. Space-based technologies can be used to deal with typhoons, green house effects, and "ozone holes". Recently, large, frameless film structures formed by centrifugal forces offer the promise of structures for orbital power plants, reflectors, and solar sails. A big success is achieved in the development of power generating solar array elements of amorphous silicon. These innovations would make the development of orbital solar power plants dozens of times cheaper. Such solar arrays shall be used in the nearest future on heavy communication satellites and the Earth remote sensing platforms for generation of 140-160 kW at a specific power beyond 300 W/kg. The cargo traffic needed to develop and maintain the orbital power plants and reflector systems could be equipped with solar sails as the future low thrust propulsion. In 2000, the mankind witnessed an unexpected beginning of energy crisis along with strong hydro- meteorological events (typhoons, floods) that shocked the USA, the Western Europe, England, Japan, and other countries. The total damage is estimated as 90 billions of dollars. The mankind is approaching a boundary beyond which its further existence would depend on how people would learn to control weather and use ecologically safe power sources. Space technology base on the research potential accumulated in the previous century could serve for the solution of this problem.

The Journey: "Good Management Begins with Good People"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vicars, Dennis

2012-01-01

A day in the life of anyone who works in or around a center-based early care and education program is one of numerous duties, timelines, staffing issues, program concerns, parent meetings, training, budget analysis, and teaching. The list is endless. Their days are filled with multiple priorities, all demanding their time and energy. It's so easy…

Making Culture and Language Real in a Rural Setting: The Technology Connection.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smith, Elizabeth A.

2000-01-01

Asserts that with the growth of the Internet, e-mail, synchronous chat, and videoconferencing, students in rural (and urban) areas have virtually endless access to culture and language from their school or home. Describes the utilization of technology as a means of cultural exchange between Southwest Virginia Community College and the University…

Here's the Lineup for the "Dream Team"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Broderick, John R.

2008-01-01

One of the nicest things about being on a search committee is getting to meet people from all over the campus, some of whom one had little or no contact with before. The downside of any search, though, despite some meals in classy restaurants, is the extra meetings, endless phone calls, numerous Equal Employment Opportunity and human-resources…

29 CFR 1926.251 - Rigging equipment for material handling.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... splices, the U-bolt shall be applied so that the “U” section is in contact with the dead end of the rope... laid grommets and endless slings shall have a minimum circumferential length of 96 times their body... body of the rope using at least two additional tucks (which will require a tail length of approximately...

29 CFR 1926.251 - Rigging equipment for material handling.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... splices, the U-bolt shall be applied so that the “U” section is in contact with the dead end of the rope... laid grommets and endless slings shall have a minimum circumferential length of 96 times their body... be tapered and spliced into the body of the rope using at least two additional tucks (which will...

29 CFR 1926.251 - Rigging equipment for material handling.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... splices, the U-bolt shall be applied so that the “U” section is in contact with the dead end of the rope... laid grommets and endless slings shall have a minimum circumferential length of 96 times their body... be tapered and spliced into the body of the rope using at least two additional tucks (which will...

Specialized Summer Camps: Provide Benefits for Children and Families Alike

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Neff, John M.

2009-01-01

The arrival of summer signals a season of endless days of swimming, fishing, summer camps, and other outdoor activities. For children with chronic or terminal illnesses, it can be difficult to participate in many of these activities as well as challenging for parents to find summer camps that not only engage their children, but also offer the…

Converting biology into regulations: U.S. Phytophthora ramorum quarantine as a case study

Treesearch

Susan J. Frankel; Steven W. Oak

2006-01-01

Regulation of Phytophthora ramorum, cause of sudden oak death and other diseases, has resulted in endless challenges for regulators, and the forest and nursery industries in the United States. This paper outlines the process used to design U.S. P. ramorum quarantines and explores some of the biological paradoxes presented by having...

Infant Brain Development and the Impact of Breast Feeding: A Review of Literature

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Minkkinen, Molly H.

2007-01-01

Research in the area of infant development has endless facets of investigation. No one facet of research is more important than another, and all of the findings work in a synchronous fashion to facilitate our understanding of child development. Research on child development has proliferated across the centuries. Infant characteristics like…

Somalia’s Endless Transition: Breaking the Deadlock (Strategic Forum, Number 257, June 2010)

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-06-01

the TFG is not to follow the example of its predecessor, the Transitional National Government, in a slow slide to oblivion , this requires the use...Somalia: The Trouble with Puntland,” Africa Briefing, no. 64 (August 12, 2009), and Human Rights Watch, “Hostages to Peace: Threats to Human Rights and

Remix: The Art and Craft of Endless Hybridization

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Knobel, Michele; Lankshear, Colin

2008-01-01

"Remix" means to take cultural artifacts and combine and manipulate them into new kinds of creative blends. In this sense, remix is as old as human cultures, and human cultures are themselves products of remixing. Since the late 1980s, however--originating with highly contrived forms of music remix by dancehall DJs--remix practices have been…

Winning Strategy: Set Benchmarks of Early Success to Build Momentum for the Long Term

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Spiro, Jody

2012-01-01

Change is a highly personal experience. Everyone participating in the effort has different reactions to change, different concerns, and different motivations for being involved. The smart change leader sets benchmarks along the way so there are guideposts and pause points instead of an endless change process. "Early wins"--a term used to describe…

The Endless Picnic: Changing Food and Drink Policies in Academic Libraries.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Davis, Marc; Boyer, Janice

The problem of food and drink in libraries and the potential damage to library materials that may occur have always been troublesome issues. Most attempts to totally eliminate food and drink have produced mixed results at best and libraries have expended precious staff time trying to enforce such rules. The food and drink issue is particularly…

MacDill Air Force Base > Home

Science.gov Websites

Force Base, Fla., May 22, 2018. Police Week is a national observance that pays tribute to the law rescue 5 in Tampa Bay Law Day 2018 MacDill Captain discovers endless possibilities MacDill hosts Sexual ., May 22, 2018. Police Week is a national observance that pays tribute to the law enforcement officers

Response To: A Quality of Giftedness

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Anchan, John P.

2012-01-01

In this response to "A Quality of Giftedness," ("Gifted and Talented International" v27 n2 p13-71 2012) by Prof. Dr. Joan Freeman, John Anchan comments that Freeman's article raises a number of issues that challenge conventional train of thoughts. It is all about why one person can train endlessly and yet, never keep a tune,…

The Evaluation of Small Arms Effectiveness Criteria. Volume 2: Appendixes

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-05-01

Island and Burma in World War 11. Of the 208 casualties (WIA and KIA ), 93 were reportedly hit by rifle bullets and 115 by machine gun bullets; 68... motot and an endless cable. The carrier can be fitted with up to three SAAB raising and lowering mechanisms. Carrier speed can be varied up to 9 ft

The Other Lottery: Are Philanthropists Backing the Best Charter Schools? Policy Analysis No. 677

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Coulson, Andrew J.

2011-01-01

The central problem confronting education systems around the world is not that people lack models of excellence; it is their inability to routinely replicate those models. In other fields, they take for granted an endless cycle of innovation and productivity growth that continually makes products and services better, more affordable, or both. That…

Automated Hypothesis Tests and Standard Errors for Nonstandard Problems with Description of Computer Package: A Draft.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lord, Frederic M.; Stocking, Martha

A general Computer program is described that will compute asymptotic standard errors and carry out significance tests for an endless variety of (standard and) nonstandard large-sample statistical problems, without requiring the statistician to derive asymptotic standard error formulas. The program assumes that the observations have a multinormal…

A Generic Service-Oriented Cost Model for Student Admissions Registration

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pena, Philip Edward

2017-01-01

State support of community colleges has been reduced in recent years and is not expected to recover to previous levels, even though costs continue to rise. While many colleges have increased tuition in response to this situation, students cannot afford endless increases in tuition. While predicting the future is difficult, it is likely that…

Zero Indifference: A How-To Guide for Ending Name-Calling in Schools.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Goldstein, Nancy

This report discusses how to end name-calling in schools, examining derogatory expressions commonly used to refer to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people. Anti-LGBT slurs have become the insult of choice in today's schools, which takes a toll on LGBT students who hear the slurs endlessly and take them personally. Research shows…

"Corsages on Their Parents' Jackets": Employment and Aspiration among Arabic-Speaking Youth in Western Sydney

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Morgan, George; Idriss, Sherene

2012-01-01

Many commentators have observed that late modernity has profoundly reshaped the nature of employment such that workers have become more reflexive, mobile, individualistic and entrepreneurial, free to re-invent themselves as they choose in a world of endless possibilities. Theorists of reflexive modernity suggest that the family unit and class have…

Giving Tree Teachers: Women and the National Board Certification Process

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johnson, Tara Star; Bruce, Mary; Graham, Peg; Oliver, Steve; Oppong, Nicholas; Park, Soonhye; Mansberger, Dorann

2005-01-01

Shel Silverstein's children's book "The Giving Tree" imparts a useful metaphor for thinking about the role of teachers--women teachers in particular. The book's namesake is the epitome of altruism, providing branches, fruit, and even her trunk so that her beloved boy might have what he desires. And so it goes for women; endless giving,…

Online Learning Environments in Higher Education: Connectivism vs. Dissociation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reese, Sasha A.

2015-01-01

Over the last decade online education has emerged as a way for students and faculty to collaborate more freely, attain greater flexibility, and utilize new media to learn. The burning debate lies in whether online educational options are harmful to traditional education or offer endless benefits necessary to accommodate a 21st century learner.…

Good Schooling as the Outcome of the Interaction between Children and Teachers in Greek Primary School

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Babalis, Thomas; Trilianos, Athanasios; Stavrou, Nektarios A.; Koutouvela, Christina; Tsoli, Konstantina; Alexopoulos, Nikolaos

2012-01-01

Pedagogic and educational circles nowadays consider the school environment, related to its quality, to be the soul and essence of school, which is conducive to students and teachers feeling endless love for their school. Schools usually pursue emotional and social results positively affecting cognitive outcomes. The objective of this research is…

Three Essays on the Economic Impact of Online Word-of-Mouth in Online Software Market

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zhou, Wenqi

2013-01-01

The advances in information technologies and the Internet significantly promote the prosperous growth of electronic commerce in recent years. Simply surfing the Internet allows consumers to conveniently explore endless product choices and a flood of related product information. As one of the most important sources of product information,…

Breaking Away from the Textbook, Volume II: Creative Ways to Teach World History. Second Edition

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pahl, Ron H.

2011-01-01

Teaching history should not simply be an endless recitation of irrelevant facts, entombed between the covers of a textbook. Instead, "Breaking Away from the Textbook" offers a fascinating journey through world history. Not a comprehensive, theory-heavy guide, this book instead focuses on exciting classroom activities, methods for students to…

Developing the Motivation within: Using Praise and Rewards Effectively

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Crow, Sherry R.; Small, Ruth V.

2011-01-01

Motivation is a complicated issue. There are myriad reasons why people choose to do what they do. For example, employees usually work for money, students study to earn grades, heart attack victims learn that when they diet they will live longer--the list of extrinsic motivators is endless. Conversely, there are things people do just for the…

"Your Lunch Pail Is Silly!" Children's and Teachers' Views on Teasing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harwood, Debra; Copfer, Sarah

2015-01-01

What is childhood like today? Is it a world fraught with endless joy, fun, and games, or are children experiencing a much different reality? A child's social interactions can be a source of great enjoyment and are essential to early development. Conversely, young children routinely experience tension, ambiguity, and conflict as they navigate the…

Video Games and the First Amendment: "Brown v. Entertainment Merchants Association"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schwinn, Steven D.

2011-01-01

Video games today give players an unprecedented opportunity to become part of the game. They literally put players in the game. And with rapid technological improvements and endless creativity, games are only becoming more realistic. They are also becoming more violent. Today's games allow players to kill, maim, dismember, and torture victims by…

Science and the Entrepreneurial University. Research & Occasional Paper Series: CSHE.9.10

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Atkinson, Richard C.; Pelfrey, Patricia A.

2010-01-01

The current and still-evolving role of the American research university has been shaped by four key developments in the past sixty-five years: the historic decision to establish a comprehensive postwar federal science policy, described in Vannevar Bush's 1945 report, "Science, The Endless Frontier;" the Bayh-Dole Act of 1980; economic analyses…

MTF measurements with high-resolution a-Si:H imaging arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yorkston, John; Antonuk, Larry E.; Seraji, N.; Huang, Weidong; Siewerdsen, Jeffrey H.; El-Mohri, Youcef

1995-05-01

Recent advances in a-Si:H fabrication technology have opened the way for the application of flat panel imaging arrays in a number of areas in medical imaging. Their large area (up to approximately 26 X 26 cm), thin profile (< 1 mm) and real time readout capability make them strong candidates for the replacement of more traditional x-ray imaging technologies such as film and image intensifier systems. As a first step towards a device suitable for clinical use we have created a 24.4 X 19.4 cm array with 127 micrometers pitch pixels. This device serves as a testbed for investigating the effects of design changes on array imaging performance. This paper reports on initial measurements of the spatial resolution of this device used in conjunction with an overlaying Lanex Regular screen and 90 kVp x rays. The measured pre-sampled modulation transfer function (p.s. MTF) is found to fall below the predicted value by up to approximately 8%. At least part of this reduction seems to be due to scattering of light photons between the array and the surface of the phosphor screen contacting the array.

Adult Development: A Global Imperative

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Morris, Linda E.

2016-01-01

As individuals and adult educators we consistently face an array of what seem to be increasingly complex challenges. These run the gamut from battling poverty and illness with their deleterious and deadly effects, to acquiring literacy and workplace competencies and to building expertise in communication, collaboration and innovation. And we live…

Photovoltaics: The endless spring

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brandhorst, H. W., Jr.

1984-01-01

An overview of the developments in the photovoltaic field over the past decade or two is presented. Accomplishments in the terrestrial field are reviewed along with projections and challenges toward meeting cost goals. The contrasts and commonality of space and terrestrial photovoltaics are presented. Finally, a strategic philosophy of photovoltaics research highlighting critical factors, appropriate directions, emerging opportunities, and challenges of the future is given.

"The Endless Appetite": Honors Education and the Spirit of the Humanities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Martino, Andrew

2015-01-01

In a world that no longer privileges thinking, Andrew Martino writes here that we might need to consider what we are asking of our students--and why--when we ask them to think. This article presents a declaration of how Martino thinks honors education can serve as a resistant force against the increasing encroachment of a wholly utilitarian…

A New Dynamic in the Western Hemisphere Security Environment: The Mexican Zetas and Other Private Armies

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-09-01

United States for trial on U.S. drug charges. “He had a plush suite in prison, complete with 28 a personal chef , plenty of whisky, an endless supply...severed—were found. Among them was a former police comandante. Within hours, another police officer was shot and killed, along with a companion and a

Teaching, Tasks, and Trust: Functions of the Public Executive. Russell Sage Foundation Series on Trust

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brehm, John; Gates, Scott

2008-01-01

The mere word "bureaucracy" brings to mind images of endless lines, piles of paperwork, and frustrating battles over rules and red tape. But some bureaucracies are clearly more efficient and responsive than others. Why? In "Teaching, Tasks, and Trust", distinguished political scientists John Brehm and Scott Gates show that a good part of the…

Building Personal Brands with Digital Storytelling ePortfolios

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jones, Beata; Leverenz, Carrie

2017-01-01

Antoine de Saint-Exupery said, "If you want to build a ship, don't drum up people to collect wood and don't assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea." This article presents a pedagogical approach for framing a digital-identity-enhancing ePortfolio that maximizes student engagement and…

Beyond the "Chilly Climate": Eliminating Bias against Women and Fathers in Academe

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Williams, Joan C.; Alon, Tamina; Bornstein, Stephanie

2006-01-01

It's no secret that academe is a challenging place to work, but those challenges are exacerbated when the academic also has family responsibilities. The scholarly world, so focused on achievement, advancement, and endless competition to break new ground, continues to advance at a glacial pace when it comes to the support and retention of women.…

Performance and Learning, But Where's the Social Justice? Ideology and Human Resource Development--Critical Analysis, Synthesis, and Future Research

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ty, Rey

2007-01-01

This paper critiques the debate about the purpose of HRD. Furthermore, it presents an integrative literature review that provides a meta-theory, hitherto missing, to explain the reasons for which there are endless disputes in the literature about the purpose of HRD. The synthesis explains that ideology provides the guiding meta-theoretical…

Towards More Effective Vocationalisation of Business Education in Universities in South East of Nigeria

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nwazor, Joseph Chukwudi; Nwaukwa, Faith Chukwudi

2015-01-01

The objective of the study was to ascertain the extent of vocationalization, of business education in universities in South East zone of Nigeria where lecture method dominated lesson delivery. Students had become more passive and engaged in lots of endless hard work. It could hardly be easy to state the differences between business education…

The heroin addict! A personal view.

PubMed

Cyngler, Charles

2002-04-01

Heroin beckons like the sweet seductive calls of Ulysses' sirens. The alluring nectar of the poppy seed, once experienced is not easy to escape. The greed for pleasure is endless. Gratification begets gratification. This paper explores issues and complications of treatment intervention in heroin addiction. The author is a general practitioner with 25 years experience and special interest in substance abuse medicine.

Media Madness: With TV and the Internet Available 24/7, Can Libraries Compete?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jones, Jami

2004-01-01

Today's teens face an endless barrage of media--television, movies, radio, the Internet, magazines, and electronic games, not to mention those advertising slogans that shout out at them from billboards, bumper stickers, and even T-shirts. The sheer amount of time that teens spend with media is mind-boggling. Over the course of a year, young adults…

Endless Change in the Learning and Skills Sector: The Impact on Teaching Staff

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Edward, Sheila; Coffield, Frank; Steer, Richard; Gregson, Maggie

2007-01-01

This paper explores the impact of change on tutors and managers in 24 learning sites in England, in vocational courses at Level 1 or Level 2 in further education (FE) colleges and in basic skills provision in adult community education and workplaces. We discuss the views of these participants in the research project, "The Impact of Policy on…

The Effect of Task and Personal Relevance on Credibility Judgements while Searching on the Internet

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kirkyla, Adrius Viktoras

2010-01-01

People can view the Internet as an endless source of information although it is not known how individuals might evaluate the credibility of information that is presented on websites. A methodology is needed to incorporate how the information seeking task, as well as the level of personal relevance, influences the criteria individuals use to…

How Will We Crack the Ice and Smack the Chronic, Sugar and Coke? The Control of Illicit Drugs in Canada. The Front Line.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kilgour, David

1997-01-01

Maintains that Canada's expansive geography, endless, uninhabited coastlines, and long border make it vulnerable as an entry point for illegal drugs. Briefly reviews recent revelations regarding increased drug use and money laundering. Recommends stiffening current drug laws and increasing spending for education and rehabilitation. (MJP)

Dainties of the first order

Treesearch

Susan B. Adams

2006-01-01

Crayfish—also known as crawfish, crawdads, mudbugs, and other colorful local names—figure prominently in human societies on several continents. In North America, many people carry fond memories of sitting by a lake, patiently catching enough crayfish on a line to fill a bucket, and later savoring the tails as a tasty, if small, appetizer. Others spent endless summer...

Breaking Away from the Textbook, Volume I: Creative Ways to Teach World History Prehistory to 1600. Second Edition

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pahl, Ron H.

2011-01-01

Teaching history should not be reciting an endless list of dead men, entombed between the covers of a textbook. Instead, "Breaking Away from the Textbook" offers a fascinating journey through world history. Not a comprehensive, theory-heavy guide, this book focuses on active classroom activities, methods for students to grapple with humanity's…

White Flight and the Endless Cycle of Poverty for Urban People of Color in America

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wade, Oscar Syed

2017-01-01

The United States continues to evolve as a divided collection of states, divided by class and race. Despite public policy, legislation and even social unrest, the cycle continues to roll over those disenfranchised populations. This essay is a reflection of the Los Angeles poverty trap, yet applicable to the perpetual poverty faces by blacks and…

Belt conveyor apparatus

DOEpatents

Oakley, David J.; Bogart, Rex L.

1987-01-01

A belt conveyor apparatus according to this invention defines a conveyance path including a first pulley and at least a second pulley. An endless belt member is adapted for continuous travel about the pulleys and comprises a lower portion which engages the pulleys and an integral upper portion adapted to receive objects therein at a first location on said conveyance path and transport the objects to a second location for discharge. The upper belt portion includes an opposed pair of longitudinally disposed crest-like members, biased towards each other in a substantially abutting relationship. The crest-like members define therebetween a continuous, normally biased closed, channel along the upper belt portion. Means are disposed at the first and second locations and operatively associated with the belt member for urging the normally biased together crest-like members apart in order to provide access to the continuous channel whereby objects can be received into, or discharged from the channel. Motors are in communication with the conveyance path for effecting the travel of the endless belt member about the conveyance path. The conveyance path can be configured to include travel through two or more elevations and one or more directional changes in order to convey objects above, below and/or around existing structures.

Nonchronological video synopsis and indexing.

PubMed

Pritch, Yael; Rav-Acha, Alex; Peleg, Shmuel

2008-11-01

The amount of captured video is growing with the increased numbers of video cameras, especially the increase of millions of surveillance cameras that operate 24 hours a day. Since video browsing and retrieval is time consuming, most captured video is never watched or examined. Video synopsis is an effective tool for browsing and indexing of such a video. It provides a short video representation, while preserving the essential activities of the original video. The activity in the video is condensed into a shorter period by simultaneously showing multiple activities, even when they originally occurred at different times. The synopsis video is also an index into the original video by pointing to the original time of each activity. Video Synopsis can be applied to create a synopsis of an endless video streams, as generated by webcams and by surveillance cameras. It can address queries like "Show in one minute the synopsis of this camera broadcast during the past day''. This process includes two major phases: (i) An online conversion of the endless video stream into a database of objects and activities (rather than frames). (ii) A response phase, generating the video synopsis as a response to the user's query.

IGFBP-4 and PAPP-A in normal physiology and disease.

PubMed

Hjortebjerg, Rikke

2018-05-30

Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) binding protein-4 (IGFBP-4) is a modulator of the IGF system, exerting both inhibitory and stimulatory effects on IGF-induced cellular growth. IGFBP-4 is the principal substrate for the enzyme pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A). Through IGF-dependent cleavage of IGFBP-4 in the vicinity of the IGF receptor, PAPP-A is able to increase IGF bioavailability and stimulate IGF-mediated growth. Recently, the stanniocalcins (STCs) were identified as novel inhibitors of PAPP-A proteolytic activity, hereby adding additional members to the seemingly endless list of proteins belonging to the IGF family. Our understanding of these proteins has advanced throughout recent years, and there is evidence to suggest that the role of IGFBP-4 and PAPP-A in defining the relationship between total IGF and IGF bioactivity can be linked to a number of pathological conditions. This review provides an overview of the experimental and clinical findings on the IGFBP-4/PAPP-A/STC axis as a regulator of IGF activity and examines the conundrum surrounding extrapolation of circulating concentrations to tissue action of these proteins. The primary focus will be on the biological significance of IGFBP-4 and PAPP-A in normal physiology and in pathophysiology with emphasis on metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Finally, the review assesses current new trajectories of IGFBP-4 and PAPP-A research. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Future Directions in the Design, Development, and Investigation of Technology as a Service Delivery Vehicle

PubMed Central

Jones, Deborah J.

2013-01-01

Treatment outcome research with children and adolescents has progressed to such an extent that numerous handbooks have been devoted to reviewing and summarizing the evidence base. Ensuring that consumers of these advancements in state-of-the-field interventions have the opportunity to access, engage in, and benefit from this evidence-base, however, has been wrought with challenge. As such, much discussion exists about innovative strategies for overcoming the gap between research and practice; yet, no other potential solution that has received more attention in both the popular and academic press than technology. The promise of technology is not surprising given the fast-paced evolution in development and, in turn, a seemingly endless range of possibilities for novel service delivery platforms. Yet, this is precisely the most formidable challenge threatening to upset the very promise of this potential solution: The rate of emerging technologies is far outpacing the field’s capacity to demonstrate the conceptual or empirical benefits of such an approach. Accordingly, this paper aims to provide a series of recommendations that better situate empirical enquiry at the core of a collaborative development, testing, and deployment process that must define this line of work if the promise of mental health technologies is going to be a reality for front-line clinicians and the clients they serve. PMID:24400723

A historical forest management conundrum: do social and biophysical mix?

Treesearch

Heidi Bigler-Cole

2005-01-01

Forest managers face an array of prickly, seemingly intractable environmental problems. They have traditionally turned to the biophysical sciences to help gauge potential management effects, weigh alternatives, and set priorities. Over the past several decades, forest managers have watched management plans disintegrate in the face of grassroots-level protests, quarrels...

Formation of newly synthesized adeno-associated virus capsids in the cell nucleus.

PubMed

Bell, Peter; Vandenberghe, Luk H; Wilson, James M

2014-06-01

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) particles inside the nucleus of a HEK 293 cell are shown by electron microscopy. Cells have been triple-transfected for vector production and were analyzed for capsid formation three days later. Newly assembled particle are visible as seemingly unstructured conglomerates or crystal-like arrays.

Different Levels of the Meaning of Wave-Particle Duality and a Suspensive Perspective on the Interpretation of Quantum Theory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cheong, Yong Wook; Song, Jinwoong

2014-01-01

There is no consensus on the genuine meaning of wave-particle duality and the interpretation of quantum theory. How can we teach duality and quantum theory despite this lack of consensus? This study attempts to answer this question. This research argues that reality issues are at the core of both the endless debates concerning the interpretation…

Bringing 21st Century Learning to the High School Classroom: Program Evaluation on Pedagogical Change

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Travis, Michael G.

2013-01-01

Children today are born into a world with endless amounts of information at their fingertips, the ability to instantly connect with others, and smartphones with an app for virtually everything. It is a world that is vastly different than that of their parents or grandparents. As these students sit in classrooms all over the world, their teachers…

Automatic Generation of Rasch-Calibrated Items: Figural Matrices Test GEOM and Endless-Loops Test EC

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Arendasy, Martin

2005-01-01

The future of test construction for certain psychological ability domains that can be analyzed well in a structured manner may lie--at the very least for reasons of test security--in the field of automatic item generation. In this context, a question that has not been explicitly addressed is whether it is possible to embed an item response theory…

A STEM Brainstorm at NASA

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Farmer, Tom

2009-01-01

"I wanna be an astronaut when I grow up" was a common refrain from children in the 1970s, 80s and 90s, and it might have given the U.S. space program leaders a false sense of security that an endless line of well-qualified workers would be waiting outside their door for years to come. The reality has been that not enough students have chosen…

The Complexity Trap

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-01-01

proactively and effectively to today’s international environment, prioritization is the key first step —and precisely the opposite reaction to the complacency...formidable than just endless grains of sand.”32 This is not to deny the possibility of nonlinear phenomena, butterfly effects, self-organizing systems...The first step is replac- ing the current reactive worship of complexity with proactive prioritization. To escape the complexity trap, let us dare

Web 2.0 and Education: Not Just Another Case of Hype, Hope and Disappointment?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gouseti, Anastasia

2010-01-01

It could be said that in the fast-changing field of education technology the initial excitement for a tool or application usually fades away as the next technology emerges on the horizon--leaving little or no room for critical evaluation of how it may best be used in educational settings. Some critics have identified this endless "pursuit of the…

Unbalanced Nature, Unbounded Bodies, and Unlimited Technology: Ecocriticism and Karen Traviss' Wess'har Series

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sullivan, Heather I.

2010-01-01

While nature is often claimed to be a space of harmonized balance or an antidote to the chaos of the modern world, we need a more grounded assessment of nature as endlessly changing and much less predictable than we like to assume. In this essay, I explore Karen Traviss' provocative exploration of unbalanced nature and unbounded bodies in her…

The Quiet Plug Crisis: A Digital Generation Scours the Library for Electrical Outlets

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kelley, Michael

2011-01-01

Thirty years ago, the only person in a library looking for an electrical outlet was a blue-smocked cleaning person who had to plug in a vacuum cleaner with a very long cord. Now, hordes of patrons outfitted with amp-devouring laptops and cell phones expect and need the library to offer an endless supply of electricity. The overall demand for…

An Analysis of the Readiness and Implementation of 2013 Curriculum in the West Part of Seram District, Maluku Province, Indonesia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rumahlatu, Dominggus; Huliselan, Estevanus K.; Takaria, Johanis

2016-01-01

The changes of curriculum by government always generate pros and cons endlessly. Similarly, the implementation of 2013 Curriculum, which has been established by the government, makes most of the school educators throughout Indonesia including West Seram district try hard to implement the curriculum. Given that there are a lot schools in the West…

21st Century Girls' Schools: For What Reasons Are New Independent Girls' Schools Opening in the United States?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Palmieri, James R.

2014-01-01

For a multitude of reasons, the founding of an independent school in the modern-day United States is an extremely challenging undertaking. The list of essentials necessary to envision, prepare, open, and operate a functioning school are endless, yet school founders are driven to do so out of a commitment to and passion for a particular school…

Electrochemical wastewater treatment directly powered by photovoltaic panels: electrooxidation of a dye-containing wastewater.

PubMed

Valero, David; Ortiz, Juan M; Expósito, Eduardo; Montiel, Vicente; Aldaz, Antonio

2010-07-01

Electrochemical technologies have proved to be useful for the treatment of wastewater, but to enhance their green characteristics it seems interesting to use a green electric energy such as that provided by photovoltaic (PV) cells, which are actually under active research to decrease the economic cost of solar kW. The aim of this work is to demonstrate the feasibility and utility of using an electrooxidation system directly powered by a photovoltaic array for the treatment of a wastewater. The experimental system used was an industrial electrochemical filter press reactor and a 40-module PV array. The influence on the degradation of a dye-containing solution (Remazol RB 133) of different experimental parameters such as the PV array and electrochemical reactor configurations has been studied. It has been demonstrated that the electrical configuration of the PV array has a strong influence on the optimal use of the electric energy generated. The optimum PV array configuration changes with the intensity of the solar irradiation, the conductivity of the solution, and the concentration of pollutant in the wastewater. A useful and effective methodology to adjust the EO-PV system operation conditions to the wastewater treatment is proposed.

Economically dispatching cogeneration facilities

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

Hernandez, E.

Economic dispatching has been used by utilities to meet the energy demands of their customers for decades. The objective was to first load those units which cost the least to run and slowly increase the loading of more expensive units as the incremental energy price increased. Although this concept worked well for utility based systems where incremental costs rose with peak demand, the independent power producers(IPPs) and the power purchase agreements (PPAs) have drastically changed this notion. Most PPAs structured for the IPP environment have negotiated rates which remain the same during peak periods and base their electrical generation onmore » specific process steam requirements. They also must maintain the required production balance of process steam and electrical load in order to qualify as a Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA) facility. Consequently, economically dispatching Cogeneration facilities becomes an exercise in adhering to contractual guidelines while operating the equipment in the most efficient manner possible for the given condition. How then is it possible to dispatch a Cogeneration facility that maintains the electrical load demand of JFK Airport while satisfying all of its heating and cooling needs? Contractually, Kennedy International Airport Cogen (KIAC) has specific obligations concerning electrical and thermal energy exported to JFK Airport. The facility`s impressive array of heating and cooling apparatuses together with the newly installed cogen fulfilled the airport`s needs by utilizing an endless combination of new and previously installed equipment. Moreover, in order to economically operate the plant a well structured operating curriculum was necessary.« less

Challenging aspects of contemporary cochlear implant electrode array design.

PubMed

Mistrík, Pavel; Jolly, Claude; Sieber, Daniel; Hochmair, Ingeborg

2017-12-01

A design comparison of current perimodiolar and lateral wall electrode arrays of the cochlear implant (CI) is provided. The focus is on functional features such as acoustic frequency coverage and tonotopic mapping, battery consumption and dynamic range. A traumacity of their insertion is also evaluated. Review of up-to-date literature. Perimodiolar electrode arrays are positioned in the basal turn of the cochlea near the modiolus. They are designed to initiate the action potential in the proximity to the neural soma located in spiral ganglion. On the other hand, lateral wall electrode arrays can be inserted deeper inside the cochlea, as they are located along the lateral wall and such insertion trajectory is less traumatic. This class of arrays targets primarily surviving neural peripheral processes. Due to their larger insertion depth, lateral wall arrays can deliver lower acoustic frequencies in manner better corresponding to cochlear tonotopicity. In fact, spiral ganglion sections containing auditory nerve fibres tuned to low acoustic frequencies are located deeper than 1 and half turn inside the cochlea. For this reason, a significant frequency mismatch might be occurring for apical electrodes in perimodiolar arrays, detrimental to speech perception. Tonal languages such as Mandarin might be therefore better treated with lateral wall arrays. On the other hand, closer proximity to target tissue results in lower psychophysical threshold levels for perimodiolar arrays. However, the maximal comfort level is also lower, paradoxically resulting in narrower dynamic range than that of lateral wall arrays. Battery consumption is comparable for both types of arrays. Lateral wall arrays are less likely to cause trauma to cochlear structures. As the current trend in cochlear implantation is the maximal protection of residual acoustic hearing, the lateral wall arrays seem more suitable for hearing preservation CI surgeries. Future development could focus on combining the advantages of both types: perimodiolar location in the basal turn extended to lateral wall location for higher turn locations.

Microwave amplification based on quasiparticle SIS up and down frequency converters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kojima, T.; Uzawa, Y.; Shan, W.

2018-02-01

Heterodyne instruments have recently attained quantum-limited low-noise performance, particularly in radio astronomy, but it is difficult to develop large heterodyne arrays such as a modern radio camera using cryogenic sensitive detectors based on microwave kinetic inductance detectors, transition edge sensors, etc. In the realization of the heterodyne array, the reduction of power dissipation for semiconductor-based amplifiers remains a major challenge. Alternatively, superconducting parametric amplifiers still seem to have several barriers to application, especially in terms of operating temperature. Here, we show a novel concept of microwave amplification based on up and down frequency-conversion processes using quasiparticle superconductor-insulator-superconductor (SIS) tunnel junctions. We demonstrate positive gain using a proof-of-concept test module, which operates with a power dissipation of several μW at a bath temperature of 4 K. The performance of the module suggests great potential for application in large arrays.

Gas Sensors Characterization and Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) Hardware Implementation for Gas Identification Using a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)

PubMed Central

Benrekia, Fayçal; Attari, Mokhtar; Bouhedda, Mounir

2013-01-01

This paper develops a primitive gas recognition system for discriminating between industrial gas species. The system under investigation consists of an array of eight micro-hotplate-based SnO2 thin film gas sensors with different selectivity patterns. The output signals are processed through a signal conditioning and analyzing system. These signals feed a decision-making classifier, which is obtained via a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) with Very High-Speed Integrated Circuit Hardware Description Language. The classifier relies on a multilayer neural network based on a back propagation algorithm with one hidden layer of four neurons and eight neurons at the input and five neurons at the output. The neural network designed after implementation consists of twenty thousand gates. The achieved experimental results seem to show the effectiveness of the proposed classifier, which can discriminate between five industrial gases. PMID:23529119

NASCAP modelling of high-voltage power system interactions with space charged-particle environments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stevens, N. J.; Roche, J. C.; Mandell, M. J.

1979-01-01

A simple space power system operating in geosynchronous orbit was analyzed. This system consisted of two solar array wings and a central body. Each solar array wing was considered to be divided into three regions operating at 2000 volts. The center body was considered to be an electrical ground with the array voltages both positive and negative relative to ground. The system was analyzed for both a normal environment and a moderate geomagnetic substorm environment. Initial results indicate a high probability of arcing at the interconnects on the negative operating voltage wing. The dielectric strength of the substrate may be exceeded giving rise to breakdown in the bulk of the material. The geomagnetic substorm did not seem to increase the electrical gradients at the interconnects on the negative operating voltage wing but did increase the gradients on the positive operating voltage wing which could result in increased coupling current losses.

The Biomedical Doctorate in the Contemporary University: Education or Training and Why It Matters

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kemp, Matthew W.; Newnham, John P.; Chapman, Elaine

2012-01-01

The form and function(s) of doctoral education continue to be a subject of much debate by stakeholders internal and external to the university. Notable concerns driving this debate derive from a seemingly discursive array of factors including increasing student numbers, increased understanding of the economic value of doctoral graduates,…

School-Based Mental Health Services for Adolescents: School Psychology in Contemporary Society

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Crespi, Tony D.; Hughes, Tammy L.

2004-01-01

Adolescents are in crisis in school, home, and in the community. With an increasing array of problems, from alcohol and drug addiction to teenage pregnancy, the nation's youth are facing difficult challenges. In particular, family problems experienced by adolescents alone can seem daunting, with such issues as divorce, abuse, and discord changing…

Monitoring Technology Misuse & Abuse: A Five-Step Plan for Creating a Digital Citizenship Program in Your School

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ribble, Mike S.; Bailey, Gerald D.

2004-01-01

Over the last two years, it has become evident that a behavior pattern of misuse and abuse with respect to technology is beginning to emerge in society. This outbreak of technology misuse and abuse is documented in continual news coverage on TV, in newspapers and on the Internet--both inside and outside of schools. The endless list of misuse and…

First-Person Assignments: Considering How History Affects and Is Affected by the Individual

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johansen, Mary Carroll

2014-01-01

This author is an avid consumer of history and has a desire to open students to the endless supply of the riveting stories of men and women struggling to cope with a changing world. The fascination toward the people of the past is enthralling history, and students need to feel that same sense of wonder and love of history. To accomplish this goal,…

Uncle Bill Forecasts Change, Challenge, and Endless Variety: Rejoinder to "'Your Professor Will Know You as a Person': Evaluating and Rethinking the Relational Boundaries Between Faculty and Students"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Starbuck, William H.

2017-01-01

The article, "Your Professor Will Know You as a Person" (Chory & Offstein, 2016) brings two groups of thoughts to the author's mind. First, postsecondary education is changing in ways that are forcing higher education institutions to reformulate their strategies. These changes are likely to increase the heterogeneity of universities,…

Falling Stars: Why Senior Military Leaders Fail

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-02-01

Will, for his endless patience and tireless parenting skills. I also greatly appreciate our daughter, Victoria, and our baby-on-the-way for making the...Michael Mulholland, Sean P. Mulholland, John F. Naughton, Richard F. Nesbitt, William T. Newell, Robert Newman , Robert B. Oliver, Daniel T. O’Reilly...Craven. “Leadership Styles and Cultural Intelligence.” Journal of Leadership, Accountability and Ethics 11, no. 3 (2014): 154- 165. Feaver, Peter D

DoD Acquisition - To Compete or Not Compete: The Placebo of Competition

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-01-01

of Competition William J. Levenson Commercial markets abound with examples of competi- tive forces providing reduced costs and increased innovation...However, the defense market is materially different from commercial markets in many ways, and thus does not respond in the same way to competition ...global scale. Government officials and politicians point to endless examples of the powers of competition in commercial markets , such as the

Building Bridges: An Act To Reduce Recidivism by Improving Access to Benefits for Individuals with Psychiatric Disabilities upon Release from Incarceration. Model Law and Commentary.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, Washington, DC.

Mental health advocates have been distressed for years about the disproportionate number of people with psychiatric disabilities who are arrested or held in jail or prison. Equally disturbing is the endless cycle of recidivism that results when people with psychiatric disabilities are released with their needs unmet. The Council of State…

"PowerPoint" Is Not Just for Business Presentations and College Lectures: Using "PowerPoint" to Enhance Instruction for Students with Disabilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Coleman, Mari Beth

2009-01-01

Microsoft PowerPoint software is widely used in business and higher education and is growing in use with school-aged students. A small body of research has demonstrated that it can be effective in enhancing skill instruction for individuals with disabilities. PowerPoint is not a difficult program to learn, but it provides endless possibilities for…

Cells, walls, and endless forms.

PubMed

Monniaux, Marie; Hay, Angela

2016-12-01

A key question in biology is how the endless diversity of forms found in nature evolved. Understanding the cellular basis of this diversity has been aided by advances in non-model experimental systems, quantitative image analysis tools, and modeling approaches. Recent work in plants highlights the importance of cell wall and cuticle modifications for the emergence of diverse forms and functions. For example, explosive seed dispersal in Cardamine hirsuta depends on the asymmetric localization of lignified cell wall thickenings in the fruit valve. Similarly, the iridescence of Hibiscus trionum petals relies on regular striations formed by cuticular folds. Moreover, NAC transcription factors regulate the differentiation of lignified xylem vessels but also the water-conducting cells of moss that lack a lignified secondary cell wall, pointing to the origin of vascular systems. Other novel forms are associated with modified cell growth patterns, including oriented cell expansion or division, found in the long petal spurs of Aquilegia flowers, and the Sarracenia purpurea pitcher leaf, respectively. Another good example is the regulation of dissected leaf shape in C. hirsuta via local growth repression, controlled by the REDUCED COMPLEXITY HD-ZIP class I transcription factor. These studies in non-model species often reveal as much about fundamental processes of development as they do about the evolution of form. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

'For our garden of remembrance is somewhere else': Narratives of separation through the eyes of Freud's patients.

PubMed

Mahalel, Anat Tzur

2017-12-01

This article presents a unique collection of narratives of separation - unique because the separation here is from psychoanalysis and from Freud as analyst. These narratives were published as part of memoirs written about Freud by three of his patients. Their narratives of separation give us an innovative point of view on the psychoanalytic process, in particular with respect to the importance they place on the termination phase of the analysis at a time when Freud himself had not given it much consideration. The three autobiographical texts are Abram Kardiner's memoir (1977); the memoir of Sergei Pankejeff, known as the Wolf Man (Gardiner, ); and 'Tribute to Freud', by the poet H.D. (). These three distinguished narratives are discussed here as works of translation, as understood by Walter Benjamin (1968 [1955]), Paul Ricoeur (2006 [2004]), and Jean Laplanche (1999 [1992]). They express translation under three aspects: reconstruction of the past (the work of memory), interpreting the conscious residues of the transference (the work of mourning), and, as a deferred action, deciphering the enigmatic messages received from Freud as the parental figure. This representation of the analysand's writing suggests that the separation from analysis is an endless work of translation within the endless process of deciphering the unconscious. Copyright © 2017 Institute of Psychoanalysis.

Evolutionarily stable disequilibrium: endless dynamics of evolution in a stationary population.

PubMed

Takeuchi, Nobuto; Kaneko, Kunihiko; Hogeweg, Paulien

2016-05-11

Evolution is often conceived as changes in the properties of a population over generations. Does this notion exhaust the possible dynamics of evolution? Life is hierarchically organized, and evolution can operate at multiple levels with conflicting tendencies. Using a minimal model of such conflicting multilevel evolution, we demonstrate the possibility of a novel mode of evolution that challenges the above notion: individuals ceaselessly modify their genetically inherited phenotype and fitness along their lines of descent, without involving apparent changes in the properties of the population. The model assumes a population of primitive cells (protocells, for short), each containing a population of replicating catalytic molecules. Protocells are selected towards maximizing the catalytic activity of internal molecules, whereas molecules tend to evolve towards minimizing it in order to maximize their relative fitness within a protocell. These conflicting evolutionary tendencies at different levels and genetic drift drive the lineages of protocells to oscillate endlessly between high and low intracellular catalytic activity, i.e. high and low fitness, along their lines of descent. This oscillation, however, occurs independently in different lineages, so that the population as a whole appears stationary. Therefore, ongoing evolution can be hidden behind an apparently stationary population owing to conflicting multilevel evolution. © 2016 The Authors.

Coast Guard Maritime Security in the Underwater Domain

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-12-01

appreciate the endless love and support of my wife, Amanda, and our children , Nina and Benton. It is only through their tremendous patience and...Ponchartrain (Truver, 2012) In this case, a private tugboat found the IED on the surface 2 in a plastic bag. Fortunately, there were no injuries , but...later in this chapter under heading C. Analysis of Alternatives later in this chapter. 2. Baseline Capabilities The Coast Guard currently fields 12

Coast Guard Maritime Security in the Underwater Domain

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-02-06

appreciate the endless love and support of my wife, Amanda, and our children , Nina and Benton. It is only through their tremendous patience and understanding...Truver, 2012) In this case, a private tugboat found the IED on the surface 1 in a plastic bag. Fortunately, there were no injuries , but the case...ALMDS), (Truver, 2012). These systems are reviewed later in this chapter under heading C. Analysis of Alternatives later in this chapter. 2. Baseline

CPU Performance Counter-Based Problem Diagnosis for Software Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-09-01

application servers and implementation techniques), this thesis only used the Enterprise Java Bean (EJB) SessionBean version of RUBiS. The PHP and Servlet ...collection statistics at the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) level can be reused for any Java application. Other examples of gray-box instrumentation include path...used gray-box approaches. For example, PinPoint [11, 14] and [29] use request tracing to diagnose Java exceptions, endless calls, and null calls in

Restrained Policy and Careless Execution: Allied Strategic Bombing on the Netherlands in the Second World War

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-05-19

food and money to the crew of a downed British Wellington. Source: A. Korthals Altes, Luchtgevaar: Luchtaanvallen op Nederland , 1940- 1945...of the Liberation of Europe (New York: Free Press, 2008). 6Chris van der Heijden, Grijs Verleden: Nederland en de Tweede Wereldoorlog (Amsterdam... Nederland Tijdens de Tweede Wereldoorlog (Den Haag, The Netherlands: Studiegroep Luchtoorlog 1939-1945, 2008), 141-143. 3 Endless Controversy Strategic

Electric arc saw apparatus

DOEpatents

Deichelbohrer, P.R.

1983-08-08

A portable, hand-held electric arc saw apparatus comprising a small frame for supporting an electrically conducting rotary blade which serves as an electrode for generating an electric arc between the blade and a workpiece of opposite polarity. Electrically conducting means are provided on said frame for transmitting current to said blade. A pair of freely movable endless belts in the form of crawler treads are employed to facilitate movement of the apparatus relative to the workpiece.

Email and All that Jazz: Training Staff to Use Electronic Communication Tools Professionally

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stephens, Karen

2008-01-01

There are many benefits of e-mails. Through e-mail, a person can relay specific details to any number of "need to know" persons at the press of a "send" key at any time of day, without playing endless phone tag or waking someone up on the wrong side of the time zone. A person can also get "newsy" information out fast and save printing money, too.…

The Army’s Institutional Values: Current Doctrine and the Army’s Values Training Strategy

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-06-01

laws to the military over the course of 20 years, at first to combat racism and sexism , had opened the door to endless litigation . . . Writers of...consistent with organizational values construction theory ? 7. Are the Army’s values training initiatives consistent with Army training doctrine? The ...doctrine attempts to provide the systematic framework for good leader- theory . Assumptions This study begins with several assumptions. These

Homo Sapiens, an endless universe and other living beings. (Italian Title: Homo sapiens, un universo senza confini e altri viventi)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Castaldi, F.

2016-02-01

The idea that we live in an universe with multiple inhabited worlds can be found in the works of Greek scholars of the centuries BC, through the renaissance age, up to the present day. The author examines this theory marking reference to two scientific facts, the velocity of electromagnetic waves and the evolution's time taken for the development of life on a planet.

Global UAS Proliferation Challenges USAF Air Superiority

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-01-18

wingspan or rotor -blade diameter less than six feet, can be concealed within the confines of a vehicle, suitcase or backpack, costs less than $25K... helicopters at designated locations governed by the rules and requirements of the local club’s airfield. With the arrival of electric, quiet, easy to...the strength and reliability of plastics and composites as a weight saver has allowed for tremendous capability in endless applications. A leader in

Eritrean Options and Ethiopia’s Future

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-09-01

great modernizing emperors, Menelik II and Haile Selassie I, were centralizers who dealt with different regions and groups with attention to local...movements and to ii ’ -nsify their competition for influence in them. Haile Selassie’s alleged oppressive policies in Eritrea quickly became the...Socialism." All of Ethiopia’s misfortunes during the ensuing 15 years stemmed directly from these two fateful decisions. -5- II . ENDLESS WAR The Derg’s

How to Avoid Getting Ripped Off by Ed-Tech Vendors: Ten Tips for School Districts from an Industry Insider

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Waldron, Rob

2018-01-01

Companies have developed a dizzying array of new software tools designed to do everything from assessing and monitoring students' progress to supporting a blended-learning environment to supplying entire curricula, complete with online activities and homework assignments. Educators seem to have developed a taste for these new digital tools,…

Mastering the Online Master's: Developing and Delivering an Online MA in English Language Teaching through a Dialogic-Based Framework

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Baker, Will; Watson, Julie

2014-01-01

With an ever increasing array of technologies offering potential for the delivery of educational e-content and support of online communication and interaction, distance learning has an opportunity to make the transition to authentic online learning and teaching as never before. However, it seems that institutions are only slowly exploiting this…

Where value lives in a networked world.

PubMed

Sawhney, M; Parikh, D

2001-01-01

While many management thinkers proclaim an era of radical uncertainty, authors Sawhney and Parikh assert that the seemingly endless upheavals of the digital age are more predictable than that: today's changes have a common root, and that root lies in the nature of intelligence in networks. Understanding the patterns of intelligence migration can help companies decipher and plan for the inevitable disruptions in today's business environment. Two patterns in network intelligence are reshaping industries and organizations. First, intelligence is decoupling--that is, modern high-speed networks are pushing back-end intelligence and front-end intelligence toward opposite ends of the network, making the ends the two major sources of potential profits. Second, intelligence is becoming more fluid and modular. Small units of intelligence now float freely like molecules in the ether, coalescing into temporary bundles whenever and wherever necessary to solve problems. The authors present four strategies that companies can use to profit from these patterns: arbitrage allows companies to move intelligence to new regions or countries where the cost of maintaining intelligence is lower; aggregation combines formerly isolated pieces of infrastructure intelligence into a large pool of shared infrastructure provided over a network; rewiring allows companies to connect islands of intelligence by creating common information backbones; and reassembly allows businesses to reorganize pieces of intelligence into coherent, personalized packages for customers. By being aware of patterns in network intelligence and by acting rather than reacting, companies can turn chaos into opportunity, say the authors.

The employee as client: perceptions of a work-based alcohol treatment program.

PubMed

Googins, B; Kurtz, N R

1984-01-01

The clients' reports provide invaluable insights into the EAP in which they participated. Overall, they reaffirmed the viability of occupational alcoholism programs as an effective intervention in problem drinking. They did raise serious questions about the fit between the theoretical expectations of EAPs and actual practice. They felt work performance problems were poorly documented and therefore were not used in the confrontation-referral process. As a consequence, early problem identification, seen as one of the major advantages of occupational intervention, does not seem to take place. Most of the clients felt they were referred only after long periods of problem drinking. While the reports of the clients represent an insider's view of the EAP, an obvious question that arises is how valid are their reports? Precisely because they are the targets of the EAP activity and because their problem drinking is generally seen as deviant behavior, their reports may be clouded by fear, rationalization, attempts to please others in the work organization and endless other personal concerns. The validity of self-reports are always difficult to assess. The usual precautions were taken in collecting the data, including assurance of confidentiality, voluntary participation in the study, assurance that the research team was independent of any work-related interest group and the use of neutral grounds for data collection. While all of these add some measure of confidence to the reports, they do not constitute guarantees of validity. Another source of evidence for validity is corroborating evidence.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Pathology and failure in the design and implementation of adaptive management

USGS Publications Warehouse

Allen, Craig R.; Gunderson, Lance H.

2011-01-01

The conceptual underpinnings for adaptive management are simple; there will always be inherent uncertainty and unpredictability in the dynamics and behavior of complex ecological systems as a result non-linear interactions among components and emergence, yet management decisions must still be made. The strength of adaptive management is in the recognition and confrontation of such uncertainty. Rather than ignore uncertainty, or use it to preclude management actions, adaptive management can foster resilience and flexibility to cope with an uncertain future, and develop safe to fail management approaches that acknowledge inevitable changes and surprises. Since its initial introduction, adaptive management has been hailed as a solution to endless trial and error approaches to complex natural resource management challenges. However, its implementation has failed more often than not. It does not produce easy answers, and it is appropriate in only a subset of natural resource management problems. Clearly adaptive management has great potential when applied appropriately. Just as clearly adaptive management has seemingly failed to live up to its high expectations. Why? We outline nine pathologies and challenges that can lead to failure in adaptive management programs. We focus on general sources of failures in adaptive management, so that others can avoid these pitfalls in the future. Adaptive management can be a powerful and beneficial tool when applied correctly to appropriate management problems; the challenge is to keep the concept of adaptive management from being hijacked for inappropriate use.

Imaging black holes: past, present and future

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Falcke, Heino

2017-12-01

This paper briefly reviews past, current, and future efforts to image black holes. Black holes seem like mystical objects, but they are an integral part of current astrophysics and are at the center of attempts to unify quantum physics and general relativity. Yet, nobody has ever seen a black hole. What do they look like? Initially, this question seemed more of an academic nature. However, this has changed over the past two decades. Observations and theoretical considerations suggest that the supermassive black hole, Sgr A*, in the center of our Milky Way is surrounded by a compact, foggy emission region radiating at and above 230 GHz. It has been predicted that the event horizon of Sgr A* should cast its shadow onto that emission region, which could be detectable with a global VLBI array of radio telescopes. In contrast to earlier pictures of black holes, that dark feature is not supposed to be due to a hole in the accretion flow, but would represent a true negative image of the event horizon. Currently, the global Event Horizon Telescope consortium is attempting to make such an image. In the future those images could be improved by adding more telescopes to the array, in particular at high sites in Africa. Ultimately, a space array at THz frequencies, the Event Horizon Imager, could produce much more detailed images of black holes. In combination with numerical simulations and precise measurements of the orbits of stars - ideally also of pulsars - these images will allow us to study black holes with unprecedented precision.

Efficient Memory Access with NumPy Global Arrays using Local Memory Access

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

Daily, Jeffrey A.; Berghofer, Dan C.

This paper discusses the work completed working with Global Arrays of data on distributed multi-computer systems and improving their performance. The tasks completed were done at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in the Science Undergrad Laboratory Internship program in the summer of 2013 for the Data Intensive Computing Group in the Fundamental and Computational Sciences DIrectorate. This work was done on the Global Arrays Toolkit developed by this group. This toolkit is an interface for programmers to more easily create arrays of data on networks of computers. This is useful because scientific computation is often done on large amounts of datamore » sometimes so large that individual computers cannot hold all of it. This data is held in array form and can best be processed on supercomputers which often consist of a network of individual computers doing their computation in parallel. One major challenge for this sort of programming is that operations on arrays on multiple computers is very complex and an interface is needed so that these arrays seem like they are on a single computer. This is what global arrays does. The work done here is to use more efficient operations on that data that requires less copying of data to be completed. This saves a lot of time because copying data on many different computers is time intensive. The way this challenge was solved is when data to be operated on with binary operations are on the same computer, they are not copied when they are accessed. When they are on separate computers, only one set is copied when accessed. This saves time because of less copying done although more data access operations were done.« less

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

Schaeffer, Daniel; Winter, Kyle

A water repellent developed by researchers at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory outperforms nature at its best and could open a floodgate of commercial possibilities. The super-water repellent (superhydrophobic) material, developed by John Simpson, is easy to fabricate and uses inexpensive base materials. The process could lead to the creation of a new class of water repellant products, including windshields, eyewear, clothing, building materials, road surfaces, ship hulls and self-cleaning coatings. The list of likely applications is virtually endless.

Enhancing Strategic Decision-Making: Lessons from History

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-03-16

tension. This theme is common in literature, art, movies and other media where rushing emotionally to the sound of the guns results in tragedy and...endless and exist in all forms of media . These include Erich Maria Ramarque’s classic 1929 novel turned 1930 movie All Quiet on the Western Front...gagged; political dissent loses its voice when faced by the hegemonic will of the mass of citizens.”39 The most difficult part of dissent is opposing

Efficiently finding information on the Internet.

PubMed

Underberger, D

2000-01-01

The Internet: a vast frontier of endless information. Despite this gold mine of knowledge, most users remain lost in cyberspace with little knowledge of what is available, where or how to find these treasures. Popular communities such as America Online have emerged because they help to organize the content into manageable pieces. But once you venture outside these confines, you get lost. This article will enable you to efficiently find general information and medically-related content on the Internet.

Developing a Strategic Leadership Model for the Military Chaplaincy

DTIC Science & Technology

1999-04-07

strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers." George Barna quotes from Garry Wills’ book on sociopolitical leadership, Certain Trumpets: "A...inspires them to get involved in the things of God. He calls on future leaders of the Church to expend themselves in the endless pursuit of the vision...Paul, an ancient apostle in the first century, is a practical model for strategic-spiritual leadership in the twenty-first century. Based on the

Superhydrophobics

ScienceCinema

Schaeffer, Daniel; Winter, Kyle

2018-06-06

A water repellent developed by researchers at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory outperforms nature at its best and could open a floodgate of commercial possibilities. The super-water repellent (superhydrophobic) material, developed by John Simpson, is easy to fabricate and uses inexpensive base materials. The process could lead to the creation of a new class of water repellant products, including windshields, eyewear, clothing, building materials, road surfaces, ship hulls and self-cleaning coatings. The list of likely applications is virtually endless.

Telling Tales: Towards a New Model of Literacy Development Using E-Readers in Teacher Education in Chile

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Charbonneau-Gowdy, Paula

2015-01-01

Current debates on quality standards in education often look to the levels of an increasingly diverse array of literacies as a measure of that standard. At the same time, while mobile technologies are profoundly changing the way we live, communicate and learn in our everyday lives, relatively little seems to be known about their potential to…

Evaluation of scenario-specific modeling approaches to predict plane of array solar irradiation

DOE PAGES

Moslehi, Salim; Reddy, T. Agami; Katipamula, Srinivas

2017-12-20

Predicting thermal or electric power output from solar collectors requires knowledge of solar irradiance incident on the collector, known as plane of array irradiance. In the absence of such a measurement, plane of array irradiation can be predicted using relevant transposition models which essentially requires diffuse (or beam) radiation to be to be known along with total horizontal irradiation. The two main objectives of the current study are (1) to evaluate the extent to which the prediction of plane of array irradiance is improved when diffuse radiation is predicted using location-specific regression models developed from on-site measured data as againstmore » using generalized models; and (2) to estimate the expected uncertainties associated with plane of array irradiance predictions under different data collection scenarios likely to be encountered in practical situations. These issues have been investigated using monitored data for several U.S. locations in conjunction with the Typical Meteorological Year, version 3 database. An interesting behavior in the Typical Meteorological Year, version 3 data was also observed in correlation patterns between diffuse and total radiation taken from different years which seems to attest to a measurement problem. Furthermore, the current study was accomplished under a broader research agenda aimed at providing energy managers the necessary tools for predicting, scheduling, and controlling various sub-systems of an integrated energy system.« less

Evaluation of scenario-specific modeling approaches to predict plane of array solar irradiation

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

Moslehi, Salim; Reddy, T. Agami; Katipamula, Srinivas

Predicting thermal or electric power output from solar collectors requires knowledge of solar irradiance incident on the collector, known as plane of array irradiance. In the absence of such a measurement, plane of array irradiation can be predicted using relevant transposition models which essentially requires diffuse (or beam) radiation to be to be known along with total horizontal irradiation. The two main objectives of the current study are (1) to evaluate the extent to which the prediction of plane of array irradiance is improved when diffuse radiation is predicted using location-specific regression models developed from on-site measured data as againstmore » using generalized models; and (2) to estimate the expected uncertainties associated with plane of array irradiance predictions under different data collection scenarios likely to be encountered in practical situations. These issues have been investigated using monitored data for several U.S. locations in conjunction with the Typical Meteorological Year, version 3 database. An interesting behavior in the Typical Meteorological Year, version 3 data was also observed in correlation patterns between diffuse and total radiation taken from different years which seems to attest to a measurement problem. Furthermore, the current study was accomplished under a broader research agenda aimed at providing energy managers the necessary tools for predicting, scheduling, and controlling various sub-systems of an integrated energy system.« less

Eukaryotic Cell Cycle as a Test Case for Modeling Cellular Regulation in a Collaborative Problem-Solving Environment

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-03-01

mitoses, some cells arrest in G2 while other cells continue to divide. In sea urchin and frog embryos, the first 12 cell cycles are known to be driven...with interlaced feedback and feed forward control loops, the hand-waving approach flounders in a stormy sea of conflicting signals, endless...we reduced the rate constants for degradation of Clb2, as described in the publication. Experiment Copies/cell, mean ± SEM (fold increase

Wind power machine

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

Denehi, D.

1992-07-28

This patent describes wind powered apparatus for producing electricity. It comprises: an endless chain trained over and movable in a continuous path about two substantially spaced-apart sprockets, a plurality of sails fixedly attached to the chain, guide means positioned adjacent the chain and operable, a rotary electrical generator; means connecting at least one of the sprockets to the generator to rotate the latter in response to movement of the chain by wind acting upon the sail flaps when in the first, open position thereof.

JPRS Report, Soviet Union, Political Affairs

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-12-09

letters from inmates in the prisons and camps, no "Notes from the gallows". In Germany, there is endless trial testimony, Hess’ diaries. In our...for them. If those who used to "cut ice with a pick" are no longer alive, then their children are. They remember the arrest, the stand- ing in prison ...the prisons and camps. In German work camps a piece of bandage was supplied once a month, says R.I. Pervina whose fate was typical of many. She was

21st Century Youth Using Critical Thinking Skills and Practicing Cyber Safety When Making Digital Decisions: An Analysis of the Digital Devices and Decisions of Youth and Parental Perspectives of the Same

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bryant, Veneschia R.

2013-01-01

The 21st century has allowed for endless possibilities in the areas of technology and technological innovations. Access is unlimited and society as a whole is benefiting from the abundance and availability, from private sectors to public. This access is truly tremendous as it continues to make many advances in areas such as medicine and education,…

A Strait Comparison: Lessons Learned from the 1915 Dardanelles Campaign in the Context of a Strait of Hormuz Closure Event

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-09-01

Council, which began discussing what to do after the fall of Constantinople . It perhaps played too well. Admiral Carden, apparently realizing the...the Strait, but political/ economic realities might dictate dealing with these threats concurrently. — U.S. strategists and planners should think hard...great ports of Constantinople [now Istanbul], Odessa, and Sebastopol. In 1914, an endless flow of steamships carried nine-tenths of Russia’s exported

The Phenomenological Circle and the Unity of Life and Thought.

PubMed

Atwood, George E; Stolorow, Robert D

2016-06-01

This paper describes the important role of our deep immersions in philosophy in the development of our phenomenological-contextualist approach to psychoanalysis. Influenced most particularly by the phenomenological movement, our collaborative dialogue over more than four decades has led us to a shared commitment to reflection upon the philosophical underpinnings and constitutive contexts of origin of all our theoretical ideas. The growth of our thinking follows an endlessly recurring phenomenological circle joining theoretical perspectives with the inquirers from whose emotional worlds they arise.

Brazil and the United States: The Need for Strategic Engagement (Strategic Forum, Number 266, March 2011)

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-03-01

If accurate, these astonishing numbers in themselves tell the story of Brazil’s explosive growth. 7 Embrapa is short for Empresa Brasileira de ...in the world. Geography. U.S. citizens think of Brazil as be- ing Rio de Janeiro and its beautiful beaches or as the Amazon, an endless jungle...United States www.ndu.edu/inss SF No. 266 3 and port systems lag. One study suggests that domestic transportation costs and port fees for soy, Brazil’s

JPRS Report, Near East & South Asia, Pakistan

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-09-18

Press delegation last week, India earlier this year by an important Major-General of could not take care of the poor at the bottom of society. the PLA...developing coun- want China to sell missiles in particular or other military tries." He said: "All countries, big or small, rich or poor ,equipment, to...country. country will suffer endlessly for no fault of its poor masses. It is a fact, nevertheless, that as a people we have been Politicians Focused on

Lamarck, Darwin, Wallace, and Ameghino: Does This Revolutionary Biology Heritage Qualify As a Biological Engineering View? [Retrospectroscope].

PubMed

Valentinuzzi, Max E; Saltor, Jorge

2016-01-01

The universe is the most fundamental wonder: we, as humans, face it every day, contemplate it in endless amazement, question it in our search for answers. And long ago, at a particular moment in a tiny piece of that great wonder, a second wonder, perhaps deeper in reach, emerged: life. Then, slowly, life evolved to contain within it a third wonder, possibly greater in some respects than the universe itself: the human mind.

Photonic sensing based on variation of propagation properties of photonic crystal fibres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rothwell, John H.; Flavin, Dónal A.; MacPherson, William N.; Jones, Julian D.; Knight, Jonathan C.; Russell, Philip St. J.

2006-12-01

We report on a low-coherence interferometric scheme for the measurement of the strain and temperature dependences of group delay and dispersion in short, index-guiding, 'endlessly-single-mode' photonic crystal fibre elements in the 840 nm and 1550 nm regions. Based on the measurements, we propose two schemes for simultaneous strain and temperature measurement using a single unmodified PCF element, without a requirement for any compensating components, and we project the measurement accuracies of these schemes.

Designing Ordered Molecular Arrays in Two and Three Dimensions

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-12-01

components often form 1:1 cocrystals (eq 1). These crystals are interesting for two R. R, H2. H H .R. N’.Hl H,.H𔃺 0 1 ’N ’N NH N N. NN No N .0’N N...and M. 35 Most seem to form 1:1 micro- cocrystals , most of which are not large enough for single- crystal diffractometry. Nonetheless, we have been able

Imaging photovoltaic infrared CdHgTe detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haakenaasen, R.; Steen, H.; Selvig, E.; Lorentzen, T.; van Rheenen, A. D.; Trosdahl-Iversen, L.; Hall, D.; Gordon, N.; Skauli, T.; Vaskinn, A. H.

2006-09-01

CdxHg1-xTe layers with bandgap in the mid-wavelength infrared (MWIR) and long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) regions were grown by molecular beam epitaxy, and one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) arrays of planar photodiodes were fabricated by ion milling of vacancy-doped layers. The grown layers have varying densities of needle-shaped structures on the surface. The needles are not associated with twins or dislocations in the layers, but could instead be due to (111) facets being reinforced by a preferential Te diffusion direction over steps on the surface. The needles do not seem to affect diode quality. 64 element 1D arrays of 26×26 μm2 or 26×56 μm2 diodes were processed, and zero-bias resistance-times-area values (R0A) at 77 K of 4×106 Ω cm2 at cutoff wavelength λCO=4.5 μm were measured, as well as high quantum efficiencies. To avoid creating a leakage current during ball-bonding to the 1D array diodes, a ZnS layer was deposited on top of the CdTe passivation layer, as well as extra electroplated Au on the bonding pads. The median measured noise equivalent temperature difference (NETD) on a LWIR array was 14 mK for the 42 operable diodes. 2D arrays showed reasonably good uniformity of R0A and zero-bias current (I0) values. The first 64×64 element 2D array of 16×16 μm2 MWIR diodes has been hybridized to read-out electronics and gave median NETD of 60 mK. Images from both a 1D and a 2D array are shown.

Effects of adding a virtual reality environment to different modes of treadmill walking.

PubMed

Sloot, L H; van der Krogt, M M; Harlaar, J

2014-03-01

Differences in gait between overground and treadmill walking are suggested to result from imposed treadmill speed and lack of visual flow. To counteract this effect, feedback-controlled treadmills that allow the subject to control the belt speed along with an immersive virtual reality (VR) have recently been developed. We studied the effect of adding a VR during both fixed speed (FS) and self-paced (SP) treadmill walking. Nineteen subjects walked on a dual-belt instrumented treadmill with a simple endless road projected on a 180° circular screen. A main effect of VR was found for hip flexion offset, peak hip extension, peak knee extension moment, knee flexion moment gain and ankle power during push off. A consistent interaction effect between VR and treadmill mode was found for 12 out of 30 parameters, although the differences were small and did not exceed 50% of the within subject stride variance. At FS, the VR seemed to slightly improve the walking pattern towards overground walking, with for example a 6.5mm increase in stride length. At SP, gait became slightly more cautious by adding a VR, with a 9.1mm decrease in stride length. Irrespective of treadmill mode, subjects rated walking with the VR as more similar to overground walking. In the context of clinical gait analysis, the effects of VR are too small to be relevant and are outweighed by the gains of adding a VR, such as a more stimulating experience and possibility of augmenting it by real-time feedback. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[comment t[Comment on] “What is AGU's proper role in society?”] AGU's role in society: Duty to the public

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilshire, Howard

Bravo to William Kaula and Don Anderson for their forthright opinion, “What Is AGU's Proper Role in Society?” (Eos, April 9, 1991). In hearing preliminaries about Mission to Planet Earth at the Geological Society of America's meeting in Phoenix in 1987, I was turned off by what seemed to me to be endless self-serving proposals to probe the Earth “with our steely knives,” but with hardly a mention of how we could use the information to assist the nation in making rational decisions about the future human occupancy of Earth. I concur with Kaula and Anderson that it is not only the duty of individual scientists to speak out on controversial issues of public concern, but also the duty of professional societies to influence the public policy decision-making process in areas where our special expertise is relevant.It does not matter that opinions within the professional societies differ. Opinions within the nation differ, too. But to take no position at all because of these differences of opinion is dereliction of our duty to the public that supports us. AGU already has a mechanism for presenting a Union-endorsed position on public issues (which could serve as a model for other professional societies whose best effort is to hide under the bed). This mechanism needs to be used more aggressively so that our expert knowledge (both of facts and hypotheses) is brought to bear on matters of critical human concern.

An archaeology of caring knowledge.

PubMed

Paley, J

2001-10-01

There have been repeated attempts, especially during the last 20 years, to say precisely what caring in nursing is. Authors who undertake this task usually begin with the observation that the concept of caring is complex and elusive, and suggest that their contribution will help to clarify this most confused of notions. However, they are always followed by other authors, who do exactly the same thing. We seem to be no closer, now, to a clarification of caring than we have ever been. The paper offers a diagnosis of this situation, and explains why the project of retrieving caring from its elusiveness is an impossible one. I will suggest that this has nothing to do with the concept of caring, as such. Rather, the impossibility of the task follows from what these authors take to be knowledge of caring. I present an analysis of some presuppositions about what knowledge is. These presuppositions pervade the literature on caring, and can be summarized as follows: knowledge of caring is an aggregate of things said about it, derived from a potentially endless series of associations, grouped into attributes on the basis of resemblances, and conceived as a holistic description of the phenomenon. Further, I suggest that this analysis is akin to the one which Foucault offers of sixteenth century knowledge. The analysis suggests that this way of knowing is approximately 350 years out of date, and explains why the task of arriving at knowledge (in this sense) is impossible. Moreover, Foucault's claim that sixteenth century knowledge is "plethoric yet absolutely poverty-stricken" applies, with equal force, to nursing's knowledge of caring.

Clinical impact of recurrently mutated genes on lymphoma diagnostics: state-of-the-art and beyond.

PubMed

Rosenquist, Richard; Rosenwald, Andreas; Du, Ming-Qing; Gaidano, Gianluca; Groenen, Patricia; Wotherspoon, Andrew; Ghia, Paolo; Gaulard, Philippe; Campo, Elias; Stamatopoulos, Kostas

2016-09-01

Similar to the inherent clinical heterogeneity of most, if not all, lymphoma entities, the genetic landscape of these tumors is markedly complex in the majority of cases, with a rapidly growing list of recurrently mutated genes discovered in recent years by next-generation sequencing technology. Whilst a few genes have been implied to have diagnostic, prognostic and even predictive impact, most gene mutations still require rigorous validation in larger, preferably prospective patient series, to scrutinize their potential role in lymphoma diagnostics and patient management. In selected entities, a predominantly mutated gene is identified in almost all cases (e.g. Waldenström's macroglobulinemia/lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma and hairy-cell leukemia), while for the vast majority of lymphomas a quite diverse mutation pattern is observed, with a limited number of frequently mutated genes followed by a seemingly endless tail of genes with mutations at a low frequency. Herein, the European Expert Group on NGS-based Diagnostics in Lymphomas (EGNL) summarizes the current status of this ever-evolving field, and, based on the present evidence level, segregates mutations into the following categories: i) immediate impact on treatment decisions, ii) diagnostic impact, iii) prognostic impact, iv) potential clinical impact in the near future, or v) should only be considered for research purposes. In the coming years, coordinated efforts aiming to apply targeted next-generation sequencing in large patient series will be needed in order to elucidate if a particular gene mutation will have an immediate impact on the lymphoma classification, and ultimately aid clinical decision making. Copyright© Ferrata Storti Foundation.

A review of the proposed reintroduction program for the Far Eastern leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis) and the role of conservation organizations, veterinarians, and zoos.

PubMed

Kelly, Paul; Stack, David; Harley, Jessica

2013-11-01

The Amur leopard is at the point of extinction. At present there are fewer than 35 in the wild. Their natural habitat ranges from China to the North Korean peninsula to Primorsky Krai in Russia. A reintroduction plan has been proposed to increase the population in the wild; however, this proposed plan still has many questions to be answered as to how effective it will be. The main objective is to reintroduce animals from a select group within the Far Eastern leopard programme or the Species Survival programme, which consist of leopards from select populations in the Northern Hemisphere. Zoos are central to the success of this plan, providing suitable breeding pairs to breed animals for reintroduction and also raising much needed funds to finance the project. Zoos are also central in educating the public about the critical status of the Amur leopard and other endangered animals of the world. Veterinary surgeons, by the very nature of their professional skills, are at the forefront of this seemingly endless battle against extinction of thousands of species that are critical to maintaining the balance of our fragile ecosystem. Veterinarians can analyze the health risks and health implications of reintroduction on the animals to be reintroduced and also on the native population. A world without large cats is a world hard to imagine. If we look closer at the implications of extinction, we see the domino effect of their loss and an ecosystem out of control. © 2013 Published by Elsevier Inc.

Before the Endless Forms: Embodied Model of Transition from Single Cells to Aggregates to Ecosystem Engineering

PubMed Central

Solé, Ricard V.; Valverde, Sergi

2013-01-01

The emergence of complex multicellular systems and their associated developmental programs is one of the major problems of evolutionary biology. The advantages of cooperation over individuality seem well known but it is not clear yet how such increase of complexity emerged from unicellular life forms. Current multicellular systems display a complex cell-cell communication machinery, often tied to large-scale controls of body size or tissue homeostasis. Some unicellular life forms are simpler and involve groups of cells cooperating in a tissue-like fashion, as it occurs with biofilms. However, before true gene regulatory interactions were widespread and allowed for controlled changes in cell phenotypes, simple cellular colonies displaying adhesion and interacting with their environments were in place. In this context, models often ignore the physical embedding of evolving cells, thus leaving aside a key component. The potential for evolving pre-developmental patterns is a relevant issue: how far a colony of evolving cells can go? Here we study these pre-conditions for morphogenesis by using CHIMERA, a physically embodied computational model of evolving virtual organisms in a pre-Mendelian world. Starting from a population of identical, independent cells moving in a fluid, the system undergoes a series of changes, from spatial segregation, increased adhesion and the development of generalism. Eventually, a major transition occurs where a change in the flow of nutrients is triggered by a sub-population. This ecosystem engineering phenomenon leads to a subsequent separation of the ecological network into two well defined compartments. The relevance of these results for evodevo and its potential ecological triggers is discussed. PMID:23596506

Crowdsourcing Precision Cerebrovascular Health: Imaging and Cloud Seeding A Million Brains Initiative™.

PubMed

Liebeskind, David S

2016-01-01

Crowdsourcing, an unorthodox approach in medicine, creates an unusual paradigm to study precision cerebrovascular health, eliminating the relative isolation and non-standardized nature of current imaging data infrastructure, while shifting emphasis to the astounding capacity of big data in the cloud. This perspective envisions the use of imaging data of the brain and vessels to orient and seed A Million Brains Initiative™ that may leapfrog incremental advances in stroke and rapidly provide useful data to the sizable population around the globe prone to the devastating effects of stroke and vascular substrates of dementia. Despite such variability in the type of data available and other limitations, the data hierarchy logically starts with imaging and can be enriched with almost endless types and amounts of other clinical and biological data. Crowdsourcing allows an individual to contribute to aggregated data on a population, while preserving their right to specific information about their own brain health. The cloud now offers endless storage, computing prowess, and neuroimaging applications for postprocessing that is searchable and scalable. Collective expertise is a windfall of the crowd in the cloud and particularly valuable in an area such as cerebrovascular health. The rise of precision medicine, rapidly evolving technological capabilities of cloud computing and the global imperative to limit the public health impact of cerebrovascular disease converge in the imaging of A Million Brains Initiative™. Crowdsourcing secure data on brain health may provide ultimate generalizability, enable focused analyses, facilitate clinical practice, and accelerate research efforts.

Pacific Array of, by and for Global Deep Earth Research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kawakatsu, H.

2016-12-01

Recent advances in ocean bottom geophysical observations, together with advances in the analysis methodology, have now enabled us to resolve the regional 1-D structure of the entire lithosphere- asthenosphere system (LAS), from the surface to a depth of ˜200km, including seismic anisotropy (azimuthal), with deployments of ˜10-15 BBOBSs & OBEMs each for a year or so (Takeo et al, 2013, 2016; Baba et al., 2013; Lin et al. 2016). Thus the in-situ characterization of the physical properties of the entire oceanic LAS without a priori assumption for the shallow-most structure, the assumption often made for global studies, has become possible. We are now entering a new stage that a large scale array experiment in the ocean (e.g., Pacific Array: http://gachon.eri.u-tokyo.ac.jp/ hitosi/PArray/) has become approachable: having 10-15 BBOBSs as an array unit for a 1-2-year deployment, and repeating such deployments in a leap-frog way or concurrently (an array of arrays) for a decade or so would enable us to cover a large portion of the Pacific basin. Such array observations not only by giving regional constraints on the 1-D structure (including seismic anisotropy), but also by sharing waveform data for global scale waveform tomography (e.g., Fichtner et al. 2010; French et al. 2013; Zhu & Tromp 2013), would drastically increase our knowledge of how plate tectonics works beneath oceanic basins, as well as of the large scale picture of the interior of the Earth. For such an array of arrays to be realized, international collaboration seems essential. If three or four countries collaborate together, it may be achieved within a 10-year time frame that makes this concept attractive. It is also essential that global seismology, geodynamics, and deep earth (GSGD) communities work closely with the ocean science community for Pacific Array to be realized, as they would get most benefit from it. While unit array deployments may have their own scientific goals, it is important that they are planned to fit within a larger international Pacific Array structure. The GSGD community should take a lead in providing such an umbrella, as well as stimulating collaborations between different disciplines .

An Implicit Model Development Process for Bounding External, Seemingly Intangible/Non-Quantifiable Factors

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-06-01

This research expands the modeling and simulation (M and S) body of knowledge through the development of an Implicit Model Development Process (IMDP...When augmented to traditional Model Development Processes (MDP), the IMDP enables the development of models that can address a broader array of...where a broader, more holistic approach of defining a models referent is achieved. Next, the IMDP codifies the process for implementing the improved model

Antenna Efficiency and the Genius of the IEEE Standard for Antenna Terms [Education Column

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Warnick, Karl F.

2012-08-01

At a 2007 Square Kilometre Array Design Studies (SKADS) workshop in Dwingeloo, Wim van Cappellen of the Nether lands Institute for Radio Astronomy (ASTRON) gave a presentation on figures of merit, in which he memorably compared antenna terms to apples. What seems like a simple, homogeneous fruit comes in all colors and varieties. Similarly, a survey of antenna literature and textbooks shows that authors use a wide variety of antenna figures of merit, often not in compliance with the relevant IEEE Standard Definitions of Terms for Antennas [1]. Since this standard is now in the process of revision by the Antennas and Propagation Society Antenna Standards Committee, it seems worth while to consider the standard, and clarify some common misunderstandings and inconsistent usages.

Are There Multiple Visual Short-Term Memory Stores?

PubMed Central

Sligte, Ilja G.; Scholte, H. Steven; Lamme, Victor A. F.

2008-01-01

Background Classic work on visual short-term memory (VSTM) suggests that people store a limited amount of items for subsequent report. However, when human observers are cued to shift attention to one item in VSTM during retention, it seems as if there is a much larger representation, which keeps additional items in a more fragile VSTM store. Thus far, it is not clear whether the capacity of this fragile VSTM store indeed exceeds the traditional capacity limits of VSTM. The current experiments address this issue and explore the capacity, stability, and duration of fragile VSTM representations. Methodology/Principal Findings We presented cues in a change-detection task either just after off-set of the memory array (iconic-cue), 1,000 ms after off-set of the memory array (retro-cue) or after on-set of the probe array (post-cue). We observed three stages in visual information processing 1) iconic memory with unlimited capacity, 2) a four seconds lasting fragile VSTM store with a capacity that is at least a factor of two higher than 3) the robust and capacity-limited form of VSTM. Iconic memory seemed to depend on the strength of the positive after-image resulting from the memory display and was virtually absent under conditions of isoluminance or when intervening light masks were presented. This suggests that iconic memory is driven by prolonged retinal activation beyond stimulus duration. Fragile VSTM representations were not affected by light masks, but were completely overwritten by irrelevant pattern masks that spatially overlapped the memory array. Conclusions/Significance We find that immediately after a stimulus has disappeared from view, subjects can still access information from iconic memory because they can see an after-image of the display. After that period, human observers can still access a substantial, but somewhat more limited amount of information from a high-capacity, but fragile VSTM that is overwritten when new items are presented to the eyes. What is left after that is the traditional VSTM store, with a limit of about four objects. We conclude that human observers store more sustained representations than is evident from standard change detection tasks and that these representations can be accessed at will. PMID:18301775

Are there multiple visual short-term memory stores?

PubMed

Sligte, Ilja G; Scholte, H Steven; Lamme, Victor A F

2008-02-27

Classic work on visual short-term memory (VSTM) suggests that people store a limited amount of items for subsequent report. However, when human observers are cued to shift attention to one item in VSTM during retention, it seems as if there is a much larger representation, which keeps additional items in a more fragile VSTM store. Thus far, it is not clear whether the capacity of this fragile VSTM store indeed exceeds the traditional capacity limits of VSTM. The current experiments address this issue and explore the capacity, stability, and duration of fragile VSTM representations. We presented cues in a change-detection task either just after off-set of the memory array (iconic-cue), 1,000 ms after off-set of the memory array (retro-cue) or after on-set of the probe array (post-cue). We observed three stages in visual information processing 1) iconic memory with unlimited capacity, 2) a four seconds lasting fragile VSTM store with a capacity that is at least a factor of two higher than 3) the robust and capacity-limited form of VSTM. Iconic memory seemed to depend on the strength of the positive after-image resulting from the memory display and was virtually absent under conditions of isoluminance or when intervening light masks were presented. This suggests that iconic memory is driven by prolonged retinal activation beyond stimulus duration. Fragile VSTM representations were not affected by light masks, but were completely overwritten by irrelevant pattern masks that spatially overlapped the memory array. We find that immediately after a stimulus has disappeared from view, subjects can still access information from iconic memory because they can see an after-image of the display. After that period, human observers can still access a substantial, but somewhat more limited amount of information from a high-capacity, but fragile VSTM that is overwritten when new items are presented to the eyes. What is left after that is the traditional VSTM store, with a limit of about four objects. We conclude that human observers store more sustained representations than is evident from standard change detection tasks and that these representations can be accessed at will.

Study of Ultra-High Energy Cosmic Ray composition using Telescope Array's Middle Drum detector and surface array in hybrid mode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abbasi, R. U.; Abe, M.; Abu-Zayyad, T.; Allen, M.; Anderson, R.; Azuma, R.; Barcikowski, E.; Belz, J. W.; Bergman, D. R.; Blake, S. A.; Cady, R.; Chae, M. J.; Cheon, B. G.; Chiba, J.; Chikawa, M.; Cho, W. R.; Fujii, T.; Fukushima, M.; Goto, T.; Hanlon, W.; Hayashi, Y.; Hayashida, N.; Hibino, K.; Honda, K.; Ikeda, D.; Inoue, N.; Ishii, T.; Ishimori, R.; Ito, H.; Ivanov, D.; Jui, C. C. H.; Kadota, K.; Kakimoto, F.; Kalashev, O.; Kasahara, K.; Kawai, H.; Kawakami, S.; Kawana, S.; Kawata, K.; Kido, E.; Kim, H. B.; Kim, J. H.; Kim, J. H.; Kitamura, S.; Kitamura, Y.; Kuzmin, V.; Kwon, Y. J.; Lan, J.; Lim, S. I.; Lundquist, J. P.; Machida, K.; Martens, K.; Matsuda, T.; Matsuyama, T.; Matthews, J. N.; Minamino, M.; Mukai, Y.; Myers, I.; Nagasawa, K.; Nagataki, S.; Nakamura, T.; Nonaka, T.; Nozato, A.; Ogio, S.; Ogura, J.; Ohnishi, M.; Ohoka, H.; Oki, K.; Okuda, T.; Ono, M.; Oshima, A.; Ozawa, S.; Park, I. H.; Pshirkov, M. S.; Rodriguez, D. C.; Rubtsov, G.; Ryu, D.; Sagawa, H.; Sakurai, N.; Sampson, A. L.; Scott, L. M.; Shah, P. D.; Shibata, F.; Shibata, T.; Shimodaira, H.; Shin, B. K.; Shin, H. S.; Smith, J. D.; Sokolsky, P.; Springer, R. W.; Stokes, B. T.; Stratton, S. R.; Stroman, T.; Suzawa, T.; Takamura, M.; Takeda, M.; Takeishi, R.; Taketa, A.; Takita, M.; Tameda, Y.; Tanaka, H.; Tanaka, K.; Tanaka, M.; Thomas, S. B.; Thomson, G. B.; Tinyakov, P.; Tkachev, I.; Tokuno, H.; Tomida, T.; Troitsky, S.; Tsunesada, Y.; Tsutsumi, K.; Uchihori, Y.; Udo, S.; Urban, F.; Vasiloff, G.; Wong, T.; Yamane, R.; Yamaoka, H.; Yamazaki, K.; Yang, J.; Yashiro, K.; Yoneda, Y.; Yoshida, S.; Yoshii, H.; Zollinger, R.; Zundel, Z.

2015-04-01

Previous measurements of the composition of Ultra-High Energy Cosmic Rays (UHECRs) made by the High Resolution Fly's Eye (HiRes) and Pierre Auger Observatory (PAO) are seemingly contradictory, but utilize different detection methods, as HiRes was a stereo detector and PAO is a hybrid detector. The five year Telescope Array (TA) Middle Drum hybrid composition measurement is similar in some, but not all, respects in methodology to PAO, and good agreement is evident between data and a light, largely protonic, composition when comparing the measurements to predictions obtained with the QGSJetII-03 and QGSJet-01c models. These models are also in agreement with previous HiRes stereo measurements, confirming the equivalence of the stereo and hybrid methods. The data is incompatible with a pure iron composition, for all models examined, over the available range of energies. The elongation rate and mean values of Xmax are in good agreement with Pierre Auger Observatory data. This analysis is presented using two methods: data cuts using simple geometrical variables and a new pattern recognition technique.

Enhancing absorption in coated semiconductor nanowire/nanorod core-shell arrays using active host matrices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jule, Leta; Dejene, Francis; Roro, Kittessa

2016-12-01

In the present work, we investigated theoretically and experimentally the interaction of radiation field phenomena interacting with arrays of nanowire/nanorod core-shell embedded in active host matrices. The optical properties of composites are explored including the case when the absorption of propagating wave by dissipative component is completely compensated by amplification in active (lasing) medium. On the basis of more elaborated modeling approach and extended effective medium theory, the effective polarizability and the refractive index of electromagnetic mode dispersion of the core-shell nanowire arrays are derived. ZnS(shell)-coated by sulphidation process on ZnO(shell) nanorod arrays grown on (100) silicon substrate by chemical bath deposition (CBD) has been used for theoretical comparison. Compared with the bare ZnO nanorods, ZnS-coated core/shell nanorods exhibit a strongly reduced ultraviolet (UV) emission and a dramatically enhanced deep level (DL) emission. Obviously, the UV and DL emission peaks are attributed to the emissions of ZnO nanorods within ZnO/ZnS core/shell nanorods. The reduction of UV emission after ZnS coating seems to agree with the charge separation mechanism of type-II band alignment that holes transfer from the core to shell, which would quench the UV emission to a certain extent. Our theoretical calculations and numerical simulation demonstrate that the use of active host (amplifying) medium to compensate absorption at metallic inclusions. Moreover the core-shell nanorod/nanowire arrays create the opportunity for broad band absorption and light harvesting applications.

Electric arc saw apparatus

DOEpatents

Deichelbohrer, Paul R [Richland, WA

1986-01-01

A portable, hand held electric arc saw has a small frame for supporting an electrically conducting rotary blade which serves as an electrode for generating an electric arc to erode a workpiece. Electric current is supplied to the blade by biased brushes and a slip ring which are mounted in the frame. A pair of freely movable endless belts in the form of crawler treads stretched between two pulleys are used to facilitate movement of the electric arc saw. The pulleys are formed of dielectric material to electrically insulate the crawler treads from the frame.

Editorial Commentary: In a World of Endless Options, Is There a Single Solution? Management Options for Failed Anterior Instability Surgery in Athletes.

PubMed

Matzkin, Elizabeth

2018-05-01

There are many options to manage anterior instability of the shoulder. The management of athletes who have failed previous operative stabilization can make choosing a treatment solution difficult. A modified Latarjet without capsulolabral repair has been demonstrated to be a good choice when treating failed stabilization in a high-risk population with sufficient return to play and outcomes. Copyright © 2018 Arthroscopy Association of North America. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Method and turbine for extracting kinetic energy from a stream of two-phase fluid

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Elliott, D. G. (Inventor)

1979-01-01

An axial flow separator turbine is described which includes a number of nozzles for delivering streams of a two-phase fluid along linear paths. A phase separator which responsively separates the vapor and liquid is characterized by concentrically related annuli supported for rotation within the paths. The separator has endless channels for confining the liquid under the influence of centrifugal forces. A vapor turbine fan extracts kinetic energy from the liquid. Angular momentum of both the liquid phase and the vapor phase of the fluid is converted to torque.

Reliability of Source Mechanisms for a Hydraulic Fracturing Dataset

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eyre, T.; Van der Baan, M.

2016-12-01

Non-double-couple components have been inferred for induced seismicity due to fluid injection, yet these components are often poorly constrained due to the acquisition geometry. Likewise non-double-couple components in microseismic recordings are not uncommon. Microseismic source mechanisms provide an insight into the fracturing behaviour of a hydraulically stimulated reservoir. However, source inversion in a hydraulic fracturing environment is complicated by the likelihood of volumetric contributions to the source due to the presence of high pressure fluids, which greatly increases the possible solution space and therefore the non-uniqueness of the solutions. Microseismic data is usually recorded on either 2D surface or borehole arrays of sensors. In many cases, surface arrays appear to constrain source mechanisms with high shear components, whereas borehole arrays tend to constrain more variable mechanisms including those with high tensile components. The abilities of each geometry to constrain the true source mechanisms are therefore called into question.The ability to distinguish between shear and tensile source mechanisms with different acquisition geometries is investigated using synthetic data. For both inversions, both P- and S- wave amplitudes recorded on three component sensors need to be included to obtain reliable solutions. Surface arrays appear to give more reliable solutions due to a greater sampling of the focal sphere, but in reality tend to record signals with a low signal to noise ratio. Borehole arrays can produce acceptable results, however the reliability is much more affected by relative source-receiver locations and source orientation, with biases produced in many of the solutions. Therefore more care must be taken when interpreting results.These findings are taken into account when interpreting a microseismic dataset of 470 events recorded by two vertical borehole arrays monitoring a horizontal treatment well. Source locations and mechanisms are calculated and the results discussed, including the biases caused by the array geometry. The majority of the events are located within the target reservoir, however a small, seemingly disconnected cluster of events appears 100 m above the reservoir.

Comparison of SensL and Hamamatsu 4×4 channel SiPM arrays in gamma spectrometry with scintillators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grodzicka-Kobylka, M.; Szczesniak, T.; Moszyński, M.

2017-06-01

The market of Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPMs) consists of many manufacturers that produce their detectors in different technology. Hamamatsu (Japan) and SensL (Ireland) seems to be the most popular companies that produce large SiPM arrays. The aim of this work is characterization and comparison of 4×4 channel SiPM arrays produced by these two producers. Both of the tested SiPMs are made in through-silicon via (TSV) technology, consist of 16, 3×3 mm avalanche photodiode (APD) cells and have fill factor slightly above 60%. The largest difference is a single APD cell size and hence total number of APD cells (55,424 for Hamamatsu, 76,640 for SensL). In the case of SensL SiPM, its spectral response characteristics is shifted slightly toward shorter wavelengths with maximum at 420 nm (450 nm for Hamamatsu). The presented measurements cover selection of the SiPM optimum operating voltage (in respect to energy resolution), verification of the excess noise factor and check of the linearity characteristics. Moreover, the gamma spectrometry with LSO, BGO and CsI:Tl scintillators together with pulse characteristics for these crystals (rise time and fall time) is reported, as well as temperature dependence. The presented measurements show better performance of the SensL array comparing to the Hamamatsu detector.

Human-machine interface hardware: The next decade

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marcus, Elizabeth A.

1991-01-01

In order to understand where human-machine interface hardware is headed, it is important to understand where we are today, how we got there, and what our goals for the future are. As computers become more capable, faster, and programs become more sophisticated, it becomes apparent that the interface hardware is the key to an exciting future in computing. How can a user interact and control a seemingly limitless array of parameters effectively? Today, the answer is most often a limitless array of controls. The link between these controls and human sensory motor capabilities does not utilize existing human capabilities to their full extent. Interface hardware for teleoperation and virtual environments is now facing a crossroad in design. Therefore, we as developers need to explore how the combination of interface hardware, human capabilities, and user experience can be blended to get the best performance today and in the future.

Location of aerodynamic noise sources from a 200 kW vertical-axis wind turbine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ottermo, Fredric; Möllerström, Erik; Nordborg, Anders; Hylander, Jonny; Bernhoff, Hans

2017-07-01

Noise levels emitted from a 200 kW H-rotor vertical-axis wind turbine have been measured using a microphone array at four different positions, each at a hub-height distance from the tower. The microphone array, comprising 48 microphones in a spiral pattern, allows for directional mapping of the noise sources in the range of 500 Hz to 4 kHz. The produced images indicate that most of the noise is generated in a narrow azimuth-angle range, compatible with the location where increased turbulence is known to be present in the flow, as a result of the previous passage of a blade and its support arms. It is also shown that a semi-empirical model for inflow-turbulence noise seems to produce noise levels of the correct order of magnitude, based on the amount of turbulence that could be expected from power extraction considerations.

Arc Inception Mechanism on a Solar Array Immersed in a Low-Density Plasma

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vayner, B.; Galofaro, J.; Ferguson, D.

2001-01-01

In this report, results are presented of an experimental and theoretical study of arc phenomena and snapover for two samples of solar arrays immersed in argon plasma. The effects of arcing and snapover are investigated. I-V curves are measured, and arc and snapover inception voltages and arc rates are determined within the wide range of plasma parameters. A considerable increase in arc rate due to absorption of molecules from atmospheric air has been confirmed. It is shown that increasing gas pressure causes increasing ion current collection and, consequently, arc rate even though the effect of conditioning also takes place. Arc sites have been determined by employing a video-camera. It is confirmed that keeping sample under high vacuum for a long time results in shifting arc threshold voltage well below -300 V. The results obtained seem to be important for the understanding of arc inception mechanism.

An electrical analogy to Mie scattering

PubMed Central

Caridad, José M.; Connaughton, Stephen; Ott, Christian; Weber, Heiko B.; Krstić, Vojislav

2016-01-01

Mie scattering is an optical phenomenon that appears when electromagnetic waves, in particular light, are elastically scattered at a spherical or cylindrical object. A transfer of this phenomenon onto electron states in ballistic graphene has been proposed theoretically, assuming a well-defined incident wave scattered by a perfectly cylindrical nanometer scaled potential, but experimental fingerprints are lacking. We present an experimental demonstration of an electrical analogue to Mie scattering by using graphene as a conductor, and circular potentials arranged in a square two-dimensional array. The tabletop experiment is carried out under seemingly unfavourable conditions of diffusive transport at room-temperature. Nonetheless, when a canted arrangement of the array with respect to the incident current is chosen, cascaded Mie scattering results robustly in a transverse voltage. Its response on electrostatic gating and variation of potentials convincingly underscores Mie scattering as underlying mechanism. The findings presented here encourage the design of functional electronic metamaterials. PMID:27671003

Balancing selection maintains cryptic colour morphs.

PubMed

Wellenreuther, Maren

2017-11-01

Animals display incredibly diverse colour patterns, a testament to evolution's endless innovation in shaping life. In many species, the interplay between males and females in the pursuit of mates has driven the evolution of a myriad of colour forms, from the flashy peacock tail feathers to the tiniest colour markings in damselflies. In others, colour provides crypsis by allowing to blend into the background and to escape the eyes of predators. While the obvious benefits of this dazzling diversity for reproduction and survival seem straightforward, its maintenance is not. Theory predicts that genetic drift and various forms of selection reduce variation over time, making the persistence of colour variants over generations a puzzle. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Lindtke et al. () study the cryptic colour morphs of Timema cristinae walking sticks to shed light on the genetic architecture and mechanisms that allow colour polymorphism maintenance over long timescales. By combining genome-wide data with phenotyping information from natural populations, they were able to map the green and melanistic colour to one genomic region with highly reduced effective recombination rate between two main chromosomal variants, consistent with an inversion polymorphism. These two main chromosomal variants showed geographically widespread heterozygote excess, and genomic signatures consistent with long-term balancing selection. A younger chromosomal variant was detected for the third morph, the green-striped colour morphs, in the same genomic regions as the melanistic and the green-unstriped morphs. Together, these results suggest that the genetic architecture of cryptic T. cristinae morphs is caused by nonrecombining genomic blocks that have been maintained over extended time periods by balancing selection making this study one of the few available empirical examples documenting that balancing selection of various forms may play an important role in maintaining adaptive genetic variation in nature. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Androgenic signaling systems and their role in behavioral evolution.

PubMed

Fuxjager, Matthew J; Schuppe, Eric R

2018-06-05

Sex steroids mediate the organization and activation of masculine reproductive phenotypes in diverse vertebrate taxa. However, the effects of sex steroid action in this context vary tremendously, in that steroid action influences reproductive physiology and behavior in markedly different ways (even among closely related species). This leads to the idea that the mechanisms underlying sex steroid action similarly differ across vertebrates in a manner that supports diversification of important sexual traits. Here, we highlight the Evolutionary Potential Hypothesis as a framework for understanding how androgen-dependent reproductive behavior evolves. This idea posits that the cellular mechanisms underlying androgenic action can independently evolve within a given target tissue to adjust the hormone's functional effects. The result is a seemingly endless number of permutations in androgenic signaling pathways that can be mapped onto the incredible diversity of reproductive phenotypes. One reason this hypothesis is important is because it shifts current thinking about the evolution of steroid-dependent traits away from an emphasis on circulating steroid levels and toward a focus on molecular mechanisms of hormone action. To this end, we also provide new empirical data suggesting that certain cellular modulators of androgen action-namely, the co-factors that dynamically adjust transcritpional effects of steroid action either up or down-are also substrates on which evolution can act. We then close the review with a detailed look at a case study in the golden-collared manakin (Manacus vitellinus). Work in this tropical bird shows how androgenic signaling systems are modified in specific parts of the skeletal muscle system to enhance motor performance necessary to produce acrobatic courtship displays. Altogether, this paper seeks to develop a platform to better understand how steroid action influences the evolution of complex animal behavior. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Limestone and Silica Powder Replacements for Cement: Early-Age Performance.

PubMed

Bentz, Dale P; Ferraris, Chiara F; Jones, Scott Z; Lootens, Didier; Zunino, Franco

2017-04-01

Developing functional concrete mixtures with less ordinary portland cement (OPC) has been one of the key objectives of the 21 st century sustainability movement. While the supplies of many alternatives to OPC (such as fly ash or slag) may be limited, those of limestone and silica powders produced by crushing rocks seem virtually endless. The present study examines the chemical and physical influences of these powders on the rheology, hydration, and setting of cement-based materials via experiments and three-dimensional microstructural modeling. It is shown that both limestone and silica particle surfaces are active templates (sites) for the nucleation and growth of cement hydration products, while the limestone itself is also somewhat soluble, leading to the formation of carboaluminate hydration products. Because the filler particles are incorporated as active members of the percolated backbone that constitutes initial setting of a cement-based system, replacements of up to 50 % of the OPC by either of these powders on a volumetric basis have minimal impact on the initial setting time, and even a paste with only 5 % OPC and 95 % limestone powder by volume achieves initial set within 24 h. While their influence on setting is similar, the limestone and silica powders produce pastes with quite different rheological properties, when substituted at the same volume level. When proceeding from setting to later age strength development, one must also consider the dilution of the system due to cement removal, along with the solubility/reactivity of the filler. However, for applications where controlled (prompt) setting is more critical than developing high strengths, such as mortar tile adhesives, grouts, and renderings, significant levels of these powder replacements for cement can serve as sustainable, functional alternatives to the oft-employed 100 % OPC products.

The control of rabies in Eurasia: overview, history and background.

PubMed

Blancou, J

2008-01-01

After a short overview of the present and past epidemiological situation regarding animal and human rabies in Eurasia, the general characteristics of the disease are described in each vector. Three main rabies cycles are presently established in Eurasia: in dogs, wild carnivores and insectivorous bats. Because of the strong barrier that exists between species-adapted rabies viruses and various potential hosts, these cycles are quite independent. They are perceived in many countries in Eurasia not to have a significant impact on animal health or the rural economy in general; the loss of dogs (or cattle) is not a priority animal health issue at the national level. Wildlife rabies has almost been eliminated in Western Eurasia by oral vaccination campaigns. Bats do not represent a real threat for a well informed public. Rabies is thus essentially a public health issue. Human rabies of canine origin has continued unabated for centuries in Eastern Eurasia, despite the Pasteur treatment and subsequent improvements of rabies post-exposure prophylaxis and biological products. Dog rabies, which is the main source of human contamination, remains practically uncontrolled. The Ministries of Health of all infected countries of Eurasia should focus their attention on canine rabies first, as it incurs endless expenses for treating humans that have been exposed to dog bites. These Ministries should use the competence of Veterinary Services and all other national bodies involved in dog rabies control, and contribute all necessary resources to support them to control this reservoir. This goal seems achievable in less than five years in a country, provided that cost-shared and well-planed mass canine oral vaccination campaigns are organised and coordinated at the regional and international levels. The conditions for the success of such campaigns are presented.

Arrays of hollow out-of-plane microneedles made by metal electrodeposition onto solvent cast conductive polymer structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mansoor, I.; Liu, Y.; Häfeli, U. O.; Stoeber, B.

2013-08-01

Transdermal drug delivery using microneedles is a technique to potentially replace hypodermic needles for injection of many vaccines and drugs. Fabrication of hollow metallic microneedles so far has been associated with time-consuming steps that restrict batch production of these devices. Here, we are presenting a novel method for making metallic microneedles with any desired height, spacing, and lumen size. In our process, we use solvent casting to coat a mold, which contains an array of pillars, with a conductive polymer composite layer. The conductive layer is then used as a seed layer in a metal electrodeposition process. To characterize the process, the conductivity of the polymer composite with respect to different filler concentrations was investigated. In addition, plasma etching of the polymer was characterized. The electroplating process was also studied further to control the thickness of the microneedle array plate. The strength of the microneedle devices was evaluated through a series of compression tests, while their performance for transdermal drug delivery was tested by injection of 2.28 µm fluorescent microspheres into animal skin. The fabricated metallic microneedles seem appropriate for subcutaneous delivery of drugs and microspheres.

Body, biometrics and identity.

PubMed

Mordini, Emilio; Massari, Sonia

2008-11-01

According to a popular aphorism, biometrics are turning the human body into a passport or a password. As usual, aphorisms say more than they intend. Taking the dictum seriously, we would be two: ourself and our body. Who are we, if we are not our body? And what is our body without us? The endless history of identification systems teaches that identification is not a trivial fact but always involves a web of economic interests, political relations, symbolic networks, narratives and meanings. Certainly there are reasons for the ethical and political concerns surrounding biometrics but these reasons are probably quite different from those usually alleged.

Mathematical Astronomy in India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Plofker, Kim

Astronomy in South Asia's Sanskrit tradition, apparently originating in simple calendric computations regulating the timing of ancient ritual practices, expanded over the course of two or three millennia to include detailed spherical models, an endless variety of astrological systems, and academic mathematics in general. Assimilating various technical models, methods, and genres from the astronomy of neighboring cultures, Indian astronomers created new forms that were in turn borrowed by their foreign counterparts. Always recognizably related to the main themes of Eurasian geocentric mathematical astronomy, Indian astral science nonetheless maintained its culturally distinct character until Keplerian heliocentrism and Newtonian mechanics replaced it in colonial South Asia's academic mainstream.

DAMAGE AND CORRESPOBDENCE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS FOR Mt. SHINMOE 2011 ERUPTIONS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uno, Kohji; Nakano, Susumu; Kasubuchi, Yoshio

On Jan. 27, 2011, Mt. Shinmoe in the Kirishima mountain range on the border between Kagoshima and Miyazaki Prefectures began erupting for the first time in 52 years. In this study, to clarify the damage and correspondence of local governments and business establishments for a series of volcanic hazards of Mt. Shinmoe in 2011, we conducted interview research and document investigation. For endless volcanic hazard, not only the serious and sustained effots of disaster-affected area, but also the broad-based supoorts from neighboring local governments and business establishments are required.

Economic benefits of commercial space activities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stone, Barbara A.

Space is not only an endless frontier for exploration, but also a potentially rich arena for profitable commerce to benefit all mankind. Access to the unique environment of space provides opportunities for unprecedented kinds of research to develop new products and services. This research can lead to commercially viable enterprises, which will become permanent businesses, which will provide good jobs for workers, pay taxes to their governments, and return dividends to their investors. Seeking superior products and processes is vital if the economy is to grow and prosper. This paper discusses the current and potential impact on the economy of selected private sector space activities.

Reviews

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

2007-09-01

WE RECOMMEND Energy Foresight Valuable and original GCSE curriculum support on DVD Developing Scientific Literacy: Using News Media in the Classroom This book helpfully evaluates science stories in today's media Radioactivity Explained and Electricity Explained Interactive software ideal for classroom use TEP Generator Wind-up generator specially designed for schools SEP Energymeter A joule meter with more uses than its appearance suggests Into the Cool: Energy Flow, Thermodynamics and Life This book explores the physics behind biology CmapTools Handy software for mapping knowledge and resources LogIT Black Box This hub contains multiple sensors for endless experimental fun WEB WATCH Water Web 2.0

Highly birefringent suspended-core photonic microcells for refractive-index sensing

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

Wang, Chao; The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057; Jin, Wa

2014-08-11

An in-line photonic microcell with a highly birefringent suspended microfiber core is fabricated by locally heating and pressurizing selected air-holes of an endless single mode photonic crystal fiber. The microfiber core has rhombus-like cross-sectional geometry and could achieve a high birefringence of up to 10{sup −2}. The microfiber core is fixed at the center of the microcell by thin struts attached to an outer jacket tube, which protects and isolates the microfiber from environmental contaminations. Highly sensitive and robust refractive index sensors based on such microcells are experimentally demonstrated.

Gambling and the Law(®): Endless fields of dreams.

PubMed

Rose, I N

1995-03-01

This article examines the current trends of proliferation of commercial gaming, especially in the United States, in the context of the "third wave" of legalization of gambling that has been experienced since the founding of the nation. The author looks at the historic foundations of the spread of casino-style gambling, and notes the types of casino gaming that have led the way in the current expansion. He also points out why it is reasonable to expect that this wave too may come crashing down, as general acceptance of wide-spread casino gaming in America may indeed be short-lived.

Seismic activity in the Sunnyside mining district, Utah, during 1967

USGS Publications Warehouse

Barnes, Barton K.; Dunrud, C. Richard; Hernandez, Jerome

1969-01-01

A seismic monitoring network near Sunnyside, Utah, consisting of a triangular array of seismometer stations that encompasses most of the mine workings in the district, recorded over 50,000 local earth tremors during 1967. About 540 of the tremors were of sufficient magnitude to be accurately located. Most of these were located within 2-3 miles of mine workings and were also near known or suspected faults. The district-wide seismic activity generally consisted of two different patterns--a periodic increase in the daily number of tremors at weekly intervals, and also a less regular and longer term increase and decrease of seismic activity that occurred over a period of weeks or even months. The shorter and more regular pattern can be correlated with the mine work week and seems to result from mining. The longer term activity, however, does not correlate with known mining causes sad therefore seems to be .caused by natural stresses.

Mini Array for TLE Detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fullekrug, M.; Liu, Z.; Koh, K.; Mezentsev, A.; Pedeboy, S.; Soula, S.; Sugier, J.; Enno, S. E.; Rycroft, M. J.

2016-12-01

Transient Luminous Events (TLEs) can generate electromagnetic radiation at frequencies 100 kHz (Qin et al., 2012, Fullekrug et al., 2013) and <1 kHz (Pasko et al., GRL, 1998, Cummer et al., GRL, 1998)as a result of the splitting and exponential growth of streamer discharges (Pasko, JGR, 2010, McHarg, JGR, 2010). The electromagnetic radiation results from the coherent superposition of the very weak signalsfrom thousands of small scale streamer discharges at 40 km height for frequencies 100 kHz and at 80 km height for frequencies <1 kHz. It seems therefore plausible that TLEs can also generate electromagnetic waves at intermediate heights, e.g. 60 km with frequencies between 1-100 kHz, e.g., 10 kHz. However, this frequency range is dominated by the powerful electromagnetic radiation from return strokes and it is hence commonly thought that this radiation can not easily be detectedwith single radio receivers. This study proposes to search for electromagnetic radiation from TLEsabove thunderclouds by use of a mini array that has the ability to determine the elevation angle toward the radiation source. Mini arrays with small apertures are used for infrasonic and seismic studies to determine source mechanisms and properties of the medium through which the waves propagate. For the detection of electromagneticradiation, the array processing is adapted for the fast propagationat the speed of light. Here we report for the first time the detection and mapping of distant lightning strokes in the sky with a mini array located near Bath in the UK. The array has a baseline to wavelength ratio 4.2 10^{-2} to record electromagnetic waves from 2-18 kHz. It is found that the mini array detects 69 lightning strokes per second from cloud-to-ground and in-cloud discharges, even though the parent thunderstorms are 900-1,100 km away and a rigorous selection criterion based on the spatial coherency of the electromagnetic source field across the array is used. About 14% of the lightning strokes appear at larger elevation angles in the sky than the remaining 86% of lightning strokes as the result of birefringent subionospheric wave propagation attributed to ordinary and extra-ordinary waves. These results imply that mini arrays can be used to detect electromagnetic radiation from TLEs above thunderclouds in different frequency ranges.

IMRT plan verification with EBT2 and EBT3 films compared to PTW 2D-ARRAY seven29

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hanušová, Tereza; Horáková, Ivana; Koniarová, Irena

2017-11-01

The aim of this study was to compare dosimetry with Gafchromic EBT2 and EBT3 films to the ion chamber array PTW seven29 in terms of their performance in clinical IMRT plan verification. A methodology for film processing and calibration was developed. Calibration curves were obtained in MATLAB and in FilmQA Pro. The best calibration curve was then used to calibrate EBT2 and EBT3 films for IMRT plan verification measurements. Films were placed in several coronal planes into an RW3 slab phantom and irradiated with a clinical IMRT plan for prostate and lymph nodes using 18 MV photon beams. Individual fields were tested and irradiated with gantry at 0°. Results were evaluated using gamma analysis with 3%/3 mm criteria in OmniPro I'mRT version 1.7. The same measurements were performed with the ion chamber array PTW seven29 in RW3 slabs (different depths) and in the OCTAVIUS II phantom (isocenter depth only; both original and nominal gantry angles). Results were evaluated in PTW VeriSoft version 3.1 using the same criteria. Altogether, 45 IMRT planes were tested with film and 25 planes with the PTW 2D-ARRAY seven29. Film measuerements showed different results than ion chamber matrix measurements. With PTW 2D-ARRAY seven29, worse results were obtained when the detector was placed into the OCTAVIUS phantom than into the RW3 slab phantom, and the worst pass rates were seen for rotational measurements. EBT2 films showed inconsistent results and could differ significantly for different planes in one field. EBT3 films seemed to give the best results of all the tested configurations.

An ocean bottom seismometer study of shallow seismicity near the Mid- America Trench offshore Guatemala ( Pacific).

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ambos, E.L.; Hussong, D.M.; Holman, C.E.

1985-01-01

Five ocean bottom seismometers recorded seismicity near the Mid-America Trench offshore Guatemala for 27 days in 1979. The array was emplaced in the lower slope region, just above the topographic trench. Approximately 170 events were recorded by 3 or more seismometers, and almost half were located with statistical hypocentral errors of <10 km. Most epicenters were located immediately landward of the trench axis, and many were further confined to a zone NW of the array. In terms of depth, most events were located within the subducting Cocos plate rather than in the overlying plate or at the plate-plate boundary. Most magnitudes ranged between 3.0 and 4.0 mb, and the threshold magnitude of locatable events was about 2.8 mb. Two distinct composite focal mechanisms were determined. One appears to indicate high- angle reverse faulting in the subducting plate, in a plane parallel to trench axis strike. The other, constructed for some earthquakes in the zone NW of the array, seems to show normal faulting along possible fault planes oriented quasi-perpendicular to the trench axis. Projection of our seismicity sample and of well-located WWSSN events from 1954 to 1980 onto a plane perpendicular to the trench axis shows a distinct gap between the shallow seismicity located by our array, and the deeper Wadati-Benioff zone seismicity located by the WWSSN. We tentatively ascribe this gap to inadequate sampling.-from Authors

An end to endless forms: epistasis, phenotype distribution bias, and nonuniform evolution.

PubMed

Borenstein, Elhanan; Krakauer, David C

2008-10-01

Studies of the evolution of development characterize the way in which gene regulatory dynamics during ontogeny constructs and channels phenotypic variation. These studies have identified a number of evolutionary regularities: (1) phenotypes occupy only a small subspace of possible phenotypes, (2) the influence of mutation is not uniform and is often canalized, and (3) a great deal of morphological variation evolved early in the history of multicellular life. An important implication of these studies is that diversity is largely the outcome of the evolution of gene regulation rather than the emergence of new, structural genes. Using a simple model that considers a generic property of developmental maps-the interaction between multiple genetic elements and the nonlinearity of gene interaction in shaping phenotypic traits-we are able to recover many of these empirical regularities. We show that visible phenotypes represent only a small fraction of possibilities. Epistasis ensures that phenotypes are highly clustered in morphospace and that the most frequent phenotypes are the most similar. We perform phylogenetic analyses on an evolving, developmental model and find that species become more alike through time, whereas higher-level grades have a tendency to diverge. Ancestral phenotypes, produced by early developmental programs with a low level of gene interaction, are found to span a significantly greater volume of the total phenotypic space than derived taxa. We suggest that early and late evolution have a different character that we classify into micro- and macroevolutionary configurations. These findings complement the view of development as a key component in the production of endless forms and highlight the crucial role of development in constraining biotic diversity and evolutionary trajectories.

Understanding Innovation Engines: Automated Creativity and Improved Stochastic Optimization via Deep Learning.

PubMed

Nguyen, A; Yosinski, J; Clune, J

2016-01-01

The Achilles Heel of stochastic optimization algorithms is getting trapped on local optima. Novelty Search mitigates this problem by encouraging exploration in all interesting directions by replacing the performance objective with a reward for novel behaviors. This reward for novel behaviors has traditionally required a human-crafted, behavioral distance function. While Novelty Search is a major conceptual breakthrough and outperforms traditional stochastic optimization on certain problems, it is not clear how to apply it to challenging, high-dimensional problems where specifying a useful behavioral distance function is difficult. For example, in the space of images, how do you encourage novelty to produce hawks and heroes instead of endless pixel static? Here we propose a new algorithm, the Innovation Engine, that builds on Novelty Search by replacing the human-crafted behavioral distance with a Deep Neural Network (DNN) that can recognize interesting differences between phenotypes. The key insight is that DNNs can recognize similarities and differences between phenotypes at an abstract level, wherein novelty means interesting novelty. For example, a DNN-based novelty search in the image space does not explore in the low-level pixel space, but instead creates a pressure to create new types of images (e.g., churches, mosques, obelisks, etc.). Here, we describe the long-term vision for the Innovation Engine algorithm, which involves many technical challenges that remain to be solved. We then implement a simplified version of the algorithm that enables us to explore some of the algorithm's key motivations. Our initial results, in the domain of images, suggest that Innovation Engines could ultimately automate the production of endless streams of interesting solutions in any domain: for example, producing intelligent software, robot controllers, optimized physical components, and art.

Elementary Particle Spectroscopy in Regular Solid Rewrite

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

Trell, Erik

The Nilpotent Universal Computer Rewrite System (NUCRS) has operationalized the radical ontological dilemma of Nothing at All versus Anything at All down to the ground recursive syntax and principal mathematical realisation of this categorical dichotomy as such and so governing all its sui generis modalities, leading to fulfilment of their individual terms and compass when the respective choice sequence operations are brought to closure. Focussing on the general grammar, NUCRS by pure logic and its algebraic notations hence bootstraps Quantum Mechanics, aware that it ''is the likely keystone of a fundamental computational foundation'' also for e.g. physics, molecular biology andmore » neuroscience. The present work deals with classical geometry where morphology is the modality, and ventures that the ancient regular solids are its specific rewrite system, in effect extensively anticipating the detailed elementary particle spectroscopy, and further on to essential structures at large both over the inorganic and organic realms. The geodetic antipode to Nothing is extension, with natural eigenvector the endless straight line which when deployed according to the NUCRS as well as Plotelemeian topographic prescriptions forms a real three-dimensional eigenspace with cubical eigenelements where observed quark-skewed quantum-chromodynamical particle events self-generate as an Aristotelean phase transition between the straight and round extremes of absolute endlessness under the symmetry- and gauge-preserving, canonical coset decomposition SO(3)xO(5) of Lie algebra SU(3). The cubical eigen-space and eigen-elements are the parental state and frame, and the other solids are a range of transition matrix elements and portions adapting to the spherical root vector symmetries and so reproducibly reproducing the elementary particle spectroscopy, including a modular, truncated octahedron nano-composition of the Electron which piecemeal enter into molecular structures or compressed to each other fuse into atomic honeycombs of periodic table signature.« less

Template-assisted fabrication of tin and antimony based nanowire arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zaraska, Leszek; Kurowska, Elżbieta; Sulka, Grzegorz D.; Jaskuła, Marian

2012-10-01

Antimony nanowires with diameters ranging from 35 nm to 320 nm were successfully prepared by simple, galvanostatic electrodeposition inside the pores of anodic alumina membranes from a citrate based electrolyte. The use of the potassium antimonyl tartrate electrolyte for electrodeposition results in the formation of Sb/Sb2O3 nanowires. The structural features of the nanowire arrays were investigated by FE-SEM, and the nanowire composition was confirmed by EDS and XRD measurements. A distinct peak at about 27.5° in the XRD pattern recorded for nanowires formed in the tartrate electrolyte was attributed to the presence of co-deposited Sb2O3. Three types of dense arrays of Sn-SnSb nanowires with diameters ranging from 82 nm to 325 nm were also synthesized by DC galvanostatic electrodeposition into the anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes for the first time. Only Sn and SnSb peaks appeared in the XRD pattern and both phases seem to have a relatively high degree of crystallinity. The influence of current density applied during electrodeposition on the composition of nanowires was investigated. It was found that the Sb content in fabricated nanowires decreases with increasing current density. The diameters of all synthesized nanowires roughly correspond to the dimensions of the nanochannels of AAO templates used for electrodeposition.

Multiple-time-scale motion in molecularly linked nanoparticle arrays.

PubMed

George, Christopher; Szleifer, Igal; Ratner, Mark

2013-01-22

We explore the transport of electrons between electrodes that encase a two-dimensional array of metallic quantum dots linked by molecular bridges (such as α,ω alkaline dithiols). Because the molecules can move at finite temperatures, the entire transport structure comprising the quantum dots and the molecules is in dynamical motion while the charge is being transported. There are then several physical processes (physical excursions of molecules and quantum dots, electronic migration, ordinary vibrations), all of which influence electronic transport. Each can occur on a different time scale. It is therefore not appropriate to use standard approaches to this sort of electron transfer problem. Instead, we present a treatment in which three different theoretical approaches-kinetic Monte Carlo, classical molecular dynamics, and quantum transport-are all employed. In certain limits, some of the dynamical effects are unimportant. But in general, the transport seems to follow a sort of dynamic bond percolation picture, an approach originally introduced as formal models and later applied to polymer electrolytes. Different rate-determining steps occur in different limits. This approach offers a powerful scheme for dealing with multiple time scale transport problems, as will exist in many situations with several pathways through molecular arrays or even individual molecules that are dynamically disordered.

Diversity in destinations, routes and timing of small adult and sub-adult striped bass Morone saxatilis on their southward autumn migration

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mather, Martha E.; Finn, John T.; Pautzke, Sarah M.; Fox, Dewayne A.; Savoy, Tom; Brundage, Harold M.; Deegan, Linda A.; Muth, Robert M.

2010-01-01

Almost three-quarters of the 46 young adult and sub-adult striped bass Morone saxatilis that were acoustically tagged in Plum Island Estuary, Massachusetts, U.S.A., in the summer of 2006 were detected in one or more southern coastal arrays during their autumn migration. On the basis of the trajectories along which these M. saxatilis moved from feeding to overwintering areas, three migratory groups emerged. After leaving Plum Island Estuary, about half of the fish were detected only in a mid-latitude array, Long Island Sound. The other half of the tagged fish were detected during autumn and winter in a more southern array, the Delaware Estuary. This latter group of fish may have used two routes. Some travelled to the Delaware Estuary through Long Island Sound while other fish may have taken a second, more direct, coastal route that did not include Long Island Sound. Consequently, a seemingly homogeneous group of fish tagged at the same time in the same non-natal feeding location exhibited a diversity of southward movement patterns that could affect population-level processes. These three groups that differed in overwintering location and migration route could be movement contingents with migratory connectivity.

jsc2018m000189_ISS_As_Art-MP4

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-03-13

International Space Station as Art------- The International Space Station has been humanity’s outpost in space for nearly two decades, hosting astronauts from around the globe working on groundbreaking science to push the boundaries in a variety of fields. NASA astronaut Randy Bresnik sought to capture the beauty of the immense spacecraft amidst the endless tangle of cables and hardware in this series of photos taken during his most recent stay onboard. Follow Randy Bresnik on social media at: https://twitter.com/astrokomrade https://www.instagram.com/astrokomrade _______________________________________ FOLLOW THE SPACE STATION! Twitter: https://twitter.com/Space_Station Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ISS Instagram: https://instagram.com/iss/

Debris in the geostationary orbit ring, the endless shooting gallery: The necessity for a disposal policy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Suddeth, D. H.

1985-01-01

NASA is considering establishing a policy for the limitation of the physical crowding of the geostationary orbit. The proposed policy is intended to address the following issues: (1) deal only with geostationary altitudes; (2) illustrate the unique value and usefulness of the geostationary orbit ring; (3) describe the orbital dynamics as simply as possible; (4) describe the current spacecraft and debris situation; (5) briefly review current industry and agency policies; (6) project future trends of physical crowding with the present nonpolicy; (7) propose solutions that can be implemented in the near future; and (8) use previous work as much as desirable.

The trouble with memes : Inference versus imitation in cultural creation.

PubMed

Atran, S

2001-12-01

Memes are hypothetical cultural units passed on by imitation; although nonbiological, they undergo Darwinian selection like genes. Cognitive study of multimodular human minds undermines memetics: unlike in genetic replication, high-fidelity transmission of cultural information is the exception, not the rule. Constant, rapid "mutation" of information during communication generates endlessly varied creations that nevertheless adhere to modular input conditions. The sort of cultural information most susceptible to modular processing is that most readily acquired by children, most easily transmitted across individuals, most apt to survive within a culture, most likely to recur in different cultures, and most disposed to cultural variation and elaboration.

Research on liquid impact forming technology of double-layered tubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Changying; Liu, Jianwei; Yao, Xinqi; Huang, Beixing; Li, Yuhan

2018-03-01

A double-layered tube is widely used and developed in various fields because of its perfect comprehensive performance and design. With the advent of the era of a double-layered tube, the requirements for double layered tube forming quality, manufacturing cost and forming efficiency are getting higher, so forming methods of a double-layered tube are emerged in an endless stream, the forming methods of a double-layered tube have a great potential in the future. The liquid impact forming technology is a combination of stamping technology and hydroforming technology. Forming a double-layered tube has huge advantages in production cost, quality and efficiency.

Solar energy receiver for a Stirling engine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Selcuk, M. K. (Inventor)

1980-01-01

A solar energy receiver includes a separable endless wall formed of a ceramic material in which a cavity of substantially cylindrical configuration is defined for entrapping solar flux. An acceptance aperture is adapted to admit to the cavity a concentrated beam of solar energy. The wall is characterized by at least one pair of contiguously related segments separated by lines of cleavage intercepting the aperture. At least one of the segments is supported for pivotal displacement. A thermal-responsive actuator is adapted to respond to excessive temperatures within the cavity for initiating pivoted displacement of one segment, whereby thermal flux is permitted to escape from the cavity.

Crust and Upper Mantle Structure Beneath Tibet and SW China From Seismic Tomography and Array Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van der Hilst, R. D.; Li, C.; Yao, H.; Sun, R.; Meltzer, A. S.

2007-12-01

We will present a summary of the results of our seismological studies of crust and upper mantle heterogeneity and anisotropy beneath Tibet and SW China with data from temporary (PASSCAL) arrays as well as other regional, national, and global networks. In 2003 and 2004 MIT and CIGMR (Chengdu Institute of Geology and Mineral Resources) operated a 25 station array (3-component, broad band seismometers) in Sichuan and Yunnan provinces, SW China; during the same period Lehigh University (also in collaboration with CIGMR) operated a 75 station array in east Tibet. Data from these arrays allow delineation of mantle structure in unprecedented detail. We focus our presentation on results of two lines of seismological study. Travel time tomography (Li et al., PEPI, 2006; EPSL, 2007) with hand-picked phase arrivals from recordings at regional arrays, and combined with data from over 1,000 stations in China and with the global data base due to Engdahl et al. (BSSA, 1998), reveals substantial the structural complexity of the upper mantle beneath SE Asia. In particular, structures associated with subduction of the Indian plate beneath the Himalayas vary significantly from west Tibet (where the plate seems to have underthrusted the entire plateau) to east Tibet (where P-wave tomography provides no evidence for the presence of fast lithosphere beneath the Plateau proper). Further east, fast structures appear in the upper mantle transition zone, presumably related to stagnation of slab fragments associated with subduction of the Pacific plate. (2) Surface wave array tomography (Yao et al., GJI, 2006, 2007), using ambient noise interferometry and traditional (inter station) dispersion analysis, is used to delineate the 3-D structure of the crust and lithospheric mantle at length scales as small as 100 km beneath the MIT and Lehigh arrays. This analysis reveals a complex spatial distribution of intra-crustal low velocity zones (which may imply that crustal-scale faults influence the pattern of middle/lower crustal flow). We will also show preliminary results of surface wave inversion for azimuthal anisotropy, which - combined with previous results from shear wave splitting (Lev et al., EPSL, 2006) - give insight into the deformation of the upper mantle beneath the area under study.

An Investigation of Ionic Wind Propulsion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson, Jack; Perkins, Hugh D.; Thompson, William K.

2009-01-01

A corona discharge device generates an ionic wind and thrust, when a high voltage corona discharge is struck between sharply pointed electrodes and larger radius ground electrodes. The objective of this study was to examine whether this thrust could be scaled to values of interest for aircraft propulsion. An initial experiment showed that the thrust observed did equal the thrust of the ionic wind. Different types of high voltage electrodes were tried, including wires, knife-edges, and arrays of pins. A pin array was found to be optimum. Parametric experiments, and theory, showed that the thrust per unit power could be raised from early values of 5 N/kW to values approaching 50 N/kW, but only by lowering the thrust produced, and raising the voltage applied. In addition to using DC voltage, pulsed excitation, with and without a DC bias, was examined. The results were inconclusive as to whether this was advantageous. It was concluded that the use of a corona discharge for aircraft propulsion did not seem very practical.

Creating a urine black hole

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hurd, Randy; Pan, Zhao; Meritt, Andrew; Belden, Jesse; Truscott, Tadd

2015-11-01

Since the mid-nineteenth century, both enlisted and fashion-conscious owners of khaki trousers have been plagued by undesired speckle patterns resulting from splash-back while urinating. In recent years, industrial designers and hygiene-driven entrepreneurs have sought to limit this splashing by creating urinal inserts, with the effectiveness of their inventions varying drastically. From this large assortment of inserts, designs consisting of macroscopic pillar arrays seem to be the most effective splash suppressers. Interestingly this design partially mimics the geometry of the water capturing moss Syntrichia caninervis, which exhibits a notable ability to suppress splash and quickly absorb water from impacting rain droplets. With this natural splash suppressor in mind, we search for the ideal urine black hole by performing experiments of simulated urine streams (water droplet streams) impacting macroscopic pillar arrays with varying parameters including pillar height and spacing, draining and material properties. We propose improved urinal insert designs based on our experimental data in hopes of reducing potential embarrassment inherent in wearing khakis.

The molecular electronic device and the biochip computer: present status.

PubMed

Haddon, R C; Lamola, A A

1985-04-01

The idea that a single molecule might function as a self-contained electronic device has been of interest for some time. However, a fully integrated version--the biochip or the biocomputer, in which both production and assembly of molecular electronic components is achieved through biotechnology-is a relatively new concept that is currently attracting attention both within the scientific community and among the general public. In the present article we draw together some of the approaches being considered for the construction of such devices and delineate the revolutionary nature of the current proposals for molecular electronic devices (MEDs) and biochip computers (BCCs). With the silicon semiconductor conductor industry already in place and in view of the continuing successes of the lithographic process it seems appropriate to ask why the highly speculative MED or BCC has engendered such interest. In some respects the answer is paradigmatic as much as it is real. It is perhaps best stated as the promise of the realm of the molecular. Thus it is envisioned that devices will be constructed by assembly of individual molecular electronic components into arrays, thereby engineering from small upward rather than large downward as do current lithographic techniques. An important corollary of the construction technique is that the functional elements of such an array would be individual molecules rather than macroscopic ensembles. These two aspects of the MED/BCC--assembly of molecular arrays and individually accessible functional molecular units--are truly revolutionary. Both require scientific breakthroughs and the necessary principles, quite apart from the technology, remain essentially unknown. It is concluded that the advent of the MED/BCC still lies well before us. The twin criteria of utilization of individual molecules as functional elements and the assembly of such elements remains as elusive as ever. Biology engineers structures on the molecular scale but biomolecules do not seem to be imbued with useful electronic properties. Molecular beam epitaxy and thin-film techniques produce electronic devices but they "engineer down" and are currently unable to generate individual molecular units. The potential of the MED/BCC field is matched only by the obstacles that must be surmounted for its realization.

The molecular electronic device and the biochip computer: present status.

PubMed Central

Haddon, R C; Lamola, A A

1985-01-01

The idea that a single molecule might function as a self-contained electronic device has been of interest for some time. However, a fully integrated version--the biochip or the biocomputer, in which both production and assembly of molecular electronic components is achieved through biotechnology-is a relatively new concept that is currently attracting attention both within the scientific community and among the general public. In the present article we draw together some of the approaches being considered for the construction of such devices and delineate the revolutionary nature of the current proposals for molecular electronic devices (MEDs) and biochip computers (BCCs). With the silicon semiconductor conductor industry already in place and in view of the continuing successes of the lithographic process it seems appropriate to ask why the highly speculative MED or BCC has engendered such interest. In some respects the answer is paradigmatic as much as it is real. It is perhaps best stated as the promise of the realm of the molecular. Thus it is envisioned that devices will be constructed by assembly of individual molecular electronic components into arrays, thereby engineering from small upward rather than large downward as do current lithographic techniques. An important corollary of the construction technique is that the functional elements of such an array would be individual molecules rather than macroscopic ensembles. These two aspects of the MED/BCC--assembly of molecular arrays and individually accessible functional molecular units--are truly revolutionary. Both require scientific breakthroughs and the necessary principles, quite apart from the technology, remain essentially unknown. It is concluded that the advent of the MED/BCC still lies well before us. The twin criteria of utilization of individual molecules as functional elements and the assembly of such elements remains as elusive as ever. Biology engineers structures on the molecular scale but biomolecules do not seem to be imbued with useful electronic properties. Molecular beam epitaxy and thin-film techniques produce electronic devices but they "engineer down" and are currently unable to generate individual molecular units. The potential of the MED/BCC field is matched only by the obstacles that must be surmounted for its realization. PMID:3856865

Tau Now

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fargion, D.; Oliva, P.

2016-10-01

Ultra High Energy Cosmic Rays and UHE neutrinos may lead to a new deep astronomy. However the most recent results on their correlations and clustering seem to most authors inconclusive. We briefly remind some UHECR models and past and recent results. Our reading and overlapping of IR-gamma-UHECR maps and their correlations seem to answer to several key puzzles, offering a first hope of the UHECR astronomy, mostly ruled by lightest nuclei from nearby Universe. Regarding the UHE neutrino we recently noted that the flavor ratio and the absence of double bang in IceCube within highest energetic ten events may suggest still a dominant noisy prompt component. However a first correlated UHE crossing muon with expected location (through going upward muon neutrino or horizontally) in IceCube is in our view a milestone in neutrino astronomy road map, possibly partially related, to galactic UHECR narrow clustering. The disturbing and persistent atmospheric neutrino noises, both conventional and prompt, call for a better filtered neutrino astronomy: the tau neutrino ones. There are no yet (at present, detectable) TeV-PeVs or more energetic tau neutrino of atmospheric, conventional or prompt nature; only astrophysical ones might soon shine. Double bangs in IceCube and in particular the tau air-showers in large array are the unique definitive expected signatures of astrophysical signals. In particular tau air-shower amplify in a huge way the otherwise single lepton track, once in decay in flight, into a richest three of secondaries (up to a million of billion Cherenkov photons for PeV tau energy) whose wide areas may extend up to nearly kilometer size. Such airshowers are very directional. PeVs energetic tau lepton penetrate hundreds meters inside the rock before its decay. Therefore horizontal tau air-shower in front of deep, wide valleys or mountain cliff [D. Fargion, A. Aiello, R. Conversano; 26th ICRC, He 6.1.09, 6 p. 396-398. (1999). Ed. D. Kieda, et al. arxiv:arXiv:astro-ph/9906450], as well as up-going tau air showers escaping our Earth, observable in air by their fluorescence lights as in AUGER and TA, might be a signal at EeVs energies. At lower energies blazing few PeVs tau airshower flashes are better observable from the top of the mountains, by an array located in a crown edge (as water Cherenkov, telescope Cherenkov or radio array), as it has been done in ASHRA or it might be done on ideal modified GRAND experiments constructed within aeolian towers by radio array possibly in mountains, facing the wide peculiar τ neutrino sky: our own Earth.

Clonal evolution through loss of chromosomes and subsequent polyploidization in chondrosarcoma.

PubMed

Olsson, Linda; Paulsson, Kajsa; Bovée, Judith V M G; Nord, Karolin H

2011-01-01

Near-haploid chromosome numbers have been found in less than 1% of cytogenetically reported tumors, but seem to be more common in certain neoplasms including the malignant cartilage-producing tumor chondrosarcoma. By a literature survey of published karyotypes from chondrosarcomas we could confirm that loss of chromosomes resulting in hyperhaploid-hypodiploid cells is common and that these cells may polyploidize. Sixteen chondrosarcomas were investigated by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array and the majority displayed SNP patterns indicative of a hyperhaploid-hypodiploid origin, with or without subsequent polyploidization. Except for chromosomes 5, 7, 19, 20 and 21, autosomal loss of heterozygosity was commonly found, resulting from chromosome loss and subsequent duplication of monosomic chromosomes giving rise to uniparental disomy. Additional gains, losses and rearrangements of genetic material, and even repeated rounds of polyploidization, may affect chondrosarcoma cells resulting in highly complex karyotypes. Loss of chromosomes and subsequent polyploidization was not restricted to a particular chondrosarcoma subtype and, although commonly found in chondrosarcoma, binucleated cells did not seem to be involved in these events.

Regulatory logic of pan-neuronal gene expression in C. elegans

PubMed Central

Stefanakis, Nikolaos; Carrera, Ines; Hobert, Oliver

2015-01-01

While neuronal cell types display an astounding degree of phenotypic diversity, most if not all neuron types share a core panel of terminal features. However, little is known about how pan-neuronal expression patterns are genetically programmed. Through an extensive analysis of the cis-regulatory control regions of a battery of pan-neuronal C.elegans genes, including genes involved in synaptic vesicle biology and neuropeptide signaling, we define a common organizational principle in the regulation of pan-neuronal genes in the form of a surprisingly complex array of seemingly redundant, parallel-acting cis-regulatory modules that direct expression to broad, overlapping domains throughout the nervous system. These parallel-acting cis-regulatory modules are responsive to a multitude of distinct trans-acting factors. Neuronal gene expression programs therefore fall into two fundamentally distinct classes. Neuron type-specific genes are generally controlled by discrete and non-redundantly acting regulatory inputs, while pan-neuronal gene expression is controlled by diverse, coincident and seemingly redundant regulatory inputs. PMID:26291158

Imaging fluid-related subduction processes beneath Central Java (Indonesia) using seismic attenuation tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bohm, Mirjam; Haberland, Christian; Asch, Günter

2013-04-01

We use local earthquake data observed by the amphibious, temporary seismic MERAMEX array to derive spatial variations of seismic attenuation (Qp) in the crust and upper mantle beneath Central Java. The path-averaged attenuation values (t∗) of a high quality subset of 84 local earthquakes were calculated by a spectral inversion technique. These 1929 t∗-values inverted by a least-squares tomographic inversion yield the 3D distribution of the specific attenuation (Qp). Analysis of the model resolution matrix and synthetic recovery tests were used to investigate the confidence of the Qp-model. We notice a prominent zone of increased attenuation beneath and north of the modern volcanic arc at depths down to 15 km. Most of this anomaly seems to be related to the Eocene-Miocene Kendeng Basin (mainly in the eastern part of the study area). Enhanced attenuation is also found in the upper crust in the direct vicinity of recent volcanoes pointing towards zones of partial melts, presence of fluids and increased temperatures in the middle to upper crust. The middle and lower crust seems not to be associated with strong heating and the presence of melts throughout the arc. Enhanced attenuation above the subducting slab beneath the marine forearc seems to be due to the presence of fluids.

Chitin and Chitosan: Production and Application of Versatile Biomedical Nanomaterials

PubMed Central

Elieh-Ali-Komi, Daniel; Hamblin, Michael R

2016-01-01

Chitin is the most abundant aminopolysaccharide polymer occurring in nature, and is the building material that gives strength to the exoskeletons of crustaceans, insects, and the cell walls of fungi. Through enzymatic or chemical deacetylation, chitin can be converted to its most well-known derivative, chitosan. The main natural sources of chitin are shrimp and crab shells, which are an abundant byproduct of the food-processing industry, that provides large quantities of this biopolymer to be used in biomedical applications. In living chitin-synthesizing organisms, the synthesis and degradation of chitin require strict enzymatic control to maintain homeostasis. Chitin synthase, the pivotal enzyme in the chitin synthesis pathway, uses UDP-N-acetylglucosamine (UDPGlcNAc), produce the chitin polymer, whereas, chitinase enzymes degrade chitin. Bacteria are considered as the major mediators of chitin degradation in nature. Chitin and chitosan, owing to their unique biochemical properties such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-toxicity, ability to form films, etc, have found many promising biomedical applications. Nanotechnology has also increasingly applied chitin and chitosan-based materials in its most recent achievements. Chitin and chitosan have been widely employed to fabricate polymer scaffolds. Moreover, the use of chitosan to produce designed-nanocarriers and to enable microencapsulation techniques is under increasing investigation for the delivery of drugs, biologics and vaccines. Each application is likely to require uniquely designed chitosan-based nano/micro-particles with specific dimensions and cargo-release characteristics. The ability to reproducibly manufacture chitosan nano/microparticles that can encapsulate protein cargos with high loading efficiencies remains a challenge. Chitosan can be successfully used in solution, as hydrogels and/or nano/microparticles, and (with different degrees of deacetylation) an endless array of derivatives with customized biochemical properties can be prepared. As a result, chitosan is one of the most well-studied biomaterials. The purpose of this review is to survey the biosynthesis and isolation, and summarize nanotechnology applications of chitin and chitosan ranging from tissue engineering, wound dressings, antimicrobial agents, antiaging cosmetics, and vaccine adjuvants. PMID:27819009

Measurements of nonlinear Hall-driven reconnection in the reversed field pinch

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tharp, Timothy D.

Complex organisms are able to develop because of the complex regulatory systems that control their gene expression. The first step in this regulation, transcription initiation, is controlled by transcription factors. Transcription factors are modular proteins composed of two distinct domains, the DNA binding domain and the regulatory domain. These molecules are involved in a plethora of important biological processes including embryogenesis, development, cell health, and cancer. Tissue enriched transcription factors Nkx-2.5 and Gata4 are involved in cardiac development and cardiac health. In this thesis the DNA binding specificity of Nkx-2.5 will be analyzed using a high throughput double stranded DNA platform called Cognate Site Identifier (CSI) arrays (Chapter 2). The full DNA binding specificity of Nkx-2.5 and Nkx-2.5 mutants will be visualized using Sequence Specificity Landscapes (SSLs). In Chapter 3, the definition of binding specificity will be investigated by evaluating a number of different DNA binding folds by CSI and SSLs. CSI and SSLs will also be used to evaluate different pyrrole/imidazole hairpin polyamides in order to better characterize these small molecule DNA binding domains. CSI and SSL data will be applied to the genome in order to explain the biological function an artificial transcription factor. Chapter 4 will discuss the mechanism of nonspecific DNA binding. The historical means of predicting DNA binding will be challenged by utilizing high throughput experiments. The effect of salt concentration on both specific and nonspecific binding will also be investigated. Finally, in Chapter 5, a generation of Protein DNA Dimerizer will be discussed. A PDD that regulates transcription on genomic DNA by binding cooperatively with the heart IF Gata4 will be characterized. These studies provide understanding of, and a means to control, how transcription factors sample the endless sea of DNA in the genome in order to regulate gene expression with such wonderful specificity.

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

Ben-Zvi, I.

Various authors have previously studied the theory and practice of cavity testing, notably an extensive treatment by Powers [1] and Padamsee [2]. The advent of the digital Low Level RF (LLRF) electronics based on Field Programmable Logic Arrays (FPGA) provides various improvements over the rather complex systems used in the past as well as enabling new measurement techniques.In this document we reintroduce a technique that seems to have fallen out of practice in recent times, that is obtaining the coupling constant β through measurements from just one port, the reflected power port, of the directional coupler placed in front ofmore » the cavity.« less

Metamaterial Designs for Photovoltaic and IR Focal-Plane-Imaging Array Applications

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-03-01

incident angles above 17 degrees. There also seems to be no Brewster angle (i.e. the angle at which reflection = 0) for the reflection from the MTM...half- space, while glass has as Brewster angle at 56 degrees incident for TM polarized light. 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9...and incident spot beams from an objective lens . The spot beams hitting the detectors are absorbed, but the power of the spot beams falling in between

Simultaneous multi-frequency imaging observations of solar microwave bursts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kundu, M. R.; White, S. M.; Schmahl, E. J.

1989-01-01

The results of simultaneous two-frequency imaging observations of solar microwave bursts with the Very Large Array are reviewed. Simultaneous 2 and 6 cm observations have been made of bursts which are optically thin at both frequencies, or optically thick at the lower frequency. In the latter case, the source structure may differ at the two frequencies, but the two sources usually seem to be related. However, this is not always true of simultaneous 6 and 20 cm observations. The results have implications for the analysis of nonimaging radio data of solar and stellar flares.

The Large Scale Tectonic Framework of SE Asia and the Deformation of the lithosphere Beneath Tibet and SW China (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van der Hilst, R. D.; Huang, H.; Yao, H.

2010-12-01

We summarize results of our seismological studies of the lithosphere beneath Tibet and SW China. Joint analysis of geological, geodetic, and seismological data suggests that the Tibetan plateau formed through interplay between continental collision between India and Asia in the west and ocean floor subduction along the western Pacific island arcs and marginal basins in the east. These dynamic systems combine to facilitate the eastward extrusion of lithospheric material away from central Tibet. Located near the transition of these systems, SE Tibet is a key area for understanding regional seismicity as well as eastward plateau expansion. For a detailed regional study MIT installed an array of 25 three-component, broad band seismometers in Sichuan and Yunnan provinces, SW China. During the same 1-year period Lehigh University operated a 75 station array in east Tibet. Data from these and other nearby arrays have been used in a range of studies of crust and mantle heterogeneity and anisotropy. We focus our presentation on results of two lines of seismological study. First, travel time tomography (Li et al., PEPI 2006, EPSL 2008, JGR 2010) - with hand-picked phase arrivals from recordings at regional arrays, data from over 1,000 stations in China, and the global data base due to Engdahl et al. (BSSA, 1998) - has revealed that structures associated with subduction of the Indian plate beneath the Himalayas vary significantly from west Tibet (where the plate seems to underlie the entire plateau) to east Tibet (where Indian lithosphere seems to have plunged deeper into the mantle). Further east, fast structures appear in the upper mantle transition zone, presumably related to stagnation of slab fragments from westward subduction along Asia’s eastern sea board. Second, surface wave array tomography (Yao et al., GJI 2006, GJI 2008, JGR 2010; Huang et al., GRL 2010), based on ambient noise interferometry and traditional (inter station) dispersion analysis, is used to delineate the 3-D anisotropic structure of the crust and lithospheric mantle at length scales as small as 100 km beneath SE Asia. These inversions revealed (i) the presence of intra-crustal low velocity zones (perhaps bounded by major faults), (ii) a strong correlation between these low velocity zones and radial anisotropy (Vsh faster than Vsv), and (iii) that the pattern of crustal (azimuthal) anisotropy is quite different from that in the deep crust and mantle lithosphere. Furthermore, the spatial relationship with high heat flow, high (electrical) conductivity, and high Poisson’s ratio’s suggests that the crustal zones of low shear velocity are mechanically weak. Collectively, these inferences suggest that deformation is generally not vertically coherent and that (horizontal) ductile flow occurs (at least locally) in the deep crust of SE Tibet. Deformation of the lithosphere in SE Tibet may thus occur through interaction of geological units with and without crustal flow that are separated by major faults.

Evaluation of copy number variation detection for a SNP array platform

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Copy Number Variations (CNVs) are usually inferred from Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) arrays by use of some software packages based on given algorithms. However, there is no clear understanding of the performance of these software packages; it is therefore difficult to select one or several software packages for CNV detection based on the SNP array platform. We selected four publicly available software packages designed for CNV calling from an Affymetrix SNP array, including Birdsuite, dChip, Genotyping Console (GTC) and PennCNV. The publicly available dataset generated by Array-based Comparative Genomic Hybridization (CGH), with a resolution of 24 million probes per sample, was considered to be the “gold standard”. Compared with the CGH-based dataset, the success rate, average stability rate, sensitivity, consistence and reproducibility of these four software packages were assessed compared with the “gold standard”. Specially, we also compared the efficiency of detecting CNVs simultaneously by two, three and all of the software packages with that by a single software package. Results Simply from the quantity of the detected CNVs, Birdsuite detected the most while GTC detected the least. We found that Birdsuite and dChip had obvious detecting bias. And GTC seemed to be inferior because of the least amount of CNVs it detected. Thereafter we investigated the detection consistency produced by one certain software package and the rest three software suits. We found that the consistency of dChip was the lowest while GTC was the highest. Compared with the CNVs detecting result of CGH, in the matching group, GTC called the most matching CNVs, PennCNV-Affy ranked second. In the non-overlapping group, GTC called the least CNVs. With regards to the reproducibility of CNV calling, larger CNVs were usually replicated better. PennCNV-Affy shows the best consistency while Birdsuite shows the poorest. Conclusion We found that PennCNV outperformed the other three packages in the sensitivity and specificity of CNV calling. Obviously, each calling method had its own limitations and advantages for different data analysis. Therefore, the optimized calling methods might be identified using multiple algorithms to evaluate the concordance and discordance of SNP array-based CNV calling. PMID:24555668

First Passage under Restart

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pal, Arnab; Reuveni, Shlomi

2017-01-01

First passage under restart has recently emerged as a conceptual framework suitable for the description of a wide range of phenomena, but the endless variety of ways in which restart mechanisms and first passage processes mix and match hindered the identification of unifying principles and general truths. Hope that these exist came from a recently discovered universality displayed by processes under optimal, constant rate, restart—but extensions and generalizations proved challenging as they marry arbitrarily complex processes and restart mechanisms. To address this challenge, we develop a generic approach to first passage under restart. Key features of diffusion under restart—the ultimate poster boy for this wide and diverse class of problems—are then shown to be completely universal.

Financial versus Non-Financial Incentives for Improving Patient Experience.

PubMed

Lee, Thomas H

2015-05-01

Delivering compassionate and coordinated care is a goal for all health care providers. Humans are not always consistent, though, both individually and collectively, and this is why everyone needs incentives to be at their best and to try to always be improving. The endlessly interesting question in patient experience is, what should those incentives look like? Should they be financial or nonfinancial? Dr. Thomas H. Lee explores what is most effective in regard to engaging and motivating physicians. While different approaches will work in different organizational cultures, financial incentives have their role in performance improvement. Compassionate coordinated care should be a social norm and be pursued by all health care organizations.

Mineral water or tap water? An endless debate.

PubMed

De Giglio, O; Quaranta, A; Lovero, G; Caggiano, G; Montagna, M T

2015-01-01

The consumption of mineral water has been increasing because of the frequent and unjustified reports of the water supply contamination. However some authors have shown that bottled waters are not always better than tap water. Mineral waters are more palatable for organoleptic characteristic because, being pure at source, they do not undergo disinfection treatments and are sometimes enriched with CO2. In fact, they are characterized by their microbial facies subject to changes during the production cycle which can contribute to their contamination. It is necessary to provide people with the tools necessary to operate a critical choice of the type of water to be consumed not exclusively for their organoleptic characteristics or marketing strategies.

Thermal protection using very high temperature ceramics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adamczyk, George R.

1992-01-01

The purpose of the paper is to expose the reader to a technology that may solve some of the toughest materials problems facing thermal protection for use in aerospace. Supermaterials has created a system capable of producing unique material properties. Over 10 years and many man-hours have been invested in the development of this technology. Applications range from the food industry to the rigors of outer space. The flexibility of the system allows for customization not found in many other processes and at a reasonable cost. The ranges of materials and alloys that can be created are endless. Many cases with unique characteristics have been identified and we can expect even more with further development.

Maglev crude oil pipeline

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Knolle, Ernst G.

1994-01-01

This maglev crude oil pipeline consists of two conduits guiding an endless stream of long containers. One conduit carries loaded containers and the other empty returns. The containers are levitated by permanent magnets in repulsion and propelled by stationary linear induction motors. The containers are linked to each other in a manner that allows them, while in continuous motion, to be folded into side by side position at loading and unloading points. This folding causes a speed reduction in proportion to the ratio of container diameter to container length. While in side by side position, containers are opened at their ends to be filled or emptied. Container size and speed are elected to produce a desired carrying capacity.

Boronic acid-based chemical sensors for saccharides.

PubMed

Zhang, Xiao-Tai; Liu, Guang-Jian; Ning, Zhang-Wei; Xing, Guo-Wen

2017-11-27

During the past decades, the interaction between boronic acids-functionalized sensors and saccharides is of great interest in the frontier domain of the interdiscipline concerning both biology and chemistry. Various boronic acid-based sensing systems have been developed to detect saccharides and corresponding derivatives in vitro as well as in vivo, which embrace unimolecular sensors, two-component sensing ensembles, functional assemblies, and boronic acid-loaded nanomaterials or surfaces. New sensing strategies emerge in endlessly with excellent selectivity and sensitivity. In this review, several typical sensing systems were introduced and some promising examples were highlighted to enable the deep insight of saccharides sensing on the basis of boronic acids. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Identification of potential target genes of ROR-alpha in THP1 and HUVEC cell lines.

PubMed

Gulec, Cagri; Coban, Neslihan; Ozsait-Selcuk, Bilge; Sirma-Ekmekci, Sema; Yildirim, Ozlem; Erginel-Unaltuna, Nihan

2017-04-01

ROR-alpha is a nuclear receptor, activity of which can be modulated by natural or synthetic ligands. Due to its possible involvement in, and potential therapeutic target for atherosclerosis, we aimed to identify ROR-alpha target genes in monocytic and endothelial cell lines. We performed chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) followed by tiling array (ChIP-on-chip) for ROR-alpha in monocytic cell line THP1 and endothelial cell line HUVEC. Following bioinformatic analysis of the array data, we tested four candidate genes in terms of dependence of their expression level on ligand-mediated ROR-alpha activity, and two of them in terms of promoter occupancy by ROR-alpha. Bioinformatic analyses of ChIP-on-chip data suggested that ROR-alpha binds to genomic regions near the transcription start site (TSS) of more than 3000 genes in THP1 and HUVEC. Potential ROR-alpha target genes in both cell types seem to be involved mainly in membrane receptor activity, signal transduction and ion transport. While SPP1 and IKBKA were shown to be direct target genes of ROR-alpha in THP1 monocytes, inflammation related gene HMOX1 and heat shock protein gene HSPA8 were shown to be potential target genes of ROR-alpha. Our results suggest that ROR-alpha may regulate signaling receptor activity, and transmembrane transport activity through its potential target genes. ROR-alpha seems also to play role in cellular sensitivity to environmental substances like arsenite and chloroprene. Although, the expression analyses have shown that synthetic ROR-alpha ligands can modulate some of potential ROR-alpha target genes, functional significance of ligand-dependent modulation of gene expression needs to be confirmed with further analyses. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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

Gulec, Cagri, E-mail: cagri.gulec@gmail.com; Coban, Neslihan, E-mail: neslic@istanbul.edu.tr; Ozsait-Selcuk, Bilge, E-mail: ozsaitb@istanbul.edu.tr

ROR-alpha is a nuclear receptor, activity of which can be modulated by natural or synthetic ligands. Due to its possible involvement in, and potential therapeutic target for atherosclerosis, we aimed to identify ROR-alpha target genes in monocytic and endothelial cell lines. We performed chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) followed by tiling array (ChIP-on-chip) for ROR-alpha in monocytic cell line THP1 and endothelial cell line HUVEC. Following bioinformatic analysis of the array data, we tested four candidate genes in terms of dependence of their expression level on ligand-mediated ROR-alpha activity, and two of them in terms of promoter occupancy by ROR-alpha. Bioinformatic analysesmore » of ChIP-on-chip data suggested that ROR-alpha binds to genomic regions near the transcription start site (TSS) of more than 3000 genes in THP1 and HUVEC. Potential ROR-alpha target genes in both cell types seem to be involved mainly in membrane receptor activity, signal transduction and ion transport. While SPP1 and IKBKA were shown to be direct target genes of ROR-alpha in THP1 monocytes, inflammation related gene HMOX1 and heat shock protein gene HSPA8 were shown to be potential target genes of ROR-alpha. Our results suggest that ROR-alpha may regulate signaling receptor activity, and transmembrane transport activity through its potential target genes. ROR-alpha seems also to play role in cellular sensitivity to environmental substances like arsenite and chloroprene. Although, the expression analyses have shown that synthetic ROR-alpha ligands can modulate some of potential ROR-alpha target genes, functional significance of ligand-dependent modulation of gene expression needs to be confirmed with further analyses.« less

Learning from Space Entrepreneurs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pomerantz, William

2008-01-01

The early days of rocketry and space exploration in the United States were marked by incredibly rapid progress: a seemingly endless parade of firsts. Not coincidentally, this period also saw more than its fair share of failure, especially in the infamous "kaputnik" days prior to the successful launch of Explorer. Without a standard canon of known quantities to turn to, the early pioneers of rocketry and space flight were forced to dream up new ideas that ranged from the elegant to the bizarre and to accept the fact that the price of radical progress is occasional failure. Nowadays, rapid prototyping and testing have slowed, as we rely more and more on the extensive knowledge pined by our predecessors and on the embarrassment of riches modern engineers get from computational modeling and computer assisted design. In many cases, this leads to much improved or phenomenally more efficient designs. It also, however, fosters a culture so terrified of failure that we over-engineer and overanalyze everything, often tweaking designs for decades before a new system takes flight. (This is not a problem unique to rockets; the same phenomenon seems to have occurred in high-performance jets.) This is one reason why it was possible for President Kennedy to dream of the completion of the Mercury and Gemini missions and a successful landing on the moon in under a decade, while returning to the moon may take nearly twice as long. Lacking access to the tremendous computational resources of the national space program-and, just as importantly, removed from the harsh judgment of public shareholders or congressional appropriations committees-the hungry entrepreneurs who compete for our prizes tend not to display such fear of failure. Instead, most of them follow a rapid "build, test, fly" program. They are willing to throw a handful of concepts against the wall and see what sticks. They often go from drawing on the back of a napkin to firing engines or even flying vehicles in a matter of weeks or months, learning valuable lessons along the way. Indeed, our teams have repeatedly learned many of the most valuable lessons after only a few moments of working with real hardware-lessons that could never have been learned from a CAD drawing, like finding the failure modes of different welding practices or tracking down the interference between an onboard camera and a GPS unit. As Paul Breed, the leader of a Northrop Grumman Lunar Lander Challenge team (playfully called Unreasonable Rocket), is fond of saying, "In computer simulations the plumbing never leaks. In real life, it always does."

Linear distributed source modeling of local field potentials recorded with intra-cortical electrode arrays.

PubMed

Hindriks, Rikkert; Schmiedt, Joscha; Arsiwalla, Xerxes D; Peter, Alina; Verschure, Paul F M J; Fries, Pascal; Schmid, Michael C; Deco, Gustavo

2017-01-01

Planar intra-cortical electrode (Utah) arrays provide a unique window into the spatial organization of cortical activity. Reconstruction of the current source density (CSD) underlying such recordings, however, requires "inverting" Poisson's equation. For inter-laminar recordings, this is commonly done by the CSD method, which consists in taking the second-order spatial derivative of the recorded local field potentials (LFPs). Although the CSD method has been tremendously successful in mapping the current generators underlying inter-laminar LFPs, its application to planar recordings is more challenging. While for inter-laminar recordings the CSD method seems reasonably robust against violations of its assumptions, is it unclear as to what extent this holds for planar recordings. One of the objectives of this study is to characterize the conditions under which the CSD method can be successfully applied to Utah array data. Using forward modeling, we find that for spatially coherent CSDs, the CSD method yields inaccurate reconstructions due to volume-conducted contamination from currents in deeper cortical layers. An alternative approach is to "invert" a constructed forward model. The advantage of this approach is that any a priori knowledge about the geometrical and electrical properties of the tissue can be taken into account. Although several inverse methods have been proposed for LFP data, the applicability of existing electroencephalographic (EEG) and magnetoencephalographic (MEG) inverse methods to LFP data is largely unexplored. Another objective of our study therefore, is to assess the applicability of the most commonly used EEG/MEG inverse methods to Utah array data. Our main conclusion is that these inverse methods provide more accurate CSD reconstructions than the CSD method. We illustrate the inverse methods using event-related potentials recorded from primary visual cortex of a macaque monkey during a motion discrimination task.

Lithospheric structure of the southern French Alps inferred from broadband analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bertrand, E.; Deschamps, A.

2000-11-01

Broadband receiver functions analysis is commonly used to evaluate the fine-scale S-velocity structure of the lithosphere. We analyse teleseismic P-waves and their coda from 30 selected teleseismic events recorded at three seismological stations of to the French TGRS network in the Alpes Maritimes. Receiver functions are computed in the time domain using an SVD matrix inversion method. Dipping Moho and lateral heterogeneities beneath the array are inferred from the amplitude, arrival time and polarity of locally-generated PS phases. We propose that the Moho dips 11° towards 25°±10°N below station CALF, in the outer part of the Alpine belt. At this station, we determine a Moho depth of about 20±2 km; the same depth is suggested below SAOF station also located in the fold-trust belt. Beneath station STET located in the inner part of the Alpine belt, the Moho depth increases to 30 km and dips towards the N-NW. Moreover, 1D-modelling of summed receiver function from STET station constrains a crustal structure significantly different from that observed at stations located in the outer part of the Alps. Indeed, beneath CALF and SAOF stations we need a 2 km thick shallow low velocity layer to fit best the observed receiver functions whereas this layer seems not to be present beneath STET station. Because recent P-coda studies have shown that near-receiver scattering can dominate teleseismic P-wave recordings in tectonically complicated areas, we account for effect of scattering energy in our records from array measurements. As the array aperture is wide relative to the heterogeneity scale length in the area, the array analysis produces only smooth imaging of scatterers beneath the stations.

Linear distributed source modeling of local field potentials recorded with intra-cortical electrode arrays

PubMed Central

Schmiedt, Joscha; Arsiwalla, Xerxes D.; Peter, Alina; Verschure, Paul F. M. J.; Fries, Pascal; Schmid, Michael C.; Deco, Gustavo

2017-01-01

Planar intra-cortical electrode (Utah) arrays provide a unique window into the spatial organization of cortical activity. Reconstruction of the current source density (CSD) underlying such recordings, however, requires “inverting” Poisson’s equation. For inter-laminar recordings, this is commonly done by the CSD method, which consists in taking the second-order spatial derivative of the recorded local field potentials (LFPs). Although the CSD method has been tremendously successful in mapping the current generators underlying inter-laminar LFPs, its application to planar recordings is more challenging. While for inter-laminar recordings the CSD method seems reasonably robust against violations of its assumptions, is it unclear as to what extent this holds for planar recordings. One of the objectives of this study is to characterize the conditions under which the CSD method can be successfully applied to Utah array data. Using forward modeling, we find that for spatially coherent CSDs, the CSD method yields inaccurate reconstructions due to volume-conducted contamination from currents in deeper cortical layers. An alternative approach is to “invert” a constructed forward model. The advantage of this approach is that any a priori knowledge about the geometrical and electrical properties of the tissue can be taken into account. Although several inverse methods have been proposed for LFP data, the applicability of existing electroencephalographic (EEG) and magnetoencephalographic (MEG) inverse methods to LFP data is largely unexplored. Another objective of our study therefore, is to assess the applicability of the most commonly used EEG/MEG inverse methods to Utah array data. Our main conclusion is that these inverse methods provide more accurate CSD reconstructions than the CSD method. We illustrate the inverse methods using event-related potentials recorded from primary visual cortex of a macaque monkey during a motion discrimination task. PMID:29253006

Rural black women's agency within intimate partnerships amid the South African HIV epidemic.

PubMed

Thege, Britta

2009-12-01

In a particular way, the HIV pandemic exposes the prevailing gender relations and the definitions of male and female gender roles, both in intimate relationships and in the wider society. The HIV pandemic reveals the contradictions between women's legal rights and the persistence of women's cultural and sexual subordination. It reflects the impact of poverty, gender roles, culture and religion. Although HIV and AIDS cuts across class, South African rural black women's infection risk seems particularly high since they suffer notably from subordination and socio-economic hardships. Negotiating safer sex in marriage or intimate partnerships is very difficult for them in view of the traditional spaces in which they find themselves, where patriarchal structures are pervasive. Based on data obtained from a case study, this paper examines socio-cultural constraints to rural women's sexual agency in a patriarchal social order. These rules are based on a patriarchal code of respect, which is still pervasive in many aspects of the community under investigation. In terms of gender relations, the patriarchal code of respect is founded on an assumed 'naturalisation' of the two genders and the natural superiority of the male over the female. In terms of sexuality it is translated into male sex-right. The fear of HIV infection is omnipresent and results in unmarried women engaging in the negotiation of their wants and needs. Owing to the patriarchal code of respect, married women are perceived as having no choice in negotiating safer sex and are forced to put their lives at risk in contracting HIV. Unmarried women have greater although not endless choices in this regard. Although the study participants unexpectedly displayed a rather negative perception of other women, in order to strengthen women in their proximal environment the HIV epidemic may be seen as a vehicle for building solidarity among women in the community.

Communicating Science

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Russell, Nicholas

2009-10-01

Introduction: what this book is about and why you might want to read it; Prologue: three orphans share a common paternity: professional science communication, popular journalism, and literary fiction are not as separate as they seem; Part I. Professional Science Communication: 1. Spreading the word: the endless struggle to publish professional science; 2. Walk like an Egyptian: the alien feeling of professional science writing; 3. The future's bright? Professional science communication in the age of the internet; 4. Counting the horse's teeth: professional standards in science's barter economy; 5. Separating the wheat from the chaff: peer review on trial; Part II. Science for the Public: What Science Do People Need and How Might They Get It?: 6. The Public Understanding of Science (PUS) movement and its problems; 7. Public engagement with science and technology (PEST): fine principle, difficult practice; 8. Citizen scientists? Democratic input into science policy; 9. Teaching and learning science in schools: implications for popular science communication; Part III. Popular Science Communication: The Press and Broadcasting: 10. What every scientist should know about mass media; 11. What every scientist should know about journalists; 12. The influence of new media; 13. How the media represents science; 14. How should science journalists behave?; Part IV. The Origins of Science in Cultural Context: Five Historic Dramas: 15. A terrible storm in Wittenberg: natural knowledge through sorcery and evil; 16. A terrible storm in the Mediterranean: controlling nature with white magic and religion; 17. Thieving magpies: the subtle art of false projecting; 18. Foolish virtuosi: natural philosophy emerges as a distinct discipline but many cannot take it seriously; 19. Is scientific knowledge 'true' or should it just be 'truthfully' deployed?; Part V. Science in Literature: 20. Science and the Gothic: the three big nineteenth-century monster stories; 21. Science fiction: serious literature of ideas or low-grade entertainment?; 22. Science in British literary fiction; 23. Science on stage: the politics and ethics of science in cultural and educational contexts.

The maintenance of sex: Ronald Fisher meets the Red Queen.

PubMed

Green, David; Mason, Chris

2013-08-21

Sex in higher diploids carries a two-fold cost of males that should reduce its fitness relative to cloning, and result in its extinction. Instead, sex is widespread and clonal species face early obsolescence. One possible reason is that sex is an adaptation that allows organisms to respond more effectively to endless changes in their environment. The purpose of this study was to model mutation and selection in a diploid organism in an evolving environment and ascertain their support for sex. We used a computational approach to model finite populations where a haploid environment subjects a diploid host to endlessly evolving change. Evolution in both populations is primarily through adoption of novel advantageous mutations within a large allele space. Sex outcompetes cloning by two complementary mechanisms. First, sexual diploids adopt advantageous homozygous mutations more rapidly than clonal ones under conditions of lag load (the gap between the actual adaptation of the diploid population and its theoretical optimum). This rate advantage can offset the higher fecundity of cloning. Second, a relative advantage to sex emerges where populations are significantly polymorphic, because clonal polymorphism runs the risk of clonal interference caused by selection on numerous lines of similar adaptation. This interference extends allele lifetime and reduces the rate of adaptation. Sex abolishes the interference, making selection faster and elevating population fitness. Differences in adaptation between sexual and clonal populations increase markedly with the number of loci under selection, the rate of mutation in the host, and a rapidly evolving environment. Clonal interference in these circumstances leads to conditions where the greater fecundity of clones is unable to offset their poor adaptation. Sexual and clonal populations then either co-exist, or sex emerges as the more stable evolutionary strategy. Sex can out-compete clones in a rapidly evolving environment, such as that characterized by pathogens, where clonal interference reduces the adaptation of clonal populations and clones adopt advantageous mutations more slowly. Since all organisms carry parasitic loads, the model is of potentially general applicability.

Kulusuk Icebergs, by Andrew Bossi

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-12-08

GPM "Let it Snow" Photo Contest Winners The Global Precipitation Measurement mission is happy to announce the top ten winners of the "Let It Snow" photo competition. Thank you to everyone who submitted their best pictures of winter. From January 7th through February 4th 2013, over 1,000 photos were submitted via Flickr and Instagram (see the Flickr submissions here: bit.ly/VVEubh). We loved all of your entries and thoroughly appreciate your participation. About this image: Kulusuk Icebergs, by Andrew Bossi Location: On approach to the airstrip at Kulusuk, Greenland, located on the east coast. The flight departed out of Reykjavík, Iceland. How this Photo Was Taken: "My write-up of the day covers things in decent detail. Basically my vacation was focused on Scandinavia and hadn't even considered Greenland, but while traveling around Iceland I'd become aware that day trips were offered and I leapt at the opportunity. This approach was my first sight of Greenland. While I've seen plenty of glaciers and mountains, I'd never seen anything like this - it started with endless fields of ice amid the deep blue sea, and some minutes later a wall of frozen rock rose up from the horizon. I'd never seen anything so beautiful. I think my camera's shutter was snapping almost endlessly right up until we landed. The landing itself was an experience, as our tiny plane descended between the mountains -- rockfaces just outside each window -- and set down on a gravel runway." About Photographer Steven Sandner: More info about this photo: intentionallylost.blogspot.com/2011/06/gl-kulusuk.htm www.flickr.com/photos/thisisbossi/ twitter.com/thisisbossi NASA image use policy. NASA Goddard Space Flight Center enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission. Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook Find us on Instagram

Life-span development of visual working memory: when is feature binding difficult?

PubMed

Cowan, Nelson; Naveh-Benjamin, Moshe; Kilb, Angela; Saults, J Scott

2006-11-01

We asked whether the ability to keep in working memory the binding between a visual object and its spatial location changes with development across the life span more than memory for item information. Paired arrays of colored squares were identical or differed in the color of one square, and in the latter case, the changed color was unique on that trial (item change) or was duplicated elsewhere in the array (color-location binding change). Children (8-10 and 11-12 years old) and older adults (65-85 years old) showed deficits relative to young adults. These were only partly simulated by dividing attention in young adults. The older adults had an additional deficiency, specifically in binding information, which was evident only when item- and binding-change trials were mixed together. In that situation, the older adults often overlooked the more subtle, binding-type changes. Some working memory processes related to binding undergo life-span development in an inverted-U shape, whereas other, bias- and salience-related processes that influence the use of binding information seem to develop monotonically.

The km 3 Mediterranean neutrino observatory - the NEMO.RD project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

De Marzo, C. N.

2001-05-01

The NEMO.RD Project is a feasibility study of a km 3 underwater telescope for high energy astrophysical neutrinos to be located in the Mediterranean Sea. Results on various issues of this project are presented on: i) Monte Carlo simulation study of the capabilities of various arrays of phototubes in order to determine the detector geometry that can optimize performance and cost; ii) oceanographic survey of various sites in search of the optimal one; iii) feasibility study of mechanics, deployment, connections and maintenance of such a detector. Parameters of a site near Capo Passero, Sicily, where depth, transparency and other water parameters seem optimal are shown.

The violent interstellar medium in Messier 31

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brinks, Elias; Braun, Robert; Unger, Stephen W.

1990-01-01

Taurus observations in the line of H alpha and Very Large Array (VLA) HI mapping of the HII complex No. 722 in M31, reveal what seems to be a spherical cavity 330 pc in diameter blown out by a stellar association of over 20(exp 6) years old. Evidence of induced star formation which was initiated less than 5(exp 6) years ago is present in the form of bright HII emission and numerous O, B and Wolf-Rayet stars which are found within the shell surrounding the cavity. The energy necessary to create the HI shell is estimated to be about 5(exp 51) erg.

Comparison of Caenorhabditis elegans NLP peptides with arthropod neuropeptides.

PubMed

Husson, Steven J; Lindemans, Marleen; Janssen, Tom; Schoofs, Liliane

2009-04-01

Neuropeptides are small messenger molecules that can be found in all metazoans, where they govern a diverse array of physiological processes. Because neuropeptides seem to be conserved among pest species, selected peptides can be considered as attractive targets for drug discovery. Much can be learned from the model system Caenorhabditis elegans because of the availability of a sequenced genome and state-of-the-art postgenomic technologies that enable characterization of endogenous peptides derived from neuropeptide-like protein (NLP) precursors. Here, we provide an overview of the NLP peptide family in C. elegans and discuss their resemblance with arthropod neuropeptides and their relevance for anthelmintic discovery.

MANTA, a novel plug-based vascular closure device for large bore arteriotomies: technical report.

PubMed

van Gils, Lennart; Daemen, Joost; Walters, Greg; Sorzano, Todd; Grintz, Todd; Nardone, Sam; Lenzen, Mattie; De Jaegere, Peter P T; Roubin, Gary; Van Mieghem, Nicolas M

2016-09-18

Catheter-based interventions have become a less invasive alternative to conventional surgical techniques for a wide array of cardiovascular diseases but often create large arteriotomies. A completely percutaneous technique is attractive as it may reduce the overall complication rate and procedure time. Currently, large bore arteriotomy closure relies on suture-based techniques. Access-site complications are not uncommon and often seem related to closure device failure. The MANTA VCD is a novel collagen-based closure device that specifically targets arteriotomies between 10 and 22 Fr. This technical report discusses the MANTA design concept, practical instructions for use and preliminary clinical experience.

Choosing the Right Tool for the Job: RNAi, TALEN or CRISPR

PubMed Central

Boettcher, Michael; McManus, Michael T.

2015-01-01

The most widely used approach for defining a genes’ function is to reduce or completely disrupt its normal expression. For over a decade, RNAi has ruled the lab, offering a magic bullet to disrupt gene expression in many organisms. However, new biotechnological tools - specifically CRISPR-based technologies - have become available and are squeezing out RNAi dominance in mammalian cell studies. These seemingly competing technologies leave research investigators with the question: ‘Which technology should I use in my experiment?’ This review offers a practical resource to compare and contrast these technologies, guiding the investigator when and where to use this fantastic array of powerful tools. PMID:26000843

Clonal Evolution through Loss of Chromosomes and Subsequent Polyploidization in Chondrosarcoma

PubMed Central

Olsson, Linda; Paulsson, Kajsa; Bovée, Judith V. M. G.; Nord, Karolin H.

2011-01-01

Near-haploid chromosome numbers have been found in less than 1% of cytogenetically reported tumors, but seem to be more common in certain neoplasms including the malignant cartilage-producing tumor chondrosarcoma. By a literature survey of published karyotypes from chondrosarcomas we could confirm that loss of chromosomes resulting in hyperhaploid-hypodiploid cells is common and that these cells may polyploidize. Sixteen chondrosarcomas were investigated by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array and the majority displayed SNP patterns indicative of a hyperhaploid-hypodiploid origin, with or without subsequent polyploidization. Except for chromosomes 5, 7, 19, 20 and 21, autosomal loss of heterozygosity was commonly found, resulting from chromosome loss and subsequent duplication of monosomic chromosomes giving rise to uniparental disomy. Additional gains, losses and rearrangements of genetic material, and even repeated rounds of polyploidization, may affect chondrosarcoma cells resulting in highly complex karyotypes. Loss of chromosomes and subsequent polyploidization was not restricted to a particular chondrosarcoma subtype and, although commonly found in chondrosarcoma, binucleated cells did not seem to be involved in these events. PMID:21949816

Sexual response in patients treated with sacral neuromodulation for lower urinary tract symptoms or fecal incontinence.

PubMed

van Voskuilen, A C; Oerlemans, D J; Gielen, N; Lansen-Koch, S M P; Weil, E H J; van Lankveld, J J D M; van den Hombergh, U; Baeten, C G M I; van Kerrenbroeck, P E V

2012-01-01

To determine whether sacral neuromodulation (SNM) for urinary symptoms or fecal incontinence gives improvement of female sexual function and whether improvement is due to physiological or psychological factors. Between 2002 and 2008, 8 patients had an array of questionnaires before and after SNM implantation. The questionnaires were: the Questionnaire for Screening for Sexual Dysfunctions, the Golombok Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction, the Symptom Checklist-90, the Maudsley Marital Questionnaire and the McGill-Mah Orgasm Questionnaire. Three of these 8 patients underwent vaginal plethysmography before and after implantation. No statistically significant changes were found, although there seems to be a trend toward improvement in orgasm scores. In plethysmography all 3 patients showed increased vaginal pulse amplitude with the stimulator turned on with both erotic and non-erotic stimuli. This study does not show a clear effect of SNM on sexual function, although there seems to be an improvement in orgasm scores. The lack of response on psychological questionnaires and the increase in vaginal pulse amplitude after SNM implantation indicate that there might be a physiological response. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Design, architecture and application of nanorobotics in oncology.

PubMed

Saxena, S; Pramod, B J; Dayananda, B C; Nagaraju, K

2015-01-01

Oncologists all over the globe, relentlessly research on methodologies for detection of cancer and precise localization of cancer therapeutics with minimal adverse effects on healthy tissues. Since the previous decade, the fast growing research in nanotechnology has shown promising possibilities for achieving this dream of every oncologist.Nanorobots (or nanobots) are typical devices ranging in size from 0.1 to 10 μm and constructed of nanoscale or molecular components. Robots will augment the surgeon's motor performance, diagnostic capability and sensations with haptics and augmented reality. The article here aims in briefly describing the architecture of the nanorobots and their role in oncotherapy. Although, research into nanorobots is still in its preliminary stages, the promise of such technology is endless.

Study on green technologies and skills of tourism enterprises in Huangshan City based on environmental protection perspective

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bao, Jun

2018-01-01

With the rapid development of China's economy, air pollution, environmental degradation and other ecological problems emerge in an endless stream, a great threat to human health. In this context, the ecological civilization, sustainable development, economic transformation and upgrading and other green ideas emerge as the times require, and are highly concerned by the government, enterprises, academia and the public. From the perspective of tourism enterprises, through empirical research, this paper analyzes the influencing factors of green technologies and skills in tourism enterprises, and constructs the impact mechanism model of green technologies and skills. Put forward to promote enterprises to implement green management intention, suggestions to promote the practice of green technologies and skills.

Cultural aspects of morbid fears in Qatari women.

PubMed

el-Islam, M F

1994-05-01

The contents of morbid fears are patterned by cultural factors that decide the nature of the objects of the fears. Common factors in Western cultures do not obtain in local culture, which provides other objects for morbid fears in predisposed individuals. In the muslim community in Qatar, after-death fears dominated panic attacks, agoraphobia was rare, social phobias mirrored shame rather than guilt about failure to fulfil socially accepted norms of social behaviour, and obsessional fears revolved around fears of failure to control devil-induced impulses to harm self or others. Hypochondriacal fears of disease thrived because somatically oriented physicians colluded with somatizing patients in an endless search for presumed organic aetiology. Generalized anxiety fears were not encountered independently of other morbid fears.

Psychosocial effects of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.

PubMed

Barnett, Lynn

2007-01-01

The psychological factors surrounding the Chernobyl disaster include the sudden trauma of evacuation, long-term effects of being a refugee, disruption of social networks, illness, separation and its effects on families, children's perception and effects on their development and the threat of a long-term consequence with an endless future. Added to this was the breakdown of the Soviet Union with consequent collapse of health services, increasing poverty and malnutrition. These complexities made necessary new individual and social treatment methods developed in UNESCO Community Centres, within which some positives have resulted, such as the development of individual and group self help and the professions of counselling, social work and community development, practices which did not previously exist in the Soviet Union.

Molecular Aspects and Comparative Genomics of Bacteriophage Endolysins

PubMed Central

Oliveira, Hugo; Melo, Luís D. R.; Santos, Sílvio B.; Nóbrega, Franklin L.; Ferreira, Eugénio C.; Cerca, Nuno; Azeredo, Joana

2013-01-01

Phages are recognized as the most abundant and diverse entities on the planet. Their diversity is determined predominantly by their dynamic adaptation capacities when confronted with different selective pressures in an endless cycle of coevolution with a widespread group of bacterial hosts. At the end of the infection cycle, progeny virions are confronted with a rigid cell wall that hinders their release into the environment and the opportunity to start a new infection cycle. Consequently, phages encode hydrolytic enzymes, called endolysins, to digest the peptidoglycan. In this work, we bring to light all phage endolysins found in completely sequenced double-stranded nucleic acid phage genomes and uncover clues that explain the phage-endolysin-host ecology that led phages to recruit unique and specialized endolysins. PMID:23408602

Resiliency and medicine: how to create a positive energy balance.

PubMed

Kelly, John D

2011-01-01

A career in orthopaedics is a race-a marathon. Many outside forces converge to increase stressors to high levels. Resiliency, or the ability to bounce back from difficulty, can be learned and nurtured. The management of energy, rather than time, holds the key to avoiding burnout. Orthopaedic surgeons must minimize "energy drain" by first recognizing their ability to become proactive and control their lives. Surgeons must learn how to say "no" and delegate work and responsibilities. A positive energy balance can be attained when relationships, not things, are given priority. A focus on passions and inspiration helps to maintain energy, while a connection to a "source" and living a morally just, service-oriented life will yield endless energy.

"Her mouth is medicine": Beth Brant and Paula Gunn Allen's decolonizing queer erotics.

PubMed

Burford, Arianne

2013-01-01

This article asserts the need to recognize the complexity of the theoretical work of more lesbian Native American writers, focusing specifically Beth Brant (Bay of Quinte Mohawk) and Paula Gunn Allen (Laguna Pueblo). Their poetry and short stories provide a theoretically nuanced analysis of how heteronormativity is intertwined in and dependent on colonialism, and thus a methodology for Queer Theory that requires an understanding of it in relation to colonialism. They reject heteronormative Pocahontas fantasies about Native women, offering a lesbian-based tactic for decolonization through the expression of erotic desire. This article demonstrates the endless possibilities for fierce queer resistance, revolutionary change, and healing from the trauma of genocide and the accompanying colonialist heteropatriarchal disciplining of Native women's bodies.

Novel botanical ingredients for beverages.

PubMed

Gruenwald, Joerg

2009-01-01

Natural substances are generally preferred over chemical ones and are generally seen as healthy. The increasing demand for natural ingredients, improving health and appearance, is also attracting beverages as the fastest growing segment on the functional food market. Functional beverages are launched as fortified water, tea, diary or juices claiming overall nutrition, energy, anti-aging or relaxing effects. The substitution of so called superfruits, such as berries, grapes, or pomegranate delivers an effective range of beneficial compounds, including vitamins, fatty acids, minerals, and anti-oxidants. In this context, new exotic and African fruits could be useful sources in the near future. Teas and green botanicals, such as algae or aloe vera are also rich in effective bioactives and have been used traditionally. The botanical kingdom offers endless possibilities.

Alternate methods of applying diffusants to silicon solar cells. [screen printing of thick-film paste materials and vapor phase transport from solid sources

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brock, T. W.; Field, M. B.

1979-01-01

Low-melting phosphate and borate glasses were screen printed on silicon wafers and heated to form n and p junctions. Data on surface appearance, sheet resistance and junction depth are presented. Similar data are reported for vapor phase transport from sintered aluminum metaphosphate and boron-containing glass-ceramic solid sources. Simultaneous diffusion of an N(+) layer with screen-printed glass and a p(+) layer with screen-printed Al alloy paste was attempted. No p(+) back surface field formation was achieved. Some good cells were produced but the heating in an endless-belt furnace caused a large scatter in sheet resistance and junction depth for three separate lots of wafers.

Seismic anisotropy beneath Southern Iberia and Northern Morocco: first results from the IberArray broad-band seismic network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Diaz, J.; Gallart, J.

2009-12-01

The region formed by the Betic and Rift belts and the extensional Alboran basin, located in Southern Iberia and Northern Morocco, is one of the most complex and controversial geological zones in Western Europe. There is still not a commonly accepted hypothesis about the mechanism responsible for its formation, as models including lithospheric delamination, convective removal or subduction have been proposed by different authors. In this context, the knowledge about the presence and properties of upper mantle anisotropy from SKS splitting measurements can provide valuable information. Until few years ago, very scarce data regarding the presence of anisotropy in the Southern part of the Iberian Peninsula were available. The installation of new permanent and semi-permanent broadband stations in the region has allowed obtaining a first insight into the anisotropic properties (Buontempo et al, 2008). Those data have evidenced the presence of geographical variations in the anisotropic parameters, with fast velocity directions (FVD) parallel to the mountain belt in the Internal Betics and a rotation on fast split directions towards NS around the Gibraltar arc. However additional data, especially in the Northern part of Morocco, seem to be necessary to discern between the different geodynamical models proposed. In the framework of the large-scale TOPOIBERIA project, the IberArray broad-band seismic network was deployed over this region for about 18 months, beginning in summer 2007. This portable array, formed by up to 55 new generation dataloggers equipped with broad-band seismometers, covers the southern part of Iberia (35 stations) and northern Morocco (20 stations) in an approximately regular grid, with a nominal spacing of 60 km. Data from the permanent broadband stations maintained by different institutions operating in the region has been integrated into the IberArray database. Events with epicentral distances between 85 and 120 degrees and magnitude greater than 5.8 are systematically extracted from the continuous dataset and SKS, SKKS and PKS phases are inspected for anisotropy using the SplitLab software. Processing of the whole dataset is still ongoing, but the available results already improve significantly the spatial resolution of SKS measurements in this region. The inferred FVD clearly document a spectacular rotation along the Gibraltar arc, following the curvature of the Rif-Betic chain, from roughly N65E beneath the Betics to close to N65W beneath the Rif chain. Stations located in the south-eastern and southern edges of the array show a distinct pattern, with FVD oriented NE-SW to E-W. The results for some sites, especially those located in the Variscan units of SW Iberia, suggest the presence of complex anisotropy features, probably including two anisotropic layers. The FVD variations along the Gibraltar arc could be explained by fossil anisotropy acquired during the Eocene. However, at the present stage of analysis, we favour an anisotropic origin related to toroidal flow around the Alboran low velocity slab. These FVD results are compatible with rollback / subduction models. On the other hand, convective-removal and delamination models seem unlikely to be compatible with the anisotropic results.

Quantum Computation Using Optically Coupled Quantum Dot Arrays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pradhan, Prabhakar; Anantram, M. P.; Wang, K. L.; Roychowhury, V. P.; Saini, Subhash (Technical Monitor)

1998-01-01

A solid state model for quantum computation has potential advantages in terms of the ease of fabrication, characterization, and integration. The fundamental requirements for a quantum computer involve the realization of basic processing units (qubits), and a scheme for controlled switching and coupling among the qubits, which enables one to perform controlled operations on qubits. We propose a model for quantum computation based on optically coupled quantum dot arrays, which is computationally similar to the atomic model proposed by Cirac and Zoller. In this model, individual qubits are comprised of two coupled quantum dots, and an array of these basic units is placed in an optical cavity. Switching among the states of the individual units is done by controlled laser pulses via near field interaction using the NSOM technology. Controlled rotations involving two or more qubits are performed via common cavity mode photon. We have calculated critical times, including the spontaneous emission and switching times, and show that they are comparable to the best times projected for other proposed models of quantum computation. We have also shown the feasibility of accessing individual quantum dots using the NSOM technology by calculating the photon density at the tip, and estimating the power necessary to perform the basic controlled operations. We are currently in the process of estimating the decoherence times for this system; however, we have formulated initial arguments which seem to indicate that the decoherence times will be comparable, if not longer, than many other proposed models.

Force transformation in spider strain sensors: white light interferometry

PubMed Central

Schaber, Clemens F.; Gorb, Stanislav N.; Barth, Friedrich G.

2012-01-01

Scanning white light interferometry and micro-force measurements were applied to analyse stimulus transformation in strain sensors in the spider exoskeleton. Two compound or ‘lyriform’ organs consisting of arrays of closely neighbouring, roughly parallel sensory slits of different lengths were examined. Forces applied to the exoskeleton entail strains in the cuticle, which compress and thereby stimulate the individual slits of the lyriform organs. (i) For the proprioreceptive lyriform organ HS-8 close to the distal joint of the tibia, the compression of the slits at the sensory threshold was as small as 1.4 nm and hardly more than 30 nm, depending on the slit in the array. The corresponding stimulus forces were as small as 0.01 mN. The linearity of the loading curve seems reasonable considering the sensor's relatively narrow biological intensity range of operation. The slits' mechanical sensitivity (slit compression/force) ranged from 106 down to 13 nm mN−1, and gradually decreased with decreasing slit length. (ii) Remarkably, in the vibration-sensitive lyriform organ HS-10 on the metatarsus, the loading curve was exponential. The organ is thus adapted to the detection of a wide range of vibration amplitudes, as they are found under natural conditions. The mechanical sensitivities of the two slits examined in this organ in detail differed roughly threefold (522 and 195 nm mN−1) in the biologically most relevant range, again reflecting stimulus range fractionation among the slits composing the array. PMID:22031733

Evaluation of Bovine High-Density SNP Genotyping Array in Indigenous Dairy Cattle Breeds.

PubMed

Dash, S; Singh, A; Bhatia, A K; Jayakumar, S; Sharma, A; Singh, S; Ganguly, I; Dixit, S P

2018-04-03

In total 52 samples of Sahiwal ( 19 ), Tharparkar ( 17 ), and Gir ( 16 ) were genotyped by using BovineHD SNP chip to analyze minor allele frequency (MAF), genetic diversity, and linkage disequilibrium among these cattle. The common SNPs of BovineHD and 54K SNP Chips were also extracted and evaluated for their performance. Only 40%-50% SNPs of these arrays was found informative for genetic analysis in these cattle breeds. The overall mean of MAF for SNPs of BovineHD SNPChip was 0.248 ± 0.006, 0.241 ± 0.007, and 0.242 ± 0.009 in Sahiwal, Tharparkar and Gir, respectively, while that for 54K SNPs was on lower side. The average Reynold's genetic distance between breeds ranged from 0.042 to 0.055 based on BovineHD Beadchip, and from 0.052 to 0.084 based on 54K SNP Chip. The estimates of genetic diversity based on HD and 54K chips were almost same and, hence, low density chip seems to be good enough to decipher genetic diversity of these cattle breeds. The linkage disequilibrium started decaying (r 2  < 0.2) at 140 kb inter-marker distance and, hence, a 20K low density customized SNP array from HD chip could be designed for genomic selection in these cattle else the 54K Bead Chip as such will be useful.

Analysis of the low-level seismicity along the Southern Indian Ocean spreading ridges recorded by the OHASISBIO array of hydrophones in 2012

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsang-Hin-Sun, Eve; Royer, Jean-Yves; Sukhovich, Alexey; Perrot, Julie

2014-05-01

Arrays of autonomous hydrophones (AUHs) proved to be a very valuable tool for monitoring the seismic activity of mid-ocean ridges. AUHs take advantage of the ocean acoustic properties to detect many low-magnitude underwater earthquakes undetected by land-based stations. This allows for a significant improvement in the magnitude completeness level of seismic catalogs in remote oceanic areas. This study presents some results from the deployment of the OHASISBIO array comprising 7 AUHs deployed in the southern Indian Ocean. The source of acoustic events, i.e. site where - conversion from seismic to acoustic waves occur and proxy to epicenters for shallow earthquakes - can be precisely located within few km, inside the AUH array. The distribution of the uncertainties in the locations and time-origins shows that the OHASISBIO array reliably covers a wide region encompassing the Indian Ocean triple junction and large extent of the three mid-oceanic Indian spreading ridges, from 52°E to 80°E and from 25°S to 40°S. During its one year long deployment in 2012 and in this area the AUH array recorded 1670 events, while, for the same period, land-based networks only detected 470 events. A comparison of the background seismicity along the South-east (SEIR) and South-west (SWIR) Indian ridges suggests that the microseismicity, even over a year period, could be representative of the steady-state of stress along the SEIR and SWIR; this conclusion is based on very high Spearman's correlations between our one-year long AUH catalog and teleseismic catalogs over nearly 40 years. Seismicity along the ultra-slow spreading SWIR is regularly distributed in space and time, along spreading segments and transform faults, whereas the intermediate spreading SEIR diplays clusters of events in the vicinity of some transform faults or near specific geological structures such as the St-Paul and Amsterdam hotspot. A majority of these clusters seem to be related to magmatic processes, such as dyke intrusion or propagation. The analysis of mainshock-aftershock sequences reveals that flew clusters fit a modified Omori law, non-withstanding of their location (on transform faults or not), reflecting complex rupture mechanisms along both spreading ridges.

Recycling isoelectric focusing with computer controlled data acquisition system. [for high resolution electrophoretic separation and purification of biomolecules

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Egen, N. B.; Twitty, G. E.; Bier, M.

1979-01-01

Isoelectric focusing is a high-resolution technique for separating and purifying large peptides, proteins, and other biomolecules. The apparatus described in the present paper constitutes a new approach to fluid stabilization and increased throughput. Stabilization is achieved by flowing the process fluid uniformly through an array of closely spaced filter elements oriented parallel both to the electrodes and the direction of the flow. This seems to overcome the major difficulties of parabolic flow and electroosmosis at the walls, while limiting the convection to chamber compartments defined by adjacent spacers. Increased throughput is achieved by recirculating the process fluid through external heat exchange reservoirs, where the Joule heat is dissipated.

Analysis and evaluation in the production process and equipment area of the low-cost solar array project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wolf, M.; Goldman, H.

1981-01-01

The attributes of the various metallization processes were investigated. It is shown that several metallization process sequences will lead to adequate metallization for large area, high performance solar cells at a metallization add on price in the range of $6. to 12. m squared, or 4 to $.8/W(peak), assuming 15% efficiency. Conduction layer formation by thick film silver or by tin or tin/lead solder leads to metallization add-on prices significantly above the $6. to 12/m squared range c.) The wet chemical processes of electroless and electrolytic plating for strike/barrier layer and conduction layer formation, respectively, seem to be most cost effective.

Nonlinear geometric scaling of coercivity in a three-dimensional nanoscale analog of spin ice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shishkin, I. S.; Mistonov, A. A.; Dubitskiy, I. S.; Grigoryeva, N. A.; Menzel, D.; Grigoriev, S. V.

2016-08-01

Magnetization hysteresis loops of a three-dimensional nanoscale analog of spin ice based on the nickel inverse opal-like structure (IOLS) have been studied at room temperature. The samples are produced by filling nickel into the voids of artificial opal-like films. The spin ice behavior is induced by tetrahedral elements within the IOLS, which have the same arrangement of magnetic moments as a spin ice. The thickness of the films vary from a two-dimensional, i.e., single-layered, antidot array to a three-dimensional, i.e., multilayered, structure. The coercive force, the saturation, and the irreversibility field have been measured in dependence of the thickness of the IOLS for in-plane and out-of-plane applied fields. The irreversibility and saturation fields change abruptly from the antidot array to the three-dimensional IOLS and remain constant upon further increase of the number of layers n . The coercive force Hc seems to increase logarithmically with increasing n as Hc=Hc 0+α ln(n +1 ) . The logarithmic law implies the avalanchelike remagnetization of anisotropic structural elements connecting tetrahedral and cubic nodes in the IOLS. We conclude that the "ice rule" is the base of mechanism regulating this process.

The Gould's Belt Very Large Array Survey. IV. The Taurus-Auriga Complex

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dzib, Sergio A.; Loinard, Laurent; Rodríguez, Luis F.; Mioduszewski, Amy J.; Ortiz-León, Gisela N.; Kounkel, Marina A.; Pech, Gerardo; Rivera, Juana L.; Torres, Rosa M.; Boden, Andrew F.; Hartmann, Lee; Evans, Neal J., II; Briceño, Cesar; Tobin, John

2015-03-01

We present a multi-epoch radio study of the Taurus-Auriga star-forming complex made with the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array at frequencies of 4.5 GHz and 7.5 GHz. We detect a total of 610 sources, 59 of which are related to young stellar objects (YSOs) and 18 to field stars. The properties of 56% of the young stars are compatible with non-thermal radio emission. We also show that the radio emission of more evolved YSOs tends to be more non-thermal in origin and, in general, that their radio properties are compatible with those found in other star-forming regions. By comparing our results with previously reported X-ray observations, we notice that YSOs in Taurus-Auriga follow a Güdel-Benz relation with κ = 0.03, as we previously suggested for other regions of star formation. In general, YSOs in Taurus-Auriga and in all the previous studied regions seem to follow this relation with a dispersion of ~1 dex. Finally, we propose that most of the remaining sources are related with extragalactic objects but provide a list of 46 unidentified radio sources whose radio properties are compatible with a YSO nature.

Speech understanding in noise with an eyeglass hearing aid: asymmetric fitting and the head shadow benefit of anterior microphones.

PubMed

Mens, Lucas H M

2011-01-01

To test speech understanding in noise using array microphones integrated in an eyeglass device and to test if microphones placed anteriorly at the temple provide better directivity than above the pinna. Sentences were presented from the front and uncorrelated noise from 45, 135, 225 and 315°. Fifteen hearing impaired participants with a significant speech discrimination loss were included, as well as 5 normal hearing listeners. The device (Varibel) improved speech understanding in noise compared to most conventional directional devices with a directional benefit of 5.3 dB in the asymmetric fit mode, which was not significantly different from the bilateral fully directional mode (6.3 dB). Anterior microphones outperformed microphones at a conventional position above the pinna by 2.6 dB. By integrating microphones in an eyeglass frame, a long array can be used resulting in a higher directionality index and improved speech understanding in noise. An asymmetric fit did not significantly reduce performance and can be considered to increase acceptance and environmental awareness. Directional microphones at the temple seemed to profit more from the head shadow than above the pinna, better suppressing noise from behind the listener.

Liquid lithium target as a high intensity, high energy neutron source

DOEpatents

Parkin, Don M.; Dudey, Norman D.

1976-01-01

This invention provides a target jet for charged particles. In one embodiment the charged particles are high energy deuterons that bombard the target jet to produce high intensity, high energy neutrons. To this end, deuterons in a vacuum container bombard an endlessly circulating, free-falling, sheet-shaped, copiously flowing, liquid lithium jet that gushes by gravity from a rectangular cross-section vent on the inside of the container means to form a moving web in contact with the inside wall of the vacuum container. The neutrons are produced via break-up of the beam in the target by stripping, spallation and compound nuclear reactions in which the projectiles (deuterons) interact with the target (Li) to produce excited nuclei, which then "boil off" or evaporate a neutron.

The sun,the planets and life on Earth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Claudia, Tacu Cristina

2017-04-01

We all knowthat Earth,our planet,it's not alone in the Universe.We will discover together a few of its secrets: 0 The influence of the sun on our planet is very important.It provides us thelight ,the warnith and the enery without whice life on Earth wouldn't be possible. 0 Thank to the Sun and the endless spinning of our planet around its own axe and, at the same time around this star,we receive as a gift the day,the night,the seasons. 0In our Solar System there are other spheres appart from the Sun and planets -the asteroids ,wandering pieces of stone.It is said that many milions of years ago it they made a lot of plants and animals disappear. If I have arisen your curiosity,let's go!

The Saudi Human Genome Program: An oasis in the desert of Arab medicine is providing clues to genetic disease.

PubMed

Project Team, Saudi Genome

2015-01-01

Oil wells, endless deserts, stifling heat, masses of pilgrims, and wealthy-looking urban areas still dominate the widespread mental image of Saudi Arabia. Currently, this image is being extended to include a recent endeavor that is reserving a global share in the limelight as one of the top ten genomics projects currently underway: the Saudi Human Genome Program (SHGP). With sound funding, dedicated resources, and national determination, the SHGP targets the sequencing of 100,000 human genomes over the next five years to conduct world-class genomics-based biomedical research in the Saudi population. Why this project was conceived and thought to be feasible, what is the ultimate target, and how it operates are the questions we answer in this article.

Bluetooth Roaming for Sensor Network System in Clinical Environment.

PubMed

Kuroda, Tomohiro; Noma, Haruo; Takase, Kazuhiko; Sasaki, Shigeto; Takemura, Tadamasa

2015-01-01

A sensor network is key infrastructure for advancing a hospital information system (HIS). The authors proposed a method to provide roaming functionality for Bluetooth to realize a Bluetooth-based sensor network, which is suitable to connect clinical devices. The proposed method makes the average response time of a Bluetooth connection less than one second by making the master device repeat the inquiry process endlessly and modifies parameters of the inquiry process. The authors applied the developed sensor network for daily clinical activities in an university hospital, and confirmed the stabilitya and effectiveness of the sensor network. As Bluetooth becomes a quite common wireless interface for medical devices, the proposed protocol that realizes Bluetooth-based sensor network enables HIS to equip various clinical devices and, consequently, lets information and communication technologies advance clinical services.

Manipulating waves with LEGO bricks: A versatile experimental platform for metamaterial architectures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Celli, Paolo; Gonella, Stefano

2015-08-01

In this letter, we discuss a versatile, fully reconfigurable experimental platform for the investigation of phononic phenomena in metamaterial architectures. The approach revolves around the use of 3D laser vibrometry to reconstruct global and local wavefield features in specimens obtained through simple arrangements of LEGO® bricks on a thin baseplate. The agility by which it is possible to reconfigure the brick patterns into a nearly endless spectrum of topologies makes this an effective approach for rapid experimental proof of concept, as well as a powerful didactic tool, in the arena of phononic crystals and metamaterials engineering. We use our platform to provide a compelling visual illustration of important spatial wave manipulation effects (waveguiding and seismic isolation), and to elucidate fundamental dichotomies between Bragg-based and locally resonant bandgap mechanisms.

Vertically stabilized elongated cross-section tokamak

DOEpatents

Sheffield, George V.

1977-01-01

This invention provides a vertically stabilized, non-circular (minor) cross-section, toroidal plasma column characterized by an external separatrix. To this end, a specific poloidal coil means is added outside a toroidal plasma column containing an endless plasma current in a tokamak to produce a rectangular cross-section plasma column along the equilibrium axis of the plasma column. By elongating the spacing between the poloidal coil means the plasma cross-section is vertically elongated, while maintaining vertical stability, efficiently to increase the poloidal flux in linear proportion to the plasma cross-section height to achieve a much greater plasma volume than could be achieved with the heretofore known round cross-section plasma columns. Also, vertical stability is enhanced over an elliptical cross-section plasma column, and poloidal magnetic divertors are achieved.

We are alone in our Galaxy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tipler, F. J.

1982-10-01

An assessment is presented of the probability of the existence of intelligent extraterrestrial life in view of biological evolutionary constraints, in order to furnish some perspective for the hopes and claims of search of extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) enthusiasts. Attention is given to a hypothetical extraterrestrial civilization's exploration/colonization of interstellar space by means of von Neumann machine-like, endlessly self-replicating space probes which would eventually reach the planetary systems of all stars in the Galaxy. These probes would be able to replicate the biology of their creator species, upon reaching a hospitable planet. It is suggested that the fundamental technological feasibility of such schemes, and their geometrically progressive comprehension of the Galaxy, would make actual colonization of the earth by extraterrestrials so probable as to destroy the hopes of SETI backers for occasional contact.

Toroidal band limiter for a plasma containment device

DOEpatents

Kelley, George G.

1978-01-01

This invention relates to a toroidal plasma confinement device having poloidal and toroidal magnetic fields for confining a toroidal plasma column with a plasma current induced therein along an endless, circular equilibrium axis in a torus vacuum cavity wherein the improvement comprises the use of a toroidal plasma band limiter mounted within the vacuum cavity in such a manner as to ensure that the plasma energy is distributed more uniformly over the limiter surface thereby avoiding intense local heating of the limiter while at the same time substantially preventing damage to the plasma containment wall of the cavity by the energetic particles diffusing out from the confined plasma. A plurality of poloidal plasma ring limiters are also utilized for containment wall protection during any disruptive instability that might occur during operation of the device.

Climate change and avian influenza

PubMed Central

Slingenbergh, J.; Xiao, X.

2009-01-01

Summary This paper discusses impacts of climate change on the ecology of avian influenza viruses (AI viruses), which presumably co-evolved with migratory water birds, with virus also persisting outside the host in subarctic water bodies. Climate change would almost certainly alter bird migration, influence the AI virus transmission cycle and directly affect virus survival outside the host. The joint, net effects of these changes are rather unpredictable, but it is likely that AI virus circulation in water bird populations will continue with endless adaptation and evolution. In domestic poultry, too little is known about the direct effect of environmental factors on highly pathogenic avian influenza transmission and persistence to allow inference about the possible effect of climate change. However, possible indirect links through changes in the distribution of duck-crop farming are discussed. PMID:18819672

Handman and Senson Receive 2003 Walter Sullivan Award for Excellence in Science Journalism-Features

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McDonald, Bob; Handman, Jim; Senson, Pat

2004-03-01

Patric Senson and James Handman received the Sullivan Award at AGU Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony, which was held on 10 December 2003, in San Francisco, California. The award honors ``a single article or radio/television report that makes geophysical material accessible and interesting to the general public.'' ``Jim Handman is one of the best kept secrets at CBC Radio. For more than 20 years he has been a bastion of integrity and an endless source of wit and has consistently produced award-winning programs in radio news and current affairs. ``Jim is currently the senior producer of Quirks & Quarks, our national science radio program, now in its 27th season, but this role is only one of many over the course of his extensive broadcasting career.

5@5 - A 5 GeV Energy Threshold Array of Imaging Atmospheric Cherenkov Telescopes at 5 km Altitude

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aharonian, F. A.; Konopelko, A. K.; Voelk, H. J.; Quintana, H.

2000-10-01

We discuss the concept and the performance of 5@5 - a stereoscopic array of several large imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes installed at a very high mountain elevation of about 5 km a.s.l. or more - for the study of the gamma-ray sky at energies from several GeV to 100 GeV. With its capability to detect the ``standard'' EGRET sources with spectra extending up to 10 GeV in exposure times from 1 to 103 seconds, such a detector may serve as an ideal "Gamma-Ray Timing Explorer" for the study of transient non-thermal phenomena like gamma-radiation from AGN jets, synchrotron flares of microquasars, the high energy (GeV) counterparts of Gamma Ray Bursts, etc. Such an instrument would also allow detailed studies of the spectral characteristics of persistent gamma-ray sources like pulsars, supernova remnants, plerions, radiogalaxies, etc, in the energy region between 10 GeV and 100 GeV, where the capabilities of both the current space-based and ground-based gamma-ray projects are quite limited. The existing technological achievements in the design and construction of multi (1000) pixel, high resolution imagers, as well as of large, 20 m diameter class multi-mirror dishes with rather modest optical requirements, would allow the construction of the "5@5" in a foreseeable future. The Llano de Chajnantor (or the neighboring Cerro Toco) in the Atacama desert of Northern Chile seems an ideal site for such a ``post - CANGAROO/H.E.S.S./MAGIC/VERITAS'' era ground-based gamma-ray detector. The large flat area of that site, which was recently chosen for the installation of one of the most powerful future astronomical instruments - the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) - could accomodate also an additional Cherenkov telescope array which requires a relatively compact area with a radius of about 100 m.

Structure of the North Anatolian Fault Zone from the Auto-Correlation of Ambient Seismic Noise Recorded at a Dense Seismometer Array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taylor, D. G.; Rost, S.; Houseman, G.

2015-12-01

In recent years the technique of cross-correlating the ambient seismic noise wavefield at two seismometers to reconstruct empirical Green's Functions for the determination of Earth structure has been a powerful tool to study the Earth's interior without earthquake or man-made sources. However, far less attention has been paid to using auto-correlations of seismic noise to reveal body wave reflections from interfaces in the subsurface. In principle, the Green's functions thus derived should be comparable to the Earth's impulse response to a co-located source and receiver. We use data from a dense seismic array (Dense Array for Northern Anatolia - DANA) deployed across the northern branch of the North Anatolian Fault Zone (NAFZ) in the region of the 1999 magnitude 7.6 Izmit earthquake in western Turkey. The NAFZ is a major strike-slip system that extends ~1200 km across northern Turkey and continues to pose a high level of seismic hazard, in particular to the mega-city of Istanbul. We construct reflection images for the entire crust and upper mantle over the ~35 km by 70 km footprint of the 70-station DANA array. Using auto-correlations of vertical and horizontal components of ground motion, both P- and S-wave velocity information can be retrieved from the wavefield to constrain crustal structure further to established methods. We show that clear P-wave reflections from the crust-mantle boundary (Moho) can be retrieved using the autocorrelation technique, indicating topography on the Moho on horizontal scales of less than 10 km. Offsets in crustal structure can be identified that seem to be correlated with the surface expression of the fault zone in the region. The combined analysis of auto-correlations using vertical and horizontal components will lead to further insight into the fault zone structure throughout the crust and upper mantle.

Transition control of Mach to regular reflection induced interaction using an array of micro ramp vane-type vortex generators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verma, Shashi B.; Chidambaranathan, Manisankar

2015-10-01

An experimental investigation has been conducted to favorably control/modify a Mach reflection induced interaction in a Mach 2.05 flow on a flat plate using an array of single row mechanical micro vane-type vortex generators (VGs). The objective was to study the variation in (i) control device configuration (trapezoidal and the split-trapezoidal or ramp vane-type), (ii) control device height (h/δ = 0.3, 0.5), and (iii) control location (X/δ = 9, 15 upstream of the interaction) in controlling the overall interaction. The primary aim was to investigate a control location and VG configuration which is able to effectively initiate a transition from Mach reflection to regular reflection with minimum changes to the separation characteristics for no control. While the trapezoidal configuration is seen to move the separation location upstream only slightly, the split-trapezoidal configurations result in a considerable upstream movement that is associated with significant reduction in separation shock strength. The latter flow modification causes the Mach stem to completely disappear resulting in a transition from Mach to regular reflection. The control location of X/δ = 15 seems to be most effective for all control device configurations tested. It is further observed that whilst the effectiveness of the split-trapezoidal configuration of h/δ = 0.3 in controlling the transition improves with increasing X/δ, increasing its height to h/δ = 0.5 not only controls the transition process but is also able to control the extent of separation. All the control devices, however, are seen to increase the flow unsteadiness in the intermittent region of separation for both control locations. From this perspective, increasing the height of the control device seems favorable for the closer control location as it not only completely modifies the Mach reflection but also keeps the peak rms value similar to the baseline case.

Electromagnetic radiation generated by arcing in low density plasma

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vayner, Boris V.; Ferguson, Dale C.; Snyder, David B.; Doreswamy, C. V.

1996-01-01

An unavoidable step in the process of space exploration is to use high-power, very large spacecraft launched into Earth orbit. Obviously, the spacecraft will need powerful energy sources. Previous experience has shown that electrical discharges occur on the surfaces of a high-voltage array, and these discharges (arcs) are undesirable in many respects. Moreover, any high voltage conductor will interact with the surrounding plasma, and that interaction may result in electrical discharges between the conductor and plasma (or between two conductors with different potentials, for example, during docking and extravehicular activity). One very important aspect is the generation of electromagnetic radiation by arcing. To prevent the negative influence of electromagnetic noise on the operation of spacecraft systems, it seems necessary to determine the spectra and absolute levels of the radiation, and to determine limitations on the solar array bias voltage that depend on the parameters of LEO plasma and the technical requirements of the spacecraft equipment. This report describes the results of an experimental study and computer simulation of the electromagnetic radiation generated by arcing on spacecraft surfaces. A large set of high quality data was obtained during the Solar Array Module Plasma Interaction Experiment (SAMPIE, flight STS-62) and ground test. These data include the amplitudes of current, pulse forms, duration of each arc, and spectra of plasma waves. A theoretical explanation of the observed features is presented in this report too. The elaborated model allows us to determine the parameters of the electromagnetic noise for different frequency ranges, distances from the arcing site, and distinct kinds of plasma waves.

Ready to clone: CNV detection and breakpoint fine-mapping in breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility genes by high-resolution array CGH.

PubMed

Hackmann, Karl; Kuhlee, Franziska; Betcheva-Krajcir, Elitza; Kahlert, Anne-Karin; Mackenroth, Luisa; Klink, Barbara; Di Donato, Nataliya; Tzschach, Andreas; Kast, Karin; Wimberger, Pauline; Schrock, Evelin; Rump, Andreas

2016-10-01

Detection of predisposing copy number variants (CNV) in 330 families affected with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC). In order to complement mutation detection with Illumina's TruSight Cancer panel, we designed a customized high-resolution 8 × 60k array for CGH (aCGH) that covers all 94 genes from the panel. Copy number variants with immediate clinical relevance were detected in 12 families (3.6%). Besides 3 known CNVs in CHEK2, RAD51C, and BRCA1, we identified 3 novel pathogenic CNVs in BRCA1 (deletion of exons 4-13, deletion of exons 12-18) and ATM (deletion exons 57-63) plus an intragenic duplication of BRCA2 (exons 3-11) and an intronic BRCA1 variant with unknown pathogenicity. The precision of high-resolution aCGH enabled straight forward breakpoint amplification of a BRCA1 deletion which subsequently allowed for fast and economic CNV verification in family members of the index patient. Furthermore, we used our aCGH data to validate an algorithm that was able to detect all identified copy number changes from next-generation sequencing (NGS) data. Copy number detection is a mandatory analysis in HBOC families at least if no predisposing mutations were found by sequencing. Currently, high-resolution array CGH is our first choice of method of analysis due to unmatched detection precision. Although it seems possible to detect CNV from sequencing data, there currently is no satisfying tool to do so in a routine diagnostic setting.

[Multiparametric 3T MRI in the routine staging of prostate cancer].

PubMed

Largeron, J P; Galonnier, F; Védrine, N; Alfidja, A; Boyer, L; Pereira, B; Boiteux, J P; Kemeny, J L; Guy, L

2014-03-01

To analyse the detection ability of a multiparametric 3T MRI with phased-array coil in comparison with the pathological data provided by the prostatectomy specimens. Prospective study of 30 months, including 74 patients for whom a diagnosis of prostate cancer had been made on randomized prostate biopsies, and all eligible to a radical prostatectomy. They all underwent multiparametric 3T MRI with pelvic phased-array coil including T2-weighted imaging (T2W), dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) with an ADC mapping. Each gland was divided in octants. Three specific criteria have been sought (detection ability, capsular contact [CC] and extracapsular extension [ECE]), in comparison with the pathological data provided by the prostatectomy specimens. Five hundred and ninety-two octants were considered with 124 significant tumors (volume ≥ 0.1cm(3)). The general ability of tumor detection had a sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV respectively to 72.3%, 87.4%, 83.2% and 78.5%. The estimate of the CC and ECE had a high negative predictive power with specificities and VPN respectively to 96.4% and 95.4% for CC, and 97.5 and 97.7% for ECE. Multiparametric 3T MRI with pelvic phased-array coil appeared to be a reliable imaging technique in clinical and routine practice for the detection of localized prostate cancer. Estimation of the CC and millimeter ECE remains to be clarified, even if the negative predictive power for these parameters seems encouraging. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

The effects of Bifidobacterium breve on immune mediators and proteome of HT29 cells monolayers.

PubMed

Sánchez, Borja; González-Rodríguez, Irene; Arboleya, Silvia; López, Patricia; Suárez, Ana; Ruas-Madiedo, Patricia; Margolles, Abelardo; Gueimonde, Miguel

2015-01-01

The use of beneficial microorganisms, the so-called probiotics, to improve human health is gaining popularity. However, not all of the probiotic strains trigger the same responses and they differ in their interaction with the host. In spite of the limited knowledge on mechanisms of action some of the probiotic effects seem to be exerted through maintenance of the gastrointestinal barrier function and modulation of the immune system. In the present work, we have addressed in vitro the response of the intestinal epithelial cell line HT29 to the strain Bifidobacterium breve IPLA20004. In the array of 84 genes involved in inflammation tested, the expression of 12 was modified by the bifidobacteria. The genes of chemokine CXCL6, the chemokine receptor CCR7, and, specially, the complement component C3 were upregulated. Indeed, HT29 cells cocultivated with B. breve produced significantly higher levels of protein C3a. The proteome of HT29 cells showed increased levels of cytokeratin-8 in the presence of B. breve. Altogether, it seems that B. breve IPLA20004 could favor the recruitment of innate immune cells to the mucosa reinforcing, as well as the physical barrier of the intestinal epithelium.

Memory alloy heat engine and method of operation

DOEpatents

Johnson, Alfred Davis

1977-01-01

A heat engine and method of operation employing an alloy having a shape memory effect. A memory alloy element such as one or more wire loops are cyclically moved through a heat source, along a path toward a heat sink, through the heat sink and then along another path in counter-flow heat exchange relationship with the wire in the first path. The portion of the wire along the first path is caused to elongate to its trained length under minimum tension as it is cooled. The portion of the wire along the second path is caused to contract under maximum tension as it is heated. The resultant tension differential between the wires in the two paths is applied as a force through a distance to produce mechanical work. In one embodiment a first set of endless memory alloy wires are reeved in non-slip engagement between a pair of pulleys which are mounted for conjoint rotation within respective hot and cold reservoirs. Another set of endless memory alloy wires are reeved in non-slip engagement about another pair of pulleys which are mounted in the respective hot and cold reservoirs. The pulleys in the cold reservoir are of a larger diameter than those in the hot reservoir and the opposite reaches of the wires between the two sets of pulleys extend in closely spaced-apart relationship in counter-flow heat regenerator zones. The pulleys are turned to move the two sets of wires in opposite directions. The wires are stretched as they are cooled upon movement through the heat regenerator toward the cold reservoirs, and the wires contract as they are heated upon movement through the regenerator zones toward the hot reservoir. This contraction of wires exerts a larger torque on the greater diameter pulleys for turning the pulleys and supplying mechanical power. Means is provided for applying a variable tension to the wires. Phase change means is provided for controlling the angular phase of the pulleys of each set for purposes of start up procedure as well as for optimizing engine operation under varying conditions of load, speed and temperatures.

The Laurencia Paradox: An Endless Source of Chemodiversity.

PubMed

Harizani, Maria; Ioannou, Efstathia; Roussis, Vassilios

Nature, the most prolific source of biological and chemical diversity, has provided mankind with treatments for health problems since ancient times and continues to be the most promising reservoir of bioactive chemicals for the development of modern drugs. In addition to the terrestrial organisms that still remain a promising source of new bioactive metabolites, the marine environment, covering approximately 70% of the Earth's surface and containing a largely unexplored biodiversity, offers an enormous resource for the discovery of novel compounds. According to the MarinLit database, more than 27,000 metabolites from marine macro- and microorganisms have been isolated to date providing material and key structures for the development of new products in the pharmaceutical, food, cosmeceutical, chemical, and agrochemical sectors. Algae, which thrive in the euphotic zone, were among the first marine organisms that were investigated as sources of food, nutritional supplements, soil fertilizers, and bioactive metabolites.Red algae of the genus Laurencia are accepted unanimously as one of the richest sources of new secondary metabolites. Their cosmopolitan distribution, along with the chemical variation influenced to a significant degree by environmental and genetic factors, have resulted in an endless parade of metabolites, often featuring multiple halogenation sites.The present contribution, covering the literature until August 2015, offers a comprehensive view of the chemical wealth and the taxonomic problems currently impeding chemical and biological investigations of the genus Laurencia. Since mollusks feeding on Laurencia are, in many cases, bioaccumulating, and utilize algal metabolites as chemical weaponry against natural enemies, metabolites of postulated dietary origin of sea hares that feed on Laurencia species are also included in the present review. Altogether, 1047 secondary metabolites, often featuring new carbocyclic skeletons, have been included.The chapter addresses: (1) the "Laurencia complex", the botanical description and the growth and population dynamics of the genus, as well as its chemical diversity and ecological relations; (2) the secondary metabolites, which are organized according to their chemical structures and are classified into sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, triterpenes, acetogenins, indoles, aromatic compounds, steroids, and miscellaneous compounds, as well as their sources of isolation which are depicted in tabulated form, and (3) the biological activity organized according to the biological target and the ecological functions of Laurencia metabolites.

Recent advances in the medical management of breast cancer: highlights from the 29th San Antonio Breast Cancer Conference San Antonio, TX, USA, 14-17 December 2007.

PubMed

Montemurro, Filippo; Redana, Stefania; Valabrega, Giorgio; Aglietta, Massimo

2007-06-01

The 29th edition of the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium was attended by a total of > 8000 basic scientists, translational researchers, clinical investigators and physicians gathering from approximately 80 countries worldwide. This is the largest meeting focusing on breast cancer, encompassing a wide array of topics from prevention, aetiology and diagnosis to molecular biology and treatment. From the main presentations at the meeting, it seems clear that combined efforts at prevention and treatment of this disease have translated into small, but significant, achievements. Much of the research in the area is focused on improving the therapeutic ratio of available treatments by better selection of patients.

Comparison and Analysis of Instruments Measuring Plane-of-Array Irradiance for One-Axis Tracking Systems: Preprint

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

Dooraghi, Michael R; Sengupta, Manajit; Vignola, Frank

A variety of sensors are studied on a one-axis tracking surface and a horizontal surface in Golden, Colorado, and Eugene, Oregon. This is the first year of a long-term study that will look at not only a comparison between the instruments but also the longer-term degradation in calibration and/or performance. Initially, results from each location will be analyzed, and then results will be compared and contrasted between the two locations. A quick comparison at Eugene indicates that reference solar cells seem to compare better against a secondary standard pyranometer on a one-axis tracker than photodiode-based pyranometers. More study is neededmore » to characterize and confirm this finding.« less

Sound from apollo rockets in space.

PubMed

Cotten, D; Donn, W L

1971-02-12

Low-frequency sound has been recorded on at least two occasions in Bermuda with the passage of Apollo rocket vehicles 188 kilometers aloft. The signals, which are reminiscent of N-waves from sonic booms, are (i) horizontally coherent; (ii) have extremely high (supersonic) trace velocities across the tripartite arrays; (iii) have nearly identical appearance and frequencies; (iv) have essentially identical arrival times after rocket launch; and (v) are the only coherent signals recorded over many hours. These observations seem to establish that the recorded sound comes from the rockets at high elevation. Despite this high elevation, the values of surface pressure appear to be explainable on the basis of a combination of a kinetic theory approach to shock formation in rarefied atmospheres with established gas-dynamics shock theory.

Streamwise Vortices on the Convex Surfaces of Circular Cylinders and Turbomachinery Blading

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gostelow, Paul

2010-01-01

In assessing the results please recall that the Mach number regimes and model geometries differ considerably. Selection of the radius of curvature at the 10% chord location is consistent but arbitrary, although it does seem representative for most blades and gives a good fit for the results. Measured spanwise wavelengths of the periodic vortex arrays on blading are predicted well by the Kestin and Wood theory. If this behavior is at all common it could have implications for turbine aerodynamic and blade cooling design. The outcome is to establish that organized streamwise vorticity may occur more frequently on convex surfaces, such as turbine blade suction surfaces, than hitherto appreciated. Investigations and predictions of flow behavior should be extended to encompass that possibility.

Development of a bacteriophage displayed peptide library and biosensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chin, Robert C.; Salazar, Noe; Mayo, Michael W.; Villavicencio, Victor I.; Taylor, Richard B.; Chambers, James P.; Valdes, James J.

1996-04-01

A miniaturized, handheld biosensor for identification of hazardous biowarfare agents with high specificity is being developed. An innovative biological recognition system based on bacteriophage displayed peptide receptors will be utilized in conjunction with the miniature biosensor technology being developed. A bacteriophage library has been constructed to provide the artificial receptors. The library can contain millions of bacteriophage with randomly displayed peptide sequences in the phage outer protein coat which act as binding sites for the agents of interest. This library will be used to 'bio-pan' for phages that bind to a number of toxins and infectious agents and can, thus, provide an endless supply of low cost, reliable, specific, and stable artificial receptors. The biosensor instrument will utilize evanescent wave, planar waveguide, far-red dyes, diode laser and miniature circuit technologies for performance and portability.

Longwall mining installation having stable-hole plough

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

Hauschopp, A.

1981-07-21

A longwall mineral mining installation has a longwall conveyor, a plough guide attached to the face-side of the conveyor, and a main plough movable to and fro along the guide. A respective stable-hole plough is movable to and fro along portions of the plough guide adjacent to each end of the conveyor. Each stablehole plough is driven by means of a respective endless drive chain which passes round two end sprockets. One end sprocket of each stable-hole plough is positioned at the face-side of the conveyor part way therealong. The other end sprocket of each stable-hole plough is positioned atmore » the adjacent end of the conveyor on the goaf-side thereof. Each drive chain passes round a direction-changing unit positioned at the adjacent end of the conveyor.« less

Oil well pump drive

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

Sanford, G.A.

1980-02-12

An oil well pump drive is disclosed including a drive unit that is hydraulically actuated by a double-acting hydraulic cylinder to reciprocate vertically. An endless chain is entrained over vertically spaced sprockets carried by the unit, with one flight of the chain anchored against vertical movement and the other flight is secured to the pump polish rod so that the vertical motion imparted to the polish rod is double that hydraulically imparted to the drive unit. The polish rod load on the chain is opposed by a counterweight connected thereto by a chain extending over an elevated pulley. The outputmore » of the hydraulic pump supplying the hydraulic cylinder is cam controlled so that the motion of the drive unit is smoothly decelerated and accelerated as the unit approaches and moves from the upper and lower limits of its movement.« less

Endless cold: a seasonal reconstruction of temperature and precipitation in the Burgundian Low Countries during the 15th century based on documentary evidence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Camenisch, C.

2015-03-01

This paper applies the methods of historical climatology to present a climate reconstruction for the area of the Burgundian Low Countries during the 15th century. The results are based on documentary evidence that has been handled very carefully, especially with regard to the distinction between contemporary and non-contemporary sources. Approximately 3000 written records deriving from about 100 different sources were examined and converted into seasonal seven-degree indices for temperature and precipitation. For the Late Middle Ages only a few climate reconstructions exist. There are even fewer reconstructions which include winter and autumn temperature or precipitation at all. This paper therefore constitutes a useful contribution to the understanding of climate and weather conditions in the less well researched but highly interesting 15th century.

Cellulosic Nanomaterials in Food and Nutraceutical Applications: A Review.

PubMed

Khan, Avik; Wen, Yangbing; Huq, Tanzina; Ni, Yonghao

2018-01-10

Cellulosic nanomaterials (CNMs) are organic, green nanomaterials that are obtained from renewable sources and possess exceptional mechanical strength and biocompatibility. The associated unique physical and chemical properties have made these nanomaterials an intriguing prospect for various applications including the food and nutraceutical industry. From the immobilization of various bioactive agents and enzymes, emulsion stabilization, direct food additives, to the development of intelligent packaging systems or pathogen or pH detectors, the potential food related applications for CNMs are endless. Over the past decade, there have been several reviews published covering different aspects of cellulosic nanomaterials, such as processing-structure-property relationship, physical and chemical properties, rheology, extraction, nanocomposites, etc. In this critical review, we have discussed and provided a summary of the recent developments in the utilization of cellulosic nanomaterials in applications related to food and nutraceuticals.

Manipulating waves with LEGO{sup ®} bricks: A versatile experimental platform for metamaterial architectures

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

Celli, Paolo, E-mail: pcelli@umn.edu; Gonella, Stefano, E-mail: sgonella@umn.edu

2015-08-24

In this letter, we discuss a versatile, fully reconfigurable experimental platform for the investigation of phononic phenomena in metamaterial architectures. The approach revolves around the use of 3D laser vibrometry to reconstruct global and local wavefield features in specimens obtained through simple arrangements of LEGO{sup ®} bricks on a thin baseplate. The agility by which it is possible to reconfigure the brick patterns into a nearly endless spectrum of topologies makes this an effective approach for rapid experimental proof of concept, as well as a powerful didactic tool, in the arena of phononic crystals and metamaterials engineering. We use ourmore » platform to provide a compelling visual illustration of important spatial wave manipulation effects (waveguiding and seismic isolation), and to elucidate fundamental dichotomies between Bragg-based and locally resonant bandgap mechanisms.« less

Paramnesic multiplication of autobiographical memory as a manifestation of interictal psychosis.

PubMed

Murai, Toshiya; Fukao, Kenjiro

2003-01-01

This report describes a male patient with temporal lobe epilepsy who developed a persistent paranoid-hallucinatory state at the age of 23. The essential feature of his delusion was that he had repeatedly lived part of his life, namely between the ages of 21 and 25 years. The patient repeatedly attempted suicide to escape the endless repetition. His paramnesia has some similarity with a déjà vu phenomenon, which is a common ictal manifestation of temporal lobe epilepsy. However, while only a sense of vague familiarity is evoked in a déjà vu phenomenon, conscious recollection is experienced during his paramnesia. We attempted to explain the pathophysiological mechanism of the patient's paramnesia in the framework of the current neurobiological theory of human memory. Copyright 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel

Human dynamics in repurchase behavior based on comments mining

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Tian; Feng, Xin; Wu, Ye; Wang, Shengfeng; Xiao, Jinghua

2018-07-01

Hundreds of thousands of individual deals and comments are analyzed to ask: what kinds of patterns appear in their repurchase process? Our results suggest that, in the empirical description, the intervals between two consecutive purchases obey a power-law distribution. Notwithstanding a wide range of individual preferences, shoppers' repurchase behaviors show some similar patterns, called long-scale quiet and short-scale emergence, and the alternating appearance of them form an endless chain in repurchase. In agreement with the empirical results, these short-scale and long-scale patterns suggest an adaptive model with alterable exponents complying with a power-law distribution. And it also implies that each user behaves his own intrinsic pattern such as unique repurchase intensity and silence-emergence cycle, which contributes to customer life-time value from the new view of dynamics and repurchase cycles.

Benoit Mandelbrot, films, and me: a tribute

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lesmoir-Gordon, Nigel

2015-03-01

Back in the early 1990s I was researching topics for possible science TV documentaries and reading Ian Stewart's book Does God Play Dice? [1] I came across the chapter he called The Gingerbread Man. It was about the Mandelbrot set. Reading that chapter I could see that here was the perfect subject for a film. The Mandelbrot set is a fractal (Fig. 13.1) and fractal geometry is the geometry of nature (Figs. 13.2 to 13.4). So here I had the stunning visual beauty of the set itself and the natural world to point my camera at. It was a science story I could tell in pictures. It wasn't the Big Bang or gravity or quantum mechanics, it was something you could actually see and which could be filmed directly without recourse to endless and expensive CGI...

Artificial photosynthesis for solar fuels.

PubMed

Styring, Stenbjörn

2012-01-01

This contribution was presented as the closing lecture at the Faraday Discussion 155 on artificial photosynthesis, held in Edinburgh Scotland, September 5-7 2011. The world needs new, environmentally friendly and renewable fuels to exchange for fossil fuels. The fuel must be made from cheap and "endless" resources that are available everywhere. The new research area of solar fuels aims to meet this demand. This paper discusses why we need a solar fuel and why electricity is not enough; it proposes solar energy as the major renewable energy source to feed from. The scientific field concerning artificial photosynthesis expands rapidly and most of the different scientific visions for solar fuels are briefly overviewed. Research strategies and the development of artificial photosynthesis research to produce solar fuels are overviewed. Some conceptual aspects of research for artificial photosynthesis are discussed in closer detail.

#WomenInSTEM: Stepping Stones From One Career to Another

ScienceCinema

Martin, Cheryl

2018-01-16

Meet Cheryl Martin, Acting Director of the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Energy (ARPA-E) and the latest profile in the Energy Department's #WomenInSTEM video series. Cheryl looks at transformational projects to explore the uncharted territories of energy technology to generate options for entirely new paths to create, store and use energy. There are many challenges to overcome in the energy field, and it's important to have a diverse set of voices in STEM careers to meet these demands. Cheryl recommends that young women include all the skills they have - those gained at formal jobs as well as through volunteering or nonprofit organizations - when they take their next career step. These skills form the stepping stones that lead from one career to the next. And with a solid grounding in STEM, the opportunities are endless.

OJ287: Deciphering the "Rosetta stone of blazars★"

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Britzen, S.; Fendt, C.; Witzel, G.; Qian, S.-J.; Pashchenko, I. N.; Kurtanidze, O.; Zajacek, M.; Martinez, G.; Karas, V.; Aller, M.; Aller, H.; Eckart, A.; Nilsson, K.; Arévalo, P.; Cuadra, J.; Subroweit, M.; Witzel, A.

2018-04-01

OJ287 is the best candidate Active Galactic Nucleus (AGN) for hosting a supermassive binary black hole (SMBBH) at very close separation. We present 120 Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) observations (at 15 GHz) covering the time between Apr. 1995 and Apr. 2017. We find that the OJ287 radio jet is precessing on a timescale of ˜ 22 yr. In addition, our data are consistent with a jet-axis rotation on a yearly timescale. We model the precession (24±2 yr) and combined motion of jet precession and jet-axis rotation. The jet motion explains the variability of the total radio flux-density via viewing angle changes and Doppler beaming. Half of the jet-precession timescale is of the order of the dominant optical periodicity timescale. We suggest that the optical emission is synchrotron emission and related to the jet radiation. The jet dynamics and flux-density light curves can be understood in terms of geometrical effects. Disturbances of an accretion disc caused by a plunging black hole do not seem necessary to explain the observed variability. Although the SMBBH model does not seem necessary to explain the observed variability, a SMBBH or Lense-Thirring precession (disc aSround single black hole) seem to be required to explain the timescale of the precessing motion. Besides jet rotation also nutation of the jet axis could explain the observed motion of the jet axis. We find a strikingly similar scaling for the timescales for precession and nutation as indicated for SS433 with a factor of roughly 50 times longer in OJ287.

Observatory enabled discovery of diffuse discharge temperature structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bemis, K. G.; Lee, R.; Ivakin, A. N.

2016-12-01

Underwater cabled observatories provide long term but short time and spatial scale measurements of hydrothermal discharge properties. For the first time, an intricate picture of diffuse discharge has been captured at both Axial Volcano (Axial) and the Main Endeavour Field (MEF) on the Juan de Fuca Ridge. This study combines thermistor (3D array, 2D array and spot) and acoustic data to compare the statistical and distribution characteristics of diffuse discharge for narrow crack flow (at ASHES field on Axial) and distributive flow out of a sulfide structure (at Grotto vent in MEF). Two surprising observations seem to apply to both styles of diffuse discharge: (1) thermal variance scales with the mean temperature suggesting coherent flow structures exist in the form of plumes, wakes or boundary layers, and (2) thermal hot spots are persistently localized in space, despite tidal current disruption. Thermal variance was measured at ASHES using a 3D thermistor array (TMPSF) with 10 s sampling over two years and at Grotto using 2D thermistor arrays with 1 hr sampling over several years and a ROV-held CTD (Seabird 39plus) with 0.5 second sampling over several minutes. For locations with temperatures greater than ambient, the variance in temperature scales with the mean temperature. This unusual statistical property is characteristic of self-similar flows like plumes, wakes, and boundary layers and arises from the bounded mixing of a cooling high temperature fluid with a cold ambient fluid. Thus this observation implies an underlying coherence to the diffuse discharge that has not yet been adequately captured or described. A coherent flow like a plume should have a discoverable spatial pattern, albeit one that may vary with the influence of tides. Acoustic observations ( 1m diameter footprint) of the Grotto sulfide edifice found stable local hot spots of diffuse discharge that sway with tides. In contrast, the 3D thermistor array at ASHES sees very localized (single thermistor) hot spots that persist for months. Is this a fundamental difference between two styles of diffuse discharge? Alternate conceptual models of diffuse discharge are used to place localized observations in a spatial context and develop a rigorous understanding of the spatial and temporal pattern of diffuse discharge for both crack and distributive styles.

A scoping review of cloud computing in healthcare.

PubMed

Griebel, Lena; Prokosch, Hans-Ulrich; Köpcke, Felix; Toddenroth, Dennis; Christoph, Jan; Leb, Ines; Engel, Igor; Sedlmayr, Martin

2015-03-19

Cloud computing is a recent and fast growing area of development in healthcare. Ubiquitous, on-demand access to virtually endless resources in combination with a pay-per-use model allow for new ways of developing, delivering and using services. Cloud computing is often used in an "OMICS-context", e.g. for computing in genomics, proteomics and molecular medicine, while other field of application still seem to be underrepresented. Thus, the objective of this scoping review was to identify the current state and hot topics in research on cloud computing in healthcare beyond this traditional domain. MEDLINE was searched in July 2013 and in December 2014 for publications containing the terms "cloud computing" and "cloud-based". Each journal and conference article was categorized and summarized independently by two researchers who consolidated their findings. 102 publications have been analyzed and 6 main topics have been found: telemedicine/teleconsultation, medical imaging, public health and patient self-management, hospital management and information systems, therapy, and secondary use of data. Commonly used features are broad network access for sharing and accessing data and rapid elasticity to dynamically adapt to computing demands. Eight articles favor the pay-for-use characteristics of cloud-based services avoiding upfront investments. Nevertheless, while 22 articles present very general potentials of cloud computing in the medical domain and 66 articles describe conceptual or prototypic projects, only 14 articles report from successful implementations. Further, in many articles cloud computing is seen as an analogy to internet-/web-based data sharing and the characteristics of the particular cloud computing approach are unfortunately not really illustrated. Even though cloud computing in healthcare is of growing interest only few successful implementations yet exist and many papers just use the term "cloud" synonymously for "using virtual machines" or "web-based" with no described benefit of the cloud paradigm. The biggest threat to the adoption in the healthcare domain is caused by involving external cloud partners: many issues of data safety and security are still to be solved. Until then, cloud computing is favored more for singular, individual features such as elasticity, pay-per-use and broad network access, rather than as cloud paradigm on its own.

I love you with all my brain: laying aside the intellectually dull sword of biological determinism

PubMed Central

Woodson, James C.

2012-01-01

Background By organizing and activating our passions with both hormones and experiences, the heart and mind of sexual behavior, sexual motivation, and sexual preference is the brain, the organ of learning. Despite decades of progress, this incontrovertible truth is somehow lost in the far-too-often biologically deterministic interpretation of genetic, hormonal, and anatomical scientific research into the biological origins of sexual motivation. Simplistic and polarized arguments are used in the media by both sides of the seemingly endless debate over sexual orientation, equality, and human rights with such catch phrases as ‘born gay’ contrasted against attempts of “reparative therapy” or “pray the gay away”. Though long abandoned in practically every other area of psychology, this remnant of the nature-nurture controversy remains despite its generally acknowledged insufficiency in explaining any adult aspect of the human condition within the scientific community. Methods This theoretical review article identifies three factors: 1) good intentions with regard to the argument from immutability; 2) false dichotomies limiting intellectual progress by oversimplification of theory and thus hypothesis, and most dangerously, interpretation and; 3) Tradition: a historical separation of the disciplines of biology and psychology, which, to this day, interferes with the effective translation of well-conducted science into good public understanding and policy. Results Studies clearly demonstrate that progress toward sexual-orientation equality is being made, if slowly, despite the apparent irrelevance of the “born gay” argument from immutability. Evidence is further provided supporting the inadequacy of polarized, dichotic theories of sexual development, particularly those pitting “blank slate learning” against a fated, deterministic biological perspective. Results of this review suggest that an emerging interactionist perspective will promote both better scientific progress and better public understanding, hopefully contributing to progress toward nondiscriminatory public policy. Conclusion Accepting that the brain is a highly plastic, modularly dimorphic, developmentally biased organ of learning, one which is organized and activated by both hormones and experiences across the lifespan, is essential for doing “good science” well. Interactionist theories of psychosexual development provide an empirically sound, strong, yet modifiable foundation for testable hypotheses exploring biologically biased sexual learning. PMID:24693345

I love you with all my brain: laying aside the intellectually dull sword of biological determinism.

PubMed

Woodson, James C

2012-01-01

By organizing and activating our passions with both hormones and experiences, the heart and mind of sexual behavior, sexual motivation, and sexual preference is the brain, the organ of learning. Despite decades of progress, this incontrovertible truth is somehow lost in the far-too-often biologically deterministic interpretation of genetic, hormonal, and anatomical scientific research into the biological origins of sexual motivation. Simplistic and polarized arguments are used in the media by both sides of the seemingly endless debate over sexual orientation, equality, and human rights with such catch phrases as 'born gay' contrasted against attempts of "reparative therapy" or "pray the gay away". Though long abandoned in practically every other area of psychology, this remnant of the nature-nurture controversy remains despite its generally acknowledged insufficiency in explaining any adult aspect of the human condition within the scientific community. THIS THEORETICAL REVIEW ARTICLE IDENTIFIES THREE FACTORS: 1) good intentions with regard to the argument from immutability; 2) false dichotomies limiting intellectual progress by oversimplification of theory and thus hypothesis, and most dangerously, interpretation and; 3) Tradition: a historical separation of the disciplines of biology and psychology, which, to this day, interferes with the effective translation of well-conducted science into good public understanding and policy. Studies clearly demonstrate that progress toward sexual-orientation equality is being made, if slowly, despite the apparent irrelevance of the "born gay" argument from immutability. Evidence is further provided supporting the inadequacy of polarized, dichotic theories of sexual development, particularly those pitting "blank slate learning" against a fated, deterministic biological perspective. Results of this review suggest that an emerging interactionist perspective will promote both better scientific progress and better public understanding, hopefully contributing to progress toward nondiscriminatory public policy. Accepting that the brain is a highly plastic, modularly dimorphic, developmentally biased organ of learning, one which is organized and activated by both hormones and experiences across the lifespan, is essential for doing "good science" well. Interactionist theories of psychosexual development provide an empirically sound, strong, yet modifiable foundation for testable hypotheses exploring biologically biased sexual learning.

Alzheimer's disease against peptides products of enzymatic cleavage APP protein: Biological, pathobiological and physico-chemical properties of fibrillating peptides.

PubMed

Marszałek, Małgorzata

2017-05-17

Various peptides products of enzymatic cleavage of key for Alzheimer's disease Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) are well known, but still are matter of scientific debate. The Aβ type products are especially challenging for experimental and medical research. This paper outlines several, still poorly known, biological and medical processes such as peptides biology, i.e., formation, biodistribution, translocation, transport and finally removal from brain compartments and body fluids like Intracellular Fluid (ICF), Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF), Interstitial Fluid (ISF), blood serum or urine. In addition, the following studies concerning AD patients might prove challenging and simultaneously promising: peptides translocation through Blood-Brain - Barrier (BBB) and Blood-Cerebrospinal Fluid Barrier (BCSFB) and their removal from the brain according to a new concept of glymphatic system; - diagnostic difficulties that stem from physico-chemical properties and the nature of proteins or fibrillating peptides itself like low concentration, short half-live and from experimental-technical problems as well like high adsorption or low solubility of Aβ, tau or amylin. The study of diagnostic parameters is very important, as it may better reflect early changes before the disease develops; one such parameter is the Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio, or the ratio with the total tau concentration combination and other new biomarkers like Aβ1-38; other factors include oxidative stress and inflammation process proteins, complement factor H, alpha-2-macroglobulin, or clusterin. The study of various forms of pathological amyloid deposits that emerge in different but specific brain regions AD patients seems to be crucial as well. The composition of the first initial pathological, pre-fibrillating monomers of fibrillating peptides and their role in AD development and disease progression have been described as well. They are even more challenging for science and simultaneously might be more promising in early diagnosis for AD patients. As always in science, research leads to endless discoveries and further inquiry. Fundamental problems in this field most probably are still far from being definitively comprehended, and multiple crucial questions await better answers. What we really need is to study more and deeper into this matter.

Catalytic transformations of biomass substrates using mixed metal oxides derived from substituted hydrotalcites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Macala, Gerald Stephen, II

Fueled by seemingly endless reserves of cheap and easily accessible fossil energy, the industrial age has brought to the developed world tremendous advances in human health and well being. Unfortunately the burning of fossil fuels has also been implicated in increasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations and global climate change. Concerns about short-term and long-term supply further build a case for the need for alternative energy sources. Biomass derived materials are a tantalizing source of fuels and fine chemicals. Unlike petroleum derived hydrocarbons, biomass can be both renewable and carbon neutral. Crops can be regenerated annually or even more often in tropical climates, and since the captured carbon originates as atmospheric CO2, the overall cycle has the potential to be nearly carbon neutral regardless of the final fate of the carbon. In contrast to petroleum derived hydrocarbons, which can often be made more valuable by adding functionality, biomass derived materials are already highly functionalized and can usually be made more valuable by selective removal of functionality. The development of robust catalysts capable of selective defuntionalization of biomass derived substrates remains an important challenge with potentially enormous economic and societal impact. In addition to being robust and selective, catalysts should preferably be heterogeneous to allow for easier removal and regeneration after the reaction is complete. New materials consisting of Mg-Al hydrotalcite-like structures, with a limiting percentage of Mg or Al substituted with other M2+ or M3+ cations, were synthesized by a co-precipitation process in basic aqueous solution with carbonate as counterion. Calcination of these materials at 460 °C resulted in evolution of CO2 and water and yielded high surface area mixed metal oxides with enhanced reactivity. Materials were characterized by ICP for elemental analysis, XRD for structural information, XPS for surface elemental analysis and TEM for morphology. Substituting some of the Al for ferric ion resulted in enhanced basicity and enhanced reactivity towards transesterification of seed oil and the model compound triacetin. Substituting some of the Mg for cupric ion resulted in a transfer hydrogenation catalyst capable of single pot dehydrogenation of methanol and hydrogenation of the model compound dihydrobenzofuran.

F.I.D.O. Focused Integration for Debris Observation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ploschnitznig, J.

2013-09-01

The fact that satellites play a growing role in our day-to-day live, contributes to the overall assessment that these assets must be protected. As more and more objects enter space and begin to clutter this apparently endless vacuum, we begin to realize that these objects and associated debris become a potential and recurring threat. The space surveillance community routinely attempts to catalog debris through broad area search collection profiles, hoping to detect and track smaller and smaller objects. There are technical limitations to each collection system, we propose there may be new ways to increase the detection capability, effectively "Teaching an old dog (FIDO), new tricks." Far too often, we are justly criticized for never "stepping out of the box". The philosophy of "if it's not broke, don't fix it" works great if you assume that we are not broke. The assumption that in order to "Find" new space junk we need to increase our surveillance windows and try to cover as much space as possible may be appropriate for Missile Defense, but inappropriate for finding small space debris. Currently, our Phased Array Early Warning Systems support this yearly search program to try to acquire and track space small debris. A phased array can electronically scan the horizons very quickly, but the radar does have limitations. There is a closed-loop resource management equation that must be satisfied. By increasing search volume, we effectively reduce our instantaneous sensitivity which will directly impact our ability to find smaller and smaller space debris. Our proposal will be to focus on increasing sensitivity by reducing the search volume to statistically high probability of detection volumes in space. There are two phases to this proposal, a theoretical and empirical. Theoretical: The first phase will be to investigate the current space catalog and use existing ephemeris data on all satellites in the Space Surveillance Catalog to identify volumes of space with a high likelihood of encountering transiting satellite. Also during this phase, candidate radar systems will be characterized to determine sensitivity levels necessary to detect certain sized objects. Data integration plays a critical role in lowering the noise floor of the collection area in order to detect smaller and smaller objects. Reducing the search volume to these high probability of intercept areas will allow the use of data integration to increase the likelihood of detection of small Radar Cross Section objects. Empirical: The next phase is to employ this technique using a legacy collection system. The collection community may choose any collection system. The goal will be to demonstrate how focusing on a very specific area and employing data integration will increase the likelihood of detection of smaller objects. This will result in the creation of an Inter Range Vector (IRV), which can be handed-off to downrange collection systems for additional tracking. The goal of FIDO will be demonstrate how these legacy systems can be better employed to help find smaller and smaller debris.

The Placenta in Monoclea forsteri Hook. and Treubia lacunosa (Col.) Prosk: Insights into Placental Evolution in Liverworts

PubMed Central

CARAFA, A.; DUCKETT, J. G.; LIGRONE, R.

2003-01-01

Placental morphology is remarkably diverse between major bryophyte groups, especially with regard to the presence and distribution of transfer cells in the sporophyte and gametophyte. In contrast, with the exception of metzgerialean liverworts, placental morphology is highly conserved within major bryophyte groups. Here we examine the ultrastructure of the placenta in Monoclea forsteri and Treubia lacunosa, basal members of the marchantialean and metzgerialean liverwort lineages, respectively. In both species several layers of transfer cells are found on both sides of the placenta, with sporophytic transfer cells exhibiting prominent wall labyrinths. Consistent with previous reports of a similar placenta in other putatively basal and isolated liverwort genera such as Fossombronia, Haplomitrium, Blasia and Sphaerocarpos, this finding suggests that this type of placenta represents the plesiomorphic (primitive) condition in liverworts. Distinctive ultrastructural features of placental cells in Monoclea include branched plasmodesmata in the sporophyte and prominent arrays of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, seemingly active in secretion in the gametophyte. These arrays contain a core of narrow tubules interconnected by electron‐opaque rods, structures with no precedent in plants. Analysis of the distribution of different types of placenta in major bryophyte groups provides valuable insights into their inter‐relationships and possible phylogeny. PMID:12876192

Theoretical background of retrieving Green's function by cross-correlation: one-dimensional case

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakahara, Hisashi

2006-06-01

Recently, an assertion has been verified experimentally and theoretically that Green's function between two receivers can be reproduced by cross-correlating the records at the receivers. In this paper, we have theoretically proved the assertion for 1-D media with the free surface by using the Thomson-Haskell matrix method. Strictly speaking, one side of the cross-correlation between records at two receivers is the convolution between Green's function and the autocorrelation function of the source wavelet. This study extends the geometry considered by Claerbout to two receivers vertically apart, and is a special case of the proof by Wapenaar et al. which dealt with 3-D arbitrary inhomogeneous media. However, a simple geometry in 1-D problems enables us to make the proof without any approximations and to better understand the physical background with more ease. That is the main advantage of this study. Though a 1-D geometry seems far from reality, it may be sufficient if an appropriate combination of receivers and earthquakes is selected. In fact, such a geometry is often seen in seismological observations by a vertical array of seismographs in the shallow subsurface. Therefore, we refer to a possibility that the proof in this paper is applied to the estimation of site amplification factors by using records of a vertical seismographic array.

Predicting the composition of red wine blends using an array of multicomponent Peptide-based sensors.

PubMed

Ghanem, Eman; Hopfer, Helene; Navarro, Andrea; Ritzer, Maxwell S; Mahmood, Lina; Fredell, Morgan; Cubley, Ashley; Bolen, Jessica; Fattah, Rabia; Teasdale, Katherine; Lieu, Linh; Chua, Tedmund; Marini, Federico; Heymann, Hildegarde; Anslyn, Eric V

2015-05-20

Differential sensing using synthetic receptors as mimics of the mammalian senses of taste and smell is a powerful approach for the analysis of complex mixtures. Herein, we report on the effectiveness of a cross-reactive, supramolecular, peptide-based sensing array in differentiating and predicting the composition of red wine blends. Fifteen blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, in addition to the mono varietals, were used in this investigation. Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) showed a clear differentiation of blends based on tannin concentration and composition where certain mono varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon seemed to contribute less to the overall characteristics of the blend. Partial Least Squares (PLS) Regression and cross validation were used to build a predictive model for the responses of the receptors to eleven binary blends and the three mono varietals. The optimized model was later used to predict the percentage of each mono varietal in an independent test set composted of four tri-blends with a 15% average error. A partial least square regression model using the mouth-feel and taste descriptive sensory attributes of the wine blends revealed a strong correlation of the receptors to perceived astringency, which is indicative of selective binding to polyphenols in wine.

Multiplexed protein profiling on microarrays by rolling-circle amplification

PubMed Central

Schweitzer, Barry; Roberts, Scott; Grimwade, Brian; Shao, Weiping; Wang, Minjuan; Fu, Qin; Shu, Quiping; Laroche, Isabelle; Zhou, Zhimin; Tchernev, Velizar T.; Christiansen, Jason; Velleca, Mark; Kingsmore, Stephen F.

2010-01-01

Fluorescent-sandwich immunoassays on microarrays hold appeal for proteomics studies, because equipment and antibodies are readily available, and assays are simple, scalable, and reproducible. The achievement of adequate sensitivity and specificity, however, requires a general method of immunoassay amplification. We describe coupling of isothermal rolling-circle amplification (RCA) to universal antibodies for this purpose. A total of 75 cytokines were measured simultaneously on glass arrays with signal amplification by RCA with high specificity, femtomolar sensitivity, 3 log quantitative range, and economy of sample consumption. A 51-feature RCA cytokine glass array was used to measure secretion from human dendritic cells (DCs) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). As expected, LPS induced rapid secretion of inflammatory cytokines such as macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1β, interleukin (IL)-8, and interferon-inducible protein (IP)-10. We found that eotaxin-2 and I-309 were induced by LPS; in addition, macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC), thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC), soluble interleukin 6 receptor (sIL-6R), and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor I (sTNF-RI) were induced by TNF-α treatment. Because microarrays can accommodat ~1,000 sandwich immunoassays of this type, a relatively small number of RCA microarrays seem to offer a tractable approach for proteomic surveys. PMID:11923841

Towards a Model of Cold Denaturation of Proteins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sanchez, Isaac

2010-10-01

Proteins/enzymes can undergo cold denaturation or cold deactivation. In the active or natured state, a protein exists in a unique folded/ordered state. In the deactivated (denatured) state, a protein unfolds and exists in a disordered expanded state. This protein folding/unfolding or order/disorder transition can be triggered by a temperature change. What seems paradoxical is that the active (ordered) state can be induced by heating, or equivalently, the disordered inactive state can be induced by cooling. This is equivalent to an Ising spin model passing from a disordered array of spins to an ordered array by increasing temperature! Hydrogels and their corresponding polyelectrolyte chains behave similarly, i.e., the swollen disordered state can be induced by cooling while the more ordered collapsed or globular state is induced by heating (an entropically driven phase transition). In a living cell at the physiological temperature of 37 C, activation and deactivation of proteins is triggered by local environmental changes in pH, salinity, etc. The important physics is that the denaturation temperature can be moved up or down relative to 37 C by these stimuli. Moving the transition temperature up can destabilize the active protein while moving it down leads to stabilization. An analytical polymer model will be described that exhibits cold denaturation behavior.

Comparative particle recoveries by the retracting rotorod, rotoslide and Burkard spore trap sampling in a compact array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Solomon, W. R.; Burge, H. A.; Boise, J. R.; Becker, M.

1980-06-01

An array comprising 4 intermittent (retracting) rotorods, 3 (“swingshield”) rotoslides and one Burkard (Hirst) automatic volumetric spore trap was operated on an urban rooftop during 70 periods of 9, 15 or 24 hours in late summer. Standard sampling procedures were utilized and recoveries of pollens as well as spores of Alternaria, Epicoccum, Pithomyces and Ganoderma species compared. Differences between paired counts from each sampler type showed variances increasing with levels of particle prevalence (and deposition). In addition, minimal, non-random, side-to-side and intersampler differences were noted for both impactor types. Exclusion of particles between operating intervals by rotoslides and rotorods was virtually complete. Spore trap recoveries for all particle categories, per m3, exceeded those by both impactors. The greatest (7-fold) difference was noted for the smallest type examined ( Ganoderma). For ragweed pollen, an overall spore trap/impactor ratio approached 1.5. Rain effects were difficult to discern but seemed to influence rotoslides least. Overall differences between impactors were quite small but generally favored the rotoslide in this comparison. Our data confirm the relative advantages of suction traps for small particles. Both impactors and spore traps are suited to pollen and large spore collection, and, with some qualification, data from both may be compared.

Synthesis and characterization of lithium ion nanobatteries and lithium battery nanoelectrode arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vullum, Fride

2005-07-01

Arrays of individual nanobatteries were constructed by confining V 2O5 ambigel and a PEO wax electrolyte containing lithium triflate in the porous structure of an alumina membrane. The pores had an average diameter of 200 nm. Cyclic voltammetry data indicated that this configuration could be described by a nanoelectrode array model. A.C. impedance data of the macro cell coupled with a lithium anode showed that there was little or no unstable passivation behavior of the lithium anode in contact with the PEO wax electrolyte. This was attributed to a self-assembled hydrocarbon layer that formed at the surface of the wax preventing the lithium metal from chemically reacting with oxygen atoms in the PEO backbone. Individual nanobatteries were characterized by charge/discharge analysis. Electrical contact with individual nanocathodes was achieved using the cantilever tip of an atomic force microscope. Of the three different anode materials that were investigated SnO2 seemed to perform better than either graphite or lithium metal. This was attributed to SnO2 being able to accept more lithium ions into its structure than graphite. The favorable capacity values compared to the lithium anode batteries were attributed to better contact between the electrolyte and the anode. Average volumetric capacities for the SnO2 system were found to be around 45 muAh/cm2mum, which compare favorably to similar systems reported in literature. These nanobatteries also exhibited capacitor-like behavior, having capacitances around 300-400 F/g, which is in the range of what is expected for a supercapacitor. An electrochemical cell combining battery-like and capacitor-like behavior is a very promising power supply for applications such as electric vehicle propulsion systems.

Mismatch and G-Stack Modulated Probe Signals on SNP Microarrays

PubMed Central

Binder, Hans; Fasold, Mario; Glomb, Torsten

2009-01-01

Background Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays are important tools widely used for genotyping and copy number estimation. This technology utilizes the specific affinity of fragmented DNA for binding to surface-attached oligonucleotide DNA probes. We analyze the variability of the probe signals of Affymetrix GeneChip SNP arrays as a function of the probe sequence to identify relevant sequence motifs which potentially cause systematic biases of genotyping and copy number estimates. Methodology/Principal Findings The probe design of GeneChip SNP arrays enables us to disentangle different sources of intensity modulations such as the number of mismatches per duplex, matched and mismatched base pairings including nearest and next-nearest neighbors and their position along the probe sequence. The effect of probe sequence was estimated in terms of triple-motifs with central matches and mismatches which include all 256 combinations of possible base pairings. The probe/target interactions on the chip can be decomposed into nearest neighbor contributions which correlate well with free energy terms of DNA/DNA-interactions in solution. The effect of mismatches is about twice as large as that of canonical pairings. Runs of guanines (G) and the particular type of mismatched pairings formed in cross-allelic probe/target duplexes constitute sources of systematic biases of the probe signals with consequences for genotyping and copy number estimates. The poly-G effect seems to be related to the crowded arrangement of probes which facilitates complex formation of neighboring probes with at minimum three adjacent G's in their sequence. Conclusions The applied method of “triple-averaging” represents a model-free approach to estimate the mean intensity contributions of different sequence motifs which can be applied in calibration algorithms to correct signal values for sequence effects. Rules for appropriate sequence corrections are suggested. PMID:19924253

Wavenumber-domain separation of rail contribution to pass-by noise

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zea, Elias; Manzari, Luca; Squicciarini, Giacomo; Feng, Leping; Thompson, David; Arteaga, Ines Lopez

2017-11-01

In order to counteract the problem of railway noise and its environmental impact, passing trains in Europe must be tested in accordance to a noise legislation that demands the quantification of the noise generated by the vehicle alone. However, for frequencies between about 500 Hz and 1600 Hz, it has been found that a significant part of the measured noise is generated by the rail, which behaves like a distributed source and radiates plane waves as a result of the contact with the train's wheels. Thus the need arises for separating the rail contribution to the pass-by noise in that particular frequency range. To this end, the present paper introduces a wavenumber-domain filtering technique, referred to as wave signature extraction, which requires a line microphone array parallel to the rail, and two accelerometers on the rail in the vertical and lateral direction. The novel contributions of this research are: (i) the introduction and application of wavenumber (or plane-wave) filters to pass-by data measured with a microphone array located in the near-field of the rail, and (ii) the design of such filters without prior information of the structural properties of the rail. The latter is achieved by recording the array pressure, as well as the rail vibrations with the accelerometers, before and after the train pass-by. The performance of the proposed method is investigated with a set of pass-by measurements performed in Germany. The results seem to be promising when compared to reference data from TWINS, and the largest discrepancies occur above 1600 Hz and are attributed to plane waves radiated by the rail that so far have not been accounted for in the design of the filters.

Spatial and temporal distribution of the seismicity along two mid-oceanic ridges with contrasted spreading rates in the Indian Ocean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsang-Hin-Sun, E.; Perrot, J.; Royer, J. Y.

2015-12-01

The seismicity of the ultra-slow spreading Southwest (14 mm/y) and intermediate spreading Southeast (60 mm/y) Indian ridges was monitored from February 2012 to March 2013 by the OHASISBIO array of 7 autonomous hydrophones. A total of 1471 events were located with 4 instruments or more, inside the array, with a median location uncertainty < 5 km and a completeness magnitude of mb = 3. Both ridges display similar average rates of seismicity, suggesting that there is no systematic relationship between seismicity and spreading rates. Accretion modes do differ, however, by the along-axis distribution of the seismic events. Along the ultra-slow Southwest Indian Ridge, events are sparse but regularly spaced and scattered up to 50 km off-axis. Along the fast Southeast Indian Ridge, events are irregularly distributed, focusing in narrow regions near the ridge axis at segment ends and along transform faults, whereas ridge-segment centers generally appear as seismic gaps (at the level of completeness of the array). Only two clusters, 6 months apart, are identified in a segment-center at 29°S. From the temporal distribution of the clustered events and comparisons with observations in similar mid-oceanic ridge setting, both clusters seem to have a volcanic origin and to be related to a dike emplacement or a possible eruption on the seafloor. Their onset time and migration rate are comparable to volcanic swarms recorded along the Juan de Fuca Ridge. Overall, the rate of seismicity along the two Indian spreading ridges correlates with the large-scale variations in the bathymetry and shear-wave velocity anomaly in the upper mantle, suggesting that the distribution of the low-magnitude seismicity is mainly controlled by along-axis variations in the lithosphere rheology and temperature.

Lunar Fluid Core and Solid-Body Tides

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, J. G.; Boggs, D. H.; Ratcliff, J. T.

2005-01-01

Variations in rotation and orientation of the Moon are sensitive to solid-body tidal dissipation, dissipation due to relative motion at the fluid-core/solid-mantle boundary, and tidal Love number k2 [1,2]. There is weaker sensitivity to flattening of the core-mantle boundary (CMB) [2-5] and fluid core moment of inertia [1]. Accurate Lunar Laser Ranging (LLR) measurements of the distance from observatories on the Earth to four retroreflector arrays on the Moon are sensitive to lunar rotation and orientation variations and tidal displacements. Past solutions using the LLR data have given results for dissipation due to solid-body tides and fluid core [1] plus Love number [1-5]. Detection of CMB flattening has been improving [3,5] and now seems significant. This strengthens the case for a fluid lunar core.

Auroral Phenomenology and Magnetospheric Processes: Earth and Other Planets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schultz, Colin

2013-07-01

The dancing glow of the aurorae, the long tendrils of light that seem to reach up into space, has mesmerized scientists for centuries. More than a beautiful display, the aurorae tell us about the Earth—about its atmosphere, its magnetic field, and its relationship with the Sun. As technology developed, researchers looking beyond Earth's borders discovered an array of auroral processes on planets throughout the solar system. In the AGU monograph Auroral Phenomenology and Magnetospheric Processes: Earth and Other Planets, editors Andreas Keiling, Eric Donovan, Fran Bagenal, and Tomas Karlsson explore the many open questions that permeate the science of auroral physics and the relatively recent field of extraterrestrial aurorae. In this interview, Eos talks to Karlsson about extraterrestrial aurorae, Alfvén waves, and the sounds of the northern lights.

Preparation and mounting of adult Drosophila structures in Canada balsam.

PubMed

Stern, David L; Sucena, Elio

2012-03-01

The Drosophila cuticle carries a rich array of morphological details. Thus, cuticle examination has had a central role in the history of genetics. To prepare fine "museum-quality," permanent slides, it is best to mount specimens in Canada Balsam. It is difficult to give precise recipes for Canada Balsam, because every user seems to prefer a slightly different viscosity. Dilute solutions spread easily and do not dry too rapidly while mounting specimens. The disadvantage is that there is actually less Balsam in a "drop" of the solution, and when dried, it can contract from the sides of the coverslip, sometimes disturbing the specimen. Unfortunately, there is no substitute for experience when using Canada Balsam. This protocol describes a procedure for mounting adult cuticles in Canada Balsam.

Protein diffusion in plant cell plasma membranes: the cell-wall corral.

PubMed

Martinière, Alexandre; Runions, John

2013-01-01

Studying protein diffusion informs us about how proteins interact with their environment. Work on protein diffusion over the last several decades has illustrated the complex nature of biological lipid bilayers. The plasma membrane contains an array of membrane-spanning proteins or proteins with peripheral membrane associations. Maintenance of plasma membrane microstructure can be via physical features that provide intrinsic ordering such as lipid microdomains, or from membrane-associated structures such as the cytoskeleton. Recent evidence indicates, that in the case of plant cells, the cell wall seems to be a major player in maintaining plasma membrane microstructure. This interconnection / interaction between cell-wall and plasma membrane proteins most likely plays an important role in signal transduction, cell growth, and cell physiological responses to the environment.

Enhanced performance of a filter-sensor system.

PubMed

Sasaki, Isao; Josowicz, Mira; Janata, Jirí; Glezer, Ari

2006-06-01

In this paper are addressed two important, but seemingly unrelated issues: long term performance of a gas sensing array and performance of an air purification unit. It is shown that when considered together, the system can be regarded as a "smart filter". The enhancement is achieved by periodic differential sampling and measurement of the "upstream" and "downstream" gases of a filter. The correctly functioning filter supplies the "zero gas" from the downstream for the continuous sensor baseline correction. A key element in this scheme is the synthetic jet that delivers well-defined pulses of the two gases. The deterioration of the performance of the "smart filter" can be diagnosed from the response pattern of the sensor. The approach has been demonstrated on removal/sensing of ammonia gas from air.

Maternal work hours and adolescents' school outcomes among low-income families in four urban counties.

PubMed

Gennetian, Lisaa A; Lopoo, Leonard M; London, Andrew S

2008-02-01

We examine how changes in maternal work hours affect adolescent children's school participation and performance outcomes using data from interviews in 1998 and 2001 with approximately 1700 women who, in May 1995, were welfare-reliant, single mothers of adolescents living in neighborhoods of concentrated poverty in Cuyahoga (Cleveland), Los Angeles, Miami-Dade, and Philadelphia counties. Analyses control for a broad array of mothers' characteristics, including their psychological and physical health, experiences with domestic violence and substance abuse, as well as unobserved time-invariant characteristics. In fixed-effects models, we find unfavorable effects of increased maternal work hours on three of six outcomes: skipping school, performing above average, and parental contact about behavior problems. Adolescent-aged sons seem to be particularly sensitive to changes in mothers' hours of work.

Lighting: The Killer App of Village Power

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

NONE

1997-12-01

This paper looks at lighting systems as the major market for village level power generation. To the consumer it is something which is needed, could come from a much friendlier source, and the issues of affordability, convenience, and reliability are important. To the supplier lighting has an enormous range of potential customers, it opens the opportunity for other services, and even small demand can give big returns. Because the efficiency of the light source is critical to the number of lights which a fixed power supply can drive, it is important to pick the proper type of bulb to usemore » in this system. The paper discusses test results from an array of fluorescent and incadescent lamps, compared with a kerosene lamp. Low wattage fluorescents seem to perform the best.« less

Properties of Spectrally Defined Red QSOs at z = 0.3–1.2

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

Tsai, A.-L.; Hwang, C.-Y., E-mail: altsai@astro.ncu.edu.tw, E-mail: hwangcy@astro.ncu.edu.tw

We investigated the properties of a sample of red Quasi-stellar Objects (QSOs) using optical, radio, and infrared data. These QSOs were selected from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 7 quasar catalog. We only selected sources with sky coverage in the Very Large Array Faint Images of the Radio Sky at Twenty-centimeters survey, and searched for sources with Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer counterparts. We defined the spectral color of the QSOs based on the flux ratio of the rest-frame 4000 to 3000 Å continuum emission to select red QSOs and typical QSOs. In accordance with this criterion, only QSOsmore » with redshifts between 0.3 and 1.2 could be selected. We found that red QSOs have stronger infrared emission than typical QSOs. We noted that the number ratios of red QSOs to typical QSOs decrease with increasing redshifts, although the number of typical QSOs increase with redshifts. Furthermore, at high redshifts, the luminosity distributions of typical QSOs and red QSOs seem to have similar peaks; however, at low redshifts, the luminosities of red QSOs seem to be lower than those of typical QSOs. These findings suggest that there might be at least two types of red QSOs in our QSO samples.« less

Plants Consumption and Liver Health

PubMed Central

He, Qing

2015-01-01

The liver is a very important organ with a lot of functions for the host to survive. Dietary components are essential for and can be beneficial or detrimental to the healthy or diseased liver. Plants food is an essential part of the human diet and comprises various compounds which are closely related to liver health. Selected food plants can provide nutritional and medicinal support for liver disease. At the present, the knowledge of the effects of plants on the liver is still incomplete. The most urgent task at the present time is to find the best dietary and medicinal plants for liver health in an endless list of candidates. This review article updates the knowledge about the effects of plants consumption on the health of the liver, putting particular emphasis on the potential beneficial and harmful impact of dietary and medicinal plants on liver function. PMID:26221179

Cyber security issues in online games

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Chen

2018-04-01

With the rapid development of the Internet, online gaming has become a way of entertainment for many young people in the modern era. However, in recent years, cyber security issues in online games have emerged in an endless stream, which have also caused great attention of many game operators. Common cyber security problems in the game include information disclosure and cyber-attacks. These problems will directly or indirectly cause economic losses to gamers. Many gaming companies are enhancing the stability and security of their network or gaming systems in order to enhance the gaming user experience. This article has carried out the research of the cyber security issues in online games by introducing the background and some common cyber security threats, and by proposing the latent solution. Finally, it speculates the future research direction of the cyber security issues of online games in the hope of providing feasible solution and useful information for game operators.

Conservation of Semarang chinatown traditional settlement as physical characteristics of chinatown district

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prabowo, Bintang Noor; Widiastuti, Ratih; Bramiana, C. N.

2017-12-01

Historical environment must be conserved due to their contribution toward cultural, social, economic and aesthetic values. They transfer the emotion, thought and backgrounds of social live to modern societies. As one of oldest settlements, Semarang Chinatown gives great influence toward Semarang City and has endless historical values. Old Chinese settlement is very thick with Chinese culture. It becomes the primary source of physical characteristics in this historical environment. However, physical and visual problems come along with the rapid economic growth in Semarang Chinatown. The old buildings that still remains in Semarang Chinatown are in deficient condition and losing their shapes. Moreover, modernization and economic growth influence the change building facade. Several old buildings were replaced with new buildings that tend not to adopt Chinese Architecture style. Consequently, it changes the value of the buildings and the value of the historical environment.

[Medicalization of life at the GP level: Where are we headed to?].

PubMed

Cerecedo Pérez, M Jesús; Tovar Bobo, Margarita; Rozadilla Arias, Aurora

2013-12-01

The power of medicine has lately enhanced the idea of medicalizing any aspects of life that can be perceived as medical problems. Medicine sometimes creates false needs and there is nowadays an increasing number of situations are medicalized with the pretext of treating fake diseases such as spring fatigue, shyness o natural biological processes like menopause. Despite the better life conditions, we now attend more people that complain about discomfort that may have more to do with «feeling sick» than with authentic disease. There is an endless list: sadness, hyperactive children, anorexia, bulimia, vigorexia or problematic teenagers, amongst others. In this article we revise some interventions that, contribute to promote these situations also from the own doctor's office. Everyday adversity acquires today the status of disease, hence the remarkable increase in these consultations in the diverse sanitary services. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.

Continuous equal channel angular pressing

DOEpatents

Zhu, Yuntian T.; Lowe, Terry C.; Valiev, Ruslan Z.; Raab, Georgy J.

2006-12-26

An apparatus that continuously processes a metal workpiece without substantially altering its cross section includes a wheel member having an endless circumferential groove, and a stationary constraint die that surrounds the wheel member, covers most of the length of the groove, and forms a passageway with the groove. The passageway has a rectangular shaped cross section. An abutment member projects from the die into the groove and blocks one end of the passageway. The wheel member rotates relative to the die in the direction toward the abutment member. An output channel in the die adjacent the abutment member has substantially the same cross section as the passageway. A metal workpiece is fed through an input channel into the passageway and carried in the groove by frictional drag in the direction towards the abutment member, and is extruded through the output channel without any substantial change in cross section.

Simultaneous generation of high-efficiency broadband asymmetric anomalous refraction and reflection waves with few-layer anisotropic metasurface

PubMed Central

Li, Zhancheng; Liu, Wenwei; Cheng, Hua; Liu, Jieying; Chen, Shuqi; Tian, Jianguo

2016-01-01

Optical metasurfaces consisting of single-layer nanostructures have immensely promising applications in wavefront control because they can be used to arbitrarily manipulate wave phase, and polarization. However, anomalous refraction and reflection waves have not yet been simultaneously and asymmetrically generated, and the limited efficiency and bandwidth of pre-existing single-layer metasurfaces hinder their practical applications. Here, a few-layer anisotropic metasurface is presented for simultaneously generating high-efficiency broadband asymmetric anomalous refraction and reflection waves. Moreover, the normal transmission and reflection waves are low and the anomalous waves are the predominant ones, which is quite beneficial for practical applications such as beam deflectors. Our work provides an effective method of enhancing the performance of anomalous wave generation, and the asymmetric performance of the proposed metasurface shows endless possibilities in wavefront control for nanophotonics device design and optical communication applications. PMID:27762286

Mechanisms of bacterial morphogenesis: evolutionary cell biology approaches provide new insights.

PubMed

Jiang, Chao; Caccamo, Paul D; Brun, Yves V

2015-04-01

How Darwin's "endless forms most beautiful" have evolved remains one of the most exciting questions in biology. The significant variety of bacterial shapes is most likely due to the specific advantages they confer with respect to the diverse environments they occupy. While our understanding of the mechanisms generating relatively simple shapes has improved tremendously in the last few years, the molecular mechanisms underlying the generation of complex shapes and the evolution of shape diversity are largely unknown. The emerging field of bacterial evolutionary cell biology provides a novel strategy to answer this question in a comparative phylogenetic framework. This relatively novel approach provides hypotheses and insights into cell biological mechanisms, such as morphogenesis, and their evolution that would have been difficult to obtain by studying only model organisms. We discuss the necessary steps, challenges, and impact of integrating "evolutionary thinking" into bacterial cell biology in the genomic era. © 2015 WILEY Periodicals, Inc.

Laws alone cannot bring change; education of women vital. Address by Shabana Azmi, M.P. (India).

PubMed

1999-01-01

This article presents the speech of Shabana Azmi on gender and population in South Asia. In her speech, she revealed the disadvantaged position held by women in India embedded in the Indian psyche: endless cases of female infanticide, dowry deaths and abysmal access to literacy and health care. She noted that it is this differential treatment that lays the foundation for not only rapidly increasing population, but also in making millions of women endure lives of weakness and subjugation. In addition, she emphasizes education that reinforces gender equality as the most important element leading to women empowerment. However, there is not enough attention being given to the quality of education. Although she acknowledges the importance of legislation, she said that laws alone cannot bring about change. What are needed, according to Azmi, are a change of mindset, a change of attitudes, and a commitment to gender equality.

Effects of solar photovoltaic technology on the environment in China.

PubMed

Qi, Liqiang; Zhang, Yajuan

2017-10-01

Among the various types of renewable energy, solar photovoltaic has elicited the most attention because of its low pollution, abundant reserve, and endless supply. Solar photovoltaic technology generates both positive and negative effects on the environment. The environmental loss of 0.00666 yuan/kWh from solar photovoltaic technology is lower than that from coal-fired power generation (0.05216 yuan/kWh). The negative effects of solar photovoltaic system production include wastewater and waste gas pollutions, the representatives of which contain fluorine, chromium with wastewater and hydrogen fluoride, and silicon tetrachloride gas. Solar panels are also a source of light pollution. Improper disposal of solar cells that have reached the end of their service life harms the environment through the stench they produce and the damage they cause to the soil. So, the positive and negative effects of green energy photovoltaic power generation technology on the environment should be considered.

Through the Google Goggles: Sociopolitical Bias in Search Engine Design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Diaz, A.

Search engines like Google are essential to navigating the Web's endless supply of news, political information, and citizen discourse. The mechanisms and conditions under which search results are selected should therefore be of considerable interest to media scholars, political theorists, and citizens alike. In this chapter, I adopt a "deliberative" ideal for search engines and examine whether Google exhibits the "same old" media biases of mainstreaming, hypercommercialism, and industry consolidation. In the end, serious objections to Google are raised: Google may favor popularity over richness; it provides advertising that competes directly with "editorial" content; it so overwhelmingly dominates the industry that users seldom get a second opinion, and this is unlikely to change. Ultimately, however, the results of this analysis may speak less about Google than about contradictions in the deliberative ideal and the so-called "inherently democratic" nature of the Web.

Improved Data Acquisition Methods for Uninterrupted Signal Monitoring and Ultra-Fast Plasma Diagnostics in LHD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakanishi, Hideya; Imazu, Setsuo; Ohsuna, Masaki; Kojima, Mamoru; Nonomura, Miki; Shoji, Mamoru; Emoto, Masahiko; Yoshida, Masanobu; Iwata, Chie; Miyake, Hitoshi; Nagayama, Yoshio; Kawahata, Kazuo

To deal with endless data streams acquired in LHD steady-state experiments, the LHD data acquisition system was designed with a simple concept that divides a long pulse into a consecutive series of 10-s “subshots”. Latest digitizers applying high-speed PCI-Express technology, however, output nonstop gigabyte per second data streams whose subshot intervals would be extremely long if 10-s rule was applied. These digitizers need shorter subshot intervals, less than 10-s long. In contrast, steady-state fusion plants need uninterrupted monitoring of the environment and device soundness. They adopt longer subshot lengths of either 10 min or 1 day. To cope with both uninterrupted monitoring and ultra-fast diagnostics, the ability to vary the subshot length according to the type of operation is required. In this study, a design modification that enables variable subshot lengths was implemented and its practical effectiveness in LHD was verified.

One library to make them all: streamlining the creation of yeast libraries via a SWAp-Tag strategy.

PubMed

Yofe, Ido; Weill, Uri; Meurer, Matthias; Chuartzman, Silvia; Zalckvar, Einat; Goldman, Omer; Ben-Dor, Shifra; Schütze, Conny; Wiedemann, Nils; Knop, Michael; Khmelinskii, Anton; Schuldiner, Maya

2016-04-01

The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is ideal for systematic studies relying on collections of modified strains (libraries). Despite the significance of yeast libraries and the immense variety of available tags and regulatory elements, only a few such libraries exist, as their construction is extremely expensive and laborious. To overcome these limitations, we developed a SWAp-Tag (SWAT) method that enables one parental library to be modified easily and efficiently to give rise to an endless variety of libraries of choice. To showcase the versatility of the SWAT approach, we constructed and investigated a library of ∼1,800 strains carrying SWAT-GFP modules at the amino termini of endomembrane proteins and then used it to create two new libraries (mCherry and seamless GFP). Our work demonstrates how the SWAT method allows fast and effortless creation of yeast libraries, opening the door to new ways of systematically studying cell biology.

#WomenInSTEM: Stepping Stones From One Career to Another

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

Martin, Cheryl

Meet Cheryl Martin, Acting Director of the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Energy (ARPA-E) and the latest profile in the Energy Department's #WomenInSTEM video series. Cheryl looks at transformational projects to explore the uncharted territories of energy technology to generate options for entirely new paths to create, store and use energy. There are many challenges to overcome in the energy field, and it's important to have a diverse set of voices in STEM careers to meet these demands. Cheryl recommends that young women include all the skills they have - those gained at formal jobs as well as through volunteeringmore » or nonprofit organizations - when they take their next career step. These skills form the stepping stones that lead from one career to the next. And with a solid grounding in STEM, the opportunities are endless.« less

A general approach to DNA-programmable atom equivalents.

PubMed

Zhang, Chuan; Macfarlane, Robert J; Young, Kaylie L; Choi, Chung Hang J; Hao, Liangliang; Auyeung, Evelyn; Liu, Guoliang; Zhou, Xiaozhu; Mirkin, Chad A

2013-08-01

Nanoparticles can be combined with nucleic acids to programme the formation of three-dimensional colloidal crystals where the particles' size, shape, composition and position can be independently controlled. However, the diversity of the types of material that can be used is limited by the lack of a general method for preparing the basic DNA-functionalized building blocks needed to bond nanoparticles of different chemical compositions into lattices in a controllable manner. Here we show that by coating nanoparticles protected with aliphatic ligands with an azide-bearing amphiphilic polymer, followed by the coupling of DNA to the polymer using strain-promoted azide-alkyne cycloaddition (also known as copper-free azide-alkyne click chemistry), nanoparticles bearing a high-density shell of nucleic acids can be created regardless of nanoparticle composition. This method provides a route to a virtually endless class of programmable atom equivalents for DNA-based colloidal crystallization.

Trends in telemedicine utilizing artificial intelligence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pacis, Danica Mitch M.; Subido, Edwin D. C.; Bugtai, Nilo T.

2018-02-01

With the growth and popularity of the utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) in several fields and industries, studies in the field of medicine have begun to implement its capabilities in handling and analyzing data to telemedicine. With the challenges in the implementation of telemedicine, there has been a need to expand its capabilities and improve procedures to be specialized to solve specific problems. The versatility and flexibility of both AI and telemedicine gave the endless possibilities for development and these can be seen in the literature reviewed in this paper. The trends in the development of the utilization of this technology can be classified in to four: patient monitoring, healthcare information technology, intelligent assistance diagnosis, and information analysis collaboration. Each trend will be discussed and presented with examples of recent literature and the problems they aim to address. Related references will also be tabulated and categorized to see the future and potential of this current trend in telemedicine.

The Endless Frontier, Report to the President on a Program for Postwar Scientific Research

DTIC Science & Technology

1945-07-23

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Natural Products: An Alternative to Conventional Therapy for Dermatophytosis?

PubMed

Lopes, Graciliana; Pinto, Eugénia; Salgueiro, Lígia

2017-02-01

The increased incidence of fungal infections, associated with the widespread use of antifungal drugs, has resulted in the development of resistance, making it necessary to discover new therapeutic alternatives. Among fungal infections, dermatophytoses constitute a serious public health problem, affecting 20-25 % of the world population. Medicinal plants represent an endless source of bioactive molecules, and their volatile and non-volatile extracts are clearly recognized for being the historical basis of therapeutic health care. Because of this, the research on natural products with antifungal activity against dermatophytes has considerably increased in recent years. However, despite the recognized anti-dermatophytic potential of natural products, often advantageous face to commercial drugs, there is still a long way to go until their use in therapeutics. This review attempts to summarize the current status of anti-dermatophytic natural products, focusing on their mechanism of action, the developed pharmaceutical formulations and their effectiveness in human and animal models of infection.

An Essay on Extraterrestrial Liberty

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cockell, C. S.

The lethal environmental conditions in outer space and the surfaces of other planetary bodies will force a need for regulations to maintain safety to an extent hitherto not seen on the Earth, even in polar environments. The level of inter-dependence between individuals that will emerge will provide mechanisms for exerting substantial control. In extraterrestrial environ- ments traditional buffers to tyranny that exist on the Earth are either absent or much weaker. Legislative and political mechanisms used to protect freedom will be needed to such a degree that they themselves are likely to become a form of despotism. Thus, the most profound irony of the settlement of space is that the endless and apparently free expanses of interplanetary and interstellar space will in fact allow for, and nurture, some of the most appalling tyrannies that human society can contrive. Thwarting this tyranny will be the greatest social challenge in the successful establishment of extraterrestrial settlements.

Progress report on Bertelsen research and development of an air cushion crawler all-terrain vehicle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bertelsen, W. R.

1987-06-01

The ACV is an exceptional amphibian but it is not, nor is any other existing craft, an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). Using the best elements of the ACV in an air-cushion crawler tractor, a true ATV can be attained. A conventional crawler drive train will propel two tracks as pressurized, propulsive pontoons. The key to a successful ATV is in perfecting efficient, durable, sliding seals to allow the belt to move in its orbit around the track unit and maintain its internal pressure. After deriving the adequate seal, a 12 inch wide x 86 inch long endless rubber belt was fitted bilateral seals and slide plates with internal guide wheels fore and aft with a 21 inch wheel base. From this approximately one-quarter scale model, full-scale air track crawlers, true ATVs, of any size and capacity can be produced.

Data-acquisition system for environmental monitoring aboard a twin-engined aircraft

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

Tichler, J.; Bernstein, H.; Brown, R.M.

A number of experimental platforms have been used in support of the Multistate Atmospheric Power Production Study (MAP3S) and the Coastal Meteorology programs at Brookhaven National Laboratory. These platforms include a twin-engine Britten Norman Islander aircraft, a motorized van, a variety of boats and temporary enclosures set up in the field. Each platform carried a data logger consisting of a multiplexer, an analog to digital (A/D) converter and a four track endless loop magnetic tape for data storage. In recent years it has become increasingly evident that the data loggers in use were no longer adequate. Since the aircraft providedmore » the most constraints on the data acquisition system as well as being the most important research platform, a data system was designed for that platform with the secondary goal that the system would serve as a prototype for systems to be used on other platforms.« less

[Current Knee Arthroplasty Designs and Kinematics: Differences in Radii, Conformity and Pivoting].

PubMed

Calliess, Tilman; Savov, Peter; Ettinger, Max; Karkosch, Roman

2018-06-14

Today, there is an almost endless variety of knee prosthesis models on the market from which the surgeon can choose. Although the designs appear closer and closer to one another, the industry makes a great effort to emphasise different features as beneficial and a stand-alone. It is increasingly difficult to keep an overview and to assess the clinical relevance of the diverse features. There is a clear lack of independent comparative studies and evidence is low. Nevertheless, different design philosophies require special surgical techniques, so that the surgeon must be familiar with the peculiarity of his/her prosthesis. Also, a differentiated indication for different designs appears to be an interesting concept. The aim of this essay is to give a brief overview of the major design concepts of current unconstrained knee prosthesis designs and their differences regarding biomechanics and kinematics. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

The neural dynamics of updating person impressions

PubMed Central

Cai, Yang; Todorov, Alexander

2013-01-01

Person perception is a dynamic, evolving process. Because other people are an endless source of social information, people need to update their impressions of others based upon new information. We devised an fMRI study to identify brain regions involved in updating impressions. Participants saw faces paired with valenced behavioral information and were asked to form impressions of these individuals. Each face was seen five times in a row, each time with a different behavioral description. Critically, for half of the faces the behaviors were evaluatively consistent, while for the other half they were inconsistent. In line with prior work, dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC) was associated with forming impressions of individuals based on behavioral information. More importantly, a whole-brain analysis revealed a network of other regions associated with updating impressions of individuals who exhibited evaluatively inconsistent behaviors, including rostrolateral PFC, superior temporal sulcus, right inferior parietal lobule and posterior cingulate cortex. PMID:22490923

The Immortal Fire Within: the life and work of Edward Emerson Barnard

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sheehan, William

1995-06-01

This first full-length biography of Edward Emerson Barnard tells the remarkable tale of endurance and achievement of one of the leading astronomers of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. As "a man who was never known to sleep", Barnard scoured the heavens endlessly, leaving an astonishing legacy of observations that make him one of the greatest observers of all time. This book traces Barnard's life from impoverished origins to status as an internationally recognized astronomer. His success as a professional astronomer unfolds in 1842 as he discovers the fifth satellite of Jupiter (the first since Galileo) and pioneers wide-angle photography of the Milky Way, which leads to the recognition of dark nebulae--clouds of dust on the galactic plane. Beautifully illustrated throughout, this book provides a complete history of Barnard's fascinating life and work, based largely on previously unpublished archival material, that will be of interest to astronomers and historians of science.

High-temperature measurement by using a PCF-based Fabry-Perot interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Lai-Cai; Deng, Ming; Duan, De-Wen; Wen, Wei-Ping; Han, Meng

2012-10-01

A new method for fabricating a fiber-optic Fabry-Perot interferometer (FPI) for high-temperature sensing is presented. The sensor is fabricated by fusion splicing a short section of endlessly single-mode photonic crystal fiber (ESM-PCF) to the cleaved end facet of a single-mode fiber (SMF) with an intentional complete collapse at the splice joint. This procedure not only provides easier, faster and cheaper technology for FPI sensors but also yields the FPI exhibiting an accurate and stable sinusoidal interference fringe with relatively high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The high-temperature response of the FPI sensors were experimentally studied and the results show that the sensor allows linear and stable measurement of temperatures up to 1100 °C with a sensitivity of ˜39.1 nm/°C for a cavity length of 1377 um, which makes it attractive for aeronautics and metallurgy areas.

Long-period grating and its cascaded counterpart in photonic crystal fiber for gas phase measurement.

PubMed

Tian, Fei; Kanka, Jiri; Du, Henry

2012-09-10

Regular and cascaded long period gratings (LPG, C-LPG) of periods ranging from 460 to 590 μm were inscribed in an endlessly single mode photonic crystal fiber (PCF) using CO(2) laser for sensing measurements of helium, argon and acetylene. High index sensitivities in excess of 1700 nm/RIU were achieved in both grating schemes with a period of 460 μm. The sharp interference fringes in the transmission spectrum of C-PCF-LPG afforded not only greatly enhanced sensing resolution, but also accuracy when the phase-shift of the fringe pattern is determined through spectral processing. Comparative numerical and experimental studies indicated LP(01) to LP(03) mode coupling as the principal coupling step for both PCF-LPG and C-PCF-LPG with emergence of multi-mode coupling at shorter grating periods or longer resonance wavelengths.

The Telephone: An Invention with Many Fathers

ScienceCinema

Brenni, Paolo [CNR-FST-IMSS, Florence, Italy

2017-12-09

The names of A.G. Bell, A. Meucci, P.Reis, E. Gray, just to mention the most important ones, are all connected with the invention of the telephone. Today, the Italian inventor A. Meucci is recognized as being the first to propose a working prototype of the electric telephone. However, for a series of reasons his strenuous efforts were not rewarded. I will not repeat here the endless and complex disputes about the “real father” of the telephone. From an historical point of view it is more interesting to understand why so many individuals from different backgrounds conceived of a similar apparatus and why most of these devices were simply forgotten or just remained laboratory curiosities. The case of the development of the telephone is an emblematic and useful example for better understanding the intricate factors which are involved in the birth of an invention and reasons for its success and failure.

Infrasound analysis of I18DK, northwest Greenland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Evers, L. G.; Weemstra, C.

2010-12-01

Within the scope of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), four methods are used to verify the treaty. One of these methods is based on the detection of infrasound waves generated by a nuclear explosion. Seismological, hydroacoustical and radionuclide measurements are also applied. The International Monitoring System (IMS) will consist of 60 infrasound stations of which 35 stations are currently operational. Data obtained from an infrasound station situated on the northwestern shoreline of Greenland is analyzed. This station is operated by Denmark and labeled as I18DK. I18DK is situated in an area which receives an ever increasing attention from a geophysical perspective. I18DK has continuously been operational from April 2003 and onwards. The IMS station is an infrasound array with an aperture of about 1200 meters, where air-pressure fluctuations are recorded by eight microbarometers at a sample-rate of 20 Hz. The infrasonic recordings are filtered between 0.1 & 1.0 and 1.0 & 6.0 Hz. The slowness grid is searched for two different configurations in the higher frequency band. Once using all 8 stations and once only taking into account the 5 center stations. Several different source types are known to generate infrasound, for example, calving of icebergs and glaciers, explosions, earthquakes, oceanic wave-wave interaction, volcanic eruptions and aurora. The challenge is to distinguish between these different source types and use the outcome of the array analysis to better understand these phenomena. The rate of occurrence of icequakes, the calving of glaciers and the variation in extent of the sea ice in this area is of interest in relation to global warming. The processing results of the 1 to 6 Hz band seem to show dominating back-azimuths related to these sources. The glaciers south of I18DK produce significant infrasound during summer time. As well, a direct link can be found between the number of warm days in a year and the number of infrasound detections from a north-northeast direction. These signals seem to be generated by run- off of water from the local ice cap north of I18DK.

Effect of beam types on the scintillations: a review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baykal, Yahya; Eyyuboglu, Halil T.; Cai, Yangjian

2009-02-01

When different incidences are launched in atmospheric turbulence, it is known that the intensity fluctuations exhibit different characteristics. In this paper we review our work done in the evaluations of the scintillation index of general beam types when such optical beams propagate in horizontal atmospheric links in the weak fluctuations regime. Variation of scintillation indices versus the source and medium parameters are examined for flat-topped-Gaussian, cosh- Gaussian, cos-Gaussian, annular, elliptical Gaussian, circular (i.e., stigmatic) and elliptical (i.e., astigmatic) dark hollow, lowest order Bessel-Gaussian and laser array beams. For flat-topped-Gaussian beam, scintillation is larger than the single Gaussian beam scintillation, when the source sizes are much less than the Fresnel zone but becomes smaller for source sizes much larger than the Fresnel zone. Cosh-Gaussian beam has lower on-axis scintillations at smaller source sizes and longer propagation distances as compared to Gaussian beams where focusing imposes more reduction on the cosh- Gaussian beam scintillations than that of the Gaussian beam. Intensity fluctuations of a cos-Gaussian beam show favorable behaviour against a Gaussian beam at lower propagation lengths. At longer propagation lengths, annular beam becomes advantageous. In focused cases, the scintillation index of annular beam is lower than the scintillation index of Gaussian and cos-Gaussian beams starting at earlier propagation distances. Cos-Gaussian beams are advantages at relatively large source sizes while the reverse is valid for annular beams. Scintillations of a stigmatic or astigmatic dark hollow beam can be smaller when compared to stigmatic or astigmatic Gaussian, annular and flat-topped beams under conditions that are closely related to the beam parameters. Intensity fluctuation of an elliptical Gaussian beam can also be smaller than a circular Gaussian beam depending on the propagation length and the ratio of the beam waist size along the long axis to that along the short axis (i.e., astigmatism). Comparing against the fundamental Gaussian beam on equal source size and equal power basis, it is observed that the scintillation index of the lowest order Bessel-Gaussian beam is lower at large source sizes and large width parameters. However, for excessively large width parameters and beyond certain propagation lengths, the advantage of the lowest order Bessel-Gaussian beam seems to be lost. Compared to Gaussian beam, laser array beam exhibits less scintillations at long propagation ranges and at some midrange radial displacement parameters. When compared among themselves, laser array beams tend to have reduced scintillations for larger number of beamlets, longer wavelengths, midrange radial displacement parameters, intermediate Gaussian source sizes, larger inner scales and smaller outer scales of turbulence. The number of beamlets used does not seem to be so effective in this improvement of the scintillations.

Disruption of Chemoreceptor Signaling Arrays by High Levels of CheW, the Receptor-Kinase Coupling Protein

PubMed Central

Cardozo, Marcos J.; Massazza, Diego A.; Parkinson, John S.; Studdert, Claudia A.

2017-01-01

Summary During chemotactic signaling by Escherichia coli, the small cytoplasmic CheW protein couples the histidine kinase CheA to chemoreceptor control. Although essential for assembly and operation of receptor signaling complexes, CheW in stoichiometric excess disrupts chemotactic behavior. To explore the mechanism of the CheW excess effect, we measured the physiological consequences of high cellular levels of wild-type CheW and of several CheW variants with reduced or enhanced binding affinities for receptor molecules. We found that high levels of CheW interfered with trimer assembly, prevented CheA activation, blocked cluster formation, disrupted chemotactic ability, and elevated receptor methylation levels. The severity of these effects paralleled the receptor binding affinities of the CheW variants. Because trimer formation may be an obligate step in the assembly of ternary signaling complexes and higher-order receptor arrays, we suggest that all CheW excess effects stem from disruption of trimer assembly. We propose that the CheW-binding sites in receptor dimers overlap their trimer contact sites and that high levels of CheW saturate the receptor binding sites, preventing trimer assembly. The CheW-trapped receptor dimers seem to be improved substrates for methyltransferase reactions, but cannot activate CheA or assemble into clusters, processes that are essential for chemotactic signaling. PMID:20487303

Sound field separation with sound pressure and particle velocity measurements.

PubMed

Fernandez-Grande, Efren; Jacobsen, Finn; Leclère, Quentin

2012-12-01

In conventional near-field acoustic holography (NAH) it is not possible to distinguish between sound from the two sides of the array, thus, it is a requirement that all the sources are confined to only one side and radiate into a free field. When this requirement cannot be fulfilled, sound field separation techniques make it possible to distinguish between outgoing and incoming waves from the two sides, and thus NAH can be applied. In this paper, a separation method based on the measurement of the particle velocity in two layers and another method based on the measurement of the pressure and the velocity in a single layer are proposed. The two methods use an equivalent source formulation with separate transfer matrices for the outgoing and incoming waves, so that the sound from the two sides of the array can be modeled independently. A weighting scheme is proposed to account for the distance between the equivalent sources and measurement surfaces and for the difference in magnitude between pressure and velocity. Experimental and numerical studies have been conducted to examine the methods. The double layer velocity method seems to be more robust to noise and flanking sound than the combined pressure-velocity method, although it requires an additional measurement surface. On the whole, the separation methods can be useful when the disturbance of the incoming field is significant. Otherwise the direct reconstruction is more accurate and straightforward.

The epigenetic landscape of oral squamous cell carcinoma

PubMed Central

Jithesh, P V; Risk, J M; Schache, A G; Dhanda, J; Lane, B; Liloglou, T; Shaw, R J

2013-01-01

Background: There is relatively little methylation array data available specifically for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). This study aims to compare the DNA methylome across a large cohort of tumour/normal pairs. Methods: DNA was extracted from 44 OSCCs and paired normal mucosa. DNA methylation analysis employed the Illumina GoldenGate high-throughput array comprising 1505 CpG loci selected from 807 epigenetically regulated genes. This data was correlated with extracapsular spread (ECS), human papilloma virus (HPV) status, recurrence and 5-year survival. Results: Differential methylation levels of a number of genes distinguished the tumour tissue sample from the matched normal. Putative methylation signatures for ECS and recurrence were identified. The concept of concordant methylation or CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) in OSCC is supported by our data, with an association between ‘CIMP-high' and worse prognosis. Epigenetic deregulation of NOTCH4 signalling in OSCC was also observed, as part of a possible methylation signature for recurrence, with parallels to recently discovered NOTCH mutations in HNSCC. Differences in methylation in HPV-driven cases were seen, but are less significant than that has been recently proposed in other series. Conclusion: Although OSCC seems as much an ‘epigenetic' as a genetic disease, the translational potential of cancer epigenetics has yet to be fully exploited. This data points to the application of epigenetic biomarkers and targets available to further the development of therapy in OSCC. PMID:23287992

Array comparative genome hybridization in patients with developmental delay: two example cases.

PubMed

Hancarova, Miroslava; Drabova, Jana; Zmitkova, Zuzana; Vlckova, Marketa; Hedvicakova, Petra; Novotna, Drahuse; Vlckova, Zdenka; Vejvalkova, Sarka; Marikova, Tatana; Sedlacek, Zdenek

2012-02-15

Developmental delay is often a predictor of mental retardation (MR) or autism, two relatively frequent developmental disorders severely affecting intellectual and social functioning. The causes of these conditions remain unknown in most patients. They have a strong genetic component, but the specific genetic defects can only be identified in a fraction of patients. Recent developments in genomics supported the establishment of the causal link between copy number variants in the genomes of some patients and their affection. One of the techniques suitable for this analysis is array comparative genome hybridization, which can be used both for detailed mapping of chromosome rearrangements identified by classical cytogenetics and for the identification of novel submicroscopic gains or losses of genetic material. We illustrate the power of this approach in two patients. Patient 1 had a cytogenetically visible deletion of chromosome X and the molecular analysis was used to specify the gene content of the deletion and the prognosis of the child. Patient 2 had a seemingly normal karyotype and the analysis revealed a small recurrent deletion of chromosome 1 likely to be responsible for his phenotype. However, the genetic dissection of MR and autism is complicated by high heterogeneity of the genetic aberrations among patients and by broad variability of phenotypic effects of individual genetic defects. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Receptive fields and functional architecture in the retina

PubMed Central

Balasubramanian, Vijay; Sterling, Peter

2009-01-01

Functional architecture of the striate cortex is known mostly at the tissue level – how neurons of different function distribute across its depth and surface on a scale of millimetres. But explanations for its design – why it is just so – need to be addressed at the synaptic level, a much finer scale where the basic description is still lacking. Functional architecture of the retina is known from the scale of millimetres down to nanometres, so we have sought explanations for various aspects of its design. Here we review several aspects of the retina's functional architecture and find that all seem governed by a single principle: represent the most information for the least cost in space and energy. Specifically: (i) why are OFF ganglion cells more numerous than ON cells? Because natural scenes contain more negative than positive contrasts, and the retina matches its neural resources to represent them equally well; (ii) why do ganglion cells of a given type overlap their dendrites to achieve 3-fold coverage? Because this maximizes total information represented by the array – balancing signal-to-noise improvement against increased redundancy; (iii) why do ganglion cells form multiple arrays? Because this allows most information to be sent at lower rates, decreasing the space and energy costs for sending a given amount of information. This broad principle, operating at higher levels, probably contributes to the brain's immense computational efficiency. PMID:19525561

Lunar Core and Tides

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, J. G.; Boggs, D. H.; Ratcliff, J. T.

2004-01-01

Variations in rotation and orientation of the Moon are sensitive to solid-body tidal dissipation, dissipation due to relative motion at the fluid-core/solid-mantle boundary, and tidal Love number k2 [1,2]. There is weaker sensitivity to flattening of the core-mantle boundary (CMB) [2,3,4] and fluid core moment of inertia [1]. Accurate Lunar Laser Ranging (LLR) measurements of the distance from observatories on the Earth to four retroreflector arrays on the Moon are sensitive to lunar rotation and orientation variations and tidal displacements. Past solutions using the LLR data have given results for dissipation due to solid-body tides and fluid core [1] plus Love number [1-5]. Detection of CMB flattening, which in the past has been marginal but improving [3,4,5], now seems significant. Direct detection of the core moment has not yet been achieved.

Association of an α-globin gene cluster duplication and heterozygous β-thalassemia in a patient with a severe thalassemia syndrome.

PubMed

Jiang, Hua; Liu, Sha; Zhang, Yong-Ling; Wan, Jun-Hui; Li, Ru; Li, Dong-Zhi

2015-01-01

We describe a new case of a β-thalassemia (β-thal) heterozygote with the mutation IVS-II-654 (C>T) presenting with a transfusion-dependent phenotype. Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) and array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) analyses of the α-globin gene cluster revealed a full duplication of the α-globin genes including the upstream regulatory element. The duplicated allele and the normal allele in trans resulted in a total of six active α-globin genes. The severe clinical phenotype seemed to be related to the considerable excess of the α- and β-globin deficit caused by the presence of the β-thal. α-Globin cluster duplication should be considered in patients heterozygous for β-thal who show a more severe phenotype than β-thal trait.

A perfect launch viewed across Banana Creek

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

Space Shuttle Discovery seems to burst forth from a pillow of smoke as it lifts off from Launch Pad 39A on mission STS-92 to the International Space Station. The brilliant light from the solid rocket booster flames is reflected in nearby water. The perfect on-time liftoff occurred at 7:17 p.m. EDT, sending a crew of seven on the 100th launch in the history of the Shuttle program. Discovery carries a payload that includes the Integrated Truss Structure Z-1, first of 10 trusses that will form the backbone of the Space Station, and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter that will provide a Shuttle docking port for solar array installation on the sixth Station flight and Lab installation on the seventh Station flight. Discovery's landing is expected Oct. 22 at 2:10 p.m. EDT.

Genetically engineered microbial biosensors for in situ monitoring of environmental pollution.

PubMed

Shin, Hae Ja

2011-02-01

Microbial biosensors are compact, portable, cost effective, and simple to use, making them seem eminently suitable for the in situ monitoring of environmental pollution. One promising approach for such applications is the fusion of reporter genes with regulatory genes that are dose-dependently responsive to the target chemicals or physiological signals. Their biosensor capabilities, such as target range and sensitivity, could be improved by modification of regulatory genes. Recent uses of such genetically engineered microbial biosensors include the development of portable biosensor kits and high-throughput cell arrays on chips, optic fibers, or other platforms for on-site and on-line monitoring of environmental pollution. This mini-review discusses recent advances in microbial biosensors and their future prospects, with a focus on the development and application of genetically modified microbial biosensors for in situ environmental monitoring.

Intersecting Channels near Olympica Fossae

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-09-21

This complicated area contains various types of channels, pits and fractures. We can determine the relative ages of the pits and channels based on which features cross-cut others. Older channels appear smooth-edged and shallow. Younger channels and pits are deeper and more sharp-edged, as well as less sinuous than the shallower channels. What caused this array of various channels and intersecting pits? This region is covered in vast lava flows. The collapse pits here may be collapsed lava tubes or where overlying rock "drained" into voids created by extensional faulting. The older smoother channel that seems to source from this region may have carried an outflow of groundwater. It continues on for over 100 kilometers (62 miles). The orientation and shapes of these features make an interesting geological puzzle. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA21066

Probing Gallic Acid for Its Broad Spectrum Applications.

PubMed

Choubey, Sneha; Goyal, Soniya; Varughese, Lesley Rachel; Kumar, Vinod

2018-03-29

Gallic acid and its derivatives not only exhibit excellent antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, antimutagenic, antimicrobial properties but also provide protection to the cells against oxidative stress. Gallic acid (3, 4, 5-trihydroxybenzoic acid), a low molecular triphenolic compound has arised as an efficient apoptosis inducing agent. The antimicrobial and other biological properties of gallic acid and its derivatives seemed to be linked with the hydrolysis of ester linkage between gallic acid and polyols like tannins hydrolyzed after ripening of many edible fruits. Gallic acid serves a natural defense mechanism against microbial infections and modulation of immune-responses. The current review updates us with the diverse roles played by gallic acid, its antioxidant potential, action mechanism and more importantly the diverse array of applications in therapeutic and pharmaceutical area. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

Ultrastructure of Lymphocystis Virus

PubMed Central

Zwillenberg, Lutz O.; Wolf, Ken

1968-01-01

Lymphocystis virus obtained from bluegills (Lepomis macrochirus) was cultured in the permanent bluegill cell line BF-2 and examined by electron microscopy in ultrathin sections of cell cultures and in negative-contrast preparations from cells and from centrifuged culture medium. According to negative-contrast preparations, the icosahedral virions have an overall diameter close to but not exceeding 300 mμ. Delicate filaments seem to issue from the vertices. In collapsed virions, an ordered array of morphological units was seen. Positively contrasted virions in ultrathin sections show a shell with three dark (heavy metal-stained) layers alternating with and separated by two clear layers. The acquisition of an additional outer membrane during release from the cell, as found in African swine fever virus, was never seen. Morphologically, lymphocystis virus is considered to be closely related to Tipula iridescent virus. Images PMID:4986903

Opportunities for Space Science Education Using Current and Future Solar System Missions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matiella Novak, M.; Beisser, K.; Butler, L.; Turney, D.

2010-12-01

The Education and Public Outreach (E/PO) office in The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) Space Department strives to excite and inspire the next generation of explorers by creating interactive education experiences. Since 1959, APL engineers and scientists have designed, built, and launched 61 spacecraft and over 150 instruments involved in space science. With the vast array of current and future Solar System exploration missions available, endless opportunities exist for education programs to incorporate the real-world science of these missions. APL currently has numerous education and outreach programs tailored for K-12 formal and informal education, higher education, and general outreach communities. Current programs focus on Solar System exploration missions such as the Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM), Miniature Radio Frequency (Mini-RF) Moon explorer, the Radiation Belt Storm Probes (RBSP), New Horizons mission to Pluto, and the Thermosphere Ionosphere Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics (TIMED) Satellite, to name a few. Education and outreach programs focusing on K-12 formal education include visits to classrooms, summer programs for middle school students, and teacher workshops. APL hosts a Girl Power event and a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Day each year. Education and outreach specialists hold teacher workshops throughout the year to train educators in using NASA spacecraft science in their lesson plans. High school students from around the U.S. are able to engage in NASA spacecraft science directly by participating in the Mars Exploration Student Data Teams (MESDT) and the Student Principal Investigator Programs. An effort is also made to generate excitement for future missions by focusing on what mysteries will be solved. Higher education programs are used to recruit and train the next generation of scientists and engineers. The NASA/APL Summer Internship Program offers a unique glimpse into the Space Department’s “end-to-end” approach to mission design and execution. College students - both undergraduate and graduate - are recruited from around the U.S. to work with APL scientists and engineers who act as mentors to the students. Many students are put on summer projects that allow them to work with existing spacecraft systems, while others participate in projects that investigate the operational and science objectives of future planned spacecraft systems. In many cases these interns have returned to APL as full-time staff after graduation.

Empathy in Clinical Practice: How Individual Dispositions, Gender, and Experience Moderate Empathic Concern, Burnout, and Emotional Distress in Physicians

PubMed Central

Gleichgerrcht, Ezequiel; Decety, Jean

2013-01-01

To better understand clinical empathy and what factors can undermine its experience and outcome in care-giving settings, a large-scale study was conducted with 7,584 board certified practicing physicians. Online validated instruments assessing different aspects of empathy, distress, burnout, altruistic behavior, emotional awareness, and well-being were used. Compassion satisfaction was strongly associated with empathic concern, perspective taking and altruism, while compassion fatigue (burnout and secondary traumatic stress) was more closely related to personal distress and alexithymia. Gender had a highly selective effect on empathic concern, with women displaying higher values, which led to a wide array of negative and devalued feelings. Years of experience did not influence dispositional measures per se after controlling for the effect of age and gender. Participants who experienced compassion fatigue with little to no compassion satisfaction showed the highest scores on personal distress and alexithymia as well as the strongest indicators of compassion fatigue. Physicians who have difficulty regulating their negative arousal and describing and identifying emotions seem to be more prone to emotional exhaustion, detachment, and a low sense of accomplishment. On the contrary, the ability to engage in self-other awareness and regulate one’s emotions and the tendency to help others, seem to contribute to the sense of compassion that comes from assisting patients in clinical practice. PMID:23620760