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

Gao, Zhiming; Abdelaziz, Omar; Qu, Ming

This paper introduces a first-order physics-based model that accounts for the fundamental heat and mass transfer between a humid-air vapor stream on feed side to another flow stream on permeate side. The model comprises a few optional submodels for membrane mass transport; and it adopts a segment-by-segment method for discretizing heat and mass transfer governing equations for flow streams on feed and permeate sides. The model is able to simulate both dehumidifiers and energy recovery ventilators in parallel-flow, cross-flow, and counter-flow configurations. The predicted tresults are compared reasonably well with the measurements. The open-source codes are written in C++. Themore » model and open-source codes are expected to become a fundament tool for the analysis of membrane-based dehumidification in the future.« less

Improved Segmented-Flow Tracer-Monitored Titration for Automated Measurement of Total Alkalinity in Seawater

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spaulding, R. S.; Hales, B.; Beck, J. C.; Degrandpre, M. D.

2008-12-01

The four measurable inorganic carbon parameters commonly measured as part of oceanic carbon cycle studies are total dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), total alkalinity (AT), hydrogen ion concentration (pH) and partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2). AT determination is critical for anthropogenic CO2 inventory calculations and for quantifying CaCO3 saturation. Additionally, measurement of AT in combination with one other carbonate parameter can be used to describe the inorganic carbon equilibria. Current methods for measuring AT require calibrated volumetric flasks and burettes, gravimetry, or precise flow measurements. These methods also require analysis times of ˜15 min and sample volumes of ˜200 mL, and sample introduction is not automated, resulting in labor-intensive measurements and low temporal resolution. The Tracer Monitored Titration (TMT) system was previously developed at the University of Montana for AT measurements. The TMT is not dependent on accurate gravimetric, volumetric or flow rate measurements because it relies on a pH-sensitive indicator (tracer) to track the amount of titrant added to the sample. Sample and a titrant-indicator mixture are mechanically stirred in an optical flow cell and pH is calculated using the indicator equilibrium constant and the spectrophotometrically determined concentrations of the acid and base forms of the indicator. AT is then determined using these data in a non-linear least squares regression of the AT mass and proton balances. The precision and accuracy of the TMT are 2 and 4 micromol per kg in 16 min using 110-mL of sample. The TMT is dependent on complete mixing of titrant with the sample and accurate absorbance measurements. We have developed the segmented-flow TMT (SF- TMT) to improve on these aspects and decrease sample analysis time. The TMT uses segmented flow instead of active mixing and a white LED instead of a tungsten-halogen light source. Air is added to the liquid flow stream, producing segments of liquid separated by air bubbles. Because liquid is not transferred between flow segments, there is rapid flushing which reduces sample volume to <10 mL. Additionally, the slower movement of liquid at the tube walls compared to that at the tube center creates circulation within each liquid segment, mixing the sample and eliminating the need for mechanical stirring. The white LED has higher output at the wavelengths of interest, thus improving the precision of absorbance measurements. These improvements result in a faster, simpler method for measuring AT.

A prescribed wake rotor inflow and flow field prediction analysis, user's manual and technical approach

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Egolf, T. A.; Landgrebe, A. J.

1982-01-01

A user's manual is provided which includes the technical approach for the Prescribed Wake Rotor Inflow and Flow Field Prediction Analysis. The analysis is used to provide the rotor wake induced velocities at the rotor blades for use in blade airloads and response analyses and to provide induced velocities at arbitrary field points such as at a tail surface. This analysis calculates the distribution of rotor wake induced velocities based on a prescribed wake model. Section operating conditions are prescribed from blade motion and controls determined by a separate blade response analysis. The analysis represents each blade by a segmented lifting line, and the rotor wake by discrete segmented trailing vortex filaments. Blade loading and circulation distributions are calculated based on blade element strip theory including the local induced velocity predicted by the numerical integration of the Biot-Savart Law applied to the vortex wake model.

Improving CCTA-based lesions' hemodynamic significance assessment by accounting for partial volume modeling in automatic coronary lumen segmentation.

PubMed

Freiman, Moti; Nickisch, Hannes; Prevrhal, Sven; Schmitt, Holger; Vembar, Mani; Maurovich-Horvat, Pál; Donnelly, Patrick; Goshen, Liran

2017-03-01

The goal of this study was to assess the potential added benefit of accounting for partial volume effects (PVE) in an automatic coronary lumen segmentation algorithm that is used to determine the hemodynamic significance of a coronary artery stenosis from coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). Two sets of data were used in our work: (a) multivendor CCTA datasets of 18 subjects from the MICCAI 2012 challenge with automatically generated centerlines and 3 reference segmentations of 78 coronary segments and (b) additional CCTA datasets of 97 subjects with 132 coronary lesions that had invasive reference standard FFR measurements. We extracted the coronary artery centerlines for the 97 datasets by an automated software program followed by manual correction if required. An automatic machine-learning-based algorithm segmented the coronary tree with and without accounting for the PVE. We obtained CCTA-based FFR measurements using a flow simulation in the coronary trees that were generated by the automatic algorithm with and without accounting for PVE. We assessed the potential added value of PVE integration as a part of the automatic coronary lumen segmentation algorithm by means of segmentation accuracy using the MICCAI 2012 challenge framework and by means of flow simulation overall accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive values, and the receiver operated characteristic (ROC) area under the curve. We also evaluated the potential benefit of accounting for PVE in automatic segmentation for flow simulation for lesions that were diagnosed as obstructive based on CCTA which could have indicated a need for an invasive exam and revascularization. Our segmentation algorithm improves the maximal surface distance error by ~39% compared to previously published method on the 18 datasets from the MICCAI 2012 challenge with comparable Dice and mean surface distance. Results with and without accounting for PVE were comparable. In contrast, integrating PVE analysis into an automatic coronary lumen segmentation algorithm improved the flow simulation specificity from 0.6 to 0.68 with the same sensitivity of 0.83. Also, accounting for PVE improved the area under the ROC curve for detecting hemodynamically significant CAD from 0.76 to 0.8 compared to automatic segmentation without PVE analysis with invasive FFR threshold of 0.8 as the reference standard. Accounting for PVE in flow simulation to support the detection of hemodynamic significant disease in CCTA-based obstructive lesions improved specificity from 0.51 to 0.73 with same sensitivity of 0.83 and the area under the curve from 0.69 to 0.79. The improvement in the AUC was statistically significant (N = 76, Delong's test, P = 0.012). Accounting for the partial volume effects in automatic coronary lumen segmentation algorithms has the potential to improve the accuracy of CCTA-based hemodynamic assessment of coronary artery lesions. © 2017 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Repeatability of Non-Contrast-Enhanced Lower-Extremity Angiography Using the Flow-Spoiled Fresh Blood Imaging.

PubMed

Zhang, Yuyang; Xing, Zhen; She, Dejun; Huang, Nan; Cao, Dairong

The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the repeatability of non-contrast-enhanced lower-extremity magnetic resonance angiography using the flow-spoiled fresh blood imaging (FS-FBI). Forty-three healthy volunteers and 15 patients with lower-extremity arterial stenosis were recruited in this study and were examined by FS-FBI. Digital subtraction angiography was performed within a week after the FS-FBI in the patient group. Repeatability was assessed by the following parameters: grading of image quality, diameter and area of major arteries, and grading of stenosis of lower-extremity arteries. Two experienced radiologists blinded for patient data independently evaluated the FS-FBI and digital subtraction angiography images. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), sensitivity, and specificity were used for statistical analysis. The grading of image quality of most data was satisfactory. The ICCs for the first and second measures were 0.792 and 0.884 in the femoral segment and 0.803 and 0.796 in the tibiofibular segment for healthy volunteer group, 0.873 and 1.000 in the femoral segment, and 0.737 and 0.737 in the tibiofibular segment for the patient group. Intraobserver and interobserver agreements on diameter and area of arteries were excellent, with ICCs mostly greater than 0.75 in the volunteer group. For stenosis grading analysis, intraobserver ICCs range from 0.784 to 0.862 and from 0.778 to 0.854, respectively. Flow-spoiled fresh blood imaging yielded a mean sensitivity and specificity to detect arterial stenosis or occlusion of 90% and 80% for femoral segment and 86.7% and 93.3% for tibiofibular segment at least. Lower-extremity angiography with FS-FBI is a reliable and reproducible screening tool for lower-extremity atherosclerotic disease, especially for patients with impaired renal function.

Comparison of results of experimental research with numerical calculations of a model one-sided seal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Joachimiak, Damian; Krzyślak, Piotr

2015-06-01

Paper presents the results of experimental and numerical research of a model segment of a labyrinth seal for a different wear level. The analysis covers the extent of leakage and distribution of static pressure in the seal chambers and the planes upstream and downstream of the segment. The measurement data have been compared with the results of numerical calculations obtained using commercial software. Based on the flow conditions occurring in the area subjected to calculations, the size of the mesh defined by parameter y+ has been analyzed and the selection of the turbulence model has been described. The numerical calculations were based on the measurable thermodynamic parameters in the seal segments of steam turbines. The work contains a comparison of the mass flow and distribution of static pressure in the seal chambers obtained during the measurement and calculated numerically in a model segment of the seal of different level of wear.

Abnormal early diastolic intraventricular flow 'kinetic energy index' assessed by vector flow mapping in patients with elevated filling pressure.

PubMed

Nogami, Yoshie; Ishizu, Tomoko; Atsumi, Akiko; Yamamoto, Masayoshi; Kawamura, Ryo; Seo, Yoshihiro; Aonuma, Kazutaka

2013-03-01

Recently developed vector flow mapping (VFM) enables evaluation of local flow dynamics without angle dependency. This study used VFM to evaluate quantitatively the index of intraventricular haemodynamic kinetic energy in patients with left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction and to compare those with normal subjects. We studied 25 patients with estimated high left atrial (LA) pressure (pseudonormal: PN group) and 36 normal subjects (control group). Left ventricle was divided into basal, mid, and apical segments. Intraventricular haemodynamic energy was evaluated in the dimension of speed, and it was defined as the kinetic energy index. We calculated this index and created time-energy index curves. The time interval from electrocardiogram (ECG) R wave to peak index was measured, and time differences of the peak index between basal and other segments were defined as ΔT-mid and ΔT-apex. In both groups, early diastolic peak kinetic energy index in mid and apical segments was significantly lower than that in the basal segment. Time to peak index did not differ in apex, mid, and basal segments in the control group but was significantly longer in the apex than that in the basal segment in the PN group. ΔT-mid and ΔT-apex were significantly larger in the PN group than the control group. Multiple regression analysis showed sphericity index, E/E' to be significant independent variables determining ΔT apex. Retarded apical kinetic energy fluid dynamics were detected using VFM and were closely associated with LV spherical remodelling in patients with high LA pressure.

Thermal Analysis of Compressible CO2 Flow for Major Equipment of Fire Detection System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zhang, Michael Y.; Lee, Wen-Ching; Keener, John F.; Smith, Frederick D.

2001-01-01

A thermal analysis of the compressible CO2 flow for the Portable Fire Extinguisher (PFE) system has been performed. The purpose of this analysis is to determine the discharged CO2 mass from the PFE tank through the Temporary Sleep Station (TeSS) nozzle in reflecting to the latest design of the extended nozzle, and to evaluate the thermal issues associated to the latest nozzle configuration. A SINDA/FLUINT model has been developed for this analysis. The model includes the PFE tank and the TeSS nozzle, and both have initial temperature of 72 of. In order to investigate the thermal effect on the nozzle due to discharging C02, the PFE TeSS nozzle pipe has been divided into three segments. This model also includes heat transfer predictions for PFE tank inner and outer wall surfaces. The simulation results show that the CO2 discharge rates have fulfilled the minimum flow requirements that the PFE system discharges 3.0 Ibm CO2 in 10 seconds and 5.5 Ibm of CO2 in 45 seconds during its operation. At 45 seconds, the PFE tank wall temperature is 63 OF, and the TeSS nozzle cover wall temperatures for the three segments are 47 OF, 53 OF and 37 OF, respectively. Thermal insulation for personal protection is used for the first two segments of the TeSS nozzle. The simulation results also indicate that at 50 seconds, the remaining CO2 in the tank may be near the triple point (gas, liquid and solid) state and, therefore, restricts the flow.

Computer program for definition of transonic axial-flow compressor blade rows. [computer program for fabrication and aeroelastic analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Crouse, J. E.

1974-01-01

A method is presented for designing axial-flow compressor blading from blade elements defined on cones which pass through the blade-edge streamline locations. Each blade-element centerline is composed of two segments which are tangent to each other. The centerline and surfaces of each segment have constant change of angle with path distance. The stacking line for the blade elements can be leaned in both the axial and tangential directions. The output of the computer program gives coordinates for fabrication and properties for aeroelastic analysis for planar blade sections. These coordinates and properties are obtained by interpolation across conical blade elements. The program is structured to be coupled with an aerodynamic design program.

WASP7 Stream Transport - Model Theory and User's Guide: Supplement to Water Quality Analysis Simulation Program (WASP) User Documentation

EPA Science Inventory

The standard WASP7 stream transport model calculates water flow through a branching stream network that may include both free-flowing and ponded segments. This supplemental user manual documents the hydraulic algorithms, including the transport and hydrogeometry equations, the m...

Progressive epicardial coronary blood flow reduction fails to produce ST-segment depression at normal heart rates.

PubMed

de Chantal, Marilyn; Diodati, Jean G; Nasmith, James B; Amyot, Robert; LeBlanc, A Robert; Schampaert, Erick; Pharand, Chantal

2006-12-01

ST-segment depression is commonly seen in patients with acute coronary syndromes. Most authors have attributed it to transient reductions in coronary blood flow due to nonocclusive thrombus formation on a disrupted atherosclerotic plaque and dynamic focal vasospasm at the site of coronary artery stenosis. However, ST-segment depression was never reproduced in classic animal models of coronary stenosis without the presence of tachycardia. We hypothesized that ST-segment depression occurring during acute coronary syndromes is not entirely explained by changes in epicardial coronary artery resistance and thus evaluated the effect of a slow, progressive epicardial coronary artery occlusion on the ECG and regional myocardial blood flow in anesthetized pigs. Slow, progressive occlusion over 72 min (SD 27) of the left anterior descending coronary artery in 20 anesthetized pigs led to a 90% decrease in coronary blood flow and the development of ST-segment elevation associated with homogeneous and transmural myocardial blood flow reductions, confirmed by microspheres and myocardial contrast echocardiography. ST-segment depression was not observed in any ECG lead before the development of ST-segment elevation. At normal heart rates, progressive epicardial stenosis of a coronary artery results in myocardial ischemia associated with homogeneous, transmural reduction in regional myocardial blood flow and ST-segment elevation, without preceding ST-segment depression. Thus, in coronary syndromes with ST-segment depression and predominant subendocardial ischemia, factors other than mere increases in epicardial coronary resistance must be invoked to explain the heterogeneous parietal distribution of flow and associated ECG changes.

Hydrogeomorphic and hydraulic habitats of the Niobrara River, Nebraska-with special emphasis on the Niobrara National Scenic River

USGS Publications Warehouse

Alexander, Jason S.; Zelt, Ronald B.; Schaepe, Nathan J.

2010-01-01

The Niobrara River is an ecologically and economically important resource in Nebraska. The Nebraska Department of Natural Resources' recent designation of the hydraulically connected surface- and groundwater resources of the Niobrara River Basin as ?fully appropriated? has emphasized the importance of understanding linkages between the physical and ecological dynamics of the Niobrara River so it can be sustainably managed. In cooperation with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, the U.S. Geological Survey investigated the hydrogeomorphic and hydraulic attributes of the Niobrara River in northern Nebraska. This report presents the results of an analysis of hydrogeomorphic segments and hydraulic microhabitats of the Niobrara River and its valley for the approximately 330-mile reach from Dunlap Diversion Dam to its confluence with the Missouri River. Two spatial scales were used to examine and quantify the hydrogeomorphic segments and hydraulic microhabitats of the Niobrara River: a basin scale and a reach scale. At the basin scale, digital spatial data and hydrologic data were analyzed to (1) test for differences between 36 previously determined longitudinal hydrogeomorphic segments; (2) quantitatively describe the hydrogeomorphic characteristics of the river and its valley; and (3) evaluate differences in hydraulic microhabitat over a range of flow regimes among three fluvial geomorphic provinces. The statistical analysis of hydrogeomorphic segments resulted in reclassification rates of 3 to 28 percent of the segments for the four descriptive geomorphic elements. The reassignment of classes by discriminant analysis resulted in a reduction from 36 to 25 total hydrogeomorphic segments because several adjoining segments shared the same ultimate class assignments. Virtually all of the segment mergers were in the Canyons and Restricted Bottoms (CRB) fluvial geomorphic province. The most frequent classes among hydrogeomorphic segments, and the dominant classes per unit length of river, are: a width-restricted valley confinement condition, sinuous-planview pattern, irregular channel width, and an alternate bar configuration. The Niobrara River in the study area flows through a diversity of fluvial geomorphic settings in its traverse across northern Nebraska. In the Meandering Bottoms (MB) fluvial geomorphic province, river discharge magnitudes are low, and the valley exerts little control on the channel-planview pattern. Within the CRB province, the river flows over a diversity of geologic formations, and the valley and river narrow and expand in approximate synchronicity. In the Braided Bottoms (BB) fluvial geomorphic province, the river primarily flows over Cretaceous Pierre Shale, the valley and channel are persistently wide, and the channel slope is generally uniform. The existence of vegetated islands and consequent multithread channel environments, indicated by a higher braided index, mostly coincided with reaches having gentler slopes and less unit stream power. Longitudinal hydrology curves indicate that the flow of the Niobrara River likely is dominated by groundwater as far downstream as Norden. Unit stream power values in the study area vary between 0 and almost 2 pounds per foot per second. Within the MB province, unit stream power steadily increases as the Niobrara gains discharge from groundwater inflow, and the channel slope steepens. The combination of steep slopes, a constrained channel width, and persistent flow within the CRB province results in unit stream power values that are between three and five times greater than those in less confined segments with comparable or greater discharges. With the exception of hydrogeomorphic segment 3, which is affected by Spencer Dam, unit stream power values in the BB province are generally uniform. Channel sinuosity values in the study area varied generally between 1 and 2.5, but with locally higher values measured in the MB province and at the entrenched bedrock me

A Novel Gradient Vector Flow Snake Model Based on Convex Function for Infrared Image Segmentation

PubMed Central

Zhang, Rui; Zhu, Shiping; Zhou, Qin

2016-01-01

Infrared image segmentation is a challenging topic because infrared images are characterized by high noise, low contrast, and weak edges. Active contour models, especially gradient vector flow, have several advantages in terms of infrared image segmentation. However, the GVF (Gradient Vector Flow) model also has some drawbacks including a dilemma between noise smoothing and weak edge protection, which decrease the effect of infrared image segmentation significantly. In order to solve this problem, we propose a novel generalized gradient vector flow snakes model combining GGVF (Generic Gradient Vector Flow) and NBGVF (Normally Biased Gradient Vector Flow) models. We also adopt a new type of coefficients setting in the form of convex function to improve the ability of protecting weak edges while smoothing noises. Experimental results and comparisons against other methods indicate that our proposed snakes model owns better ability in terms of infrared image segmentation than other snakes models. PMID:27775660

Segmentation of the pectoral muscle in breast MR images using structure tensor and deformable model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Myungeun; Kim, Jong Hyo

2012-02-01

Recently, breast MR images have been used in wider clinical area including diagnosis, treatment planning, and treatment response evaluation, which requests quantitative analysis and breast tissue segmentation. Although several methods have been proposed for segmenting MR images, segmenting out breast tissues robustly from surrounding structures in a wide range of anatomical diversity still remains challenging. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a practical and general-purpose approach for segmenting the pectoral muscle boundary based on the structure tensor and deformable model. The segmentation work flow comprises four key steps: preprocessing, detection of the region of interest (ROI) within the breast region, segmenting the pectoral muscle and finally extracting and refining the pectoral muscle boundary. From experimental results we show that the proposed method can segment the pectoral muscle robustly in diverse patient cases. In addition, the proposed method will allow the application of the quantification research for various breast images.

Comparison of competing segmentation standards for X-ray computed topographic imaging using Lattice Boltzmann techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Larsen, J. D.; Schaap, M. G.

2013-12-01

Recent advances in computing technology and experimental techniques have made it possible to observe and characterize fluid dynamics at the micro-scale. Many computational methods exist that can adequately simulate fluid flow in porous media. Lattice Boltzmann methods provide the distinct advantage of tracking particles at the microscopic level and returning macroscopic observations. While experimental methods can accurately measure macroscopic fluid dynamics, computational efforts can be used to predict and gain insight into fluid dynamics by utilizing thin sections or computed micro-tomography (CMT) images of core sections. Although substantial effort have been made to advance non-invasive imaging methods such as CMT, fluid dynamics simulations, and microscale analysis, a true three dimensional image segmentation technique has not been developed until recently. Many competing segmentation techniques are utilized in industry and research settings with varying results. In this study lattice Boltzmann method is used to simulate stokes flow in a macroporous soil column. Two dimensional CMT images were used to reconstruct a three dimensional representation of the original sample. Six competing segmentation standards were used to binarize the CMT volumes which provide distinction between solid phase and pore space. The permeability of the reconstructed samples was calculated, with Darcy's Law, from lattice Boltzmann simulations of fluid flow in the samples. We compare simulated permeability from differing segmentation algorithms to experimental findings.

Computerized tongue image segmentation via the double geo-vector flow

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Visual inspection for tongue analysis is a diagnostic method in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Owing to the variations in tongue features, such as color, texture, coating, and shape, it is difficult to precisely extract the tongue region in images. This study aims to quantitatively evaluate tongue diagnosis via automatic tongue segmentation. Methods Experiments were conducted using a clinical image dataset provided by the Laboratory of Traditional Medical Syndromes, Shanghai University of TCM. First, a clinical tongue image was refined by a saliency window. Second, we initialized the tongue area as the upper binary part and lower level set matrix. Third, a double geo-vector flow (DGF) was proposed to detect the tongue edge and segment the tongue region in the image, such that the geodesic flow was evaluated in the lower part, and the geo-gradient vector flow was evaluated in the upper part. Results The performance of the DGF was evaluated using 100 images. The DGF exhibited better results compared with other representative studies, with its true-positive volume fraction reaching 98.5%, its false-positive volume fraction being 1.51%, and its false-negative volume fraction being 1.42%. The errors between the proposed automatic segmentation results and manual contours were 0.29 and 1.43% in terms of the standard boundary error metrics of Hausdorff distance and mean distance, respectively. Conclusions By analyzing the time complexity of the DGF and evaluating its performance via standard boundary and area error metrics, we have shown both efficiency and effectiveness of the DGF for automatic tongue image segmentation. PMID:24507094

Computerized tongue image segmentation via the double geo-vector flow.

PubMed

Shi, Miao-Jing; Li, Guo-Zheng; Li, Fu-Feng; Xu, Chao

2014-02-08

Visual inspection for tongue analysis is a diagnostic method in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Owing to the variations in tongue features, such as color, texture, coating, and shape, it is difficult to precisely extract the tongue region in images. This study aims to quantitatively evaluate tongue diagnosis via automatic tongue segmentation. Experiments were conducted using a clinical image dataset provided by the Laboratory of Traditional Medical Syndromes, Shanghai University of TCM. First, a clinical tongue image was refined by a saliency window. Second, we initialized the tongue area as the upper binary part and lower level set matrix. Third, a double geo-vector flow (DGF) was proposed to detect the tongue edge and segment the tongue region in the image, such that the geodesic flow was evaluated in the lower part, and the geo-gradient vector flow was evaluated in the upper part. The performance of the DGF was evaluated using 100 images. The DGF exhibited better results compared with other representative studies, with its true-positive volume fraction reaching 98.5%, its false-positive volume fraction being 1.51%, and its false-negative volume fraction being 1.42%. The errors between the proposed automatic segmentation results and manual contours were 0.29 and 1.43% in terms of the standard boundary error metrics of Hausdorff distance and mean distance, respectively. By analyzing the time complexity of the DGF and evaluating its performance via standard boundary and area error metrics, we have shown both efficiency and effectiveness of the DGF for automatic tongue image segmentation.

Repeatability of Non–Contrast-Enhanced Lower-Extremity Angiography Using the Flow-Spoiled Fresh Blood Imaging

PubMed Central

Zhang, Yuyang; Xing, Zhen; She, Dejun; Huang, Nan; Cao, Dairong

2018-01-01

Purpose The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the repeatability of non–contrast-enhanced lower-extremity magnetic resonance angiography using the flow-spoiled fresh blood imaging (FS-FBI). Methods Forty-three healthy volunteers and 15 patients with lower-extremity arterial stenosis were recruited in this study and were examined by FS-FBI. Digital subtraction angiography was performed within a week after the FS-FBI in the patient group. Repeatability was assessed by the following parameters: grading of image quality, diameter and area of major arteries, and grading of stenosis of lower-extremity arteries. Two experienced radiologists blinded for patient data independently evaluated the FS-FBI and digital subtraction angiography images. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), sensitivity, and specificity were used for statistical analysis. Results The grading of image quality of most data was satisfactory. The ICCs for the first and second measures were 0.792 and 0.884 in the femoral segment and 0.803 and 0.796 in the tibiofibular segment for healthy volunteer group, 0.873 and 1.000 in the femoral segment, and 0.737 and 0.737 in the tibiofibular segment for the patient group. Intraobserver and interobserver agreements on diameter and area of arteries were excellent, with ICCs mostly greater than 0.75 in the volunteer group. For stenosis grading analysis, intraobserver ICCs range from 0.784 to 0.862 and from 0.778 to 0.854, respectively. Flow-spoiled fresh blood imaging yielded a mean sensitivity and specificity to detect arterial stenosis or occlusion of 90% and 80% for femoral segment and 86.7% and 93.3% for tibiofibular segment at least. Conclusions Lower-extremity angiography with FS-FBI is a reliable and reproducible screening tool for lower-extremity atherosclerotic disease, especially for patients with impaired renal function. PMID:28787351

Beaver-mediated lateral hydrologic connectivity, fluvial carbon and nutrient flux, and aquatic ecosystem metabolism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wegener, Pam; Covino, Tim; Wohl, Ellen

2017-06-01

River networks that drain mountain landscapes alternate between narrow and wide valley segments. Within the wide segments, beaver activity can facilitate the development and maintenance of complex, multithread planform. Because the narrow segments have limited ability to retain water, carbon, and nutrients, the wide, multithread segments are likely important locations of retention. We evaluated hydrologic dynamics, nutrient flux, and aquatic ecosystem metabolism along two adjacent segments of a river network in the Rocky Mountains, Colorado: (1) a wide, multithread segment with beaver activity; and, (2) an adjacent (directly upstream) narrow, single-thread segment without beaver activity. We used a mass balance approach to determine the water, carbon, and nutrient source-sink behavior of each river segment across a range of flows. While the single-thread segment was consistently a source of water, carbon, and nitrogen, the beaver impacted multithread segment exhibited variable source-sink dynamics as a function of flow. Specifically, the multithread segment was a sink for water, carbon, and nutrients during high flows, and subsequently became a source as flows decreased. Shifts in river-floodplain hydrologic connectivity across flows related to higher and more variable aquatic ecosystem metabolism rates along the multithread relative to the single-thread segment. Our data suggest that beaver activity in wide valleys can create a physically complex hydrologic environment that can enhance hydrologic and biogeochemical buffering, and promote high rates of aquatic ecosystem metabolism. Given the widespread removal of beaver, determining the cumulative effects of these changes is a critical next step in restoring function in altered river networks.

Partial wetting gas-liquid segmented flow microreactor.

PubMed

Kazemi Oskooei, S Ali; Sinton, David

2010-07-07

A microfluidic reactor strategy for reducing plug-to-plug transport in gas-liquid segmented flow microfluidic reactors is presented. The segmented flow is generated in a wetting portion of the chip that transitions downstream to a partially wetting reaction channel that serves to disconnect the liquid plugs. The resulting residence time distributions show little dependence on channel length, and over 60% narrowing in residence time distribution as compared to an otherwise similar reactor. This partial wetting strategy mitigates a central limitation (plug-to-plug dispersion) while preserving the many attractive features of gas-liquid segmented flow reactors.

Bio-medical flow sensor. [intrvenous procedures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Winkler, H. E. (Inventor)

1981-01-01

A bio-medical flow sensor including a packageable unit of a bottle, tubing and hypodermic needle which can be pre-sterilized and is disposable. The tubing has spaced apart tubular metal segments. The temperature of the metal segments and fluid flow therein is sensed by thermistors and at a downstream location heat is input by a resistor to the metal segment by a control electronics. The fluids flow and the electrical power required for the resisto to maintain a constant temperature differential between the tubular metal segments is a measurable function of fluid flow through the tubing. The differential temperature measurement is made in a control electronics and also can be used to control a flow control valve or pump on the tubing to maintain a constant flow in the tubing and to shut off the tubing when air is present in the tubing.

Study of flow behavior in all-vanadium redox flow battery using spatially resolved voltage distribution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhattarai, Arjun; Wai, Nyunt; Schweiss, Rüdiger; Whitehead, Adam; Scherer, Günther G.; Ghimire, Purna C.; Nguyen, Tam D.; Hng, Huey Hoon

2017-08-01

Uniform flow distribution through the porous electrodes in a flow battery cell is very important for reducing Ohmic and mass transport polarization. A segmented cell approach can be used to obtain in-situ information on flow behaviour, through the local voltage or current mapping. Lateral flow of current within the thick felts in the flow battery can hamper the interpretation of the data. In this study, a new method of segmenting a conventional flow cell is introduced, which for the first time, splits up both the porous felt as well as the current collector. This dual segmentation results in higher resolution and distinct separation of voltages between flow inlet to outlet. To study the flow behavior for an undivided felt, monitoring the OCV is found to be a reliable method, instead of voltage or current mapping during charging and discharging. Our approach to segmentation is simple and applicable to any size of the cell.

Estimation of monthly water yields and flows for 1951-2012 for the United States portion of the Great Lakes Basin with AFINCH

USGS Publications Warehouse

Luukkonen, Carol L.; Holtschlag, David J.; Reeves, Howard W.; Hoard, Christopher J.; Fuller, Lori M.

2015-01-01

Monthly water yields from 105,829 catchments and corresponding flows in 107,691 stream segments were estimated for water years 1951–2012 in the Great Lakes Basin in the United States. Both sets of estimates were computed by using the Analysis of Flows In Networks of CHannels (AFINCH) application within the NHDPlus geospatial data framework. AFINCH provides an environment to develop constrained regression models to integrate monthly streamflow and water-use data with monthly climatic data and fixed basin characteristics data available within NHDPlus or supplied by the user. For this study, the U.S. Great Lakes Basin was partitioned into seven study areas by grouping selected hydrologic subregions and adjoining cataloguing units. This report documents the regression models and data used to estimate monthly water yields and flows in each study area. Estimates of monthly water yields and flows are presented in a Web-based mapper application. Monthly flow time series for individual stream segments can be retrieved from the Web application and used to approximate monthly flow-duration characteristics and to identify possible trends.

NASA Ames potential flow analysis (POTFAN) geometry program (POTGEM), version 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Medan, R. T.; Bullock, R. B.

1976-01-01

A computer program known as POTGEM is reported which has been developed as an independent segment of a three-dimensional linearized, potential flow analysis system and which is used to generate a panel point description of arbitrary, three-dimensional bodies from convenient engineering descriptions consisting of equations and/or tables. Due to the independent, modular nature of the program, it may be used to generate corner points for other computer programs.

Patient-specific CFD simulation of intraventricular haemodynamics based on 3D ultrasound imaging.

PubMed

Bavo, A M; Pouch, A M; Degroote, J; Vierendeels, J; Gorman, J H; Gorman, R C; Segers, P

2016-09-09

The goal of this paper is to present a computational fluid dynamic (CFD) model with moving boundaries to study the intraventricular flows in a patient-specific framework. Starting from the segmentation of real-time transesophageal echocardiographic images, a CFD model including the complete left ventricle and the moving 3D mitral valve was realized. Their motion, known as a function of time from the segmented ultrasound images, was imposed as a boundary condition in an Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian framework. The model allowed for a realistic description of the displacement of the structures of interest and for an effective analysis of the intraventricular flows throughout the cardiac cycle. The model provides detailed intraventricular flow features, and highlights the importance of the 3D valve apparatus for the vortex dynamics and apical flow. The proposed method could describe the haemodynamics of the left ventricle during the cardiac cycle. The methodology might therefore be of particular importance in patient treatment planning to assess the impact of mitral valve treatment on intraventricular flow dynamics.

Blood-threshold CMR volume analysis of functional univentricular heart.

PubMed

Secchi, Francesco; Alì, Marco; Petrini, Marcello; Pluchinotta, Francesca Romana; Cozzi, Andrea; Carminati, Mario; Sardanelli, Francesco

2018-05-01

To validate a blood-threshold (BT) segmentation software for cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) cine images in patients with functional univentricular heart (FUH). We evaluated retrospectively 44 FUH patients aged 25 ± 8 years (mean ± standard deviation). For each patient, the epicardial contour of the single ventricle was manually segmented on cine images by two readers and an automated BT algorithm was independently applied to calculate end-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV), stroke volume (SV), ejection fraction (EF), and cardiac mass (CM). Aortic flow analysis (AFA) was performed on through-plane images to obtain forward volumes and used as a benchmark. Reproducibility was tested in a subgroup of 24 randomly selected patients. Wilcoxon, Spearman, and Bland-Altman statistics were used. No significant difference was found between SV (median 57.7 ml; interquartile range 47.9-75.6) and aortic forward flow (57.4 ml; 48.9-80.4) (p = 0.123), with a high correlation (r = 0.789, p < 0.001). Intra-reader reproducibility was 86% for SV segmentation, and 96% for AFA. Inter-reader reproducibility was 85 and 96%, respectively. The BT segmentation provided an accurate and reproducible assessment of heart function in FUH patients.

Automatic lesion boundary detection in dermoscopy images using gradient vector flow snakes

PubMed Central

Erkol, Bulent; Moss, Randy H.; Stanley, R. Joe; Stoecker, William V.; Hvatum, Erik

2011-01-01

Background Malignant melanoma has a good prognosis if treated early. Dermoscopy images of pigmented lesions are most commonly taken at × 10 magnification under lighting at a low angle of incidence while the skin is immersed in oil under a glass plate. Accurate skin lesion segmentation from the background skin is important because some of the features anticipated to be used for diagnosis deal with shape of the lesion and others deal with the color of the lesion compared with the color of the surrounding skin. Methods In this research, gradient vector flow (GVF) snakes are investigated to find the border of skin lesions in dermoscopy images. An automatic initialization method is introduced to make the skin lesion border determination process fully automated. Results Skin lesion segmentation results are presented for 70 benign and 30 melanoma skin lesion images for the GVF-based method and a color histogram analysis technique. The average errors obtained by the GVF-based method are lower for both the benign and melanoma image sets than for the color histogram analysis technique based on comparison with manually segmented lesions determined by a dermatologist. Conclusions The experimental results for the GVF-based method demonstrate promise as an automated technique for skin lesion segmentation in dermoscopy images. PMID:15691255

Shape complexes: the intersection of label orderings and star convexity constraints in continuous max-flow medical image segmentation

PubMed Central

Baxter, John S. H.; Inoue, Jiro; Drangova, Maria; Peters, Terry M.

2016-01-01

Abstract. Optimization-based segmentation approaches deriving from discrete graph-cuts and continuous max-flow have become increasingly nuanced, allowing for topological and geometric constraints on the resulting segmentation while retaining global optimality. However, these two considerations, topological and geometric, have yet to be combined in a unified manner. The concept of “shape complexes,” which combine geodesic star convexity with extendable continuous max-flow solvers, is presented. These shape complexes allow more complicated shapes to be created through the use of multiple labels and super-labels, with geodesic star convexity governed by a topological ordering. These problems can be optimized using extendable continuous max-flow solvers. Previous approaches required computationally expensive coordinate system warping, which are ill-defined and ambiguous in the general case. These shape complexes are demonstrated in a set of synthetic images as well as vessel segmentation in ultrasound, valve segmentation in ultrasound, and atrial wall segmentation from contrast-enhanced CT. Shape complexes represent an extendable tool alongside other continuous max-flow methods that may be suitable for a wide range of medical image segmentation problems. PMID:28018937

SRM Internal Flow Tests and Computational Fluid Dynamic Analysis. Volume 3; Titan, ASRM, and Subscale Motor Analyses

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1995-01-01

A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis has been performed on the aft slot region of the Titan 4 Solid Rocket Motor Upgrade (SRMU). This analysis was performed in conjunction with MSFC structural modeling of the propellant grain to determine if the flow field induced stresses would adversely alter the propellant geometry to the extent of causing motor failure. The results of the coupled CFD/stress analysis have shown that there is a continual increase of flow field resistance at the aft slot due to the aft segment propellant grain being progressively moved radially toward the centerline of the motor port. This 'bootstrapping' effect between grain radial movement and internal flow resistance is conducive to causing a rapid motor failure.

Flow of two immiscible fluids in a periodically constricted tube: Transitions to stratified, segmented, churn, spray, or segregated flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fraggedakis, D.; Kouris, Ch.; Dimakopoulos, Y.; Tsamopoulos, J.

2015-08-01

We study the flow of two immiscible, Newtonian fluids in a periodically constricted tube driven by a constant pressure gradient. Our volume-of-fluid algorithm is used to solve the governing equations. First, the code is validated by comparing its predictions to previously reported results for stratified and pulsing flow. Then, it is used to capture accurately all the significant topological changes that take place. Initially, the fluids have a core-annular arrangement, which is found to either remain the same or change to a different arrangement depending on the fluid properties, the pressure driving the flow, or the flow geometry. The flow-patterns that appear are the core-annular, segmented, churn, spray, and segregated flow. The predicted scalings near pinching of the core fluid concur with similarity predictions and earlier numerical results [I. Cohen et al., "Two fluid drop snap-off problem: Experiments and theory," Phys. Rev. Lett. 83, 1147-1150 (1999)]. Flow-pattern maps are constructed in terms of the Reynolds and Weber numbers. Our result provides deeper insights into the mechanism of the pattern transitions and is in agreement with previous studies on core-annular flow [Ch. Kouris and J. Tsamopoulos, "Core-annular flow in a periodically constricted circular tube, I. Steady state, linear stability and energy analysis," J. Fluid Mech. 432, 31-68 (2001) and Ch. Kouris et al., "Comparison of spectral and finite element methods applied to the study of interfacial instabilities of the core-annular flow in an undulating tube," Int. J. Numer. Methods Fluids 39(1), 41-73 (2002)], segmented flow [E. Lac and J. D. Sherwood, "Motion of a drop along the centreline of a capillary in a pressure-driven flow," J. Fluid Mech. 640, 27-54 (2009)], and churn flow [R. Y. Bai et al., "Lubricated pipelining—Stability of core annular-flow. 5. Experiments and comparison with theory," J. Fluid Mech. 240, 97-132 (1992)].

Numerical Temperature And Fluid-Flow Modelling For The Topographic Effects On Hydrothermal Circulation; A case study in Lucy Strike Vent Field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Erçetin, Engin; Düşünür Doǧan, Doǧa

2017-04-01

The aim of the study is to present a numerical temperature and fluid-flow modelling for the topographic effects on hydrothermal circulation. Bathymetry can create a major disturbance on fluid flow pattern. ANSYS Fluent Computational fluid dynamics software is used for simulations. Coupled fluid flow and temperature quations are solved using a 2-Dimensional control volume finite difference approach. Darcy's law is assumed to hold, the fluid is considered to be anormal Boussinesq incompressible fluid neglecting inertial effects. Several topographic models were simulated and both temperature and fluid flow calculations obtained for this study. The preliminary simulations examine the effect of a ingle bathymetric high on a single plume and the secondary study of simulations investigates the effect of multiple bathymetric highs on multiple plume. The simulations were also performed for the slow spreading Lucky Strike segment along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR), one of the best studied regions along the MAR, where a 3.4 km deep magma chamber extending 6 km along-axis is found at its center. The Lucky Strike segment displays a transitional morphology between that of the FAMOUS - North FAMOUS segments, which are characterized by well-developed axial valleys typical of slow-spreading segments, and that of the Menez Gwen segment, characterized by an axial high at the segment center. Lucky Strike Segment hosts a central volcano and active vent field located at the segment center and thus constitutes an excellent case study to simulate the effects of bathymetry on fluid flow. Results demonstrate that bathymetric relief has an important influence on hydrothermal flow. Subsurface pressure alterations can be formed by bathymetric highs, for this reason, bathymetric relief ought to be considered while simulating hydrothermal circulation systems. Results of this study suggest the dominant effect of bathymetric highs on fluid flow pattern and Darcy velocities will be presented. Keywords: Hydrothermal Circulation, Lucky Strike, Bathymetry - Topography, Vent Location, Fluid Flow, Numerical Modelling

Inferring Aquifer Transmissivity from River Flow Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trichakis, Ioannis; Pistocchi, Alberto

2016-04-01

Daily streamflow data is the measurable result of many different hydrological processes within a basin; therefore, it includes information about all these processes. In this work, recession analysis applied to a pan-European dataset of measured streamflow was used to estimate hydrogeological parameters of the aquifers that contribute to the stream flow. Under the assumption that base-flow in times of no precipitation is mainly due to groundwater, we estimated parameters of European shallow aquifers connected with the stream network, and identified on the basis of the 1:1,500,000 scale Hydrogeological map of Europe. To this end, Master recession curves (MRCs) were constructed based on the RECESS model of the USGS for 1601 stream gauge stations across Europe. The process consists of three stages. Firstly, the model analyses the stream flow time-series. Then, it uses regression to calculate the recession index. Finally, it infers characteristics of the aquifer from the recession index. During time-series analysis, the model identifies those segments, where the number of successive recession days is above a certain threshold. The reason for this pre-processing lies in the necessity for an adequate number of points when performing regression at a later stage. The recession index derives from the semi-logarithmic plot of stream flow over time, and the post processing involves the calculation of geometrical parameters of the watershed through a GIS platform. The program scans the full stream flow dataset of all the stations. For each station, it identifies the segments with continuous recession that exceed a predefined number of days. When the algorithm finds all the segments of a certain station, it analyses them and calculates the best linear fit between time and the logarithm of flow. The algorithm repeats this procedure for the full number of segments, thus it calculates many different values of recession index for each station. After the program has found all the recession segments, it performs calculations to determine the expression for the MRC. Further processing of the MRCs can yield estimates of transmissivity or response time representative of the aquifers upstream of the station. These estimates can be useful for large scale (e.g. continental) groundwater modelling. The above procedure allowed calculating values of transmissivity for a large share of European aquifers, ranging from Tmin = 4.13E-04 m²/d to Tmax = 8.12E+03 m²/d, with an average value Taverage = 9.65E+01 m²/d. These results are in line with the literature, indicating that the procedure may provide realistic results for large-scale groundwater modelling. In this contribution we present the results in the perspective of their application for the parameterization of a pan-European bi-dimensional shallow groundwater flow model.

SRM Internal Flow Tests and Computational Fluid Dynamic Analysis. Volume 2; CFD RSRM Full-Scale Analyses

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2001-01-01

This document presents the full-scale analyses of the CFD RSRM. The RSRM model was developed with a 20 second burn time. The following are presented as part of the full-scale analyses: (1) RSRM embedded inclusion analysis; (2) RSRM igniter nozzle design analysis; (3) Nozzle Joint 4 erosion anomaly; (4) RSRM full motor port slag accumulation analysis; (5) RSRM motor analysis of two-phase flow in the aft segment/submerged nozzle region; (6) Completion of 3-D Analysis of the hot air nozzle manifold; (7) Bates Motor distributed combustion test case; and (8) Three Dimensional Polysulfide Bump Analysis.

Engine Hydraulic Stability. [injector model for analyzing combustion instability

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kesselring, R. C.; Sprouse, K. M.

1977-01-01

An analytical injector model was developed specifically to analyze combustion instability coupling between the injector hydraulics and the combustion process. This digital computer dynamic injector model will, for any imposed chamber of inlet pressure profile with a frequency ranging from 100 to 3000 Hz (minimum) accurately predict/calculate the instantaneous injector flowrates. The injector system is described in terms of which flow segments enter and leave each pressure node. For each flow segment, a resistance, line lengths, and areas are required as inputs (the line lengths and areas are used in determining inertance). For each pressure node, volume and acoustic velocity are required as inputs (volume and acoustic velocity determine capacitance). The geometric criteria for determining inertances of flow segments and capacitance of pressure nodes was set. Also, a technique was developed for analytically determining time averaged steady-state pressure drops and flowrates for every flow segment in an injector when such data is not known. These pressure drops and flowrates are then used in determining the linearized flow resistance for each line segment of flow.

Feasibility Study on a Segmented Ferrofluid Flow Linear Generator for Increasing the Time-Varying Magnetic Flux.

PubMed

Lee, Won-Ho; Lee, Se-Hee; Lee, Sangyoup; Lee, Jong-Chul

2018-09-01

Nanoparticles and nanofluids have been implemented in energy harvesting devices, and energy harvesting based on magnetic nanofluid flow was recently achieved by using a layer-built magnet and micro-bubble injection to induce a voltage on the order of 10-1 mV. However, this is not yet suitable for some commercial purpose. In order to further increase the amount of electric voltage and current from this energy harvesting the air bubbles must be segmented in the base fluid, and the magnetic flux of the segmented flow should be materially altered over time. The focus of this research is on the development of a segmented ferrofluid flow linear generator that would scavenge electrical power from waste heat. Experiments were conducted to obtain the induced voltage, which was generated by moving a ferrofluid-filled capsule inside a multi-turn coil. Computations were then performed to explain the fundamental physical basis of the motion of the segmented flow of the ferrofluids and the air-layers.

A database of aerothermal measurements in hypersonic flow for CFD validation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Holden, M. S.; Moselle, J. R.

1992-01-01

This paper presents an experimental database selected and compiled from aerothermal measurements obtained on basic model configurations on which fundamental flow phenomena could be most easily examined. The experimental studies were conducted in hypersonic flows in 48-inch, 96-inch, and 6-foot shock tunnels. A special computer program was constructed to provide easy access to the measurements in the database as well as the means to plot the measurements and compare them with imported data. The database contains tabulations of model configurations, freestream conditions, and measurements of heat transfer, pressure, and skin friction for each of the studies selected for inclusion. The first segment contains measurements in laminar flow emphasizing shock-wave boundary-layer interaction. In the second segment, measurements in transitional flows over flat plates and cones are given. The third segment comprises measurements in regions of shock-wave/turbulent-boundary-layer interactions. Studies of the effects of surface roughness of nosetips and conical afterbodies are presented in the fourth segment of the database. Detailed measurements in regions of shock/shock boundary layer interaction are contained in the fifth segment. Measurements in regions of wall jet and transpiration cooling are presented in the final two segments.

Understanding the topological characteristics and flow complexity of urban traffic congestion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wen, Tzai-Hung; Chin, Wei-Chien-Benny; Lai, Pei-Chun

2017-05-01

For a growing number of developing cities, the capacities of streets cannot meet the rapidly growing demand of cars, causing traffic congestion. Understanding the spatial-temporal process of traffic flow and detecting traffic congestion are important issues associated with developing sustainable urban policies to resolve congestion. Therefore, the objective of this study is to propose a flow-based ranking algorithm for investigating traffic demands in terms of the attractiveness of street segments and flow complexity of the street network based on turning probability. Our results show that, by analyzing the topological characteristics of streets and volume data for a small fraction of street segments in Taipei City, the most congested segments of the city were identified successfully. The identified congested segments are significantly close to the potential congestion zones, including the officially announced most congested streets, the segments with slow moving speeds at rush hours, and the areas near significant landmarks. The identified congested segments also captured congestion-prone areas concentrated in the business districts and industrial areas of the city. Identifying the topological characteristics and flow complexity of traffic congestion provides network topological insights for sustainable urban planning, and these characteristics can be used to further understand congestion propagation.

Automated MRI segmentation for individualized modeling of current flow in the human head.

PubMed

Huang, Yu; Dmochowski, Jacek P; Su, Yuzhuo; Datta, Abhishek; Rorden, Christopher; Parra, Lucas C

2013-12-01

High-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) and high-density electroencephalography require accurate models of current flow for precise targeting and current source reconstruction. At a minimum, such modeling must capture the idiosyncratic anatomy of the brain, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and skull for each individual subject. Currently, the process to build such high-resolution individualized models from structural magnetic resonance images requires labor-intensive manual segmentation, even when utilizing available automated segmentation tools. Also, accurate placement of many high-density electrodes on an individual scalp is a tedious procedure. The goal was to develop fully automated techniques to reduce the manual effort in such a modeling process. A fully automated segmentation technique based on Statical Parametric Mapping 8, including an improved tissue probability map and an automated correction routine for segmentation errors, was developed, along with an automated electrode placement tool for high-density arrays. The performance of these automated routines was evaluated against results from manual segmentation on four healthy subjects and seven stroke patients. The criteria include segmentation accuracy, the difference of current flow distributions in resulting HD-tDCS models and the optimized current flow intensities on cortical targets. The segmentation tool can segment out not just the brain but also provide accurate results for CSF, skull and other soft tissues with a field of view extending to the neck. Compared to manual results, automated segmentation deviates by only 7% and 18% for normal and stroke subjects, respectively. The predicted electric fields in the brain deviate by 12% and 29% respectively, which is well within the variability observed for various modeling choices. Finally, optimized current flow intensities on cortical targets do not differ significantly. Fully automated individualized modeling may now be feasible for large-sample EEG research studies and tDCS clinical trials.

Mathematical modelling of flow distribution in the human cardiovascular system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sud, V. K.; Srinivasan, R. S.; Charles, J. B.; Bungo, M. W.

1992-01-01

The paper presents a detailed model of the entire human cardiovascular system which aims to study the changes in flow distribution caused by external stimuli, changes in internal parameters, or other factors. The arterial-venous network is represented by 325 interconnected elastic segments. The mathematical description of each segment is based on equations of hydrodynamics and those of stress/strain relationships in elastic materials. Appropriate input functions provide for the pumping of blood by the heart through the system. The analysis employs the finite-element technique which can accommodate any prescribed boundary conditions. Values of model parameters are from available data on physical and rheological properties of blood and blood vessels. As a representative example, simulation results on changes in flow distribution with changes in the elastic properties of blood vessels are discussed. They indicate that the errors in the calculated overall flow rates are not significant even in the extreme case of arteries and veins behaving as rigid tubes.

Flow analysis techniques for phosphorus: an overview.

PubMed

Estela, José Manuel; Cerdà, Víctor

2005-04-15

A bibliographical review on the implementation and the results obtained in the use of different flow analytical techniques for the determination of phosphorus is carried out. The sources, occurrence and importance of phosphorus together with several aspects regarding the analysis and terminology used in the determination of this element are briefly described. A classification as well as a brief description of the basis, advantages and disadvantages of the different existing flow techniques, namely; segmented flow analysis (SFA), flow injection analysis (FIA), sequential injection analysis (SIA), all injection analysis (AIA), batch injection analysis (BIA), multicommutated FIA (MCFIA), multisyringe FIA (MSFIA) and multipumped FIA (MPFIA) is also carried out. The most relevant manuscripts regarding the analysis of phosphorus by means of flow techniques are herein classified according to the detection instrumental technique used with the aim to facilitate their study and obtain an overall scope. Finally, the analytical characteristics of numerous flow-methods reported in the literature are provided in the form of a table and their applicability to samples with different matrixes, namely water samples (marine, river, estuarine, waste, industrial, drinking, etc.), soils leachates, plant leaves, toothpaste, detergents, foodstuffs (wine, orange juice, milk), biological samples, sugars, fertilizer, hydroponic solutions, soils extracts and cyanobacterial biofilms are tabulated.

Non-invasive energy meter for fixed and variable flow systems

DOEpatents

Menicucci, David F.; Black, Billy D.

2005-11-01

An energy metering method and apparatus for liquid flow systems comprising first and second segments of one or more conduits through which a liquid flows, comprising: attaching a first temperature sensor for connection to an outside of the first conduit segment; attaching a second temperature sensor for connection to an outside of the second conduit segment; via a programmable control unit, receiving data from the sensors and calculating energy data therefrom; and communicating energy data from the meter; whereby the method and apparatus operate without need to temporarily disconnect or alter the first or second conduit segments. The invention operates with both variable and fixed flow systems, and is especially useful for both active and passive solar energy systems.

Design and validation of Segment--freely available software for cardiovascular image analysis.

PubMed

Heiberg, Einar; Sjögren, Jane; Ugander, Martin; Carlsson, Marcus; Engblom, Henrik; Arheden, Håkan

2010-01-11

Commercially available software for cardiovascular image analysis often has limited functionality and frequently lacks the careful validation that is required for clinical studies. We have already implemented a cardiovascular image analysis software package and released it as freeware for the research community. However, it was distributed as a stand-alone application and other researchers could not extend it by writing their own custom image analysis algorithms. We believe that the work required to make a clinically applicable prototype can be reduced by making the software extensible, so that researchers can develop their own modules or improvements. Such an initiative might then serve as a bridge between image analysis research and cardiovascular research. The aim of this article is therefore to present the design and validation of a cardiovascular image analysis software package (Segment) and to announce its release in a source code format. Segment can be used for image analysis in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET). Some of its main features include loading of DICOM images from all major scanner vendors, simultaneous display of multiple image stacks and plane intersections, automated segmentation of the left ventricle, quantification of MRI flow, tools for manual and general object segmentation, quantitative regional wall motion analysis, myocardial viability analysis and image fusion tools. Here we present an overview of the validation results and validation procedures for the functionality of the software. We describe a technique to ensure continued accuracy and validity of the software by implementing and using a test script that tests the functionality of the software and validates the output. The software has been made freely available for research purposes in a source code format on the project home page http://segment.heiberg.se. Segment is a well-validated comprehensive software package for cardiovascular image analysis. It is freely available for research purposes provided that relevant original research publications related to the software are cited.

Mechanisms of Amplified Arteriogenesis in Collateral Artery Segments Exposed to Flow Direction Reversal

PubMed Central

Heuslein, Joshua L.; Meisner, Joshua K.; Li, Xuanyue; Song, Ji; Vincentelli, Helena; Leiphart, Ryan J.; Ames, Elizabeth G.; Price, Richard J.

2015-01-01

Objective Collateral arteriogenesis, the growth of existing arterial vessels to a larger diameter, is a fundamental adaptive response that is often critical for the perfusion and survival of tissues downstream of chronic arterial occlusion(s). Shear stress regulates arteriogenesis; however, the arteriogenic significance of flow direction reversal, occurring in numerous collateral artery segments after femoral artery ligation (FAL), is unknown. Our objective was to determine if flow direction reversal in collateral artery segments differentially regulates endothelial cell signaling and arteriogenesis. Approach and Results Collateral segments experiencing flow reversal after FAL in C57BL/6 mice exhibit increased pericollateral macrophage recruitment, amplified arteriogenesis (30% diameter and 2.8-fold conductance increases), and remarkably permanent (12 weeks post-FAL) remodeling. Genome-wide transcriptional analyses on HUVECs exposed to flow reversal conditions mimicking those occurring in-vivo yielded 10-fold more significantly regulated transcripts, as well as enhanced activation of upstream regulators (NFκB, VEGF, FGF2, TGFβ) and arteriogenic canonical pathways (PKA, PDE, MAPK). Augmented expression of key pro-arteriogenic molecules (KLF2, ICAM-1, eNOS) was also verified by qRT-PCR, leading us to test whether ICAM-1 and/or eNOS regulate amplified arteriogenesis in flow-reversed collateral segments in-vivo. Interestingly, enhanced pericollateral macrophage recruitment and amplified arteriogenesis was attenuated in flow-reversed collateral segments after FAL in ICAM-1−/− mice; however, eNOS−/− mice showed no such differences. Conclusions Flow reversal leads to a broad amplification of pro-arteriogenic endothelial signaling and a sustained ICAM-1-dependent augmentation of arteriogenesis. Further investigation of the endothelial mechanotransduction pathways activated by flow reversal may lead to more effective and durable therapeutic options for arterial occlusive diseases. PMID:26338297

Method 365.5 Determination of Orthophosphate in Estuarine and Coastal Waters by Automated Colorimetric Analysis

EPA Science Inventory

This method provides a procedure for the determination of low-level orthophosphate concentrations normally found in estuarine and/or coastal waters. It is based upon the method of Murphy and Riley1 adapted for automated segmented flow analysis2 in which the two reagent solutions ...

High-throughput microcoil NMR of compound libraries using zero-dispersion segmented flow analysis.

PubMed

Kautz, Roger A; Goetzinger, Wolfgang K; Karger, Barry L

2005-01-01

An automated system for loading samples into a microcoil NMR probe has been developed using segmented flow analysis. This approach enhanced 2-fold the throughput of the published direct injection and flow injection methods, improved sample utilization 3-fold, and was applicable to high-field NMR facilities with long transfer lines between the sample handler and NMR magnet. Sample volumes of 2 microL (10-30 mM, approximately 10 microg) were drawn from a 96-well microtiter plate by a sample handler, then pumped to a 0.5-microL microcoil NMR probe as a queue of closely spaced "plugs" separated by an immiscible fluorocarbon fluid. Individual sample plugs were detected by their NMR signal and automatically positioned for stopped-flow data acquisition. The sample in the NMR coil could be changed within 35 s by advancing the queue. The fluorocarbon liquid wetted the wall of the Teflon transfer line, preventing the DMSO samples from contacting the capillary wall and thus reducing sample losses to below 5% after passage through the 3-m transfer line. With a wash plug of solvent between samples, sample-to-sample carryover was <1%. Significantly, the samples did not disperse into the carrier liquid during loading or during acquisitions of several days for trace analysis. For automated high-throughput analysis using a 16-second acquisition time, spectra were recorded at a rate of 1.5 min/sample and total deuterated solvent consumption was <0.5 mL (1 US dollar) per 96-well plate.

Microfluidic Lab-on-a-Chip Platforms: Requirements, Characteristics and Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mark, D.; Haeberle, S.; Roth, G.; Von Stetten, F.; Zengerle, R.

This review summarizes recent developments in microfluidic platform approaches. In contrast to isolated application-specific solutions, a microfluidic platform provides a set of fluidic unit operations, which are designed for easy combination within a well-defined fabrication technology. This allows the implementation of different application-specific (bio-) chemical processes, automated by microfluidic process integration [1]. A brief introduction into technical advances, major market segments and promising applications is followed by a detailed characterization of different microfluidic platforms, comprising a short definition, the functional principle, microfluidic unit operations, application examples as well as strengths and limitations. The microfluidic platforms in focus are lateral flow tests, linear actuated devices, pressure driven laminar flow, microfluidic large scale integration, segmented flow microfluidics, centrifugal microfluidics, electro-kinetics, electrowetting, surface acoustic waves, and systems for massively parallel analysis. The review concludes with the attempt to provide a selection scheme for microfluidic platforms which is based on their characteristics according to key requirements of different applications and market segments. Applied selection criteria comprise portability, costs of instrument and disposable, sample throughput, number of parameters per sample, reagent consumption, precision, diversity of microfluidic unit operations and the flexibility in programming different liquid handling protocols.

CFD Analysis of Coolant Flow in VVER-440 Fuel Assemblies with the Code ANSYS CFX 10.0

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

Toth, Sandor; Legradi, Gabor; Aszodi, Attila

2006-07-01

From the aspect of planning the power upgrading of nuclear reactors - including the VVER-440 type reactor - it is essential to get to know the flow field in the fuel assembly. For this purpose we have developed models of the fuel assembly of the VVER-440 reactor using the ANSYS CFX 10.0 CFD code. At first a 240 mm long part of a 60 degrees segment of the fuel pin bundle was modelled. Implementing this model a sensitivity study on the appropriate meshing was performed. Based on the development of the above described model, further models were developed: a 960more » mm long part of a 60-degree-segment and a full length part (2420 mm) of the fuel pin bundle segment. The calculations were run using constant coolant properties and several turbulence models. The impacts of choosing different turbulence models were investigated. The results of the above-mentioned investigations are presented in this paper. (authors)« less

Dripping from Rough Multi-Segmented Fracture Sets into Unsaturated Rock Underground Excavations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cesano, D.; Bagtzoglou, A. C.

2001-05-01

The aim of this paper is to present a probabilistic analytical formulation of unsaturated flow through a single rough multi-segmented fracture, with the ultimate goal to provide a numerical platform with which to perform calculations on the dripping initiation time and to explain the fast flow-paths detected and reported by Fabryka-Martin et al. (1996). To accomplish this, an enhanced version of the Wang and Narasimhan model (Wang and Narasimhan, 1985; 1993), the Enhanced Wang and Narasimhan Model (EWNM), has been used. In the EWNM, a fracture is formed by a finite number of connected fracture segments of given strike and dip. These parameters are sampled from hypothetical probability density functions. Unsaturated water flow occurs in these fracture segments, and in order for dripping to occur it is assumed that local saturation conditions exist at the surface and the tunnel level, where dripping occurs. The current version of the EWNM ignores transient flow processes, and thus it assumes the flow system being at equilibrium. The fracture segments are considered as rough fractures, with their roughness characterized by an aperture distribution function that can be derived from real field data. The roughness along each fracture segment is considered to be constant, leading to a constant effective aperture, and it is randomly assigned. An effective flow area is also included in the model, which accounts for three-dimensional variations of the fracture area that can be possibly occupied by water. The model takes into account the possibility that the fracture crosses multiple layers, each of which can have a different configuration in the values of the input parameters. Monte Carlo simulations calculate average times for water to flow from the top to the bottom of the fracture for a specified number of random realizations. The random component of the realizations comprises the different geometric configurations of the fracture flow path, while the value of all the input parameters and the statistical distribution they honor are kept constant from realization to realization. This travel time, called the dripping initiation time, is the cumulative sum of the time it takes for the water to drip through all fracture segments and eventually reach the tunnel. Based on the results of a sensitivity analysis, three different scenarios of input parameters were used to test the validity of the model with the fast flow-paths detected and reported in the Fabryka-Martin et al. (1996) study. The three scenarios differed from each other for the response of the dripping initiation times. These three different parameter configurations were then tested at three different depths. Each depth represented a different location where fast-flow has been detected at Yucca Mountain and reported by Fabryka-Martin et al. (1996). The first depth is considered representative of a location in correspondence to the Bow Ridge Fault. The second location represents a network of steep fractures and cooling joints with large variability in dip reaching the ESF at a depth of 180 meters. The third location, which is probably connected to the Diabolous Ridge Fault, is 290 meters deep and the flow path is low-dipping. Monte Carlo simulations were run for each configuration at each depth to calculate average dripping initiation times, so that results from 9 scenarios were produced. The final conclusion is that the model is able to produce results quite consistent with the Fabryka-Martin et al. (1996) study.

Optimization-based interactive segmentation interface for multiregion problems

PubMed Central

Baxter, John S. H.; Rajchl, Martin; Peters, Terry M.; Chen, Elvis C. S.

2016-01-01

Abstract. Interactive segmentation is becoming of increasing interest to the medical imaging community in that it combines the positive aspects of both manual and automated segmentation. However, general-purpose tools have been lacking in terms of segmenting multiple regions simultaneously with a high degree of coupling between groups of labels. Hierarchical max-flow segmentation has taken advantage of this coupling for individual applications, but until recently, these algorithms were constrained to a particular hierarchy and could not be considered general-purpose. In a generalized form, the hierarchy for any given segmentation problem is specified in run-time, allowing different hierarchies to be quickly explored. We present an interactive segmentation interface, which uses generalized hierarchical max-flow for optimization-based multiregion segmentation guided by user-defined seeds. Applications in cardiac and neonatal brain segmentation are given as example applications of its generality. PMID:27335892

Modeling and analysis of the TF30-P-3 compressor system with inlet pressure distortion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mazzawy, R. S.; Banks, G. A.

1976-01-01

Circumferential inlet distortion testing of a TF30-P-3 afterburning turbofan engine was conducted at NASA-Lewis Research Center. Pratt and Whitney Aircraft analyzed the data using its multiple segment parallel compressor model and classical compressor theory. Distortion attenuation analysis resulted in a detailed flow field calculation with good agreement between multiple segment model predictions and the test data. Sensitivity of the engine stall line to circumferential inlet distortion was calculated on the basis of parallel compressor theory to be more severe than indicated by the data. However, the calculated stall site location was in agreement with high response instrumentation measurements.

Skylab S-191 spectrometer single spectral scan analysis program. [user manual

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Downes, E. L.

1974-01-01

Documentation and user information for the S-191 single spectral scan analysis program are reported. A breakdown of the computational algorithms is supplied, followed by the program listing and examples of sample output. A copy of the flow chart which describes the driver routine in the body of the main program segment is included.

Description and Evaluation of Numerical Groundwater Flow Models for the Edwards Aquifer, South-Central Texas

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lindgren, Richard J.; Taylor, Charles J.; Houston, Natalie A.

2009-01-01

A substantial number of public water system wells in south-central Texas withdraw groundwater from the karstic, highly productive Edwards aquifer. However, the use of numerical groundwater flow models to aid in the delineation of contributing areas for public water system wells in the Edwards aquifer is problematic because of the complex hydrogeologic framework and the presence of conduit-dominated flow paths in the aquifer. The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, evaluated six published numerical groundwater flow models (all deterministic) that have been developed for the Edwards aquifer San Antonio segment or Barton Springs segment, or both. This report describes the models developed and evaluates each with respect to accessibility and ease of use, range of conditions simulated, accuracy of simulations, agreement with dye-tracer tests, and limitations of the models. These models are (1) GWSIM model of the San Antonio segment, a FORTRAN computer-model code that pre-dates the development of MODFLOW; (2) MODFLOW conduit-flow model of San Antonio and Barton Springs segments; (3) MODFLOW diffuse-flow model of San Antonio and Barton Springs segments; (4) MODFLOW Groundwater Availability Modeling [GAM] model of the Barton Springs segment; (5) MODFLOW recalibrated GAM model of the Barton Springs segment; and (6) MODFLOW-DCM (dual conductivity model) conduit model of the Barton Springs segment. The GWSIM model code is not commercially available, is limited in its application to the San Antonio segment of the Edwards aquifer, and lacks the ability of MODFLOW to easily incorporate newly developed processes and packages to better simulate hydrologic processes. MODFLOW is a widely used and tested code for numerical modeling of groundwater flow, is well documented, and is in the public domain. These attributes make MODFLOW a preferred code with regard to accessibility and ease of use. The MODFLOW conduit-flow model incorporates improvements over previous models by using (1) a user-friendly interface, (2) updated computer codes (MODFLOW-96 and MODFLOW-2000), (3) a finer grid resolution, (4) less-restrictive boundary conditions, (5) an improved discretization of hydraulic conductivity, (6) more accurate estimates of pumping stresses, (7) a long transient simulation period (54 years, 1947-2000), and (8) a refined representation of high-permeability zones or conduits. All of the models except the MODFLOW-DCM conduit model have limitations resulting from the use of Darcy's law to simulate groundwater flow in a karst aquifer system where non-Darcian, turbulent flow might actually dominate. The MODFLOW-DCM conduit model is an improvement in the ability to simulate karst-like flow conditions in conjunction with porous-media-type matrix flow. However, the MODFLOW-DCM conduit model has had limited application and testing and currently (2008) lacks commercially available pre- and post-processors. The MODFLOW conduit-flow and diffuse-flow Edwards aquifer models are limited by the lack of calibration for the northern part of the Barton Springs segment (Travis County) and their reliance on the use of the calibrated hydraulic conductivity and storativity values from the calibrated Barton Springs segment GAM model. The major limitation of the Barton Springs segment GAM and recalibrated GAM models is that they were calibrated to match measured water levels and springflows for a restrictive range of hydrologic conditions, with each model having different hydraulic conductivity and storativity values appropriate to the hydrologic conditions that were simulated. The need for two different sets of hydraulic conductivity and storativity values increases the uncertainty associated with the accuracy of either set of values, illustrates the non-uniqueness of the model solution, and probably most importantly demonstrates the limitations of using a one-layer model to represent the heterogeneous hydrostratigraph

Automated MRI Segmentation for Individualized Modeling of Current Flow in the Human Head

PubMed Central

Huang, Yu; Dmochowski, Jacek P.; Su, Yuzhuo; Datta, Abhishek; Rorden, Christopher; Parra, Lucas C.

2013-01-01

Objective High-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) and high-density electroencephalography (HD-EEG) require accurate models of current flow for precise targeting and current source reconstruction. At a minimum, such modeling must capture the idiosyncratic anatomy of brain, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and skull for each individual subject. Currently, the process to build such high-resolution individualized models from structural magnetic resonance images (MRI) requires labor-intensive manual segmentation, even when leveraging available automated segmentation tools. Also, accurate placement of many high-density electrodes on individual scalp is a tedious procedure. The goal was to develop fully automated techniques to reduce the manual effort in such a modeling process. Approach A fully automated segmentation technique based on Statical Parametric Mapping 8 (SPM8), including an improved tissue probability map (TPM) and an automated correction routine for segmentation errors, was developed, along with an automated electrode placement tool for high-density arrays. The performance of these automated routines was evaluated against results from manual segmentation on 4 healthy subjects and 7 stroke patients. The criteria include segmentation accuracy, the difference of current flow distributions in resulting HD-tDCS models and the optimized current flow intensities on cortical targets. Main results The segmentation tool can segment out not just the brain but also provide accurate results for CSF, skull and other soft tissues with a field of view (FOV) extending to the neck. Compared to manual results, automated segmentation deviates by only 7% and 18% for normal and stroke subjects, respectively. The predicted electric fields in the brain deviate by 12% and 29% respectively, which is well within the variability observed for various modeling choices. Finally, optimized current flow intensities on cortical targets do not differ significantly. Significance Fully automated individualized modeling may now be feasible for large-sample EEG research studies and tDCS clinical trials. PMID:24099977

Automated MRI segmentation for individualized modeling of current flow in the human head

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Yu; Dmochowski, Jacek P.; Su, Yuzhuo; Datta, Abhishek; Rorden, Christopher; Parra, Lucas C.

2013-12-01

Objective. High-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) and high-density electroencephalography require accurate models of current flow for precise targeting and current source reconstruction. At a minimum, such modeling must capture the idiosyncratic anatomy of the brain, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and skull for each individual subject. Currently, the process to build such high-resolution individualized models from structural magnetic resonance images requires labor-intensive manual segmentation, even when utilizing available automated segmentation tools. Also, accurate placement of many high-density electrodes on an individual scalp is a tedious procedure. The goal was to develop fully automated techniques to reduce the manual effort in such a modeling process. Approach. A fully automated segmentation technique based on Statical Parametric Mapping 8, including an improved tissue probability map and an automated correction routine for segmentation errors, was developed, along with an automated electrode placement tool for high-density arrays. The performance of these automated routines was evaluated against results from manual segmentation on four healthy subjects and seven stroke patients. The criteria include segmentation accuracy, the difference of current flow distributions in resulting HD-tDCS models and the optimized current flow intensities on cortical targets.Main results. The segmentation tool can segment out not just the brain but also provide accurate results for CSF, skull and other soft tissues with a field of view extending to the neck. Compared to manual results, automated segmentation deviates by only 7% and 18% for normal and stroke subjects, respectively. The predicted electric fields in the brain deviate by 12% and 29% respectively, which is well within the variability observed for various modeling choices. Finally, optimized current flow intensities on cortical targets do not differ significantly.Significance. Fully automated individualized modeling may now be feasible for large-sample EEG research studies and tDCS clinical trials.

Assessing the impacts of dams and levees on the hydrologic record of the Middle and Lower Mississippi River, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Remo, Jonathan W.F.; Ickes, Brian; Ryherd, Julia K.; Guida, Ross J.; Therrell, Matthew D.

2018-01-01

The impacts of dams and levees on the long-term (>130 years) discharge record was assessed along a ~1200 km segment of the Mississippi River between St. Louis, Missouri, and Vicksburg, Mississippi. To aid in our evaluation of dam impacts, we used data from the U.S. National Inventory of Dams to calculate the rate of reservoir expansion at five long-term hydrologic monitoring stations along the study segment. We divided the hydrologic record at each station into three periods: (1) a pre-rapid reservoir expansion period; (2) a rapid reservoir expansion period; and (3) a post-rapid reservoir expansion period. We then used three approaches to assess changes in the hydrologic record at each station. Indicators of hydrologic alteration (IHA) and flow duration hydrographs were used to quantify changes in flow conditions between the pre- and post-rapid reservoir expansion periods. Auto-regressive interrupted time series analysis (ARITS) was used to assess trends in maximum annual discharge, mean annual discharge, minimum annual discharge, and standard deviation of daily discharges within a given water year. A one-dimensional HEC-RAS hydraulic model was used to assess the impact of levees on flood flows. Our results revealed that minimum annual discharges and low-flow IHA parameters showed the most significant changes. Additionally, increasing trends in minimum annual discharge during the rapid reservoir expansion period were found at three out of the five hydrologic monitoring stations. These IHA and ARITS results support previous findings consistent with the observation that reservoirs generally have the greatest impacts on low-flow conditions. River segment scale hydraulic modeling revealed levees can modestly increase peak flood discharges, while basin-scale hydrologic modeling assessments by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers showed that tributary reservoirs reduced peak discharges by a similar magnitude (2 to 30%). This finding suggests that the effects of dams and levees on peak flood discharges are in part offsetting one another along the modeled river segments and likely other substantially leveed segments of the Mississippi River.

Assessing the impacts of dams and levees on the hydrologic record of the Middle and Lower Mississippi River, USA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Remo, Jonathan W. F.; Ickes, Brian S.; Ryherd, Julia K.; Guida, Ross J.; Therrell, Matthew D.

2018-07-01

The impacts of dams and levees on the long-term (>130 years) discharge record was assessed along a 1200 km segment of the Mississippi River between St. Louis, Missouri, and Vicksburg, Mississippi. To aid in our evaluation of dam impacts, we used data from the U.S. National Inventory of Dams to calculate the rate of reservoir expansion at five long-term hydrologic monitoring stations along the study segment. We divided the hydrologic record at each station into three periods: (1) a pre-rapid reservoir expansion period; (2) a rapid reservoir expansion period; and (3) a post-rapid reservoir expansion period. We then used three approaches to assess changes in the hydrologic record at each station. Indicators of hydrologic alteration (IHA) and flow duration hydrographs were used to quantify changes in flow conditions between the pre- and post-rapid reservoir expansion periods. Auto-regressive interrupted time series analysis (ARITS) was used to assess trends in maximum annual discharge, mean annual discharge, minimum annual discharge, and standard deviation of daily discharges within a given water year. A one-dimensional HEC-RAS hydraulic model was used to assess the impact of levees on flood flows. Our results revealed that minimum annual discharges and low-flow IHA parameters showed the most significant changes. Additionally, increasing trends in minimum annual discharge during the rapid reservoir expansion period were found at three out of the five hydrologic monitoring stations. These IHA and ARITS results support previous findings consistent with the observation that reservoirs generally have the greatest impacts on low-flow conditions. River segment scale hydraulic modeling revealed levees can modestly increase peak flood discharges, while basin-scale hydrologic modeling assessments by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers showed that tributary reservoirs reduced peak discharges by a similar magnitude (2 to 30%). This finding suggests that the effects of dams and levees on peak flood discharges are in part offsetting one another along the modeled river segments and likely other substantially leveed segments of the Mississippi River.

Myocardial blood flow quantification by Rb-82 cardiac PET/CT: A detailed reproducibility study between two semi-automatic analysis programs.

PubMed

Dunet, Vincent; Klein, Ran; Allenbach, Gilles; Renaud, Jennifer; deKemp, Robert A; Prior, John O

2016-06-01

Several analysis software packages for myocardial blood flow (MBF) quantification from cardiac PET studies exist, but they have not been compared using concordance analysis, which can characterize precision and bias separately. Reproducible measurements are needed for quantification to fully develop its clinical potential. Fifty-one patients underwent dynamic Rb-82 PET at rest and during adenosine stress. Data were processed with PMOD and FlowQuant (Lortie model). MBF and myocardial flow reserve (MFR) polar maps were quantified and analyzed using a 17-segment model. Comparisons used Pearson's correlation ρ (measuring precision), Bland and Altman limit-of-agreement and Lin's concordance correlation ρc = ρ·C b (C b measuring systematic bias). Lin's concordance and Pearson's correlation values were very similar, suggesting no systematic bias between software packages with an excellent precision ρ for MBF (ρ = 0.97, ρc = 0.96, C b = 0.99) and good precision for MFR (ρ = 0.83, ρc = 0.76, C b = 0.92). On a per-segment basis, no mean bias was observed on Bland-Altman plots, although PMOD provided slightly higher values than FlowQuant at higher MBF and MFR values (P < .0001). Concordance between software packages was excellent for MBF and MFR, despite higher values by PMOD at higher MBF values. Both software packages can be used interchangeably for quantification in daily practice of Rb-82 cardiac PET.

Computer program for aerodynamic and blading design of multistage axial-flow compressors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Crouse, J. E.; Gorrell, W. T.

1981-01-01

A code for computing the aerodynamic design of a multistage axial-flow compressor and, if desired, the associated blading geometry input for internal flow analysis codes is presented. Compressible flow, which is assumed to be steady and axisymmetric, is the basis for a two-dimensional solution in the meridional plane with viscous effects modeled by pressure loss coefficients and boundary layer blockage. The radial equation of motion and the continuity equation are solved with the streamline curvature method on calculation stations outside the blade rows. The annulus profile, mass flow, pressure ratio, and rotative speed are input. A number of other input parameters specify and control the blade row aerodynamics and geometry. In particular, blade element centerlines and thicknesses can be specified with fourth degree polynomials for two segments. The output includes a detailed aerodynamic solution and, if desired, blading coordinates that can be used for internal flow analysis codes.

Bottom-simulating reflector variability at the Costa Rica subduction zone and corresponding heat flow model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cavanaugh, S.; Bangs, N. L.; Hornbach, M. J.; McIntosh, K. D.

2011-12-01

We use 3D seismic reflection data acquired in April - May 2011 by the R/V Marcus G. Langseth to extract heat flow information using the bottom-simulating reflector across the Costa Rica convergent margin. These data are part of the CRISP Project, which will image the Middle America subduction zone in 3D. The survey was conducted in an area approximately 55 x 11 km, to the northwest of the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica. For the analysis presented here, 3D seismic data were processed with Paradigm Focus software through post-stack time migration. The bottom-simulating reflector (BSR)-a reverse polarity reflection indicating the base of the gas hydrate phase boundary-is imaged very clearly in two regions within the slope-cover sediments in the accretionary prism. In deep water environments, the BSR acts as a temperature gauge revealing subsurface temperatures across the margin. We predict BSR depth using a true 3D diffusive heat flow model combined with IODP drilling data and compare results with actual BSR depth observations to determine anomalies in heat flow. Uniform heat flow in the region should result in a deepening BSR downslope toward the trench, however our initial results indicate the BSR shoals near the trench to its shallowest level below sea floor of approximately 96 m below the sea floor, suggesting elevated heat flow towards the toe. Landward, the BSR deepens to about 333 m below the sea floor indicating lower heat flow. Both BSR segments display a trend of deepening landward from the trench, however the depth below the sea floor is greater overall for the landward segment than the segment near the toe. We suggest two regimes with differing heat flow exist across the margin that likely represent two separate fluid flow regimes - one from recently accreted sediments near the prism toe and the other through the older materials making up the prism.

Energy flow analysis of amputee walking shows a proximally-directed transfer of energy in intact limbs, compared to a distally-directed transfer in prosthetic limbs at push-off.

PubMed

Weinert-Aplin, R A; Howard, D; Twiste, M; Jarvis, H L; Bennett, A N; Baker, R J

2017-01-01

Reduced capacity and increased metabolic cost of walking occurs in amputees, despite advances in prosthetic componentry. Joint powers can quantify deficiencies in prosthetic gait, but do not reveal how energy is exchanged between limb segments. This study aimed to quantify these energy exchanges during amputee walking. Optical motion and forceplate data collected during walking at a self-selected speed for cohorts of 10 controls, 10 unilateral trans-tibial, 10 unilateral trans-femoral and 10 bilateral trans-femoral amputees were used to determine the energy exchanges between lower limb segments. At push-off, consistent thigh and shank segment powers were observed between amputee groups (1.12W/kg vs. 1.05W/kg for intact limbs and 0.97W/kg vs. 0.99W/kg for prosthetic limbs), and reduced prosthetic ankle power, particularly in trans-femoral amputees (3.12W/kg vs. 0.87W/kg). Proximally-directed energy exchange was observed in the intact limbs of amputees and controls, while prosthetic limbs displayed distally-directed energy exchanges at the knee and hip. This study used energy flow analysis to show a reversal in the direction in which energy is exchanged between prosthetic limb segments at push-off. This reversal was required to provide sufficient energy to propel the limb segments and is likely a direct result of the lack of push-off power at the prosthetic ankle, particularly in trans-femoral amputees, and leads to their increased metabolic cost of walking. Copyright © 2016 IPEM. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Vulnerability Analysis and Passenger Source Prediction in Urban Rail Transit Networks

PubMed Central

Wang, Junjie; Li, Yishuai; Liu, Jingyu; He, Kun; Wang, Pu

2013-01-01

Based on large-scale human mobility data collected in San Francisco and Boston, the morning peak urban rail transit (URT) ODs (origin-destination matrix) were estimated and the most vulnerable URT segments, those capable of causing the largest service interruptions, were identified. In both URT networks, a few highly vulnerable segments were observed. For this small group of vital segments, the impact of failure must be carefully evaluated. A bipartite URT usage network was developed and used to determine the inherent connections between urban rail transits and their passengers' travel demands. Although passengers' origins and destinations were easy to locate for a large number of URT segments, a few show very complicated spatial distributions. Based on the bipartite URT usage network, a new layer of the understanding of a URT segment's vulnerability can be achieved by taking the difficulty of addressing the failure of a given segment into account. Two proof-of-concept cases are described here: Possible transfer of passenger flow to the road network is here predicted in the cases of failures of two representative URT segments in San Francisco. PMID:24260355

Assssment and Mapping of the Riverine Hydrokinetic Resource in the Continental United States

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

Jacobson, Paul T.; Ravens, Thomas M.; Cunningham, Keith W.

2012-12-14

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) funded the Electric Power Research Institute and its collaborative partners, University of Alaska ? Anchorage, University of Alaska ? Fairbanks, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, to provide an assessment of the riverine hydrokinetic resource in the continental United States. The assessment benefited from input obtained during two workshops attended by individuals with relevant expertise and from a National Research Council panel commissioned by DOE to provide guidance to this and other concurrent, DOE-funded assessments of water based renewable energy. These sources of expertise provided valuable advice regarding data sources and assessment methodology. Themore » assessment of the hydrokinetic resource in the 48 contiguous states is derived from spatially-explicit data contained in NHDPlus ?a GIS-based database containing river segment-specific information on discharge characteristics and channel slope. 71,398 river segments with mean annual flow greater than 1,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) mean discharge were included in the assessment. Segments with discharge less than 1,000 cfs were dropped from the assessment, as were river segments with hydroelectric dams. The results for the theoretical and technical resource in the 48 contiguous states were found to be relatively insensitive to the cutoff chosen. Raising the cutoff to 1,500 cfs had no effect on estimate of the technically recoverable resource, and the theoretical resource was reduced by 5.3%. The segment-specific theoretical resource was estimated from these data using the standard hydrological engineering equation that relates theoretical hydraulic power (Pth, Watts) to discharge (Q, m3 s-1) and hydraulic head or change in elevation (??, m) over the length of the segment, where ? is the specific weight of water (9800 N m-3): ??? = ? ? ?? For Alaska, which is not encompassed by NPDPlus, hydraulic head and discharge data were manually obtained from Idaho National Laboratory?s Virtual Hydropower Prospector, Google Earth, and U.S. Geological Survey gages. Data were manually obtained for the eleven largest rivers with average flow rates greater than 10,000 cfs and the resulting estimate of the theoretical resource was expanded to include rivers with discharge between 1,000 cfs and 10,000 cfs based upon the contribution of rivers in the latter flow class to the total estimate in the contiguous 48 states. Segment-specific theoretical resource was aggregated by major hydrologic region in the contiguous, lower 48 states and totaled 1,146 TWh/yr. The aggregate estimate of the Alaska theoretical resource is 235 TWh/yr, yielding a total theoretical resource estimate of 1,381 TWh/yr for the continental US. The technically recoverable resource in the contiguous 48 states was estimated by applying a recovery factor to the segment-specific theoretical resource estimates. The recovery factor scales the theoretical resource for a given segment to take into account assumptions such as minimum required water velocity and depth during low flow conditions, maximum device packing density, device efficiency, and flow statistics (e.g., the 5 percentile flow relative to the average flow rate). The recovery factor also takes account of ?back effects? ? feedback effects of turbine presence on hydraulic head and velocity. The recovery factor was determined over a range of flow rates and slopes using the hydraulic model, HEC-RAS. In the hydraulic modeling, presence of turbines was accounted for by adjusting the Manning coefficient. This analysis, which included 32 scenarios, led to an empirical function relating recovery factor to slope and discharge. Sixty-nine percent of NHDPlus segments included in the theoretical resource estimate for the contiguous 48 states had an estimated recovery factor of zero. For Alaska, data on river slope was not readily available; hence, the recovery factor was estimated based on the flow rate alone. Segment-specific estimates of the theoretical resource were multiplied by the corresponding recovery factor to estimate the technically recoverable resource. The resulting technically recoverable resource estimate for the continental United States is 120 TWh/yr.« less

Quantitative Real-Time Fluoroscopy Analysis on Measurement of the Hepatic Arterial Flow During Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Comparison with Quantitative Digital Subtraction Angiography Analysis

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

Lin, Yi-Yang; Lee, Rheun-Chuan, E-mail: rclee@vghtpe.gov.tw; Guo, Wan-Yuo, E-mail: wyguo@vghtpe.gov.tw

PurposeTo quantify the arterial flow change during transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using digital subtraction angiography, quantitative color-coding analysis (d-QCA), and real-time subtraction fluoroscopy QCA (f-QCA).Materials and MethodsThis prospective study enrolled 20 consecutive patients with HCC who had undergone TACE via a subsegmental approach between February 2014 and April 2015. The TACE endpoint was a sluggish antegrade tumor-feeding arterial flow. d-QCA and f-QCA were used for determining the relative maximal density time (rT{sub max}) of the selected arteries. The rT{sub max} of the selected arteries was analyzed in d-QCA and f-QCA before and after TACE, and itsmore » correlation in both analyses was evaluated.ResultsThe pre- and post-TACE rT{sub max} of the embolized segmental artery in d-QCA and f-QCA were 1.59 ± 0.81 and 2.97 ± 1.80 s (P < 0.001) and 1.44 ± 0.52 and 2.28 ± 1.02 s (P < 0.01), respectively. The rT{sub max} of the proximal hepatic artery did not significantly change during TACE in d-QCA and f-QCA. The Spearman correlation coefficients of the pre- and post-TACE rT{sub max} of the embolized segmental artery between d-QCA and f-QCA were 0.46 (P < 0.05) and 0.80 (P < 0.001). Radiation doses in one series of d-QCA and f-QCA were 140.7 ± 51.5 milligray (mGy) and 2.5 ± 0.7 mGy, respectively.Conclusionsf-QCA can quantify arterial flow changes with a higher temporal resolution and lower radiation dose. Flow quantification of the embolized segmental artery using f-QCA and d-QCA is highly correlated.« less

A Study on Water Surface Profiles of Rivers with Constriction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qian, Chaochao; Yamada, Tadashi

2013-04-01

Water surface profile of rivers with constrictions is precious in both classic hydraulics and river management practice. This study was conducted to clarify the essences of the water surface profiles. 3 cases of experiments and 1D numerical calculations with different discharges were made in the study and analysis solutions of the non-linear basic equation of surface profile in varied flow without considering friction were derived. The manning's number was kept in the same in each case by using crosspiece roughness. We found a new type of water surface profile of varied flow from the results of 1D numerical calculation and that of experiments and named it as Mc curve because of its mild condition with constriction segment. This kind of curves appears as a nature phenomenon ubiquitously. The process of water surface forming is dynamic and bore occurs at the upper side of constriction during increasing discharge before the surface profile formed. As a theoretical work, 3 analysis solutions were derived included 2 physical-meaning solutions in the study by using Man-Machine system. One of the derived physical-meaning solutions was confirmed that it is validity by comparing to the results of 1D numerical calculation and that of experiments. The solution represents a flow profile from under critical condition at the upper side to super critical condition at the down side of constriction segment. The other derived physical-meaning solution represents a flow profile from super critical condition at the upper side to under critical condition at the down side of constriction segment. These two kinds of flow profiles exist in the nature but no theoretical solution can express the phenomenon. We find the depth distribution only concerned with unit width discharge distribution and critical depth under a constant discharge from the derived solutions. Therefor, the profile can be gained simply and precisely by using the theoretical solutions instead of numerical calculation even in practice.

Preliminary Analysis of Effect of Random Segment Errors on Coronagraph Performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stahl, Mark T.; Shaklan, Stuart B.; Stahl, H. Philip

2015-01-01

Are we alone in the Universe is probably the most compelling science question of our generation. To answer it requires a large aperture telescope with extreme wavefront stability. To image and characterize Earth-like planets requires the ability to block 10(exp 10) of the host stars light with a 10(exp -11) stability. For an internal coronagraph, this requires correcting wavefront errors and keeping that correction stable to a few picometers rms for the duration of the science observation. This requirement places severe specifications upon the performance of the observatory, telescope and primary mirror. A key task of the AMTD project (initiated in FY12) is to define telescope level specifications traceable to science requirements and flow those specifications to the primary mirror. From a systems perspective, probably the most important question is: What is the telescope wavefront stability specification? Previously, we suggested this specification should be 10 picometers per 10 minutes; considered issues of how this specification relates to architecture, i.e. monolithic or segmented primary mirror; and asked whether it was better to have few or many segmented. This paper reviews the 10 picometers per 10 minutes specification; provides analysis related to the application of this specification to segmented apertures; and suggests that a 3 or 4 ring segmented aperture is more sensitive to segment rigid body motion that an aperture with fewer or more segments.

Crowd motion segmentation and behavior recognition fusing streak flow and collectiveness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Mingliang; Jiang, Jun; Shen, Jin; Zou, Guofeng; Fu, Guixia

2018-04-01

Crowd motion segmentation and crowd behavior recognition are two hot issues in computer vision. A number of methods have been proposed to tackle these two problems. Among the methods, flow dynamics is utilized to model the crowd motion, with little consideration of collective property. Moreover, the traditional crowd behavior recognition methods treat the local feature and dynamic feature separately and overlook the interconnection of topological and dynamical heterogeneity in complex crowd processes. A crowd motion segmentation method and a crowd behavior recognition method are proposed based on streak flow and crowd collectiveness. The streak flow is adopted to reveal the dynamical property of crowd motion, and the collectiveness is incorporated to reveal the structure property. Experimental results show that the proposed methods improve the crowd motion segmentation accuracy and the crowd recognition rates compared with the state-of-the-art methods.

Simulation research on the process of large scale ship plane segmentation intelligent workshop

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Peng; Liao, Liangchuang; Zhou, Chao; Xue, Rui; Fu, Wei

2017-04-01

Large scale ship plane segmentation intelligent workshop is a new thing, and there is no research work in related fields at home and abroad. The mode of production should be transformed by the existing industry 2.0 or part of industry 3.0, also transformed from "human brain analysis and judgment + machine manufacturing" to "machine analysis and judgment + machine manufacturing". In this transforming process, there are a great deal of tasks need to be determined on the aspects of management and technology, such as workshop structure evolution, development of intelligent equipment and changes in business model. Along with them is the reformation of the whole workshop. Process simulation in this project would verify general layout and process flow of large scale ship plane section intelligent workshop, also would analyze intelligent workshop working efficiency, which is significant to the next step of the transformation of plane segmentation intelligent workshop.

Apparatus and method for ultrasonic treatment of a liquid

DOEpatents

Chandler, Darrell P.; Posakony, Gerald J.; Bond, Leonard J.; Bruckner-Lea, Cynthia J.

2006-04-04

The present invention is an apparatus for ultrasonically treating a liquid to generate a product. The apparatus is capable of treating a continuously-flowing, or intermittently-flowing, liquid along a line segment coincident with the flow path of the liquid. The apparatus has one or more ultrasonic transducers positioned asymmetrically about the line segment. The ultrasonic field encompasses the line segment and the ultrasonic energy may be concentrated along the line segment. Lysing treatments have been successfully achieved with efficiencies of greater than 99% using ultrasound at MHz frequencies without erosion or heating problems and without the need for chemical or mechanical pretreatment, or contrast agents. The present invention overcomes drawbacks of current ultrasonic treatments beyond lysing and opens up new sonochemical and sonophysical processing opportunities.

Use of a Corona Discharge to Selectively Pattern a Hydrophilic/Hydrophobic Interface for Integrating Segmented Flow with Microchip Electrophoresis and Electrochemical Detection

PubMed Central

Filla, Laura A.; Kirkpatrick, Douglas C.; Martin, R. Scott

2011-01-01

Segmented flow in microfluidic devices involves the use of droplets that are generated either on- or off-chip. When used with off-chip sampling methods, segmented flow has been shown to prevent analyte dispersion and improve temporal resolution by periodically surrounding an aqueous flow stream with an immiscible carrier phase as it is transferred to the microchip. To analyze the droplets by methods such as electrochemistry or electrophoresis, a method to “desegment” the flow into separate aqueous and immiscible carrier phase streams is needed. In this paper, a simple and straightforward approach for this desegmentation process was developed by first creating an air/water junction in natively hydrophobic and perpendicular PDMS channels. The air-filled channel was treated with a corona discharge electrode to create a hydrophilic/hydrophobic interface. When a segmented flow stream encounters this interface, only the aqueous sample phase enters the hydrophilic channel, where it can be subsequently analyzed by electrochemistry or microchip-based electrophoresis with electrochemical detection. It is shown that the desegmentation process does not significantly degrade the temporal resolution of the system, with rise times as low as 12 s reported after droplets are recombined into a continuous flow stream. This approach demonstrates significant advantages over previous studies in that the treatment process takes only a few minutes, fabrication is relatively simple, and reversible sealing of the microchip is possible. This work should enable future studies where off-chip processes such as microdialysis can be integrated with segmented flow and electrochemical-based detection. PMID:21718004

Identifying Turbulent Structures through Topological Segmentation

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

Bremer, Peer-Timo; Gruber, Andrea; Bennett, Janine C.

2016-01-01

A new method of extracting vortical structures from a turbulent flow is proposed whereby topological segmentation of an indicator function scalar field is used to identify the regions of influence of the individual vortices. This addresses a long-standing challenge in vector field topological analysis: indicator functions commonly used produce a scalar field based on the local velocity vector field; reconstructing regions of influence for a particular structure requires selecting a threshold to define vortex extent. In practice, the same threshold is rarely meaningful throughout a given flow. By also considering the topology of the indicator field function, the characteristics ofmore » vortex strength and extent can be separated and the ambiguity in the choice of the threshold reduced. The proposed approach is able to identify several types of vortices observed in a jet in cross-flow configuration simultaneously where no single threshold value for a selection of common indicator functions appears able to identify all of these vortex types.« less

A novel method for unsteady flow field segmentation based on stochastic similarity of direction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Omata, Noriyasu; Shirayama, Susumu

2018-04-01

Recent developments in fluid dynamics research have opened up the possibility for the detailed quantitative understanding of unsteady flow fields. However, the visualization techniques currently in use generally provide only qualitative insights. A method for dividing the flow field into physically relevant regions of interest can help researchers quantify unsteady fluid behaviors. Most methods at present compare the trajectories of virtual Lagrangian particles. The time-invariant features of an unsteady flow are also frequently of interest, but the Lagrangian specification only reveals time-variant features. To address these challenges, we propose a novel method for the time-invariant spatial segmentation of an unsteady flow field. This segmentation method does not require Lagrangian particle tracking but instead quantitatively compares the stochastic models of the direction of the flow at each observed point. The proposed method is validated with several clustering tests for 3D flows past a sphere. Results show that the proposed method reveals the time-invariant, physically relevant structures of an unsteady flow.

Description and User Manual for a Web-Based Interface to a Transit-Loss Accounting Program for Monument and Fountain Creeks, El Paso and Pueblo Counties, Colorado

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kuhn, Gerhard; Krammes, Gary S.; Beal, Vivian J.

2007-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with Colorado Springs Utilities, the Colorado Water Conservation Board, and the El Paso County Water Authority, began a study in 2004 with the following objectives: (1) Apply a stream-aquifer model to Monument Creek, (2) use the results of the modeling to develop a transit-loss accounting program for Monument Creek, (3) revise an existing accounting program for Fountain Creek to easily incorporate ongoing and future changes in management of return flows of reusable water, and (4) integrate the two accounting programs into a single program and develop a Web-based interface to the integrated program that incorporates simple and reliable data entry that is automated to the fullest extent possible. This report describes the results of completing objectives (2), (3), and (4) of that study. The accounting program for Monument Creek was developed first by (1) using the existing accounting program for Fountain Creek as a prototype, (2) incorporating the transit-loss results from a stream-aquifer modeling analysis of Monument Creek, and (3) developing new output reports. The capabilities of the existing accounting program for Fountain Creek then were incorporated into the program for Monument Creek and the output reports were expanded to include Fountain Creek. A Web-based interface to the new transit-loss accounting program then was developed that provided automated data entry. An integrated system of 34 nodes and 33 subreaches was integrated by combining the independent node and subreach systems used in the previously completed stream-aquifer modeling studies for the Monument and Fountain Creek reaches. Important operational criteria that were implemented in the new transit-loss accounting program for Monument and Fountain Creeks included the following: (1) Retain all the reusable water-management capabilities incorporated into the existing accounting program for Fountain Creek; (2) enable daily accounting and transit-loss computations for a variable number of reusable return flows discharged into Monument Creek at selected locations; (3) enable diversion of all or a part of a reusable return flow at any selected node for purposes of storage in off-stream reservoirs or other similar types of reusable water management; (4) and provide flexibility in the accounting program to change the number of return-flow entities, the locations at which the return flows discharge into Monument or Fountain Creeks, or the locations to which the return flows are delivered. The primary component of the Web-based interface is a data-entry form that displays data stored in the accounting program input file; the data-entry form allows for entry and modification of new data, which then is rewritten to the input file. When the data-entry form is displayed, up-to-date discharge data for each station are automatically computed and entered on the data-entry form. Data for native return flows, reusable return flows, reusable return flow diversions, and native diversions also are entered automatically or manually, if needed. In computing the estimated quantities of reusable return flow and the associated transit losses, the accounting program uses two sets of computations. The first set of computations is made between any two adjacent streamflow-gaging stations (termed 'stream-segment loop'); the primary purpose of the stream-segment loop is to estimate the loss or gain in native discharge between the two adjacent streamflow-gaging stations. The second set of computations is made between any two adjacent nodes (termed 'subreach loop'); the actual transit-loss computations are made in the subreach loop, using the result from the stream-segment loop. The stream-segment loop is completed for a stream segment, and then the subreach loop is completed for each subreach within the segment. When the subreach loop is completed for all subreaches within a stream segment, the stream-segment loop is initiated for the ne

A novel content-based active contour model for brain tumor segmentation.

PubMed

Sachdeva, Jainy; Kumar, Vinod; Gupta, Indra; Khandelwal, Niranjan; Ahuja, Chirag Kamal

2012-06-01

Brain tumor segmentation is a crucial step in surgical and treatment planning. Intensity-based active contour models such as gradient vector flow (GVF), magneto static active contour (MAC) and fluid vector flow (FVF) have been proposed to segment homogeneous objects/tumors in medical images. In this study, extensive experiments are done to analyze the performance of intensity-based techniques for homogeneous tumors on brain magnetic resonance (MR) images. The analysis shows that the state-of-art methods fail to segment homogeneous tumors against similar background or when these tumors show partial diversity toward the background. They also have preconvergence problem in case of false edges/saddle points. However, the presence of weak edges and diffused edges (due to edema around the tumor) leads to oversegmentation by intensity-based techniques. Therefore, the proposed method content-based active contour (CBAC) uses both intensity and texture information present within the active contour to overcome above-stated problems capturing large range in an image. It also proposes a novel use of Gray-Level Co-occurrence Matrix to define texture space for tumor segmentation. The effectiveness of this method is tested on two different real data sets (55 patients - more than 600 images) containing five different types of homogeneous, heterogeneous, diffused tumors and synthetic images (non-MR benchmark images). Remarkable results are obtained in segmenting homogeneous tumors of uniform intensity, complex content heterogeneous, diffused tumors on MR images (T1-weighted, postcontrast T1-weighted and T2-weighted) and synthetic images (non-MR benchmark images of varying intensity, texture, noise content and false edges). Further, tumor volume is efficiently extracted from 2-dimensional slices and is named as 2.5-dimensional segmentation. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

High performance Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) submerged nozzle/combustion cavity flowfield assessment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Freeman, J. A.; Chan, J. S.; Murph, J. E.; Xiques, K. E.

1987-01-01

Two and three dimensional internal flowfield solutions for critical points in the Space Shuttle solid rocket booster burn time were developed using the Lockheed Huntsville GIM/PAID Navier-Stokes solvers. These perfect gas, viscous solutions for the high performance motor characterize the flow in the aft segment and nozzle of the booster. Two dimensional axisymmetric solutions were developed at t = 20 and t = 85 sec motor burn times. The t = 85 sec solution indicates that the aft segment forward inhibitor stub produces vortices with are shed and convected downwards. A three dimensional 3.5 deg gimbaled nozzle flowfield solution was developed for the aft segment and nozzle at t = 9 sec motor burn time. This perfect gas, viscous analysis, provided a steady state solution for the core region and the flow through the nozzle, but indicated that unsteady flow exists in the region under the nozzle nose and near the flexible boot and nozzle/case joint. The flow in the nozzle/case joint region is characterized by low magnitude pressure waves which travel in the circumferential direction. From the two and three dimensional flowfield calculations presented it can be concluded that there is no evidence from these results that steady state gas dynamics is the primary mechanism resulting in the nozzle pocketing erosion experienced on SRM nozzles 8A or 17B. The steady state flowfield results indicate pocketing erosion is not directly initiated by a steady state gas dynamics phenomenon.

Multiple pathways for woody plant establishment on floodplains at local to regional scales

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cooper, D.J.; Andersen, D.C.; Chimner, Rodney A.

2003-01-01

1. The structure and functioning of riverine ecosystems is dependent upon regional setting and the interplay of hydrologic regime and geomorphologic processes. We used a retrospective analysis to study recruitment along broad, alluvial valley segments (parks) and canyon segments of the unregulated Yampa River and the regulated Green River in the upper Colorado River basin, USA. We precisely aged 811 individuals of Populus deltoides ssp. wislizenii (native) and Tamarix ramosissima (exotic) from 182 wooded patches and determined the elevation and character of the germination surface for each. We used logistic regression to relate recruitment events (presence or absence of cohort) to five flow and two weather parameters.2. Woody plant establishment occurred via multiple pathways at patch, reach and segment scales. Recruitment occurred through establishment on (1) vertically accreting bars in the unregulated alluvial valley, (2) high alluvial floodplain surfaces during rare large flood events, (3) vertically accreting channel margin deposits in canyon pools and eddies, (4) vertically accreting intermittent/abandoned channels, (5) low elevation gravel bars and debris fans in canyons during multi-year droughts, and (6) bars and channels formed prior to flow regulation on the dammed river during controlled flood events.3. The Yampa River's peak flow was rarely included in models estimating the likelihood that recruitment would occur in any year. Flow variability and the interannual pattern of flows, rather than individual large floods, control most establishment.4. Regulation of the Green River flow since 1962 has had different effects on woody vegetation recruitment in canyons and valleys. The current regime mimics drought in a canyon setting, accelerating Tamarix invasion whereas in valleys the ongoing geomorphic adjustment of the channel, combined with reduced flow variability, has nearly eliminated Populus establishment.5. A single year's flow or a particular pattern of flows over a sequence of years, whether natural or man-made, produces different recruitment opportunities in alluvial and canyon reaches, in diverse landforms within a particular river reach, and for Populus and Tamarix. The design of flows to restore riparian ecosystems must consider these multiple pathways and adjust the seasonal timing, magnitude and interannual frequency of flows to match the desired outcome.

Form, shape and function: segmented blood flow in the choriocapillaris

PubMed Central

Zouache, M. A.; Eames, I.; Klettner, C. A.; Luthert, P. J.

2016-01-01

The development of fluid transport systems was a key event in the evolution of animals and plants. While within vertebrates branched geometries predominate, the choriocapillaris, which is the microvascular bed that is responsible for the maintenance of the outer retina, has evolved a planar topology. Here we examine the flow and mass transfer properties associated with this unusual geometry. We show that as a result of the form of the choriocapillaris, the blood flow is decomposed into a tessellation of functional vascular segments of various shapes delineated by separation surfaces across which there is no flow, and in the vicinity of which the transport of passive substances is diffusion-limited. The shape of each functional segment is determined by the distribution of arterioles and venules and their respective relative flow rates. We also show that, remarkably, the mass exchange with the outer retina is a function of the shape of each functional segment. In addition to introducing a novel framework in which the structure and function of the metabolite delivery system to the outer retina may be investigated in health and disease, the present work provides a general characterisation of the flow and transfers in multipole Hele-Shaw configurations. PMID:27779198

Research on Segmentation Monitoring Control of IA-RWA Algorithm with Probe Flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Danping; Guo, Kun; Yao, Qiuyan; Zhao, Jijun

2018-04-01

The impairment-aware routing and wavelength assignment algorithm with probe flow (P-IA-RWA) can make an accurate estimation for the transmission quality of the link when the connection request comes. But it also causes some problems. The probe flow data introduced in the P-IA-RWA algorithm can result in the competition for wavelength resources. In order to reduce the competition and the blocking probability of the network, a new P-IA-RWA algorithm with segmentation monitoring-control mechanism (SMC-P-IA-RWA) is proposed. The algorithm would reduce the holding time of network resources for the probe flow. It segments the candidate path suitably for the data transmitting. And the transmission quality of the probe flow sent by the source node will be monitored in the endpoint of each segment. The transmission quality of data can also be monitored, so as to make the appropriate treatment to avoid the unnecessary probe flow. The simulation results show that the proposed SMC-P-IA-RWA algorithm can effectively reduce the blocking probability. It brings a better solution to the competition for resources between the probe flow and the main data to be transferred. And it is more suitable for scheduling control in the large-scale network.

Apparatus and method for ultrasonic treatment of a liquid

DOEpatents

Chandler, Darrell P [Richland, WA; Posakony, Gerald J [Richland, WA; Bond, Leonard J [Richland, WA; Bruckner-Lea, Cynthia J [Richland, WA

2003-01-14

The present invention is an apparatus and method for ultrasonically treating a liquid to generate a product. The apparatus is capable of treating a continuously-flowing, or intermittently-flowing, liquid along a line segment coincident with the flow path of the liquid. The apparatus has one or more ultrasonic transducers positioned asymmetrically about the line segment. The ultrasonic field encompasses the line segment and the ultrasonic energy may be concentrated along the line segment. Lysing treatments have been successfully achieved with efficiencies of greater than 99% using ultrasound at MHz frequencies without erosion or heating problems and without the need for chemical or mechanical pretreatment, or contrast agents. The present invention overcomes drawbacks of current ultrasonic treatments beyond lysing and opens up new sonochemical and sonophysical processing opportunities.

Analytical study on a two-dimensional plane of the off-design flow properties of tandem-bladed compressor stators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sanger, N. L.

1973-01-01

The flow characteristics of several tandem bladed compressor stators were analytically evaluated over a range of inlet incidence angles. The ratios of rear-segment to front-segment chord and camber were varied. Results were also compared to the analytical performance of a reference solid blade section. All tandem blade sections exhibited lower calculated losses than the solid stator. But no one geometric configuration exhibited clearly superior characteristics. The front segment accepts the major effect of overall incidence angle change. Rear- to front-segment camber ratios of 4 and greater appeared to be limited by boundary-layer separation from the pressure surface of the rear segment.

Surface-region context in optimal multi-object graph-based segmentation: robust delineation of pulmonary tumors.

PubMed

Song, Qi; Chen, Mingqing; Bai, Junjie; Sonka, Milan; Wu, Xiaodong

2011-01-01

Multi-object segmentation with mutual interaction is a challenging task in medical image analysis. We report a novel solution to a segmentation problem, in which target objects of arbitrary shape mutually interact with terrain-like surfaces, which widely exists in the medical imaging field. The approach incorporates context information used during simultaneous segmentation of multiple objects. The object-surface interaction information is encoded by adding weighted inter-graph arcs to our graph model. A globally optimal solution is achieved by solving a single maximum flow problem in a low-order polynomial time. The performance of the method was evaluated in robust delineation of lung tumors in megavoltage cone-beam CT images in comparison with an expert-defined independent standard. The evaluation showed that our method generated highly accurate tumor segmentations. Compared with the conventional graph-cut method, our new approach provided significantly better results (p < 0.001). The Dice coefficient obtained by the conventional graph-cut approach (0.76 +/- 0.10) was improved to 0.84 +/- 0.05 when employing our new method for pulmonary tumor segmentation.

AUTOMATED CELL SEGMENTATION WITH 3D FLUORESCENCE MICROSCOPY IMAGES.

PubMed

Kong, Jun; Wang, Fusheng; Teodoro, George; Liang, Yanhui; Zhu, Yangyang; Tucker-Burden, Carol; Brat, Daniel J

2015-04-01

A large number of cell-oriented cancer investigations require an effective and reliable cell segmentation method on three dimensional (3D) fluorescence microscopic images for quantitative analysis of cell biological properties. In this paper, we present a fully automated cell segmentation method that can detect cells from 3D fluorescence microscopic images. Enlightened by fluorescence imaging techniques, we regulated the image gradient field by gradient vector flow (GVF) with interpolated and smoothed data volume, and grouped voxels based on gradient modes identified by tracking GVF field. Adaptive thresholding was then applied to voxels associated with the same gradient mode where voxel intensities were enhanced by a multiscale cell filter. We applied the method to a large volume of 3D fluorescence imaging data of human brain tumor cells with (1) small cell false detection and missing rates for individual cells; and (2) trivial over and under segmentation incidences for clustered cells. Additionally, the concordance of cell morphometry structure between automated and manual segmentation was encouraging. These results suggest a promising 3D cell segmentation method applicable to cancer studies.

Identifying trout refuges in the Indian and Hudson Rivers in northern New York through airborne thermal infrared remote sensing

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ernst, Anne G.; Baldigo, Barry P.; Calef, Fred J.; Freehafer, Douglas A.; Kremens, Robert L.

2015-10-09

The locations and sizes of potential cold-water refuges for trout were examined in 2005 along a 27-kilometer segment of the Indian and Hudson Rivers in northern New York to evaluate the extent of refuges, the effects of routine flow releases from an impoundment, and how these refuges and releases might influence trout survival in reaches that otherwise would be thermally stressed. This river segment supports small populations of brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), brown trout (Salmo trutta), and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and also receives regular releases of reservoir-surface waters to support rafting during the summer, when water temperatures in both the reservoir and the river frequently exceed thermal thresholds for trout survival. Airborne thermal infrared imaging was supplemented with continuous, in-stream temperature loggers to identify potential refuges that may be associated with tributary inflows or groundwater seeps and to define the extent to which the release flows decrease the size of existing refuges. In general, the release flows overwhelmed the refuge areas and greatly decreased the size and number of the areas. Mean water temperatures were unaffected by the releases, but small-scale heterogeneity was diminished. At a larger scale, water temperatures in the upper and lower segments of the reach were consistently warmer than in the middle segment, even during passage of release waters. The inability of remote thermal infrared images to consistently distinguish land from water (in shaded areas) and to detect groundwater seeps (away from the shallow edges of the stream) limited data analysis and the ability to identify potential thermal refuge areas.

Theoretical study on the constricted flow phenomena in arteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sen, S.; Chakravarty, S.

2012-12-01

The present study is dealt with the constricted flow characteristics of blood in arteries by making use of an appropriate mathematical model. The constricted artery experiences the generated wall shear stress due to flow disturbances in the presence of constriction. The disturbed flow in the stenosed arterial segment causes malfunction of the cardiovascular system leading to serious health problems in the form of heart attack and stroke. The flowing blood contained in the stenosed artery is considered to be non-Newtonian while the flow is treated to be two-dimensional. The present pursuit also accounts for the motion of the arterial wall and its effect on local fluid mechanics. The flow analysis applies the time-dependent, two-dimensional incompressible nonlinear Navier-Stokes equations for non-Newtonian fluid representing blood. An extensive quantitative analysis presented at the end of the paper based on large scale numerical computations of the quantities of major physiological significance enables one to estimate the constricted flow characteristics in the arterial system under consideration which deviates significantly from that of normal physiological flow conditions.

Cooling system for three hook ring segment

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

Campbell, Christian X.; Eng, Darryl; Lee, Ching-Pang

2014-08-26

A triple hook ring segment including forward, midsection and aft mounting hooks for engagement with respective hangers formed on a ring segment carrier for supporting a ring segment panel, and defining a forward high pressure chamber and an aft low pressure chamber on opposing sides of the midsection mounting hook. An isolation plate is provided on the aft side of the midsection mounting hook to form an isolation chamber between the aft low pressure chamber and the ring segment panel. High pressure air is supplied to the forward chamber and flows to the isolation chamber through crossover passages in themore » midsection hook. The isolation chamber provides convection cooling air to an aft portion of the ring segment panel and enables a reduction of air pressure in the aft low pressure chamber to reduce leakage flow of cooling air from the ring segment.« less

Semi-automatized segmentation method using image-based flow cytometry to study sperm physiology: the case of capacitation-induced tyrosine phosphorylation.

PubMed

Matamoros-Volante, Arturo; Moreno-Irusta, Ayelen; Torres-Rodriguez, Paulina; Giojalas, Laura; Gervasi, María G; Visconti, Pablo E; Treviño, Claudia L

2018-02-01

Is image-based flow cytometry a useful tool to study intracellular events in human sperm such as protein tyrosine phosphorylation or signaling processes? Image-based flow cytometry is a powerful tool to study intracellular events in a relevant number of sperm cells, which enables a robust statistical analysis providing spatial resolution in terms of the specific subcellular localization of the labeling. Sperm capacitation is required for fertilization. During this process, spermatozoa undergo numerous physiological changes, via activation of different signaling pathways, which are not completely understood. Classical approaches for studying sperm physiology include conventional microscopy, flow cytometry and Western blotting. These techniques present disadvantages for obtaining detailed subcellular information of signaling pathways in a relevant number of cells. This work describes a new semi-automatized analysis using image-based flow cytometry which enables the study, at the subcellular and population levels, of different sperm parameters associated with signaling. The increase in protein tyrosine phosphorylation during capacitation is presented as an example. Sperm cells were isolated from seminal plasma by the swim-up technique. We evaluated the intensity and distribution of protein tyrosine phosphorylation in sperm incubated in non-capacitation and capacitation-supporting media for 1 and 18 h under different experimental conditions. We used an antibody against FER kinase and pharmacological inhibitors in an attempt to identify the kinases involved in protein tyrosine phosphorylation during human sperm capacitation. Semen samples from normospermic donors were obtained by masturbation after 2-3 days of sexual abstinence. We used the innovative technique image-based flow cytometry and image analysis tools to segment individual images of spermatozoa. We evaluated and quantified the regions of sperm where protein tyrosine phosphorylation takes place at the subcellular level in a large number of cells. We also used immunocytochemistry and Western blot analysis. Independent experiments were performed with semen samples from seven different donors. Using image analysis tools, we developed a completely novel semi-automatic strategy useful for segmenting thousands of individual cell images obtained using image-based flow cytometry. Contrary to immunofluorescence which relies on the analysis of a limited sperm population and also on the observer, image-based flow cytometry allows for unbiased quantification and simultaneous localization of post-translational changes in an extended sperm population. Interestingly, important data can be independently analyzed by looking to the frame of interest. As an example, we evaluated the capacitation-associated increase in tyrosine phosphorylation in sperm incubated in non-capacitation and capacitation-supporting media for 1 and 18 h. As previously reported, protein tyrosine phosphorylation increases in a time-depending manner, but our method revealed that this increase occurs differentially among distinct sperm segments. FER kinase is reported to be the enzyme responsible for the increase in protein tyrosine phosphorylation in mouse sperm. Our Western blot analysis revealed for the first time the presence of this enzyme in human sperm. Using our segmentation strategy, we aimed to quantify the effect of pharmacological inhibition of FER kinase and found a marked reduction of protein tyrosine phosphorylation only in the flagellum, which corresponded to the physical localization of FER in human sperm. Our method provides an alternative strategy to study signaling markers associated with capacitation, such as protein tyrosine phosphorylation, in a fast and quantitative manner. None. This is an in vitro study performed under controlled conditions. Chemical inhibitors are not completely specific for the intended target; the possibility of side effects cannot be discarded. Our results demonstrate that the use of image-based flow cytometry is a very powerful tool to study sperm physiology. A large number of cells can be easily analyzed and information at the subcellular level can be obtained. As the segmentation process works with bright-field images, it can be extended to study expression of other proteins of interest using different antibodies or it can be used in living sperm to study intracellular parameters that can be followed using fluorescent dyes sensitive to the parameter of interest (e.g. pH, Ca2+). Therefore, this a versatile method that can be exploited to study several aspects of sperm physiology. This work was supported DGAPA (IN203116 to C. Treviño), Fronteras-CONACyT No. 71 and Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development NIH (RO1 HD38082) to P.E. Visconti and by a Lalor Foundation fellowship to M.G. Gervasi. A. Matamoros is a student of the Maestría en Ciencias Bioquímicas-UNAM program supported by CONACyT (416400) and DGAPA-UNAM. A. Moreno obtained a scholarship from Red MacroUniversidades and L. Giojalas obtained a schloarhip from CONICET and Universidad Nacional de Cordoba. The authors declare there are not conflicts of interest. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email:journals.permissions@oup.com

Appraising the plasticity of the circle of Willis: a model of hemodynamic modulation in cerebral arteriovenous malformations.

PubMed

Chuang, Yu-Ming; Guo, Wanyuo; Lin, Ching-Po

2010-01-01

Cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) harbor a network of abnormal vasculatures, namely the nidus between arterial and venous components. The pressure gradient between these two components results in abnormal high-velocity arteriovenous shunts flowing through the nidus and alternate intracranial hemodynamics. This study hypothesizes that the flow patterns of the circle of Willis (CoW) are modulated by the alternation of intracranial hemodynamics occurring in cerebral AVMs. The flow patterns of the CoW before and after AVMs had been corrected and the arteriovenous shunts closed by radiosurgery were assessed to validate the hypothesis. Fifty patients (32 men and 18 women; mean age 35.8 +/- 4.2, range 23-52 years) with cerebral AVMs previously treated by radiosurgery were retrospectively investigated. This investigation used magnetic resonance angiography, performed prior to and after AVM surgery, to assess the CoW flow patterns. The CoW flow patterns in nearly half of the subjects (20/50, 40%) altered after the AVMs had been corrected. The alterations included: (1) decreased size or ceased flow patterns in the CoW vascular segment: ipsilateral A1 (n = 1) of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA), ipsilateral posterior communicating artery (PCoA) segment (n = 7), contralateral PCoA collateral (n = 4), bilateral PCoA (n = 2); (2) increased size or opening of the previous 'hypoplastic' segment of CoW: ipsilateral A1 of ACA (n = 1), contralateral PCoA (n = 2), bilateral PCoA (n = 1), and (3) biphasic alteration of the CoW: ceased ipsilateral PCoA segment and opening ipsilateral A1 of the ACA (n = 1), ceased ipsilateral PCoA and opening contralateral P1 of the posterior cerebral artery (n = 1). The plasticity of the flow patterns in the CoW are modulated by intracranial hemodynamics as shown by the AVM model. The calibers of CoW arterial segments are not a static feature. Willisian collateralization with recruitment of the CoW segment may cease, or hypoplastic segments may reopen after closing arteriovenous shunts of the AVM. (c) 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Estimation of Blood Flow Rates in Large Microvascular Networks

PubMed Central

Fry, Brendan C.; Lee, Jack; Smith, Nicolas P.; Secomb, Timothy W.

2012-01-01

Objective Recent methods for imaging microvascular structures provide geometrical data on networks containing thousands of segments. Prediction of functional properties, such as solute transport, requires information on blood flow rates also, but experimental measurement of many individual flows is difficult. Here, a method is presented for estimating flow rates in a microvascular network based on incomplete information on the flows in the boundary segments that feed and drain the network. Methods With incomplete boundary data, the equations governing blood flow form an underdetermined linear system. An algorithm was developed that uses independent information about the distribution of wall shear stresses and pressures in microvessels to resolve this indeterminacy, by minimizing the deviation of pressures and wall shear stresses from target values. Results The algorithm was tested using previously obtained experimental flow data from four microvascular networks in the rat mesentery. With two or three prescribed boundary conditions, predicted flows showed relatively small errors in most segments and fewer than 10% incorrect flow directions on average. Conclusions The proposed method can be used to estimate flow rates in microvascular networks, based on incomplete boundary data and provides a basis for deducing functional properties of microvessel networks. PMID:22506980

Quality comparison of continuous steam sterilization segmented-flow aseptic processing versus conventional canning of whole and sliced mushrooms.

PubMed

Anderson, N M; Walker, P N

2011-08-01

This study was carried out to investigate segmented-flow aseptic processing of particle foods. A pilot-scale continuous steam sterilization unit capable of producing shelf stable aseptically processed whole and sliced mushrooms was developed. The system utilized pressurized steam as the heating medium to achieve high temperature-short time processing conditions with high and uniform heat transfer that will enable static temperature penetration studies for process development. Segmented-flow technology produced a narrower residence time distribution than pipe-flow aseptic processing; thus, whole and sliced mushrooms were processed only as long as needed to achieve the target F₀  = 7.0 min and were not overcooked. Continuous steam sterilization segmented-flow aseptic processing produced shelf stable aseptically processed mushrooms of superior quality to conventionally canned mushrooms. When compared to conventionally canned mushrooms, aseptically processed yield (weight basis) increased 6.1% (SD = 2.9%) and 6.6% (SD = 2.2%), whiteness (L) improved 3.1% (SD = 1.9%) and 4.7% (SD = 0.7%), color difference (ΔE) improved 6.0% (SD = 1.3%) and 8.5% (SD = 1.5%), and texture improved 3.9% (SD = 1.7%) and 4.6% (SD = 4.2%), for whole and sliced mushrooms, respectively. Segmented-flow aseptic processing eliminated a separate blanching step, eliminated the unnecessary packaging of water and promoted the use of bag-in-box and other versatile aseptic packaging methods. Segmented-flow aseptic processing is capable of producing shelf stable aseptically processed particle foods of superior quality to a conventionally canned product. This unique continuous steam sterilization process eliminates the need for a separate blanching step, reduces or eliminates the need for a liquid carrier, and promotes the use of bag-in-box and other versatile aseptic packaging methods. © 2011 Institute of Food Technologists®

Mechanical energy and power flow analysis of wheelchair use with different camber settings.

PubMed

Huang, Yueh-Chu; Guo, Lan-Yuen; Tsai, Chung-Ying; Su, Fong-Chin

2013-04-01

It has been suggested that minimisation of energy cost is one of the primary determinants of wheelchair designs. Wheel camber is one important parameter related to wheelchair design and its angle may affect usability during manual propulsion. However, there is little available literature addressing the effect of wheel camber on the mechanical energy or power flow involved in manual wheelchair propulsion. Twelve normal subjects (mean age, 22.3 years; SD, 1.6 years) participated in this study. A video-tracking system and an instrumented wheel were used to collect 3D kinematic and kinetic data. Wheel camber of 0° and 15° was chosen to examine the difference between mechanical power and power flow of the upper extremity during manual wheelchair propulsion. The work calculated from power flow and the discrepancy between the mechanical work and power flow work of upper extremity had significantly greater values with increased camber. The upper arm had a larger active muscle power compared with that in the forearm and hand segments. While propelling the increased camber, the magnitude of both the proximal and distal joint power and proximal muscle power was increased in all three segments. While the propelling wheel with camber not only needs a greater energy cost but also there is greater energy loss.

Turbofan aft duct suppressor study program listing and user's guide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Joshi, M. C.; Kraft, R. E.

1983-01-01

A description of the structure of the Annular Flow Duct Program (AFDP) for the calculation of acoustic suppression due to treatment in a finite length annular duct carrying sheared flow is presented. Although most appropriate for engine exhaust ducts, this program can be used to study sound propagation in any duct that maintains annular geometry over a considerable length of the duct. The program is based on the modal analysis of sound propagation in ducts with axial segments of different wall impedances. For specified duct geometry, wall impedance, flow and acoustic conditions in the duct (including mode amplitude distribution of the source) and duct termination reflection characteristics, the program calculates the suppression due to the treatment in the duct. The presence of forward and backward traveling modes in the duct due to the reflection and redistribution of modes at segment interfaces and duct end terminations are taken into account in the calculations. The effects of thin wall boundary layers (with a linear or mean flow velocity profile) on the acoustic propagation are also included in the program. A functional description of the major subroutines is included and a sample run is provided with an explanation of the output.

Flow of two immiscible fluids in a periodically constricted tube: Transitions to stratified, segmented, churn, spray or segregated flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsamopoulos, John; Fraggedakis, Dimitris; Dimakopoulos, Yiannis

2015-11-01

We study the flow of two immiscible, Newtonian fluids in a periodically constricted tube driven by a constant pressure gradient. Our Volume-of-Fluid algorithm is used to solve the governing equations. First the code is validated by comparing its predictions to previously reported results for stratified and pulsing flow. Then it is used to capture accurately all the significant topological changes that take place. Initially, the fluids have a core-annular arrangement, which is found to either remain the same or change to a different arrangement depending on the fluid properties, the pressure driving the flow or the flow geometry. The flow-patterns that appear are the core-annular, segmented, churn, spray and segregated flow. The predicted scalings near pinching of the core fluid concur with similarity predictions and earlier numerical results (Cohen et al. (1999)). Flow-pattern maps are constructed in terms of the Reynolds and Weber numbers. Our results provide deeper insights in the mechanism of the pattern transitions and are in agreement with previous studies on core-annular flow (Kouris & Tsamopoulos (2001 & 2002)), segmented flow (Lac & Sherwood (2009)) and churn flow (Bai et al. (1992)). GSRT of Greece through the program ``Excellence'' (Grant No. 1918, entitled ``FilCoMicrA'').

Investigation of transonic flow over segmented slotted wind tunnel wall with mass transfer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bhat, M. K.; Vakili, A. D.; Wu, J. M.

1990-01-01

The flowfield on a segmented multi-slotted wind tunnel wall was studied at transonic speeds by measurements in and near the wall layer using five port cone probes. The slotted wall flowfield was observed to be three-dimensional in nature for a relatively significant distance above the slot. The boundary layer characteristics measured on the single slotted wall were found to be very sensitive to the applied suction through the slot. The perturbation in the velocity components generated due to the flow through the slot decay rapidly in the transverse direction. A vortex-like flow existed on the single slotted wall for natural ventilation but diminished with increased suction flow rate. For flow on a segmented multi-slotted wall, the normal velocity component changes were found to be maximum for measurement points located between the segmented slots atop the active chamber. The lateral influence due to applied suction and blowing, through a compartment, exceeded only slightly that in the downstream direction. Limited upstream influence was observed. Influence coefficients were determined from the data in the least-square sense for blowing and suction applied through one and two compartments. This was found to be an adequate determination of the influence coefficients for the range of mass flows considered.

Fast interactive exploration of 4D MRI flow data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hennemuth, A.; Friman, O.; Schumann, C.; Bock, J.; Drexl, J.; Huellebrand, M.; Markl, M.; Peitgen, H.-O.

2011-03-01

1- or 2-directional MRI blood flow mapping sequences are an integral part of standard MR protocols for diagnosis and therapy control in heart diseases. Recent progress in rapid MRI has made it possible to acquire volumetric, 3-directional cine images in reasonable scan time. In addition to flow and velocity measurements relative to arbitrarily oriented image planes, the analysis of 3-dimensional trajectories enables the visualization of flow patterns, local features of flow trajectories or possible paths into specific regions. The anatomical and functional information allows for advanced hemodynamic analysis in different application areas like stroke risk assessment, congenital and acquired heart disease, aneurysms or abdominal collaterals and cranial blood flow. The complexity of the 4D MRI flow datasets and the flow related image analysis tasks makes the development of fast comprehensive data exploration software for advanced flow analysis a challenging task. Most existing tools address only individual aspects of the analysis pipeline such as pre-processing, quantification or visualization, or are difficult to use for clinicians. The goal of the presented work is to provide a software solution that supports the whole image analysis pipeline and enables data exploration with fast intuitive interaction and visualization methods. The implemented methods facilitate the segmentation and inspection of different vascular systems. Arbitrary 2- or 3-dimensional regions for quantitative analysis and particle tracing can be defined interactively. Synchronized views of animated 3D path lines, 2D velocity or flow overlays and flow curves offer a detailed insight into local hemodynamics. The application of the analysis pipeline is shown for 6 cases from clinical practice, illustrating the usefulness for different clinical questions. Initial user tests show that the software is intuitive to learn and even inexperienced users achieve good results within reasonable processing times.

A mathematical analysis to address the 6 degree-of-freedom segmental power imbalance.

PubMed

Ebrahimi, Anahid; Collins, John D; Kepple, Thomas M; Takahashi, Kota Z; Higginson, Jill S; Stanhope, Steven J

2018-01-03

Segmental power is used in human movement analyses to indicate the source and net rate of energy transfer between the rigid bodies of biomechanical models. Segmental power calculations are performed using segment endpoint dynamics (kinetic method). A theoretically equivalent method is to measure the rate of change in a segment's mechanical energy state (kinematic method). However, these two methods have not produced experimentally equivalent results for segments proximal to the foot, with the difference in methods deemed the "power imbalance." In a 6 degree-of-freedom model, segments move independently, resulting in relative segment endpoint displacement and non-equivalent segment endpoint velocities at a joint. In the kinetic method, a segment's distal end translational velocity may be defined either at the anatomical end of the segment or at the location of the joint center (defined here as the proximal end of the adjacent distal segment). Our mathematical derivations revealed the power imbalance between the kinetic method using the anatomical definition and the kinematic method can be explained by power due to relative segment endpoint displacement. In this study, we tested this analytical prediction through experimental gait data from nine healthy subjects walking at a typical speed. The average absolute segmental power imbalance was reduced from 0.023 to 0.046 W/kg using the anatomical definition to ≤0.001 W/kg using the joint center definition in the kinetic method (95.56-98.39% reduction). Power due to relative segment endpoint displacement in segmental power analyses is substantial and should be considered in analyzing energetic flow into and between segments. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Method 366.0 Determination of Dissolved Silicate in Estuarine and Coastal Watersby Gas Segmented Continuous Flow Colorimetric Analysis

EPA Science Inventory

This method provides a procedure for the determination of dissolved silicate concentration in estuarine and coastal waters. The dissolved silicate is mainly in the form of silicic acid, H SiO , in estuarine and 4 4 coastal waters. All soluble silicate, including colloidal silici...

Video content parsing based on combined audio and visual information

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Tong; Kuo, C.-C. Jay

1999-08-01

While previous research on audiovisual data segmentation and indexing primarily focuses on the pictorial part, significant clues contained in the accompanying audio flow are often ignored. A fully functional system for video content parsing can be achieved more successfully through a proper combination of audio and visual information. By investigating the data structure of different video types, we present tools for both audio and visual content analysis and a scheme for video segmentation and annotation in this research. In the proposed system, video data are segmented into audio scenes and visual shots by detecting abrupt changes in audio and visual features, respectively. Then, the audio scene is categorized and indexed as one of the basic audio types while a visual shot is presented by keyframes and associate image features. An index table is then generated automatically for each video clip based on the integration of outputs from audio and visual analysis. It is shown that the proposed system provides satisfying video indexing results.

Using magma flow indicators to infer flow dynamics in sills

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoyer, Lauren; Watkeys, Michael K.

2017-03-01

Fabrics from Anisotropy of Magnetic Susceptibility (AMS) analyses and Shape Preferred Orientation (SPO) of plagioclase are compared with field structures (such as bridge structures, intrusive steps and magma lobes) formed during magma intrusion in Jurassic sills. This is to constrain magma flow directions in the sills of the Karoo Igneous Province along the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast and to show how accurately certain structures predict a magma flow sense, thus improving the understanding of the Karoo sub-volcanic dynamics. The AMS fabrics are derived from magnetite grains and are well constrained, however the SPO results are commonly steeply inclined, poorly constrained and differ to the AMS fabrics. Both techniques resulted in asymmetrical fabrics. Successful relationships were established between the AMS fabric and the long axes of the magma flow indicators, implying adequate magma flow prediction. However, where numerous sill segments merge, either in the form of magma lobes or bridge structures, the coalescence process creates a new fabric between the segments preserving late-stage magma migration between the merged segments, overprinting the initial magma flow direction.

Voluminous lava flow from Axial Seamount's south rift constrains extension rate on northern Vance Segment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Le Saout, M.; Clague, D. A.; Paduan, J. B.

2017-12-01

Axial Seamount is characterized by a robust magma supply resulting from the interaction between the Cobb hotspot and the Juan de Fuca Ridge. During the last two decades, magmatic activity was focused within the summit caldera and upper and middle portions of the two rift zones, with eruptions in 1998, 2011, and 2015. However, the distal ends of both rift zones have experienced numerous eruptions in the past. The most voluminous flows are located near the extreme ends, greater than 40 kilometers from the caldera. Where Axial's South Rift Zone overlaps with the Vance Segment of the Juan de Fuca Ridge, the 2015 MBARI expedition mapped 16 km2 of the seafloor with our AUV, and collected 33 rocks and 33 sediment cores during two ROV dives. The data were used to confirm the boundaries of an extensive flow tentatively identified using modern ship based bathymetry. This flow is 18 km wide and 6 km long for a total surface area of 63 km2. The flow is modified by superficial ( 5 m deep) and deep (25 to 45 m deep) subsidence pits, with the deepest pits giving an indication of the minimum thickness of the flow. The maximum thickness of 100 m is measured at the margins of the flow. We thus estimate a volume between 2.5 and 6 km3, making this flow the most voluminous known on the global mid ocean ridge system. The minimum volume is equivalent to the present volume of the summit caldera. Radiocarbon ages of foraminifera from the basal sections of sediment cores suggest that this flow is 1000 years old. This flow travelled east and partially filled the axial valley of the adjacent Vance Segment. Since emplacement, this part of the flow has experienced deformation by fissures and faults aligned with the trend of the Vance Segment. The horizontal extension across these features allows us to estimate a local deformation rate of 3 cm/yr of tectonic extension on the northern end of Vance Segment during the last 1000 years.

Hydrogeology of the northern segment of the Edwards aquifer, Austin region, Texas

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

Senger, R.K.; Collins, E.W.; Kreitler, C.W.

1990-01-01

This book reports on geologic mapping and fracture analysis of Lower Cretaceous Edwards aquifer strata conducted to provide a better understanding of the geology of the Balcones Fault Zone as it relates to the hydrogeology of the aquifer's northern segment. Hydrochemical, water-level, and precipitation data were studied to evaluate ground-water flow characteristics, recharge and discharge mechanisms, and the hydrochemical evolution of ground water in the Edwards aquifer. The authors found that ground water generally flows eastward, and main discharge of the unconfined, fast-flowing system occurs along fractures through springs and seeps at the major creeks and rivers in the Georgetownmore » area. Some recharge water moves downdip past these springs into a confined section farther east, along a much reduced hydraulic gradient, and discharges by leaking through the confining units. Hydrochemistry of Edwards ground water indicates an evolution from a Ca-HCO{sub 3} and Ca-Mg-HCO{sub 3} to a mixed-cation-HCO{sub 3} farther downdip to a Na-HCO{sub 3}, and finally to a Na-mixed-anion-type water.« less

A comparative analysis of the dependences of the hemodynamic parameters on changes in ROI's position in perfusion CT scans

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, Yong-Seok; Cho, Jae-Hwan; Namgung, Jang-Sun; Kim, Hyo-Jin; Yoon, Dae-Young; Lee, Han-Joo

2013-05-01

This study performed a comparative analysis of cerebral blood volume (CBV), cerebral blood flow (CBF), mean transit time (MTT), and mean time-to-peak (TTP) obtained by changing the region of interest's (ROI) anatomical positions, during CT brain perfusion. We acquired axial source images of perfusion CT from 20 patients undergoing CT perfusion exams due to brain trauma. Subsequently, the CBV, CBF, MTT, and TTP values were calculated through data-processing of the perfusion CT images. The color scales for the CBV, CBF, MTT, and TTP maps were obtained using the image data. Anterior cerebral artery (ACA) was taken as the standard ROI for the calculations of the perfusion values. Differences in the hemodynamic average values were compared in a quantitative analysis by placing ROI and the dividing axial images into proximal, middle, and distal segments anatomically. By performing the qualitative analysis using a blind test, we observed changes in the sensory characteristics by using the color scales of the CBV, CBF, and MTT maps in the proximal, middle, and distal segments. According to the qualitative analysis, no differences were found in CBV, CBF, MTT, and TTP values of the proximal, middle, and distal segments and no changes were detected in the color scales of the the CBV, CBF, MTT, and TTP maps in the proximal, middle, and distal segments. We anticipate that the results of the study will useful in assessing brain trauma patients using by perfusion imaging.

Background fluorescence estimation and vesicle segmentation in live cell imaging with conditional random fields.

PubMed

Pécot, Thierry; Bouthemy, Patrick; Boulanger, Jérôme; Chessel, Anatole; Bardin, Sabine; Salamero, Jean; Kervrann, Charles

2015-02-01

Image analysis applied to fluorescence live cell microscopy has become a key tool in molecular biology since it enables to characterize biological processes in space and time at the subcellular level. In fluorescence microscopy imaging, the moving tagged structures of interest, such as vesicles, appear as bright spots over a static or nonstatic background. In this paper, we consider the problem of vesicle segmentation and time-varying background estimation at the cellular scale. The main idea is to formulate the joint segmentation-estimation problem in the general conditional random field framework. Furthermore, segmentation of vesicles and background estimation are alternatively performed by energy minimization using a min cut-max flow algorithm. The proposed approach relies on a detection measure computed from intensity contrasts between neighboring blocks in fluorescence microscopy images. This approach permits analysis of either 2D + time or 3D + time data. We demonstrate the performance of the so-called C-CRAFT through an experimental comparison with the state-of-the-art methods in fluorescence video-microscopy. We also use this method to characterize the spatial and temporal distribution of Rab6 transport carriers at the cell periphery for two different specific adhesion geometries.

Lunar soil properties and soil mechanics. Flow in porous media under rarefied gas conditions. Research phase: Fluid conductivity of lunar surface materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hurlbut, F. C.; Jih, C. R.

1972-01-01

Theoretical and experimental research on fluid conductivity of lunar surface materials is summarized. Theoretical methods were developed for the analysis of transitional and free-molecular flows, and for analysis of lunar permeability probe data in general. Experimental studies of rarefied flows under conditions of a large pressure gradient show flows in the continuum regime to be responsible for the largest portion of the pressure drop between source and sink for one dimensional flow, provided the entrance Knudsen number is sufficiently small. The concept of local similarity leading to a universal nondimensional function of Knudsen number was shown to have approximate validity; flows in all regimes may be described in terms of an area fraction and a single length parameter. Synthetic porous media prepared from glass beads exhibited flow behavior similar in many regards to that of a natural sandstone; studies using artificial stones with known pore configurations may lead to new insight concerning the structure of natural materials. The experimental method involving the use of segmented specimens of large permeability is shown to be fruitful.

Effects of lung disease on the three-dimensional structure and air flow pattern in the human airway tree

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van de Moortele, Tristan; Nemes, Andras; Wendt, Christine; Coletti, Filippo

2016-11-01

The morphological features of the airway tree directly affect the air flow features during breathing, which determines the gas exchange and inhaled particle transport. Lung disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in this study, affects the structural features of the lungs, which in turn negatively affects the air flow through the airways. Here bronchial tree air volume geometries are segmented from Computed Tomography (CT) scans of healthy and diseased subjects. Geometrical analysis of the airway centerlines and corresponding cross-sectional areas provide insight into the specific effects of COPD on the airway structure. These geometries are also used to 3D print anatomically accurate, patient specific flow models. Three-component, three-dimensional velocity fields within these models are acquired using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The three-dimensional flow fields provide insight into the change in flow patterns and features. Additionally, particle trajectories are determined using the velocity fields, to identify the fate of therapeutic and harmful inhaled aerosols. Correlation between disease-specific and patient-specific anatomical features with dysfunctional airflow patterns can be achieved by combining geometrical and flow analysis.

Distribution of melt along the East Pacific Rise from 9°30' to 10°N from an amplitude variation with angle of incidence (AVA) technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marjanović, Milena; Carton, Hélène; Carbotte, Suzanne M.; Nedimović, Mladen R.; Mutter, John C.; Canales, J. Pablo

2015-10-01

We examine along-axis variations in melt content of the axial magma lens (AML) beneath the fast-spreading East Pacific Rise (EPR) using an amplitude variation with angle of incidence (AVA) crossplotting method applied to multichannel seismic data acquired in 2008. The AVA crossplotting method, which has been developed for and, so far, applied for hydrocarbon prospection in sediments, is for the first time applied to a hardrock environment. We focus our analysis on 2-D data collected along the EPR axis from 9°29.8'N to 9°58.4'N, a region which encompasses the sites of two well-documented submarine volcanic eruptions (1991-1992 and 2005-2006). AVA crossplotting is performed for a ˜53 km length of the EPR spanning nine individual AML segments (ranging in length from ˜3.2 to 8.5 km) previously identified from the geometry of the AML and disruptions in continuity. Our detailed analyses conducted at 62.5 m interval show that within most of the analysed segments melt content varies at spatial scales much smaller (a few hundred of metres) than the length of the fine-scale AML segments, suggesting high heterogeneity in melt concentration. At the time of our survey, about 2 yr after the eruption, our results indicate that the three AML segments that directly underlie the 2005-2006 lava flow are on average mostly molten. However, detailed analysis at finer-scale intervals for these three segments reveals AML pockets (from >62.5 to 812.5 m long) with a low melt fraction. The longest such mushy section is centred beneath the main eruption site at ˜9°50.4'N, possibly reflecting a region of primary melt drainage during the 2005-2006 event. The complex geometry of fluid flow pathways within the crust above the AML and the different response times of fluid flow and venting to eruption and magma reservoir replenishment may contribute to the poor spatial correlation between incidence of hydrothermal vents and presence of highly molten AML. The presented results are an important step forward in our ability to resolve small-scale characteristics of the AML and recommend the AVA crossplotting as a tool for examining mid-ocean ridge magma-systems elsewhere.

Internal Flow Simulation of Enhanced Performance Solid Rocket Booster for the Space Transportation System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ahmad, Rashid A.; McCool, Alex (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

An enhanced performance solid rocket booster concept for the space shuttle system has been proposed. The concept booster will have strong commonality with the existing, proven, reliable four-segment Space Shuttle Reusable Solid Rocket Motors (RSRM) with individual component design (nozzle, insulator, etc.) optimized for a five-segment configuration. Increased performance is desirable to further enhance safety/reliability and/or increase payload capability. Performance increase will be achieved by adding a fifth propellant segment to the current four-segment booster and opening the throat to accommodate the increased mass flow while maintaining current pressure levels. One development concept under consideration is the static test of a "standard" RSRM with a fifth propellant segment inserted and appropriate minimum motor modifications. Feasibility studies are being conducted to assess the potential for any significant departure in component performance/loading from the well-characterized RSRM. An area of concern is the aft motor (submerged nozzle inlet, aft dome, etc.) where the altered internal flow resulting from the performance enhancing features (25% increase in mass flow rate, higher Mach numbers, modified subsonic nozzle contour) may result in increased component erosion and char. To assess this issue and to define the minimum design changes required to successfully static test a fifth segment RSRM engineering test motor, internal flow studies have been initiated. Internal aero-thermal environments were quantified in terms of conventional convective heating and discrete phase alumina particle impact/concentration and accretion calculations via Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation. Two sets of comparative CFD simulations of the RSRM and the five-segment (IBM) concept motor were conducted with CFD commercial code FLUENT. The first simulation involved a two-dimensional axi-symmetric model of the full motor, initial grain RSRM. The second set of analyses included three-dimensional models of the RSRM and FSM aft motors with four-degree vectored nozzles.

A comparative parametric study of a catalytic plate methane reformer coated with segmented and continuous layers of combustion catalyst for hydrogen production

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mundhwa, Mayur; Parmar, Rajesh D.; Thurgood, Christopher P.

2017-03-01

A parametric comparison study is carried out between segmented and conventional continuous layer configurations of the coated combustion-catalyst to investigate their influence on the performance of methane steam reforming (MSR) for hydrogen production in a catalytic plate reactor (CPR). MSR is simulated on one side of a thin plate over a continuous layer of nickel-alumina catalyst by implementing an experimentally validated surface microkinetic model. Required thermal energy for the MSR reaction is supplied by simulating catalytic methane combustion (CMC) on the opposite side of the plate over segmented and continuous layer of a platinum-alumina catalyst by implementing power law rate model. The simulation results of both coating configurations of the combustion-catalyst are compared using the following parameters: (1) co-flow and counter-flow modes between CMC and MSR, (2) gas hourly space velocity and (3) reforming-catalyst thickness. The study explains why CPR designed with the segmented combustion-catalyst and co-flow mode shows superior performance not only in terms of high hydrogen production but also in terms of minimizing the maximum reactor plate temperature and thermal hot-spots. The study shows that the segmented coating requires 7% to 8% less combustion-side feed flow and 70% less combustion-catalyst to produce the required flow of hydrogen (29.80 mol/h) on the reforming-side to feed a 1 kW fuel-cell compared to the conventional continuous coating of the combustion-catalyst.

Volume Segmentation and Ghost Particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ziskin, Isaac; Adrian, Ronald

2011-11-01

Volume Segmentation Tomographic PIV (VS-TPIV) is a type of tomographic PIV in which images of particles in a relatively thick volume are segmented into images on a set of much thinner volumes that may be approximated as planes, as in 2D planar PIV. The planes of images can be analysed by standard mono-PIV, and the volume of flow vectors can be recreated by assembling the planes of vectors. The interrogation process is similar to a Holographic PIV analysis, except that the planes of image data are extracted from two-dimensional camera images of the volume of particles instead of three-dimensional holographic images. Like the tomographic PIV method using the MART algorithm, Volume Segmentation requires at least two cameras and works best with three or four. Unlike the MART method, Volume Segmentation does not require reconstruction of individual particle images one pixel at a time and it does not require an iterative process, so it operates much faster. As in all tomographic reconstruction strategies, ambiguities known as ghost particles are produced in the segmentation process. The effect of these ghost particles on the PIV measurement is discussed. This research was supported by Contract 79419-001-09, Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Physical basis for river segmentation from water surface observables

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Samine Montazem, A.; Garambois, P. A.; Calmant, S.; Moreira, D. M.; Monnier, J.; Biancamaria, S.

2017-12-01

With the advent of satellite missions such as SWOT we will have access to high resolution estimates of the elevation, slope and width of the free surface. A segmentation strategy is required in order to sub-sample the data set into reach master points for further hydraulic analyzes and inverse modelling. The question that arises is : what will be the best node repartition strategy that preserves hydraulic properties of river flow? The concept of hydraulic visibility introduced by Garambois et al. (2016) is investigated in order to highlight and characterize the spatio-temporal variations of water surface slope and curvature for different flow regimes and reach geometries. We show that free surface curvature is a powerful proxy for characterizing the hydraulic behavior of a reach since concavity of water surface is driven by variations in channel geometry that impacts the hydraulic properties of the flow. We evaluated the performance of three segmentation strategies by means of a well documented case, that of the Garonne river in France. We conclude that local extrema of free surface curvature appear as the best candidate for locating the segment boundaries for an optimal hydraulic representation of the segmented river. We show that for a given river different segmentation scales are possible: a fine-scale segmentation which is driven by fine-scale hydraulic to large-scale segmentation driven by large-scale geomorphology. The segmentation technique is then applied to high resolution GPS profiles of free surface elevation collected on the Negro river basin, a major contributor of the Amazon river. We propose two segmentations: a low-resolution one that can be used for basin hydrology and a higher resolution one better suited for local hydrodynamic studies.

Hydrometry's classical and Innovative methods and tools comparison for Stara river flows at Agios Germanos monitoring station in north-west Greece.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Filintas, Agathos, , Dr; Hatzigiannakis, Evagellos, , Dr; Arampatzis, George, , Dr; Ilias, Andreas; Panagopoulos, Andreas, , Dr; Hatzispiroglou, Ioannis

2015-04-01

The aim of the present study is a thorough comparison of hydrometry's conventional and innovative methods-tools for river flow monitoring. A case study was conducted in Stara river at Agios Germanos monitoring station (northwest Greece), in order to investigate possible deviations between conventional and innovative methods-tools on river flow velocity and discharge. For this study, two flowmeters were used, which manufac-tured in 2013 (OTT Messtechnik Gmbh, 2013), as follows: a) A conventional propeller flow velocity meter (OTT-Model C2) which is a me-chanical current flow meter with a certification of calibration BARGO, operated with a rod and a relocating device, along with a digital measuring device including an elec-tronic flow calculator, data logger and real time control display unit. The flowmeter has a measurement velocity range 0.025-4.000 m/s. b) An innovative electromagnetic flowmeter (OTT-Model MF pro) which it is con-sisted of a compact and light-weight sensor and a robust handheld unit. Both system components are designed to be attached to conventional wading rods. The electromag-netic flowmeter uses Faraday's Law of electromagnetic induction to measure the process flow. When an electrically conductive fluid flows along the meter, an electrode voltage is induced between a pair of electrodes placed at right angles to the direction of mag-netic field. The electrode voltage is directly proportional to the average fluid velocity. The electromagnetic flowmeter was operated with a rod and relocating device, along with a digital measuring device with various logging and graphical capabilities and vari-ous methods of velocity measurement (ISO/USGS standards). The flowmeter has a measurement velocity range 0.000-6.000 m/s. The river flow data were averaged over a pair measurement of 60+60 seconds and the measured river water flow velocity, depths and widths of the segments were used for the estimation of cross-section's mean flow velocity in each measured segment. Then it was used the mid-section method for the overall discharge calculation of all segments flow area. The cross-section characteristics, the river flow velocity of segments and the mean water flow velocity and discharge total profile were measured, calculated and an-notated respectively. A series of concurrent conventional and innovative (electromag-netic) flow measurements were performed during 2014. The results and statistical analysis showed that Froude number during the measurement period in all cases was Fr<1 which means that the water flow of the Stara river is classified as subcritical flow. The 12 months' study showed various advantages for the elec-tromagnetic sensor that is virtually maintenance-free because there are no moving parts, no calibration was required in practice, and it can be used even in the lowest water ve-locities from 0.000 m/s. Moreover, based on the concurrent hydromeasurements of the Stara River, on the velocity and discharge modelling and the statistical analysis, it was found that there was not a significant statistical difference (α=0.05) between mean velocity measured with a) conventional and b) electromagnetic method which seems to be more accurate in low velocities where a significant statistical difference was found. Acknowledgments Data in this study are collected in the framework of the elaboration of the national water resources monitoring network, supervised by the Special Secretariat for Water-Hellenic Ministry for the Environment and Climate Change. This project is elaborated in the framework of the operational program "Environment and Sustainable Development" which is co-funded by the National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) and the Public Investment Program (PIP).

A peculiar segmented flow microfluidics for isoquercitrin biosynthesis based on coupling of reaction and separation.

PubMed

Gong, An; Gu, Shuang-Shuang; Wang, Jun; Sheng, Sheng; Wu, Fu-An

2015-10-01

A segmented flow containing a buffer-ionic liquid/solvent in a micro-channel reactor was applied to synthesize isoquercitrin by the hesperidinase-catalyzed selective hydrolysis of rutin, based on a novel system of reaction coupling with separation. Within the developed microchannel reactor with one T-shaped inlet and outlet, the maximum isoquercitrin yield (101.7 ± 2.6%) was achieved in 20 min at 30 °C and 4 μL/min. Compared with a continuous-flow reactor, reaction rate was increased 4-fold due to a glycine-sodium hydroxide:[Bmim][BF4]/glycerol triacetate (1:1, v/v) system that formed a slug flow in microchannel and significantly increased mass transfer rates. The mass transfer coefficient significantly increased and exhibited a linear relationship with the flow rate. Hesperidinase could be efficiently reused at least 5 times, without losing any activity. The bonding mechanism and secondary structure of hesperidinase indicated that hesperidinase had a greater affinity to rutin at a production rate of 4 μL/min in this segmented flow microreactor. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Analysis of 2D Phase Contrast MRI in Renal Arteries by Self Organizing Maps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zöllner, Frank G.; Schad, Lothar R.

We present an approach based on self organizing maps to segment renal arteries from 2D PC Cine MR, images to measure blood velocity and flow. Such information are important in grading renal artery stenosis and support the decision on surgical interventions like percu-tan transluminal angioplasty. Results show that the renal arteries could be extracted automatically. The corresponding velocity profiles show high correlation (r=0.99) compared those from manual delineated vessels. Furthermore, the method could detect possible blood flow patterns within the vessel.

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

Not Available

The model is designed to enable decision makers to compare the economics of geothermal projects with the economics of alternative energy systems at an early stage in the decision process. The geothermal engineering and economic feasibility computer model (GEEF) is written in FORTRAN IV language and can be run on a mainframe or a mini-computer system. An abbreviated version of the model is being developed for usage in conjunction with a programmable desk calculator. The GEEF model has two main segments, namely (i) the engineering design/cost segment and (ii) the economic analysis segment. In the engineering segment, the model determinesmore » the numbers of production and injection wells, heat exchanger design, operating parameters for the system, requirement of supplementary system (to augment the working fluid temperature if the resource temperature is not sufficiently high), and the fluid flow rates. The model can handle single stage systems as well as two stage cascaded systems in which the second stage may involve a space heating application after a process heat application in the first stage.« less

Generation of chemical movies: FT-IR spectroscopic imaging of segmented flows.

PubMed

Chan, K L Andrew; Niu, X; deMello, A J; Kazarian, S G

2011-05-01

We have previously demonstrated that FT-IR spectroscopic imaging can be used as a powerful, label-free detection method for studying laminar flows. However, to date, the speed of image acquisition has been too slow for the efficient detection of moving droplets within segmented flow systems. In this paper, we demonstrate the extraction of fast FT-IR images with acquisition times of 50 ms. This approach allows efficient interrogation of segmented flow systems where aqueous droplets move at a speed of 2.5 mm/s. Consecutive FT-IR images separated by 120 ms intervals allow the generation of chemical movies at eight frames per second. The technique has been applied to the study of microfluidic systems containing moving droplets of water in oil and droplets of protein solution in oil. The presented work demonstrates the feasibility of the use of FT-IR imaging to study dynamic systems with subsecond temporal resolution.

Segmented Domain Decomposition Multigrid For 3-D Turbomachinery Flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Celestina, M. L.; Adamczyk, J. J.; Rubin, S. G.

2001-01-01

A Segmented Domain Decomposition Multigrid (SDDMG) procedure was developed for three-dimensional viscous flow problems as they apply to turbomachinery flows. The procedure divides the computational domain into a coarse mesh comprised of uniformly spaced cells. To resolve smaller length scales such as the viscous layer near a surface, segments of the coarse mesh are subdivided into a finer mesh. This is repeated until adequate resolution of the smallest relevant length scale is obtained. Multigrid is used to communicate information between the different grid levels. To test the procedure, simulation results will be presented for a compressor and turbine cascade. These simulations are intended to show the ability of the present method to generate grid independent solutions. Comparisons with data will also be presented. These comparisons will further demonstrate the usefulness of the present work for they allow an estimate of the accuracy of the flow modeling equations independent of error attributed to numerical discretization.

Expression and Significance of Neuroligins in Myenteric Cells of Cajal in Hirschsprung's Disease

PubMed Central

Wang, Jian; Mou, Yaru; Zhang, Qiangye; Zhang, Fan; Yang, Hongchao; Zhang, Wentong; Li, Aiwu

2013-01-01

Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the expression and significance of neuroligins in myenteric cells of Cajal (ICC-MY) in Hirschsprung’s disease (HSCR). Methods Longitudinal muscle with adherent myenteric plexus (LMMP) from surgical excision waste colon of HSCR children were prepared by peeling off the mucous layer, sub-mucosal layer and circular muscle. Neuroligins, c-Kit (c-Kit-immunoreactivity representing ICC) and their relationship were assessed by double labeling immunofluorescence staining. ICC-MY were dissociated and cultured from LMMP by enzymolysis method, and were purified and analyzed using a combination of magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) and flow cytometry (FCM). Western-blot analysis was applied to compare and evaluate the expression levels of neuroligins in ICC-MY which were dissociated from different segments of HSCR (ganglionic colonic segment, transitional colonic segment and aganglionic colonic segment). Results Neuroligins and c-Kit were expressed on the same cells (ICC-MY); ICC-MY were dissociated, cultured and purified. For HSCR, neuroligins were expressed significantly in ICC-MY from ganglionic colonic segments, moderately in those from transitional colonic segments and down-regulated significantly in those from aganglionic colonic segments. Conclusions Neuroligins were expressed in ICC-MY of human beings, and the expression varies from different segments of HSCR. This abnormal expression might play an important role in the pathogenesis of this disease through affecting the synaptic function of ICC-MY. PMID:23840625

Bacterial cell identification in differential interference contrast microscopy images.

PubMed

Obara, Boguslaw; Roberts, Mark A J; Armitage, Judith P; Grau, Vicente

2013-04-23

Microscopy image segmentation lays the foundation for shape analysis, motion tracking, and classification of biological objects. Despite its importance, automated segmentation remains challenging for several widely used non-fluorescence, interference-based microscopy imaging modalities. For example in differential interference contrast microscopy which plays an important role in modern bacterial cell biology. Therefore, new revolutions in the field require the development of tools, technologies and work-flows to extract and exploit information from interference-based imaging data so as to achieve new fundamental biological insights and understanding. We have developed and evaluated a high-throughput image analysis and processing approach to detect and characterize bacterial cells and chemotaxis proteins. Its performance was evaluated using differential interference contrast and fluorescence microscopy images of Rhodobacter sphaeroides. Results demonstrate that the proposed approach provides a fast and robust method for detection and analysis of spatial relationship between bacterial cells and their chemotaxis proteins.

Rotorcraft noise: Status and recent developments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

George, Albert R.; Sim, Ben WEL-C.; Polak, David R.

1993-01-01

This paper briefly reviews rotorcraft noise mechanisms and their approximate importance for different types of rotorcraft in different flight regimes. Discrete noise is due to periodic flow disturbances and includes impulsive noise produced by phenomena which occur during a limited segment of a blade's rotation. Broadband noise results when rotors interact with random disturbances, such as turbulence, which can originate in a variety of sources. The status of analysis techniques for these mechanisms are reviewed. Also, some recent progress is presented on the understanding and analysis of tilt rotor aircraft noise due to: (1) recirculation and blockage effects of the rotor flow in hover; and (2) blade-vortex interactions in forward and descending flight.

Evaluating the role of river-floodplain connectivity in providing beneficial hydrologic services in mountain landscapes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Covino, T. P.; Wegener, P.; Weiss, T.; Wohl, E.; Rhoades, C.

2017-12-01

River networks of mountain landscapes tend to be dominated by steep, valley-confined channels that have limited floodplain area and low hydrologic buffering capacity. Interspersed between the narrow segments are wide, low-gradient segments where extensive floodplains, wetlands, and riparian areas can develop. Although they tend to be limited in their frequency relative to the narrow valley segments, the low-gradient, wide portions of mountain channel networks can be particularly important to hydrologic buffering and can be sites of high nutrient retention and ecosystem productivity. Hydrologic buffering along the wide valley segments is dependent on lateral hydrologic connectivity between the river and floodplain, however these connections have been increasingly severed as a result of various land and water management practices. We evaluated the role of river-floodplain connectivity in influencing water, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and nutrient flux in river networks of the Colorado Rockies. We found that disconnected segments with limited floodplain/riparian area had limited buffering capacity, while connected segments exhibited variable source-sink dynamics as a function of flow. Specifically, connected segments were typically a sink for water, DOC, and nutrients during high flows, and subsequently became a source as flows decreased. Shifts in river-floodplain hydrologic connectivity across flows related to higher and more variable aquatic ecosystem metabolism rates along connected relative to disconnected segments. Our data suggest that lateral hydrologic connectivity in wide valleys can enhance hydrologic and biogeochemical buffering, and promote high rates of aquatic ecosystem metabolism. While hydrologic disconnection in one river-floodplain system is unlikely to influence water resources at larger scales, the cumulative effects of widespread disconnection may be substantial. Because intact river-floodplain (i.e., connected) systems provide numerous hydrologic and ecologic benefits, understanding the dynamics and cumulative effects of disconnection is an important step toward improved water resource and ecosystem management.

Speckle variance optical coherence tomography of blood flow in the beating mouse embryonic heart.

PubMed

Grishina, Olga A; Wang, Shang; Larina, Irina V

2017-05-01

Efficient separation of blood and cardiac wall in the beating embryonic heart is essential and critical for experiment-based computational modelling and analysis of early-stage cardiac biomechanics. Although speckle variance optical coherence tomography (SV-OCT) relying on calculation of intensity variance over consecutively acquired frames is a powerful approach for segmentation of fluid flow from static tissue, application of this method in the beating embryonic heart remains challenging because moving structures generate SV signal indistinguishable from the blood. Here, we demonstrate a modified four-dimensional SV-OCT approach that effectively separates the blood flow from the dynamic heart wall in the beating mouse embryonic heart. The method takes advantage of the periodic motion of the cardiac wall and is based on calculation of the SV signal over the frames corresponding to the same phase of the heartbeat cycle. Through comparison with Doppler OCT imaging, we validate this speckle-based approach and show advantages in its insensitiveness to the flow direction and velocity as well as reduced influence from the heart wall movement. This approach has a potential in variety of applications relying on visualization and segmentation of blood flow in periodically moving structures, such as mechanical simulation studies and finite element modelling. Picture: Four-dimensional speckle variance OCT imaging shows the blood flow inside the beating heart of an E8.5 mouse embryo. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Anatomic and hemodynamic evaluation of renal venous flow in varicocele formation using color Doppler sonography with emphasis on renal vein entrapment syndrome.

PubMed

Unlu, Murat; Orguc, Sebnem; Serter, Selim; Pekindil, Gokhan; Pabuscu, Yuksel

2007-01-01

To investigate the anatomic and hemodynamic properties of testicular venous drainage and its effects on varicocele formation and reflux using color Doppler ultrasound (US) with emphasis on renal vein entrapment syndrome. Upper abdominal and scrotal US examinations of 35 varicocele patients and 35 healthy male subjects were performed in the supine position during rest, during a Valsalva maneuver and in the erect position. The aortomesenteric angle and distance (AMA and AMD, respectively), peak mean velocities (PVs) and diameters of different segments of renal veins, testicular vein diameters and duration of flow inversion were measured. In the varicocele group, the lateral segment of the left renal vein (LRV) had a larger diameter and slower PV, and the medial segment of the LRV had a smaller diameter and faster PV. The diameter of the dominant draining vein correlated with the PV of the medial and lateral segments of the LRV, whereas there was no correlation between the diameter of the dominant draining vein and the diameters of the right renal vein (RRV) and the lateral segment of the LRV or the PV of the RRV. The duration of flow inversion correlated with the diameter and PV of the medial segment of the LRV. No correlation between the diameters and PVs of the RRV and the lateral segment of the LRV was detected. The decreases in the AMA, AMD, diameter of the medial segment of the LRV and PV of the lateral segment of the LRV, and the increases in the PV of the medial segment of the LRV and the diameter of the lateral segment of the LRV in varicocele patients in all positions suggest the entrapment or impingement of the left renal vein between the aorta and the superior mesenteric artery. This has been defined as the "nutcracker phenomenon", which is known to affect varicocele formation.

Bubble deformations and segmented flows in corrugated microchannels at large capillary numbers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sauzade, Martin; Cubaud, Thomas

2018-03-01

We experimentally investigate the interaction between individual bubble deformations and collective distortions of segmented flows in nonlinear microfluidic geometries. Using highly viscous carrier fluids, we study the evolution of monodisperse trains of gas bubbles from a square to a smoothly corrugated microchannel characterized with a series of extensions and constrictions along the flow path. The hysteresis in the bubble shape between accelerating and decelerating flow fields is shown to increase with the capillary number. Measurements of instantaneous bubble velocities reveal the presence of a capillary pull that produces a nonmonotonic behavior for the front velocity in accelerating flow regions. Functional relationships are developed for predicting the morphology and dynamics of viscous multiphase flow patterns at the pore scale.

Deformation of host rocks and flow of magma during growth of minette dikes and breccia-bearing intrusions near Ship Rock, New Mexico

USGS Publications Warehouse

Delaney, Paul T.; Pollard, David D.

1981-01-01

We have studied a small group of minette dikes and plugs that crop out within a flat-lying sequence of siltstone and shale near Ship Rock, a prominent volcanic throat of tuff breccia in northwestern New Mexico. Seven dikes form a radial pattern about Ship Rock we describe in detail the northeastern dike, which has an outcrop length of about 2,900 m, an average thickness of 2.3 m, and a maximum thickness of 7.2 m. The dike is composed of 35 discrete segments arranged in echelon; orientation. of dike segments ranges systematically from N. 52? E. to N. 66? E. A prominent joint set strikes parallel to the segments and is localized within several tens of meters of the dike. Regional joint patterns display no obvious relation to dike orientation. Small offsets of segment contacts, as well as wedge-shaped bodies of crumpled host rock within segments mark the sites of coalescence of smaller segments during dike growth. Bulges in the dike contact, which represent a nondilational component of growth, indicate that wall rocks were brecciated and eroded during the flow of magma. Breccias make up about 9 percent of the 7,176-m 2 area of the dike, are concentrated in its southwest half, and are commonly associated with its thickest parts. We also describe three subcircular plugs; each plug is smaller than 30 m in diameter, is laterally associated with a dike, and contains abundant breccias. Field evidence indicates that these plugs grew from the dikes by brecciation and erosion of wallrocks and that the bulges in the contact of the northeastern dike represent an initial stage of this process. From continuum-mechanical models of host-rock deformation, we conclude that dike propagation was the dominant mechanism for creating conduits for magma ascent where the host rock was brittle and elastic. At a given driving pressure, dikes dilate to accept greater volumes of magma than plugs, and for a given dilation, less work is done on the host rocks. In addition, the pressure required for dike growth decreases with dike length. From numerical solutions for dilation of cracks oriented like segments of the northeastern dike, we find that we can best model the form of the dike by treating it as composed of 10 cracks rather than 35. We attribute this result to coalescence of adjacent segments below the present outcrop and to inelastic deformation at segment ends. Using a driving pressure of 2 MPa (20 bars), we estimate a shear modulus of about 10^3 MPa for the host rocks, in agreement with laboratory tests on soft shale. A propagation criterion based on stress intensity at the segment ends indicates a fracture toughness of the host rocks of about 100 MPa-m^? , a hundredfold greater than values reported from laboratory tests. Segmentation of fractures is common in many materials and has been observed during fissure eruptions at Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii. At the northeastern dike, we attribute segmentation to local rotation of the direction of least principal compressive stress. From continuum-mechanical models of magma and heat flow in idealized conduits, we conclude that magma flows far more rapidly and with less relative heat loss in plugs than in dikes. Although dikes are the preferred form for emplacement, plugs are the preferred form for the flow of magma. We present a numerical solution for volumetric flow rate and wall heat flux for the northeastern dike and find that although the flow rate is extremely sensitive to conduit geometry, the rate of heat loss to wall rocks is not. During emplacement of the northeastern dike, local flow rate increased where wall rocks were eroded and reached a maximum of about 45 times the mean initial rate, whereas the maximum rate of heat loss to wallrocks increased to only 1.6 times the mean initial rate. An inferred progression from continuous magma flow along a dike to flow from a plug agrees well with observations of volcanic eruptions that begin from fissures and later are localized at discrete vents. We

Comparison between MDCT and Grayscale IVUS in a Quantitative Analysis of Coronary Lumen in Segments with or without Atherosclerotic Plaques

PubMed Central

Falcão, João L. A. A.; Falcão, Breno A. A.; Gurudevan, Swaminatha V.; Campos, Carlos M.; Silva, Expedito R.; Kalil-Filho, Roberto; Rochitte, Carlos E.; Shiozaki, Afonso A.; Coelho-Filho, Otavio R.; Lemos, Pedro A.

2015-01-01

Background The diagnostic accuracy of 64-slice MDCT in comparison with IVUS has been poorly described and is mainly restricted to reports analyzing segments with documented atherosclerotic plaques. Objectives We compared 64-slice multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) with gray scale intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) for the evaluation of coronary lumen dimensions in the context of a comprehensive analysis, including segments with absent or mild disease. Methods The 64-slice MDCT was performed within 72 h before the IVUS imaging, which was obtained for at least one coronary, regardless of the presence of luminal stenosis at angiography. A total of 21 patients were included, with 70 imaged vessels (total length 114.6 ± 38.3 mm per patient). A coronary plaque was diagnosed in segments with plaque burden > 40%. Results At patient, vessel, and segment levels, average lumen area, minimal lumen area, and minimal lumen diameter were highly correlated between IVUS and 64-slice MDCT (p < 0.01). However, 64-slice MDCT tended to underestimate the lumen size with a relatively wide dispersion of the differences. The comparison between 64-slice MDCT and IVUS lumen measurements was not substantially affected by the presence or absence of an underlying plaque. In addition, 64-slice MDCT showed good global accuracy for the detection of IVUS parameters associated with flow-limiting lesions. Conclusions In a comprehensive, multi-territory, and whole-artery analysis, the assessment of coronary lumen by 64-slice MDCT compared with coronary IVUS showed a good overall diagnostic ability, regardless of the presence or absence of underlying atherosclerotic plaques. PMID:25993595

Automated analysis of Physarum network structure and dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fricker, Mark D.; Akita, Dai; Heaton, Luke LM; Jones, Nick; Obara, Boguslaw; Nakagaki, Toshiyuki

2017-06-01

We evaluate different ridge-enhancement and segmentation methods to automatically extract the network architecture from time-series of Physarum plasmodia withdrawing from an arena via a single exit. Whilst all methods gave reasonable results, judged by precision-recall analysis against a ground-truth skeleton, the mean phase angle (Feature Type) from intensity-independent, phase-congruency edge enhancement and watershed segmentation was the most robust to variation in threshold parameters. The resultant single pixel-wide segmented skeleton was converted to a graph representation as a set of weighted adjacency matrices containing the physical dimensions of each vein, and the inter-vein regions. We encapsulate the complete image processing and network analysis pipeline in a downloadable software package, and provide an extensive set of metrics that characterise the network structure, including hierarchical loop decomposition to analyse the nested structure of the developing network. In addition, the change in volume for each vein and intervening plasmodial sheet was used to predict the net flow across the network. The scaling relationships between predicted current, speed and shear force with vein radius were consistent with predictions from Murray’s law. This work was presented at PhysNet 2015.

Cell stimulus and lysis in a microfluidic device with segmented gas-liquid flow.

PubMed

El-Ali, Jamil; Gaudet, Suzanne; Günther, Axel; Sorger, Peter K; Jensen, Klavs F

2005-06-01

We describe a microfluidic device with rapid stimulus and lysis of mammalian cells for resolving fast transient responses in cell signaling networks. The device uses segmented gas-liquid flow to enhance mixing and has integrated thermoelectric heaters and coolers to control the temperature during cell stimulus and lysis. Potential negative effects of segmented flow on cell responses are investigated in three different cell types, with no morphological changes and no activation of the cell stress-sensitive mitogen activated protein kinases observed. Jurkat E6-1 cells are stimulated in the device using alpha-CD3, and the resulting activations of ERK and JNK are presented for different time points. Stimulation of cells performed on chip results in pathway activation identical to that of conventionally treated cells under the same conditions.

Analyzing Interactions by an IIS-Map-Based Method in Face-to-Face Collaborative Learning: An Empirical Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zheng, Lanqin; Yang, Kaicheng; Huang, Ronghuai

2012-01-01

This study proposes a new method named the IIS-map-based method for analyzing interactions in face-to-face collaborative learning settings. This analysis method is conducted in three steps: firstly, drawing an initial IIS-map according to collaborative tasks; secondly, coding and segmenting information flows into information items of IIS; thirdly,…

Vortex nozzle for segmenting and transporting metal chips from turning operations

DOEpatents

Bieg, L.F.

1993-04-20

Apparatus for collecting, segmenting and conveying metal chips from machining operations utilizes a compressed gas driven vortex nozzle for receiving the chip and twisting it to cause the chip to segment through the application of torsional forces to the chip. The vortex nozzle is open ended and generally tubular in shape with a converging inlet end, a constant diameter throat section and a diverging exhaust end. Compressed gas is discharged through angled vortex ports in the nozzle throat section to create vortex flow in the nozzle and through an annular inlet at the entrance to the converging inlet end to create suction at the nozzle inlet and cause ambient air to enter the nozzle. The vortex flow in the nozzle causes the metal chip to segment and the segments thus formed to pass out of the discharge end of the nozzle where they are collected, cleaned and compacted as needed.

Analysis of gravity-induced particle motion and fluid perfusion flow in the NASA-designed rotating zero-head-space tissue culture vessel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wolf, David A.; Schwarz, Ray P.

1991-01-01

The gravity induced motions, through the culture media, is calculated of living tissue segments cultured in the NASA rotating zero head space culture vessels. This is then compared with the media perfusion speed which is independent of gravity. The results may be interpreted as a change in the physical environment which will occur by operating the NASA tissue culture systems in actual microgravity (versus unit gravity). The equations governing particle motions which induce flows at the surface of tissues contain g terms. This allows calculation of the fluid flow speed, with respect to a cultured particle, as a function of the external gravitational field strength. The analysis is approached from a flow field perspective. Flow is proportional to the shear exerted on a structure which maintains position within the field. The equations are solved for the deviation of a particle from its original position in a circular streamline as a function of time. The radial deviation is important for defining the operating limits and dimensions of the vessel because of the finite radius at which particles necessarily intercept the wall. This analysis uses a rotating reference frame concept.

2017 GTO Project review Laboratory Evaluation of EGS Shear Stimulation.

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

Bauer, Stephen J.

The objectives and purpose of this research has been to produce laboratory-based experimental and numerical analyses to provide a physics-based understanding of shear stimulation phenomena (hydroshearing) and its evolution during stimulation. Water was flowed along fractures in hot and stressed fractured rock, to promote slip. The controlled laboratory experiments provide a high resolution/high quality data resource for evaluation of analysis methods developed by DOE to assess EGS “behavior” during this stimulation process. Segments of the experimental program will provide data sets for model input parameters, i.e., material properties, and other segments of the experimental program will represent small scale physicalmore » models of an EGS system, which may be modeled. The coupled lab/analysis project has been a study of the response of a fracture in hot, water-saturated fractured rock to shear stress experiencing fluid flow. Under this condition, the fracture experiences a combination of potential pore pressure changes and fracture surface cooling, resulting in slip along the fracture. The laboratory work provides a means to assess the role of “hydroshearing” on permeability enhancement in reservoir stimulation. Using the laboratory experiments and results to define boundary and input/output conditions of pore pressure, thermal stress, fracture shear deformation and fluid flow, and models were developed and simulations completed by the University of Oklahoma team. The analysis methods are ones used on field scale problems. The sophisticated numerical models developed contain parameters present in the field. The analysis results provide insight into the role of fracture slip on permeability enhancement-“hydroshear” is to be obtained. The work will provide valuable input data to evaluate stimulation models, thus helping design effective EGS.« less

Shape-controlled continuous synthesis of metal nanostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sebastian, Victor; Smith, Christopher D.; Jensen, Klavs F.

2016-03-01

A segmented flow-based microreactor is used for the continuous production of faceted nanocrystals. Flow segmentation is proposed as a versatile tool to manipulate the reduction kinetics and control the growth of faceted nanostructures; tuning the size and shape. Switching the gas from oxygen to carbon monoxide permits the adjustment in nanostructure growth from 1D (nanorods) to 2D (nanosheets). CO is a key factor in the formation of Pd nanosheets and Pt nanocubes; operating as a second phase, a reductant, and a capping agent. This combination confines the growth to specific structures. In addition, the segmented flow microfluidic reactor inherently has the ability to operate in a reproducible manner at elevated temperatures and pressures whilst confining potentially toxic reactants, such as CO, in nanoliter slugs. This continuous system successfully synthesised Pd nanorods with an aspect ratio of 6; thin palladium nanosheets with a thickness of 1.5 nm; and Pt nanocubes with a 5.6 nm edge length, all in a synthesis time as low as 150 s.A segmented flow-based microreactor is used for the continuous production of faceted nanocrystals. Flow segmentation is proposed as a versatile tool to manipulate the reduction kinetics and control the growth of faceted nanostructures; tuning the size and shape. Switching the gas from oxygen to carbon monoxide permits the adjustment in nanostructure growth from 1D (nanorods) to 2D (nanosheets). CO is a key factor in the formation of Pd nanosheets and Pt nanocubes; operating as a second phase, a reductant, and a capping agent. This combination confines the growth to specific structures. In addition, the segmented flow microfluidic reactor inherently has the ability to operate in a reproducible manner at elevated temperatures and pressures whilst confining potentially toxic reactants, such as CO, in nanoliter slugs. This continuous system successfully synthesised Pd nanorods with an aspect ratio of 6; thin palladium nanosheets with a thickness of 1.5 nm; and Pt nanocubes with a 5.6 nm edge length, all in a synthesis time as low as 150 s. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: ESI Fig. S1-S8. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr08531d

PolNet: A Tool to Quantify Network-Level Cell Polarity and Blood Flow in Vascular Remodeling.

PubMed

Bernabeu, Miguel O; Jones, Martin L; Nash, Rupert W; Pezzarossa, Anna; Coveney, Peter V; Gerhardt, Holger; Franco, Claudio A

2018-05-08

In this article, we present PolNet, an open-source software tool for the study of blood flow and cell-level biological activity during vessel morphogenesis. We provide an image acquisition, segmentation, and analysis protocol to quantify endothelial cell polarity in entire in vivo vascular networks. In combination, we use computational fluid dynamics to characterize the hemodynamics of the vascular networks under study. The tool enables, to our knowledge for the first time, a network-level analysis of polarity and flow for individual endothelial cells. To date, PolNet has proven invaluable for the study of endothelial cell polarization and migration during vascular patterning, as demonstrated by two recent publications. Additionally, the tool can be easily extended to correlate blood flow with other experimental observations at the cellular/molecular level. We release the source code of our tool under the Lesser General Public License. Copyright © 2018 Biophysical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Pangea break-up: from passive to active margin in the Colombian Caribbean Realm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gómez, Cristhian; Kammer, Andreas

2017-04-01

The break-up of Western Pangea has lead to a back-arc type tectonic setting along the periphery of Gondwana, with the generation of syn-rift basins filled with sedimentary and volcanic sequences during the Middle to Late Triassic. The Indios and Corual formations in the Santa Marta massif of Northern Andes were deposited in this setting. In this contribution we elaborate a stratigraphic model for both the Indios and Corual formations, based on the description and classification of sedimentary facies and their architecture and a provenance analysis. Furthermore, geotectonic environments for volcanic and volcanoclastic rock of both units are postulated. The Indios Formation is a shallow-marine syn-rift basin fill and contains gravity flows deposits. This unit is divided into three segments; the lower and upper segments are related to fan-deltas, while the middle segment is associated to offshore deposits with lobe incursions of submarine fans. Volcanoclastic and volcanic rocks of the Indios and Corual formations are bimodal in composition and are associated to alkaline basalts. Volcanogenic deposits comprise debris, pyroclastic and lava flows of both effusive and explosive eruptions. These units record multiple phases of rifting and reveal together a first stage in the break-up of Pangea during Middle and Late Triassic in North Colombia.

Passenger flow rates between compartments : straight-segmented stairways, spiral stairways, and passageways with restricted vision and changes of attitude.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1978-01-01

Data are presented from 210 trials to compare movement up and down spiral and straight-segmented stairways simulating the stairs in multideck transport aircraft, up and down spiral and straight-segmented industrial-type stairways, fore and aft throug...

Segmental Blood Flow and Hemodynamic State of Lymphedematous and Nonlymphedematous Arms

PubMed Central

Montgomery, Leslie D.; Dietrich, Mary S.; Armer, Jane M.; Stewart, B. R.

2011-01-01

Abstract Background Findings regarding the influence hemodynamic factors, such as increased arterial blood flow or venous abnormalities, on breast cancer treatment-related lymphedema are mixed. The purpose of this study was to compare segmental arterial blood flow, venous blood return, and blood volumes between breast cancer survivors with treatment-related lymphedema and healthy normal individuals without lymphedema. Methods and Results A Tetrapolar High Resolution Impedance Monitor and Cardiotachometer were used to compare segmental arterial blood flow, venous blood return, and blood volumes between breast cancer survivors with treatment-related lymphedema and healthy normal volunteers. Average arterial blood flow in lymphedema-affected arms was higher than that in arms of healthy normal volunteers or in contralateral nonlymphedema affected arms. Time of venous outflow period of blood flow pulse was lower in lymphedema-affected arms than in healthy normal or lymphedema nonaffected arms. Amplitude of the venous component of blood flow pulse signal was lower in lymphedema-affected arms than in healthy or lymphedema nonaffected arms. Index of venular tone was also lower in lymphedema-affected arms than healthy or lymphedema nonaffected arms. Conclusions Both arterial and venous components may be altered in the lymphedema-affected arms when compared to healthy normal arms and contralateral arms in the breast cancer survivors. PMID:21417765

Respiratory Sound Analysis for Flow Estimation During Wakefulness and Sleep, and its Applications for Sleep Apnea Detection and Monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yadollahi, Azadeh

Tracheal respiratory sounds analysis has been investigated as a non--invasive method to estimate respiratory flow and upper airway obstruction. However, the flow--sound relationship is highly variable among subjects which makes it challenging to estimate flow in general applications. Therefore, a robust model for acoustical flow estimation in a large group of individuals did not exist before. On the other hand, a major application of acoustical flow estimation is to detect flow limitations in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) during sleep. However, previously the flow--sound relationship was only investigated during wakefulness among healthy individuals. Therefore, it was necessary to examine the flow--sound relationship during sleep in OSA patients. This thesis takes the above challenges and offers innovative solutions. First, a modified linear flow--sound model was proposed to estimate respiratory flow from tracheal sounds. To remove the individual based calibration process, the statistical correlation between the model parameters and anthropometric features of 93 healthy volunteers was investigated. The results show that gender, height and smoking are the most significant factors that affect the model parameters. Hence, a general acoustical flow estimation model was proposed for people with similar height and gender. Second, flow--sound relationship during sleep and wakefulness was studied among 13 OSA patients. The results show that during sleep and wakefulness, flow--sound relation- ship follows a power law, but with different parameters. Therefore, for acoustical flow estimation during sleep, the model parameters should be extracted from sleep data to have small errors. The results confirm reliability of the acoustical flow estimation for investigating flow variations during both sleep and wakefulness. Finally, a new method for sleep apnea detection and monitoring was developed, which only requires recording the tracheal sounds and the blood's oxygen saturation level (SaO2) data. It automatically classifies the sound segments into breath, snore and noise. A weighted average of features extracted from sound segments and SaO2 signal was used to detect apnea and hypopnea events. The performance of the proposed approach was evaluated on the data of 66 patients. The results show high correlation (0.96, p < 0.0001) between the outcomes of our system and those of the polysomnography. Also, sensitivity and specificity of the proposed method in differentiating simple snorers from OSA patients were found to be more than 91%. These results are superior or comparable with the existing commercialized sleep apnea portable monitors.

A computational model for simulating solute transport and oxygen consumption along the nephrons

PubMed Central

Vallon, Volker; Edwards, Aurélie

2016-01-01

The goal of this study was to investigate water and solute transport, with a focus on sodium transport (TNa) and metabolism along individual nephron segments under differing physiological and pathophysiological conditions. To accomplish this goal, we developed a computational model of solute transport and oxygen consumption (QO2) along different nephron populations of a rat kidney. The model represents detailed epithelial and paracellular transport processes along both the superficial and juxtamedullary nephrons, with the loop of Henle of each model nephron extending to differing depths of the inner medulla. We used the model to assess how changes in TNa may alter QO2 in different nephron segments and how shifting the TNa sites alters overall kidney QO2. Under baseline conditions, the model predicted a whole kidney TNa/QO2, which denotes the number of moles of Na+ reabsorbed per moles of O2 consumed, of ∼15, with TNa efficiency predicted to be significantly greater in cortical nephron segments than in medullary segments. The TNa/QO2 ratio was generally similar among the superficial and juxtamedullary nephron segments, except for the proximal tubule, where TNa/QO2 was ∼20% higher in superficial nephrons, due to the larger luminal flow along the juxtamedullary proximal tubules and the resulting higher, flow-induced transcellular transport. Moreover, the model predicted that an increase in single-nephron glomerular filtration rate does not significantly affect TNa/QO2 in the proximal tubules but generally increases TNa/QO2 along downstream segments. The latter result can be attributed to the generally higher luminal [Na+], which raises paracellular TNa. Consequently, vulnerable medullary segments, such as the S3 segment and medullary thick ascending limb, may be relatively protected from flow-induced increases in QO2 under pathophysiological conditions. PMID:27707705

Flow-Through Free Fibula Osteocutaneous Flap in Reconstruction of Tibial Bone, Soft Tissue, and Main Artery Segmental Defects.

PubMed

Li, Zonghuan; Yu, Aixi; Qi, Baiwen; Pan, Zhenyu; Ding, Junhui

2017-08-01

The aim of this report was to present the use of flow-through free fibula osteocutaneous flap for the repair of complex tibial bone, soft tissue, and main artery segmental defects. Five patients with bone, soft tissue, and segmental anterior tibial artery defects were included. The lengths of injured tibial bones ranged from 4 to 7 cm. The sizes of impaired soft tissues were between 9 × 4 and 15 × 6 cm. The lengths of defect of anterior tibial artery segments ranged from 6 to 10 cm. Two patients had distal limb perfusion problems. Flow-through free fibula osteocutaneous flap was performed for all 5 patients. Patients were followed for 12 to 18 months. All wounds healed after 1-stage operation, and all flow-through flaps survived. The distal perfusion after vascular repair was normal in all patients. Superficial necrosis of flap edge was noted in 1 case. After the local debridement and partial thickness skin graft, the flap healed uneventfully, and the surgical operation did not increase injury to the donor site. Satisfactory bone union was achieved in all patients in 2 to 4 months postoperation. Enlargement of fibula graft was observed during follow-up from 12 to 18 months. The functions of adjacent joints were recovered, and all patients were able to walk normally. Flow-through free fibula osteocutaneous flap was shown to be an effective and efficient technique for repairing composite tibial bone, soft tissue, and main artery segmental defects. This 1-stage operation should be useful in clinical practice for the treatment of complex bone, soft tissue, and vessel defects.

A Microfabricated Segmented-Involute-Foil Regenerator for Enhancing Reliability and Performance of Stirling Engines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ibrahim, Mounir; Danila, Daniel; Simon, Terrence; Mantell, Susan; Sun, Liyong; Gadeon, David; Qiu, Songgang; Wood, Gary; Kelly, Kevin; McLean, Jeffrey

2007-01-01

An actual-size microfabricated regenerator comprised of a stack of 42 disks, 19 mm diameter and 0.25 mm thick, with layers of microscopic, segmented, involute-shaped flow channels was fabricated and tested. The geometry resembles layers of uniformly-spaced segmented-parallel-plates, except the plates are curved. Each disk was made from electro-plated nickel using the LiGA process. This regenerator had feature sizes close to those required for an actual Stirling engine but the overall regenerator dimensions were sized for the NASA/Sunpower oscillating-flow regenerator test rig. Testing in the oscillating-flow test rig showed the regenerator performed extremely well, significantly better than currently used random-fiber material, producing the highest figures of merit ever recorded for any regenerator tested in that rig over its approximately 20 years of use.

Influences of hydraulic gradient, surface roughness, intersecting angle, and scale effect on nonlinear flow behavior at single fracture intersections

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Bo; Liu, Richeng; Jiang, Yujing

2016-07-01

Fluid flow tests were conducted on two crossed fracture models for which the geometries of fracture segments and intersections were measured by utilizing a visualization technique using a CCD (charged coupled device) camera. Numerical simulations by solving the Navier-Stokes equations were performed to characterize the fluid flow at fracture intersections. The roles of hydraulic gradient, surface roughness, intersecting angle, and scale effect in the nonlinear fluid flow behavior through single fracture intersections were investigated. The simulation results of flow rate agreed well with the experimental results for both models. The experimental and simulation results showed that with the increment of the hydraulic gradient, the ratio of the flow rate to the hydraulic gradient, Q/J, decreases and the relative difference of Q/J between the calculation results employing the Navier-Stokes equations and the cubic law, δ, increases. When taking into account the fracture surface roughness quantified by Z2 ranging 0-0.42 for J = 1, the value of δ would increase by 0-10.3%. The influences of the intersecting angle on the normalized flow rate that represents the ratio of the flow rate in a segment to the total flow rate, Ra, and the ratio of the hydraulic aperture to the mechanical aperture, e/E, are negligible when J < 10-3, whereas their values change significantly when J > 10-2. Based on the regression analysis on simulation results, a mathematical expression was proposed to quantify e/E, involving variables of J and Rr, where Rr is the radius of truncating circles centered at an intersection. For E/Rr > 10-2, e/E varies significantly and the scale of model has large impacts on the nonlinear flow behavior through intersections, while for E/Rr < 10-3, the scale effect is negligibly small. Finally, a necessary condition to apply the cubic law to fluid flow through fracture intersections is suggested as J < 10-3, E/Rr < 10-3, and Z2 = 0.

Peristaltic pump noise: A nemesis conquered

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

Burns, D.A.

1994-12-31

Continuous-flow analyzers (CFA), and especially Segmented Flow Analyzers (SFA), typically employ peristaltic pumps to generate a carrier stream and add reagents thereto. The resulting pump {open_quotes}noise{close_quotes} usually limits precision, and is generally deemed unavoidable. Although the problem is partially solved by hydraulic debubbling, most modern instruments employ bubble thru the flow-cell (BTTFC) technology and electronic debubbling. The authors have developed an algorithm that can significantly reduce this source of noise, even when the individual segments in the SFA stream are of varying volumes and/or concentrations. It does this, without any modifications to the pump, by examining each individual segment asmore » it passes thru the flowcell. The Alpkem model 304 multichannel pump, for example, can be set to produce 90 bubbles/minutes (and therefore 90 segments/minute), so one has 667 msec in which to gather sufficient information to identify a {open_quotes}bad{close_quotes} segment and modify its value. This hardware includes a Hewlett Packard model 8452A diode array spectrophotometer fitted with fiber optics leading to/from a flowcell (5 mm path length X 1mm ID). Each segment remains in the flowcell 300-500 msec. With a data sampling rate of 10/sec (100 msec integration time), the authors can acquire 3-5 intensity values for each segment and convert these to absorbance values. The software to perform all this was written in QuickBASIC 4.5 and incorporates a few routines from Hewlett Packard`s library. The program will be described in some detail so that analytical chemists who use BTTFC can obtain higher precision.« less

Quantitative analysis of arterial flow properties for detection of non-calcified plaques in ECG-gated coronary CT angiography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, Jun; Zhou, Chuan; Chan, Heang-Ping; Chughtai, Aamer; Agarwal, Prachi; Kuriakose, Jean; Hadjiiski, Lubomir; Patel, Smita; Kazerooni, Ella

2015-03-01

We are developing a computer-aided detection system to assist radiologists in detection of non-calcified plaques (NCPs) in coronary CT angiograms (cCTA). In this study, we performed quantitative analysis of arterial flow properties in each vessel branch and extracted flow information to differentiate the presence and absence of stenosis in a vessel segment. Under rest conditions, blood flow in a single vessel branch was assumed to follow Poiseuille's law. For a uniform pressure distribution, two quantitative flow features, the normalized arterial compliance per unit length (Cu) and the normalized volumetric flow (Q) along the vessel centerline, were calculated based on the parabolic Poiseuille solution. The flow features were evaluated for a two-class classification task to differentiate NCP candidates obtained by prescreening as true NCPs and false positives (FPs) in cCTA. For evaluation, a data set of 83 cCTA scans was retrospectively collected from 83 patient files with IRB approval. A total of 118 NCPs were identified by experienced cardiothoracic radiologists. The correlation between the two flow features was 0.32. The discriminatory ability of the flow features evaluated as the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.65 for Cu and 0.63 for Q in comparison with AUCs of 0.56-0.69 from our previous luminal features. With stepwise LDA feature selection, volumetric flow (Q) was selected in addition to three other luminal features. With FROC analysis, the test results indicated a reduction of the FP rates to 3.14, 1.98, and 1.32 FPs/scan at sensitivities of 90%, 80%, and 70%, respectively. The study indicated that quantitative blood flow analysis has the potential to provide useful features for the detection of NCPs in cCTA.

Corn leaf nitrate reductase - A nontoxic alternative to cadmium for photometric nitrate determinations in water samples by air-segmented continuous-flow analysis

USGS Publications Warehouse

Patton, C.J.; Fischer, A.E.; Campbell, W.H.; Campbell, E.R.

2002-01-01

Development, characterization, and operational details of an enzymatic, air-segmented continuous-flow analytical method for colorimetric determination of nitrate + nitrite in natural-water samples is described. This method is similar to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency method 353.2 and U.S. Geological Survey method 1-2545-90 except that nitrate is reduced to nitrite by soluble nitrate reductase (NaR, EC 1.6.6.1) purified from corn leaves rather than a packed-bed cadmium reactor. A three-channel, air-segmented continuous-flow analyzer-configured for simultaneous determination of nitrite (0.020-1.000 mg-N/L) and nitrate + nitrite (0.05-5.00 mg-N/L) by the nitrate reductase and cadmium reduction methods-was used to characterize analytical performance of the enzymatic reduction method. At a sampling rate of 90 h-1, sample interaction was less than 1% for all three methods. Method detection limits were 0.001 mg of NO2- -N/L for nitrite, 0.003 mg of NO3-+ NO2- -N/L for nitrate + nitrite by the cadmium-reduction method, and 0.006 mg of NO3- + NO2- -N/L for nitrate + nitrite by the enzymatic-reduction method. Reduction of nitrate to nitrite by both methods was greater than 95% complete over the entire calibration range. The difference between the means of nitrate + nitrite concentrations in 124 natural-water samples determined simultaneously by the two methods was not significantly different from zero at the p = 0.05 level.

Ethinyl estradiol and other human pharmaceutical estrogens in the aquatic environment: a review of recent risk assessment data.

PubMed

Laurenson, James P; Bloom, Raanan A; Page, Stephen; Sadrieh, Nakissa

2014-03-01

Interest in pharmaceuticals in the environment has increased substantially in recent years. Several studies in particular have assessed human and ecological risks from human pharmaceutical estrogens, such as 17α-ethinyl estradiol (EE2). Regulatory action also has increased, with the USA and other countries developing rules to address estrogens and other pharmaceuticals in the environment. Accordingly, the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research at the US Food and Drug Administration has conducted a review and analysis of current data on the long-term ecological exposure and effects of EE2 and other estrogens. The results indicate that mean-flow long-term predicted environmental concentrations (PECs) of EE2 in approximately 99% or more of US surface water segments downstream of wastewater treatment plants are lower than a predicted no-effect concentration (PNEC) for aquatic chronic toxicity of 0.1 ng/L. Exceedances are expected to be primarily in localized, effluent-dominated water segments. The median mean-flow PEC is more than two orders of magnitude lower than this PNEC. Similar results exist for other pharmaceutical estrogens. Data also suggest that the contribution of EE2 more broadly to total estrogenic load in the environment from all sources (including other human pharmaceutical estrogens, endogenous estrogens, natural environmental estrogens, and industrial chemicals), while highly uncertain and variable, appears to be relatively low overall. Additional data and a more comprehensive approach for data collection and analysis for estrogenic substances in the environment, especially in effluent-dominated water segments in sensitive environments, would more fully characterize the risks.

Vasopressin-induced constriction of the isolated rat occipital artery is segment-dependent

PubMed Central

Chelko, Stephen P.; Schmiedt, Chad W.; Lewis, Tristan H.; Lewis, Stephen J.; Robertson, Tom P.

2014-01-01

Background Circulating factors delivered to the nodose ganglion (NG) by the occipital artery (OA) have shown to affect vagal afferent activity, and thus the contractile state of the OA may influence blood flow to the NG. Methods OA were isolated and bisected into proximal and distal segments, relative to the external carotid artery. Results Bisection, highlighted stark differences between maximal contractile responses and OA sensitivity. Specifically, maximum responses to vasopressin and the V1 receptor agonist, were significantly higher in distal than proximal segments. Distal segments were significantly more sensitive to 5-HT and the 5-HT2 receptor agonist than proximal segments. AT2, V2 and 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonists did not elicit vascular responses. Additionally, AT1 receptor agonists elicited mild, yet not significantly different maximal responses between segments. Conclusion The results of this study are consistent with contractile properties of rat OA being mediated via AT1, V1 and 5-HT2 receptors, and are dependent upon the OA segment. Furthermore, vasopressin-induced constriction of the OA, regardless of a bolus dose or a first and second concentration response curve retained this unique segmental difference and therefore we hypothesize this may be a pathophysiological response in the regulation of blood flow through the OA. PMID:24192548

Size-dependent trophic patterns of pallid sturgeon and shovelnose sturgeon in a large river system

USGS Publications Warehouse

French, William E.; Graeb, Brian D. S.; Bertrand, Katie N.; Chipps, Steven R.; Klumb, Robert A.

2013-01-01

This study compared patterns of δ15N and δ13C enrichment of pallid sturgeon Scaphirhynchus albus and shovelnose sturgeon S. platorynchus in the Missouri River, United States, to infer their trophic position in a large river system. We examined enrichment and energy flow for pallid sturgeon in three segments of the Missouri River (Montana/North Dakota, Nebraska/South Dakota, and Nebraska/Iowa) and made comparisons between species in the two downstream segments (Nebraska/South Dakota and Nebraska/Iowa). Patterns in isotopic composition for pallid sturgeon were consistent with gut content analyses indicating an ontogenetic diet shift from invertebrates to fish prey at sizes of >500-mm fork length (FL) in all three segments of the Missouri River. Isotopic patterns revealed shovelnose sturgeon did not experience an ontogenetic shift in diet and used similar prey resources as small (<500-mm FL) pallid sturgeon in the two downstream segments. We found stable isotope analysis to be an effective tool for evaluating the trophic position of sturgeons within a large river food web.

Droplet-based microfluidic flow injection system with large-scale concentration gradient by a single nanoliter-scale injection for enzyme inhibition assay.

PubMed

Cai, Long-Fei; Zhu, Ying; Du, Guan-Sheng; Fang, Qun

2012-01-03

We described a microfluidic chip-based system capable of generating droplet array with a large scale concentration gradient by coupling flow injection gradient technique with droplet-based microfluidics. Multiple modules including sample injection, sample dispersion, gradient generation, droplet formation, mixing of sample and reagents, and online reaction within the droplets were integrated into the microchip. In the system, nanoliter-scale sample solution was automatically injected into the chip under valveless flow injection analysis mode. The sample zone was first dispersed in the microchannel to form a concentration gradient along the axial direction of the microchannel and then segmented into a linear array of droplets by immiscible oil phase. With the segmentation and protection of the oil phase, the concentration gradient profile of the sample was preserved in the droplet array with high fidelity. With a single injection of 16 nL of sample solution, an array of droplets with concentration gradient spanning 3-4 orders of magnitude could be generated. The present system was applied in the enzyme inhibition assay of β-galactosidase to preliminarily demonstrate its potential in high throughput drug screening. With a single injection of 16 nL of inhibitor solution, more than 240 in-droplet enzyme inhibition reactions with different inhibitor concentrations could be performed with an analysis time of 2.5 min. Compared with multiwell plate-based screening systems, the inhibitor consumption was reduced 1000-fold. © 2011 American Chemical Society

Numerical investigation of MHD flow of blood and heat transfer in a stenosed arterial segment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Majee, Sreeparna; Shit, G. C.

2017-02-01

A numerical investigation of unsteady flow of blood and heat transfer has been performed with an aim to provide better understanding of blood flow through arteries under stenotic condition. The blood is treated as Newtonian fluid and the arterial wall is considered to be rigid having deposition of plaque in its lumen. The heat transfer characteristic has been analyzed by taking into consideration of the dissipation of energy due to applied magnetic field and the viscosity of blood. The vorticity-stream function formulation has been adopted to solve the problem using implicit finite difference method by developing well known Peaceman-Rachford Alternating Direction Implicit (ADI) scheme. The quantitative profile analysis of velocity, temperature and wall shear stress as well as Nusselt number is carried out over the entire arterial segment. The streamline and temperature contours have been plotted to understand the flow pattern in the diseased artery, which alters significantly in the downstream of the stenosis in the presence of magnetic field. Both the wall shear stress and Nusselt number increases with increasing magnetic field strength. However, wall shear stress decreases and Nusselt number enhances with Reynolds number. The results show that with an increase in the magnetic field strength upto 8 T, does not causes any damage to the arterial wall, but the study is significant for assessing temperature rise during hyperthermic treatment.

Reconciling Environmental and Flood Control Goals on an Arid-Zone River: Case Study of the Limitrophe Region of the Lower Colorado River in the United States and Mexico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Glenn, Edward P.; Hucklebridge, Kate; Hinojosa-Huerta, Osvel; Nagler, Pamela L.; Pitt, Jennifer

2008-03-01

Arid zone rivers have highly variable flow rates, and flood control projects are needed to protect adjacent property from flood damage. On the other hand, riparian corridors provide important wildlife habitat, especially for birds, and riparian vegetation is adapted to the natural variability in flows on these rivers. While environmental and flood control goals might appear to be at odds, we show that both goals can be accommodated in the Limitrophe Region (the shared border between the United States and Mexico) on the Lower Colorado River. In 1999, the International Boundary and Water Commission proposed a routine maintenance project to clear vegetation and create a pilot channel within the Limitrophe Region to improve flow capacity and delineate the border. In 2000, however, Minute 306 to the international water treaty was adopted, which calls for consideration of environmental effects of IBWC actions. We conducted vegetation and bird surveys within the Limitrophe and found that this river segment is unusually rich in native cottonwood and willow trees, marsh habitat, and resident and migratory birds compared to flow-regulated segments of river. A flood-frequency analysis showed that the existing levee system can easily contain a 100 year flood even if vegetation is not removed, and the existing braided channel system has greater carrying capacity than the proposed pilot channel.

Reconciling environmental and flood control goals on an arid-zone river: case study of the limitrophe region of the lower colorado river in the United States and Mexico.

PubMed

Glenn, Edward P; Hucklebridge, Kate; Hinojosa-Huerta, Osvel; Nagler, Pamela L; Pitt, Jennifer

2008-03-01

Arid zone rivers have highly variable flow rates, and flood control projects are needed to protect adjacent property from flood damage. On the other hand, riparian corridors provide important wildlife habitat, especially for birds, and riparian vegetation is adapted to the natural variability in flows on these rivers. While environmental and flood control goals might appear to be at odds, we show that both goals can be accommodated in the Limitrophe Region (the shared border between the United States and Mexico) on the Lower Colorado River. In 1999, the International Boundary and Water Commission proposed a routine maintenance project to clear vegetation and create a pilot channel within the Limitrophe Region to improve flow capacity and delineate the border. In 2000, however, Minute 306 to the international water treaty was adopted, which calls for consideration of environmental effects of IBWC actions. We conducted vegetation and bird surveys within the Limitrophe and found that this river segment is unusually rich in native cottonwood and willow trees, marsh habitat, and resident and migratory birds compared to flow-regulated segments of river. A flood-frequency analysis showed that the existing levee system can easily contain a 100 year flood even if vegetation is not removed, and the existing braided channel system has greater carrying capacity than the proposed pilot channel.

Energy flow during Olympic weight lifting.

PubMed

Garhammer, J

1982-01-01

Data obtained from 16-mm film of world caliber Olympic weight lifters performing at major competitions were analyzed to study energy changes during body segment and barbell movements, energy transfer to the barbell, and energy transfer between segments during the lifting movements contested. Determination of barbell and body segment kinematics and use of rigid-link modeling and energy flow techniques permitted the calculation of segment energy content and energy transfer between segments. Energy generation within and transfer to and from segments were determined at 0.04-s intervals by comparing mechanical energy changes of a segment with energy transfer at the joints, calculated from the scalar product of net joint force with absolute joint velocity, and the product of net joint torque due to muscular activity with absolute segment angular velocity. The results provided a detailed understanding of the magnitude and temporal input of energy from dominant muscle groups during a lift. This information also provided a means of quantifying lifting technique. Comparison of segment energy changes determined by the two methods were satisfactory but could likely be improved by employing more sophisticated data smoothing methods. The procedures used in this study could easily be applied to weight training and rehabilitative exercises to help determine their efficacy in producing desired results or to ergonomic situations where a more detailed understanding of the demands made on the body during lifting tasks would be useful.

Vasopressin-induced constriction of the isolated rat occipital artery is segment dependent.

PubMed

Chelko, Stephen P; Schmiedt, Chad W; Lewis, Tristan H; Lewis, Stephen J; Robertson, Tom P

2013-01-01

Circulating factors delivered to the nodose ganglion (NG) by the occipital artery (OA) have been shown to affect vagal afferent activity, and thus the contractile state of the OA may influence blood flow to the NG. OA were isolated and bisected into proximal and distal segments relative to the external carotid artery. Bisection highlighted stark differences between maximal contractile responses and OA sensitivity. Specifically, maximum responses to vasopressin and the V1 receptor agonist were significantly higher in distal than proximal segments. Distal segments were significantly more sensitive to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and the 5-HT2 receptor agonist than proximal segments. Angiotensin II (AT)2, V2 and 5-HT(1B/1D) receptor agonists did not elicit vascular responses. Additionally, AT1 receptor agonists elicited mild, yet not significantly different maximal responses between segments. The results of this study are consistent with contractile properties of rat OA being mediated via AT1, V1 and 5-HT2 receptors and dependent upon the OA segment. Furthermore, vasopressin-induced constriction of the OA, regardless of a bolus dose or a first and second concentration-response curve, retained this unique segmental difference. We hypothesize that these segmental differences may be important in the regulation of blood flow through the OA in health and disease. © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Temporal and Spatial Variability in the Geochemistry of Axial and CoAxial Segment Lavas and their Mantle Sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, M. C.; Perfit, M. R.; Davis, C.; Kamenov, G. D.

2011-12-01

Three spatially related volcanic eruptions along the CoAxial Segment of the Juan de Fuca Ridge (JdFR) have documented emplacements between 1981 and 1993. Two of the historic flows outcrop at the "Flow Site" and were emplaced within less than 12 years and 500 m from one another. The third was emplaced at the "Floc Site" to the south in the 1980s. Previous studies have documented that CoAxial lavas are among the most incompatible element and isotopically depleted lavas along the entire JdFR, whereas the Axial Seamount segment immediately south of CoAxial has erupted the most chemically enriched lavas south of the Endeavor Segment. Geochemical studies have shown little temporal change in the chemistry of recent Axial Seamount eruptives, whereas CoAxial lavas exhibit distinct chemical differences over short time periods. Significant chemical differences observed among depleted CoAxial lavas emplaced close to one another in space and time are in marked contrast to the relatively constant chemical characteristics of enriched lavas erupted at the magmatically more robust Axial segment only 10's of kilometers to the south and west. New trace element and isotopic (Sr, Nd, Pb) geochemical analyses of historic and older CoAxial lavas have resulted in better documentation of interflow and intraflow chemical variation providing an improved understanding of spatial/temporal chemical variability in lavas, and further insight into JdFR magmatic processes. Modeling of major and trace element abundances suggest that the observed intraflow chemical variation within CoAxial lavas is largely due to shallow-level fractional crystallization but that a single fractional crystallization model cannot account for all interflow chemical variation. In fact, elemental and isotopic data require different parental magmas for each of the three recent CoAxial Segment lava flows suggesting very short-term differences or changes in the chemical character of the mantle source region. In particular, the 1980's Flow Site parental magma may have formed at higher pressures and due to smaller extents of melting than those magmas that erupted just over a decade later. A comparative analysis of the chemistry of CoAxial segment lavas with that of lavas from nearby seamounts, including Axial Seamount, and ridge segments show that much (though not all) of the data conforms well to binary mixing arrays, suggesting that many of the parental lavas from this region of the JdFR can be formed from variable amounts of mixing of two or more distinct mantle end-member sources. In addition to one or more depleted mantle (DM) sources, regional isotopic data also likely suggest a high U/Pb (HIMU) source component within the region of mantle melt generation. For most lavas strong correlations exist between long-lived radiogenic isotopes and ratios of the abundances of highly incompatible elements, suggesting that mantle heterogeneities sampled are ancient, however, in some cases elemental data is decoupled from the radiogenic isotope data indicating more recent depletion events.

Steam cooling system for a gas turbine

DOEpatents

Wilson, Ian David; Barb, Kevin Joseph; Li, Ming Cheng; Hyde, Susan Marie; Mashey, Thomas Charles; Wesorick, Ronald Richard; Glynn, Christopher Charles; Hemsworth, Martin C.

2002-01-01

The steam cooling circuit for a gas turbine includes a bore tube assembly supplying steam to circumferentially spaced radial tubes coupled to supply elbows for transitioning the radial steam flow in an axial direction along steam supply tubes adjacent the rim of the rotor. The supply tubes supply steam to circumferentially spaced manifold segments located on the aft side of the 1-2 spacer for supplying steam to the buckets of the first and second stages. Spent return steam from these buckets flows to a plurality of circumferentially spaced return manifold segments disposed on the forward face of the 1-2 spacer. Crossover tubes couple the steam supply from the steam supply manifold segments through the 1-2 spacer to the buckets of the first stage. Crossover tubes through the 1-2 spacer also return steam from the buckets of the second stage to the return manifold segments. Axially extending return tubes convey spent cooling steam from the return manifold segments to radial tubes via return elbows.

The 'MAP strategy' (Maximum aspiration of atherothrombus and adjunctive glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor utilization combined with prolonged inflation of balloon/stent) for preventing no-reflow in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: A retrospective analysis of seventy-one cases.

PubMed

Potdar, Anil; Sharma, Satyavan

2015-12-01

'No-reflow' phenomenon is a common occurrence in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). A three-component 'MAP strategy' was designed to prevent no-reflow by addressing both intralesional and intraluminal thrombus in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). In this analysis, we observed Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grade 3 or 2 in all patients, with no incidence of no-reflow. Myocardial blush grade (MBG) 3 or 2 was observed in most (87.32%) patients. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was improved, without any incidence of death up to 9-month follow-up. All patients safely tolerated the strategy-driven prolonged, 35-s inflation of the balloon/stent. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Rotary magnetic heat pump

DOEpatents

Kirol, Lance D.

1988-01-01

A rotary magnetic heat pump constructed without flow seals or segmented rotor accomplishes recuperation and regeneration by using split flow paths. Heat exchange fluid pumped through heat exchangers and returned to the heat pump splits into two flow components: one flowing counter to the rotor rotation and one flowing with the rotation.

Rotary magnetic heat pump

DOEpatents

Kirol, L.D.

1987-02-11

A rotary magnetic heat pump constructed without flow seals or segmented rotor accomplishes recuperation and regeneration by using split flow paths. Heat exchange fluid pumped through heat exchangers and returned to the heat pump splits into two flow components: one flowing counter to the rotor rotation and one flowing with the rotation. 5 figs.

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

Holcomb, R.T.; Moore, J.G.; Lipman, P.W.

The GLORIA long-range sonar imaging system has revealed fields of large lava flows in the Hawaiian Trough east and south of Hawaii in water as deep as 5.5 km. Flows in the most extensive field (110 km long) have erupted from the deep submarine segment of Kilauea's east rift zone. Other flows have been erupted from Loihi and Mauna Loa. This discovery confirms a suspicion, long held from subaerial studies, that voluminous submarine flows are erupted from Hawaiian volcanoes, and it supports an inference that summit calderas repeatedly collapse and fill at intervals of centuries to millenia owing to voluminousmore » eruptions. These extensive flows differ greatly in form from pillow lavas found previously along shallower segments of the rift zones; therefore, revision of concepts of volcano stratigraphy and structure may be required.« less

On the Aerodynamics of Windblast.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-11-13

streamline pattern that characterizes the cross-flow over two circular-cylindrical body segments in line contact with one another at time t = 0. That is, at...over the limbs of the ejection seat occupant. Note that MC may vary over different portions of the body that intercept the flow at different angles a...dimensional, rectilinear situation, one may estimate the kinematics of the ensuing motion of a body segment of mass Ms, subjected to the force

A Tracker for Broken and Closely-Spaced Lines

DTIC Science & Technology

1997-10-01

to combine the current level flow estimate and the previous level flow estimate. However, the result is still not good enough for some reasons. First...geometric attributes are not good enough to discriminate line segments, when they are crowded, parallel and closely-spaced to each other. On the other...level information [10]. Still, it is not good at dealing with closely-spaced line segments. Because it requires a proper size of square neighborhood to

Scale model test results of several STOVL ventral nozzle concepts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meyer, B. E.; Re, R. J.; Yetter, J. A.

1991-01-01

Short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) ventral nozzle concepts are investigated by means of a static cold flow scale model at a NASA facility. The internal aerodynamic performance characteristics of the cruise, transition, and vertical lift modes are considered for four ventral nozzle types. The nozzle configurations examined include those with: butterfly-type inner doors and vectoring exit vanes; circumferential inner doors and thrust vectoring vanes; a three-port segmented version with circumferential inner doors; and a two-port segmented version with cylindrical nozzle exit shells. During the testing, internal and external pressure is measured, and the thrust and flow coefficients and resultant vector angles are obtained. The inner door used for ventral nozzle flow control is found to affect performance negatively during the initial phase of transition. The best thrust performance is demonstrated by the two-port segmented ventral nozzle due to the elimination of the inner door.

Measurement and prediction of flow through a replica segment of a mildly atherosclerotic coronary artery of man

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Back, L. H.; Radbill, J. R.; Cho, Y. I.; Crawford, D. W.

1986-01-01

Pressure distributions were measured along a hollow vascular axisymmetric replica of a segment of the left circumflex coronary artery of man with mildly atherosclerotic diffuse disease. A large range of physiological Reynolds numbers from about 60 to 500, including hyperemic response, was spanned in the flows investigation using a fluid simulating blood kinematic viscosity. Predicted pressure distributions from the numerical solution of the Navier-Stokes equations were similar in trend and magnitude to the measurements. Large variations in the predicted velocity profiles occurred along the lumen. The influence of the smaller scale multiple flow obstacles along the wall (lesion variations) led to sharp spikes in the predicted wall shear stresses. Reynolds number similarity was discussed, and estimates of what time averaged in vivo pressure drop and shear stress might be were given for a vessel segment.

Dynamic gadoxetate-enhanced MRI for the assessment of total and segmental liver function and volume in primary sclerosing cholangitis.

PubMed

Nilsson, Henrik; Blomqvist, Lennart; Douglas, Lena; Nordell, Anders; Jacobsson, Hans; Hagen, Karin; Bergquist, Annika; Jonas, Eduard

2014-04-01

To evaluate dynamic hepatocyte-specific contrast-enhanced MRI (DHCE-MRI) for the assessment of global and segmental liver volume and function in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), and to explore the heterogeneous distribution of liver function in this patient group. Twelve patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and 20 healthy volunteers were examined using DHCE-MRI with Gd-EOB-DTPA. Segmental and total liver volume were calculated, and functional parameters (hepatic extraction fraction [HEF], input relative blood-flow [irBF], and mean transit time [MTT]) were calculated in each liver voxel using deconvolutional analysis. In each study subject, and incongruence score (IS) was constructed to describe the mismatch between segmental function and volume. Among patients, the liver function parameters were correlated to bile duct obstruction and to established scoring models for liver disease. Liver function was significantly more heterogeneously distributed in the patient group (IS 1.0 versus 0.4). There were significant correlations between biliary obstruction and segmental functional parameters (HEF rho -0.24; irBF rho -0.45), and the Mayo risk score correlated significantly with the total liver extraction capacity of Gd-EOB-DTPA (rho -0.85). The study demonstrates a new method to quantify total and segmental liver function using DHCE-MRI in patients with PSC. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Object Scene Flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Menze, Moritz; Heipke, Christian; Geiger, Andreas

2018-06-01

This work investigates the estimation of dense three-dimensional motion fields, commonly referred to as scene flow. While great progress has been made in recent years, large displacements and adverse imaging conditions as observed in natural outdoor environments are still very challenging for current approaches to reconstruction and motion estimation. In this paper, we propose a unified random field model which reasons jointly about 3D scene flow as well as the location, shape and motion of vehicles in the observed scene. We formulate the problem as the task of decomposing the scene into a small number of rigidly moving objects sharing the same motion parameters. Thus, our formulation effectively introduces long-range spatial dependencies which commonly employed local rigidity priors are lacking. Our inference algorithm then estimates the association of image segments and object hypotheses together with their three-dimensional shape and motion. We demonstrate the potential of the proposed approach by introducing a novel challenging scene flow benchmark which allows for a thorough comparison of the proposed scene flow approach with respect to various baseline models. In contrast to previous benchmarks, our evaluation is the first to provide stereo and optical flow ground truth for dynamic real-world urban scenes at large scale. Our experiments reveal that rigid motion segmentation can be utilized as an effective regularizer for the scene flow problem, improving upon existing two-frame scene flow methods. At the same time, our method yields plausible object segmentations without requiring an explicitly trained recognition model for a specific object class.

Experimental study and empirical prediction of fuel flow parameters under air evolution conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kitanina, E. E.; Kitanin, E. L.; Bondarenko, D. A.; Kravtsov, P. A.; Peganova, M. M.; Stepanov, S. G.; Zherebzov, V. L.

2017-11-01

Air evolution in kerosene under the effect of gravity flow with various hydraulic resistances in the pipeline was studied experimentally. The study was conducted at pressure ranging from 0.2 to 1.0 bar and temperature varying between -20°C and +20°C. Through these experiments, the oversaturation limit beyond which dissolved air starts evolving intensively from the fuel was established and the correlations for the calculation of pressure losses and air evolution on local loss elements were obtained. A method of calculating two-phase flow behaviour in a titled pipeline segment with very low mass flow quality and fairly high volume flow quality was developed. The complete set of empirical correlations obtained by experimental analysis was implemented in the engineering code. The software simulation results were repeatedly verified against our experimental findings and Airbus test data to show that the two-phase flow simulation agrees quite well with the experimental results obtained in the complex branched pipelines.

Vortex Analysis of Intra-Aneurismal Flow in Cerebral Aneurysms

PubMed Central

Sunderland, Kevin; Haferman, Christopher; Chintalapani, Gouthami

2016-01-01

This study aims to develop an alternative vortex analysis method by measuring structure ofIntracranial aneurysm (IA) flow vortexes across the cardiac cycle, to quantify temporal stability of aneurismal flow. Hemodynamics were modeled in “patient-specific” geometries, using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. Modified versions of known λ 2 and Q-criterion methods identified vortex regions; then regions were segmented out using the classical marching cube algorithm. Temporal stability was measured by the degree of vortex overlap (DVO) at each step of a cardiac cycle against a cycle-averaged vortex and by the change in number of cores over the cycle. No statistical differences exist in DVO or number of vortex cores between 5 terminal IAs and 5 sidewall IAs. No strong correlation exists between vortex core characteristics and geometric or hemodynamic characteristics of IAs. Statistical independence suggests this proposed method may provide novel IA information. However, threshold values used to determine the vortex core regions and resolution of velocity data influenced analysis outcomes and have to be addressed in future studies. In conclusions, preliminary results show that the proposed methodology may help give novel insight toward aneurismal flow characteristic and help in future risk assessment given more developments. PMID:27891172

Vortex Analysis of Intra-Aneurismal Flow in Cerebral Aneurysms.

PubMed

Sunderland, Kevin; Haferman, Christopher; Chintalapani, Gouthami; Jiang, Jingfeng

2016-01-01

This study aims to develop an alternative vortex analysis method by measuring structure ofIntracranial aneurysm (IA) flow vortexes across the cardiac cycle, to quantify temporal stability of aneurismal flow. Hemodynamics were modeled in "patient-specific" geometries, using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. Modified versions of known λ 2 and Q -criterion methods identified vortex regions; then regions were segmented out using the classical marching cube algorithm. Temporal stability was measured by the degree of vortex overlap (DVO) at each step of a cardiac cycle against a cycle-averaged vortex and by the change in number of cores over the cycle. No statistical differences exist in DVO or number of vortex cores between 5 terminal IAs and 5 sidewall IAs. No strong correlation exists between vortex core characteristics and geometric or hemodynamic characteristics of IAs. Statistical independence suggests this proposed method may provide novel IA information. However, threshold values used to determine the vortex core regions and resolution of velocity data influenced analysis outcomes and have to be addressed in future studies. In conclusions, preliminary results show that the proposed methodology may help give novel insight toward aneurismal flow characteristic and help in future risk assessment given more developments.

Natural flow regimes of the Ozark-Ouachita Interior Highlands region

USGS Publications Warehouse

Leasure, D. R.; Magoulick, Daniel D.; Longing, S. D.

2016-01-01

Natural flow regimes represent the hydrologic conditions to which native aquatic organisms are best adapted. We completed a regional river classification and quantitative descriptions of each natural flow regime for the Ozark–Ouachita Interior Highlands region of Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. On the basis of daily flow records from 64 reference streams, seven natural flow regimes were identified with mixture model cluster analysis: Groundwater Stable, Groundwater, Groundwater Flashy, Perennial Runoff, Runoff Flashy, Intermittent Runoff and Intermittent Flashy. Sets of flow metrics were selected that best quantified nine ecologically important components of these natural flow regimes. An uncertainty analysis was performed to avoid selecting metrics strongly affected by measurement uncertainty that can result from short periods of record. Measurement uncertainties (bias, precision and accuracy) were assessed for 170 commonly used flow metrics. The ranges of variability expected for select flow metrics under natural conditions were quantified for each flow regime to provide a reference for future assessments of hydrologic alteration. A random forest model was used to predict the natural flow regimes of all stream segments in the study area based on climate and catchment characteristics, and a map was produced. The geographic distribution of flow regimes suggested distinct ecohydrological regions that may be useful for conservation planning. This project provides a hydrologic foundation for future examination of flow–ecology relationships in the region. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

A microfluidic needle for sampling and delivery of chemical signals by segmented flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Shilun; Liu, Guozhen; Jiang, Lianmei; Zhu, Yonggang; Goldys, Ewa M.; Inglis, David W.

2017-10-01

We have developed a microfluidic needle-like device that can extract and deliver nanoliter samples. The device consists of a T-junction to form segmented flows, parallel channels to and from the needle tip, and seven hydrophilic capillaries at the tip that form a phase-extraction region. The main microchannel is hydrophobic and carries segmented flows of water-in-oil. The hydrophilic capillaries transport the aqueous phase with a nearly zero pressure gradient but require a pressure gradient of 19 kPa for mineral oil to invade and flow through. Using this device, we demonstrate the delivery of nanoliter droplets and demonstrate sampling through the formation of droplets at the tip of our device. During sampling, we recorded the fluorescence intensities of the droplets formed at the tip while varying the concentration of dye outside the tip. We measured a chemical signal response time of approximately 3 s. The linear relationship between the recorded fluorescence intensity of samples and the external dye concentration (10-40 μg/ml) indicates that this device is capable of performing quantitative, real-time measurements of rapidly varying chemical signals.

Thermal regime of the San Andreas fault near Parkfield, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sass, J.H.; Williams, C.F.; Lachenbruch, A.H.; Galanis, S.P.; Grubb, F.V.

1997-01-01

Knowledge of the temperature variation with depth near the San Andreas fault is vital to understanding the physical processes that occur within the fault zone during earthquakes and creep events. Parkfield is near the southern end of the Coast Ranges segment of the San Andreas fault. This segment has higher mean heat flow than the Cape Mendocino segment to the northwest or the Mojave segment to the southeast. Boreholes were drilled specifically for the U.S. Geological Survey's Parkfield earthquake prediction experiment or converted from other uses at 25 sites within a few kilometers of the fault near Parkfield. These holes, which range in depth from 150 to over 1500 m, were intended mainly for the deployment of volumetric strain meters, water-level recorders, and other downhole instruments. Temperature profiles were obtained from all the holes, and heat flow values were estimated from 17 of them. For a number of reasons, including a paucity of thermal conductivity data and rugged local topography, the accuracy of individual determinations was not sufficiently high to document local variations in heat flow. Values range from 54 to 92 mW m-2, with mean and 95% confidence limits of 74 ?? 4 mW m-2. This mean is slightly lower than the mean (83 ?? 3) of 39 previously published values from the central Coast Ranges, but it is consistent with the overall pattern of elevated heat flow in the Coast Ranges, and it is transitional to the mean of 68 ?? 2 mW m-2 that characterizes the Mojave segment of the San Andreas fault immediately to the south. The lack of a heat flow peak near the fault underscores the absence of a frictional thermal anomaly and provides additional support for a very small resolved shear stress parallel to the San Andreas fault and the nearly fault-normal maximum compressive stress observed in this region. Estimates of subsurface thermal conditions indicate that the seismic-aseismic transition for the Parkfield segment corresponds to temperatures in the range of 350??-400??C. Increasing heat flow to the northwest of Parkfield corresponds to a transition from locked to creeping sections and to a shallowing of the base of seismicity and confirms the importance of temperature in controlling the thickness of the seismogenic crust. Lateral variations in heat flow do not appear to have any major role in determining the regularity of M5.5-6 earthquakes at Parkfield.

The Edge Detectors Suitable for Retinal OCT Image Segmentation

PubMed Central

Yang, Jing; Gao, Qian; Zhou, Sheng

2017-01-01

Retinal layer thickness measurement offers important information for reliable diagnosis of retinal diseases and for the evaluation of disease development and medical treatment responses. This task critically depends on the accurate edge detection of the retinal layers in OCT images. Here, we intended to search for the most suitable edge detectors for the retinal OCT image segmentation task. The three most promising edge detection algorithms were identified in the related literature: Canny edge detector, the two-pass method, and the EdgeFlow technique. The quantitative evaluation results show that the two-pass method outperforms consistently the Canny detector and the EdgeFlow technique in delineating the retinal layer boundaries in the OCT images. In addition, the mean localization deviation metrics show that the two-pass method caused the smallest edge shifting problem. These findings suggest that the two-pass method is the best among the three algorithms for detecting retinal layer boundaries. The overall better performance of Canny and two-pass methods over EdgeFlow technique implies that the OCT images contain more intensity gradient information than texture changes along the retinal layer boundaries. The results will guide our future efforts in the quantitative analysis of retinal OCT images for the effective use of OCT technologies in the field of ophthalmology. PMID:29065594

Firearm suppressor having enhanced thermal management for rapid heat dissipation

DOEpatents

Moss, William C.; Anderson, Andrew T.

2014-08-19

A suppressor is disclosed for use with a weapon having a barrel through which a bullet is fired. The suppressor has an inner portion having a bore extending coaxially therethrough. The inner portion is adapted to be secured to a distal end of the barrel. A plurality of axial flow segments project radially from the inner portion and form axial flow paths through which expanding propellant gasses discharged from the barrel flow through. The axial flow segments have radially extending wall portions that define sections which may be filled with thermally conductive material, which in one example is a thermally conductive foam. The conductive foam helps to dissipate heat deposited within the suppressor during firing of the weapon.

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

Reshetenko, T. V.; Bender, G.; Bethune, K.

The overall current density that is measured in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) represents the average of the local reaction rates. The overall and local PEMFC performances are determined by several primary loss mechanisms, namely activation, ohmic, and mass transfer. Spatial performance and loss variabilities are significant and depend on the cell design and operating conditions. A segmented cell system was used to quantify different loss distributions along the gas channel to understand the effects of gas humidification. A reduction in the reactant stream humidification decreased cell performance and resulted in non-uniform distributions of overpotentials and performance alongmore » the flow field. Activation and ohmic overpotentials increased with a relative humidity decrease due to insufficient membrane and catalyst layer hydration. The relative humidity of the cathode had a strong impact on the mass transfer overpotential due to a lower oxygen permeability through the dry Nafion film covering the catalyst surface. The mass transfer loss distribution was non-uniform, and the mass transfer overpotential increased for the outlet segments due to the oxygen consumption at the inlet segments, which reduced the oxygen concentration downstream, and a progressive water accumulation from upstream segments. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and an equivalent electric circuit (EEC) facilitated the analysis and interpretation of the segmented cell data.« less

Optimal graph based segmentation using flow lines with application to airway wall segmentation.

PubMed

Petersen, Jens; Nielsen, Mads; Lo, Pechin; Saghir, Zaigham; Dirksen, Asger; de Bruijne, Marleen

2011-01-01

This paper introduces a novel optimal graph construction method that is applicable to multi-dimensional, multi-surface segmentation problems. Such problems are often solved by refining an initial coarse surface within the space given by graph columns. Conventional columns are not well suited for surfaces with high curvature or complex shapes but the proposed columns, based on properly generated flow lines, which are non-intersecting, guarantee solutions that do not self-intersect and are better able to handle such surfaces. The method is applied to segment human airway walls in computed tomography images. Comparison with manual annotations on 649 cross-sectional images from 15 different subjects shows significantly smaller contour distances and larger area of overlap than are obtained with recently published graph based methods. Airway abnormality measurements obtained with the method on 480 scan pairs from a lung cancer screening trial are reproducible and correlate significantly with lung function.

Disturbed Laminar Blood Flow Vastly Augments Lipoprotein Retention in the Artery Wall: A Key Mechanism Distinguishing Susceptible From Resistant Sites.

PubMed

Steffensen, Lasse Bach; Mortensen, Martin Bødtker; Kjolby, Mads; Hagensen, Mette Kallestrup; Oxvig, Claus; Bentzon, Jacob Fog

2015-09-01

Atherosclerosis develops initially at branch points and in areas of high vessel curvature. Moreover, experiments in hypercholesterolemic mice have shown that the introduction of disturbed flow in straight, atherosclerosis-resistant arterial segments turns them highly atherosclerosis susceptible. Several biomechanical mechanisms have been proposed, but none has been demonstrated. In the present study, we examined whether a causal link exists between disturbed laminar flow and the ability of the arterial wall to retain lipoproteins. Lipoprotein retention was detected at natural predilection sites of the murine thoracic aorta 18 hours after infusion of fluorescently labeled low-density lipoprotein. To test for causality between blood flow and the ability of these areas to retain lipoproteins, we manipulated blood flow in the straight segment of the common carotid artery using a constrictive collar. Disturbed laminar flow did not affect low-density lipoprotein influx, but increased the ability of the artery wall to bind low-density lipoprotein. Concordantly, disturbed laminar flow led to differential expression of genes associated with phenotypic modulation of vascular smooth muscle cells, increased expression of proteoglycan core proteins associated with lipoprotein retention, and of enzymes responsible for chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycan synthesis and sulfation. Blood flow regulates genes associated with vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic modulation, as well as the expression and post-translational modification of lipoprotein-binding proteoglycan core proteins, and the introduction of disturbed laminar flow vastly augments the ability of a previously resistant, straight arterial segment to retain lipoproteins. © 2015 American Heart Association, Inc.

Automated measurement and classification of pulmonary blood-flow velocity patterns using phase-contrast MRI and correlation analysis.

PubMed

van Amerom, Joshua F P; Kellenberger, Christian J; Yoo, Shi-Joon; Macgowan, Christopher K

2009-01-01

An automated method was evaluated to detect blood flow in small pulmonary arteries and classify each as artery or vein, based on a temporal correlation analysis of their blood-flow velocity patterns. The method was evaluated using velocity-sensitive phase-contrast magnetic resonance data collected in vitro with a pulsatile flow phantom and in vivo in 11 human volunteers. The accuracy of the method was validated in vitro, which showed relative velocity errors of 12% at low spatial resolution (four voxels per diameter), but was reduced to 5% at increased spatial resolution (16 voxels per diameter). The performance of the method was evaluated in vivo according to its reproducibility and agreement with manual velocity measurements by an experienced radiologist. In all volunteers, the correlation analysis was able to detect and segment peripheral pulmonary vessels and distinguish arterial from venous velocity patterns. The intrasubject variability of repeated measurements was approximately 10% of peak velocity, or 2.8 cm/s root-mean-variance, demonstrating the high reproducibility of the method. Excellent agreement was obtained between the correlation analysis and radiologist measurements of pulmonary velocities, with a correlation of R2=0.98 (P<.001) and a slope of 0.99+/-0.01.

Methods for disassembling, replacing and assembling parts of a steam cooling system for a gas turbine

DOEpatents

Wilson, Ian D.; Wesorick, Ronald R.

2002-01-01

The steam cooling circuit for a gas turbine includes a bore tube assembly supplying steam to circumferentially spaced radial tubes coupled to supply elbows for transitioning the radial steam flow in an axial direction along steam supply tubes adjacent the rim of the rotor. The supply tubes supply steam to circumferentially spaced manifold segments located on the aft side of the 1-2 spacer for supplying steam to the buckets of the first and second stages. Spent return steam from these buckets flows to a plurality of circumferentially spaced return manifold segments disposed on the forward face of the 1-2 spacer. Crossover tubes couple the steam supply from the steam supply manifold segments through the 1-2 spacer to the buckets of the first stage. Crossover tubes through the 1-2 spacer also return steam from the buckets of the second stage to the return manifold segments. Axially extending return tubes convey spent cooling steam from the return manifold segments to radial tubes via return elbows. The bore tube assembly, radial tubes, elbows, manifold segments and crossover tubes are removable from the turbine rotor and replaceable.

Noninvasive estimation of pharyngeal airway resistance and compliance in children based on volume-gated dynamic MRI and computational fluid dynamics.

PubMed

Persak, Steven C; Sin, Sanghun; McDonough, Joseph M; Arens, Raanan; Wootton, David M

2011-12-01

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis was used to model the effect of collapsing airway geometry on internal pressure and velocity in the pharyngeal airway of three sedated children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and three control subjects. Model geometry was reconstructed from volume-gated magnetic resonance images during normal tidal breathing at 10 increments of tidal volume through the respiratory cycle. Each geometry was meshed with an unstructured grid and solved using a low-Reynolds number k-ω turbulence model driven by flow data averaged over 12 consecutive breathing cycles. Combining gated imaging with CFD modeling created a dynamic three-dimensional view of airway anatomy and mechanics, including the evolution of airway collapse and flow resistance and estimates of the local effective compliance. The upper airways of subjects with OSAS were generally much more compliant during tidal breathing. Compliance curves (pressure vs. cross-section area), derived for different locations along the airway, quantified local differences along the pharynx and between OSAS subjects. In one subject, the distal oropharynx was more compliant than the nasopharynx (1.028 vs. 0.450 mm(2)/Pa) and had a lower theoretical limiting flow rate, confirming the distal oropharynx as the flow-limiting segment of the airway in this subject. Another subject had a more compliant nasopharynx (0.053 mm(2)/Pa) during inspiration and apparent stiffening of the distal oropharynx (C = 0.0058 mm(2)/Pa), and the theoretical limiting flow rate indicated the nasopharynx as the flow-limiting segment. This new method may help to differentiate anatomical and functional factors in airway collapse.

Real-time detection of moving objects from moving vehicles using dense stereo and optical flow

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Talukder, Ashit; Matthies, Larry

2004-01-01

Dynamic scene perception is very important for autonomous vehicles operating around other moving vehicles and humans. Most work on real-time object tracking from moving platforms has used sparse features or assumed flat scene structures. We have recently extended a real-time, dense stereo system to include realtime, dense optical flow, enabling more comprehensive dynamic scene analysis. We describe algorithms to robustly estimate 6-DOF robot egomotion in the presence of moving objects using dense flow and dense stereo. We then use dense stereo and egomotion estimates to identify & other moving objects while the robot itself is moving. We present results showing accurate egomotion estimation and detection of moving people and vehicles under general 6-DOF motion of the robot and independently moving objects. The system runs at 18.3 Hz on a 1.4 GHz Pentium M laptop, computing 160x120 disparity maps and optical flow fields, egomotion, and moving object segmentation. We believe this is a significant step toward general unconstrained dynamic scene analysis for mobile robots, as well as for improved position estimation where GPS is unavailable.

Real-time detection of moving objects from moving vehicles using dense stereo and optical flow

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Talukder, Ashit; Matthies, Larry

2004-01-01

Dynamic scene perception is very important for autonomous vehicles operating around other moving vehicles and humans. Most work on real-time object tracking from moving platforms has used sparse features or assumed flat scene structures. We have recently extended a real-time, dense stereo system to include real-time, dense optical flow, enabling more comprehensive dynamic scene analysis. We describe algorithms to robustly estimate 6-DOF robot egomotion in the presence of moving objects using dense flow and dense stereo. We then use dense stereo and egomotion estimates to identity other moving objects while the robot itself is moving. We present results showing accurate egomotion estimation and detection of moving people and vehicles under general 6-DOF motion of the robot and independently moving objects. The system runs at 18.3 Hz on a 1.4 GHz Pentium M laptop, computing 160x120 disparity maps and optical flow fields, egomotion, and moving object segmentation. We believe this is a significant step toward general unconstrained dynamic scene analysis for mobile robots, as well as for improved position estimation where GPS is unavailable.

Real-time Detection of Moving Objects from Moving Vehicles Using Dense Stereo and Optical Flow

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Talukder, Ashit; Matthies, Larry

2004-01-01

Dynamic scene perception is very important for autonomous vehicles operating around other moving vehicles and humans. Most work on real-time object tracking from moving platforms has used sparse features or assumed flat scene structures. We have recently extended a real-time. dense stereo system to include realtime. dense optical flow, enabling more comprehensive dynamic scene analysis. We describe algorithms to robustly estimate 6-DOF robot egomotion in the presence of moving objects using dense flow and dense stereo. We then use dense stereo and egomotion estimates to identify other moving objects while the robot itself is moving. We present results showing accurate egomotion estimation and detection of moving people and vehicles under general 6DOF motion of the robot and independently moving objects. The system runs at 18.3 Hz on a 1.4 GHz Pentium M laptop. computing 160x120 disparity maps and optical flow fields, egomotion, and moving object segmentation. We believe this is a significant step toward general unconstrained dynamic scene analysis for mobile robots, as well as for improved position estimation where GPS is unavailable.

Reducing numerical costs for core wide nuclear reactor CFD simulations by the Coarse-Grid-CFD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Viellieber, Mathias; Class, Andreas G.

2013-11-01

Traditionally complete nuclear reactor core simulations are performed with subchannel analysis codes, that rely on experimental and empirical input. The Coarse-Grid-CFD (CGCFD) intends to replace the experimental or empirical input with CFD data. The reactor core consists of repetitive flow patterns, allowing the general approach of creating a parametrized model for one segment and composing many of those to obtain the entire reactor simulation. The method is based on a detailed and well-resolved CFD simulation of one representative segment. From this simulation we extract so-called parametrized volumetric forces which close, an otherwise strongly under resolved, coarsely-meshed model of a complete reactor setup. While the formulation so far accounts for forces created internally in the fluid others e.g. obstruction and flow deviation through spacers and wire wraps, still need to be accounted for if the geometric details are not represented in the coarse mesh. These are modelled with an Anisotropic Porosity Formulation (APF). This work focuses on the application of the CGCFD to a complete reactor core setup and the accomplishment of the parametrization of the volumetric forces.

Numerical Simulation of the Flow over a Segment-Conical Body on the Basis of Reynolds Equations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Egorov, I. V.; Novikov, A. V.; Palchekovskaya, N. V.

2018-01-01

Numerical simulation was used to study the 3D supersonic flow over a segment-conical body similar in shape to the ExoMars space vehicle. The nonmonotone behavior of the normal force acting on the body placed in a supersonic gas flow was analyzed depending on the angle of attack. The simulation was based on the numerical solution of the unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations with a two-parameter differential turbulence model. The solution of the problem was obtained using the in-house solver HSFlow with an efficient parallel algorithm intended for multiprocessor super computers.

Mathematical modelling of the human cardiovascular system in the presence of stenosis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sud, V. K.; Srinivasan, R. S.; Charles, J. B.; Bungo, M. W.

1993-01-01

This paper reports a theoretical study on the distribution of blood flow in the human cardiovascular system when one or more blood vessels are affected by stenosis. The analysis employs a mathematical model of the entire system based on the finite element method. The arterial-venous network is represented by a large number of interconnected segments in the model. Values for the model parameters are based upon the published data on the physiological and rheological properties of blood. Computational results show how blood flow through various parts of the cardiovascular system is affected by stenosis in different blood vessels. No significant changes in the flow parameters of the cardiovascular system were found to occur when the reduction in the lumen diameter of the stenosed vessels was less than 65%.

3D-SIFT-Flow for atlas-based CT liver image segmentation

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

Xu, Yan, E-mail: xuyan04@gmail.com; Xu, Chenchao, E-mail: chenchaoxu33@gmail.com; Kuang, Xiao, E-mail: kuangxiao.ace@gmail.com

Purpose: In this paper, the authors proposed a new 3D registration algorithm, 3D-scale invariant feature transform (SIFT)-Flow, for multiatlas-based liver segmentation in computed tomography (CT) images. Methods: In the registration work, the authors developed a new registration method that takes advantage of dense correspondence using the informative and robust SIFT feature. The authors computed the dense SIFT features for the source image and the target image and designed an objective function to obtain the correspondence between these two images. Labeling of the source image was then mapped to the target image according to the former correspondence, resulting in accurate segmentation.more » In the fusion work, the 2D-based nonparametric label transfer method was extended to 3D for fusing the registered 3D atlases. Results: Compared with existing registration algorithms, 3D-SIFT-Flow has its particular advantage in matching anatomical structures (such as the liver) that observe large variation/deformation. The authors observed consistent improvement over widely adopted state-of-the-art registration methods such as ELASTIX, ANTS, and multiatlas fusion methods such as joint label fusion. Experimental results of liver segmentation on the MICCAI 2007 Grand Challenge are encouraging, e.g., Dice overlap ratio 96.27% ± 0.96% by our method compared with the previous state-of-the-art result of 94.90% ± 2.86%. Conclusions: Experimental results show that 3D-SIFT-Flow is robust for segmenting the liver from CT images, which has large tissue deformation and blurry boundary, and 3D label transfer is effective and efficient for improving the registration accuracy.« less

Dyke-path formation in relation to the eruptions of Eyjafjallajökull 2010 and Bardarbunga-Holuhraun 2014

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gudmundsson, Agust

2015-04-01

Dykes are extension fractures and form when the magmatic overpressure is high enough to rupture (break) the host rock. Their formation is entirely analogous to that of many joints and human-made hydraulic fractures, such as are used to increase permeability in reservoirs. When generating their paths, dykes use existing weaknesses (e.g., cooling joints) in the host rock. The maximum depth of large tension fractures below the surface of a rift zone, however, is mostly less than a few hundred metres. If the fractures extend to greater depths, they must change into closed normal faults which are generally not used as magma paths. There are thus no large tension fractures or wide-open faults at great depths ready to be filled with magma to form a dyke. While magma flow in dykes, as in other fluid-driven fractures, is at any point in various directions dyke segmentation may indicate the overall large-scale flow direction. Thus, dykes composed of large-spaced disconnected segments in lateral sections are primarily formed in vertical magma flow at segmentation depth whereas those composed of large-spaced disconnected segments in vertical sections are primarily formed in lateral magma flow. The far-field displacement and stress fields of segmented dykes are similar to those generated by single, continuous dykes of similar dimensions, particularly when the distances between the nearby tips of the segments become small in comparison with segment lengths. Most dykes become arrested and never supply magma to eruptions. Feeder-dykes normally reach the surface only along parts of their lengths (strike-dimensions). The volumetric flow or effusion rate of magma through a feeder-dyke or volcanic fissure depends on the aperture (opening) of the dyke or fissure in the 3rd power. All these theoretical and observational results are here applied to the dyke emplacements associated with the eruptions of Eyjafjallajökull 2010 and Bardarbunga-Holuhraun 2014. The results make it possible to (1) explain, broadly, the propagation-paths of the associated dykes, (2) the arrest and deflection (into sills) of many dyke segments, (3) the dimensions of the dykes, in particular (4) the dyke thicknesses, (5) the volumetric flow or effusion rates of the volcanic fissures, and (6) the location of the magma sources of the dykes. Galindo, I., Gudmundsson, A., 2012. Basaltic feeder dykes in rift zones: geometry, emplacement, and effusion rates. Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 12, 3683-3700. Becerril, L., Galindo, I., Gudmundsson, A., Morales, J.M., 2013. Depth of origin of magma in eruptions. Sci. Reports (Nature Publishing), 3, 2762, doi: 10.1038/srep02762. Gudmundsson, A., Lecoeur, N., Mohajeri, N., Thordarson, T., 2014. Dike emplacement at Bardarbunga, Iceland, induces unusual stress changes, caldera deformation, and earthquakes. Bull. Volcanol., 76, 869, doi: 10.1007/s00445-014-0869-8.

Characteristics of sediment transport at selected sites along the Missouri River during the high-flow conditions of 2011

USGS Publications Warehouse

Galloway, Joel M.; Rus, Dave L.; Alexander, Jason S.

2013-01-01

During 2011, many tributaries in the Missouri River Basin experienced near record peak streamflow and caused flood damage to many communities along much of the Missouri River from Montana to the confluence with the Mississippi River. The large runoff event in 2011 provided an opportunity to examine characteristics of sediment transport in the Missouri River at high-magnitude streamflow and for a long duration. The purpose of this report is to describe sediment characteristics during the 2011 high-flow conditions at six selected sites on the Missouri River, two in the middle region of the basin between Lake Sakakawea and Lake Oahe in North Dakota, and four downstream from Gavins Point Dam along the Nebraska-South Dakota and Nebraska-Iowa borders. A wider range in suspended-sediment concentration was observed in the middle segment of the Missouri River compared to sites in the lower segment. In the middle segment of the Missouri River, suspended-sediment concentrations increased and peaked as flows increased and started to plateau; however, while flows were still high and steady, suspended-sediment concentrations decreased and suspended-sediment grain sizes coarsened, indicating the decrease possibly was related to fine-sediment supply limitations. Measured bedload transport rates in the lower segment of the Missouri River (sites 3 to 6) were consistently higher than those in the middle segment (sites 1 and 2) during the high-flow conditions in 2011. The median bedload transport rate measured at site 1 was 517 tons per day and at site 2 was 1,500 tons per day. Measured bedload transport rates were highest at site 3 then decreased downstream to site 5, then increased at site 6. The median bedload transport rates were 22,100 tons per day at site 3; 5,640 tons per day at site 4; 3,930 tons per day at site 5; and 8,450 tons per day at site 6. At the two sites in the middle segment of the Missouri River, the greatest bedload was measured during the recession of the streamflow hydrograph. A similar pattern was observed at sites 3–5 in the lower segment of the Missouri River, where the greatest bedload was measured later in the event on the recession of the streamflow hydrograph, although the change in bedload was not as dramatic as observed at the sites in the middle segment of the Missouri River. With the exception of site 3, the total-sediment load on the Missouri River was highest at the beginning of the high-flow event and decreased as streamflow decreased. In the middle segment of the Missouri River, measured total-sediment load ranged from 2,320 to 182,000 tons per day at site 1 and from 3,190 to 279,000 tons per day at site 2. In the lower segment of the Missouri River, measured total-sediment load ranged from 50,600 to 223,000 tons per day at site 4; from 23,500 to 403,000 tons per day at site 5; and from 52,700 to 273,000 tons per day at site 6. The total-sediment load was dominated by suspended sediment at all of the sites measured on the Missouri River in 2011. In general, the percentage of total-sediment load that was bedload increased as the streamflow decreased, although this pattern was more prevalent at sites in the middle segment than those in the lower segment. The suspended-sediment load comprised an average of 93 percent of the total load, with the exception of site 3, where the suspended-sediment load comprised only 72 percent of the total-sediment load.

Effect of stem water content on sap flow from dormant maple and butternut stems: induction of sap flow in butternut.

PubMed

Johnson, R W; Tyree, M T

1992-10-01

Sap flow from excised maple stems collected over the winter (1986/87) was correlated with stem water content. Stem water content was high in the fall (>0.80) and decreased rapidly during 2 weeks of continuous freezing temperatures in late winter (<0.60). Exudation of sap from stem segments subjected to freeze/thaw cycles was small (<10 mL/kg) in the fall, but substantial exudation (45-50 mL/kg) occurred following the decline in water content. These observations are consistent with Milburn's and O'Malley's models (J.A. Milburn, P.E.R. O'Malley [1984] Can J Bot 62: 2101-2106; P.E.R. O'Malley, J.A. Milburn [1983] Can J Bot 61:3100-3106) of sap absorption into gas-filled fibers during freezing. Exudation volume was increased 200 to 300% in maple stems originally at high water content (>0.80) after perfusion with sucrose and dehydration at -12 degrees C. Sap flow was also induced in butternut stem segments after the same treatment. Thus, sap flow may not be unique to maples. Sap flow could not be increased in stem segments dehydrated at 4 degrees C. Migration of water molecules from small ice crystals in fibers to larger crystals in vessels while stems were frozen may account for increase exudation after dehydration at -12 degrees C. This would result in preferential dehydration of fibers and a distribution of gas and sap favorable for stem-based sap flow.

High flux reactor

DOEpatents

Lake, James A.; Heath, Russell L.; Liebenthal, John L.; DeBoisblanc, Deslonde R.; Leyse, Carl F.; Parsons, Kent; Ryskamp, John M.; Wadkins, Robert P.; Harker, Yale D.; Fillmore, Gary N.; Oh, Chang H.

1988-01-01

A high flux reactor is comprised of a core which is divided into two symetric segments housed in a pressure vessel. The core segments include at least one radial fuel plate. The spacing between the plates functions as a coolant flow channel. The core segments are spaced axially apart such that a coolant mixing plenum is formed between them. A channel is provided such that a portion of the coolant bypasses the first core section and goes directly into the mixing plenum. The outlet coolant from the first core segment is mixed with the bypass coolant resulting in a lower inlet temperature to the lower core segment.

Motion-aware stroke volume quantification in 4D PC-MRI data of the human aorta.

PubMed

Köhler, Benjamin; Preim, Uta; Grothoff, Matthias; Gutberlet, Matthias; Fischbach, Katharina; Preim, Bernhard

2016-02-01

4D PC-MRI enables the noninvasive measurement of time-resolved, three-dimensional blood flow data that allow quantification of the hemodynamics. Stroke volumes are essential to assess the cardiac function and evolution of different cardiovascular diseases. The calculation depends on the wall position and vessel orientation, which both change during the cardiac cycle due to the heart muscle contraction and the pumped blood. However, current systems for the quantitative 4D PC-MRI data analysis neglect the dynamic character and instead employ a static 3D vessel approximation. We quantify differences between stroke volumes in the aorta obtained with and without consideration of its dynamics. We describe a method that uses the approximating 3D segmentation to automatically initialize segmentation algorithms that require regions inside and outside the vessel for each temporal position. This enables the use of graph cuts to obtain 4D segmentations, extract vessel surfaces including centerlines for each temporal position and derive motion information. The stroke volume quantification is compared using measuring planes in static (3D) vessels, planes with fixed angulation inside dynamic vessels (this corresponds to the common 2D PC-MRI) and moving planes inside dynamic vessels. Seven datasets with different pathologies such as aneurysms and coarctations were evaluated in close collaboration with radiologists. Compared to the experts' manual stroke volume estimations, motion-aware quantification performs, on average, 1.57% better than calculations without motion consideration. The mean difference between stroke volumes obtained with the different methods is 7.82%. Automatically obtained 4D segmentations overlap by 85.75% with manually generated ones. Incorporating motion information in the stroke volume quantification yields slight but not statistically significant improvements. The presented method is feasible for the clinical routine, since computation times are low and essential parts run fully automatically. The 4D segmentations can be used for other algorithms as well. The simultaneous visualization and quantification may support the understanding and interpretation of cardiac blood flow.

Software design specification. Part 2: Orbital Flight Test (OFT) detailed design specification. Volume 3: Applications. Book 2: System management

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1979-01-01

The functions performed by the systems management (SM) application software are described along with the design employed to accomplish these functions. The operational sequences (OPS) control segments and the cyclic processes they control are defined. The SM specialist function control (SPEC) segments and the display controlled 'on-demand' processes that are invoked by either an OPS or SPEC control segment as a direct result of an item entry to a display are included. Each processing element in the SM application is described including an input/output table and a structured control flow diagram. The flow through the module and other information pertinent to that process and its interfaces to other processes are included.

Frozen reaction fronts in steady flows: A burning-invariant-manifold perspective

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahoney, John R.; Li, John; Boyer, Carleen; Solomon, Tom; Mitchell, Kevin A.

2015-12-01

The dynamics of fronts, such as chemical reaction fronts, propagating in two-dimensional fluid flows can be remarkably rich and varied. For time-invariant flows, the front dynamics may simplify, settling in to a steady state in which the reacted domain is static, and the front appears "frozen." Our central result is that these frozen fronts in the two-dimensional fluid are composed of segments of burning invariant manifolds, invariant manifolds of front-element dynamics in x y θ space, where θ is the front orientation. Burning invariant manifolds (BIMs) have been identified previously as important local barriers to front propagation in fluid flows. The relevance of BIMs for frozen fronts rests in their ability, under appropriate conditions, to form global barriers, separating reacted domains from nonreacted domains for all time. The second main result of this paper is an understanding of bifurcations that lead from a nonfrozen state to a frozen state, as well as bifurcations that change the topological structure of the frozen front. Although the primary results of this study apply to general fluid flows, our analysis focuses on a chain of vortices in a channel flow with an imposed wind. For this system, we present both experimental and numerical studies that support the theoretical analysis developed here.

Evaluation of free flow speeds on interrupted flow facilities.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-05-01

The efficacy of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) simple model of predicting segment free flow speed by adding 5 miles per hour (mph) to the posted speed limit was compared to the performance of the new 2010 Highway Capacity Manual (HCM...

Morphodynamics of submarine channel inception revealed by new experimental approach

PubMed Central

de Leeuw, Jan; Eggenhuisen, Joris T.; Cartigny, Matthieu J. B.

2016-01-01

Submarine channels are ubiquitous on the seafloor and their inception and evolution is a result of dynamic interaction between turbidity currents and the evolving seafloor. However, the morphodynamic links between channel inception and flow dynamics have not yet been monitored in experiments and only in one instance on the modern seafloor. Previous experimental flows did not show channel inception, because flow conditions were not appropriately scaled to sustain suspended sediment transport. Here we introduce and apply new scaling constraints for similarity between natural and experimental turbidity currents. The scaled currents initiate a leveed channel from an initially featureless slope. Channelization commences with deposition of levees in some slope segments and erosion of a conduit in other segments. Channel relief and flow confinement increase progressively during subsequent flows. This morphodynamic evolution determines the architecture of submarine channel deposits in the stratigraphic record and efficiency of sediment bypass to the basin floor. PMID:26996440

Turbofan aft duct suppressor study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Syed, A. A.; Motsinger, R. E.; Fiske, G. H.; Joshi, M. C.; Kraft, R. E.

1983-01-01

Suppressions due to acoustic treatment in the annular exhaust duct of a model fan were theoretically predicted and compared with measured suppressions. The predictions are based on the modal analysis of sound propagation in a straight annular flow duct with segmented treatment. Modal distributions of the fan noise source (fan-stator interaction only) were measured using in-duct modal probes. The flow profiles were also measured in the vicinity of the modal probes. The acoustic impedance of the single degree of freedom treatment was measured in the presence of grazing flow. The measured values of mode distribution of the fan noise source, the flow velocity profile and the acoustic impedance of the treatment in the duct were used as input to the prediction program. The predicted suppressions, under the assumption of uniform flow in the duct, compared well with the suppressions measured in the duct for all test conditions. The interaction modes generated by the rotor-stator interaction spanned a cut-off ratio range from nearly 1 to 7.

Tomographic particle image velocimetry of desert locust wakes: instantaneous volumes combine to reveal hidden vortex elements and rapid wake deformation

PubMed Central

Bomphrey, Richard J.; Henningsson, Per; Michaelis, Dirk; Hollis, David

2012-01-01

Aerodynamic structures generated by animals in flight are unstable and complex. Recent progress in quantitative flow visualization has advanced our understanding of animal aerodynamics, but measurements have hitherto been limited to flow velocities at a plane through the wake. We applied an emergent, high-speed, volumetric fluid imaging technique (tomographic particle image velocimetry) to examine segments of the wake of desert locusts, capturing fully three-dimensional instantaneous flow fields. We used those flow fields to characterize the aerodynamic footprint in unprecedented detail and revealed previously unseen wake elements that would have gone undetected by two-dimensional or stereo-imaging technology. Vortex iso-surface topographies show the spatio-temporal signature of aerodynamic force generation manifest in the wake of locusts, and expose the extent to which animal wakes can deform, potentially leading to unreliable calculations of lift and thrust when using conventional diagnostic methods. We discuss implications for experimental design and analysis as volumetric flow imaging becomes more widespread. PMID:22977102

An improved approach for the segmentation of starch granules in microscopic images

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background Starches are the main storage polysaccharides in plants and are distributed widely throughout plants including seeds, roots, tubers, leaves, stems and so on. Currently, microscopic observation is one of the most important ways to investigate and analyze the structure of starches. The position, shape, and size of the starch granules are the main measurements for quantitative analysis. In order to obtain these measurements, segmentation of starch granules from the background is very important. However, automatic segmentation of starch granules is still a challenging task because of the limitation of imaging condition and the complex scenarios of overlapping granules. Results We propose a novel method to segment starch granules in microscopic images. In the proposed method, we first separate starch granules from background using automatic thresholding and then roughly segment the image using watershed algorithm. In order to reduce the oversegmentation in watershed algorithm, we use the roundness of each segment, and analyze the gradient vector field to find the critical points so as to identify oversegments. After oversegments are found, we extract the features, such as the position and intensity of the oversegments, and use fuzzy c-means clustering to merge the oversegments to the objects with similar features. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can alleviate oversegmentation of watershed segmentation algorithm successfully. Conclusions We present a new scheme for starch granules segmentation. The proposed scheme aims to alleviate the oversegmentation in watershed algorithm. We use the shape information and critical points of gradient vector flow (GVF) of starch granules to identify oversegments, and use fuzzy c-mean clustering based on prior knowledge to merge these oversegments to the objects. Experimental results on twenty microscopic starch images demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme. PMID:21047380

Turbulent kinetic energy in the right ventricle: Potential MR marker for risk stratification of adults with repaired Tetralogy of Fallot.

PubMed

Fredriksson, Alexandru; Trzebiatowska-Krzynska, Aleksandra; Dyverfeldt, Petter; Engvall, Jan; Ebbers, Tino; Carlhäll, Carl-Johan

2018-04-01

To assess right ventricular (RV) turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) in patients with repaired Tetralogy of Fallot (rToF) and a spectrum of pulmonary regurgitation (PR), as well as to investigate the relationship between these 4D flow markers and RV remodeling. Seventeen patients with rToF and 10 healthy controls were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups based on PR fraction: one lower PR fraction group (≤11%) and one higher PR fraction group (>11%). Field strength/sequences: 3D cine phase contrast (4D flow), 2D cine phase contrast (2D flow), and balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) at 1.5T. The RV volume was segmented in the morphologic short-axis images and TKE parameters were computed inside the segmented RV volume throughout diastole. Statistical tests: One-way analysis of variance with Bonferroni post-hoc test; unpaired t-test; Pearson correlation coefficients; simple and stepwise multiple regression models; intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The higher PR fraction group had more remodeled RVs (140 ± 25 vs. 107 ± 22 [lower PR fraction, P < 0.01] and 93 ± 15 ml/m 2 [healthy, P < 0.001] for RV end-diastolic volume index [RVEDVI]) and higher TKE values (5.95 ± 3.15 vs. 2.23 ± 0.81 [lower PR fraction, P < 0.01] and 1.91 ± 0.78 mJ [healthy, P < 0.001] for Peak Total RV TKE). Multiple regression analysis between RVEDVI and 4D/2D flow parameters showed that Peak Total RV TKE was the strongest predictor of RVEDVI (R 2  = 0.47, P = 0.002). The 4D flow-specific TKE markers showed a slightly stronger association with RV remodeling than conventional 2D flow PR parameters. These results suggest novel hemodynamic aspects of PR in the development of late complications after ToF repair. 2 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:1043-1053. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

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

Sakamoto, T.; Monafo, W.W.

We used the tissue distribution of ({sup 14}C)butanol to quantitate regional blood flow in the spinal cord (RSCBF) of pentobarbital-anesthetized, normothermic rats in which segmental local cooling pentobarbital-anesthetized, normothermic rats in which segmental local cooling of the spinal cord (to 25-28{degrees}C) at vertebral levels C4-C6 (n = 6) or T13-L1 (n = 6) was induced. Thirty minutes later, blood flow measurements were made at seven levels of the spinal cord and in the sciatic nerve trunks and biceps femoris muscles. Sham-cooled rats served as controls (n = 12). In control rats, RSCBF varied between 41.5 +/- 2.4 and 65.1 +/-more » 3.2 ml.min-1.100 g-1. Local cooling of the C4-C6 cord segment reduced RSCBF by 32%, from 65.1 +/- 3.2 to 44.4 +/- 3.5 ml.min-1.100 g-1 (P less than 0.01). Tissue vascular resistance (R) in the cooled C4-C6 segment was elevated versus control. There were no other changes in RSCBF at the other cord levels or in the cauda equina. Similarly, local cooling of the T13-L1 segment resulted in a 40% fall in RSCBF in that segment, from 57.1 +/- 2.4 to 34.1 +/- 4.3 ml.min-1.100 g-1 (P less than 0.001). R in the cooled T13-L1 segment was elevated versus control. RSCBF was reduced by 30% in the adjacent proximal T12 segment (P less than 0.001) and by 21% in the adjacent distal L2-L3 segment (P less than 0.05). R was increased in both of these adjacent segments. RSCBF was not altered elsewhere in the cord.« less

A robustness test of the braided device foreshortening algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moyano, Raquel Kale; Fernandez, Hector; Macho, Juan M.; Blasco, Jordi; San Roman, Luis; Narata, Ana Paula; Larrabide, Ignacio

2017-11-01

Different computational methods have been recently proposed to simulate the virtual deployment of a braided stent inside a patient vasculature. Those methods are primarily based on the segmentation of the region of interest to obtain the local vessel morphology descriptors. The goal of this work is to evaluate the influence of the segmentation quality on the method named "Braided Device Foreshortening" (BDF). METHODS: We used the 3DRA images of 10 aneurysmatic patients (cases). The cases were segmented by applying a marching cubes algorithm with a broad range of thresholds in order to generate 10 surface models each. We selected a braided device to apply the BDF algorithm to each surface model. The range of the computed flow diverter lengths for each case was obtained to calculate the variability of the method against the threshold segmentation values. RESULTS: An evaluation study over 10 clinical cases indicates that the final length of the deployed flow diverter in each vessel model is stable, shielding maximum difference of 11.19% in vessel diameter and maximum of 9.14% in the simulated stent length for the threshold values. The average coefficient of variation was found to be 4.08 %. CONCLUSION: A study evaluating how the threshold segmentation affects the simulated length of the deployed FD, was presented. The segmentation algorithm used to segment intracranial aneurysm 3D angiography images presents small variation in the resulting stent simulation.

Demonstration of GaAsSb/InAs nanowire backward diodes grown using position-controlled vapor-liquid-solid method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kawaguchi, Kenichi; Takahashi, Tsuyoshi; Okamoto, Naoya; Sato, Masaru

2018-02-01

p-GaAsSb/n-InAs type-II nanowire (NW) diodes were fabricated using the position-controlled vapor-liquid-solid growth method. InAs and GaAsSb NW segments were grown vertically on GaAs(111)B substrates with the assistance of Au catalysts. Transmission electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis revealed that the GaAsSb segments have an Sb content of 40%, which is sufficient to form a tunnel heterostructure. Scanning capacitance microscope images clearly indicated the formation of a p-n junction in the NWs. Backward diode characteristics, that is, current flow toward negative bias originating from a tunnel current and current suppression toward positive bias by a heterobarrier, were demonstrated.

Volcanic evolution of an active magmatic rift segment on a 100 Kyr timescale: exposure dating of lavas from the Manda Hararo/Dabbahu segment of the Afar Rift

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Medynski, S.; Williams, A.; Pik, R.; Burnard, P.; Vye, C.; France, L.; Ayalew, D.; Yirgu, G.

2012-12-01

In the Afar depression (Ethiopia), extension is already organised along rift segments which morphologically resemble oceanic rifts. Segmentation here results from interactions between dyke injection and volcanism, as observed during the well documented 2005 event on the Dabbahu rift segment. During this tectono-volcanic crisis, a megadyke was injected, followed by 12 subsequent dike intrusions, sometimes associated with fissure flow eruptions. Despite the accurate surveying of the magmatic and tectonic interplay during this event via remote sensing techniques, there is a lack of data on timescales of 1 to 100 kyr, the period over which the main morphology of a rift is acquired. The Dabbahu rift segment represents an ideal natural laboratory to study the evolution of rift morphology as a response to volcanic and tectonic influences. It is possible to constrain the timing of fault growth relative to the infilling of the rift axial depression by lava flows, and to assess the influence of the different magma bodies involved in lava production along the rift-segment. We use cosmogenic nuclides (3He) to determine the ages of young (<100 kyr) lava flows and to date the initiation and movement of fault scarps which cut the lavas. Combined with major & trace element compositions, field mapping and digital cartography (Landsat, ASTER and SPOT imagery), the rift geomorphology can be linked to the magmatic and tectonic history defined by surface exposure dating. The results show that over the last 100 ka the Northern part of the Dabbahu segment was supplied by two different magma reservoirs which can be identified based on their distinctive chemistries. The main reservoir is located beneath Dabbahu volcano, and has been supplied with magma for at least 72 ka. This magmatic centre supplies magma to most of the northern third of the rift segment. The second reservoir is located further south, on the axis, close to the current mid-segment magma chamber, which was responsible for the 2005 rifting episode. This second magmatic centre supplies magma to the remaining 2/3 of the segment, but scarcely impacts its Northern termination (where the Dabbahu activity predominates) - except during extraordinary events when dykes are long enough to reach those parts, as in 2005. The eruption ages of the different lava units correlates with their degrees of differentiation, allowing different magmatic cycles of about a few tens of years each to be distinguished. During the first recorded magmatic cycle (~70 ka to ~55 ka), Dabbahu is built of wide-spreading pāhoehoe flows around localised eruptive centres. The resulting topography of the volcanic edifice remains low, and is only slightly affected by rift-related fault activity, with the development of minor scarps. The second recorded magmatic cycle (~50 ka to ~20 ka) coincides with a strong development of Dabbahu topography - underlined by the change in lava morphology with well channelized 'a'ā flows since 50 ka. Tectonic activity also clearly increases over this period, with the initiation of the major fault scarps of the rift, which have been dated at around 35 ka. Our study underlines the role of the magma supply and availability beneath Dabbahu in the evolution both topographies of Dabbahu volcano and of the rift depression morphology.

Turbine stator vane segment having internal cooling circuits

DOEpatents

Jones, Raymond Joseph; Burns, James Lee; Bojappa, Parvangada Ganapathy; Jones, Schotsch Margaret

2003-01-01

A turbine stator vane includes outer and inner walls each having outer and inner chambers and a vane extending between the outer and inner walls. The vane includes first, second, third, fourth and fifth cavities for flowing a cooling medium. The cooling medium enters the outer chamber of the outer wall, flows through an impingement plate for impingement cooling of the outer band wall defining in part the hot gas path and through openings in the first, second and fourth cavities for flow radially inwardly, cooling the vane. The spent cooling medium flows into the inner wall and inner chamber for flow through an impingement plate radially outwardly to cool the inner wall. The spent cooling medium flows through the third cavity for egress from the turbine vane segment from the outer wall. The first, second or third cavities contain inserts having impingement openings for impingement cooling of the vane walls. The fifth cavity provides air cooling for the trailing edge.

Discrimination between platelet-mediated and coagulation-mediated mechanisms in a model of complex thrombus formation in vivo

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

Cadroy, Y.; Horbett, T.A.; Hanson, S.R.

1989-04-01

To study mechanisms of complex thrombus formation in vivo, and to compare the relative antithrombotic effects of anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents, a model was developed in baboons. Segments of collagen-coated tubing followed by two sequentially placed expansion chambers exhibiting disturbed flow patterns were exposed to native blood under laminar flow conditions. The device was incorporated for 1 hour into an exteriorized arteriovenous shunt in baboons under controlled blood flow (20 ml/min). Morphologic evaluation by scanning electron microscopy showed that thrombi associated with collagen were relatively rich in platelets but thrombi in the chambers were rich in fibrin and red cells.more » Deposition of indium 111-labeled platelets was continuously measured with a scintillation camera. Platelet deposition increased in a linear (collagen-coated segment) or exponential (chambers 1 and 2) fashion over time, with values after 40 minutes averaging 24.1 +/- 3.3 x 10(8) platelets (collagen segment), 16.7 +/- 3.4 x 10(8) platelets (chamber 1), and 8.4 +/- 2.4 x 10(8) platelets (chamber 2). Total fibrinogen deposition after 40 minutes was determined by using iodine 125-labeled baboon fibrinogen and averaged 0.58 +/- 0.14 mg in the collagen segment, 1.51 +/- 0.27 mg in chamber 1, and 0.95 +/- 0.25 mg in chamber 2. Plasma levels of beta-thromboglobulin (beta TG), platelet-factor 4 (PF4), and fibrinopeptide A (FPA) increased fourfold to fivefold after 60 minutes of blood exposure to the thrombotic device. Platelet deposition onto the collagen segment, chamber 1, and chamber 2 was linearly dependent on the circulating platelet count. Platelet accumulation in chamber 1 and chamber 2 was also dependent on the presence of the proximal collagen segment.« less

Use of 2D U-Net Convolutional Neural Networks for Automated Cartilage and Meniscus Segmentation of Knee MR Imaging Data to Determine Relaxometry and Morphometry.

PubMed

Norman, Berk; Pedoia, Valentina; Majumdar, Sharmila

2018-03-27

Purpose To analyze how automatic segmentation translates in accuracy and precision to morphology and relaxometry compared with manual segmentation and increases the speed and accuracy of the work flow that uses quantitative magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to study knee degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis (OA). Materials and Methods This retrospective study involved the analysis of 638 MR imaging volumes from two data cohorts acquired at 3.0 T: (a) spoiled gradient-recalled acquisition in the steady state T1 ρ -weighted images and (b) three-dimensional (3D) double-echo steady-state (DESS) images. A deep learning model based on the U-Net convolutional network architecture was developed to perform automatic segmentation. Cartilage and meniscus compartments were manually segmented by skilled technicians and radiologists for comparison. Performance of the automatic segmentation was evaluated on Dice coefficient overlap with the manual segmentation, as well as by the automatic segmentations' ability to quantify, in a longitudinally repeatable way, relaxometry and morphology. Results The models produced strong Dice coefficients, particularly for 3D-DESS images, ranging between 0.770 and 0.878 in the cartilage compartments to 0.809 and 0.753 for the lateral meniscus and medial meniscus, respectively. The models averaged 5 seconds to generate the automatic segmentations. Average correlations between manual and automatic quantification of T1 ρ and T2 values were 0.8233 and 0.8603, respectively, and 0.9349 and 0.9384 for volume and thickness, respectively. Longitudinal precision of the automatic method was comparable with that of the manual one. Conclusion U-Net demonstrates efficacy and precision in quickly generating accurate segmentations that can be used to extract relaxation times and morphologic characterization and values that can be used in the monitoring and diagnosis of OA. © RSNA, 2018 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

Quantitative analysis of CPR quality during in-hospital resuscitation of older children and adolescents.

PubMed

Sutton, Robert M; Niles, Dana; Nysaether, Jon; Abella, Benjamin S; Arbogast, Kristy B; Nishisaki, Akira; Maltese, Matthew R; Donoghue, Aaron; Bishnoi, Ram; Helfaer, Mark A; Myklebust, Helge; Nadkarni, Vinay

2009-08-01

Few data exist on pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) quality. This study is the first to evaluate actual in-hospital pediatric CPR. We hypothesized that with bedside CPR training and corrective feedback, CPR quality can approach American Heart Association (AHA) targets. Using CPR recording/feedback defibrillators, quality of CPR was assessed for patients >or=8 years of age who suffered a cardiac arrest in the PICU or emergency department (ED). Before and during the study, a bedside CPR training program was initiated. Between October 2006 and February 2008, twenty events in 18 patients met inclusion criteria and resulted in 36749 evaluable chest compressions (CCs) during 392.3 minutes of arrest. CCs were shallow (<38 mm or <1.5 in) in 27.2% (9998 of 36749), with excessive residual leaning force (>or=2500 g) in 23.4% (8611 of 36749). Segmental analysis of the first 5 minutes of the events demonstrated that shallow CCs and excessive residual leaning force were less prevalent during the first 5 minutes. AHA targets were not achieved for CC rate in 62 (43.1%) of 144 segments, CC depth in 52 (36.1%) of 144 segments, and residual leaning force in 53 (36.8%) of 144 segments. This prospective, observational study demonstrates feasibility of monitoring in-hospital pediatric CPR. Even with bedside CPR retraining and corrective audiovisual feedback, CPR quality frequently did not meet AHA targets. Importantly, no flow fraction target of 10% was achieved. Future studies should investigate novel educational methods and targeted feedback technologies.

A One-Dimensional Global-Scaling Erosive Burning Model Informed by Blowing Wall Turbulence

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kibbey, Timothy P.

2014-01-01

A derivation of turbulent flow parameters, combined with data from erosive burning test motors and blowing wall tests results in erosive burning model candidates useful in one-dimensional internal ballistics analysis capable of scaling across wide ranges of motor size. The real-time burn rate data comes from three test campaigns of subscale segmented solid rocket motors tested at two facilities. The flow theory admits the important effect of the blowing wall on the turbulent friction coefficient by using blowing wall data to determine the blowing wall friction coefficient. The erosive burning behavior of full-scale motors is now predicted more closely than with other recent models.

8. Inverted siphon structure carrying ditch flow under Willow Creek, ...

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

8. Inverted siphon structure carrying ditch flow under Willow Creek, looking southwest - Natomas Ditch System, Blue Ravine Segment, Juncture of Blue Ravine & Green Valley Roads, Folsom, Sacramento County, CA

7. Inverted siphon structure carrying ditch flow under Willow Creek, ...

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

7. Inverted siphon structure carrying ditch flow under Willow Creek, looking east - Natomas Ditch System, Blue Ravine Segment, Juncture of Blue Ravine & Green Valley Roads, Folsom, Sacramento County, CA

Computer simulation of storm runoff for three watersheds in Albuquerque, New Mexico

USGS Publications Warehouse

Knutilla, R.L.; Veenhuis, J.E.

1994-01-01

Rainfall-runoff data from three watersheds were selected for calibration and verification of the U.S. Geological Survey's Distributed Routing Rainfall-Runoff Model. The watersheds chosen are residentially developed. The conceptually based model uses an optimization process that adjusts selected parameters to achieve the best fit between measured and simulated runoff volumes and peak discharges. Three of these optimization parameters represent soil-moisture conditions, three represent infiltration, and one accounts for effective impervious area. Each watershed modeled was divided into overland-flow segments and channel segments. The overland-flow segments were further subdivided to reflect pervious and impervious areas. Each overland-flow and channel segment was assigned representative values of area, slope, percentage of imperviousness, and roughness coefficients. Rainfall-runoff data for each watershed were separated into two sets for use in calibration and verification. For model calibration, seven input parameters were optimized to attain a best fit of the data. For model verification, parameter values were set using values from model calibration. The standard error of estimate for calibration of runoff volumes ranged from 19 to 34 percent, and for peak discharge calibration ranged from 27 to 44 percent. The standard error of estimate for verification of runoff volumes ranged from 26 to 31 percent, and for peak discharge verification ranged from 31 to 43 percent.

Development of quantitative analysis method for stereotactic brain image: assessment of reduced accumulation in extent and severity using anatomical segmentation.

PubMed

Mizumura, Sunao; Kumita, Shin-ichiro; Cho, Keiichi; Ishihara, Makiko; Nakajo, Hidenobu; Toba, Masahiro; Kumazaki, Tatsuo

2003-06-01

Through visual assessment by three-dimensional (3D) brain image analysis methods using stereotactic brain coordinates system, such as three-dimensional stereotactic surface projections and statistical parametric mapping, it is difficult to quantitatively assess anatomical information and the range of extent of an abnormal region. In this study, we devised a method to quantitatively assess local abnormal findings by segmenting a brain map according to anatomical structure. Through quantitative local abnormality assessment using this method, we studied the characteristics of distribution of reduced blood flow in cases with dementia of the Alzheimer type (DAT). Using twenty-five cases with DAT (mean age, 68.9 years old), all of whom were diagnosed as probable Alzheimer's disease based on NINCDS-ADRDA, we collected I-123 iodoamphetamine SPECT data. A 3D brain map using the 3D-SSP program was compared with the data of 20 cases in the control group, who age-matched the subject cases. To study local abnormalities on the 3D images, we divided the whole brain into 24 segments based on anatomical classification. We assessed the extent of an abnormal region in each segment (rate of the coordinates with a Z-value that exceeds the threshold value, in all coordinates within a segment), and severity (average Z-value of the coordinates with a Z-value that exceeds the threshold value). This method clarified orientation and expansion of reduced accumulation, through classifying stereotactic brain coordinates according to the anatomical structure. This method was considered useful for quantitatively grasping distribution abnormalities in the brain and changes in abnormality distribution.

Highly Segmented Thermal Barrier Coatings Deposited by Suspension Plasma Spray: Effects of Spray Process on Microstructure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Xiaolong; Honda, Hiroshi; Kuroda, Seiji; Araki, Hiroshi; Murakami, Hideyuki; Watanabe, Makoto; Sakka, Yoshio

2016-12-01

Effects of the ceramic powder size used for suspension as well as several processing parameters in suspension plasma spraying of YSZ were investigated experimentally, aiming to fabricate highly segmented microstructures for thermal barrier coating (TBC) applications. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) was used to observe the atomization process and the velocity distribution of atomized droplets and ceramic particles travelling toward the substrates. The tested parameters included the secondary plasma gas (He versus H2), suspension injection flow rate, and substrate surface roughness. Results indicated that a plasma jet with a relatively higher content of He or H2 as the secondary plasma gas was critical to produce highly segmented YSZ TBCs with a crack density up to 12 cracks/mm. The optimized suspension flow rate played an important role to realize coatings with a reduced porosity level and improved adhesion. An increased powder size and higher operation power level were beneficial for the formation of highly segmented coatings onto substrates with a wider range of surface roughness.

Rocks Whose Compositions are Determined by Flow Differentiation of Olivine- and Sulfide Droplet-Laden Magma: the Jinchuan Story

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, C.; Ripley, E. M.; de Waal, S. A.; Xu, Z.

2002-12-01

The Jinchuan intrusion in western China is an elongated, deeply-dipping dyke-like body of dominantly olivine-rich ultramafic rocks of high magnesium basaltic magma. It hosts the second largest Ni-Cu sulfide deposit in the world. More than 500 million tones of sulfide ore grading 1.2 percent Ni and 0.7 percent Cu occur mostly as next-textured and disseminated sulfide (pyrrhotite, pentlendite and chalcopyrite) with cumulus olivine in about half of the rocks of the intrusion. Based on different petrological zonations, the Jinchuan intrusion is further divided into three segments: eastern, central and western segments. The central segment is characterized by concentric enrichments of cumulus olivine and sulfide, whereas the eastern and western segments are characterized by the increase of both cumulus olivine and sulfide toward the footwall. The forsterite contents of fresh olivine from different segments are similar and vary between 82 and 86 mole percent. The small range of olivine compositional variation corresponds to less than 6 percent of fractional crystallization. Mass balance calculations based on sulfide solubility in basaltic magma indicate that the volume of the parental magma of the sulfide is many times larger than that which is currently represented in the intrusion. Large amounts of cumulus olivine (more than 40 weight percent) in the marginal samples and high concentrations of sulfide in the intrusion are consistent with an interpretation that the Jinchuan intrusion was formed by olivine- and sulfide droplet-laden magma ascending through a subvertical conduit to a higher level. Differentiation processes of the olivine- and sulfide droplet-laden magma varied in different parts of the conduit. Sub-vertical flow differentiation controlled the central segment of the conduit, resulting in further enrichment of olivine crystals and sulfide droplets in the conduit center. In contrast, sub-lateral flow and gravitational differentiation dominated in the eastern and western segments, resulting in further enrichments of olivine crystals and sulfide droplets toward the footwall contact.

Apparatus and methods for impingement cooling of a side wall of a turbine nozzle segment

DOEpatents

Burdgick, Steven Sebastian

2002-01-01

A gas turbine nozzle segment has outer and inner bands and a vane therebetween. Each band includes a nozzle wall, a side wall, a cover and an impingement plate between the cover and the nozzle wall defining two cavities on opposite sides of the impingement plate. Cooling steam is supplied to one cavity for flow through apertures of the impingement plate to cool the nozzle wall. The side wall of the band and inturned flange define with the nozzle wall an undercut region. The impingement plate has a turned flange welded to the inturned flange. A backing plate overlies the turned flange and aligned apertures are formed through the backing plate and turned flange to direct and focus cooling flow onto the side wall of the nozzle segment.

Droplet microfluidics with magnetic beads: a new tool to investigate drug-protein interactions.

PubMed

Lombardi, Dario; Dittrich, Petra S

2011-01-01

In this study, we give the proof of concept for a method to determine binding constants of compounds in solution. By implementing a technique based on magnetic beads with a microfluidic device for segmented flow generation, we demonstrate, for individual droplets, fast, robust and complete separation of the magnetic beads. The beads are used as a carrier for one binding partner and hence, any bound molecule is separated likewise, while the segmentation into small microdroplets ensures fast mixing, and opens future prospects for droplet-wise analysis of drug candidate libraries. We employ the method for characterization of drug-protein binding, here warfarin to human serum albumin. The approach lays the basis for a microfluidic droplet-based screening device aimed at investigating the interactions of drugs with specific targets including enzymes and cells. Furthermore, the continuous method could be employed for various applications, such as binding assays, kinetic studies, and single cell analysis, in which rapid removal of a reactive component is required.

3D surface rendered MR images of the brain and its vasculature.

PubMed

Cline, H E; Lorensen, W E; Souza, S P; Jolesz, F A; Kikinis, R; Gerig, G; Kennedy, T E

1991-01-01

Both time-of-flight and phase contrast magnetic resonance angiography images are combined with stationary tissue images to provide data depicting two contrast relationships yielding intrinsic discrimination of brain matter and flowing blood. A computer analysis is based on nearest neighbor segmentation and the connection between anatomical structures to partition the images into different tissue categories: from which, high resolution brain parenchymal and vascular surfaces are constructed and rendered in juxtaposition, aiding in surgical planning.

Unsteady Aerodynamic Flow Control of Moving Platforms

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-05-29

aerodynamic forces and moments effected by fluidic actuation on the flow boundaries of stationary and moving platforms. Aerodynamic forces and...Control is effected fluidically by interactions of azimuthally- and streamwise-segmented individually-addressable synthetic jet actuators with...fundamental flow mechanisms that are associated with transitory aerodynamic forces and moments effected by fluidic actuation on the flow boundaries of

Effect of Oxygen addition on altitude blowout and relight of an experimental combustor segment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Norgren, C. T.; Ingebo, R. D.

1974-01-01

The effect of oxygen addition on the low pressure altitude blowout limits of an experimental combustor segment was investigated. Data were obtained for two inlet-air temperatures, two inlet-airflow rates, and a constant fuel-air ratio of 0.020 with Jet A fuel. It was shown that the pressure at blowout could be reduced to correspond to an increase in altitude of 4.6 kilometers with oxygen flow rates of 8 to 16 percent by weight of the total fuel flow.

Segmenting Dynamic Human Action via Statistical Structure

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Baldwin, Dare; Andersson, Annika; Saffran, Jenny; Meyer, Meredith

2008-01-01

Human social, cognitive, and linguistic functioning depends on skills for rapidly processing action. Identifying distinct acts within the dynamic motion flow is one basic component of action processing; for example, skill at segmenting action is foundational to action categorization, verb learning, and comprehension of novel action sequences. Yet…

Geochemical and Isotopic Variations Along the Southeast Indian Ridge (126°-140°E) Related to Mantle Flow Originating from Beneath Antarctica

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hanan, B. B.; Graham, D. W.; Hemond, C.; Dufour, F.; Briais, A.; Ceuleneer, G.; Maia, M.; Park, S. H.; Revillon, S.; Yang, Y. S.

2017-12-01

We present data for glassy basalts from 37 localities along the spreading axis of the Southeast Indian Ridge (SEIR) between 126°-140°E, eastward of the Australian-Antarctic Discordance (AAD). Each of the five ridge segments (A1 to A5, west to east) show well-defined major element trends. An isotopic and negative axial depth anomaly is present, centered on the overlapping tips of segments A3 and A4 at 135°E. Segment A4 basalts have distinct radiogenic Pb and He isotopes plus enriched MORB-like ɛHf, relative to segments to the west and east. Crystal fractionation is more extensive at the A3 and A5 overlapping segment tips adjacent to A4, and decreases both to the west and east. The along axis pattern suggests a mantle heterogeneity located beneath the A3-A4 segments. Pb-Pb isotopic co-variations for the 5 segments define two linear arrays, with a western trend (A1-A3) and an eastern trend (A4-A5) that intersects it at the composition of the anomalous A4 segment, at a 206Pb/204Pb 19. The western trend has higher 208Pb/204Pb for a given 206Pb/204Pb, revealing a gradient in the asthenosphere, with Δ208Pb/204Pb decreasing to the east away from the AAD. Overall, 206,207,208Pb/204Pb and 4He/3He of the A4 anomaly define trends that vector toward the fields for Cenozoic lavas from west Antarctica (Marie Byrd Land and Balleny Islands). West Antarctica has a history of mantle plume underplating and lithosphere modification by subduction [1,2], and there is a broad seismic anomaly below 250 km underlying the West Antarctic Rift system [3]. Our data supports a model in which flow of underplated material plus lithosphere may be guided by the underside topography of the lithosphere beneath the Transantarctic mountains. This flow emerges from beneath east Antarctica, where it leads to volcanism in the Balleny Islands [4]. The material apparently continues to flow northward to the SEIR at 135°E. The geochemical anomaly beneath Zone A is potentially explained by the presence of this residual plume/mobilized lithospheric material in the subridge mantle of the SEIR. [1] Hart et al., 1997, Chem Geol 139; [2] Aviado et al. 2015, G3 16; [3] Moelli and Danesi, 2004, GPC 42; [4] Sleep, 2006, ESR 77.

Segmentation of bone structures in 3D CT images based on continuous max-flow optimization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pérez-Carrasco, J. A.; Acha-Piñero, B.; Serrano, C.

2015-03-01

In this paper an algorithm to carry out the automatic segmentation of bone structures in 3D CT images has been implemented. Automatic segmentation of bone structures is of special interest for radiologists and surgeons to analyze bone diseases or to plan some surgical interventions. This task is very complicated as bones usually present intensities overlapping with those of surrounding tissues. This overlapping is mainly due to the composition of bones and to the presence of some diseases such as Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis, etc. Moreover, segmentation of bone structures is a very time-consuming task due to the 3D essence of the bones. Usually, this segmentation is implemented manually or with algorithms using simple techniques such as thresholding and thus providing bad results. In this paper gray information and 3D statistical information have been combined to be used as input to a continuous max-flow algorithm. Twenty CT images have been tested and different coefficients have been computed to assess the performance of our implementation. Dice and Sensitivity values above 0.91 and 0.97 respectively were obtained. A comparison with Level Sets and thresholding techniques has been carried out and our results outperformed them in terms of accuracy.

Evaluation of the impacts of traffic states on crash risks on freeways.

PubMed

Xu, Chengcheng; Liu, Pan; Wang, Wei; Li, Zhibin

2012-07-01

The primary objective of this study is to divide freeway traffic flow into different states, and to evaluate the safety performance associated with each state. Using traffic flow data and crash data collected from a northbound segment of the I-880 freeway in the state of California, United States, K-means clustering analysis was conducted to classify traffic flow into five different states. Conditional logistic regression models using case-controlled data were then developed to study the relationship between crash risks and traffic states. Traffic flow characteristics in each traffic state were compared to identify the underlying phenomena that made certain traffic states more hazardous than others. Crash risk models were also developed for different traffic states to identify how traffic flow characteristics such as speed and speed variance affected crash risks in different traffic states. The findings of this study demonstrate that the operations of freeway traffic can be divided into different states using traffic occupancy measured from nearby loop detector stations, and each traffic state can be assigned with a certain safety level. The impacts of traffic flow parameters on crash risks are different across different traffic flow states. A method based on discriminant analysis was further developed to identify traffic states given real-time freeway traffic flow data. Validation results showed that the method was of reasonably high accuracy for identifying freeway traffic states. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

NASA Tech Briefs, September 2006

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2006-01-01

Topics covered include: Improving Thermomechanical Properties of SiC/SiC Composites; Aerogel/Particle Composites for Thermoelectric Devices; Patches for Repairing Ceramics and Ceramic- Matrix Composites; Lower-Conductivity Ceramic Materials for Thermal-Barrier Coatings; An Alternative for Emergency Preemption of Traffic Lights; Vehicle Transponder for Preemption of Traffic Lights; Automated Announcements of Approaching Emergency Vehicles; Intersection Monitor for Traffic-Light-Preemption System; Full-Duplex Digital Communication on a Single Laser Beam; Stabilizing Microwave Frequency of a Photonic Oscillator; Microwave Oscillators Based on Nonlinear WGM Resonators; Pointing Reference Scheme for Free-Space Optical Communications Systems; High-Level Performance Modeling of SAR Systems; Spectral Analysis Tool 6.2 for Windows; Multi-Platform Avionics Simulator; Silicon-Based Optical Modulator with Ferroelectric Layer; Multiplexing Transducers Based on Tunnel-Diode Oscillators; Scheduling with Automated Resolution of Conflicts; Symbolic Constraint Maintenance Grid; Discerning Trends in Performance Across Multiple Events; Magnetic Field Solver; Computing for Aiming a Spaceborne Bistatic- Radar Transmitter; 4-Vinyl-1,3-Dioxolane-2-One as an Additive for Li-Ion Cells; Probabilistic Prediction of Lifetimes of Ceramic Parts; STRANAL-PMC Version 2.0; Micromechanics and Piezo Enhancements of HyperSizer; Single-Phase Rare-Earth Oxide/Aluminum Oxide Glasses; Tilt/Tip/Piston Manipulator with Base-Mounted Actuators; Measurement of Model Noise in a Hard-Wall Wind Tunnel; Loci-STREAM Version 0.9; The Synergistic Engineering Environment; Reconfigurable Software for Controlling Formation Flying; More About the Tetrahedral Unstructured Software System; Computing Flows Using Chimera and Unstructured Grids; Avoiding Obstructions in Aiming a High-Gain Antenna; Analyzing Aeroelastic Stability of a Tilt-Rotor Aircraft; Tracking Positions and Attitudes of Mars Rovers; Stochastic Evolutionary Algorithms for Planning Robot Paths; Compressible Flow Toolbox; Rapid Aeroelastic Analysis of Blade Flutter in Turbomachines; General Flow-Solver Code for Turbomachinery Applications; Code for Multiblock CFD and Heat-Transfer Computations; Rotating-Pump Design Code; Covering a Crucible with Metal Containing Channels; Repairing Fractured Bones by Use of Bioabsorbable Composites; Kalman Filter for Calibrating a Telescope Focal Plane; Electronic Absolute Cartesian Autocollimator; Fiber-Optic Gratings for Lidar Measurements of Water Vapor; Simulating Responses of Gravitational-Wave Instrumentation; SOFTC: A Software Correlator for VLBI; Progress in Computational Simulation of Earthquakes; Database of Properties of Meteors; Computing Spacecraft Solar-Cell Damage by Charged Particles; Thermal Model of a Current-Carrying Wire in a Vacuum; Program for Analyzing Flows in a Complex Network; Program Predicts Performance of Optical Parametric Oscillators; Processing TES Level-1B Data; Automated Camera Calibration; Tracking the Martian CO2 Polar Ice Caps in Infrared Images; Processing TES Level-2 Data; SmaggIce Version 1.8; Solving the Swath Segment Selection Problem; The Spatial Standard Observer; Less-Complex Method of Classifying MPSK; Improvement in Recursive Hierarchical Segmentation of Data; Using Heaps in Recursive Hierarchical Segmentation of Data; Tool for Statistical Analysis and Display of Landing Sites; Automated Assignment of Proposals to Reviewers; Array-Pattern-Match Compiler for Opportunistic Data Analysis; Pre-Processor for Compression of Multispectral Image Data; Compressing Image Data While Limiting the Effects of Data Losses; Flight Operations Analysis Tool; Improvement in Visual Target Tracking for a Mobile Robot; Software for Simulating Air Traffic; Automated Vectorization of Decision-Based Algorithms; Grayscale Optical Correlator Workbench; "One-Stop Shopping" for Ocean Remote-Sensing and Model Data; State Analysis Database Tool; Generating CAHV and CAHVOmages with Shadows in ROAMS; Improving UDP/IP Transmission Without Increasing Congestion; FORTRAN Versions of Reformulated HFGMC Codes; Program for Editing Spacecraft Command Sequences; Flight-Tested Prototype of BEAM Software; Mission Scenario Development Workbench; Marsviewer; Tool for Analysis and Reduction of Scientific Data; ASPEN Version 3.0; Secure Display of Space-Exploration Images; Digital Front End for Wide-Band VLBI Science Receiver; Multifunctional Tanks for Spacecraft; Lightweight, Segmented, Mostly Silicon Telescope Mirror; Assistant for Analyzing Tropical-Rain-Mapping Radar Data; and Anion-Intercalating Cathodes for High-Energy- Density Cells.

Exploring Population Admixture Dynamics via Empirical and Simulated Genome-wide Distribution of Ancestral Chromosomal Segments

PubMed Central

Jin, Wenfei; Wang, Sijia; Wang, Haifeng; Jin, Li; Xu, Shuhua

2012-01-01

The processes of genetic admixture determine the haplotype structure and linkage disequilibrium patterns of the admixed population, which is important for medical and evolutionary studies. However, most previous studies do not consider the inherent complexity of admixture processes. Here we proposed two approaches to explore population admixture dynamics, and we demonstrated, by analyzing genome-wide empirical and simulated data, that the approach based on the distribution of chromosomal segments of distinct ancestry (CSDAs) was more powerful than that based on the distribution of individual ancestry proportions. Analysis of 1,890 African Americans showed that a continuous gene flow model, in which the African American population continuously received gene flow from European populations over about 14 generations, best explained the admixture dynamics of African Americans among several putative models. Interestingly, we observed that some African Americans had much more European ancestry than the simulated samples, indicating substructures of local ancestries in African Americans that could have been caused by individuals from some particular lineages having repeatedly admixed with people of European ancestry. In contrast, the admixture dynamics of Mexicans could be explained by a gradual admixture model in which the Mexican population continuously received gene flow from both European and Amerindian populations over about 24 generations. Our results also indicated that recent gene flows from Sub-Saharan Africans have contributed to the gene pool of Middle Eastern populations such as Mozabite, Bedouin, and Palestinian. In summary, this study not only provides approaches to explore population admixture dynamics, but also advances our understanding on population history of African Americans, Mexicans, and Middle Eastern populations. PMID:23103229

Development of a graphical method for choosing the optimal mode of traffic light

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Novikov, A. N.; Katunin, A. A.; Novikov, I. A.; Kravchenko, A. A.; Shevtsova, A. G.

2018-05-01

Changing the transportation infrastructure for improving the main characteristics of the transportation flow is the key problem in transportation planning, therefore the main question lies in the ability to plan the change of the main indicators for the long term. In this investigation, an analysis of the city’s population has been performed and the most difficult transportation segment has been identified. During its identification, the main characteristics of the transportation flow have been established. For the evaluation of these characteristics until 2025, an analysis of the available methods of establishing changes in their values has been conducted. During the analysis of the above mentioned methods of evaluation of the change in intensity, based on the method of extrapolation, three scenarios of the development of the transportation system have been identified. It has been established that the most favorable method of controlling the transportation flow in the entrance to the city is the long term control of the traffic system. For the first time, with the help of the authors, based on the investigations of foreign scientists and the mathematical analysis of the changes in intensiveness on the main routes of the given road, the method of graphically choosing the required control plan has been put forward. The effectiveness of said organization scheme of the transportation system has been rated in the Transyt-14 program, with the analysis of changes in the main characteristics of the transportation flow.

Sedimentation in the central segment of the Aleutian Trench: Sources, transport, and depositional style

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

Stevenson, A.J.; Scholl, D.W.; Vallier, T.L.

1990-05-01

The central segment of the Aleutian Trench (162{degree}W to 175{degree}E) is an intraoceanic subduction zone that contains an anomalously thick sedimentary fill (4 km maximum). The fill is an arcward-thickening and slightly tilted wedge of sediment characterized acoustically by laterally continuous, closely spaced, parallel reflectors. These relations are indicative of turbidite deposition. The trench floor and reflection horizons are planar, showing no evidence of an axial channel or any transverse fan bodies. Cores of surface sediment recover turbidite layers, implying that sediment transport and deposition occur via diffuse, sheetlike, fine-grained turbidite flows that occupy the full width of the trench.more » The mineralogy of Holocene trench sediments document a mixture of island-arc (dominant) and continental source terranes. GLORIA side-scan sonar images reveal a westward-flowing axial trench channel that conducts sediment to the eastern margin of the central segment, where channelized flow cases. Much of the sediment transported in this channel is derived from glaciated drainages surrounding the Gulf of Alaska which empty into the eastern trench segment via deep-sea channel systems (Surveyor and others) and submarine canyons (Hinchinbrook and others). Insular sediment transport is more difficult to define. GLORIA images show the efficiency with which the actively growing accretionary wedge impounds sediment that manages to cross a broad fore-arc terrace. It is likely that island-arc sediment reaches the trench either directly via air fall, via recycling of the accretionary prism, or via overtopping of the accretionary ridges by the upper parts of thick turbidite flows.« less

Fully-automated segmentation of fluid regions in exudative age-related macular degeneration subjects: Kernel graph cut in neutrosophic domain

PubMed Central

Rashno, Abdolreza; Nazari, Behzad; Koozekanani, Dara D.; Drayna, Paul M.; Sadri, Saeed; Rabbani, Hossein

2017-01-01

A fully-automated method based on graph shortest path, graph cut and neutrosophic (NS) sets is presented for fluid segmentation in OCT volumes for exudative age related macular degeneration (EAMD) subjects. The proposed method includes three main steps: 1) The inner limiting membrane (ILM) and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) layers are segmented using proposed methods based on graph shortest path in NS domain. A flattened RPE boundary is calculated such that all three types of fluid regions, intra-retinal, sub-retinal and sub-RPE, are located above it. 2) Seed points for fluid (object) and tissue (background) are initialized for graph cut by the proposed automated method. 3) A new cost function is proposed in kernel space, and is minimized with max-flow/min-cut algorithms, leading to a binary segmentation. Important properties of the proposed steps are proven and quantitative performance of each step is analyzed separately. The proposed method is evaluated using a publicly available dataset referred as Optima and a local dataset from the UMN clinic. For fluid segmentation in 2D individual slices, the proposed method outperforms the previously proposed methods by 18%, 21% with respect to the dice coefficient and sensitivity, respectively, on the Optima dataset, and by 16%, 11% and 12% with respect to the dice coefficient, sensitivity and precision, respectively, on the local UMN dataset. Finally, for 3D fluid volume segmentation, the proposed method achieves true positive rate (TPR) and false positive rate (FPR) of 90% and 0.74%, respectively, with a correlation of 95% between automated and expert manual segmentations using linear regression analysis. PMID:29059257

Streamflow gain/loss in the Republican River basin, Nebraska, March 1989

USGS Publications Warehouse

Johnson, Michaela R.; Stanton, Jennifer S.; Cornwall, James F.; Landon, Matthew K.

2002-01-01

This arc and point data set contains streamflow measurement sites and reaches indicating streamflow gain or loss under base-flow conditions along the Republican River and tributaries in Nebraska during March 21 to 22, 1989 (Boohar and others, 1990). These measurements were made to obtain data on ground-water/surface-water interaction. Flow was visually observed to be zero, was measured, or was estimated at 136 sites. The measurements were made on the main stem of the Republican River and all flowing tributaries that enter the Republican River above Swanson Reservoir and parts of the Frenchman, Red Willow, and Medicine Creek drainages in the Nebraska part of the Republican River Basin. Tributaries were followed upstream until the first road crossing where zero flow was encountered. For selected streams, points of zero flow upstream of the first zero flow site were also checked. Streamflow gain or loss for each stream reach was calculated by subtracting the streamflow values measured at the upstream end of the reach and values for contributing tributaries from the downstream value. The data obtained reflected base-flow conditions suitable for estimating streamflow gains and losses for stream reaches between sites. This digital data set was created by manually plotting locations of streamflow measurements. These points were used to designate stream-reach segments to calculate gain/loss per river mile. Reach segments were created by manually splitting the lines from a 1:250,000 hydrography data set (Soenksen and others, 1999) at every location where the streams were measured. Each stream-reach segment between streamflow-measurement sites was assigned a unique reach number. All other lines in the hydrography data set without reach numbers were omitted. This data set was created to archive the calculated streamflow gains and losses of selected streams in part of the Republican River Basin, Nebraska in March 1989, and make the data available for use with geographic information systems (GIS). If measurement sites are used separately from reaches, the maximum scale of 1:100,000 should not be exceeded. When used in conjunction with the reach segments, the maximum scale should not exceed 1:250,000.

On the Connection Between Flap Side-Edge Noise and Tip Vortex Dynamics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Casalino, D.; Hazir, A.; Fares, E.; Duda, B.; Khorrami, M. R.

2015-01-01

The goal of the present work is to investigate how the dynamics of the vortical flow about the flap side edge of an aircraft determine the acoustic radiation. A validated lattice- Boltzmann CFD solution of the unsteady flow about a detailed business jet configuration in approach conditions is used for the present analysis. Evidence of the connection between the noise generated by several segments of the inboard flap tip and the aerodynamic forces acting on the same segments is given, proving that the noise generation mechanism has a spatially coherent and acoustically compact character on the scale of the flap chord, and that the edge-scattering effects are of secondary importance. Subsequently, evidence of the connection between the kinematics of the tip vortex system and the aerodynamic force is provided. The kinematics of the dual vortex system are investigated via a core detection technique. Emphasis is placed on the mutual induction effects between the two main vortices rolling up from the pressure and suction sides of the flap edge. A simple heuristic formula that relates the far-field noise spectrum and the cross-spectrum of the unsteady vortical positions is developed.

Seismic and thermal evidences for subduction of exhumed mantle oceanic crust beneath the seismically quiet Antigua-St Martin Margin segment in the Northern Lesser Antilles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marcaillou, Boris; Klingelhoefer, Frauke; Laurencin, Muriel; Biari, Youssef; Graindorge, David; Lebrun, Jean-Frederic; Laigle, Mireille; Lallemand, Serge

2017-04-01

Wide-angle, multichannel reflection seismic data and heat-flow measurements from the Lesser Antilles subduction zone depict a large patch of atypical oceanic basement in the trench and beneath the outer fore-arc offshore of the Antigua-Saint Martin active margin segment. This segment triggers a very low number of earthquakes compared to the seismicity beneath the Virgin Island Platform to the north or in the Central Antilles (Martinique-Guadeloupe) to the south. Seven along-dip and two along-strike multichannel seismic lines acquired in this region show high amplitude steep reflectors that extend downward to 15-km depth in the downgoing slab. These lines also substantiate the absence of any reflections at Moho depth. Based on the wide-angle velocity model, the oceanic basement consists of a 5-km-thick unique layer with p-wave velocities ranging from 5.2 to 7.4 km/s, which is atypical for an oceanic crust. Heat-flow measurements along a transect perpendicular to the margin indicate a "flat" heat-flow trend from the trench to the fore-arc at 40 ± 15 mW.m-2 (Biari et al., same session). This heat flow profile contrasts with the expected trench-to-forearc decreasing heat-flow and the 50% higher heat-flow values measured in the trench offshore off the central Antilles. Calculated heat-flow for an incoming oceanic plate with a depressed geothermal gradient in the trench and heat source at depth in the subduction zone corresponding with temperatures of 200-250°C fit the measurements. We propose that a large patch of exhumed and serpentinized mantle rocks solidified at the slow-spreading mid-Atlantic Ridge is currently subducting beneath the studied margin segment. The fact that the crust here consists of one single layer and comprises velocities higher than found in igneous rocks (> 7.2 km/s) are consistent with this hypothesis. The plate bending possibly triggers long and deep delamination planes that extend into the mantle beneath the serpentinization front, which has been identified as a reflector in the wide-angle seismic data. These delamination planes outcrop at the interplate contact creating weak zones that focus the tectonic deformation in the upper plate. An incoming oceanic crust made of serpentinized mantle rocks is consistent with a depressed geothermal gradient in the trench due to water alteration and heat generation at depth due to serpentinite dehydration. This fluid-rich altered and weak oceanic crust likely reduces the seismic activity along this margin segment.

Efficient 3D multi-region prostate MRI segmentation using dual optimization.

PubMed

Qiu, Wu; Yuan, Jing; Ukwatta, Eranga; Sun, Yue; Rajchl, Martin; Fenster, Aaron

2013-01-01

Efficient and accurate extraction of the prostate, in particular its clinically meaningful sub-regions from 3D MR images, is of great interest in image-guided prostate interventions and diagnosis of prostate cancer. In this work, we propose a novel multi-region segmentation approach to simultaneously locating the boundaries of the prostate and its two major sub-regions: the central gland and the peripheral zone. The proposed method utilizes the prior knowledge of the spatial region consistency and employs a customized prostate appearance model to simultaneously segment multiple clinically meaningful regions. We solve the resulted challenging combinatorial optimization problem by means of convex relaxation, for which we introduce a novel spatially continuous flow-maximization model and demonstrate its duality to the investigated convex relaxed optimization problem with the region consistency constraint. Moreover, the proposed continuous max-flow model naturally leads to a new and efficient continuous max-flow based algorithm, which enjoys great advantages in numerics and can be readily implemented on GPUs. Experiments using 15 T2-weighted 3D prostate MR images, by inter- and intra-operator variability, demonstrate the promising performance of the proposed approach.

Embedded Implementation of VHR Satellite Image Segmentation

PubMed Central

Li, Chao; Balla-Arabé, Souleymane; Ginhac, Dominique; Yang, Fan

2016-01-01

Processing and analysis of Very High Resolution (VHR) satellite images provide a mass of crucial information, which can be used for urban planning, security issues or environmental monitoring. However, they are computationally expensive and, thus, time consuming, while some of the applications, such as natural disaster monitoring and prevention, require high efficiency performance. Fortunately, parallel computing techniques and embedded systems have made great progress in recent years, and a series of massively parallel image processing devices, such as digital signal processors or Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), have been made available to engineers at a very convenient price and demonstrate significant advantages in terms of running-cost, embeddability, power consumption flexibility, etc. In this work, we designed a texture region segmentation method for very high resolution satellite images by using the level set algorithm and the multi-kernel theory in a high-abstraction C environment and realize its register-transfer level implementation with the help of a new proposed high-level synthesis-based design flow. The evaluation experiments demonstrate that the proposed design can produce high quality image segmentation with a significant running-cost advantage. PMID:27240370

Segmental analysis of renal glucose transport in young female rats.

PubMed Central

McSherry, N R; Wen, S F

1984-01-01

Free-flow micropuncture studies were performed on twenty-seven young female Sprague-Dawley rats before and after 10% extracellular volume expansion to evaluate glucose reabsorption at the accessible sites of both surface and papillary nephrons. In the distal nephron segments no significant glucose reabsorption was observed for the distal tubule and papillary collecting duct but significant difference in fractional glucose delivery was demonstrated between the bend of the Henle's loop and early distal tubule and between the late distal tubule and the base of the collecting duct. Comparison of the fractional glucose delivery within the same nephron group for both superficial and juxtamedullary nephrons indicated that glucose reabsorption occurred at some sites beyond the bend of the Henle's loop. Volume expansion inhibited glucose reabsorption in the proximal convoluted tubule, enhanced it in the segment between the late proximal and early distal tubules, but had no effect on glucose transport at further distal sites. It is concluded that, in addition to the proximal tubule, the ascending loop of Henle or cortical collecting tubule may play a role in maintaining glucose-free urine under physiological conditions. PMID:6394745

Leaf seal for inner and outer casings of a turbine

DOEpatents

Schroder, Mark Stewart; Leach, David

2002-01-01

A plurality of arcuate, circumferentially extending leaf seal segments form an annular seal spanning between annular sealing surfaces of inner and outer casings of a turbine. The ends of the adjoining seal segments have circumferential gaps to enable circumferential expansion and contraction of the segments. The end of a first segment includes a tab projecting into a recess of a second end of a second segment. Edges of the tab seal against the sealing surfaces of the inner and outer casings have a narrow clearance with opposed edges of the recess. An overlying cover plate spans the joint. Leakage flow is maintained at a minimum because of the reduced gap between the radially spaced edges of the tab and recess, while the seal segments retain the capacity to expand and contract circumferentially.

Geomorphic Thresholds of Submarine Canyons Along the U.S. Atlantic Continental Margin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brothers, D. S.; ten Brink, U. S.; Andrews, B. D.; Chaytor, J. D.

2011-12-01

Vast networks of submarine canyons and associated channels are incised into the U.S. Atlantic continental slope and rise. Submarine canyons form by differential erosion and deposition, primarily from sedimentary turbidity flows. Theoretical and laboratory studies have investigated the initiation of turbidity flows and their capacity to erode and entrain sedimentary material at distances far from the shelf edge. The results have helped understand the nature of turbidite deposits on the continental slope and rise. Nevertheless, few studies have examined the linkages between down-canyon sediment transport and the morphology of canyon/channel networks using mesoscale analyses of swath bathymetry data. We present quantitative analysis of 100-m resolution multibeam bathymetry data spanning ~616,000 km2 of the slope and rise between Georges Banks and the Blake Plateau (New England to North Carolina). Canyons are categorized as shelf-indenting or slope-confined based on spatial scale, vertical relief and connection with terrestrial river systems during sea level low stands. Shelf-indenting canyons usually represent the trunk-canyon of submerged channel networks. On the rise, shelf-indenting canyons have relatively well-developed channel-levees and sharp inner-thalwag incision suggesting much higher frequency and volume of turbidity flows. Because of the similarities between submarine canyon networks and terrestrial river systems, we apply methods originally developed to study fluvial morphology. Along-canyon profiles are extracted from the bathymetry data and the power-law relationship between thalwag gradient and drainage area is examined for more than 180 canyons along an ~1200 km stretch of the US Atlantic margin. We observe distinct thresholds in the power-law relationship between drainage area and gradient. Almost all canyons with heads on the upper slope contain at least two linear segments when plotted in log-log form. The first segment along the upper slope is flat (constant gradient, low area). The second segment dips (exponentially decreasing gradient with increasing area). We interpret the transition between the two segments to be either diffusive creep/landslide processes that evolve into turbidity flows or the boundary that separates up-canyon infilling from relic, lower-canyon incision. Furthermore, the threshold occurs at a nearly constant drainage area regardless of location and morphology of the drainage network. This suggests that time-averaged erosion rate in submarine canyons depends on frequency of turbidity flows, which in turn depends on the volume of unstable sediments deposited near canyon heads and along canyon walls. We find that the gradient-area relationship does not follow a power-law in shelf-indenting canyons, most likely due to allogenic processes of the continental shelf and linkage to terrestrial river discharge.

Vitrectomy for the diagnosis and management of uveitis of unknown cause.

PubMed

Margolis, Ron; Brasil, Oswaldo F M; Lowder, Careen Y; Singh, Rishi P; Kaiser, Peter K; Smith, Scott D; Perez, Victor L; Sonnie, Christine; Sears, Jonathan E

2007-10-01

To determine the diagnostic yield of tests commonly used for vitreous fluid analysis in eyes with suspected intraocular infection or malignancy. Noncomparative interventional case series. Forty-four consecutive patients (45 eyes) treated from 1998 through 2006 with posterior segment inflammation who underwent pars plana vitrectomy for diagnostic purposes. Vitreous specimens obtained via pars plana vitrectomy were analyzed by microbiologic culture, cytologic analysis, and flow cytometry. Diagnostic yield and sensitivity of each test performed on vitreous specimens and visual outcomes of eyes that underwent diagnostic vitrectomy (DVx). Preoperative diagnoses were infection in 15 eyes and malignancy in 30 eyes. Overall, vitreous analysis identified a specific cause in 9 (20%) of 45 eyes. The overall sensitivity of DVx was 63.6%. The sensitivities of individual tests were: culture, 50%; cytologic analysis, 66.7%; and flow cytometry, 83.3%. The yields of diagnostic tests were: culture, 5.7%; cytologic analysis, 14.3%; and flow cytometry, 20.6%. Final diagnoses were infection in 6 eyes, malignancy in 9 eyes, and idiopathic in 30 eyes. Mean visual acuity improved significantly in the first 6 months after DVx. Visual acuity improved in 60% of eyes, with 37.8% of eyes improving by 3 lines or more. Analysis of vitreous fluid by widely available tests is useful in identifying intraocular infection or malignancy. Most patients experienced a substantial improvement in vision.

BRANCH JUNCTIONS AND THE FLOW OF WATER THROUGH XYLEM IN DOUGLAS-FIR AND PONDEROSA PINE STEMS

EPA Science Inventory

Water flowing through the xylem of most plants from the roots to the leaves must pass through junctions where branches have developed from the main stem. These junctions have been studied as both flow constrictions and components of a hydraulic segmentation mechanism to protect ...

Tuning a Parallel Segmented Flow Column and Enabling Multiplexed Detection.

PubMed

Pravadali-Cekic, Sercan; Kocic, Danijela; Hua, Stanley; Jones, Andrew; Dennis, Gary R; Shalliker, R Andrew

2015-12-15

Active flow technology (AFT) is new form of column technology that was designed to overcome flow heterogeneity to increase separation performance in terms of efficiency and sensitivity and to enable multiplexed detection. This form of AFT uses a parallel segmented flow (PSF) column. A PSF column outlet end-fitting consists of 2 or 4 ports, which can be multiplexed to connect up to 4 detectors. The PSF column not only allows a platform for multiplexed detection but also the combination of both destructive and non-destructive detectors, without additional dead volume tubing, simultaneously. The amount of flow through each port can also be adjusted through pressure management to suit the requirements of a specific detector(s). To achieve multiplexed detection using a PSF column there are a number of parameters which can be controlled to ensure optimal separation performance and quality of results; that is tube dimensions for each port, choice of port for each type of detector and flow adjustment. This protocol is intended to show how to use and tune a PSF column functioning in a multiplexed mode of detection.

Tracking flow of leukocytes in blood for drug analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Basharat, Arslan; Turner, Wesley; Stephens, Gillian; Badillo, Benjamin; Lumpkin, Rick; Andre, Patrick; Perera, Amitha

2011-03-01

Modern microscopy techniques allow imaging of circulating blood components under vascular flow conditions. The resulting video sequences provide unique insights into the behavior of blood cells within the vasculature and can be used as a method to monitor and quantitate the recruitment of inflammatory cells at sites of vascular injury/ inflammation and potentially serve as a pharmacodynamic biomarker, helping screen new therapies and individualize dose and combinations of drugs. However, manual analysis of these video sequences is intractable, requiring hours per 400 second video clip. In this paper, we present an automated technique to analyze the behavior and recruitment of human leukocytes in whole blood under physiological conditions of shear through a simple multi-channel fluorescence microscope in real-time. This technique detects and tracks the recruitment of leukocytes to a bioactive surface coated on a flow chamber. Rolling cells (cells which partially bind to the bioactive matrix) are detected counted, and have their velocity measured and graphed. The challenges here include: high cell density, appearance similarity, and low (1Hz) frame rate. Our approach performs frame differencing based motion segmentation, track initialization and online tracking of individual leukocytes.

CFD simulation of blood flow inside the corkscrew collaterals of the Buerger's disease.

PubMed

Sharifi, Alireza; Charjouei Moghadam, Mohammad

2016-01-01

Buerger's disease is an occlusive arterial disease that occurs mainly in medium and small vessels. This disease is associated with Tobacco usage. The existence of corkscrew collateral is one of the established characteristics of the Buerger's disease. In this study, the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation of blood flow within the corkscrew artery of the Buerger's disease is conducted. The geometry of the artery is constructed based on the actual corkscrew artery of a patient diagnosed with the Buerger's disease. The blood properties are the same as the actual blood properties of the patient. The blood flow rate is taken from the available experimental data in the literature. The local velocity patterns, pressure and kinematic viscosity distributions in different segments of the corkscrew collateral artery was demonstrated and discussed for the first time for this kind of artery. The effects of non-Newtonian consideration for the blood viscosity behavior were investigated in different segments of the artery. Moreover, the variations of the blood flow patterns along the artery were investigated in details for each segment. It was found that the flow patterns were affected by the complex geometry of this artery in such a way that it could lead to the presence of sites that were prone to the accumulation of the flowing particles in blood like nicotine. Furthermore, due to the existence of many successive bends in this artery, the variations of kinematic viscosity along this artery were significant, therefore the non-Newtonian behavior of the blood viscosity must be considered.

CFD simulation of blood flow inside the corkscrew collaterals of the Buerger’s disease

PubMed Central

Sharifi, Alireza; Charjouei Moghadam, Mohammad

2016-01-01

Introduction: Buerger’s disease is an occlusive arterial disease that occurs mainly in medium and small vessels. This disease is associated with Tobacco usage. The existence of corkscrew collateral is one of the established characteristics of the Buerger’s disease. Methods: In this study, the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation of blood flow within the corkscrew artery of the Buerger’s disease is conducted. The geometry of the artery is constructed based on the actual corkscrew artery of a patient diagnosed with the Buerger’s disease. The blood properties are the same as the actual blood properties of the patient. The blood flow rate is taken from the available experimental data in the literature. Results: The local velocity patterns, pressure and kinematic viscosity distributions in different segments of the corkscrew collateral artery was demonstrated and discussed for the first time for this kind of artery. The effects of non-Newtonian consideration for the blood viscosity behavior were investigated in different segments of the artery. Moreover, the variations of the blood flow patterns along the artery were investigated in details for each segment. Conclusion: It was found that the flow patterns were affected by the complex geometry of this artery in such a way that it could lead to the presence of sites that were prone to the accumulation of the flowing particles in blood like nicotine. Furthermore, due to the existence of many successive bends in this artery, the variations of kinematic viscosity along this artery were significant, therefore the non-Newtonian behavior of the blood viscosity must be considered. PMID:27340623

Comparison of ASL and DCE MRI for the non-invasive measurement of renal blood flow: quantification and reproducibility.

PubMed

Cutajar, Marica; Thomas, David L; Hales, Patrick W; Banks, T; Clark, Christopher A; Gordon, Isky

2014-06-01

To investigate the reproducibility of arterial spin labelling (ASL) and dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and quantitatively compare these techniques for the measurement of renal blood flow (RBF). Sixteen healthy volunteers were examined on two different occasions. ASL was performed using a multi-TI FAIR labelling scheme with a segmented 3D-GRASE imaging module. DCE MRI was performed using a 3D-FLASH pulse sequence. A Bland-Altman analysis was used to assess repeatability of each technique, and determine the degree of correspondence between the two methods. The overall mean cortical renal blood flow (RBF) of the ASL group was 263 ± 41 ml min(-1) [100 ml tissue](-1), and using DCE MRI was 287 ± 70 ml min(-1) [100 ml tissue](-1). The group coefficient of variation (CVg) was 18 % for ASL and 28 % for DCE-MRI. Repeatability studies showed that ASL was more reproducible than DCE with CVgs of 16 % and 25 % for ASL and DCE respectively. Bland-Altman analysis comparing the two techniques showed a good agreement. The repeated measures analysis shows that the ASL technique has better reproducibility than DCE-MRI. Difference analysis shows no significant difference between the RBF values of the two techniques. Reliable non-invasive monitoring of renal blood flow is currently clinically unavailable. Renal arterial spin labelling MRI is robust and repeatable. Renal dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI is robust and repeatable. ASL blood flow values are similar to those obtained using DCE-MRI.

Effective Marketing Strategies Flow from Sound Segmentation Data.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chen, Henry C. K.; And Others

The paper investigates the potential market segments of an upper division university in transition to 4-year status, and explores selection criteria and the influence of various information sources on the choice of university by the potential target students. Data sources for the study included a survey of 142 freshmen students of whom 120…

Thermal-Interaction Matrix For Resistive Test Structure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Buehler, Martin G.; Dhiman, Jaipal K.; Zamani, Nasser

1990-01-01

Linear mathematical model predicts increase in temperature in each segment of 15-segment resistive structure used to test electromigration. Assumption of linearity based on fact: equations that govern flow of heat are linear and coefficients in equations (heat conductivities and capacities) depend only weakly on temperature and considered constant over limited range of temperature.

Extraction of Capillary Non-perfusion from Fundus Fluorescein Angiogram

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sivaswamy, Jayanthi; Agarwal, Amit; Chawla, Mayank; Rani, Alka; Das, Taraprasad

Capillary Non-Perfusion (CNP) is a condition in diabetic retinopathy where blood ceases to flow to certain parts of the retina, potentially leading to blindness. This paper presents a solution for automatically detecting and segmenting CNP regions from fundus fluorescein angiograms (FFAs). CNPs are modelled as valleys, and a novel technique based on extrema pyramid is presented for trough-based valley detection. The obtained valley points are used to segment the desired CNP regions by employing a variance-based region growing scheme. The proposed algorithm has been tested on 40 images and validated against expert-marked ground truth. In this paper, we present results of testing and validation of our algorithm against ground truth and compare the segmentation performance against two others methods.The performance of the proposed algorithm is presented as a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The area under this curve is 0.842 and the distance of ROC from the ideal point (0,1) is 0.31. The proposed method for CNP segmentation was found to outperform the watershed [1] and heat-flow [2] based methods.

Insights on pumping well interpretation from flow dimension analysis: The learnings of a multi-context field database

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferroud, Anouck; Chesnaux, Romain; Rafini, Silvain

2018-01-01

The flow dimension parameter n, derived from the Generalized Radial Flow model, is a valuable tool to investigate the actual flow regimes that really occur during a pumping test rather than suppose them to be radial, as postulated by the Theis-derived models. A numerical approach has shown that, when the flow dimension is not radial, using the derivative analysis rather than the conventional Theis and Cooper-Jacob methods helps to estimate much more accurately the hydraulic conductivity of the aquifer. Although n has been analysed in numerous studies including field-based studies, there is a striking lack of knowledge about its occurrence in nature and how it may be related to the hydrogeological setting. This study provides an overview of the occurrence of n in natural aquifers located in various geological contexts including crystalline rock, carbonate rock and granular aquifers. A comprehensive database is compiled from governmental and industrial sources, based on 69 constant-rate pumping tests. By means of a sequential analysis approach, we systematically performed a flow dimension analysis in which straight segments on drawdown-log derivative time series are interpreted as successive, specific and independent flow regimes. To reduce the uncertainties inherent in the identification of n sequences, we used the proprietary SIREN code to execute a dual simultaneous fit on both the drawdown and the drawdown-log derivative signals. Using the stated database, we investigate the frequency with which the radial and non-radial flow regimes occur in fractured rock and granular aquifers, and also provide outcomes that indicate the lack of applicability of Theis-derived models in representing nature. The results also emphasize the complexity of hydraulic signatures observed in nature by pointing out n sequential signals and non-integer n values that are frequently observed in the database.

Prognostic Value of Transthoracic Doppler Echocardiography Coronary Flow Velocity Reserve in Patients with Nonculprit Stenosis of Intermediate Severity Early after Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

PubMed

Tesic, Milorad; Djordjevic-Dikic, Ana; Giga, Vojislav; Stepanovic, Jelena; Dobric, Milan; Jovanovic, Ivana; Petrovic, Marija; Mehmedbegovic, Zlatko; Milasinovic, Dejan; Dedovic, Vladimir; Zivkovic, Milorad; Juricic, Stefan; Orlic, Dejan; Stojkovic, Sinisa; Vukcevic, Vladan; Stankovic, Goran; Nedeljkovic, Milan; Ostojic, Miodrag; Beleslin, Branko

2018-04-03

Treatment of nonculprit coronary stenosis during primary percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction may be beneficial, but the mode and timing of the intervention are still controversial. The aim of this study was to examine the significance and prognostic value of preserved coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR) in patients with nonculprit intermediate stenosis early after primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Two hundred thirty patients with remaining intermediate (50%-70%) stenosis of non-infarct-related arteries, in whom CFVR was performed within 7 days after primary percutaneous coronary intervention, were prospectively enrolled. Twenty patients with reduced CFVR and positive results on stress echocardiography or impaired fractional flow reserve underwent revascularization and were not included in further analysis. The final study population of 210 patients (mean age, 58 ± 10 years; 162 men) was divided into two groups on the basis of CFVR: group 1, CFVR > 2 (n = 174), and group 2, CFVR ≤ 2 (n = 36). Cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and revascularization of the evaluated vessel were considered adverse events. Mean follow-up duration was 47 ± 16 months. Mean CFVR for the whole group was 2.36 ± 0.40. There were six adverse events (3.4%) related to the nonculprit coronary artery in group 1, including one cardiac death, one ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, and four revascularizations. In group 2, there were 30 adverse events (83.3%, P < .001 vs group 1), including two cardiac deaths, two ST-segment elevation myocardial infarctions, and 26 revascularizations. In patients with CFVR > 2 of the intermediate nonculprit coronary lesion, deferral of revascularization is safe and associated with excellent long-term clinical outcomes. Copyright © 2018 American Society of Echocardiography. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effect of beam hardening on transmural myocardial perfusion quantification in myocardial CT imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fahmi, Rachid; Eck, Brendan L.; Levi, Jacob; Fares, Anas; Wu, Hao; Vembar, Mani; Dhanantwari, Amar; Bezerra, Hiram G.; Wilson, David L.

2016-03-01

The detection of subendocardial ischemia exhibiting an abnormal transmural perfusion gradient (TPG) may help identify ischemic conditions due to micro-vascular dysfunction. We evaluated the effect of beam hardening (BH) artifacts on TPG quantification using myocardial CT perfusion (CTP). We used a prototype spectral detector CT scanner (Philips Healthcare) to acquire dynamic myocardial CTP scans in a porcine ischemia model with partial occlusion of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery guided by pressure wire-derived fractional flow reserve (FFR) measurements. Conventional 120 kVp and 70 keV projection-based mono-energetic images were reconstructed from the same projection data and used to compute myocardial blood flow (MBF) using the Johnson-Wilson model. Under moderate LAD occlusion (FFR~0.7), we used three 5 mm short axis slices and divided the myocardium into three LAD segments and three remote segments. For each slice and each segment, we characterized TPG as the mean "endo-to-epi" transmural flow ratio (TFR). BH-induced hypoenhancement on the ischemic anterior wall at 120 kVp resulted in significantly lower mean TFR value as compared to the 70 keV TFR value (0.29+/-0.01 vs. 0.55+/-0.01 p<1e-05). No significant difference was measured between 120 kVp and 70 keV mean TFR values on segments moderately affected or unaffected by BH. In the entire ischemic LAD territory, 120 kVp mean endocardial flow was significantly reduced as compared to mean epicardial flow (15.80+/-10.98 vs. 40.85+/-23.44 ml/min/100g; p<1e-04). At 70 keV, BH was effectively minimized resulting in mean endocardial MBF of 40.85+/-15.3407 ml/min/100g vs. 74.09+/-5.07 ml/min/100g (p=0.0054) in the epicardium. We also found that BH artifact in the conventional 120 kVp images resulted in falsely reduced MBF measurements even under non-ischemic conditions.

Fluid and structure coupling analysis of the interaction between aqueous humor and iris.

PubMed

Wang, Wenjia; Qian, Xiuqing; Song, Hongfang; Zhang, Mindi; Liu, Zhicheng

2016-12-28

Glaucoma is the primary cause of irreversible blindness worldwide associated with high intraocular pressure (IOP). Elevated intraocular pressure will affect the normal aqueous humor outflow, resulting in deformation of iris. However, the deformation ability of iris is closely related to its material properties. Meanwhile, the passive deformation of the iris aggravates the pupillary block and angle closure. The nature of the interaction mechanism of iris deformation and aqueous humor fluid flow has not been fully understood and has been somewhat a controversial issue. The purpose here was to study the effect of IOP, localization, and temperature on the flow of the aqueous humor and the deformation of iris interacted by aqueous humor fluid flow. Based on mechanisms of aqueous physiology and fluid dynamics, 3D model of anterior chamber (AC) was constructed with the human anatomical parameters as a reference. A 3D idealized standard geometry of anterior segment of human eye was performed. Enlarge the size of the idealization geometry model 5 times to create a simulation device by using 3D printing technology. In this paper, particle image velocimetry technology is applied to measure the characteristic of fluid outflow in different inlet velocity based on the device. Numerically calculations were made by using ANSYS 14.0 Finite Element Analysis. Compare of the velocity distributions to confirm the validity of the model. The fluid structure interaction (FSI) analysis was carried out in the valid geometry model to study the aqueous flow and iris change. In this paper, the validity of the model is verified through computation and comparison. The results indicated that changes of gravity direction of model significantly affected the fluid dynamics parameters and the temperature distribution in anterior chamber. Increased pressure and the vertical position increase the velocity of the aqueous humor fluid flow, with the value increased of 0.015 and 0.035 mm/s. The results act on the iris showed that, gravity direction from horizontal to vertical decrease the equivalent stress in the normal IOP model, while almost invariably in the high IOP model. With the increased of the iris elasticity modulus, the equivalent strain and the total deformation of iris is decreased. The maximal value of equivalent strain of iris in high IOP model is higher than that of in normal IOP model. The maximum deformation of iris is lower in the high IOP model than in the normal IOP model. The valid model of idealization geometry of human eye could be helpful to study the relationship between localization, iris deformation and IOP. So far the FSI analysis was carried out in that idealization geometry model of anterior segment to study aqueous flow and iris change.

Spring contributions to water quality and nitrate loads in the Suwannee River during base flow in July 1995

USGS Publications Warehouse

Pittman, J.R.; Hatzell, H.H.; Oaksford, E.T.

1997-01-01

The Suwannee River flows through an area of north-central Florida where ground water has elevated nitrate concentrations. A study was conducted to determine how springs and other ground-water inflow affect the quantity and quality of water in the Suwannee River. The study was done on a 33-mile (mi) reach of the lower Suwannee River from just downstream of Dowling Park, Fla., to Branford, Fla. Water samples for nitrate concentrations (dissolved nitrite plus nitrate as nitrogen) and discharge data were collected at 11 springs and 3 river sites during the 3-day period in July 1995 during base flow in the river. In the study reach, all inflow to the river is derived from ground water. Measured springs and other ground-water inflow, such as unmeasured springs and upward diffuse leakage through the riverbed, increased the river discharge 47 percent over the 33-mi reach. The 11 measured springs contributed 41 percent of the increased discharge and other ground-water inflow contributed the remaining 59 percent. River nitrate loads increased downstream from 2,300 to 6,000 kilograms per day (kg/d), an increase of 160 percent in the 33-mi study reach. Measured springs contributed 46 percent of this increase and other ground-water inflow contributed the remaining 54 percent. The study reach was divided at Luraville, Fla., into an 11-mi upper segment and a 22-mi lower segment to determine whether the ground-water inflows and nitrate concentrations were uniform throughout the entire study reach (fig. 1). The two segments were dissimilar. The amount of water added to the river by measured springs more than tripled from the upper to the lower segment. Even though the median nitrate concentration for the three springs in the upper segment (1.7 milligrams per liter (mg/L)) was similar to the median for the eight springs in the lower segment (1.8 mg/L), nitrate concentrations in the river almost doubled from 0.46 to 0.83 mg/L in the lower segment. Only 11 percent of the increase in nitrate load for the study reach occurred in the upper segment; the remaining 89 percent occurred in the lower segment. Measured springs were the major source of nitrate load in the upper reach and other ground-water inflow was the major source in the lower segment. Differences in nitrate loads between the upper and lower river segments are probably controlled by such factors as differences in the magnitude of the spring discharges, the size and location of spring basins, and the hydrologic characteristics of ground water in the study area.

Object Segmentation from Motion Discontinuities and Temporal Occlusions–A Biologically Inspired Model

PubMed Central

Beck, Cornelia; Ognibeni, Thilo; Neumann, Heiko

2008-01-01

Background Optic flow is an important cue for object detection. Humans are able to perceive objects in a scene using only kinetic boundaries, and can perform the task even when other shape cues are not provided. These kinetic boundaries are characterized by the presence of motion discontinuities in a local neighbourhood. In addition, temporal occlusions appear along the boundaries as the object in front covers the background and the objects that are spatially behind it. Methodology/Principal Findings From a technical point of view, the detection of motion boundaries for segmentation based on optic flow is a difficult task. This is due to the problem that flow detected along such boundaries is generally not reliable. We propose a model derived from mechanisms found in visual areas V1, MT, and MSTl of human and primate cortex that achieves robust detection along motion boundaries. It includes two separate mechanisms for both the detection of motion discontinuities and of occlusion regions based on how neurons respond to spatial and temporal contrast, respectively. The mechanisms are embedded in a biologically inspired architecture that integrates information of different model components of the visual processing due to feedback connections. In particular, mutual interactions between the detection of motion discontinuities and temporal occlusions allow a considerable improvement of the kinetic boundary detection. Conclusions/Significance A new model is proposed that uses optic flow cues to detect motion discontinuities and object occlusion. We suggest that by combining these results for motion discontinuities and object occlusion, object segmentation within the model can be improved. This idea could also be applied in other models for object segmentation. In addition, we discuss how this model is related to neurophysiological findings. The model was successfully tested both with artificial and real sequences including self and object motion. PMID:19043613

Fast globally optimal segmentation of 3D prostate MRI with axial symmetry prior.

PubMed

Qiu, Wu; Yuan, Jing; Ukwatta, Eranga; Sun, Yue; Rajchl, Martin; Fenster, Aaron

2013-01-01

We propose a novel global optimization approach to segmenting a given 3D prostate T2w magnetic resonance (MR) image, which enforces the inherent axial symmetry of the prostate shape and simultaneously performs a sequence of 2D axial slice-wise segmentations with a global 3D coherence prior. We show that the proposed challenging combinatorial optimization problem can be solved globally and exactly by means of convex relaxation. With this regard, we introduce a novel coupled continuous max-flow model, which is dual to the studied convex relaxed optimization formulation and leads to an efficient multiplier augmented algorithm based on the modern convex optimization theory. Moreover, the new continuous max-flow based algorithm was implemented on GPUs to achieve a substantial improvement in computation. Experimental results using public and in-house datasets demonstrate great advantages of the proposed method in terms of both accuracy and efficiency.

Segmentation and tracking of lung nodules via graph-cuts incorporating shape prior and motion from 4D CT.

PubMed

Cha, Jungwon; Farhangi, Mohammad Mehdi; Dunlap, Neal; Amini, Amir A

2018-01-01

We have developed a robust tool for performing volumetric and temporal analysis of nodules from respiratory gated four-dimensional (4D) CT. The method could prove useful in IMRT of lung cancer. We modified the conventional graph-cuts method by adding an adaptive shape prior as well as motion information within a signed distance function representation to permit more accurate and automated segmentation and tracking of lung nodules in 4D CT data. Active shape models (ASM) with signed distance function were used to capture the shape prior information, preventing unwanted surrounding tissues from becoming part of the segmented object. The optical flow method was used to estimate the local motion and to extend three-dimensional (3D) segmentation to 4D by warping a prior shape model through time. The algorithm has been applied to segmentation of well-circumscribed, vascularized, and juxtapleural lung nodules from respiratory gated CT data. In all cases, 4D segmentation and tracking for five phases of high-resolution CT data took approximately 10 min on a PC workstation with AMD Phenom II and 32 GB of memory. The method was trained based on 500 breath-held 3D CT data from the LIDC data base and was tested on 17 4D lung nodule CT datasets consisting of 85 volumetric frames. The validation tests resulted in an average Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC) = 0.68 for all test data. An important by-product of the method is quantitative volume measurement from 4D CT from end-inspiration to end-expiration which will also have important diagnostic value. The algorithm performs robust segmentation of lung nodules from 4D CT data. Signed distance ASM provides the shape prior information which based on the iterative graph-cuts framework is adaptively refined to best fit the input data, preventing unwanted surrounding tissue from merging with the segmented object. © 2017 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Complete grain boundaries from incomplete EBSD maps: the influence of segmentation on grain size determinations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heilbronner, Renée; Kilian, Ruediger

2017-04-01

Grain size analyses are carried out for a number of reasons, for example, the dynamically recrystallized grain size of quartz is used to assess the flow stresses during deformation. Typically a thin section or polished surface is used. If the expected grain size is large enough (10 µm or larger), the images can be obtained on a light microscope, if the grain size is smaller, the SEM is used. The grain boundaries are traced (the process is called segmentation and can be done manually or via image processing) and the size of the cross sectional areas (segments) is determined. From the resulting size distributions, 'the grain size' or 'average grain size', usually a mean diameter or similar, is derived. When carrying out such grain size analyses, a number of aspects are critical for the reproducibility of the result: the resolution of the imaging equipment (light microscope or SEM), the type of images that are used for segmentation (cross polarized, partial or full orientation images, CIP versus EBSD), the segmentation procedure (algorithm) itself, the quality of the segmentation and the mathematical definition and calculation of 'the average grain size'. The quality of the segmentation depends very strongly on the criteria that are used for identifying grain boundaries (for example, angles of misorientation versus shape considerations), on pre- and post-processing (filtering) and on the quality of the recorded images (most notably on the indexing ratio). In this contribution, we consider experimentally deformed Black Hills quartzite with dynamically re-crystallized grain sizes in the range of 2 - 15 µm. We compare two basic methods of segmentations of EBSD maps (orientation based versus shape based) and explore how the choice of methods influences the result of the grain size analysis. We also compare different measures for grain size (mean versus mode versus RMS, and 2D versus 3D) in order to determine which of the definitions of 'average grain size yields the most stable results.

A method for semi-automatic segmentation and evaluation of intracranial aneurysms in bone-subtraction computed tomography angiography (BSCTA) images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krämer, Susanne; Ditt, Hendrik; Biermann, Christina; Lell, Michael; Keller, Jörg

2009-02-01

The rupture of an intracranial aneurysm has dramatic consequences for the patient. Hence early detection of unruptured aneurysms is of paramount importance. Bone-subtraction computed tomography angiography (BSCTA) has proven to be a powerful tool for detection of aneurysms in particular those located close to the skull base. Most aneurysms though are chance findings in BSCTA scans performed for other reasons. Therefore it is highly desirable to have techniques operating on standard BSCTA scans available which assist radiologists and surgeons in evaluation of intracranial aneurysms. In this paper we present a semi-automatic method for segmentation and assessment of intracranial aneurysms. The only user-interaction required is placement of a marker into the vascular malformation. Termination ensues automatically as soon as the segmentation reaches the vessels which feed the aneurysm. The algorithm is derived from an adaptive region-growing which employs a growth gradient as criterion for termination. Based on this segmentation values of high clinical and prognostic significance, such as volume, minimum and maximum diameter as well as surface of the aneurysm, are calculated automatically. the segmentation itself as well as the calculated diameters are visualised. Further segmentation of the adjoining vessels provides the means for visualisation of the topographical situation of vascular structures associated to the aneurysm. A stereolithographic mesh (STL) can be derived from the surface of the segmented volume. STL together with parameters like the resiliency of vascular wall tissue provide for an accurate wall model of the aneurysm and its associated vascular structures. Consequently the haemodynamic situation in the aneurysm itself and close to it can be assessed by flow modelling. Significant values of haemodynamics such as pressure onto the vascular wall, wall shear stress or pathlines of the blood flow can be computed. Additionally a dynamic flow model can be generated. Thus the presented method supports a better understanding of the clinical situation and assists the evaluation of therapeutic options. Furthermore it contributes to future research addressing intervention planning and prognostic assessment of intracranial aneurysms.

Energy flow analysis during the tennis serve: comparison between injured and noninjured tennis players.

PubMed

Martin, Caroline; Bideau, Benoit; Bideau, Nicolas; Nicolas, Guillaume; Delamarche, Paul; Kulpa, Richard

2014-11-01

Energy flow has been hypothesized to be one of the most critical biomechanical concepts related to tennis performance and overuse injuries. However, the relationships among energy flow during the tennis serve, ball velocity, and overuse injuries have not been assessed. To investigate the relationships among the quality and magnitude of energy flow, the ball velocity, and the peaks of upper limb joint kinetics and to compare the energy flow during the serve between injured and noninjured tennis players. Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. The serves of expert tennis players were recorded with an optoelectronic motion capture system. The forces and torques of the upper limb joints were calculated from the motion captures by use of inverse dynamics. The amount of mechanical energy generated, absorbed, and transferred was determined by use of a joint power analysis. Then the players were followed during 2 seasons to identify upper limb overuse injuries with a questionnaire. Finally, players were classified into 2 groups according to the questionnaire results: injured or noninjured. Ball velocity increased and upper limb joint kinetics decreased with the quality of energy flow from the trunk to the hand + racket segment. Injured players showed a lower quality of energy flow through the upper limb kinetic chain, a lower ball velocity, and higher rates of energy absorbed by the shoulder and elbow compared with noninjured players. The findings of this study imply that improper energy flow during the tennis serve can decrease ball velocity, increase upper limb joint kinetics, and thus increase overuse injuries of the upper limb joints. © 2014 The Author(s).

Flow and habitat effects on juvenile fish abundance in natural and altered flow regimes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Freeman, Mary C.; Bowen, Z.H.; Bovee, K.D.; Irwin, E.R.

2001-01-01

Conserving biological resources native to large river systems increasingly depends on how flow-regulated segments of these rivers are managed. Improving management will require a better understanding of linkages between river biota and temporal variability of flow and instream habitat. However, few studies have quantified responses of native fish populations to multiyear (>2 yr) patterns of hydrologic or habitat variability in flow-regulated systems. To provide these data, we quantified young-of-year (YOY) fish abundance during four years in relation to hydrologic and habitat variability in two segments of the Tallapoosa River in the southeastern United States. One segment had an unregulated flow regime, whereas the other was flow-regulated by a peak-load generating hydropower dam. We sampled fishes annually and explored how continuously recorded flow data and physical habitat simulation models (PHABSIM) for spring (April-June) and summer (July-August) preceding each sample explained fish abundances. Patterns of YOY abundance in relation to habitat availability (median area) and habitat persistence (longest period with habitat area continuously above the long-term median area) differed between unregulated and flow-regulated sites. At the unregulated site, YOY abundances were most frequently correlated with availability of shallow-slow habitat in summer (10 species) and persistence of shallow-slow and shallow-fast habitat in spring (nine species). Additionally, abundances were negatively correlated with 1-h maximum flow in summer (five species). At the flow-regulated site, YOY abundances were more frequently correlated with persistence of shallow-water habitats (four species in spring; six species in summer) than with habitat availability or magnitude of flow extremes. The associations of YOY with habitat persistence at the flow-regulated site corresponded to the effects of flow regulation on habitat patterns. Flow regulation reduced median flows during spring and summer, which resulted in median availability of shallow-water habitats comparable to the unregulated site. However, habitat persistence was severely reduced by flow fluctuations resulting from pulsed water releases for peak-load power generation. Habitat persistence, comparable to levels in the unregulated site, only occurred during summer when low rainfall or other factors occasionally curtailed power generation. As a consequence, summer-spawning species numerically dominated the fish assemblage at the flow-regulated site; five of six spring-spawning species occurring at both study sites were significantly less abundant at the flow-regulated site. Persistence of native fishes in flow-regulated systems depends, in part, on the seasonal occurrence of stable habitat conditions that facilitate reproduction and YOY survival.

Method for controlling coolant flow in airfoil, flow control structure and airfoil incorporating the same

DOEpatents

Itzel, Gary Michael; Devine, II, Robert Henry; Chopra, Sanjay; Toornman, Thomas Nelson

2003-07-08

A coolant flow control structure is provided to channel cooling media flow to the fillet region defined at the transition between the wall of a nozzle vane and a wall of a nozzle segment, for cooling the fillet region. In an exemplary embodiment, the flow control structure defines a gap with the fillet region to achieve the required heat transfer coefficients in this region to meet part life requirements.

Monitoring Change Through Hierarchical Segmentation of Remotely Sensed Image Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tilton, James C.; Lawrence, William T.

2005-01-01

NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center has developed a fast and effective method for generating image segmentation hierarchies. These segmentation hierarchies organize image data in a manner that makes their information content more accessible for analysis. Image segmentation enables analysis through the examination of image regions rather than individual image pixels. In addition, the segmentation hierarchy provides additional analysis clues through the tracing of the behavior of image region characteristics at several levels of segmentation detail. The potential for extracting the information content from imagery data based on segmentation hierarchies has not been fully explored for the benefit of the Earth and space science communities. This paper explores the potential of exploiting these segmentation hierarchies for the analysis of multi-date data sets, and for the particular application of change monitoring.

Computational wing optimization and comparisons with experiment for a semi-span wing model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Waggoner, E. G.; Haney, H. P.; Ballhaus, W. F.

1978-01-01

A computational wing optimization procedure was developed and verified by an experimental investigation of a semi-span variable camber wing model in the NASA Ames Research Center 14 foot transonic wind tunnel. The Bailey-Ballhaus transonic potential flow analysis and Woodward-Carmichael linear theory codes were linked to Vanderplaats constrained minimization routine to optimize model configurations at several subsonic and transonic design points. The 35 deg swept wing is characterized by multi-segmented leading and trailing edge flaps whose hinge lines are swept relative to the leading and trailing edges of the wing. By varying deflection angles of the flap segments, camber and twist distribution can be optimized for different design conditions. Results indicate that numerical optimization can be both an effective and efficient design tool. The optimized configurations had as good or better lift to drag ratios at the design points as the best designs previously tested during an extensive parametric study.

Volcanic Eruptions of the EPR and Ridge Axis Segmentation: An Interdisciplinary View

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

White, S.; Soule, S. A.; Tolstoy, M.; Waldhauser, F.; Rubin, K.

2008-12-01

The eruption of the EPR in 2005-06 provides an ideal window into the relationship between fine-scale segmentation of the ridge axis and individual eruptive episodes. Lava flow mapping of the eruption by visual and acoustic images, precise dates on multiple eruptive units, stress information from seismicity, long-term records of hydrothermal activity, and well known segment boundaries illustrate the relationships between eruptions and segmentation of mid-ocean ridges. Lava flows emerged from several sections of the axial summit trough (AST) during the eruption, presumably from en echelon fissures between 9 45'N and 9 57'N. Each en echelon fissure is a 4th order segment, and the overall area matches the 3rd Order segment between ~9 45'N and ~9 58'N. Within the eruption, the primary eruptive fissure jumped east by 600 m at 9 53'N, and ran along an inward facing fault scarp, although limited lava effusion also extended northward along the axial fissure. A zone of high seismicity connects the normal fault bounding the eastern fissure eruption with the main locus of eruption on the ridge axis to the south, suggesting that the offset eruption may have occurred in response to stress buildup on this fault. Radiometric ages indicate that the entire along-axis extent of the eruptive fissures activated initially, but that volcanic activity focused to a single fourth-order segment within 1-3 months. Previously indentified breaks in the AST and its overall outline were largely unchanged by the eruption. These observations support the hypothesis that fourth-order segments are offsets controlled by the mechanics of dike emplacement, whereas third-order segments represent discrete volcanic systems. Dike segmentation may be controlled by variations in underlying ridge structure or the magma reservoir. Hydrothermal systems disrupted as far south as 9 37'N may be responding to cracking due to stress interaction or share a common deeper magmatic source. Comparisons between the 1991 EPR eruption at the same site, and several mapped southern EPR eruptions, the 10 45'N EPR eruption in ca. 2003 all show similar relationships to segmentation

Rule-based fuzzy vector median filters for 3D phase contrast MRI segmentation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sundareswaran, Kartik S.; Frakes, David H.; Yoganathan, Ajit P.

2008-02-01

Recent technological advances have contributed to the advent of phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging (PCMRI) as standard practice in clinical environments. In particular, decreased scan times have made using the modality more feasible. PCMRI is now a common tool for flow quantification, and for more complex vector field analyses that target the early detection of problematic flow conditions. Segmentation is one component of this type of application that can impact the accuracy of the final product dramatically. Vascular segmentation, in general, is a long-standing problem that has received significant attention. Segmentation in the context of PCMRI data, however, has been explored less and can benefit from object-based image processing techniques that incorporate fluids specific information. Here we present a fuzzy rule-based adaptive vector median filtering (FAVMF) algorithm that in combination with active contour modeling facilitates high-quality PCMRI segmentation while mitigating the effects of noise. The FAVMF technique was tested on 111 synthetically generated PC MRI slices and on 15 patients with congenital heart disease. The results were compared to other multi-dimensional filters namely the adaptive vector median filter, the adaptive vector directional filter, and the scalar low pass filter commonly used in PC MRI applications. FAVMF significantly outperformed the standard filtering methods (p < 0.0001). Two conclusions can be drawn from these results: a) Filtering should be performed after vessel segmentation of PC MRI; b) Vector based filtering methods should be used instead of scalar techniques.

Regional pulmonary blood flow measurement in humans with electron-beam computed tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holt, William W.; Konhilas, John; Wolfkiel, Christopher J.

1995-05-01

Electron beam computed tomography (EBCT) is a potentially useful modality to quantitate regional pulmonary flow (RPF) with minimal invasiveness, in part because it has good spatial and temporal resolution. The present studies used a single compartment model of indicator transport and EBCT to measure regional tissue flow in the lungs of human subjects. The model postulates that flow is proportional to maximal enhancement and assumes complete tissue accumulation of indicator before significant indicator washout (WO). EBCT flow studies were retrospectively analyzed with respect to RPF in 10 adult patients who had undergone clinically indicated or research cardiovascular studies. Time density curves from the left atrial (LA) cavity and one-third segments of left (LL) and right (RL) lungs (A: anterior, M: middle, and P: posterior segments) were used to calculate RPF. Washout was determined as the percent of the LA curve at the time of peak parenchymal opacification using gamma curve fits to both tissue data and the LA curve data. Mean +/- standard deviation RPF in ml/min/ml was 0.8 +/- 0.4, 1.1 +/- 0.4, and 1.3 +/- 0.4 for A, M, and P respectively for one-third regions in the left lung. Similar results were found in the right lung. No difference in RPF was found when images were measured either by including the largest of visible parenchymal vessels or when such vessels were excluded. Flow in A of LL and RL was less than that in M or P. Average WO was about 10%, with a range of 0-41% of the LA curve area. There was no significant difference between one-third segment WO using pairwise comparison on the left and right sides when tested separately. RPF values were greater in the posterior vs anterior regions of these supine patients. In conclusion, EBCT can detect gravity related flow differences in the human lung. EBCT has potential for clinical assessment of absolute regional pulmonary flow determination in animals and man.

A Study Demonstrating the Quantitative Relationship Between Internal Thoracic Artery Length and Free Flow.

PubMed

Gode, Safa; Sen, Onur; Kadirogulları, Ersin; Reyhancan, Adem; Kyaruzi, Mugisha; Satılmısoglu, Muhammet Hulusi; Erkanlı, Korhan

2017-08-09

The left internal thoracic artery (LITA) is the most commonly used arterial bypass conduit in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients and inadequate LITA flow can result in an increase in morbidity and mortality. In this study, we evaluated the effect of excision of the distal spasmodic segment of the LITA on the free flow in CABG patients. This study consisted of 47 patients who underwent elective CABG performed with or without other cardiac surgery, between July 2015 and December 2015. Excised LITA length was shorter than 15mm in group 1, between 15mm and 30mm in group 2 and longer than 30mm in group 3. Left ITA free flow was measured for 60seconds into a container before and after the distal LITA excision. The inter-measurement differences were calculated for the three groups. Thereafter, the comparison was performed in terms of free flow difference amongst the three groups. The mean difference of LITA free flow was 27.6±22.7ml/minute in group 1, 35.4±26.7ml/minute in group 2, and 52.6±26.1ml/minute in group 3. There were significant differences in terms of free flow difference between the groups (p=0.008). Also, differences were statistically significant in group 1 versus group 3 (p=0.003) and group 2 versus group 3 (p=0.038) in the intergroup comparisons. The distal part of the LITA has more spasmodic potential than other segments. This spasm may result in low flow of LITA grafts. Therefore, an as long as possible excision of the distal LITA segment may be required to avoid the spasmodic effect. Copyright © 2017 Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons (ANZSCTS) and the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Does altered aortic flow in marfan syndrome relate to aortic root dilatation?

PubMed

Wang, Hung-Hsuan; Chiu, Hsin-Hui; Tseng, Wen-Yih Isaac; Peng, Hsu-Hsia

2016-08-01

To examine possible hemodynamic alterations in adolescent to adult Marfan syndrome (MFS) patients with aortic root dilatation. Four-dimensional flow MRI was performed in 20 MFS patients and 12 age-matched normal subjects with a 3T system. The cross-sectional areas of 10 planes along the aorta were segmented for calculating the axial and circumferential wall shear stress (WSSaxial , WSScirc ), oscillatory shear index (OSIaxial , OSIcirc ), and the nonroundness (NR), presenting the asymmetry of segmental WSS. Pearson's correlation analysis was performed to present the correlations between the quantified indices and the body surface area (BSA), aortic root diameter (ARD), and Z score of the ARD. P < 0.05 indicated statistical significance. Patients exhibited lower WSSaxial in the aortic root and the WSScirc in the arch (P < 0.05-0.001). MFS patients exhibited higher OSIaxial and OSIcirc in the sinotubular junction and arch, but lower OSIcirc in the descending aorta (all P < 0.05). The NR values were lower in patients (P < 0.05). The WSSaxial or WSScirc exhibited moderate to strong correlations with BSA, ARD, or Z score (R(2)  = 0.50-0.72) in MFS patients. The significant differences in the quantified indices, which were associated with BSA, ARD, or Z score, in MFS were opposite to previous reports for younger MFS patients, indicating that altered flows in MFS patients may depend on the disease progress. The possible time dependency of hemodynamic alterations in MFS patients strongly suggests that longitudinal follow-up of 4D Flow is needed to comprehend disease progress. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;44:500-508. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Does altered aortic flow in marfan syndrome relate to aortic root dilatation?

PubMed Central

Wang, Hung‐Hsuan; Chiu, Hsin‐Hui; Tseng, Wen‐Yih Isaac

2016-01-01

Purpose To examine possible hemodynamic alterations in adolescent to adult Marfan syndrome (MFS) patients with aortic root dilatation. Materials and Methods Four‐dimensional flow MRI was performed in 20 MFS patients and 12 age‐matched normal subjects with a 3T system. The cross‐sectional areas of 10 planes along the aorta were segmented for calculating the axial and circumferential wall shear stress (WSSaxial, WSScirc), oscillatory shear index (OSIaxial, OSIcirc), and the nonroundness (NR), presenting the asymmetry of segmental WSS. Pearson's correlation analysis was performed to present the correlations between the quantified indices and the body surface area (BSA), aortic root diameter (ARD), and Z score of the ARD. P < 0.05 indicated statistical significance. Results Patients exhibited lower WSSaxial in the aortic root and the WSScirc in the arch (P < 0.05–0.001). MFS patients exhibited higher OSIaxial and OSIcirc in the sinotubular junction and arch, but lower OSIcirc in the descending aorta (all P < 0.05). The NR values were lower in patients (P < 0.05). The WSSaxial or WSScirc exhibited moderate to strong correlations with BSA, ARD, or Z score (R2 = 0.50–0.72) in MFS patients. Conclusion The significant differences in the quantified indices, which were associated with BSA, ARD, or Z score, in MFS were opposite to previous reports for younger MFS patients, indicating that altered flows in MFS patients may depend on the disease progress. The possible time dependency of hemodynamic alterations in MFS patients strongly suggests that longitudinal follow‐up of 4D Flow is needed to comprehend disease progress. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;44:500–508. PMID:26854646

Analyses of Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Cerebrospinal Fluid Dynamics Pre and Post Short and Long-Duration Space Flights

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alperin, Noam; Barr, Yael; Lee, Sang H.; Mason,Sara; Bagci, Ahmet M.

2015-01-01

Preliminary results are based on analyses of data from 17 crewmembers. The initial analysis compares pre to post-flight changes in total cerebral blood flow (CBF) and craniospinal CSF flow volume. Total CBF is obtained by summation of the mean flow rates through the 4 blood vessels supplying the brain (right and left internal carotid and vertebral arteries). Volumetric flow rates were obtained using an automated lumen segmentation technique shown to have 3-4-fold improved reproducibility and accuracy over manual lumen segmentation (6). Two cohorts, 5 short-duration and 8 long-duration crewmembers, who were scanned within 3 to 8 days post landing were included (4 short-duration crewmembers with MRI scans occurring beyond 10 days post flight were excluded). The VIIP Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) classification is being used initially as a measure for VIIP syndrome severity. Median CPG scores of the short and long-duration cohorts were similar, 2. Mean preflight total CBF for the short and long-duration cohorts were similar, 863+/-144 and 747+/-119 mL/min, respectively. Percentage CBF changes for all short duration crewmembers were 11% or lower, within the range of normal physiological fluctuations in healthy individuals. In contrast, in 4 of the 8 long-duration crewmembers, the change in CBF exceeded the range of normal physiological fluctuation. In 3 of the 4 subjects an increase in CBF was measured. Large pre to post-flight changes in the craniospinal CSF flow volume were found in 6 of the 8 long-duration crewmembers. Box-Whisker plots of the CPG and the percent CBF and CSF flow changes for the two cohorts are shown in Figure 4. Examples of CSF flow waveforms for a short and two long-duration (CPG 0 and 3) are shown in Figure 5. Changes in CBF and CSF flow dynamics larger than normal physiological fluctuations were observed in the long-duration crewmembers. Changes in CSF flow were more pronounced than changes in CBF. Decreased CSF flow dynamics were observed in a subject with VIIP signs. Study limitations include a slightly longer landing-to-MRI scan period for the short-duration cohort and limited sensitivity of the subjective discrete ordinal CPG scale. This limitation can be overcome by using imaging based parametric measures of VIIP severity such as globe deformation measures.

Occurrence and distribution of fecal indicator bacteria, and physical and chemical indicators of water quality in streams receiving discharge from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and vicinity, North-Central Texas, 2008

USGS Publications Warehouse

Harwell, Glenn R.; Mobley, Craig A.

2009-01-01

This report, done by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW) Airport in 2008, describes the occurrence and distribution of fecal indicator bacteria (fecal coliform and Escherichia [E.] coli), and the physical and chemical indicators of water quality (relative to Texas Surface Water Quality Standards), in streams receiving discharge from DFW Airport and vicinity. At sampling sites in the lower West Fork Trinity River watershed during low-flow conditions, geometric mean E. coli counts for five of the eight West Fork Trinity River watershed sampling sites exceeded the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality E. coli criterion, thus not fully supporting contact recreation. Two of the five sites with geometric means that exceeded the contact recreation criterion are airport discharge sites, which here means that the major fraction of discharge at those sites is from DFW Airport. At sampling sites in the Elm Fork Trinity River watershed during low-flow conditions, geometric mean E. coli counts exceeded the geometric mean contact recreation criterion for seven (four airport, three non-airport) of 13 sampling sites. Under low-flow conditions in the lower West Fork Trinity River watershed, E. coli counts for airport discharge sites were significantly different from (lower than) E. coli counts for non-airport sites. Under low-flow conditions in the Elm Fork Trinity River watershed, there was no significant difference between E. coli counts for airport sites and non-airport sites. During stormflow conditions, fecal indicator bacteria counts at the most downstream (integrator) sites in each watershed were considerably higher than counts at those two sites during low-flow conditions. When stormflow sample counts are included with low-flow sample counts to compute a geometric mean for each site, classification changes from fully supporting to not fully supporting contact recreation on the basis of the geometric mean contact recreation criterion. All water temperature measurements at sampling sites in the lower West Fork Trinity River watershed were less than the maximum criterion for water temperature for the lower West Fork Trinity segment. Of the measurements at sampling sites in the Elm Fork Trinity River watershed, 95 percent were less than the maximum criterion for water temperature for the Elm Fork Trinity River segment. All dissolved oxygen concentrations were greater than the minimum criterion for stream segments classified as exceptional aquatic life use. Nearly all pH measurements were within the pH criterion range for the classified segments in both watersheds, except for those at one airport site. For sampling sites in the lower West Fork Trinity River watershed, all annual average dissolved solids concentrations were less than the maximum criterion for the lower West Fork Trinity segment. For sampling sites in the Elm Fork Trinity River, nine of the 13 sites (six airport, three non-airport) had annual averages that exceeded the maximum criterion for that segment. For ammonia, 23 samples from 12 different sites had concentrations that exceeded the screening level for ammonia. Of these 12 sites, only one non-airport site had more than the required number of exceedances to indicate a screening level concern. Stormflow total suspended solids concentrations were significantly higher than low-flow concentrations at the two integrator sites. For sampling sites in the lower West Fork Trinity River watershed, all annual average chloride concentrations were less than the maximum annual average chloride concentration criterion for that segment. For the 13 sampling sites in the Elm Fork Trinity River watershed, one non-airport site had an annual average concentration that exceeded the maximum annual average chloride concentration criterion for that segment.

Real-time segmentation in 4D ultrasound with continuous max-flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rajchl, M.; Yuan, J.; Peters, T. M.

2012-02-01

We present a novel continuous Max-Flow based method to segment the inner left ventricular wall from 3D trans-esophageal echocardiography image sequences, which minimizes an energy functional encoding two Fisher-Tippett distributions and a geometrical constraint in form of a Euclidean distance map in a numerically efficient and accurate way. After initialization the method is fully automatic and is able to perform at up to 10Hz making it available for image-guided interventions. Results are shown on 4D TEE data sets from 18 patients with pathological cardiac conditions and the speed of the algorithm is assessed under a variety of conditions.

Local-area simulations of rotating compressible convection and associated mean flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hurlburt, Neal E.; Brummell, N. H.; Toomre, Juri

1995-01-01

The dynamics of compressible convection within a curved local segment of a rotating spherical shell are considered in relation to the turbulent redistribution of angular momentum within the solar convection zone. Current supercomputers permit fully turbulent flows to be considered within the restricted geometry of local area models. By considering motions in a curvilinear geometry in which the Coriolos parameters vary with latitude, Rossby waves which couple with the turbulent convection are thought of as being possible. Simulations of rotating convection are presented in such a curved local segment of a spherical shell using a newly developed, sixth-order accurate code based on compact finite differences.

Segmented wind energy harvester based on contact-electrification and as a self-powered flow rate sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, Yuanjie; Xie, Guangzhong; Xie, Fabiao; Xie, Tao; Zhang, Qiuping; Zhang, Hulin; Du, Hongfei; Du, Xiaosong; Jiang, Yadong

2016-06-01

A single-electrode-based segmented triboelectric nanogenerator (S-TENG) was developed. By utilizing the wind-induced vibration of a fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) film between two copper electrodes, the S-TENG delivers an open-circuit voltage up to 36 V and a short-circuit current of 11.8 μA, which can simultaneously light up 20 LEDs and charge capacitors. Moreover, the S-TENG holds linearity between output current and flow rate, revealing its feasibility as a self-powered wind speed sensor. This work demonstrates potential applications of S-TENG in wind energy harvester, self-powered gas sensor, high altitude air navigation.

Comparisons of a Three-Dimensional, Full Navier Stokes Computer Model with High Mach Number Combuster Test Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Watkins, William B.

1990-01-01

Comparisons between scramjet combustor data and a three-dimensional full Navier-Stokes calculation have been made to verify and substantiate computational fluid dynamics (CFD) codes and application procedures. High Mach number scramjet combustor development will rely heavily on CFD applications to provide wind tunnel-equivalent data of quality sufficient to design, build and fly hypersonic aircraft. Therefore. detailed comparisons between CFD results and test data are imperative. An experimental case is presented, for which combustor wall static pressures were measured and flow-fieid interferograms were obtained. A computer model was done of the experiment, and counterpart parameters are compared with experiment. The experiment involved a subscale combustor designed and fabricated for the National Aero-Space Plane Program, and tested in the Calspan Corporation 96" hypersonic shock tunnel. The combustor inlet ramp was inclined at a 20 angle to the shock tunnel nozzle axis, and resulting combustor entrance flow conditions simulated freestream M=10. The combustor body and cowl walls were instrumented with static pressure transducers, and the combustor lateral walls contained windows through which flowfield holographic interferograms were obtained. The CFD calculation involved a three-dimensional time-averaged full Navier-Stokes code applied to the axial flow segment containing fuel injection and combustion. The full Navier-Stokes approach allowed for mixed supersonic and subsonic flow, downstream-upstream communication in subsonic flow regions, and effects of adverse pressure gradients. The code included hydrogen-air chemistry in the combustor segment which begins near fuel injection and continues through combustor exhaust. Combustor ramp and inlet segments on the combustor lateral centerline were modelled as two dimensional. Comparisons to be shown include calculated versus measured wall static pressures as functions of axial flow coordinate, and calculated path-averaged density contours versus an holographic Interferogram.

Mode calculations in unstable resonators with flowing saturable gain. 1:hermite-gaussian expansion.

PubMed

Siegman, A E; Sziklas, E A

1974-12-01

We present a procedure for calculating the three-dimensional mode pattern, the output beam characteristics, and the power output of an oscillating high-power laser taking into account a nonuniform, transversely flowing, saturable gain medium; index inhomogeneities inside the laser resonator; and arbitrary mirror distortion and misalignment. The laser is divided into a number of axial segments. The saturated gain-and-index variation. across each short segment is lumped into a complex gain profile across the midplane of that segment. The circulating optical wave within the resonator is propagated from midplane to midplane in free-space fashion and is multiplied by the lumped complex gain profile upon passing through each midplane. After each complete round trip of the optical wave inside the resonator, the saturated gain profiles are recalculated based upon the circulating fields in the cavity. The procedure when applied to typical unstable-resonator flowing-gain lasers shows convergence to a single distorted steady-state mode of oscillation. Typical near-field and far-field results are presented. Several empirical rules of thumb for finite truncated Hermite-Gaussian expansions, including an approximate sampling theorem, have been developed as part of the calculations.

Photo-induced chemiluminometric determination of Karbutilate in a continuous-flow multicommutation assembly.

PubMed

Amorim, C M P G; Albert-García, J R; Montenegro, M C B S; Araújo, A N; Calatayud, J Martínez

2007-01-17

The present paper deals with the chemiluminescent determination of the herbicide Karbutilate on the basis of its previous photodegradation by using a low-pressure Hg lamp as UV source in a continuous-flow multicommutation assembly (a solenoid valves set). The pesticide solution was segmented by a solenoid valve and sequentially alternated with segments of the 0.001 mol l(-1) of NaOH solution, the suitable media for the formation of photo-fragments; then it passes through the photo-reactor and was lead to the flow-cell after being divided in small segments which were sequentially alternated with the oxidizing system; 2 x 10(-5) mol l(-1) of potassium permanganate in 0.2% pyrophosphoric acid. The studied calibration range, from 0.1 microg l(-1) to 65 mg l(-1), resulted in a linear behaviour over the range 20 microg l(-1)-20 mg l(-1) and fitting the linear equation: I=(1180+/-30)C+(15+/-5) with the correlation coefficient 0.9998. The limit of detection was 10 microg l(-1) and the sample throughput 17 h(-1). After testing the influence of a large series of potential interfering species, the method was applied to water and human urine samples.

An Automated Method for High-Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Modeling*

PubMed Central

Huang, Yu; Su, Yuzhuo; Rorden, Christopher; Dmochowski, Jacek; Datta, Abhishek; Parra, Lucas C.

2014-01-01

Targeted transcranial stimulation with electric currents requires accurate models of the current flow from scalp electrodes to the human brain. Idiosyncratic anatomy of individual brains and heads leads to significant variability in such current flows across subjects, thus, necessitating accurate individualized head models. Here we report on an automated processing chain that computes current distributions in the head starting from a structural magnetic resonance image (MRI). The main purpose of automating this process is to reduce the substantial effort currently required for manual segmentation, electrode placement, and solving of finite element models. In doing so, several weeks of manual labor were reduced to no more than 4 hours of computation time and minimal user interaction, while current-flow results for the automated method deviated by less than 27.9% from the manual method. Key facilitating factors are the addition of three tissue types (skull, scalp and air) to a state-of-the-art automated segmentation process, morphological processing to correct small but important segmentation errors, and automated placement of small electrodes based on easily reproducible standard electrode configurations. We anticipate that such an automated processing will become an indispensable tool to individualize transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) therapy. PMID:23367144

A Nonrigid Kernel-Based Framework for 2D-3D Pose Estimation and 2D Image Segmentation

PubMed Central

Sandhu, Romeil; Dambreville, Samuel; Yezzi, Anthony; Tannenbaum, Allen

2013-01-01

In this work, we present a nonrigid approach to jointly solving the tasks of 2D-3D pose estimation and 2D image segmentation. In general, most frameworks that couple both pose estimation and segmentation assume that one has exact knowledge of the 3D object. However, under nonideal conditions, this assumption may be violated if only a general class to which a given shape belongs is given (e.g., cars, boats, or planes). Thus, we propose to solve the 2D-3D pose estimation and 2D image segmentation via nonlinear manifold learning of 3D embedded shapes for a general class of objects or deformations for which one may not be able to associate a skeleton model. Thus, the novelty of our method is threefold: First, we present and derive a gradient flow for the task of nonrigid pose estimation and segmentation. Second, due to the possible nonlinear structures of one’s training set, we evolve the preimage obtained through kernel PCA for the task of shape analysis. Third, we show that the derivation for shape weights is general. This allows us to use various kernels, as well as other statistical learning methodologies, with only minimal changes needing to be made to the overall shape evolution scheme. In contrast with other techniques, we approach the nonrigid problem, which is an infinite-dimensional task, with a finite-dimensional optimization scheme. More importantly, we do not explicitly need to know the interaction between various shapes such as that needed for skeleton models as this is done implicitly through shape learning. We provide experimental results on several challenging pose estimation and segmentation scenarios. PMID:20733218

Cruise control for segmented flow.

PubMed

Abolhasani, Milad; Singh, Mayank; Kumacheva, Eugenia; Günther, Axel

2012-11-21

Capitalizing on the benefits of microscale segmented flows, e.g., enhanced mixing and reduced sample dispersion, so far requires specialist training and accommodating a few experimental inconveniences. For instance, microscale gas-liquid flows in many current setups take at least 10 min to stabilize and iterative manual adjustments are needed to achieve or maintain desired mixing or residence times. Here, we report a cruise control strategy that overcomes these limitations and allows microscale gas-liquid (bubble) and liquid-liquid (droplet) flow conditions to be rapidly "adjusted" and maintained. Using this strategy we consistently establish bubble and droplet flows with dispersed phase (plug) velocities of 5-300 mm s(-1), plug lengths of 0.6-5 mm and continuous phase (slug) lengths of 0.5-3 mm. The mixing times (1-5 s), mass transfer times (33-250 ms) and residence times (3-300 s) can therefore be directly imposed by dynamically controlling the supply of the dispersed and the continuous liquids either from external pumps or from local pressurized reservoirs. In the latter case, no chip-external pumps, liquid-perfused tubes or valves are necessary while unwanted dead volumes are significantly reduced.

Modelling, fabrication and characterization of a polymeric micromixer based on sequential segmentation.

PubMed

Nguyen, Nam-Trung; Huang, Xiaoyang

2006-06-01

Effective and fast mixing is important for many microfluidic applications. In many cases, mixing is limited by molecular diffusion due to constrains of the laminar flow in the microscale regime. According to scaling law, decreasing the mixing path can shorten the mixing time and enhance mixing quality. One of the techniques for reducing mixing path is sequential segmentation. This technique divides solvent and solute into segments in axial direction. The so-called Taylor-Aris dispersion can improve axial transport by three orders of magnitudes. The mixing path can be controlled by the switching frequency and the mean velocity of the flow. Mixing ratio can be controlled by pulse width modulation of the switching signal. This paper first presents a simple time-dependent one-dimensional analytical model for sequential segmentation. The model considers an arbitrary mixing ratio between solute and solvent as well as the axial Taylor-Aris dispersion. Next, a micromixer was designed and fabricated based on polymeric micromachining. The micromixer was formed by laminating four polymer layers. The layers are micro machined by a CO(2) laser. Switching of the fluid flows was realized by two piezoelectric valves. Mixing experiments were evaluated optically. The concentration profile along the mixing channel agrees qualitatively well with the analytical model. Furthermore, mixing results at different switching frequencies were investigated. Due to the dynamic behavior of the valves and the fluidic system, mixing quality decreases with increasing switching frequency.

Determination of the herbicide benfuresate by its photo-induced chemiluminescence using flow multicommutation methodology.

PubMed

Albert-García, J R; Calatayud, J Martínez

2008-05-15

The present paper deals with an analytical strategy based on coupling photo-induced chemiluminescence in a multicommutation continuous-flow methodology for the determination of the herbicide benfuresate. The solenoid valve inserted as small segments of the analyte solution was sequentially alternated with segments of the NaOH solution for adjusting the medium for the photodegradation. Both flow rates (sample and medium) were adjusted to required time for photodegradation, 90 s; and then, the resulting solution was also sequentially inserted as segments alternated with segments of the oxidizing solution system, hexacyanoferrate (III) in alkaline medium. The calibration range from 1 microg L(-1) to 95 mg L(-1), resulted in a linear behaviour over the range 1 microg L(-1) to 4 mg L(-1) and fitting the linear equation: I=4555.7x+284.2, correlation coefficient 0.9999. The limit of detection was 0.1 microg L(-1) (n=5, criteria 3 sigma) and the sample throughput was 22 h(-1). The consumption of solutions was very small; per peak were 0.66 mL, 0.16 mL and 0. 32 mL sample, medium and oxidant, respectively. Inter- and intra-day reproducibility resulted in a R.S.D. of 3.9% and 3.4%, respectively. After testing the influence of a large series of potential interferents the method is applied to water samples obtained from different places, human urine and to one formulation.

[Medical image segmentation based on the minimum variation snake model].

PubMed

Zhou, Changxiong; Yu, Shenglin

2007-02-01

It is difficult for traditional parametric active contour (Snake) model to deal with automatic segmentation of weak edge medical image. After analyzing snake and geometric active contour model, a minimum variation snake model was proposed and successfully applied to weak edge medical image segmentation. This proposed model replaces constant force in the balloon snake model by variable force incorporating foreground and background two regions information. It drives curve to evolve with the criterion of the minimum variation of foreground and background two regions. Experiments and results have proved that the proposed model is robust to initial contours placements and can segment weak edge medical image automatically. Besides, the testing for segmentation on the noise medical image filtered by curvature flow filter, which preserves edge features, shows a significant effect.

Min-cut segmentation of cursive handwriting in tabular documents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davis, Brian L.; Barrett, William A.; Swingle, Scott D.

2015-01-01

Handwritten tabular documents, such as census, birth, death and marriage records, contain a wealth of information vital to genealogical and related research. Much work has been done in segmenting freeform handwriting, however, segmentation of cursive handwriting in tabular documents is still an unsolved problem. Tabular documents present unique segmentation challenges caused by handwriting overlapping cell-boundaries and other words, both horizontally and vertically, as "ascenders" and "descenders" overlap into adjacent cells. This paper presents a method for segmenting handwriting in tabular documents using a min-cut/max-flow algorithm on a graph formed from a distance map and connected components of handwriting. Specifically, we focus on line, word and first letter segmentation. Additionally, we include the angles of strokes of the handwriting as a third dimension to our graph to enable the resulting segments to share pixels of overlapping letters. Word segmentation accuracy is 89.5% evaluating lines of the data set used in the ICDAR2013 Handwriting Segmentation Contest. Accuracy is 92.6% for a specific application of segmenting first and last names from noisy census records. Accuracy for segmenting lines of names from noisy census records is 80.7%. The 3D graph cutting shows promise in segmenting overlapping letters, although highly convoluted or overlapping handwriting remains an ongoing challenge.

Optical coherence tomography for the quantitative study of cerebrovascular physiology

PubMed Central

Srinivasan, Vivek J; Atochin, Dmitriy N; Radhakrishnan, Harsha; Jiang, James Y; Ruvinskaya, Svetlana; Wu, Weicheng; Barry, Scott; Cable, Alex E; Ayata, Cenk; Huang, Paul L; Boas, David A

2011-01-01

Doppler optical coherence tomography (DOCT) and OCT angiography are novel methods to investigate cerebrovascular physiology. In the rodent cortex, DOCT flow displays features characteristic of cerebral blood flow, including conservation along nonbranching vascular segments and at branch points. Moreover, DOCT flow values correlate with hydrogen clearance flow values when both are measured simultaneously. These data validate DOCT as a noninvasive quantitative method to measure tissue perfusion over a physiologic range. PMID:21364599

Quantitative analysis of cardiovascular MR images.

PubMed

van der Geest, R J; de Roos, A; van der Wall, E E; Reiber, J H

1997-06-01

The diagnosis of cardiovascular disease requires the precise assessment of both morphology and function. Nearly all aspects of cardiovascular function and flow can be quantified nowadays with fast magnetic resonance (MR) imaging techniques. Conventional and breath-hold cine MR imaging allow the precise and highly reproducible assessment of global and regional left ventricular function. During the same examination, velocity encoded cine (VEC) MR imaging provides measurements of blood flow in the heart and great vessels. Quantitative image analysis often still relies on manual tracing of contours in the images. Reliable automated or semi-automated image analysis software would be very helpful to overcome the limitations associated with the manual and tedious processing of the images. Recent progress in MR imaging of the coronary arteries and myocardial perfusion imaging with contrast media, along with the further development of faster imaging sequences, suggest that MR imaging could evolve into a single technique ('one stop shop') for the evaluation of many aspects of heart disease. As a result, it is very likely that the need for automated image segmentation and analysis software algorithms will further increase. In this paper the developments directed towards the automated image analysis and semi-automated contour detection for cardiovascular MR imaging are presented.

Segmentation-free image processing and analysis of precipitate shapes in 2D and 3D

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bales, Ben; Pollock, Tresa; Petzold, Linda

2017-06-01

Segmentation based image analysis techniques are routinely employed for quantitative analysis of complex microstructures containing two or more phases. The primary advantage of these approaches is that spatial information on the distribution of phases is retained, enabling subjective judgements of the quality of the segmentation and subsequent analysis process. The downside is that computing micrograph segmentations with data from morphologically complex microstructures gathered with error-prone detectors is challenging and, if no special care is taken, the artifacts of the segmentation will make any subsequent analysis and conclusions uncertain. In this paper we demonstrate, using a two phase nickel-base superalloy microstructure as a model system, a new methodology for analysis of precipitate shapes using a segmentation-free approach based on the histogram of oriented gradients feature descriptor, a classic tool in image analysis. The benefits of this methodology for analysis of microstructure in two and three-dimensions are demonstrated.

Functional Heart Valve Scaffolds Obtained by Complete Decellularization of Porcine Aortic Roots in a Novel Differential Pressure Gradient Perfusion System

PubMed Central

Sierad, Leslie Neil; Shaw, Eliza Laine; Bina, Alexander; Brazile, Bryn; Rierson, Nicholas; Patnaik, Sourav S.; Kennamer, Allison; Odum, Rebekah; Cotoi, Ovidiu; Terezia, Preda; Branzaniuc, Klara; Smallwood, Harrison; Deac, Radu; Egyed, Imre; Pavai, Zoltan; Szanto, Annamaria; Harceaga, Lucian; Suciu, Horatiu; Raicea, Victor; Olah, Peter; Simionescu, Agneta; Liao, Jun; Movileanu, Ionela

2015-01-01

There is a great need for living valve replacements for patients of all ages. Such constructs could be built by tissue engineering, with perspective of the unique structure and biology of the aortic root. The aortic valve root is composed of several different tissues, and careful structural and functional consideration has to be given to each segment and component. Previous work has shown that immersion techniques are inadequate for whole-root decellularization, with the aortic wall segment being particularly resistant to decellularization. The aim of this study was to develop a differential pressure gradient perfusion system capable of being rigorous enough to decellularize the aortic root wall while gentle enough to preserve the integrity of the cusps. Fresh porcine aortic roots have been subjected to various regimens of perfusion decellularization using detergents and enzymes and results compared to immersion decellularized roots. Success criteria for evaluation of each root segment (cusp, muscle, sinus, wall) for decellularization completeness, tissue integrity, and valve functionality were defined using complementary methods of cell analysis (histology with nuclear and matrix stains and DNA analysis), biomechanics (biaxial and bending tests), and physiologic heart valve bioreactor testing (with advanced image analysis of open–close cycles and geometric orifice area measurement). Fully acellular porcine roots treated with the optimized method exhibited preserved macroscopic structures and microscopic matrix components, which translated into conserved anisotropic mechanical properties, including bending and excellent valve functionality when tested in aortic flow and pressure conditions. This study highlighted the importance of (1) adapting decellularization methods to specific target tissues, (2) combining several methods of cell analysis compared to relying solely on histology, (3) developing relevant valve-specific mechanical tests, and (4) in vitro testing of valve functionality. PMID:26467108

NiftyNet: a deep-learning platform for medical imaging.

PubMed

Gibson, Eli; Li, Wenqi; Sudre, Carole; Fidon, Lucas; Shakir, Dzhoshkun I; Wang, Guotai; Eaton-Rosen, Zach; Gray, Robert; Doel, Tom; Hu, Yipeng; Whyntie, Tom; Nachev, Parashkev; Modat, Marc; Barratt, Dean C; Ourselin, Sébastien; Cardoso, M Jorge; Vercauteren, Tom

2018-05-01

Medical image analysis and computer-assisted intervention problems are increasingly being addressed with deep-learning-based solutions. Established deep-learning platforms are flexible but do not provide specific functionality for medical image analysis and adapting them for this domain of application requires substantial implementation effort. Consequently, there has been substantial duplication of effort and incompatible infrastructure developed across many research groups. This work presents the open-source NiftyNet platform for deep learning in medical imaging. The ambition of NiftyNet is to accelerate and simplify the development of these solutions, and to provide a common mechanism for disseminating research outputs for the community to use, adapt and build upon. The NiftyNet infrastructure provides a modular deep-learning pipeline for a range of medical imaging applications including segmentation, regression, image generation and representation learning applications. Components of the NiftyNet pipeline including data loading, data augmentation, network architectures, loss functions and evaluation metrics are tailored to, and take advantage of, the idiosyncracies of medical image analysis and computer-assisted intervention. NiftyNet is built on the TensorFlow framework and supports features such as TensorBoard visualization of 2D and 3D images and computational graphs by default. We present three illustrative medical image analysis applications built using NiftyNet infrastructure: (1) segmentation of multiple abdominal organs from computed tomography; (2) image regression to predict computed tomography attenuation maps from brain magnetic resonance images; and (3) generation of simulated ultrasound images for specified anatomical poses. The NiftyNet infrastructure enables researchers to rapidly develop and distribute deep learning solutions for segmentation, regression, image generation and representation learning applications, or extend the platform to new applications. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Markerless identification of key events in gait cycle using image flow.

PubMed

Vishnoi, Nalini; Duric, Zoran; Gerber, Naomi Lynn

2012-01-01

Gait analysis has been an interesting area of research for several decades. In this paper, we propose image-flow-based methods to compute the motion and velocities of different body segments automatically, using a single inexpensive video camera. We then identify and extract different events of the gait cycle (double-support, mid-swing, toe-off and heel-strike) from video images. Experiments were conducted in which four walking subjects were captured from the sagittal plane. Automatic segmentation was performed to isolate the moving body from the background. The head excursion and the shank motion were then computed to identify the key frames corresponding to different events in the gait cycle. Our approach does not require calibrated cameras or special markers to capture movement. We have also compared our method with the Optotrak 3D motion capture system and found our results in good agreement with the Optotrak results. The development of our method has potential use in the markerless and unencumbered video capture of human locomotion. Monitoring gait in homes and communities provides a useful application for the aged and the disabled. Our method could potentially be used as an assessment tool to determine gait symmetry or to establish the normal gait pattern of an individual.

Simulation of Tsunami Resistance of a Pinus Thunbergii tree in Coastal Forest in Japan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nanko, K.; Suzuki, S.; Noguchi, H.; Hagino, H.

2015-12-01

Forests reduce fluid force of tsunami, whereas extreme tsunami sometimes breaks down the forest trees. It is difficult to estimate the interactive relationship between the fluid and the trees because fluid deform tree architecture and deformed tree changes flow field. Dynamic tree deformation and fluid behavior should be clarified by fluid-structure interaction analysis. For the initial step, we have developed dynamic simulation of tree sway and breakage caused by tsunami based on a vibrating system with multiple degrees of freedom. The target specie of the simulation was Japanese black pine (pinus thunbergii), which is major specie in the coastal forest to secure livelihood area from the damage by blown sand and salt in Japanese coastal area. For the simulation, a tree was segmented into 0.2 m long circular truncated cones. Turning moment induced by tsunami and self-weight was calculated at each segment bottom. Tree deformation was computed on multi-degree-of-freedom vibration equation. Tree sway was simulated by iterative calculation of the tree deformation with time step 0.05 second with temporally varied flow velocity of tsunami. From the calculation of bending stress and turning moment at tree base, we estimated resistance of a Pinus thunbergii tree from tsunami against tree breakage.

Ares I-X Launch Vehicle Modal Test Overview

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Buehrle, Ralph D.; Bartolotta, Paul A.; Templeton, Justin D.; Reaves, Mercedes C.; Horta, Lucas G.; Gaspar, James L.; Parks, Russell A.; Lazor, Daniel R.

2010-01-01

The first test flight of NASA's Ares I crew launch vehicle, called Ares I-X, is scheduled for launch in 2009. Ares IX will use a 4-segment reusable solid rocket booster from the Space Shuttle heritage with mass simulators for the 5th segment, upper stage, crew module and launch abort system. Flight test data will provide important information on ascent loads, vehicle control, separation, and first stage reentry dynamics. As part of hardware verification, a series of modal tests were designed to verify the dynamic finite element model (FEM) used in loads assessments and flight control evaluations. Based on flight control system studies, the critical modes were the first three free-free bending mode pairs. Since a test of the free-free vehicle is not practical within project constraints, modal tests for several configurations in the nominal integration flow were defined to calibrate the FEM. A traceability study by Aerospace Corporation was used to identify the critical modes for the tested configurations. Test configurations included two partial stacks and the full Ares I-X launch vehicle on the Mobile Launcher Platform. This paper provides an overview for companion papers in the Ares I-X Modal Test Session. The requirements flow down, pre-test analysis, constraints and overall test planning are described.

The change of adjacent segment after cervical disc arthroplasty compared with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

PubMed

Dong, Liang; Xu, Zhengwei; Chen, Xiujin; Wang, Dongqi; Li, Dichen; Liu, Tuanjing; Hao, Dingjun

2017-10-01

Many meta-analyses have been performed to study the efficacy of cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) compared with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF); however, there are few data referring to adjacent segment within these meta-analyses, or investigators are unable to arrive at the same conclusion in the few meta-analyses about adjacent segment. With the increased concerns surrounding adjacent segment degeneration (ASDeg) and adjacent segment disease (ASDis) after anterior cervical surgery, it is necessary to perform a comprehensive meta-analysis to analyze adjacent segment parameters. To perform a comprehensive meta-analysis to elaborate adjacent segment motion, degeneration, disease, and reoperation of CDA compared with ACDF. Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched for RCTs comparing CDA and ACDF before May 2016. The analysis parameters included follow-up time, operative segments, adjacent segment motion, ASDeg, ASDis, and adjacent segment reoperation. The risk of bias scale was used to assess the papers. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were used to analyze the reason for high heterogeneity. Twenty-nine RCTs fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Compared with ACDF, the rate of adjacent segment reoperation in the CDA group was significantly lower (p<.01), and the advantage of that group in reducing adjacent segment reoperation increases with increasing follow-up time by subgroup analysis. There was no statistically significant difference in ASDeg between CDA and ACDF within the 24-month follow-up period; however, the rate of ASDeg in CDA was significantly lower than that of ACDF with the increase in follow-up time (p<.01). There was no statistically significant difference in ASDis between CDA and ACDF (p>.05). Cervical disc arthroplasty provided a lower adjacent segment range of motion (ROM) than did ACDF, but the difference was not statistically significant. Compared with ACDF, the advantages of CDA were lower ASDeg and adjacent segment reoperation. However, there was no statistically significant difference in ASDis and adjacent segment ROM. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Morphology and Three-Dimensional Inhalation Flow in Human Airways in Healthy and Diseased Subjects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Van de Moortele, Tristan

We investigate experimentally the relation between anatomical structure and respiratory function in healthy and diseased airways. Computed Tomography (CT) scans of human lungs are analyzed from the data base of a large multi-institution clinical study on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Through segmentation, the 3D volumes of the airways are determined at total lung capacity. A geometric analysis provides data on the morphometry of the airways, including the length and diameter of branches, the child-to-parent diameter ratio, and branching angles. While several geometric parameters are confirmed to match past studies for healthy subjects, previously unreported trends are reported on the length of branches. Specifically, in most dichotomous airway bifurcation, the branch of smaller diameter tends to be significantly longer than the one of larger diameter. Additionally, the branch diameter tends to be smaller in diseased airways than in healthy airways up to the 7th generation of bronchial branching. 3D fractal analysis is also performed on the airway volume. Fractal dimensions of 1.89 and 1.83 are found for healthy non-smokers and declining COPD subjects, respectively, furthering the belief that COPD (and lung disease in general) significantly affects the morphometry of the airways already in early stages of the disease. To investigate the inspiratory flow, 3D flow models of the airways are generated using Computer Aided Design (CAD) software and 3D printed. Using Magnetic Resonance Velocimetry (MRV), 3-component 3D flow fields are acquired for steady inhalation at Reynolds number Re 2000 defined at the trachea. Analysis of the flow data reveals that diseased subjects may experience greater secondary flow strength in their conducting airways, especially in deeper generations.

Objective Measurement of Arterial Flow Before and After Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization: A Feasibility Study Using Quantitative Color-Coding Analysis.

PubMed

Lin, Yi-Yang; Lee, Rheun-Chuan; Tseng, Hsiuo-Shan; Liu, Chien-An; Guo, Wan-Yuo; Chang, Cheng-Yen

2015-12-01

To quantitatively measure the hemodynamic change of hepatic artery before and after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by quantitative color-coding analysis (QCA). This prospective study registered 64 consecutive HCC patients who underwent segmental or subsegmental TACE with epirubicin and lipiodol at level 2 or 3 of the subjective angiographic chemoembolization endpoint. QCA was used to determine the maximal density time (T(max)) of selected intravascular region of interest (ROI). Relative T(max) (rT(max)) was defined as the T(max) at the selected ROI minus the time of contrast medium spurting from the catheter tip. The rT(max) of hepatic arteries was analyzed before and after embolization. The pre- and post-treatment rT(max) of the landmarks at the treated segmental artery were 1.96 ± 0.48 and 3.14 ± 1.77 s, p < 0.001. According to the treated lobe, 30 patients were treated for the right lobe alone, and 8 patients were treated for the left lobe alone. The pre- and post-rT(max) of treated segmental artery were 2.06 ± 0.54, 3.34 ± 1.63 s, p < 0.001 and 1.89 ± 0.45, 2.68 ± 1.46 s, p = 0.12, respectively. The rT(max) of the proximal lobar hepatic arteries or proper hepatic artery had no significant change before and after TACE. The QCA is feasible to quantify embolization endpoints by comparing the rT(max) in selected hepatic arteries before and after TACE. The rT(max) of treated segmental artery was significant prolonged after optimized procedures.

Automated detection of videotaped neonatal seizures based on motion segmentation methods.

PubMed

Karayiannis, Nicolaos B; Tao, Guozhi; Frost, James D; Wise, Merrill S; Hrachovy, Richard A; Mizrahi, Eli M

2006-07-01

This study was aimed at the development of a seizure detection system by training neural networks using quantitative motion information extracted by motion segmentation methods from short video recordings of infants monitored for seizures. The motion of the infants' body parts was quantified by temporal motion strength signals extracted from video recordings by motion segmentation methods based on optical flow computation. The area of each frame occupied by the infants' moving body parts was segmented by direct thresholding, by clustering of the pixel velocities, and by clustering the motion parameters obtained by fitting an affine model to the pixel velocities. The computational tools and procedures developed for automated seizure detection were tested and evaluated on 240 short video segments selected and labeled by physicians from a set of video recordings of 54 patients exhibiting myoclonic seizures (80 segments), focal clonic seizures (80 segments), and random infant movements (80 segments). The experimental study described in this paper provided the basis for selecting the most effective strategy for training neural networks to detect neonatal seizures as well as the decision scheme used for interpreting the responses of the trained neural networks. Depending on the decision scheme used for interpreting the responses of the trained neural networks, the best neural networks exhibited sensitivity above 90% or specificity above 90%. The best among the motion segmentation methods developed in this study produced quantitative features that constitute a reliable basis for detecting myoclonic and focal clonic neonatal seizures. The performance targets of this phase of the project may be achieved by combining the quantitative features described in this paper with those obtained by analyzing motion trajectory signals produced by motion tracking methods. A video system based upon automated analysis potentially offers a number of advantages. Infants who are at risk for seizures could be monitored continuously using relatively inexpensive and non-invasive video techniques that supplement direct observation by nursery personnel. This would represent a major advance in seizure surveillance and offers the possibility for earlier identification of potential neurological problems and subsequent intervention.

Side wall cooling for nozzle segments for a gas turbine

DOEpatents

Burdgick, Steven Sebastian

2002-01-01

A nozzle vane segment includes outer and inner band portions with a vane extending therebetween and defining first and second cavities separated by an impingement plate for flowing cooling medium for impingement cooling of nozzle side walls. The side wall of each nozzle segment has an undercut region. The impingement plate has an inturned flange with a plurality of openings. Cooling inserts or receptacles having an open end are received in the openings and the base and side walls of the receptacles have apertures for receiving cooling medium from the first cavity and directing the cooling medium for impingement cooling of the side wall of the nozzle segment and a portion of the nozzle wall.

Multi-scale structural analysis of gas diffusion layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Göbel, Martin; Godehardt, Michael; Schladitz, Katja

2017-07-01

The macroscopic properties of materials are strongly determined by their micro structure. Here, transport properties of gas diffusion layers (GDL) for fuel cells are considered. In order to simulate flow and thermal properties, detailed micro structural information is essential. 3D images obtained by high-resolution computed tomography using synchrotron radiation and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with focused ion beam (FIB) serial slicing were used. A recent method for reconstruction of porous structures from FIB-SEM images and sophisticated morphological image transformations were applied to segment the solid structural components. The essential algorithmic steps for segmenting the different components in the tomographic data-sets are described and discussed. In this paper, two types of GDL, based on a non-woven substrate layer and a paper substrate layer were considered, respectively. More than three components are separated within the synchrotron radiation computed tomography data. That is, fiber system, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) binder/impregnation, micro porous layer (MPL), inclusions within the latter, and pore space are segmented. The usage of the thus derived 3D structure data in different simulation applications can be demonstrated. Simulations of macroscopic properties such as thermal conductivity, depending on the flooding state of the GDL are possible.

Non-rigid estimation of cell motion in calcium time-lapse images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hachi, Siham; Lucumi Moreno, Edinson; Desmet, An-Sofie; Vanden Berghe, Pieter; Fleming, Ronan M. T.

2016-03-01

Calcium imaging is a widely used technique in neuroscience permitting the simultaneous monitoring of electro- physiological activity of hundreds of neurons at single cell resolution. Identification of neuronal activity requires rapid and reliable image analysis techniques, especially when neurons fire and move simultaneously over time. Traditionally, image segmentation is performed to extract individual neurons in the first frame of a calcium sequence. Thereafter, the mean intensity is calculated from the same region of interest in each frame to infer calcium signals. However, when cells move, deform and fire, this segmentation on its own generates artefacts and therefore biased neuronal activity. Therefore, there is a pressing need to develop a more efficient cell tracking technique. We hereby present a novel vision-based cell tracking scheme using a thin-plate spline deformable model. The thin-plate spline warping is based on control points detected using the Fast from Accelerated Segment Test descriptor and tracked using the Lucas-Kanade optical flow. Our method is able to track neurons in calcium time-series, even when there are large changes in intensity, such as during a firing event. The robustness and efficiency of the proposed approach is validated on real calcium time-lapse images of a neuronal population.

A comprehensive segmentation analysis of crude oil market based on time irreversibility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xia, Jianan; Shang, Pengjian; Lu, Dan; Yin, Yi

2016-05-01

In this paper, we perform a comprehensive entropic segmentation analysis of crude oil future prices from 1983 to 2014 which used the Jensen-Shannon divergence as the statistical distance between segments, and analyze the results from original series S and series begin at 1986 (marked as S∗) to find common segments which have same boundaries. Then we apply time irreversibility analysis of each segment to divide all segments into two groups according to their asymmetry degree. Based on the temporal distribution of the common segments and high asymmetry segments, we figure out that these two types of segments appear alternately and do not overlap basically in daily group, while the common portions are also high asymmetry segments in weekly group. In addition, the temporal distribution of the common segments is fairly close to the time of crises, wars or other events, because the hit from severe events to oil price makes these common segments quite different from their adjacent segments. The common segments can be confirmed in daily group series, or weekly group series due to the large divergence between common segments and their neighbors. While the identification of high asymmetry segments is helpful to know the segments which are not affected badly by the events and can recover to steady states automatically. Finally, we rearrange the segments by merging the connected common segments or high asymmetry segments into a segment, and conjoin the connected segments which are neither common nor high asymmetric.

Transthoracic ultrasonic tissue indices identify patients with severe left anterior descending artery stenosis. Correlation with fractional flow reserve. Pilot study.

PubMed

Dobrowolski, Piotr; Kowalski, Mirosław; Rybicka, Justyna; Lech, Agnieszka; Tyczyński, Paweł; Witkowski, Adam; Hoffman, Piotr

2016-01-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential clinical application of ultrasonic tissue indices, with a focus on systolic strain (SS) and systolic strain rate (SSR) parameters derived from transthoracic echocardiography, in the assessment of left anterior descending artery (LAD) stenosis. The data of 30 patients with significant LAD stenosis were analysed. All patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography to obtain systolic myocardial velocity (Sm), longitudinal SS, and SSR from basal, mid, and apical segments of anterior and inferior walls in two-chamber apical view. Severity of LAD obstruction was measured by means of fractional flow reserve (FFR) during coronary catheterisation. Systolic velocities, strain, and strain rate measured in basal, middle, and apical segments of the anterior left ventricular (LV) wall were lower when compared to those obtained from the corresponding, i.e. unaffected, inferior LV wall. There was a significant correlation between FFR and the value of SS, SSR characterising the apical LV segment of the anterior wall (r = -0.583, p = 0.01; r = -0.598, p = 0.01, respectively). Moreover, we found significant correlation between FFR and Sm in the mid-segment of the LV anterior wall (r = 0.611, p = 0.009). We conclude that SS and SSR obtained from the apical segment of the anterior LV wall may be related to the severity of LAD stenosis.

Short segment search method for phylogenetic analysis using nested sliding windows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iskandar, A. A.; Bustamam, A.; Trimarsanto, H.

2017-10-01

To analyze phylogenetics in Bioinformatics, coding DNA sequences (CDS) segment is needed for maximal accuracy. However, analysis by CDS cost a lot of time and money, so a short representative segment by CDS, which is envelope protein segment or non-structural 3 (NS3) segment is necessary. After sliding window is implemented, a better short segment than envelope protein segment and NS3 is found. This paper will discuss a mathematical method to analyze sequences using nested sliding window to find a short segment which is representative for the whole genome. The result shows that our method can find a short segment which more representative about 6.57% in topological view to CDS segment than an Envelope segment or NS3 segment.

Air traffic management evaluation tool

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sridhar, Banavar (Inventor); Chatterji, Gano Broto (Inventor); Schipper, John F. (Inventor); Bilimoria, Karl D. (Inventor); Grabbe, Shon (Inventor); Sheth, Kapil S. (Inventor)

2012-01-01

Methods for evaluating and implementing air traffic management tools and approaches for managing and avoiding an air traffic incident before the incident occurs. A first system receives parameters for flight plan configurations (e.g., initial fuel carried, flight route, flight route segments followed, flight altitude for a given flight route segment, aircraft velocity for each flight route segment, flight route ascent rate, flight route descent route, flight departure site, flight departure time, flight arrival time, flight destination site and/or alternate flight destination site), flight plan schedule, expected weather along each flight route segment, aircraft specifics, airspace (altitude) bounds for each flight route segment, navigational aids available. The invention provides flight plan routing and direct routing or wind optimal routing, using great circle navigation and spherical Earth geometry. The invention provides for aircraft dynamics effects, such as wind effects at each altitude, altitude changes, airspeed changes and aircraft turns to provide predictions of aircraft trajectory (and, optionally, aircraft fuel use). A second system provides several aviation applications using the first system. Several classes of potential incidents are analyzed and averted, by appropriate change en route of one or more parameters in the flight plan configuration, as provided by a conflict detection and resolution module and/or traffic flow management modules. These applications include conflict detection and resolution, miles-in trail or minutes-in-trail aircraft separation, flight arrival management, flight re-routing, weather prediction and analysis and interpolation of weather variables based upon sparse measurements. The invention combines these features to provide an aircraft monitoring system and an aircraft user system that interact and negotiate changes with each other.

AERODYNAMIC AND BLADING DESIGN OF MULTISTAGE AXIAL FLOW COMPRESSORS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Crouse, J. E.

1994-01-01

The axial-flow compressor is used for aircraft engines because it has distinct configuration and performance advantages over other compressor types. However, good potential performance is not easily obtained. The designer must be able to model the actual flows well enough to adequately predict aerodynamic performance. This computer program has been developed for computing the aerodynamic design of a multistage axial-flow compressor and, if desired, the associated blading geometry input for internal flow analysis. The aerodynamic solution gives velocity diagrams on selected streamlines of revolution at the blade row edges. The program yields aerodynamic and blading design results that can be directly used by flow and mechanical analysis codes. Two such codes are TSONIC, a blade-to-blade channel flow analysis code (COSMIC program LEW-10977), and MERIDL, a more detailed hub-to-shroud flow analysis code (COSMIC program LEW-12966). The aerodynamic and blading design program can reduce the time and effort required to obtain acceptable multistage axial-flow compressor configurations by generating good initial solutions and by being compatible with available analysis codes. The aerodynamic solution assumes steady, axisymmetric flow so that the problem is reduced to solving the two-dimensional flow field in the meridional plane. The streamline curvature method is used for the iterative aerodynamic solution at stations outside of the blade rows. If a blade design is desired, the blade elements are defined and stacked within the aerodynamic solution iteration. The blade element inlet and outlet angles are established by empirical incidence and deviation angles to the relative flow angles of the velocity diagrams. The blade element centerline is composed of two segments tangentially joined at a transition point. The local blade angle variation of each element can be specified as a fourth-degree polynomial function of path distance. Blade element thickness can also be specified with fourth-degree polynomial functions of path distance from the maximum thickness point. Input to the aerodynamic and blading design program includes the annulus profile, the overall compressor mass flow, the pressure ratio, and the rotative speed. A number of input parameters are also used to specify and control the blade row aerodynamics and geometry. The output from the aerodynamic solution has an overall blade row and compressor performance summary followed by blade element parameters for the individual blade rows. If desired, the blade coordinates in the streamwise direction for internal flow analysis codes and the coordinates on plane sections through blades for fabrication drawings may be stored and printed. The aerodynamic and blading design program for multistage axial-flow compressors is written in FORTRAN IV for batch execution and has been implemented on an IBM 360 series computer with a central memory requirement of approximately 470K of 8 bit bytes. This program was developed in 1981.

An Innovative Technique to Assess Spontaneous Baroreflex Sensitivity with Short Data Segments: Multiple Trigonometric Regressive Spectral Analysis.

PubMed

Li, Kai; Rüdiger, Heinz; Haase, Rocco; Ziemssen, Tjalf

2018-01-01

Objective: As the multiple trigonometric regressive spectral (MTRS) analysis is extraordinary in its ability to analyze short local data segments down to 12 s, we wanted to evaluate the impact of the data segment settings by applying the technique of MTRS analysis for baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) estimation using a standardized data pool. Methods: Spectral and baroreflex analyses were performed on the EuroBaVar dataset (42 recordings, including lying and standing positions). For this analysis, the technique of MTRS was used. We used different global and local data segment lengths, and chose the global data segments from different positions. Three global data segments of 1 and 2 min and three local data segments of 12, 20, and 30 s were used in MTRS analysis for BRS. Results: All the BRS-values calculated on the three global data segments were highly correlated, both in the supine and standing positions; the different global data segments provided similar BRS estimations. When using different local data segments, all the BRS-values were also highly correlated. However, in the supine position, using short local data segments of 12 s overestimated BRS compared with those using 20 and 30 s. In the standing position, the BRS estimations using different local data segments were comparable. There was no proportional bias for the comparisons between different BRS estimations. Conclusion: We demonstrate that BRS estimation by the MTRS technique is stable when using different global data segments, and MTRS is extraordinary in its ability to evaluate BRS in even short local data segments (20 and 30 s). Because of the non-stationary character of most biosignals, the MTRS technique would be preferable for BRS analysis especially in conditions when only short stationary data segments are available or when dynamic changes of BRS should be monitored.

A hybrid 3D region growing and 4D curvature analysis-based automatic abdominal blood vessel segmentation through contrast enhanced CT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maklad, Ahmed S.; Matsuhiro, Mikio; Suzuki, Hidenobu; Kawata, Yoshiki; Niki, Noboru; Shimada, Mitsuo; Iinuma, Gen

2017-03-01

In abdominal disease diagnosis and various abdominal surgeries planning, segmentation of abdominal blood vessel (ABVs) is a very imperative task. Automatic segmentation enables fast and accurate processing of ABVs. We proposed a fully automatic approach for segmenting ABVs through contrast enhanced CT images by a hybrid of 3D region growing and 4D curvature analysis. The proposed method comprises three stages. First, candidates of bone, kidneys, ABVs and heart are segmented by an auto-adapted threshold. Second, bone is auto-segmented and classified into spine, ribs and pelvis. Third, ABVs are automatically segmented in two sub-steps: (1) kidneys and abdominal part of the heart are segmented, (2) ABVs are segmented by a hybrid approach that integrates a 3D region growing and 4D curvature analysis. Results are compared with two conventional methods. Results show that the proposed method is very promising in segmenting and classifying bone, segmenting whole ABVs and may have potential utility in clinical use.

Analysis of the Structure of Surgical Activity for a Suturing and Knot-Tying Task

PubMed Central

Vedula, S. Swaroop; Malpani, Anand O.; Tao, Lingling; Chen, George; Gao, Yixin; Poddar, Piyush; Ahmidi, Narges; Paxton, Christopher; Vidal, Rene; Khudanpur, Sanjeev; Hager, Gregory D.; Chen, Chi Chiung Grace

2016-01-01

Background Surgical tasks are performed in a sequence of steps, and technical skill evaluation includes assessing task flow efficiency. Our objective was to describe differences in task flow for expert and novice surgeons for a basic surgical task. Methods We used a hierarchical semantic vocabulary to decompose and annotate maneuvers and gestures for 135 instances of a surgeon’s knot performed by 18 surgeons. We compared counts of maneuvers and gestures, and analyzed task flow by skill level. Results Experts used fewer gestures to perform the task (26.29; 95% CI = 25.21 to 27.38 for experts vs. 31.30; 95% CI = 29.05 to 33.55 for novices) and made fewer errors in gestures than novices (1.00; 95% CI = 0.61 to 1.39 vs. 2.84; 95% CI = 2.3 to 3.37). Transitions among maneuvers, and among gestures within each maneuver for expert trials were more predictable than novice trials. Conclusions Activity segments and state flow transitions within a basic surgical task differ by surgical skill level, and can be used to provide targeted feedback to surgical trainees. PMID:26950551

Segmented lateral dyke growth in a rifting event at Bárðarbunga volcanic system, Iceland.

PubMed

Sigmundsson, Freysteinn; Hooper, Andrew; Hreinsdóttir, Sigrún; Vogfjörd, Kristín S; Ófeigsson, Benedikt G; Heimisson, Elías Rafn; Dumont, Stéphanie; Parks, Michelle; Spaans, Karsten; Gudmundsson, Gunnar B; Drouin, Vincent; Árnadóttir, Thóra; Jónsdóttir, Kristín; Gudmundsson, Magnús T; Högnadóttir, Thórdís; Fridriksdóttir, Hildur María; Hensch, Martin; Einarsson, Páll; Magnússon, Eyjólfur; Samsonov, Sergey; Brandsdóttir, Bryndís; White, Robert S; Ágústsdóttir, Thorbjörg; Greenfield, Tim; Green, Robert G; Hjartardóttir, Ásta Rut; Pedersen, Rikke; Bennett, Richard A; Geirsson, Halldór; La Femina, Peter C; Björnsson, Helgi; Pálsson, Finnur; Sturkell, Erik; Bean, Christopher J; Möllhoff, Martin; Braiden, Aoife K; Eibl, Eva P S

2015-01-08

Crust at many divergent plate boundaries forms primarily by the injection of vertical sheet-like dykes, some tens of kilometres long. Previous models of rifting events indicate either lateral dyke growth away from a feeding source, with propagation rates decreasing as the dyke lengthens, or magma flowing vertically into dykes from an underlying source, with the role of topography on the evolution of lateral dykes not clear. Here we show how a recent segmented dyke intrusion in the Bárðarbunga volcanic system grew laterally for more than 45 kilometres at a variable rate, with topography influencing the direction of propagation. Barriers at the ends of each segment were overcome by the build-up of pressure in the dyke end; then a new segment formed and dyke lengthening temporarily peaked. The dyke evolution, which occurred primarily over 14 days, was revealed by propagating seismicity, ground deformation mapped by Global Positioning System (GPS), interferometric analysis of satellite radar images (InSAR), and graben formation. The strike of the dyke segments varies from an initially radial direction away from the Bárðarbunga caldera, towards alignment with that expected from regional stress at the distal end. A model minimizing the combined strain and gravitational potential energy explains the propagation path. Dyke opening and seismicity focused at the most distal segment at any given time, and were simultaneous with magma source deflation and slow collapse at the Bárðarbunga caldera, accompanied by a series of magnitude M > 5 earthquakes. Dyke growth was slowed down by an effusive fissure eruption near the end of the dyke. Lateral dyke growth with segment barrier breaking by pressure build-up in the dyke distal end explains how focused upwelling of magma under central volcanoes is effectively redistributed over long distances to create new upper crust at divergent plate boundaries.

Airflow structures and nano-particle deposition in a human upper airway model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Z.; Kleinstreuer, C.

2004-07-01

Considering a human upper airway model, or equivalently complex internal flow conduits, the transport and deposition of nano-particles in the 1-150 nm diameter range are simulated and analyzed for cyclic and steady flow conditions. Specifically, using a commercial finite-volume software with user-supplied programs as a solver, the Euler-Euler approach for the fluid-particle dynamics is employed with a low-Reynolds-number k- ω model for laminar-to-turbulent airflow and the mass transfer equation for dispersion of nano-particles or vapors. Presently, the upper respiratory system consists of two connected segments of a simplified human cast replica, i.e., the oral airways from the mouth to the trachea (Generation G0) and an upper tracheobronchial tree model of G0-G3. Experimentally validated computational fluid-particle dynamics results show the following: (i) transient effects in the oral airways appear most prominently during the decelerating phase of the inspiratory cycle; (ii) selecting matching flow rates, total deposition fractions of nano-size particles for cyclic inspiratory flow are not significantly different from those for steady flow; (iii) turbulent fluctuations which occur after the throat can persist downstream to at least Generation G3 at medium and high inspiratory flow rates (i.e., Qin⩾30 l/min) due to the enhancement of flow instabilities just upstream of the flow dividers; however, the effects of turbulent fluctuations on nano-particle deposition are quite minor in the human upper airways; (iv) deposition of nano-particles occurs to a relatively greater extent around the carinal ridges when compared to the straight tubular segments in the bronchial airways; (v) deposition distributions of nano-particles vary with airway segment, particle size, and inhalation flow rate, where the local deposition is more uniformly distributed for large-size particles (say, dp=100 nm) than for small-size particles (say, dp=1 nm); (vi) dilute 1 nm particle suspensions behave like certain (fuel) vapors which have the same diffusivities; and (vii) new correlations for particle deposition as a function of a diffusion parameter are most useful for global lung modeling.

A 3-D CFD Analysis of the Space Shuttle RSRM With Propellant Fins @ 1 sec. Burn-Back

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morstadt, Robert A.

2003-01-01

In this study 3-D Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) runs have been made for the Space Shuttle RSRM using 2 different grids and 4 different turbulent models, which were the Standard KE, the RNG KE, the Realizable KE, and the Reynolds stress model. The RSRM forward segment consists of 11 fins. By taking advantage of the forward fin symmetry only half of one fin along the axis had to be used in making the grid. This meant that the 3-D model consisted of a pie slice that encompassed 1/22nd of the motor circumference and went along the axis of the entire motor. The 3-D flow patterns in the forward fin region are of particular interest. Close inspection of these flow patterns indicate that 2 counter-rotating axial vortices emerge from each submerged solid propellant fin. Thus, the 3-D CFD analysis allows insight into complicated internal motor flow patterns that are not available from the simpler 2-D axi-symmetric studies. In addition, a comparison is made between the 3-D bore pressure drop and the 2-D axi-symmetric pressure drop.

Improvements in analysis techniques for segmented mirror arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Michels, Gregory J.; Genberg, Victor L.; Bisson, Gary R.

2016-08-01

The employment of actively controlled segmented mirror architectures has become increasingly common in the development of current astronomical telescopes. Optomechanical analysis of such hardware presents unique issues compared to that of monolithic mirror designs. The work presented here is a review of current capabilities and improvements in the methodology of the analysis of mechanically induced surface deformation of such systems. The recent improvements include capability to differentiate surface deformation at the array and segment level. This differentiation allowing surface deformation analysis at each individual segment level offers useful insight into the mechanical behavior of the segments that is unavailable by analysis solely at the parent array level. In addition, capability to characterize the full displacement vector deformation of collections of points allows analysis of mechanical disturbance predictions of assembly interfaces relative to other assembly interfaces. This capability, called racking analysis, allows engineers to develop designs for segment-to-segment phasing performance in assembly integration, 0g release, and thermal stability of operation. The performance predicted by racking has the advantage of being comparable to the measurements used in assembly of hardware. Approaches to all of the above issues are presented and demonstrated by example with SigFit, a commercially available tool integrating mechanical analysis with optical analysis.

Florida Bay salinity and Everglades wetlands hydrology circa 1900 CE: A compilation of paleoecology-based statistical modeling analyses

USGS Publications Warehouse

Marshall, F.E.; Wingard, G.L.

2012-01-01

The upgraded method of coupled paleosalinity and hydrologic models was applied to the analysis of the circa-1900 CE segments of five estuarine sediment cores collected in Florida Bay. Comparisons of the observed mean stage (water level) data to the paleoecology-based model's averaged output show that the estimated stage in the Everglades wetlands was 0.3 to 1.6 feet higher at different locations. Observed mean flow data compared to the paleoecology-based model output show an estimated flow into Shark River Slough at Tamiami Trail of 401 to 2,539 cubic feet per second (cfs) higher than existing flows, and at Taylor Slough Bridge an estimated flow of 48 to 218 cfs above existing flows. For salinity in Florida Bay, the difference between paleoecology-based and observed mean salinity varies across the bay, from an aggregated average salinity of 14.7 less than existing in the northeastern basin to 1.0 less than existing in the western basin near the transition into the Gulf of Mexico. When the salinity differences are compared by region, the difference between paleoecology-based conditions and existing conditions are spatially consistent.

Decentralized and Tactical Air Traffic Flow Management

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Odoni, Amedeo R.; Bertsimas, Dimitris

1997-01-01

This project dealt with the following topics: 1. Review and description of the existing air traffic flow management system (ATFM) and identification of aspects with potential for improvement. 2. Identification and review of existing models and simulations dealing with all system segments (enroute, terminal area, ground) 3. Formulation of concepts for overall decentralization of the ATFM system, ranging from moderate decentralization to full decentralization 4. Specification of the modifications to the ATFM system required to accommodate each of the alternative concepts. 5. Identification of issues that need to be addressed with regard to: determination of the way the ATFM system would be operating; types of flow management strategies that would be used; and estimation of the effectiveness of ATFM with regard to reducing delay and re-routing costs. 6. Concept evaluation through identification of criteria and methodologies for accommodating the interests of stakeholders and of approaches to optimization of operational procedures for all segments of the ATFM system.

Development of a composite line source emission model for traffic interrupted microenvironments and its application in particle number emissions at a bus station

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Lina; Jayaratne, Rohan; Heuff, Darlene; Morawska, Lidia

A composite line source emission (CLSE) model was developed to specifically quantify exposure levels and describe the spatial variability of vehicle emissions in traffic interrupted microenvironments. This model took into account the complexity of vehicle movements in the queue, as well as different emission rates relevant to various driving conditions (cruise, decelerate, idle and accelerate), and it utilised multi-representative segments to capture the accurate emission distribution for real vehicle flow. Hence, this model was able to quickly quantify the time spent in each segment within the considered zone, as well as the composition and position of the requisite segments based on the vehicle fleet information, which not only helped to quantify the enhanced emissions at critical locations, but it also helped to define the emission source distribution of the disrupted steady flow for further dispersion modelling. The model then was applied to estimate particle number emissions at a bi-directional bus station used by diesel and compressed natural gas fuelled buses. It was found that the acceleration distance was of critical importance when estimating particle number emission, since the highest emissions occurred in sections where most of the buses were accelerating and no significant increases were observed at locations where they idled. It was also shown that emissions at the front end of the platform were 43 times greater than at the rear of the platform. Although the CLSE model is intended to be applied in traffic management and transport analysis systems for the evaluation of exposure, as well as the simulation of vehicle emissions in traffic interrupted microenvironments, the bus station model can also be used for the input of initial source definitions in future dispersion models.

Erosive Burning Study Utilizing Ultrasonic Measurement Techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Furfaro, James A.

2003-01-01

A 6-segment subscale motor was developed to generate a range of internal environments from which multiple propellants could be characterized for erosive burning. The motor test bed was designed to provide a high Mach number, high mass flux environment. Propellant regression rates were monitored for each segment utilizing ultrasonic measurement techniques. These data were obtained for three propellants RSRM, ETM- 03, and Castor@ IVA, which span two propellant types, PBAN (polybutadiene acrylonitrile) and HTPB (hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene). The characterization of these propellants indicates a remarkably similar erosive burning response to the induced flow environment. Propellant burnrates for each type had a conventional response with respect to pressure up to a bulk flow velocity threshold. Each propellant, however, had a unique threshold at which it would experience an increase in observed propellant burn rate. Above the observed threshold each propellant again demonstrated a similar enhanced burn rate response corresponding to the local flow environment.

Improved method for calibration of exchange flows for a physical transport box model of Tampa Bay, FL USA

EPA Science Inventory

Results for both sequential and simultaneous calibration of exchange flows between segments of a 10-box, one-dimensional, well-mixed, bifurcated tidal mixing model for Tampa Bay are reported. Calibrations were conducted for three model options with different mathematical expressi...

14 CFR 93.57 - General rules: All segments.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... Area shall conform to the flow of traffic depicted on the appropriate aeronautical charts. (c) Each person operating a helicopter shall operate it in a manner so as to avoid the flow of airplanes. (d...) AIR TRAFFIC AND GENERAL OPERATING RULES SPECIAL AIR TRAFFIC RULES Anchorage, Alaska, Terminal Area...

14 CFR 93.57 - General rules: All segments.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... Area shall conform to the flow of traffic depicted on the appropriate aeronautical charts. (c) Each person operating a helicopter shall operate it in a manner so as to avoid the flow of airplanes. (d...) AIR TRAFFIC AND GENERAL OPERATING RULES SPECIAL AIR TRAFFIC RULES Anchorage, Alaska, Terminal Area...

14 CFR 93.57 - General rules: All segments.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... Area shall conform to the flow of traffic depicted on the appropriate aeronautical charts. (c) Each person operating a helicopter shall operate it in a manner so as to avoid the flow of airplanes. (d...) AIR TRAFFIC AND GENERAL OPERATING RULES SPECIAL AIR TRAFFIC RULES Anchorage, Alaska, Terminal Area...

14 CFR 93.57 - General rules: All segments.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... Area shall conform to the flow of traffic depicted on the appropriate aeronautical charts. (c) Each person operating a helicopter shall operate it in a manner so as to avoid the flow of airplanes. (d...) AIR TRAFFIC AND GENERAL OPERATING RULES SPECIAL AIR TRAFFIC RULES Anchorage, Alaska, Terminal Area...

14 CFR 93.57 - General rules: All segments.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... Area shall conform to the flow of traffic depicted on the appropriate aeronautical charts. (c) Each person operating a helicopter shall operate it in a manner so as to avoid the flow of airplanes. (d...) AIR TRAFFIC AND GENERAL OPERATING RULES SPECIAL AIR TRAFFIC RULES Anchorage, Alaska, Terminal Area...

Structure and Neotectonics of the Southern Chile Forearc 35°S - 40°S

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Geersen, Jacob; Völker, David; Weinrebe, Wilhelm; Krastel-Gudegast, Sebastian; Behrmann, Jan H.

2010-05-01

The Southern Chile Forearc exhibits an extreme level of neotectonic deformation. On-land studies have documented a pronounced segmentation in the region 36°S - 41°S. However, information on the seaward continuation of the individual segments towards the Chile Trench is rare, as direct observations end at the coastline and are replaced by a less dense set of marine geophysical data. In this study we use swath bathymetric data combined with high and low-frequency reflection seismic data as well as results from heat-flow measurements to: (A) map and identify active deformation structures and investigate their spatial distribution, and (B) analyse the factors controlling segmentation along the Southern Chile Forearc. Considering the region 35°S to 40°S we found evidence for a division into four major segments; Concepcion North, Concepcion South, Nahuelbuta, and Tolten (from North to South). Within all four segments, the lower continental slope is dissected by distinct margin-parallel thrust ridges overlying active landward-dipping thrust faults, indicating the presence of an active accretionary prism. The middle and upper slope, however, shows major differences between the four segments. The Concepcion North Segment is dominated by a large margin-parallel thrust ridge. The Concepcion South Segment shows large up to 600 m high north-south aligned normal fault scarps highlighting east-west extension. The change from thrust to normal faulting domains is accompanied by a drastic decrease in surface heat-flow by a factor of up to four. Further south in the Nahuelbuta Segment, east-west trending active thrust ridges indicate north-south compression of this part of the forearc. Shortening in this segment is not only limited to the middle and upper slope, but includes the entire marine forearc and occurs perpendicular to the direction of plate convergence. In the southernmost Tolten Segment the middle and upper continental slope shows no signs of compressive or extensional deformation. For the factors controlling segmentation our data suggest that when considering the whole forearc variations in the overriding plate such as the position of continental fault zones are responsible for the large scale tectonic segmentation. The east-west oriented shortening structures in the Nahuelbuta Segment (perpendicular to the direction of plate motion) probably originate from the collision of the Chiloe Microplate with a marine buttress situated below the Concepcion South Segment. The Chiloe Microplate represents a 1000 km-sized forearc sliver, which is kinematically decoupled from stable South America along the Liquine-Ofqui and Lanalhue Fault Zones. The important transition from wholesale forearc compression to extension observed between the two Concepcion segments, however, is more likely related to plate boundary processes, i.e. different degrees of coupling and/or friction in the plate boundary itself.

Globally optimal tumor segmentation in PET-CT images: a graph-based co-segmentation method.

PubMed

Han, Dongfeng; Bayouth, John; Song, Qi; Taurani, Aakant; Sonka, Milan; Buatti, John; Wu, Xiaodong

2011-01-01

Tumor segmentation in PET and CT images is notoriously challenging due to the low spatial resolution in PET and low contrast in CT images. In this paper, we have proposed a general framework to use both PET and CT images simultaneously for tumor segmentation. Our method utilizes the strength of each imaging modality: the superior contrast of PET and the superior spatial resolution of CT. We formulate this problem as a Markov Random Field (MRF) based segmentation of the image pair with a regularized term that penalizes the segmentation difference between PET and CT. Our method simulates the clinical practice of delineating tumor simultaneously using both PET and CT, and is able to concurrently segment tumor from both modalities, achieving globally optimal solutions in low-order polynomial time by a single maximum flow computation. The method was evaluated on clinically relevant tumor segmentation problems. The results showed that our method can effectively make use of both PET and CT image information, yielding segmentation accuracy of 0.85 in Dice similarity coefficient and the average median hausdorff distance (HD) of 6.4 mm, which is 10% (resp., 16%) improvement compared to the graph cuts method solely using the PET (resp., CT) images.

Analysis of nanoliter samples of electrolytes using a flow-through microfluorometer.

PubMed

Zhelyaskov, V R; Liu, S; Broderick, M P

2000-04-01

Several techniques have been developed to study the transport properties of nanoliter samples of renal tubule segments, such as continuous flow colorimetry and continuous fluorometry. We have extended the capability of the NANOFLO, a flow-through microfluorometer, designed for measurement of carbon dioxide, urea, ammonia, glucose, lactate, etc., to analyze sodium, calcium and chloride ions, using three commercially available fluorescent indicators for intracellular and extracellular measurements. The selection of fluorescent indicator for each electrolyte was dependent on the optimal match of the dissociation constant and the analyte concentration range of interest. Using Fluo-3 dye we achieved a detection limit for Ca2+ of 0.1 pmol and selectivity over Mg2+ of between 7:1 to 10:1. Using sodium green dye we achieved detection limit for Na+ of 12 pmol and a selectivity over K+ of 40:1. The detection limit for Cl- using lucigenin dye was 10 pmol. This technique can be readily adapted for the measurement of other physiologically important ultralow volume.

Investigating the Flow and Biomechanics of the Embryonic Zebrafish Heart

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnson, Brennan; Garrity, Deborah; Dasi, Lakshmi

2010-11-01

Understanding flow and kinematic characteristics of the embryonic heart is a prerequisite to devise early intervention or detection methods in the context of congenital heart defects. In this study, the kinematics and fluid dynamics of the embryonic zebrafish heart were analyzed through the early stages of cardiac development (24-48 hours post-fertilization) in vivo using optical microscopy and high-speed video. Endocardial walls and individual blood cells were segmented from raw images and were tracked through the cardiac cycle. Particle tracking velocimetry analysis yielded quantitative blood cell velocity field, chamber volume, and flow rate information. It was seen that the pumping mechanism starts as a combined peristaltic and suction pump while the heart is in the tube configuration and transforms into a positive displacement pump after cardiac looping. Strong two-phase nature of the fluid is evident. This work provides us new understanding of the spatio-temporal characteristics of kinematics and blood cell velocity field inside the developing heart.

In-flow detection of ultra-small magnetic particles by an integrated giant magnetic impedance sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fodil, K.; Denoual, M.; Dolabdjian, C.; Treizebre, A.; Senez, V.

2016-04-01

We have designed and fabricated a microfluidic system made of glass and polydimethylsiloxane. A micro-magnetometer has been integrated to the system. This sensor is made of a giant magneto-impedance wire known to have very high magnetic sensitivity at room temperature. A liquid-liquid segmented multiphase flow was generated in the channel using a Y-shaped inlet junction. The dispersed phase plugs contained superparamagnetic iron oxide (20 nm) nanoparticles at a molar concentration of 230 mmol/l. We have shown both theoretically and experimentally that in-flow detection of these nanoparticles is performed by the microsystem for concentration as small as 5.47 × 10-9 mol. These performances show that it is conceivable to use this system for ex-vivo analysis of blood samples where superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, initially used as magnetic contrast agents, could be functionalized for biomarkers fishing. It opens new perspectives in the context of personalized medicine.

Importance of tissue perfusion in ST segment elevation myocardial infarction patients undergoing reperfusion strategies: role of adenosine.

PubMed

Forman, Mervyn B; Jackson, Edwin K

2007-11-01

High risk ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing reperfusion therapy continue to exhibit significant morbidity and mortality due in part to myocardial reperfusion injury. Importantly, preclinical studies demonstrate that progressive microcirculatory failure (the "no-reflow" phenomenon) contributes significantly to myocardial reperfusion injury. Diagnostic techniques to measure tissue perfusion have validated this concept in humans, and it is now clear that abnormal tissue perfusion occurs frequently in STEMI patients undergoing reperfusion therapy. Moreover, because tissue perfusion correlates poorly with epicardial blood flow (TIMI flow grade), clinical studies show that tissue perfusion is an independent predictor of early and late mortality in STEMI patients and is associated with infarct size, ventricular function, CHF and ventricular arrhythmias. The mechanisms responsible for abnormal tissue perfusion are multifactorial and include both mechanical obstruction and vasoconstrictor humoral factors. Adenosine, an endogenous nucleoside, maintains microcirculatory flow following reperfusion by activating four well-characterized extracellular receptors. Because activation of adenosine receptors attenuates the mechanical and functional mechanisms leading to the "no reflow" phenomenon and activates other cardioprotective pathways as well, it is not surprising that both experimental and clinical studies show striking myocardial salvage with intravenous infusions of adenosine administered in the peri-reperfusion period. For example, a post hoc analysis of the AMISTAD II trial indicates a significant reduction in 1 and 6-month mortality in STEMI patients undergoing reperfusion therapy who are treated with adenosine within 3 hours of symptoms. In conclusion, adenosine's numerous cardioprotective effects, including attenuation of the "no-reflow" phenomenon, support its use in high risk STEMI undergoing reperfusion.

Relationship between blood viscosity and infarct size in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

PubMed

Cecchi, Emanuele; Liotta, Agatina Alessandriello; Gori, Anna Maria; Valente, Serafina; Giglioli, Cristina; Lazzeri, Chiara; Sofi, Francesco; Gensini, Gian Franco; Abbate, Rosanna; Mannini, Lucia

2009-05-15

Previous studies explored the association between hemorheological alterations and acute myocardial infarction, pointing out the role of hematological components on microvascular flow. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between blood viscosity and infarct size, estimated by creatine kinase (CK) peak activity and cardiac Troponin I (cTnI) peak concentration in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The study population included 197 patients with diagnosis of STEMI undergoing PCI. Hemorheological studies were performed by assessing whole blood viscosity (measured at shear rates of 0.512 s(-1) and 94.5 s(-1)) and plasma viscosity using the Rotational Viscosimeter LS 30 and erythrocyte deformability index by Myrenne filtrometer. Significant correlations between CK peak activity, cTnI peak concentration, left ventricular ejection fraction and hemorheological variables were observed. At linear regression analysis (adjusted for age, gender, traditional cardiovascular risk factors, renal dysfunction, timeliness of reperfusion, pre-PCI TIMI flow, infarct location, multivessel disease and previous coronary artery disease) leukocytes and whole blood viscosity at 0.512 s(-1) and 94.5 s(-1) were independently and positively associated with infarct size. These results demonstrate a significant and independent association between hemorheology and infarct size in STEMI patients after PCI suggesting that blood viscosity, in a condition of low flow, might worsen myocardial perfusion leading to an increased infarct size. The measurement of whole blood viscosity in STEMI patients could help to identify those who may benefit from new therapeutic strategies.

Documentation of Stainless Steel Lithium Circuit Test Section Design. Suppl

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Godfroy, Thomas J. (Compiler); Martin, James J.

2010-01-01

The Early Flight Fission-Test Facilities (EFF-TF) team was tasked by Naval Reactors Prime Contract Team (NRPCT) to design, fabricate, and test an actively pumped lithium (Li) flow circuit. This Li circuit takes advantage of work in progress at the EFF TF on a stainless steel sodium/potassium (NaK) circuit. The effort involved modifying the original stainless steel NaK circuit such that it could be operated with Li in place of NaK. This new design considered freeze/thaw issues and required the addition of an expansion tank and expansion/extrusion volumes in the circuit plumbing. Instrumentation has been specified for Li and circuit heaters have been placed throughout the design to ensure adequate operational temperatures and no uncontrolled freezing of the Li. All major components have been designed and fabricated prior to circuit redesign for Li and were not modified. Basic circuit components include: reactor segment, Li to gas heat exchanger, electromagnetic liquid metal pump, load/drain reservoir, expansion reservoir, instrumentation, and trace heaters. The reactor segment, based on a Los Alamos National Laboratory 100-kW design study with 120 fuel pins, is the only prototypic component in the circuit. However, due to earlier funding constraints, a 37-pin partial-array of the core, including the central three rings of fuel pins (pin and flow path dimensions are the same as those in the full design), was selected for fabrication and test. This Technical Publication summarizes the design and integration of the pumped liquid metal Li flow circuit as of May 1, 2005. This supplement contains drawings, analysis, and calculations

[Effects of hyperbaric oxygen treatment on healing of maxillary distraction osteogenesis in beagle dogs].

PubMed

Kudoh, Atsuo

2008-03-01

Distraction osteogenesis has been widely used even in the craniofacial region. A long fixation time during the consolidation period, however, is a major clinical disadvantage. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) has been used to improve healing in ischemic wounds. We have recently started applying hyperbaric oxygen to cleft palate patients after maxillary distraction, but there is little basic evidence. We hypothesized that hyperbaric oxygen would enhance the healing of distraction osteogenesis in the cleft palate model in dogs. A bony segment including a canine was transported proximally into an artificial bone defect in the left palate. Three dogs were treated with hyperbaric oxygen for 20 days just after the distraction and three other dogs underwent only the distraction process (control group). Blood flow of the canine pulp in the bone segment was monitored using a laser Doppler flowmeter throughout the experiment. All the dogs were sacrificed on day 100, and radiological analysis using peripheral quantitative CT and histomorphometric evaluations were performed. Blood flow in the HBO-treated group recovered to the original level about 30 days faster than in the control group (p<0.05). Cortical bone mineral density was significantly higher at the distraction site in the HBO-treated group than in the control group (p<0.05). The histomorphometric analysis revealed that the newly formed bone area was also larger in the HBO-treated group than in the control group (p<0.05). These results suggest that hyperbaric oxygen treatment could be useful for early removal of the distraction device in distraction osteogenesis.

Design for disassembly and sustainability assessment to support aircraft end-of-life treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Savaria, Christian

Gas turbine engine design is a multidisciplinary and iterative process. Many design iterations are necessary to address the challenges among the disciplines. In the creation of a new engine architecture, the design time is crucial in capturing new business opportunities. At the detail design phase, it was proven very difficult to correct an unsatisfactory design. To overcome this difficulty, the concept of Multi-Disciplinary Optimization (MDO) at the preliminary design phase (Preliminary MDO or PMDO) is used allowing more freedom to perform changes in the design. PMDO also reduces the design time at the preliminary design phase. The concept of PMDO was used was used to create parametric models, and new correlations for high pressure gas turbine housing and shroud segments towards a new design process. First, dedicated parametric models were created because of their reusability and versatility. Their ease of use compared to non-parameterized models allows more design iterations thus reduces set up and design time. Second, geometry correlations were created to minimize the number of parameters used in turbine housing and shroud segment design. Since the turbine housing and the shroud segment geometries are required in tip clearance analyses, care was taken as to not oversimplify the parametric formulation. In addition, a user interface was developed to interact with the parametric models and improve the design time. Third, the cooling flow predictions require many engine parameters (i.e. geometric and performance parameters and air properties) and a reference shroud segments. A second correlation study was conducted to minimize the number of engine parameters required in the cooling flow predictions and to facilitate the selection of a reference shroud segment. Finally, the parametric models, the geometry correlations, and the user interface resulted in a time saving of 50% and an increase in accuracy of 56% in the new design system compared to the existing design system. Also, regarding the cooling flow correlations, the number of engine parameters was reduced by a factor of 6 to create a simplified prediction model and hence a faster shroud segment selection process. None

DOSE ASSESSMENT OF THE FINAL INVENTORIES IN CENTER SLIT TRENCHES ONE THROUGH FIVE

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

Collard, L.; Hamm, L.; Smith, F.

2011-05-02

In response to a request from Solid Waste Management (SWM), this study evaluates the performance of waste disposed in Slit Trenches 1-5 by calculating exposure doses and concentrations. As of 8/19/2010, Slit Trenches 1-5 have been filled and are closed to future waste disposal in support of an ARRA-funded interim operational cover project. Slit Trenches 6 and 7 are currently in operation and are not addressed within this analysis. Their current inventory limits are based on the 2008 SA and are not being impacted by this study. This analysis considers the location and the timing of waste disposal in Slitmore » Trenches 1-5 throughout their operational life. In addition, the following improvements to the modeling approach have been incorporated into this analysis: (1) Final waste inventories from WITS are used for the base case analysis where variance in the reported final disposal inventories is addressed through a sensitivity analysis; (2) Updated K{sub d} values are used; (3) Area percentages of non-crushable containers are used in the analysis to determine expected infiltration flows for cases that consider collapse of these containers; (4) An updated representation of ETF carbon column vessels disposed in SLIT3-Unit F is used. Preliminary analyses indicated a problem meeting the groundwater beta-gamma dose limit because of high H-3 and I-129 release from the ETF vessels. The updated model uses results from a recent structural analysis of the ETF vessels indicating that water does not penetrate the vessels for about 130 years and that the vessels remain structurally intact throughout the 1130-year period of assessment; and (5) Operational covers are included with revised installation dates and sets of Slit Trenches that have a common cover. With the exception of the modeling enhancements noted above, the analysis follows the same methodology used in the 2008 PA (WSRC, 2008) and the 2008 SA (Collard and Hamm, 2008). Infiltration flows through the vadose zone are identical to the flows used in the 2008 PA, except for flows during the operational cover time period. The physical (i.e., non-geochemical) models of the vadose zone and aquifer are identical in most cases to the models used in the 2008 PA. However, the 2008 PA assumed a uniform distribution of waste within each Slit Trench (WITS Location) and assumed that the entire inventory of each trench was disposed of at the time the first Slit Trench was opened. The current analysis considers individual trench excavations (i.e., segments) and groups of segments (i.e., Inventory Groups also known as WITS Units) within Slit Trenches. Waste disposal is assumed to be spatially uniform in each Inventory Group and is distributed in time increments of six months or less between the time the Inventory Group was opened and closed.« less

Computational hemodynamics of an implanted coronary stent based on three-dimensional cine angiography reconstruction.

PubMed

Chen, Mounter C Y; Lu, Po-Chien; Chen, James S Y; Hwang, Ned H C

2005-01-01

Coronary stents are supportive wire meshes that keep narrow coronary arteries patent, reducing the risk of restenosis. Despite the common use of coronary stents, approximately 20-35% of them fail due to restenosis. Flow phenomena adjacent to the stent may contribute to restenosis. Three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and reconstruction based on biplane cine angiography were used to assess coronary geometry and volumetric blood flows. A patient-specific left anterior descending (LAD) artery was reconstructed from single-plane x-ray imaging. With corresponding electrocardiographic signals, images from the same time phase were selected from the angiograms for dynamic three-dimensional reconstruction. The resultant three-dimensional LAD artery at end-diastole was adopted for detailed analysis. Both the geometries and flow fields, based on a computational model from CAE software (ANSYS and CATIA) and full three-dimensional Navier-Stroke equations in the CFD-ACE+ software, respectively, changed dramatically after stent placement. Flow fields showed a complex three-dimensional spiral motion due to arterial tortuosity. The corresponding wall shear stresses, pressure gradient, and flow field all varied significantly after stent placement. Combined angiography and CFD techniques allow more detailed investigation of flow patterns in various segments. The implanted stent(s) may be quantitatively studied from the proposed hemodynamic modeling approach.

Optimized multisectioned acoustic liners

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baumeister, K. J.

1979-01-01

New calculations show that segmenting is most efficient at high frequencies with relatively long duct lengths where the attenuation is low for both uniform and segmented liners. Statistical considerations indicate little advantage in using optimized liners with more than two segments while the bandwidth of an optimized two-segment liner is shown to be nearly equal to that of a uniform liner. Multielement liner calculations show a large degradation in performance due to changes in assumed input modal structure. Computer programs are used to generate theoretical attenuations for a number of liner configurations for liners in a rectangular duct with no mean flow. Overall, the use of optimized multisectioned liners fails to offer sufficient advantage over a uniform liner to warrant their use except in low frequency single mode application.

Geothermal segmentation of the Cascade Range in the USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Guffanti, Marianne; Muffler, L.J.; Mariner, R.H.; Sherrod, D.R.; Smith, James G.; Blackwell, D.D.; Weaver, C.S.

1990-01-01

Characteristics of the crustal thermal regime of the Quaternary Cascades vary systematically along the range. Spatially congruent changes in volcanic vent distribution, volcanic extrusion rate, hydrothermal discharge rate, and regional conductive heat flow define 5 geothermal segments. These segments are, from north to south: (1) the Washington Cascades north of Mount Rainier, (2) the Cascades from Mount Rainier to Mount Hood, (3) the Oregon Cascades from south of Mount Hood to the California border, (4) northernmost California, including Mount Shasta and Medicine Lake volcano, and (5) the Lassen region of northern California. This segmentation indicates that geothermal resource potential is not uniform in the Cascade Range. Potential varies from high in parts of Oregon to low in Washington north of Mount Rainier.

High Bolus Tirofiban vs Abciximab in Acute STEMI Patients Undergoing Primary PCI – The Tamip Study

PubMed Central

Balghith, Mohammed A.

2012-01-01

Background: Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been shown to be an effective therapy for patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI). Glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa receptor blockers reduce thrombotic complications in patients undergoing PCI. Most available data relate to Reopro, which has been registered for this indication. GP IIb/IIIa reduce unfavorable outcome in U/A and non ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. Only few studies focused on high dose Aggrastat for STEMI patients in the emergency department (ED) before PCI. The aim is to increase the patency during the time awaiting coronary angioplasty in patients with acute MI. Objectives: To study the effect of upfront high bolus dose (HDR) of tirofiban on the extent of residual ST segment deviation 1 hour after primary PCI and the incidence of TIMI 3 flow of the infarct-related artery (IRA). Materials and Methods: A randomized, open label, single center study in the ED. A total of 90 patients with acute ST-elevation MI, diagnosed clinically by ECG criteria (ST segment elevation of >2 mm in two adjacent ECG leads), and with an expectation that a patient will undergo primary PCI. Patients were aged 21-85 years and all received heparin 5000 u, aspirin 160 mg, and Plavix 600 mg. Patients were divided in two groups (group I: triofiban high bolus vs group II: Reopro) with 45 patients in each group. In group I, high bolus triofiban 25 mcg/kg over 3 min was started in the ED with maintenance infusion of 0.15 mcg/ kg/min continued for 12 hours and transferred to cath lab for PCI. Patients in group II were transferred to cath lab, where a standard dose of Reopro was given with a bolus of 0.25 mcg/kg and maintenance infusion of 0.125 mcg/kg/min over 12 hours. Results: ST segment resolution and TIMI flow were evaluated in both groups before and after PCI. Thirty-five patients (78%) enrolled in group I and 29 patients (64%) in group II had resolution of ST segment (P-value 0.24). Twenty-one patients (47% group I) vs 23 patients (51% group II) with P-value 0.83 achieved TIMI 0 flow. Twenty-four patients (53% group I) compared with 22 patients (49% group II) with P-value 0.83 had TIMI 1 to 3 flow before PCI. TIMI 3 flow was achieved in 40 patients (89% group I) compared with 38 patients (84% group II) with P-value 0.76. Conclusion: In this study there was a trend toward better ST segment resolution and patency of IRA (i.e., improved TIMI flow) in patients given high bolus dose Aggrastat in the ED. Larger studies are needed to confirm this finding. PMID:23181175

Deep learning analysis of the myocardium in coronary CT angiography for identification of patients with functionally significant coronary artery stenosis.

PubMed

Zreik, Majd; Lessmann, Nikolas; van Hamersvelt, Robbert W; Wolterink, Jelmer M; Voskuil, Michiel; Viergever, Max A; Leiner, Tim; Išgum, Ivana

2018-02-01

In patients with coronary artery stenoses of intermediate severity, the functional significance needs to be determined. Fractional flow reserve (FFR) measurement, performed during invasive coronary angiography (ICA), is most often used in clinical practice. To reduce the number of ICA procedures, we present a method for automatic identification of patients with functionally significant coronary artery stenoses, employing deep learning analysis of the left ventricle (LV) myocardium in rest coronary CT angiography (CCTA). The study includes consecutively acquired CCTA scans of 166 patients who underwent invasive FFR measurements. To identify patients with a functionally significant coronary artery stenosis, analysis is performed in several stages. First, the LV myocardium is segmented using a multiscale convolutional neural network (CNN). To characterize the segmented LV myocardium, it is subsequently encoded using unsupervised convolutional autoencoder (CAE). As ischemic changes are expected to appear locally, the LV myocardium is divided into a number of spatially connected clusters, and statistics of the encodings are computed as features. Thereafter, patients are classified according to the presence of functionally significant stenosis using an SVM classifier based on the extracted features. Quantitative evaluation of LV myocardium segmentation in 20 images resulted in an average Dice coefficient of 0.91 and an average mean absolute distance between the segmented and reference LV boundaries of 0.7 mm. Twenty CCTA images were used to train the LV myocardium encoder. Classification of patients was evaluated in the remaining 126 CCTA scans in 50 10-fold cross-validation experiments and resulted in an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.74 ± 0.02. At sensitivity levels 0.60, 0.70 and 0.80, the corresponding specificity was 0.77, 0.71 and 0.59, respectively. The results demonstrate that automatic analysis of the LV myocardium in a single CCTA scan acquired at rest, without assessment of the anatomy of the coronary arteries, can be used to identify patients with functionally significant coronary artery stenosis. This might reduce the number of patients undergoing unnecessary invasive FFR measurements. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Defining And Employing Reference Conditions For Ecological Restoration Of The Lower Missouri River, USA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jacobson, R. B.; Elliott, C. M.; Reuter, J. M.

2008-12-01

Ecological reference conditions are especially challenging for large, intensively managed rivers like the Lower Missouri. Historical information provides broad understanding of how the river has changed, but translating historical information into quantitative reference conditions remains a challenge. Historical information is less available for biological and chemical conditions than for physical conditions. For physical conditions, much of the early historical condition is documented in date-specific measurements or maps, and it is difficult to determine how representative these conditions are for a river system that was characterized historically by large floods and high channel migration rates. As an alternative to a historically defined least- disturbed condition, spatial variation within the Missouri River basin provides potential for defining a best- attainable reference condition. A possibility for the best-attainable condition for channel morphology is an unchannelized segment downstream of the lowermost dam (rkm 1298 - 1203). This segment retains multiple channels and abundant sandbars although it has a highly altered flow regime and a greatly diminished sediment supply. Conversely, downstream river segments have more natural flow regimes, but have been narrowed and simplified for navigation and bank stability. We use two computational tools to compensate for the lack of ideal reference conditions. The first is a hydrologic model that synthesizes natural and altered flow regimes based on 100 years of daily inputs to the river (daily routing model, DRM, US Army Corps of Engineers, 1998); the second tool is hydrodynamic modeling of habitat availability. The flow-regime and hydrodynamic outputs are integrated to define habitat-duration curves as the basis for reference conditions (least-disturbed flow regime and least-disturbed channel morphology). Lacking robust biological response models, we use mean residence time of water and a habitat diversity index as generic ecosystem indicators.

Twelve-month clinical outcomes of acute non-ST versus ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients with reduced preprocedural thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

PubMed

Baek, Ju Yeol; Kang, Tae Soo; Rha, Seung-Woon; Choi, Byoung Geol; Park, Sang Ho; Jeong, Myung Ho

2018-04-27

Reduced preprocedural thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is known to be associated with increased mortality. However, clinical implications of reduced preprocedural TIMI flow in patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) have not been fully elucidated as yet. The aim of the present study was to compare the clinical influence of reduced preprocedural TIMI flows between patients with STEMI and NSTEMI undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). From the Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry, a total of 7336 AMI patients with angiographically confirmed reduced preprocedural TIMI flow (TIMI 0/1) during PCI were selected and divided into STEMI (n=4852) and NSTEMI (n=2484) groups. The 12-month composite of total death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass graft, and repeated PCI was compared between the two groups. After adjustment of baseline confounders by propensity score stratification, the NSTEMI group had lower incidences of major adverse cardiac events than the STEMI group (7.15 vs. 11.19%; hazard ratio: 0.63; 95% confidence interval: 0.47-0.84; P=0.001) at 12 months, which was largely attributable to the lower incidences of total deaths (2.43 vs. 3.99%; P=0.04) and repeated PCI (3.81 vs. 6.41%; P=0.01). Among AMI patients with TIMI 0/1, patients with NSTEMI had better outcomes compared with those of patients with STEMI on the basis of the incidences of 12-month outcomes. This could be attributable to lower total death and repeated revascularization in patients with NSTEMI.

4D flow mri post-processing strategies for neuropathologies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schrauben, Eric Mathew

4D flow MRI allows for the measurement of a dynamic 3D velocity vector field. Blood flow velocities in large vascular territories can be qualitatively visualized with the added benefit of quantitative probing. Within cranial pathologies theorized to have vascular-based contributions or effects, 4D flow MRI provides a unique platform for comprehensive assessment of hemodynamic parameters. Targeted blood flow derived measurements, such as flow rate, pulsatility, retrograde flow, or wall shear stress may provide insight into the onset or characterization of more complex neuropathologies. Therefore, the thorough assessment of each parameter within the context of a given disease has important medical implications. Not surprisingly, the last decade has seen rapid growth in the use of 4D flow MRI. Data acquisition sequences are available to researchers on all major scanner platforms. However, the use has been limited mostly to small research trials. One major reason that has hindered the more widespread use and application in larger clinical trials is the complexity of the post-processing tasks and the lack of adequate tools for these tasks. Post-processing of 4D flow MRI must be semi-automated, fast, user-independent, robust, and reliably consistent for use in a clinical setting, within large patient studies, or across a multicenter trial. Development of proper post-processing methods coupled with systematic investigation in normal and patient populations pushes 4D flow MRI closer to clinical realization while elucidating potential underlying neuropathological origins. Within this framework, the work in this thesis assesses venous flow reproducibility and internal consistency in a healthy population. A preliminary analysis of venous flow parameters in healthy controls and multiple sclerosis patients is performed in a large study employing 4D flow MRI. These studies are performed in the context of the chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency hypothesis. Additionally, a double-gated flow acquisition and reconstruction scheme demonstrates respiratory-induced changes in internal jugular vein flow. Finally, a semi-automated intracranial vessel segmentation and flow parameter measurement software tool for fast and consistent 4D flow post-processing analysis is developed, validated, and exhibited an in-vivo.

Image segmentation by iterative parallel region growing with application to data compression and image analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tilton, James C.

1988-01-01

Image segmentation can be a key step in data compression and image analysis. However, the segmentation results produced by most previous approaches to region growing are suspect because they depend on the order in which portions of the image are processed. An iterative parallel segmentation algorithm avoids this problem by performing globally best merges first. Such a segmentation approach, and two implementations of the approach on NASA's Massively Parallel Processor (MPP) are described. Application of the segmentation approach to data compression and image analysis is then described, and results of such application are given for a LANDSAT Thematic Mapper image.

Relation of specific conductance in ground water to intersection of flow paths by wells, and associated major ion and nitrate geochemistry, Barton Springs Segment of the Edwards Aquifer, Austin, Texas, 1978-2003

USGS Publications Warehouse

Garner, Bradley D.; Mahler, Barbara J.

2007-01-01

Understanding of karst flow systems can be complicated by the presence of solution-enlarged conduits, which can transmit large volumes of water through the aquifer rapidly. If the geochemistry at a well can be related to streamflow or spring discharge (springflow), or both, the relations can indicate the presence of recent recharge in water at the well, which in turn might indicate that the well intersects a conduit (and thus a major flow path). Increasing knowledge of the occurrence and distribution of conduits in the aquifer can contribute to better understanding of aquifer framework and function. To that end, 26 wells in the Barton Springs segment of the Edwards aquifer, Austin, Texas, were investigated for potential intersection with conduits; 26 years of arbitrarily timed specific conductance measurements in the wells were compared to streamflow in five creeks that provide recharge to the aquifer and were compared to aquifer flow conditions as indicated by Barton Springs discharge. A nonparametric statistical test (Spearman's rho) was used to divide the 26 wells into four groups on the basis of correlation of specific conductance of well water to streamflow or spring discharge, or both. Potential relations between conduit intersection by wells and ground-water geochemistry were investigated through analysis of historical major ion and nitrate geochemistry for wells in each of the four groups. Specific conductance at nine wells was negatively correlated with both streamflow and spring discharge, or streamflow only. These correlations were interpreted as evidence of an influx of surface-water recharge during periods of high streamflow and the influence at the wells of water from a large, upgradient part of the aquifer; and further interpreted as indicating that four wells intersect major aquifer flow paths and five wells intersect minor aquifer flow paths (short, tributary conduits). Specific conductance at six wells was positively correlated with spring discharge, which was interpreted as not intersecting a flow path (conduit). Of the 11 wells for which specific conductance did not correlate with either streamflow or spring discharge, no interpretations regarding flow-path intersection by wells were made. In some cases, specific conductance data might not have indicated intersection with a flow path because of small sample sets. Water in the Barton Springs segment generally is a calcium-magnesium-bicarbonate type, although some water compositions deviate from this. Multiple geochemical processes were identified that might affect geochemistry at the wells, but in general the geochemical composition of ground water, except for dilution by surface-water recharge, was not related to intersection of a well with a flow path. Some samples from wells indicate inflow of water from the saline zone to the east; this inflow is associated with low streamflow and spring discharge. Other samples indicate that the aquifer at some wells might be receiving water that has been in contact with rocks of the Trinity aquifer; this mixing is most evident when spring discharge is high. Occurrence of nitrate in ground water was unrelated to intersection of flow paths by wells and appeared to be the result of localized contamination. However, most of the wells with one or more samples contaminated by nitrate are in the more densely populated parts of the study area.

A LiDAR based analysis of hydraulic hazard mapping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cazorzi, F.; De Luca, A.; Checchinato, A.; Segna, F.; Dalla Fontana, G.

2012-04-01

Mapping hydraulic hazard is a ticklish procedure as it involves technical and socio-economic aspects. On the one hand no dangerous areas should be excluded, on the other hand it is important not to exceed, beyond the necessary, with the surface assigned to some use limitations. The availability of a high resolution topographic survey allows nowadays to face this task with innovative procedures, both in the planning (mapping) and in the map validation phases. The latter is the object of the present work. It should be stressed that the described procedure is proposed purely as a preliminary analysis based on topography only, and therefore does not intend in any way to replace more sophisticated analysis methods requiring based on hydraulic modelling. The reference elevation model is a combination of the digital terrain model and the digital building model (DTM+DBM). The option of using the standard surface model (DSM) is not viable, as the DSM represents the vegetation canopy as a solid volume. This has the consequence of unrealistically considering the vegetation as a geometric obstacle to water flow. In some cases the topographic model construction requires the identification and digitization of the principal breaklines, such as river banks, ditches and similar natural or artificial structures. The geometrical and topological procedure for the validation of the hydraulic hazard maps is made of two steps. In the first step the whole area is subdivided into fluvial segments, with length chosen as a reasonable trade-off between the need to keep the hydrographical unit as complete as possible, and the need to separate sections of the river bed with significantly different morphology. Each of these segments is made of a single elongated polygon, whose shape can be quite complex, especially for meandering river sections, where the flow direction (i.e. the potential energy gradient associated to the talweg) is often inverted. In the second step the segments are analysed one by one. Therefore, each segment was split into many reaches, so that within any of them the slope of the piezometric line can be approximated to zero. As a consequence, the hydraulic profile (open channel flow) in every reach is assumed horizontal both downslope and on the cross-section. Each reach can be seen as a polygon, delimited laterally by the hazard mapping boundaries and longitudinally by two successive cross sections, usually orthogonal to the talweg line. Simulating the progressive increase of the river stage, with a horizontal piezometric line, allow the definition of the stage-area and stage-volume relationships. Such relationships are obtained exclusively by the geometric information as provided by the high resolution elevation model. The maximum flooded area resulting from the simulation is finally compared to the potentially floodable area described by the hazard maps, to give a flooding index for every reach. Index values lower than 100% show that the mapped hazard area exceeds the maximum floodable area. Very low index values identify spots where there is a significant incongruity between the hazard map and the topography, and where a specific verification is probably needed. The procedure was successfully used for the validation of many hazard maps across Italy.

Suppression of pulmonary vasculature in lung perfusion MRI using correlation analysis.

PubMed

Risse, Frank; Kuder, Tristan A; Kauczor, Hans-Ulrich; Semmler, Wolfhard; Fink, Christian

2009-11-01

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the feasibility of suppressing the pulmonary vasculature in lung perfusion MRI using cross-correlation analysis (CCA). Perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (3D FLASH, TR/TE/flip angle: 0.8 ms/2.1 ms/40 degrees ) of the lungs was performed in seven healthy volunteers at 1.5 Tesla after injection of Gd-DTPA. CCA was performed pixel-wise in lung segmentations using the signal time-course of the main pulmonary artery and left atrium as references. Pixels with high correlation coefficients were considered as arterial or venous and excluded from further analysis. Quantitative perfusion parameters [pulmonary blood flow (PBF) and volume (PBV)] were calculated for manual lung segmentations separately, with the entire left and right lung with all intrapulmonary vessels (IPV) included, excluded manually or excluded using CCA. The application of CCA allowed reliable suppression of hilar and large IPVs. Using vascular suppression by CCA, perfusion parameters were significantly reduced (p

Evaluation of blood flow distribution asymmetry and vascular geometry in patients with Fontan circulation using 4-D flow MRI

PubMed Central

Jarvis, Kelly; Schnell, Susanne; Barker, Alex J.; Garcia, Julio; Lorenz, Ramona; Rose, Michael; Chowdhary, Varun; Carr, James; Robinson, Joshua D.; Rigsby, Cynthia K.; Markl, Michael

2016-01-01

Background Asymmetrical caval to pulmonary blood flow is suspected to cause complications in patients with Fontan circulation. The aim of this study was to test the feasibility of 4-D flow MRI for characterizing the relationship between 3-D blood flow distribution and vascular geometry. Objective We hypothesized that both flow distribution and geometry can be calculated with low interobserver variability and will detect a direct relationship between flow distribution and Fontan geometry. Materials and methods Four-dimensional flow MRI was acquired in 10 Fontan patients (age: 16±4 years [mean ± standard deviation; range 9–21 years]). The Fontan connection was isolated by 3-D segmentation to evaluate flow distribution from the inferior vena cava (IVC) and superior vena cava (SVC) to the left and right pulmonary arteries (LPA, RPA) and to characterize geometry (cross-sectional area, caval offset, vessel angle). Results Flow distribution results indicated SVC flow tended toward the RPA while IVC flow was more evenly distributed (SVC to RPA: 78%±28 [9–100], IVC to LPA: 54%±28 [4–98]). There was a significant relationship between pulmonary artery cross-sectional area and flow distribution (IVC to RPA: R2=0.50, P=0.02; SVC to LPA: R2=0.81, P=0.0004). Good agreement was found between observers and for flow distribution when compared to net flow values. Conclusion Four-dimensional (4-D) flow MRI was able to detect relationships between flow distribution and vessel geometry. Future studies are warranted to investigate the potential of patient specific hemodynamic analysis to improve diagnostic capability. PMID:27350377

The variation in frequency locations in Doppler ultrasound spectra for maximum blood flow velocities in narrowed vessels.

PubMed

Zhang, Yingyun; Zhang, Yufeng; Gao, Lian; Deng, Li; Hu, Xiao; Zhang, Kexin; Li, Haiyan

2017-11-01

This study assessed the variation in the frequency locations in the Doppler ultrasound spectra for the maximum blood flow velocities of in vessels with different degrees of bilaterally axisymmetric stenosis. This was done by comparing the relationship between the velocity distributions and corresponding Doppler power spectra. First, a geometric vessel model with axisymmetric stenosis was established. This made it possible to obtain the blood flow velocity distributions for different degrees of stenosis from the solutions of the Navier-Stokes equations. Then, the Doppler spectra were calculated for the entire segment of the vessel that was covered by the sound field. Finally, the maximum frequency locations for the spectra were determined based on the intersections of the maximum values chosen from the calculated blood flow velocity distributions and their corresponding spectra. The computational analysis showed that the maximum frequencies, which corresponded to the maximum blood flow velocities for different degrees of stenosis, were located at different positions along the spectral falling edges. The location for a normal (stenosis free) vessel was in the middle of the falling edge. For vessels with increasing degrees of stenosis, this location shifted approximately linearly downward along the falling edge. For 40% stenosis, the location reached a position at the falling edge of 0.32. Results obtained using the Field II simulation tool demonstrated the validity of the theoretical analysis and calculations, and may help to improve the maximum velocity estimation accuracy for Doppler blood flow spectra in stenosed vessels. Copyright © 2017 IPEM. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Imaging hydrothermal roots along the Endeavour segment of the Juan de Fuca ridge using elastic full waveform inversion.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arnulf, A. F.; Harding, A. J.; Kent, G. M.

2016-12-01

The Endeavour segment is a 90 km-long, medium-spreading-rate, oceanic spreading center located on the northern Juan de Fuca ridge (JDFR). The central part of this segment forms a 25-km-long volcanic high that hosts five of the most hydrothermally active vent fields on the MOR system, namely (from north to south): Sasquatch, Salty Dawg, High Rise, Main Endeavour and Mothra. Mass, heat and chemical fluxes associated to vigorous hydrothermal venting are large, however the geometry of the fluid circulation system through the oceanic crust remains almost completely undefined. To produce high-resolution velocity/reflectivity structures along the axis of the Endeavour segment, here, we combined a synthetic ocean bottom experiment (SOBE), 2-D traveltime tomography, 2D elastic full waveform and reverse time migration (RTM). We present velocity and reflectivity sections along Endeavour segment at unprecedented spatial resolutions. We clearly image a set of independent, geometrically complex, elongated low-velocity regions linking the top of the magma chamber at depth to the hydrothermal vent fields on the seafloor. We interpret these narrow pipe-like units as focused regions of hydrothermal fluid up-flow, where acidic and corrosive fluids form pipe-like alteration zones as previously observed in Cyprus ophiolites. Furthermore, the amplitude of these low-velocity channels is shown to be highly variable, with the strongest velocity drops observed at Main Endeavour, Mothra and Salty Dawg hydrothermal vent fields, possibly suggesting more mature hydrothermal cells. Interestingly, the near-seafloor structure beneath those three sites is very similar and highlights a sharp lateral transition in velocity (north to south). On the other hand, the High-Rise hydrothermal vent field is characterized by several lower amplitudes up-flow zones and relatively slow near-surface velocities. Last, Sasquatch vent field is located in an area of high near-surface velocities and is not characterized by an obvious low-velocity up-flow region, in good agreement with an extinct vent field.

High Speed Civil Transport Design Using Collaborative Optimization and Approximate Models

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Manning, Valerie Michelle

1999-01-01

The design of supersonic aircraft requires complex analysis in multiple disciplines, posing, a challenge for optimization methods. In this thesis, collaborative optimization, a design architecture developed to solve large-scale multidisciplinary design problems, is applied to the design of supersonic transport concepts. Collaborative optimization takes advantage of natural disciplinary segmentation to facilitate parallel execution of design tasks. Discipline-specific design optimization proceeds while a coordinating mechanism ensures progress toward an optimum and compatibility between disciplinary designs. Two concepts for supersonic aircraft are investigated: a conventional delta-wing design and a natural laminar flow concept that achieves improved performance by exploiting properties of supersonic flow to delay boundary layer transition. The work involves the development of aerodynamics and structural analyses, and integration within a collaborative optimization framework. It represents the most extensive application of the method to date.

Development and application of an information-analytic system on the problem of flow accelerated corrosion of pipeline elements in the secondary coolant circuit of VVER-440-based power units at the Novovoronezh nuclear power plant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tomarov, G. V.; Povarov, V. P.; Shipkov, A. A.; Gromov, A. F.; Kiselev, A. N.; Shepelev, S. V.; Galanin, A. V.

2015-02-01

Specific features relating to development of the information-analytical system on the problem of flow-accelerated corrosion of pipeline elements in the secondary coolant circuit of the VVER-440-based power units at the Novovoronezh nuclear power plant are considered. The results from a statistical analysis of data on the quantity, location, and operating conditions of the elements and preinserted segments of pipelines used in the condensate-feedwater and wet steam paths are presented. The principles of preparing and using the information-analytical system for determining the lifetime to reaching inadmissible wall thinning in elements of pipelines used in the secondary coolant circuit of the VVER-440-based power units at the Novovoronezh NPP are considered.

The use of segmented regression in analysing interrupted time series studies: an example in pre-hospital ambulance care.

PubMed

Taljaard, Monica; McKenzie, Joanne E; Ramsay, Craig R; Grimshaw, Jeremy M

2014-06-19

An interrupted time series design is a powerful quasi-experimental approach for evaluating effects of interventions introduced at a specific point in time. To utilize the strength of this design, a modification to standard regression analysis, such as segmented regression, is required. In segmented regression analysis, the change in intercept and/or slope from pre- to post-intervention is estimated and used to test causal hypotheses about the intervention. We illustrate segmented regression using data from a previously published study that evaluated the effectiveness of a collaborative intervention to improve quality in pre-hospital ambulance care for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and stroke. In the original analysis, a standard regression model was used with time as a continuous variable. We contrast the results from this standard regression analysis with those from segmented regression analysis. We discuss the limitations of the former and advantages of the latter, as well as the challenges of using segmented regression in analysing complex quality improvement interventions. Based on the estimated change in intercept and slope from pre- to post-intervention using segmented regression, we found insufficient evidence of a statistically significant effect on quality of care for stroke, although potential clinically important effects for AMI cannot be ruled out. Segmented regression analysis is the recommended approach for analysing data from an interrupted time series study. Several modifications to the basic segmented regression analysis approach are available to deal with challenges arising in the evaluation of complex quality improvement interventions.

Numerical investigation of flow and heat transfer in a novel configuration multi-tubular fixed bed reactor for propylene to acrolein process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Bin; Hao, Li; Zhang, Luhong; Sun, Yongli; Xiao, Xiaoming

2015-01-01

In the present contribution, a numerical study of fluid flow and heat transfer performance in a pilot-scale multi-tubular fixed bed reactor for propylene to acrolein oxidation reaction is presented using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method. Firstly, a two-dimensional CFD model is developed to simulate flow behaviors, catalytic oxidation reaction, heat and mass transfer adopting porous medium model on tube side to achieve the temperature distribution and investigate the effect of operation parameters on hot spot temperature. Secondly, based on the conclusions of tube-side, a novel configuration multi-tubular fixed-bed reactor comprising 790 tubes design with disk-and-doughnut baffles is proposed by comparing with segmental baffles reactor and their performance of fluid flow and heat transfer is analyzed to ensure the uniformity condition using molten salt as heat carrier medium on shell-side by three-dimensional CFD method. The results reveal that comprehensive performance of the reactor with disk-and-doughnut baffles is better than that of with segmental baffles. Finally, the effects of operating conditions to control the hot spots are investigated. The results show that the flow velocity range about 0.65 m/s is applicable and the co-current cooling system flow direction is better than counter-current flow to control the hottest temperature.

INVESTIGATING SURFACE WATER QUALITY IMPACTS ON GROUNDWATER QUALITY UNDER VARYING FLOW CONDITIONS IN THE BARTON SPRINGS SEGMENT OF THE EDWARDS AQUIFER, CENTRAL TEXAS

EPA Science Inventory

The expected results from this research include: i) the quantification of the proportion of surface water comprising spring discharge under varying flow conditions; ii) the characterization of surface watersheds under varying antecedent moisture conditions, and evaluation of ...

Rapid prototyping raw models on the basis of high resolution computed tomography lung data for respiratory flow dynamics.

PubMed

Giesel, Frederik L; Mehndiratta, Amit; von Tengg-Kobligk, Hendrik; Schaeffer, A; Teh, Kevin; Hoffman, E A; Kauczor, Hans-Ulrich; van Beek, E J R; Wild, Jim M

2009-04-01

Three-dimensional image reconstruction by volume rendering and rapid prototyping has made it possible to visualize anatomic structures in three dimensions for interventional planning and academic research. Volumetric chest computed tomography was performed on a healthy volunteer. Computed tomographic images of the larger bronchial branches were segmented by an extended three-dimensional region-growing algorithm, converted into a stereolithography file, and used for computer-aided design on a laser sintering machine. The injection of gases for respiratory flow modeling and measurements using magnetic resonance imaging were done on a hollow cast. Manufacturing the rapid prototype took about 40 minutes and included the airway tree from trackea to segmental bronchi (fifth generation). The branching of the airways are clearly visible in the (3)He images, and the radial imaging has the potential to elucidate the airway dimensions. The results for flow patterns in the human bronchial tree using the rapid-prototype model with hyperpolarized helium-3 magnetic resonance imaging show the value of this model for flow phantom studies.

Geology of selected lava tubes in the Bend Area, Oregon

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Greely, R.

1971-01-01

Longitudinal profiles representing 5872.5 m of mapped lava tubes and a photogeologic map relating lava tubes to surface geology, regional structure and topography are presented. Three sets of lava tubes were examined: (1) Arnold Lava Tube System (7km long) composed of collapsed and uncollapsed tube segments and lava ponds, (2) Horse Lava Tube System (11 km long) composed of parallel and anastomosing lava tube segments, and (3) miscellaneous lava tubes. Results of this study tend to confirm the layered lava hypothesis of Ollier and Brown (1965) for lava tube formation; however, there are probably several modes of formation for lava tubes in general. Arnold System is a single series of tubes apparently formed in a single basalt flow on a relatively steep gradient. The advancing flow in which the tubes formed was apparently temporarily halted, resulting in the formation of lava ponds which were inflated and later drained by the lava tube system. Horse System probably formed in multiple, interconnected flows. Pre-flow gradient appears to have been less than for Arnold System, and resulted in meandrous, multiple tube networks.

Cross-contact chain

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lieneweg, Udo (Inventor)

1988-01-01

A system is provided for use with wafers that include multiple integrated circuits that include two conductive layers in contact at multiple interfaces. Contact chains are formed beside the integrated circuits, each contact chain formed of the same two layers as the circuits, in the form of conductive segments alternating between the upper and lower layers and with the ends of the segments connected in series through interfaces. A current source passes a current through the series-connected segments, by way of a pair of current tabs connected to opposite ends of the series of segments. While the current flows, voltage measurements are taken between each of a plurality of pairs of voltage tabs, the two tabs of each pair connected to opposite ends of an interface that lies along the series-connected segments. A plot of interface conductances on a normal probability chart, enables prediction of the yield of good integrated circuits from the wafer.

Cross-contact chain

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lieneweg, U. (Inventor)

1986-01-01

A system is provided for use with wafers that include multiple integrated circuits that include two conductive layers in contact at multiple interfaces. Contact chains are formed beside the integrated circuits, each contact chain formed of the same two layers as the circuits, in the form of conductive segments alternating between the upper and lower layers and with the ends of the segments connected in series through interfaces. A current source passes a current through the series-connected segments, by way of a pair of current tabs connected to opposite ends of the series of segments. While the current flows, voltage measurements are taken between each of a plurality of pairs of voltage tabs, the two tabs of each pair connected to opposite ends of an interface that lies along the series-connected segments. A plot of interface conductances on normal probability chart enables prediction of the yield of good integrated circuits from the wafer.

Quantification of coronary microvascular resistance using angiographic images for volumetric blood flow measurement: in vivo validation

PubMed Central

Zhang, Zhang; Takarada, Shigeho

2011-01-01

Structural coronary microcirculation abnormalities are important prognostic determinants in clinical settings. However, an assessment of microvascular resistance (MR) requires a velocity wire. A first-pass distribution analysis technique to measure volumetric blood flow has been previously validated. The aim of this study was the in vivo validation of the MR measurement technique using first-pass distribution analysis. Twelve anesthetized swine were instrumented with a transit-time ultrasound flow probe on the proximal segment of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). Microspheres were injected into the LAD to create a model of microvascular dysfunction. Adenosine (400 μg·kg−1·min−1) was used to produce maximum hyperemia. A region of interest in the LAD arterial bed was drawn to generate time-density curves using angiographic images. Volumetric blood flow measurements (Qa) were made using a time-density curve and the assumption that blood was momentarily replaced with contrast agent during the injection. Blood flow from the flow probe (Qp), coronary pressure (Pa), and right atrium pressure (Pv) were continuously recorded. Flow probe-based normalized MR (NMRp) and angiography-based normalized MR (NMRa) were calculated using Qp and Qa, respectively. In 258 measurements, Qa showed a strong correlation with the gold standard Qp (Qa = 0.90 Qp + 6.6 ml/min, r2 = 0.91, P < 0.0001). NMRa correlated linearly with NMRp (NMRa = 0.90 NMRp + 0.02 mmHg·ml−1·min−1, r2 = 0.91, P < 0.0001). Additionally, the Bland-Altman analysis showed a close agreement between NMRa and NMRp. In conclusion, a technique based on angiographic image data for quantifying NMR was validated using a swine model. This study provides a method to measure NMR without using a velocity wire, which can potentially be used to evaluate microvascular conditions during coronary arteriography. PMID:21398596

Integrated, proportionally controlled, and naturally compliant universal joint actuator with controllable stiffness

DOEpatents

Borenstein, Johann; Granosik, Grzegorz

2005-03-22

An apparatus for traversing obstacles having an elongated, round, flexible body that includes a plurality of segments interconnected by an integrated joint actuator assembly. The integrated joint actuator assembly includes a plurality of bellows-type actuators individually coupling adjacent segments to permit pivotal actuation of the apparatus therebetween. A controller is employed to maintain proper positional control and stiffness control while minimize air flow.

Fluid mechanical consequences of pendular activity, segmentation and pyloric outflow in the proximal duodenum of the rat and the guinea pig

PubMed Central

de Loubens, Clément; Lentle, Roger G.; Love, Richard J.; Hulls, Corrin; Janssen, Patrick W. M.

2013-01-01

We conducted numerical experiments to study the influence of non-propagating longitudinal and circular contractions, i.e. pendular activity and segmentation, respectively, on flow and mixing in the proximal duodenum. A lattice-Boltzmann numerical method was developed to simulate the fluid mechanical consequences for each of 22 randomly selected sequences of high-definition video of real longitudinal and radial contractile activity in the isolated proximal duodenum of the rat and guinea pig. During pendular activity in the rat duodenum, the flow was characterized by regions of high shear rate. Mixing was so governed by shearing deformation of the fluid that increased the interface between adjacent domains and accelerated their inter-diffusion (for diffusion coefficients approx. less than 10−8 m² s−1). When pendular activity was associated with a slow gastric outflow characteristic of post-prandial period, the dispersion was also improved, especially near the walls. Mixing was not promoted by isolated segmentative contractions in the guinea pig duodenum and not notably influenced by pylorus outflow. We concluded that pendular activity generates mixing of viscous fluids ‘in situ’ and accelerates the diffusive mass transfer, whereas segmentation may be more important in mixing particulate suspensions with high solid volume ratios. PMID:23536539

Fluid mechanical consequences of pendular activity, segmentation and pyloric outflow in the proximal duodenum of the rat and the guinea pig.

PubMed

de Loubens, Clément; Lentle, Roger G; Love, Richard J; Hulls, Corrin; Janssen, Patrick W M

2013-06-06

We conducted numerical experiments to study the influence of non-propagating longitudinal and circular contractions, i.e. pendular activity and segmentation, respectively, on flow and mixing in the proximal duodenum. A lattice-Boltzmann numerical method was developed to simulate the fluid mechanical consequences for each of 22 randomly selected sequences of high-definition video of real longitudinal and radial contractile activity in the isolated proximal duodenum of the rat and guinea pig. During pendular activity in the rat duodenum, the flow was characterized by regions of high shear rate. Mixing was so governed by shearing deformation of the fluid that increased the interface between adjacent domains and accelerated their inter-diffusion (for diffusion coefficients approx. less than 10(-8) m² s(-1)). When pendular activity was associated with a slow gastric outflow characteristic of post-prandial period, the dispersion was also improved, especially near the walls. Mixing was not promoted by isolated segmentative contractions in the guinea pig duodenum and not notably influenced by pylorus outflow. We concluded that pendular activity generates mixing of viscous fluids 'in situ' and accelerates the diffusive mass transfer, whereas segmentation may be more important in mixing particulate suspensions with high solid volume ratios.

3D prostate TRUS segmentation using globally optimized volume-preserving prior.

PubMed

Qiu, Wu; Rajchl, Martin; Guo, Fumin; Sun, Yue; Ukwatta, Eranga; Fenster, Aaron; Yuan, Jing

2014-01-01

An efficient and accurate segmentation of 3D transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) images plays an important role in the planning and treatment of the practical 3D TRUS guided prostate biopsy. However, a meaningful segmentation of 3D TRUS images tends to suffer from US speckles, shadowing and missing edges etc, which make it a challenging task to delineate the correct prostate boundaries. In this paper, we propose a novel convex optimization based approach to extracting the prostate surface from the given 3D TRUS image, while preserving a new global volume-size prior. We, especially, study the proposed combinatorial optimization problem by convex relaxation and introduce its dual continuous max-flow formulation with the new bounded flow conservation constraint, which results in an efficient numerical solver implemented on GPUs. Experimental results using 12 patient 3D TRUS images show that the proposed approach while preserving the volume-size prior yielded a mean DSC of 89.5% +/- 2.4%, a MAD of 1.4 +/- 0.6 mm, a MAXD of 5.2 +/- 3.2 mm, and a VD of 7.5% +/- 6.2% in - 1 minute, deomonstrating the advantages of both accuracy and efficiency. In addition, the low standard deviation of the segmentation accuracy shows a good reliability of the proposed approach.

Preliminary performance and life evaluations of a 2-kW arcjet

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morren, W. Earl; Curran, Francis M.

1991-01-01

The first results of a program to expand the operational envelope of low-power arcjets to higher specific impulse and power levels are presented. The performance of a kW-class laboratory model arcjet thruster was characterized at three mass flow rates of a 2:1 mixture of hydrogen and nitrogen at power levels ranging from 1.0 to 2.0 kW. This same thruster was then operated for a total of 300 h at a specific impulse and power level of 550 s and 2.0 kW, respectively, in three continuous 100-h sessions. Thruster operation during the three test segments was stable, and no measurable performance degradation was observed during the test series. Substantial cathode erosion was observed during an inspection following the second 100-h test segment. Most notable was the migration of material from the center of the cathode tip to a ring around a large crater. The anode sustained no significant damage during the endurance test segments. Some difficulty was encountered during start-up after disassembly and inspection following the second 100-h test segment, which caused constrictor erosion. This resulted in a reduced flow restriction and arc chamber pressure, which in turn caused a reduction in the arc impedance.

Analytical and experimental studies of an optimum multisegment phased liner noise suppression concept

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sawdy, D. T.; Beckemeyer, R. J.; Patterson, J. D.

1976-01-01

Results are presented from detailed analytical studies made to define methods for obtaining improved multisegment lining performance by taking advantage of relative placement of each lining segment. Properly phased liner segments reflect and spatially redistribute the incident acoustic energy and thus provide additional attenuation. A mathematical model was developed for rectangular ducts with uniform mean flow. Segmented acoustic fields were represented by duct eigenfunction expansions, and mode-matching was used to ensure continuity of the total field. Parametric studies were performed to identify attenuation mechanisms and define preliminary liner configurations. An optimization procedure was used to determine optimum liner impedance values for a given total lining length, Mach number, and incident modal distribution. Optimal segmented liners are presented and it is shown that, provided the sound source is well-defined and flow environment is known, conventional infinite duct optimum attenuation rates can be improved. To confirm these results, an experimental program was conducted in a laboratory test facility. The measured data are presented in the form of analytical-experimental correlations. Excellent agreement between theory and experiment verifies and substantiates the analytical prediction techniques. The results indicate that phased liners may be of immediate benefit in the development of improved aircraft exhaust duct noise suppressors.

Assessment of liver function in primary biliary cirrhosis using Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced liver MRI.

PubMed

Nilsson, Henrik; Blomqvist, Lennart; Douglas, Lena; Nordell, Anders; Jonas, Eduard

2010-10-01

Gd-EOB-DTPA (gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid) is a gadolinium-based hepatocyte-specific contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The aim of this study was to determine whether the hepatic uptake and excretion of Gd-EOB-DTPA differ between patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and healthy controls, and whether differences could be quantified. Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced liver MRI was performed in 20 healthy volunteers and 12 patients with PBC. The uptake of Gd-EOB-DTPA was assessed using traditional semi-quantitative parameters (C(max) , T(max) and T(1/2) ), as well as model-free parameters derived after deconvolutional analysis (hepatic extraction fraction [HEF], input-relative blood flow [irBF] and mean transit time [MTT]). In each individual, all parameters were calculated for each liver segment and the median of the segmental values was used to define a global liver median (GLM). Although the PBC patients had relatively mild disease according to their Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD), Child-Pugh and Mayo risk scores, they had significantly lower HEF and shorter MTT values compared with the healthy controls. These differences significantly increased with increasing MELD and Child-Pugh scores. Dynamic hepatocyte-specific contrast-enhanced MRI (DHCE-MRI) has a potential role as an imaging-based liver function test. The high spatial resolution of MRI enables hepatic function to be assessed on segmental and sub-segmental levels. © 2010 International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association.

Volcanic/Tectonic Characteristics of First and Second Order Segments and Ridge Discontinuities `Under the Hot-spot Influence' - TOBI Imagery from the Central Indian Ridge (CIR) Adjacent to the Rodriguez System.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parson, L.; Murton, B.; Sauter, D.; Curewitz, D.; Okino, K.; German, C.; Leven, J.

2001-12-01

Deeptow sidescan sonar data (TOBI, 30kHz) acquired over more than 200 km of the Central Indian Ridge during RRS Charles Darwin cruise CD127 reveal an abundance of neovolcanic activity throughout both spreading segments and ridge non-transform discontinuities alike. Imagery of the previously unsurveyed northern section of the CIR immediately south of the Marie Celeste Fracture Zone confirms the presence of a shallow, magmatically inflated second order segment that is only recently rifted, with a rift floor surfaced throughout by virtually untectonised planar sheet flow units. First and second order segments exhibit a significant component of sheeted extrusives, ponded or in lake form, abutting or overstepped by hummocky and mounded pillow constructs. Non-transform discontinuities are commonly cut by fresh axial volcanic ridges oblique to both axial trend and offset. The depths of segment centers range from 2600m to more than 3700m, and segment forms include robust, hour-glass and rifted/starved end-members - but their overall extrusive pattern is strikingly invariant. Fracture Zone offsets of up to 65 kilometres are tectonically dominated, but their intersections with the axis are often mantled by multiple sheet flows rather than the relatively low proportions of sediment cover. The largest offsets are marked by outcrops of multiple, subparallel displacement surfaces, actively eroding transverse ridges, and ridge transform intersections with classic propagation/recession fabrics - each suggesting some instability in regional plate kinematics. While it is tempting to speculate that the Rodrigues hotspot appears to have a regional effect, enhancing magmatic delivery to the adjacent ridge and offset system, the apparent breadth of influence from what is assumed to be a rather feeble mantle anomaly is problematic.

Detection of water quality trends at high, median, and low flow in a Catskill Mountain stream, New York, through a new statistical method

USGS Publications Warehouse

Murdoch, Peter S.; Shanley, James B.

2006-01-01

The effects of changes in acid deposition rates resulting from the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 should first appear in stream waters during rainstorms and snowmelt, when the surface of the watershed is most hydrologically connected to the stream. Early detection of improved stream water quality is possible if trends at high flow could be separately determined. Trends in concentrations of sulfate (SO42−), nitrate (NO3−), calcium plus magnesium (Ca2++Mg2+), and acid‐neutralizing capacity (ANC) in Biscuit Brook, Catskill Mountains, New York, were assessed through segmented regression analysis (SRA). The method uses annual concentration‐to‐discharge relations to predict concentrations for specific discharges, then compares those annual values to determine trends at specific discharge levels. Median‐flow trends using SRA were comparable to those predicted by the seasonal Kendall tau test and a multiple regression residual analysis. All of these methods show that stream water SO42− concentrations have decreased significantly since 1983; Ca2++Mg2+ concentrations have decreased at a steady but slower rate than SO42−; and ANC shows no trend. The new SRA method, however, reveals trends that differ at specified flow levels. ANC has increased, and NO3−concentrations have decreased at high flows, but neither has changed as significantly at low flows. The general downward trend in SO42− flattened at median flow and reversed at high flow between 1997 and 2002. The reversal of the high‐flow SO42− trend is consistent with increases in SO42− concentrations in both precipitation and soil solutions at Biscuit Brook. Separate calculation of high‐flow trends provides resource managers with an early detection system for assessing changes in water quality resulting from changes in acidic deposition.

Recuperator construction for a gas turbine engine

DOEpatents

Kang, Yungmo; McKeirnan, Jr., Robert D.

2006-12-12

A counter-flow recuperator formed from annular arrays of recuperator core segments. The recuperator core segments are formed from two opposing sheets of fin fold material coined to form a primary surface zone disposed between two flattened manifold zones. Each primary surface zone has undulating corrugations including a uniform, full height central portion and a transition zone disposed between the central portion and one of the manifold zones. Corrugations of the transition zone rise from zero adjacent to the manifold zone and increase along a transition length to full crest height at the central portion. The transition lengths increase in a direction away from an inner edge containing the air inlet so as to equalize air flow to the distal regions of the primary surface zone.

An experimental study of a three-dimensional thrust augmenting ejector using laser Doppler velocimetry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Storms, Bruce Lowell

1989-01-01

Flow field measurements were obtained in a three-dimensional thrust augmenting ejector using laser Doppler velocimetry and hot wire anemometry. The primary nozzle, segmented into twelve slots of aspect ratio 3.0, was tested at a pressure ratio of 1.15. Results are presented on the mean velocity, turbulence intensity, and Reynolds stress progressions in the mixing chamber of the constant area ejector. The segmented nozzle was found to produce streamwise vortices that may increase the mixing efficiency of the ejector flow field. Compared to free jet results, the jet development is reduced by the presence of the ejector walls. The resulting thrust augmentation ratio of this ejector was also calculated to be 1.34.

Small scale variability of transport and composition of dissolved organic matter in the subsoil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leinemann, T.; Mikutta, R.; Kalbitz, K.; Guggenberger, G.

2016-12-01

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is the most mobile fraction of carbon in the soil and connects the carbon-rich topsoil with the subsoil where translocated OM may get stabilized. The water flux in soil is highly heterogeneous, both temporarily and spatially. We, therefore, hypothesize that at high flow velocities, DOM can bypass possible mineral binding sites and microorganisms, thus leading to less degraded DOM under high flow velocities. To address this question, we investigated water and DOM fluxes in situ using segmented suction plates (4 x 4 segments on 24 x 24 cm) installed into three soil observatories at three depths (10 cm, 50 cm, and 150 cm) in a Dystric Cambisol under Beech (Fagus sylvatica) near Hannover, Germany. To follow the transport of carbon from the litter layer through the soil, an in situ 13C-labelling experiment has been conducted in January 2015. Concentration of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and DOM composition was analyzed using high temperature combustion and photometric methods. The amount of transported DOC decreased by ca. 80 % from 10 to 50 cm depth and by 40 % from 50 to 150 cm depth. Different flow patterns existed at the centimeter scale, which were stable over time for individual suction plate segments. The specific UV280 nm absorbance of DOM decreased with increasing soil depth. This indicates a selective loss of aromatic compounds. The influence of different flow regimes on the DOM quality became apparent in the subsoil samples (>50 cm depth) showing a correlation of increasing UV280 nm absorbance with increasing water flux. The 13C-labelling experiment showed that after 10 month just 0.3 % of the DOC in 150 cm depth was derived from fresh litter. The transport of leaf litter carbon seemed to be controlled by the flow regime as the DO13C ratio and the water flux correlated positively. This can be an indication for the importance of preferential flow on carbon transport to the subsoil.

Seismic anisotropy in the Hellenic subduction zone: Effects of slab segmentation and subslab mantle flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Evangelidis, C. P.

2017-12-01

The segmentation and differentiation of subducting slabs have considerable effects on mantle convection and tectonics. The Hellenic subduction zone is a complex convergent margin with strong curvature and fast slab rollback. The upper mantle seismic anisotropy in the region is studied focusing at its western and eastern edges in order to explore the effects of possible slab segmentation on mantle flow and fabrics. Complementary to new SKS shear-wave splitting measurements in regions not adequately sampled so far, the source-side splitting technique is applied to constrain the depth of anisotropy and to densify measurements. In the western Hellenic arc, a trench-normal subslab anisotropy is observed near the trench. In the forearc domain, source-side and SKS measurements reveal a trench-parallel pattern. This indicates subslab trench-parallel mantle flow, associated with return flow due to the fast slab rollback. The passage from continental to oceanic subduction in the western Hellenic zone is illustrated by a forearc transitional anisotropy pattern. This indicates subslab mantle flow parallel to a NE-SW smooth ramp that possibly connects the two subducted slabs. A young tear fault initiated at the Kefalonia Transform Fault is likely not entirely developed, as this trench-parallel anisotropy pattern is observed along the entire western Hellenic subduction system, even following this horizontal offset between the two slabs. At the eastern side of the Hellenic subduction zone, subslab source-side anisotropy measurements show a general trench-normal pattern. These are associated with mantle flow through a possible ongoing tearing of the oceanic lithosphere in the area. Although the exact geometry of this slab tear is relatively unknown, SKS trench-parallel measurements imply that the tear has not reached the surface yet. Further exploration of the Hellenic subduction system is necessary; denser seismic networks should be deployed at both its edges in order to achieve a more definite image of the structure and geodynamics of this area.

Phantom motion after effects--evidence of detectors for the analysis of optic flow.

PubMed

Snowden, R J; Milne, A B

1997-10-01

Electrophysiological recording from the extrastriate cortex of non-human primates has revealed neurons that have large receptive fields and are sensitive to various components of object or self movement, such as translations, rotations and expansion/contractions. If these mechanisms exist in human vision, they might be susceptible to adaptation that generates motion aftereffects (MAEs). Indeed, it might be possible to adapt the mechanism in one part of the visual field and reveal what we term a 'phantom MAE' in another part. The existence of phantom MAEs was probed by adapting to a pattern that contained motion in only two non-adjacent 'quarter' segments and then testing using patterns that had elements in only the other two segments. We also tested for the more conventional 'concrete' MAE by testing in the same two segments that had adapted. The strength of each MAE was quantified by measuring the percentage of dots that had to be moved in the opposite direction to the MAE in order to nullify it. Four experiments tested rotational motion, expansion/contraction motion, translational motion and a 'rotation' that consisted simply of the two segments that contained only translational motions of opposing direction. Compared to a baseline measurement where no adaptation took place, all subjects in all experiments exhibited both concrete and phantom MAEs, with the size of the latter approximately half that of the former. Adaptation to two segments that contained upward and downward motion induced the perception of leftward and rightward motion in another part of the visual field. This strongly suggests there are mechanisms in human vision that are sensitive to complex motions such as rotations.

Kinematic analysis of fractures in the Great Rift, Idaho: Implications for subsurface dike geometry, crustal extension, and magma dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holmes, Adrian A. J.; Rodgers, David W.; Hughes, Scott S.

2008-04-01

Extension across the southern Great Rift of the Eastern Snake River Plain (ESRP), Idaho, was measured to calculate the dimensions of underlying dikes and interpret magmatic and extensional processes. Cumulative rift-perpendicular extension ranges from 0.64 to 4.50 m along the 14 km long Kings Bowl segment, from 1.33 to 4.41 m along the 14 km long New Butte segment, and from 0.74 to 1.57 m along the 4 km long Minidoka segment. Along strike of each segment, extension increases toward coeval vents. Each rift segment is interpreted to be underlain by a subsurface dike, whose dimensions are calculated using buoyancy equilibrium and boundary element models. Dikes are calculated to have tops that are 950-530 m deep, bottoms that are 23-31 km deep, and widths that taper to zero from a maximum of 2-21 m. Modeling suggests that the Kings Bowl dike has a maximum probable width of ˜8 m and a volume of ˜2 km3, about 400 times the volume of its coeval lava flow. Dike widths and ages at the southern Great Rift provide evidence for a Holocene ESRP strain rate of about 1 to 3 × 10-16 s-1, which is as much as an order of magnitude slower than strain rates in the adjacent, seismically active Basin and Range province. Eruptive fissures are present where rift width is <1650 m. This corresponds to a depth to dike top of <700 m, which we propose was the depth where vesiculation initiated, thus increasing magma pressure and inducing eruption.

Protection of Distal Embolization in High-Risk Patients with Acute ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (PREMIAR).

PubMed

Cura, Fernando A; Escudero, Alejandro Garcia; Berrocal, Daniel; Mendiz, Oscar; Trivi, Marcelo S; Fernandez, Juan; Palacios, Alejandro; Albertal, Mariano; Piraino, Ruben; Riccitelli, Miguel Angel; Gruberg, Luis; Ballarino, Miguel; Milei, Jose; Baeza, Ricardo; Thierer, Jorge; Grinfeld, Liliana; Krucoff, Mitchell; O'Neill, William; Belardi, Jorge

2007-02-01

Distal embolization may decrease myocardial reperfusion after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Nonetheless, results of previous trials assessing the role of distal protection during primary PCI have been controversial. The Protection of Distal Embolization in High-Risk Patients with Acute ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Trial (PREMIAR) was a prospective, randomized, controlled study designed to evaluate the role of filter-based distal protection during PCI in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction at high risk of embolic events (including only baseline Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction grade 0 to 2 flow). The primary end point was continuous monitoring of ST-segment resolution. Secondary end points included core laboratory analysis of angiographic myocardial blush, ejection fraction measured by cardiac ultrasound, and adverse cardiac events at 6 months. From a total of 194 enrolled patients, 140 subjects were randomized to PCI with or without embolic protection, and 54 were included in a registry arm due to the presence of angiographic exclusion criteria. Baseline characteristics were comparable between arms. The rate of complete ST-segment resolution (>or=70%) at 60 minutes was similar in patients treated with or without distal protection (61.2% vs 60.3%, respectively, p = 0.85). Angiographic myocardial blush (67% vs 70.7%, p = 0.73), in-hospital ejection fraction (47.4 +/- 9.9% vs 45.3 +/- 7.3%, p = 0.29), and combined end point of death, heart failure, or reinfarction at 6 months (14.3% vs 15.7%, p = 0.81) were consistently achieved in a similar proportion in the 2 groups. In conclusion, the use of filter-based distal protection is safe and effectively retrieves debris; however, such use does not translate into an improvement of myocardial reperfusion, left ventricular performance, or clinical outcomes.

An image segmentation method for apple sorting and grading using support vector machine and Otsu's method

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Segmentation is the first step in image analysis to subdivide an image into meaningful regions. The segmentation result directly affects the subsequent image analysis. The objective of the research was to develop an automatic adjustable algorithm for segmentation of color images, using linear suppor...

Palaeointensities from Pliocene lava sequences in Iceland: emphasis on the problem of Arai plot with two linear segments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanaka, Hidefumi; Yamamoto, Yuhji

2016-05-01

Palaeointensity experiments were carried out to a sample collection from two sections of basalt lava flow sequences of Pliocene age in north central Iceland (Chron C2An) to further refine the knowledge of the behaviour of the palaeomagnetic field. Selection of samples was mainly based on their stability of remanence to thermal demagnetization as well as good reversibility in variations of magnetic susceptibility and saturation magnetization with temperature, which would indicate the presence of magnetite as a product of deuteric oxidation of titanomagnetite. Among 167 lava flows from two sections, 44 flows were selected for the Königsberger-Thellier-Thellier experiment in vacuum. In spite of careful pre-selection of samples, an Arai plot with two linear segments, or a concave-up appearance, was often encountered during the experiments. This non-ideal behaviour was probably caused by an irreversible change in the domain state of the magnetic grains of the pseudo-single-domain (PSD) range. This is assumed because an ideal linear plot was obtained in the second run of the palaeointensity experiment in which a laboratory thermoremanence acquired after the final step of the first run was used as a natural remanence. This experiment was conducted on six selected samples, and no clear difference between the magnetic grains of the experimented and pristine sister samples was found by scanning electron microscope and hysteresis measurements, that is, no occurrence of notable chemical/mineralogical alteration, suggesting that no change in the grain size distribution had occurred. Hence, the two-segment Arai plot was not caused by the reversible multidomain/PSD effect in which the curvature of the Arai plot is dependent on the grain size. Considering that the irreversible change in domain state must have affected data points at not only high temperatures but also low temperatures, fv ≥ 0.5 was adopted as one of the acceptance criteria where fv is a vectorially defined fraction of the linear segment. A measure of curvature k' was also used to check the linearity of the selected linear segment. It was avoided, however, to reject the result out of hand by the large curvature k of the entire data points because it might still include a linear segment with a large fraction. Combining with the results of Shaw's experiments, 52 palaeointensities were obtained out of 192 specimens, or 11 flow means were obtained out of the 44 lava flows. Most of the palaeointensities were from the upper part of the lava section (Chron C2An.1n) and ranged between 30 and 66 μT. Including two results from the bottom part of the lava section, the mean virtual dipole moment for 2.5-3.5 Ma is 6.3 ± 1.4 × 1022 Am2 (N = 11), which is ˜19 per cent smaller than the present-day dipole moment.

Analysis of selected volatile organic compounds in split and nonsplit swiss cheese samples using selected-ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS).

PubMed

Castada, Hardy Z; Wick, Cheryl; Taylor, Kaitlyn; Harper, W James

2014-04-01

Splits/cracks are recurring product defects that negatively affect the Swiss cheese industry. Investigations to understand the biophysicochemical aspects of these defects, and thus determine preventive measures against their occurrence, are underway. In this study, selected-ion, flow tube mass spectrometry was employed to determine the volatile organic compound (VOC) profiles present in the headspace of split compared with nonsplit cheeses. Two sampling methodologies were employed: split compared with nonsplit cheese vat pair blocks; and comparison of blind, eye, and split segments within cheese blocks. The variability in VOC profiles was examined to evaluate the potential biochemical pathway chemistry differences within and between cheese samples. VOC profile inhomogeneity was most evident in cheeses between factories. Evaluation of biochemical pathways leading to the formation of key VOCs differentiating the split from the blind and eye segments within factories indicated release of additional carbon dioxide by-product. These results suggest a factory-dependent cause of split formation that could develop from varied fermentation pathways in the blind, eye, and split areas within a cheese block. The variability of VOC profiles within and between factories exhibit varied biochemical fermentation pathways that could conceivably be traced back in the making process to identify parameters responsible for split defect. © 2014 Institute of Food Technologists®

A One-Dimensional Global-Scaling Erosive Burning Model Informed by Blowing Wall Turbulence

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kibbey, Timothy P.

2014-01-01

This paper makes no attempt to comprehensively review erosive burning models or the data collected in pursuit of them; the interested reader could begin with Landsbaum for a historical summary. However, a discussion and comparison to recent work by McDonald and Rettenmaier and Heister will be included, along with data generated by Strand, et. al. Suffice it to say that the search for a way to predict erosive burning in any size motor with formulas cleanly applicable to a typical 1D ballistics analysis has been long thwarted. Some models were based on testing that failed to adequately simulate the solid rocket motor environment. In most cases, no real-time burn rate measurement was available. Two popular models, even when calibrated to recent motor-like real-time burn rate data obtained by Furfaro, were shown by McMillin to be inadequate at modeling erosive burning in the Space Shuttle Reusable Solid Rocket Motor (RSRM), the Space Launch Systems' Five-Segment RSRM (RSRMV), and the five-segment Engineering Test Motor (ETM)-3. Subsequently to the data cited from Strand and Furfaro, additional motors of the same kind as Furfaro's were tested with RSRMV propellant, utilizing 7 segments per motor and 3 throat sizes. By measuring propellant web thickness with ultrasonic gages, the burn rate was determined at cross-flow Mach numbers up to Mach 0.8. Furthermore, because of the different throat sizes in otherwise identical motors, this provides a unique look at the effect of pressure and base burn rate on the erosive response. Figure 1 shows example of the data pertaining to the high Mach motor, where the port area is initially less than the throat area. The burn rate data was processed using a smoothing method developed to reduce the noise without too severely introducing end effects that limit the range of useful data. Then, an empirical ballistics scheme was used to estimate the flow condition based on the burn rate measurements and pressure measured between each segment.

Utilizing Hierarchical Segmentation to Generate Water and Snow Masks to Facilitate Monitoring Change with Remotely Sensed Image Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tilton, James C.; Lawrence, William T.; Plaza, Antonio J.

2006-01-01

The hierarchical segmentation (HSEG) algorithm is a hybrid of hierarchical step-wise optimization and constrained spectral clustering that produces a hierarchical set of image segmentations. This segmentation hierarchy organizes image data in a manner that makes the image's information content more accessible for analysis by enabling region-based analysis. This paper discusses data analysis with HSEG and describes several measures of region characteristics that may be useful analyzing segmentation hierarchies for various applications. Segmentation hierarchy analysis for generating landwater and snow/ice masks from MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) data was demonstrated and compared with the corresponding MODIS standard products. The masks based on HSEG segmentation hierarchies compare very favorably to the MODIS standard products. Further, the HSEG based landwater mask was specifically tailored to the MODIS data and the HSEG snow/ice mask did not require the setting of a critical threshold as required in the production of the corresponding MODIS standard product.

The Analysis of Image Segmentation Hierarchies with a Graph-based Knowledge Discovery System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tilton, James C.; Cooke, diane J.; Ketkar, Nikhil; Aksoy, Selim

2008-01-01

Currently available pixel-based analysis techniques do not effectively extract the information content from the increasingly available high spatial resolution remotely sensed imagery data. A general consensus is that object-based image analysis (OBIA) is required to effectively analyze this type of data. OBIA is usually a two-stage process; image segmentation followed by an analysis of the segmented objects. We are exploring an approach to OBIA in which hierarchical image segmentations provided by the Recursive Hierarchical Segmentation (RHSEG) software developed at NASA GSFC are analyzed by the Subdue graph-based knowledge discovery system developed by a team at Washington State University. In this paper we discuss out initial approach to representing the RHSEG-produced hierarchical image segmentations in a graphical form understandable by Subdue, and provide results on real and simulated data. We also discuss planned improvements designed to more effectively and completely convey the hierarchical segmentation information to Subdue and to improve processing efficiency.

Structural analysis of vibroacoustical processes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gromov, A. P.; Myasnikov, L. L.; Myasnikova, Y. N.; Finagin, B. A.

1973-01-01

The method of automatic identification of acoustical signals, by means of the segmentation was used to investigate noises and vibrations in machines and mechanisms, for cybernetic diagnostics. The structural analysis consists of presentation of a noise or vibroacoustical signal as a sequence of segments, determined by the time quantization, in which each segment is characterized by specific spectral characteristics. The structural spectrum is plotted as a histogram of the segments, also as a relation of the probability density of appearance of a segment to the segment type. It is assumed that the conditions of ergodic processes are maintained.

Space shuttle orbiter digital data processing system timing sensitivity analysis OFT ascent phase

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lagas, J. J.; Peterka, J. J.; Becker, D. A.

1977-01-01

Dynamic loads were investigated to provide simulation and analysis of the space shuttle orbiter digital data processing system (DDPS). Segments of the ascent test (OFT) configuration were modeled utilizing the information management system interpretive model (IMSIM) in a computerized simulation modeling of the OFT hardware and software workload. System requirements for simulation of the OFT configuration were defined, and sensitivity analyses determined areas of potential data flow problems in DDPS operation. Based on the defined system requirements and these sensitivity analyses, a test design was developed for adapting, parameterizing, and executing IMSIM, using varying load and stress conditions for model execution. Analyses of the computer simulation runs are documented, including results, conclusions, and recommendations for DDPS improvements.

Accurate tracking of tumor volume change during radiotherapy by CT-CBCT registration with intensity correction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Seyoun; Robinson, Adam; Quon, Harry; Kiess, Ana P.; Shen, Colette; Wong, John; Plishker, William; Shekhar, Raj; Lee, Junghoon

2016-03-01

In this paper, we propose a CT-CBCT registration method to accurately predict the tumor volume change based on daily cone-beam CTs (CBCTs) during radiotherapy. CBCT is commonly used to reduce patient setup error during radiotherapy, but its poor image quality impedes accurate monitoring of anatomical changes. Although physician's contours drawn on the planning CT can be automatically propagated to daily CBCTs by deformable image registration (DIR), artifacts in CBCT often cause undesirable errors. To improve the accuracy of the registration-based segmentation, we developed a DIR method that iteratively corrects CBCT intensities by local histogram matching. Three popular DIR algorithms (B-spline, demons, and optical flow) with the intensity correction were implemented on a graphics processing unit for efficient computation. We evaluated their performances on six head and neck (HN) cancer cases. For each case, four trained scientists manually contoured the nodal gross tumor volume (GTV) on the planning CT and every other fraction CBCTs to which the propagated GTV contours by DIR were compared. The performance was also compared with commercial image registration software based on conventional mutual information (MI), VelocityAI (Varian Medical Systems Inc.). The volume differences (mean±std in cc) between the average of the manual segmentations and automatic segmentations are 3.70+/-2.30 (B-spline), 1.25+/-1.78 (demons), 0.93+/-1.14 (optical flow), and 4.39+/-3.86 (VelocityAI). The proposed method significantly reduced the estimation error by 9% (B-spline), 38% (demons), and 51% (optical flow) over the results using VelocityAI. Although demonstrated only on HN nodal GTVs, the results imply that the proposed method can produce improved segmentation of other critical structures over conventional methods.

Axial compartmentation of descending and ascending thin limbs of Henle's loops

PubMed Central

Westrick, Kristen Y.; Serack, Bradley; Dantzler, William H.

2013-01-01

In the inner medulla, radial organization of nephrons and blood vessels around collecting duct (CD) clusters leads to two lateral interstitial regions and preferential intersegmental fluid and solute flows. As the descending (DTLs) and ascending thin limbs (ATLs) pass through these regions, their transepithelial fluid and solute flows are influenced by variable transepithelial solute gradients and structure-to-structure interactions. The goal of this study was to quantify structure-to-structure interactions, so as to better understand compartmentation and flows of transepithelial water, NaCl, and urea and generation of the axial osmotic gradient. To accomplish this, we determined lateral distances of AQP1-positive and AQP1-negative DTLs and ATLs from their nearest CDs, so as to gauge interactions with intercluster and intracluster lateral regions and interactions with interstitial nodal spaces (INSs). DTLs express reduced AQP1 and low transepithelial water permeability along their deepest segments. Deep AQP1-null segments, prebend segments, and ATLs lie equally near to CDs. Prebend segments and ATLs abut CDs and INSs throughout much of their descent and ascent, respectively; however, the distal 30% of ATLs of the longest loops lie distant from CDs as they approach the outer medullary boundary and have minimal interaction with INSs. These relationships occur regardless of loop length. Finally, we show that ascending vasa recta separate intercluster AQP1-positive DTLs from descending vasa recta, thereby minimizing dilution of gradients that drive solute secretion. We hypothesize that DTLs and ATLs enter and exit CD clusters in an orchestrated fashion that is important for generation of the corticopapillary solute gradient by minimizing NaCl and urea loss. PMID:23195680

Axial compartmentation of descending and ascending thin limbs of Henle's loops.

PubMed

Westrick, Kristen Y; Serack, Bradley; Dantzler, William H; Pannabecker, Thomas L

2013-02-01

In the inner medulla, radial organization of nephrons and blood vessels around collecting duct (CD) clusters leads to two lateral interstitial regions and preferential intersegmental fluid and solute flows. As the descending (DTLs) and ascending thin limbs (ATLs) pass through these regions, their transepithelial fluid and solute flows are influenced by variable transepithelial solute gradients and structure-to-structure interactions. The goal of this study was to quantify structure-to-structure interactions, so as to better understand compartmentation and flows of transepithelial water, NaCl, and urea and generation of the axial osmotic gradient. To accomplish this, we determined lateral distances of AQP1-positive and AQP1-negative DTLs and ATLs from their nearest CDs, so as to gauge interactions with intercluster and intracluster lateral regions and interactions with interstitial nodal spaces (INSs). DTLs express reduced AQP1 and low transepithelial water permeability along their deepest segments. Deep AQP1-null segments, prebend segments, and ATLs lie equally near to CDs. Prebend segments and ATLs abut CDs and INSs throughout much of their descent and ascent, respectively; however, the distal 30% of ATLs of the longest loops lie distant from CDs as they approach the outer medullary boundary and have minimal interaction with INSs. These relationships occur regardless of loop length. Finally, we show that ascending vasa recta separate intercluster AQP1-positive DTLs from descending vasa recta, thereby minimizing dilution of gradients that drive solute secretion. We hypothesize that DTLs and ATLs enter and exit CD clusters in an orchestrated fashion that is important for generation of the corticopapillary solute gradient by minimizing NaCl and urea loss.

Groundwater influences on the distribution and abundance of riverine smallmouth bass, Micropterus dolomieu, in pasture landscapes of the midwestern USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Brewer, Shannon K.

2013-01-01

This study examined how spring-flow (SF) contributions to streams related to the distribution and abundance of smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu in a predominately pasture landscape in Missouri, USA. Stream segments (N=13) with similar landscape characters were classified by SF volume into high SF (HSF) or low SF (LSF) groups. The densities of smallmouth bass, channel unit (CU) use and temperature-selection patterns were assessed for several life stages and frequency distributions for age 0 fish. More smallmouth bass were present in stream segments with HSF influence. Age 0 fish were twice as likely to be present in HSF stream segments. Older age classes were present in stream reaches independent of SF contribution. For all age classes, the use of particular CUs did not depend on SF influence. All age classes were more likely to be present in pools than other CUs. Microhabitat temperature selection differed among age classes. Age 0 fish selected warmer temperatures with a gradual shift towards cooler temperatures for older age classes. The length frequency of age 0 fish was skewed towards larger individuals in streams with limited SF influence, whereas the length frequency in HSF stream segments was skewed towards smaller individuals. The benefits of significant groundwater via SF influence seem to be related to increased hatch or survival of age 0 fish and the availability of optimal temperatures for adult smallmouth bass growth. Thermal refugia and stable flows provided by springs should be recognised for their biological potential to provide suitable habitat as climate change and other land-use alterations increase temperature regimes and alter flow patterns.

Design and Analyses of High Aspect Ratio Nozzles for Distributed Propulsion Acoustic Measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dippold, Vance F., III

2016-01-01

A series of three convergent, round-to-rectangular high aspect ratio (HAR) nozzles were designed for acoustic testing at the NASA Glenn Research Center Nozzle Acoustic Test Rig (NATR). The HAR nozzles had exit area aspect ratios of 8:1, 12:1, and 16:1. The nozzles were designed to mimic a distributed propulsion system array with a slot nozzle. The nozzle designs were screened using Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) simulations. In addition to meeting the geometric constraints required for testing in the NATR, the HAR nozzles were designed to be free of flow features that would produce unwanted noise (e.g., flow separations) and to have uniform flow at the nozzle exit. Multiple methods were used to generate HAR nozzle designs. The final HAR nozzle designs were generated in segments using a computer code that parameterized each segment. RANS screening simulations showed that intermediate nozzle designs suffered flow separation, a normal shockwave at the nozzle exit (caused by an aerodynamic throat produced by boundary layer growth), and non-uniform flow at the nozzle exit. The RANS simulations showed that the final HAR nozzle designs were free of flow separations, but were not entirely successful at producing a fully uniform flow at the nozzle exit. The final designs suffered a pair of counter-rotating vortices along the outboard walls of the nozzle. The 16:1 aspect ratio HAR nozzle had the least uniform flow at the exit plane; the 8:1 aspect ratio HAR nozzles had a fairly uniform flow at the nozzle exit plane.

Characterization of reactive flow-induced evolution of carbonate rocks using digital core analysis- part 1: Assessment of pore-scale mineral dissolution and deposition.

PubMed

Qajar, Jafar; Arns, Christoph H

2016-09-01

The application of X-ray micro-computed tomography (μ-CT) for quantitatively characterizing reactive-flow induced pore structure evolution including local particle detachment, displacement and deposition in carbonate rocks is investigated. In the studies conducted in this field of research, the experimental procedure has involved alternating steps of imaging and ex-situ core sample alteration. Practically, it is impossible to return the sample, with micron precision, to the same position and orientation. Furthermore, successive images of a sample in pre- and post-alteration states are usually taken at different conditions such as different scales, resolutions and signal-to-noise ratios. These conditions accompanying with subresolution features in the images make voxel-by-voxel comparisons of successive images problematic. In this paper, we first address the respective challenges in voxel-wise interpretation of successive images of carbonate rocks subject to reactive flow. Reactive coreflood in two carbonate cores with different rock types are considered. For the first rock, we used the experimental and imaging results published by Qajar et al. (2013) which showed a quasi-uniform dissolution regime. A similar reactive core flood was conducted in the second rock which resulted in wormhole-like dissolution regime. We particularly examine the major image processing operations such as transformation of images to the same grey-scale, noise filtering and segmentation thresholding and propose quantitative methods to evaluate the effectiveness of these operations in voxel-wise analysis of successive images of a sample. In the second part, we generalize the methodology based on the three-phase segmentation of normalized images, microporosity assignment and 2D histogram of image intensities to estimate grey-scale changes of individual image voxels for a general case where the greyscale images are segmented into arbitrary number of phases. The results show that local (voxel-based) porosity changes can be decomposed into local mineral dissolution and deposition. Moreover, it is found that the microporosity evolutions are differently distributed in the samples after the reactive coreflood experiments. In the last part of the paper, for the case of quasi-uniform dissolution, we combine the tomographic images with numerical calculations of permeability along the core to characterize the relationship between changes in permeability and the fractions of the mineral dissolved and deposited. A consistency is found between the calculated longitudinal permeability changes and the quantified distribution of mineral dissolved and deposited along the sample. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Characterization of reactive flow-induced evolution of carbonate rocks using digital core analysis- part 1: Assessment of pore-scale mineral dissolution and deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qajar, Jafar; Arns, Christoph H.

2016-09-01

The application of X-ray micro-computed tomography (μ-CT) for quantitatively characterizing reactive-flow induced pore structure evolution including local particle detachment, displacement and deposition in carbonate rocks is investigated. In the studies conducted in this field of research, the experimental procedure has involved alternating steps of imaging and ex-situ core sample alteration. Practically, it is impossible to return the sample, with micron precision, to the same position and orientation. Furthermore, successive images of a sample in pre- and post-alteration states are usually taken at different conditions such as different scales, resolutions and signal-to-noise ratios. These conditions accompanying with subresolution features in the images make voxel-by-voxel comparisons of successive images problematic. In this paper, we first address the respective challenges in voxel-wise interpretation of successive images of carbonate rocks subject to reactive flow. Reactive coreflood in two carbonate cores with different rock types are considered. For the first rock, we used the experimental and imaging results published by Qajar et al. (2013) which showed a quasi-uniform dissolution regime. A similar reactive core flood was conducted in the second rock which resulted in wormhole-like dissolution regime. We particularly examine the major image processing operations such as transformation of images to the same grey-scale, noise filtering and segmentation thresholding and propose quantitative methods to evaluate the effectiveness of these operations in voxel-wise analysis of successive images of a sample. In the second part, we generalize the methodology based on the three-phase segmentation of normalized images, microporosity assignment and 2D histogram of image intensities to estimate grey-scale changes of individual image voxels for a general case where the greyscale images are segmented into arbitrary number of phases. The results show that local (voxel-based) porosity changes can be decomposed into local mineral dissolution and deposition. Moreover, it is found that the microporosity evolutions are differently distributed in the samples after the reactive coreflood experiments. In the last part of the paper, for the case of quasi-uniform dissolution, we combine the tomographic images with numerical calculations of permeability along the core to characterize the relationship between changes in permeability and the fractions of the mineral dissolved and deposited. A consistency is found between the calculated longitudinal permeability changes and the quantified distribution of mineral dissolved and deposited along the sample.

Apparatus and methods for impingement cooling of an undercut region adjacent a side wall of a turbine nozzle segment

DOEpatents

Burdgick, Steven Sebastian; Itzel, Gary Michael

2001-01-01

A gas turbine nozzle segment has outer and inner bands. Each band includes a side wall, a cover and an impingement plate between the cover and nozzle wall defining two cavities on opposite sides of the impingement plate. Cooling steam is supplied to one cavity for flow through apertures of the impingement plate to cool the nozzle wall. The side wall of the band and inturned flange define with the nozzle wall an undercut region. The inturned flange has a plurality of apertures for directing cooling steam to cool the side wall between adjacent nozzle segments.

NASA Ames three-dimensional potential flow analyses system (POTFAN) boundary condition code (BCDN), version 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davis, J. E.; Medan, R. T.

1977-01-01

This segment of the POTFAN system is used to generate right hand sides (boundary conditions) of the system of equations associated with the flow field under consideration. These specified flow boundary conditions are encountered in the oblique derivative boundary value problem (boundary value problem of the third kind) and contain the Neumann boundary condition as a special case. Arbitrary angle of attack and/or sideslip and/or rotation rates may be specified, as well as an arbitrary, nonuniform external flow field and the influence of prescribed singularity distributions.

Recent advances in quantitative analysis of fluid interfaces in multiphase fluid flow measured by synchrotron-based x-ray microtomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schlueter, S.; Sheppard, A.; Wildenschild, D.

2013-12-01

Imaging of fluid interfaces in three-dimensional porous media via x-ray microtomography is an efficient means to test thermodynamically derived predictions on the relationship between capillary pressure, fluid saturation and specific interfacial area (Pc-Sw-Anw) in partially saturated porous media. Various experimental studies exist to date that validate the uniqueness of the Pc-Sw-Anw relationship under static conditions and with current technological progress direct imaging of moving interfaces under dynamic conditions is also becoming available. Image acquisition and subsequent image processing currently involves many steps each prone to operator bias, like merging different scans of the same sample obtained at different beam energies into a single image or the generation of isosurfaces from the segmented multiphase image on which the interface properties are usually calculated. We demonstrate that with recent advancements in (i) image enhancement methods, (ii) multiphase segmentation methods and (iii) methods of structural analysis we can considerably decrease the time and cost of image acquisition and the uncertainty associated with the measurement of interfacial properties. In particular, we highlight three notorious problems in multiphase image processing and provide efficient solutions for each: (i) Due to noise, partial volume effects, and imbalanced volume fractions, automated histogram-based threshold detection methods frequently fail. However, these impairments can be mitigated with modern denoising methods, special treatment of gray value edges and adaptive histogram equilization, such that most of the standard methods for threshold detection (Otsu, fuzzy c-means, minimum error, maximum entropy) coincide at the same set of values. (ii) Partial volume effects due to blur may produce apparent water films around solid surfaces that alter the specific fluid-fluid interfacial area (Anw) considerably. In a synthetic test image some local segmentation methods like Bayesian Markov random field, converging active contours and watershed segmentation reduced the error in Anw associated with apparent water films from 21% to 6-11%. (iii) The generation of isosurfaces from the segmented data usually requires a lot of postprocessing in order to smooth the surface and check for consistency errors. This can be avoided by calculating specific interfacial areas directly on the segmented voxel image by means of Minkowski functionals which is highly efficient and less error prone.

An angiographic technique for coronary fractional flow reserve measurement: in vivo validation.

PubMed

Takarada, Shigeho; Zhang, Zhang; Molloi, Sabee

2013-03-01

Fractional flow reserve (FFR) is an important prognostic determinant in a clinical setting. However, its measurement currently requires the use of invasive pressure wire, while an angiographic technique based on first-pass distribution analysis and scaling laws can be used to measure FFR using only image data. Eight anesthetized swine were instrumented with flow probe on the proximal segment of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary arteries. Volumetric blood flow from the flow probe (Qp), coronary pressure (Pa) and right atrium pressure (Pv) were continuously recorded. Flow probe-based FFR (FFRq) was measured from the ratio of flow with and without stenosis. To determine the angiography-based FFR (FFRa), the ratio of blood flow in the presence of a stenosis (QS) to theoretically normal blood flow (QN) was calculated. A region of interest in the LAD arterial bed was drawn to generate time-density curves using angiographic images. QS was measured using a time-density curve and the assumption that blood was momentarily replaced with contrast agent during the injection. QN was estimated from the total coronary arterial volume using scaling laws. Pressure-wire measurements of FFR (FFRp), which was calculated from the ratio of distal coronary pressure (Pd) divided by proximal pressure (Pa), were continuously obtained during the study. A total of 54 measurements of FFRa, FFRp, and FFRq were taken. FFRa showed a good correlation with FFRq (FFRa = 0.97 FFRq +0.06, r(2) = 0.80, p < 0.001), although FFRp overestimated the FFRq (FFRp = 0.657 FFRq + 0.313, r(2) = 0.710, p < 0.0001). Additionally, the Bland-Altman analysis showed a close agreement between FFRa and FFRq. This angiographic technique to measure FFR can potentially be used to evaluate both anatomical and physiological assessments of a coronary stenosis during routine diagnostic cardiac catheterization that requires no pressure wires.

Ascorbate elevates perfusion pressure in the bovine extraocular long posterior ciliary artery: role of endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF).

PubMed

Stirrat, Alison; Nelli, Silvia; McGuckin, Alicia; Ho, Vivian Wing Man; Wilson, William S; Martin, William

2006-03-18

Ascorbate blocks agonist-induced, endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF)-mediated vasodilatation in the bovine perfused ciliary artery and this is associated with a rise in perfusion pressure. We now report the origins of this ascorbate-induced rise in perfusion pressure. In segments of ciliary artery perfused at 2.5 ml/min, the addition of ascorbate (10-150 microM) enhanced U46619-induced perfusion pressure. Ascorbate produced no enhancement in the absence of U46619, suggesting that its effects resulted not from a constrictor action but through removal of a tonic vasodilator influence. Experiments revealed the endothelial source of this vasodilator influence, and EDHF, but not nitric oxide or prostanoids, appeared to be involved. The ascorbate-induced enhancement of vasoconstrictor tone was not seen in a static myograph or in segments perfused at low rates of flow, but was seen at flow rates of 2.5 ml(-1) and above. We conclude that ascorbate augments vasoconstrictor tone through inhibition of flow-induced EDHF activity.

Segmented heat exchanger

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

Baldwin, Darryl Dean; Willi, Martin Leo; Fiveland, Scott Byron

2010-12-14

A segmented heat exchanger system for transferring heat energy from an exhaust fluid to a working fluid. The heat exchanger system may include a first heat exchanger for receiving incoming working fluid and the exhaust fluid. The working fluid and exhaust fluid may travel through at least a portion of the first heat exchanger in a parallel flow configuration. In addition, the heat exchanger system may include a second heat exchanger for receiving working fluid from the first heat exchanger and exhaust fluid from a third heat exchanger. The working fluid and exhaust fluid may travel through at least amore » portion of the second heat exchanger in a counter flow configuration. Furthermore, the heat exchanger system may include a third heat exchanger for receiving working fluid from the second heat exchanger and exhaust fluid from the first heat exchanger. The working fluid and exhaust fluid may travel through at least a portion of the third heat exchanger in a parallel flow configuration.« less

Structural characterization and numerical simulations of flow properties of standard and reservoir carbonate rocks using micro-tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Islam, Amina; Chevalier, Sylvie; Sassi, Mohamed

2018-04-01

With advances in imaging techniques and computational power, Digital Rock Physics (DRP) is becoming an increasingly popular tool to characterize reservoir samples and determine their internal structure and flow properties. In this work, we present the details for imaging, segmentation, as well as numerical simulation of single-phase flow through a standard homogenous Silurian dolomite core plug sample as well as a heterogeneous sample from a carbonate reservoir. We develop a procedure that integrates experimental results into the segmentation step to calibrate the porosity. We also look into using two different numerical tools for the simulation; namely Avizo Fire Xlab Hydro that solves the Stokes' equations via the finite volume method and Palabos that solves the same equations using the Lattice Boltzmann Method. Representative Elementary Volume (REV) and isotropy studies are conducted on the two samples and we show how DRP can be a useful tool to characterize rock properties that are time consuming and costly to obtain experimentally.

A proposal of optimal sampling design using a modularity strategy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simone, A.; Giustolisi, O.; Laucelli, D. B.

2016-08-01

In real water distribution networks (WDNs) are present thousands nodes and optimal placement of pressure and flow observations is a relevant issue for different management tasks. The planning of pressure observations in terms of spatial distribution and number is named sampling design and it was faced considering model calibration. Nowadays, the design of system monitoring is a relevant issue for water utilities e.g., in order to manage background leakages, to detect anomalies and bursts, to guarantee service quality, etc. In recent years, the optimal location of flow observations related to design of optimal district metering areas (DMAs) and leakage management purposes has been faced considering optimal network segmentation and the modularity index using a multiobjective strategy. Optimal network segmentation is the basis to identify network modules by means of optimal conceptual cuts, which are the candidate locations of closed gates or flow meters creating the DMAs. Starting from the WDN-oriented modularity index, as a metric for WDN segmentation, this paper proposes a new way to perform the sampling design, i.e., the optimal location of pressure meters, using newly developed sampling-oriented modularity index. The strategy optimizes the pressure monitoring system mainly based on network topology and weights assigned to pipes according to the specific technical tasks. A multiobjective optimization minimizes the cost of pressure meters while maximizing the sampling-oriented modularity index. The methodology is presented and discussed using the Apulian and Exnet networks.

HYDRORECESSION: A toolbox for streamflow recession analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arciniega, S.

2015-12-01

Streamflow recession curves are hydrological signatures allowing to study the relationship between groundwater storage and baseflow and/or low flows at the catchment scale. Recent studies have showed that streamflow recession analysis can be quite sensitive to the combination of different models, extraction techniques and parameter estimation methods. In order to better characterize streamflow recession curves, new methodologies combining multiple approaches have been recommended. The HYDRORECESSION toolbox, presented here, is a Matlab graphical user interface developed to analyse streamflow recession time series with the support of different tools allowing to parameterize linear and nonlinear storage-outflow relationships through four of the most useful recession models (Maillet, Boussinesq, Coutagne and Wittenberg). The toolbox includes four parameter-fitting techniques (linear regression, lower envelope, data binning and mean squared error) and three different methods to extract hydrograph recessions segments (Vogel, Brutsaert and Aksoy). In addition, the toolbox has a module that separates the baseflow component from the observed hydrograph using the inverse reservoir algorithm. Potential applications provided by HYDRORECESSION include model parameter analysis, hydrological regionalization and classification, baseflow index estimates, catchment-scale recharge and low-flows modelling, among others. HYDRORECESSION is freely available for non-commercial and academic purposes.

A Quantitative Analysis of the Fretted Terrain Valleys, Arabia Terra, Mars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mason, Kelsey Anne

Fretted terrain describes regions on Mars with low-lying, flat valleys separated by steep cliffs that often form polygonal-shaped mesas. The fretted terrain valleys have a morphology distinct from other valleys found on Mars, and their unknown origin may hold insights into critical questions about Mars' tectonic, magmatic, and hydrologic history. Current hypothesis for the formation of the fretted terrain include fracturing as well as hydrological flow processes such as fluvial or glacial erosion. The region for this study is located in eastern Arabia Terra and is the type-location for fretted terrain. By qualitatively and quantitatively documenting the planform, or map-view, valley geometries and orientations throughout the fretted terrain, this study better constrains the origin of the valleys. Valleys were mapped using automated routines in ArcGIS including the D8 flow direction algorithm. Valleys were then grouped geographically into basins and also by Strahler order. The valleys were then segmented every 50 km and the azimuth of each segment was calculated. The resulting valley azimuths were analyzed using rose diagrams to quantitatively describe the planform geometries of the valleys. Qualitatively, the majority of basins were found to have rectangular valley geometries. The downslope direction was calculated for each basin, and it was compared to the corresponding valley azimuths. The basins with rectangular valley geometries had valleys with an azimuth mode nearly parallel to the downslope direction and another azimuth mode perpendicular to the downslope direction. The valley azimuth mode parallel to the downslope direction is attributed to hydrological flow processes while the mode perpendicular to the downslope direction is attributed to fracturing related to the formation or existence of the Mars global dichotomy boundary.

Heterogeneous mechanics of the mouse pulmonary arterial network.

PubMed

Lee, Pilhwa; Carlson, Brian E; Chesler, Naomi; Olufsen, Mette S; Qureshi, M Umar; Smith, Nicolas P; Sochi, Taha; Beard, Daniel A

2016-10-01

Individualized modeling and simulation of blood flow mechanics find applications in both animal research and patient care. Individual animal or patient models for blood vessel mechanics are based on combining measured vascular geometry with a fluid structure model coupling formulations describing dynamics of the fluid and mechanics of the wall. For example, one-dimensional fluid flow modeling requires a constitutive law relating vessel cross-sectional deformation to pressure in the lumen. To investigate means of identifying appropriate constitutive relationships, an automated segmentation algorithm was applied to micro-computerized tomography images from a mouse lung obtained at four different static pressures to identify the static pressure-radius relationship for four generations of vessels in the pulmonary arterial network. A shape-fitting function was parameterized for each vessel in the network to characterize the nonlinear and heterogeneous nature of vessel distensibility in the pulmonary arteries. These data on morphometric and mechanical properties were used to simulate pressure and flow velocity propagation in the network using one-dimensional representations of fluid and vessel wall mechanics. Moreover, wave intensity analysis was used to study effects of wall mechanics on generation and propagation of pressure wave reflections. Simulations were conducted to investigate the role of linear versus nonlinear formulations of wall elasticity and homogeneous versus heterogeneous treatments of vessel wall properties. Accounting for heterogeneity, by parameterizing the pressure/distention equation of state individually for each vessel segment, was found to have little effect on the predicted pressure profiles and wave propagation compared to a homogeneous parameterization based on average behavior. However, substantially different results were obtained using a linear elastic thin-shell model than were obtained using a nonlinear model that has a more physiologically realistic pressure versus radius relationship.

Simulation-based validation and arrival-time correction for Patlak analyses of Perfusion-CT scans

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bredno, Jörg; Hom, Jason; Schneider, Thomas; Wintermark, Max

2009-02-01

Blood-brain-barrier (BBB) breakdown is a hypothesized mechanism for hemorrhagic transformation in acute stroke. The Patlak analysis of a Perfusion Computed Tomography (PCT) scan measures the BBB permeability, but the method yields higher estimates when applied to the first pass of the contrast bolus compared to a delayed phase. We present a numerical phantom that simulates vascular and parenchymal time-attenuation curves to determine the validity of permeability measurements obtained with different acquisition protocols. A network of tubes represents the major cerebral arteries ipsi- and contralateral to an ischemic event. These tubes branch off into smaller segments that represent capillary beds. Blood flow in the phantom is freely defined and simulated as non-Newtonian tubular flow. Diffusion of contrast in the vessels and permeation through vessel walls is part of the simulation. The phantom allows us to compare the results of a permeability measurement to the simulated vessel wall status. A Patlak analysis reliably detects areas with BBB breakdown for acquisitions of 240s duration, whereas results obtained from the first pass are biased in areas of reduced blood flow. Compensating for differences in contrast arrival times reduces this bias and gives good estimates of BBB permeability for PCT acquisitions of 90-150s duration.

Intraventricular flow alterations due to dyssynchronous wall motion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pope, Audrey M.; Lai, Hong Kuan; Samaee, Milad; Santhanakrishnan, Arvind

2015-11-01

Roughly 30% of patients with systolic heart failure suffer from left ventricular dyssynchrony (LVD), in which mechanical discoordination of the ventricle walls leads to poor hemodynamics and suboptimal cardiac function. There is currently no clear mechanistic understanding of how abnormalities in septal-lateral (SL) wall motion affects left ventricle (LV) function, which is needed to improve the treatment of LVD using cardiac resynchronization therapy. We use an experimental flow phantom with an LV physical model to study mechanistic effects of SL wall motion delay on LV function. To simulate mechanical LVD, two rigid shafts were coupled to two segments (apical and mid sections) along the septal wall of the LV model. Flow through the LV model was driven using a piston pump, and stepper motors coupled to the above shafts were used to locally perturb the septal wall segments relative to the pump motion. 2D PIV was used to examine the intraventricular flow through the LV physical model. Alterations to SL delay results in a reduction in the kinetic energy (KE) of the flow field compared to synchronous SL motion. The effect of varying SL motion delay from 0% (synchronous) to 100% (out-of-phase) on KE and viscous dissipation will be presented. This research was supported by the Oklahoma Center for Advancement of Science and Technology (HR14-022).

Systematic flow manipulation by a deflector-turbine array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mandre, Shreyas; Mangan, Niall M.

2017-11-01

Wind and hydrokinetic turbines are often installed in the wake of upstream turbines that limit the energy incident on the downstream ones. In two-dimensions, we describe how an array can deflect the wake away and redirect more energy to itself. Using inviscid fluid dynamics, we formulate the definitions of ``deflectors'' and ``turbines'' as elements that introduce bound and shed vorticity in the flow, respectively. To illustrate the flow manipulation, we consider a deflector-turbine array constrained to a line segment aligned with the freestream and acting as an internal boundary. We impose profiles of bound and shed vorticity on this segment that parameterize the flow deflection and the wake deficit respectively, and analyze the resulting flow using inviscid fluid dynamics. We find that the power extracted by the array is the product of two components: (i) the deflected kinetic energy incident on the array, and (ii) the array efficiency, or its ability to extract a fraction of the incident energy, both of which vary with deflection strength. The array efficiency decreases slightly with increasing deflection from about 57% at weak deflection to 39% at high deflection. This decrease is outweighed by an increase in the incident kinetic energy due to deflection. Funded by the Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy.

Hair Follicle Bulb as a Biodosimeter for Low-Level VX Vapor Exposure: Initial Studies Validating the Presence of Potential Protein Biomarkers of Exposure in the Sprague-Dawley Rat Whisker Follicle

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-10-01

lead to false positive segmental hair analysis results.13 Due to the increased risk of false positives associated with segmental hair analysis ...to 200 mg of hair (to allow confirmation testing). 7 The segments are typically washed to remove external contaminants and the chemicals in the hair ...further confirmation. The method overcomes the false positives associated with traditional segmental hair analysis such. By measuring the

5D Tempest simulations of kinetic edge turbulence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, X. Q.; Xiong, Z.; Cohen, B. I.; Cohen, R. H.; Dorr, M. R.; Hittinger, J. A.; Kerbel, G. D.; Nevins, W. M.; Rognlien, T. D.; Umansky, M. V.; Qin, H.

2006-10-01

Results are presented from the development and application of TEMPEST, a nonlinear five dimensional (3d2v) gyrokinetic continuum code. The simulation results and theoretical analysis include studies of H-mode edge plasma neoclassical transport and turbulence in real divertor geometry and its relationship to plasma flow generation with zero external momentum input, including the important orbit-squeezing effect due to the large electric field flow-shear in the edge. In order to extend the code to 5D, we have formulated a set of fully nonlinear electrostatic gyrokinetic equations and a fully nonlinear gyrokinetic Poisson's equation which is valid for both neoclassical and turbulence simulations. Our 5D gyrokinetic code is built on 4D version of Tempest neoclassical code with extension to a fifth dimension in binormal direction. The code is able to simulate either a full torus or a toroidal segment. Progress on performing 5D turbulence simulations will be reported.

Vision-based in-line fabric defect detection using yarn-specific shape features

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schneider, Dorian; Aach, Til

2012-01-01

We develop a methodology for automatic in-line flaw detection in industrial woven fabrics. Where state of the art detection algorithms apply texture analysis methods to operate on low-resolved ({200 ppi) image data, we describe here a process flow to segment single yarns in high-resolved ({1000 ppi) textile images. Four yarn shape features are extracted, allowing a precise detection and measurement of defects. The degree of precision reached allows a classification of detected defects according to their nature, providing an innovation in the field of automatic fabric flaw detection. The design has been carried out to meet real time requirements and face adverse conditions caused by loom vibrations and dirt. The entire process flow is discussed followed by an evaluation using a database with real-life industrial fabric images. This work pertains to the construction of an on-loom defect detection system to be used in manufacturing practice.

Impact of transient or persistent slow flow and adjunctive distal protection on mortality in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

PubMed

Fujii, Toshiharu; Masuda, Naoki; Nakano, Masataka; Nakazawa, Gaku; Shinozaki, Norihiko; Matsukage, Takashi; Ogata, Nobuhiko; Yoshimachi, Fuminobu; Ikari, Yuji

2015-04-01

Routine use of distal protection for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is not recommended. The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of slow flow on mortality after STEMI, and the efficacy of adjunctive distal protection following primary thrombus aspiration. We retrospectively analyzed 414 STEMI patients who underwent primary PCI. Distal protection was used following primary thrombus aspiration only when the operator judged the patient to be at high risk of slow flow. Patients were divided into 3 groups: those receiving no thrombus aspiration (A- Group), thrombus aspiration without distal protection (A+/D- Group) or a combination of aspiration with distal protection (A+/D+ Group). Slow flow/no reflow was characterized as transient or persistent. The A-, A+/D-, and A+/D+ Groups consisted of 28.5 % (n = 118), 44.4 % (n = 184), and 27.1 % (n = 112) of patients, respectively. All-cause mortality at 180 days was 6.8 % without slow flow, 14.1 % with transient and 44.4 % with persistent slow flow (P < 0.0001), but was similar whether or not distal protection was used among these groups complicated without slow flow (A-, 8.7 %; A+/D-, 6.3 %; A+/D+, 4.3 %; P = 0.5854). However, in cases complicated with transient or persistent slow flow, distal protection reduced all-cause mortality to 38.5 % (A-), 23.3 % (A+/D-), and 10.8 % (A+/D+) at 180 days (P = 0.0114). Our data confirm that routine distal protection is not to be recommended. However, it is suggested that it could reduce mortality of patients with slow flow. Predicting slow flow accurately before PCI, however, remains a challenge.

Profiling the different needs and expectations of patients for population-based medicine: a case study using segmentation analysis

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background This study illustrates an evidence-based method for the segmentation analysis of patients that could greatly improve the approach to population-based medicine, by filling a gap in the empirical analysis of this topic. Segmentation facilitates individual patient care in the context of the culture, health status, and the health needs of the entire population to which that patient belongs. Because many health systems are engaged in developing better chronic care management initiatives, patient profiles are critical to understanding whether some patients can move toward effective self-management and can play a central role in determining their own care, which fosters a sense of responsibility for their own health. A review of the literature on patient segmentation provided the background for this research. Method First, we conducted a literature review on patient satisfaction and segmentation to build a survey. Then, we performed 3,461 surveys of outpatient services users. The key structures on which the subjects’ perception of outpatient services was based were extrapolated using principal component factor analysis with varimax rotation. After the factor analysis, segmentation was performed through cluster analysis to better analyze the influence of individual attitudes on the results. Results Four segments were identified through factor and cluster analysis: the “unpretentious,” the “informed and supported,” the “experts” and the “advanced” patients. Their policies and managerial implications are outlined. Conclusions With this research, we provide the following: – a method for profiling patients based on common patient satisfaction surveys that is easily replicable in all health systems and contexts; – a proposal for segments based on the results of a broad-based analysis conducted in the Italian National Health System (INHS). Segments represent profiles of patients requiring different strategies for delivering health services. Their knowledge and analysis might support an effort to build an effective population-based medicine approach. PMID:23256543

Efficiency gain limits of the parallel segmented inlet and outlet flow concept in analytical liquid chromatography columns suffering from radial transcolumn packing density gradients.

PubMed

Broeckhoven, Ken; Desmet, Gert

2012-10-05

The maximal gain in efficiency that can be expected from the use of the segmented column end fittings that were recently introduced to alleviate the effect of transcolumn packing density gradients has been quantified and generalized using numerical computations of the band broadening process. It was found that, for an unretained compound in a column with a parabolic packing density gradient, the use of a segmented inlet or a segmented outlet allows to eliminate about 60-100% of the plate height contribution (H(tc)) originating from a parabolic transcolumn velocity gradient in a d(c)=4.6 mm column. In a d(c)=2.1 mm column, these percentages change from 10 to 100%. Using a combined segmented in- and outlet, H(tc) can be reduced by about 90-100% (d(c)=4.6 mm column) or 20-100% (d(c)=2.1 mm column). The strong variation of these gain percentages is due to fact that they depend very strongly on the column length and the flow rate. Dimensionless graphs have been established that allow to directly quantify the effect for each specific case. It was also found that, in agreement with one's physical intuition, trans-column velocity profiles that are more flat in the central region benefit more from the concept than sharp, parabolic-like profiles. The gain margins furthermore tend to become smaller with increasing retention and increasing diffusion coefficient. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Process for structural geologic analysis of topography and point data

DOEpatents

Eliason, Jay R.; Eliason, Valerie L. C.

1987-01-01

A quantitative method of geologic structural analysis of digital terrain data is described for implementation on a computer. Assuming selected valley segments are controlled by the underlying geologic structure, topographic lows in the terrain data, defining valley bottoms, are detected, filtered and accumulated into a series line segments defining contiguous valleys. The line segments are then vectorized to produce vector segments, defining valley segments, which may be indicative of the underlying geologic structure. Coplanar analysis is performed on vector segment pairs to determine which vectors produce planes which represent underlying geologic structure. Point data such as fracture phenomena which can be related to fracture planes in 3-dimensional space can be analyzed to define common plane orientation and locations. The vectors, points, and planes are displayed in various formats for interpretation.

Transition duct system with straight ceramic liner for delivering hot-temperature gases in a combustion turbine engine

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

Wiebe, David J.

A transition duct system (10) for delivering hot-temperature gases from a plurality of combustors in a combustion turbine engine is provided. The system includes an exit piece (16) for each combustor. The exit piece may include a straight path segment (26) for receiving a gas flow from a respective combustor. A straight ceramic liner (40) may be inwardly disposed onto a metal outer shell (38) along the straight path segment of the exit piece. Structural arrangements are provided to securely attach the ceramic liner in the presence of substantial flow path pressurization. Cost-effective serviceability of the transition duct systems ismore » realizable since the liner can be readily removed and replaced as needed.« less

Volumetric vessel reconstruction method for absolute blood flow velocity measurement in Doppler OCT images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qi, Li; Zhu, Jiang; Hancock, Aneeka M.; Dai, Cuixia; Zhang, Xuping; Frostig, Ron D.; Chen, Zhongping

2017-02-01

Doppler optical coherence tomography (DOCT) is considered one of the most promising functional imaging modalities for neuro biology research and has demonstrated the ability to quantify cerebral blood flow velocity at a high accuracy. However, the measurement of total absolute blood flow velocity (BFV) of major cerebral arteries is still a difficult problem since it not only relates to the properties of the laser and the scattering particles, but also relates to the geometry of both directions of the laser beam and the flow. In this paper, focusing on the analysis of cerebral hemodynamics, we presents a method to quantify the total absolute blood flow velocity in middle cerebral artery (MCA) based on volumetric vessel reconstruction from pure DOCT images. A modified region growing segmentation method is first used to localize the MCA on successive DOCT B-scan images. Vessel skeletonization, followed by an averaging gradient angle calculation method, is then carried out to obtain Doppler angles along the entire MCA. Once the Doppler angles are determined, the absolute blood flow velocity of each position on the MCA is easily found. Given a seed point position on the MCA, our approach could achieve automatic quantification of the fully distributed absolute BFV. Based on experiments conducted using a swept-source optical coherence tomography system, our approach could achieve automatic quantification of the fully distributed absolute BFV across different vessel branches in the rodent brain.

Magnetohydrodynamic Augmented Propulsion Experiment: I. Performance Analysis and Design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Litchford, R. J.; Cole, J. W.; Lineberry, J. T.; Chapman, J. N.; Schmidt, H. J.; Lineberry, C. W.

2003-01-01

The performance of conventional thermal propulsion systems is fundamentally constrained by the specific energy limitations associated with chemical fuels and the thermal limits of available materials. Electromagnetic thrust augmentation represents one intriguing possibility for improving the fuel composition of thermal propulsion systems, thereby increasing overall specific energy characteristics; however, realization of such a system requires an extremely high-energy-density electrical power source as well as an efficient plasma acceleration device. This Technical Publication describes the development of an experimental research facility for investigating the use of cross-field magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) accelerators as a possible thrust augmentation device for thermal propulsion systems. In this experiment,a 1.5-MW(sub e) Aerotherm arc heater is used to drive a 2-MW(sub e) MHD accelerator. The heatsink MHD accelerator is configured as an externally diagonalized, segmented channel, which is inserted into a large-bore, 2-T electromagnet. The performance analysis and engineering design of the flow path are described as well as the parameter measurements and flow diagnostics planned for the initial series of test runs.

Seismic Imaging of the Deep Crust in the Pull-Apart Basin off Maranhão-Barreirinhas-Ceará Margin, NW Brazil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Afilhado, Alexandra; Gallais, Flora; Moulin, Maryline; Schnürle, Philippe; Afonso Dias, Nuno; Soares, José; Loureiro, Afonso; Fuck, Reinhardt; Cupertino, José; Viana, Adriano; Matias, Luis; Evain, Mikael; Aslanian, Daniel

2017-04-01

Five profiles, with coincident multi-chanel and wide-angle seismic, were acquired during the MAGIC (Margins of brAsil, Ganha and Ivory Coast) cruise, in order to image the Maranhão-Barreirinhas-Ceará segment of the Brazilian Margins. The seismic experiment was conducted by Ifremer (Institut Français de Recherche pour l'Exploration de la Mer), UnB (University of Brasilia), FCUL (Faculdade de Ciencias da Universidade de Lisboa) and Petrobras. The main objective of the experiment is to understand the fundamental processes which lead to the thinning and breakup of the continental crust in a specific context of a pull-apart system, limited by two strike-slip borders. We present the main results evidenced by two of these profiles, MC3 and MC4, oriented in the directions of flow lines (E-W) and margin segmentation (SW-NE), respectively. The profile MC3 spans from the continental crust, near Sao Luis Craton, to the oceanic basin, north of Ceara. 31 Ocean Bottom Seismometers (OBS) from the Ifremer pool and 8 small arrays of 6 RefTek Land Seismic Stations (LSS) from the Brazilian pool were deployed in this profile, jointly with 400 km multi channel seismic acquisition. The profile MC4 spans from the Parnaiba and Barreirinhas Basins onshore to the oceanic basin, South of the Northern Brazilian Ridge. The MC4 seismic data includes 225 km multi channel seismic data and wide-angle data acquired in 19 OBS and 21 arrays of 3 LSS each, totaling a maximum source-receiver offset of 400 km. The analysis of these profiles evidence a NW-SE segmentation of the margin following the opening direction of this pull-apart basin, from unthinned continental crust (about 40 km thick) to thin oceanic crust. The width of the necking zone increases from about 50 km in the direction of flow-lines (MC3-Ilha da Santana margin), to more than 125 km in the direction of segmentation (MC4-Barreirinhas margin), at the corner of the pull-apart system, with two steps first in the upper crust then in middle/lower crust. The intermediate domain, is formed by a thick sedimentary basin overlying a substratum of 5 km- thickness, with velocity ranging from 6.2 to 6.6 km/s. Below, a 2-3 km thick layer with very high velocity (7.4-7.6 km/s) and marked by reflections at the top and base, is followed continuously towards the continent beneath the Parnaiba-Barreirinhas province, at the corner of the system. These observations favor a lower continental crust nature for this domain, in relation to its flow and exhumation in the flow-lines direction. Publication supported by FCT- project UID/GEO/50019/2013 - Instituto Dom Luiz

Implementation Strategies for Large-Scale Transport Simulations Using Time Domain Particle Tracking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Painter, S.; Cvetkovic, V.; Mancillas, J.; Selroos, J.

2008-12-01

Time domain particle tracking is an emerging alternative to the conventional random walk particle tracking algorithm. With time domain particle tracking, particles are moved from node to node on one-dimensional pathways defined by streamlines of the groundwater flow field or by discrete subsurface features. The time to complete each deterministic segment is sampled from residence time distributions that include the effects of advection, longitudinal dispersion, a variety of kinetically controlled retention (sorption) processes, linear transformation, and temporal changes in groundwater velocities and sorption parameters. The simulation results in a set of arrival times at a monitoring location that can be post-processed with a kernel method to construct mass discharge (breakthrough) versus time. Implementation strategies differ for discrete flow (fractured media) systems and continuous porous media systems. The implementation strategy also depends on the scale at which hydraulic property heterogeneity is represented in the supporting flow model. For flow models that explicitly represent discrete features (e.g., discrete fracture networks), the sampling of residence times along segments is conceptually straightforward. For continuous porous media, such sampling needs to be related to the Lagrangian velocity field. Analytical or semi-analytical methods may be used to approximate the Lagrangian segment velocity distributions in aquifers with low-to-moderate variability, thereby capturing transport effects of subgrid velocity variability. If variability in hydraulic properties is large, however, Lagrangian velocity distributions are difficult to characterize and numerical simulations are required; in particular, numerical simulations are likely to be required for estimating the velocity integral scale as a basis for advective segment distributions. Aquifers with evolving heterogeneity scales present additional challenges. Large-scale simulations of radionuclide transport at two potential repository sites for high-level radioactive waste will be used to demonstrate the potential of the method. The simulations considered approximately 1000 source locations, multiple radionuclides with contrasting sorption properties, and abrupt changes in groundwater velocity associated with future glacial scenarios. Transport pathways linking the source locations to the accessible environment were extracted from discrete feature flow models that include detailed representations of the repository construction (tunnels, shafts, and emplacement boreholes) embedded in stochastically generated fracture networks. Acknowledgment The authors are grateful to SwRI Advisory Committee for Research, the Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Management Company, and Posiva Oy for financial support.

Fractional Flow Reserve-Guided Complete Revascularization Improves the Prognosis in Patients With ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Severe Nonculprit Disease: A DANAMI 3-PRIMULTI Substudy (Primary PCI in Patients With ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Multivessel Disease: Treatment of Culprit Lesion Only or Complete Revascularization).

PubMed

Lønborg, Jacob; Engstrøm, Thomas; Kelbæk, Henning; Helqvist, Steffen; Kløvgaard, Lene; Holmvang, Lene; Pedersen, Frants; Jørgensen, Erik; Saunamäki, Kari; Clemmensen, Peter; De Backer, Ole; Ravkilde, Jan; Tilsted, Hans-Henrik; Villadsen, Anton Boel; Aarøe, Jens; Jensen, Svend Eggert; Raungaard, Bent; Køber, Lars; Høfsten, Dan Eik

2017-04-01

The impact of disease severity on the outcome after complete revascularization in patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction and multivessel disease is uncertain. The objective of this post hoc study was to evaluate the impact of number of diseased vessel, lesion location, and severity of the noninfarct-related stenosis on the effect of fractional flow reserve-guided complete revascularization. In the DANAMI-3-PRIMULTI study (Primary PCI in Patients With ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Multivessel Disease: Treatment of Culprit Lesion Only or Complete Revascularization), we randomized 627 ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction patients to fractional flow reserve-guided complete revascularization or infarct-related percutaneous coronary intervention only. In patients with 3-vessel disease, fractional flow reserve-guided complete revascularization reduced the primary end point (all-cause mortality, reinfarction, and ischemia-driven revascularization; hazard ratio [HR], 0.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.17-0.64; P =0.001), with no significant effect in patients with 2-vessel disease (HR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.47-1.26; P =0.29; P for interaction =0.046). A similar effect was observed in patients with diameter stenosis ≥90% of noninfarct-related arteries (HR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.18-0.62; P =0.001), but not in patients with less severe lesions (HR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.44-1.19; P =0.21; P for interaction =0.06). The effect was most pronounced in patients with 3-vessel disease and noninfarct-related stenoses ≥90%, and in this subgroup, there was a nonsignificant reduction in the end point of mortality and reinfarction (HR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.08-1.32; P =0.09). Proximal versus distal location did not influence the benefit from complete revascularization. The benefit from fractional flow reserve-guided complete revascularization in ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction patients with multivessel disease was dependent on the presence of 3-vessel disease and noninfarct diameter stenosis ≥90% and was particularly pronounced in patients with both of these angiographic characteristics. URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01960933. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

DSMC Simulations of Disturbance Torque to ISS During Airlock Depressurization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lumpkin, F. E., III; Stewart, B. S.

2015-01-01

The primary attitude control system on the International Space Station (ISS) is part of the United States On-orbit Segment (USOS) and uses Control Moment Gyroscopes (CMG). The secondary system is part of the Russian On orbit Segment (RSOS) and uses a combination of gyroscopes and thrusters. Historically, events with significant disturbances such as the airlock depressurizations associated with extra-vehicular activity (EVA) have been performed using the RSOS attitude control system. This avoids excessive propulsive "de-saturations" of the CMGs. However, transfer of attitude control is labor intensive and requires significant propellant. Predictions employing NASA's DSMC Analysis Code (DAC) of the disturbance torque to the ISS for depressurization of the Pirs airlock on the RSOS will be presented [1]. These predictions were performed to assess the feasibility of using USOS control during these events. The ISS Pirs airlock is vented using a device known as a "T-vent" as shown in the inset in figure 1. By orienting two equal streams of gas in opposite directions, this device is intended to have no propulsive effect. However, disturbance force and torque to the ISS do occur due to plume impingement. The disturbance torque resulting from the Pirs depressurization during EVAs is estimated by using a loosely coupled CFD/DSMC technique [2]. CFD is used to simulate the flow field in the nozzle and the near field plume. DSMC is used to simulate the remaining flow field using the CFD results to create an in flow boundary to the DSMC simulation. Due to the highly continuum nature of flow field near the T-vent, two loosely coupled DSMC domains are employed. An 88.2 cubic meter inner domain contains the Pirs airlock and the T-vent. Inner domain results are used to create an in flow boundary for an outer domain containing the remaining portions of the ISS. Several orientations of the ISS solar arrays and radiators have been investigated to find cases that result in minimal disturbance torque. Figure 1 shows surface pressure contours on the ISS and a plane of number density contours for a particular case.

Transition duct system with metal liners for delivering hot-temperature gases in a combustion turbine engine

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

Wiebe, David J.

A transition duct system (10) for delivering hot-temperature gases from a plurality of combustors in a combustion turbine engine is provided. The system includes an exit piece (16) for each combustor. The exit piece may include a straight path segment (26) and an arcuate connecting segment (36). A respective straight metal liner (92) and an arcuate metal liner (94) may be each inwardly disposed onto a metal outer shell (38) along the straight path segment and the arcuate connecting segment (36) of the exit piece. Structural arrangements are provided to securely attach the respective liners in the presence of substantialmore » flow path pressurization. Cost-effective serviceability of the transition duct systems is realizable since the liners can be readily removed and replaced as needed.« less

Myocardial Infarct Segmentation from Magnetic Resonance Images for Personalized Modeling of Cardiac Electrophysiology

PubMed Central

Ukwatta, Eranga; Arevalo, Hermenegild; Li, Kristina; Yuan, Jing; Qiu, Wu; Malamas, Peter; Wu, Katherine C.

2016-01-01

Accurate representation of myocardial infarct geometry is crucial to patient-specific computational modeling of the heart in ischemic cardiomyopathy. We have developed a methodology for segmentation of left ventricular (LV) infarct from clinically acquired, two-dimensional (2D), late-gadolinium enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance (LGE-CMR) images, for personalized modeling of ventricular electrophysiology. The infarct segmentation was expressed as a continuous min-cut optimization problem, which was solved using its dual formulation, the continuous max-flow (CMF). The optimization objective comprised of a smoothness term, and a data term that quantified the similarity between image intensity histograms of segmented regions and those of a set of training images. A manual segmentation of the LV myocardium was used to initialize and constrain the developed method. The three-dimensional geometry of infarct was reconstructed from its segmentation using an implicit, shape-based interpolation method. The proposed methodology was extensively evaluated using metrics based on geometry, and outcomes of individualized electrophysiological simulations of cardiac dys(function). Several existing LV infarct segmentation approaches were implemented, and compared with the proposed method. Our results demonstrated that the CMF method was more accurate than the existing approaches in reproducing expert manual LV infarct segmentations, and in electrophysiological simulations. The infarct segmentation method we have developed and comprehensively evaluated in this study constitutes an important step in advancing clinical applications of personalized simulations of cardiac electrophysiology. PMID:26731693

Machine learning in a graph framework for subcortical segmentation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Zhihui; Kashyap, Satyananda; Sonka, Milan; Oguz, Ipek

2017-02-01

Automated and reliable segmentation of subcortical structures from human brain magnetic resonance images is of great importance for volumetric and shape analyses in quantitative neuroimaging studies. However, poor boundary contrast and variable shape of these structures make the automated segmentation a tough task. We propose a 3D graph-based machine learning method, called LOGISMOS-RF, to segment the caudate and the putamen from brain MRI scans in a robust and accurate way. An atlas-based tissue classification and bias-field correction method is applied to the images to generate an initial segmentation for each structure. Then a 3D graph framework is utilized to construct a geometric graph for each initial segmentation. A locally trained random forest classifier is used to assign a cost to each graph node. The max-flow algorithm is applied to solve the segmentation problem. Evaluation was performed on a dataset of T1-weighted MRI's of 62 subjects, with 42 images used for training and 20 images for testing. For comparison, FreeSurfer, FSL and BRAINSCut approaches were also evaluated using the same dataset. Dice overlap coefficients and surface-to-surfaces distances between the automated segmentation and expert manual segmentations indicate the results of our method are statistically significantly more accurate than the three other methods, for both the caudate (Dice: 0.89 +/- 0.03) and the putamen (0.89 +/- 0.03).

New Software for Market Segmentation Analysis: A Chi-Square Interaction Detector. AIR 1983 Annual Forum Paper.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lay, Robert S.

The advantages and disadvantages of new software for market segmentation analysis are discussed, and the application of this new, chi-square based procedure (CHAID), is illustrated. A comparison is presented of an earlier, binary segmentation technique (THAID) and a multiple discriminant analysis. It is suggested that CHAID is superior to earlier…

Neutral beam monitoring

DOEpatents

Fink, Joel H.

1981-08-18

Method and apparatus for monitoring characteristics of a high energy neutral beam. A neutral beam is generated by passing accelerated ions through a walled cell containing a low energy neutral gas, such that charge exchange neutralizes the high energy ion beam. The neutral beam is monitored by detecting the current flowing through the cell wall produced by low energy ions which drift to the wall after the charge exchange. By segmenting the wall into radial and longitudinal segments various beam conditions are further identified.

Impacts of coronary artery eccentricity on macro-recirculation and pressure drops using computational fluid dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Poon, Eric; Thondapu, Vikas; Barlis, Peter; Ooi, Andrew

2017-11-01

Coronary artery disease remains a major cause of mortality in developed countries, and is most often due to a localized flow-limiting stenosis, or narrowing, of coronary arteries. Patients often undergo invasive procedures such as X-ray angiography and fractional flow reserve to diagnose flow-limiting lesions. Even though such diagnostic techniques are well-developed, the effects of diseased coronary segments on local flow are still poorly understood. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of irregular geometries of diseased coronary segments on the macro-recirculation and local pressure minimum regions. We employed an idealized coronary artery model with a diameter of stenosis of 75%. By systematically adjusting the eccentricity and the asymmetry of the coronary stenosis, we uncovered an increase in macro-recirculation size. Most importantly, the presence of this macro-recirculation signifies a local pressure minimum (identified by λ2 vortex identification method). This local pressure minimum has a profound effect on the pressure drops in both longitudinal and planar directions, which has implications for diagnosis and treatment of coronary artery disease. Supported by Australian Research Council LP150100233 and National Computational Infrastructure m45.

Flow Charts: Visualization of Vector Fields on Arbitrary Surfaces

PubMed Central

Li, Guo-Shi; Tricoche, Xavier; Weiskopf, Daniel; Hansen, Charles

2009-01-01

We introduce a novel flow visualization method called Flow Charts, which uses a texture atlas approach for the visualization of flows defined over curved surfaces. In this scheme, the surface and its associated flow are segmented into overlapping patches, which are then parameterized and packed in the texture domain. This scheme allows accurate particle advection across multiple charts in the texture domain, providing a flexible framework that supports various flow visualization techniques. The use of surface parameterization enables flow visualization techniques requiring the global view of the surface over long time spans, such as Unsteady Flow LIC (UFLIC), particle-based Unsteady Flow Advection Convolution (UFAC), or dye advection. It also prevents visual artifacts normally associated with view-dependent methods. Represented as textures, Flow Charts can be naturally integrated into hardware accelerated flow visualization techniques for interactive performance. PMID:18599918

Segmentation Control on Crustal Accretion: Insights From the Chile Ridge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martinez, F.; Karsten, J. L.; Milman, M. S.; Klein, E. M.

2002-12-01

Controls on crustal accretion at mid-ocean ridges include spreading rate and mantle temperature and composition. Less studied is the effect of the segmentation geometry, although it has been known for some time that large offset transforms have significant effects on the extent of melting and lava compositions produced by ridges in their vicinity. The PANORAMA 4 expedition surveyed the Chile Ridge between 36°-43°S in order to examine the effects of ridge segmentation on crustal accretion. This section of the ridge is spreading uniformly at intermediate rates (~53 mm/yr) and rock sampling and regional data indicate a largely uniform mantle composition with no systematic changes in mantle thermal structure. Thus the segmentation geometry is the primary crustal accretion variable. The survey mapped and sampled 19 first order ridge segments and their transform offsets. The ridges range from 130 to 10 km in length with mapped transform offsets from 168 to 19 km. The segments primarily have axial valley morphology, with segments longer than ~65 km typically displaying central highs deepening toward segment ends. Mantle Bouguer anomalies (MBAs) show that these segments also have bulls eye lows associated with the central highs indicating thicker crust than at segment ends. Overall the mapped segments displays a trend of increasing depth and MBA, implying diminishing crustal production, with decreasing segment length and increasing transform offset. We examine the cause of this trend by modeling the mantle flow pattern generated by finite length ridge segments using the Phipps-Morgan and Forsyth (1988) algorithm. The results indicate that at a constant spreading rate mantle upwelling rates are greatest and extend deeper near the segment center, and that for segments that are significantly offset, upwelling rates decrease overall with decreasing segment length. The modeling implies that segmentation itself, even without cooling and lithospheric relief at transforms has a strong influence on mantle advection and therefore on crustal production.

The influence of an immersive virtual environment on the segmental organization of postural stabilizing responses.

PubMed

Keshner, E A; Kenyon, R V

2000-01-01

We examined the effect of a 3-dimensional stereoscopic scene on segmental stabilization. Eight subjects participated in static sway and locomotion experiments with a visual scene that moved sinusoidally or at constant velocity about the pitch or roll axes. Segmental displacements, Fast Fourier Transforms, and Root Mean Square values were calculated. In both pitch and roll, subjects exhibited greater magnitudes of motion in head and trunk than ankle. Smaller amplitudes and frequent phase reversals suggested control of the ankle by segmental proprioceptive inputs and ground reaction forces rather than by the visual-vestibular signals. Postural controllers may set limits of motion at each body segment rather than be governed solely by a perception of the visual vertical. Two locomotor strategies were also exhibited, implying that some subjects could override the effect of the roll axis optic flow field. Our results demonstrate task dependent differences that argue against using static postural responses to moving visual fields when assessing more dynamic tasks.

Design of an Object-Oriented Turbomachinery Analysis Code: Initial Results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, Scott

2015-01-01

Performance prediction of turbomachines is a significant part of aircraft propulsion design. In the conceptual design stage, there is an important need to quantify compressor and turbine aerodynamic performance and develop initial geometry parameters at the 2-D level prior to more extensive Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analyses. The Object-oriented Turbomachinery Analysis Code (OTAC) is being developed to perform 2-D meridional flowthrough analysis of turbomachines using an implicit formulation of the governing equations to solve for the conditions at the exit of each blade row. OTAC is designed to perform meanline or streamline calculations; for streamline analyses simple radial equilibrium is used as a governing equation to solve for spanwise property variations. While the goal for OTAC is to allow simulation of physical effects and architectural features unavailable in other existing codes, it must first prove capable of performing calculations for conventional turbomachines.OTAC is being developed using the interpreted language features available in the Numerical Propulsion System Simulation (NPSS) code described by Claus et al (1991). Using the NPSS framework came with several distinct advantages, including access to the pre-existing NPSS thermodynamic property packages and the NPSS Newton-Raphson solver. The remaining objects necessary for OTAC were written in the NPSS framework interpreted language. These new objects form the core of OTAC and are the BladeRow, BladeSegment, TransitionSection, Expander, Reducer, and OTACstart Elements. The BladeRow and BladeSegment consumed the initial bulk of the development effort and required determining the equations applicable to flow through turbomachinery blade rows given specific assumptions about the nature of that flow. Once these objects were completed, OTAC was tested and found to agree with existing solutions from other codes; these tests included various meanline and streamline comparisons of axial compressors and turbines at design and off-design conditions.

Design of an Object-Oriented Turbomachinery Analysis Code: Initial Results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, Scott M.

2015-01-01

Performance prediction of turbomachines is a significant part of aircraft propulsion design. In the conceptual design stage, there is an important need to quantify compressor and turbine aerodynamic performance and develop initial geometry parameters at the 2-D level prior to more extensive Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analyses. The Object-oriented Turbomachinery Analysis Code (OTAC) is being developed to perform 2-D meridional flowthrough analysis of turbomachines using an implicit formulation of the governing equations to solve for the conditions at the exit of each blade row. OTAC is designed to perform meanline or streamline calculations; for streamline analyses simple radial equilibrium is used as a governing equation to solve for spanwise property variations. While the goal for OTAC is to allow simulation of physical effects and architectural features unavailable in other existing codes, it must first prove capable of performing calculations for conventional turbomachines. OTAC is being developed using the interpreted language features available in the Numerical Propulsion System Simulation (NPSS) code described by Claus et al (1991). Using the NPSS framework came with several distinct advantages, including access to the pre-existing NPSS thermodynamic property packages and the NPSS Newton-Raphson solver. The remaining objects necessary for OTAC were written in the NPSS framework interpreted language. These new objects form the core of OTAC and are the BladeRow, BladeSegment, TransitionSection, Expander, Reducer, and OTACstart Elements. The BladeRow and BladeSegment consumed the initial bulk of the development effort and required determining the equations applicable to flow through turbomachinery blade rows given specific assumptions about the nature of that flow. Once these objects were completed, OTAC was tested and found to agree with existing solutions from other codes; these tests included various meanline and streamline comparisons of axial compressors and turbines at design and off-design conditions.

Recent performance of the dual-resistivity MWD tool

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

Wagstaff, J.D.; Grupping, T.I.F.

1990-06-01

This article reports on the dual-resistivity MWD tool, which uses section of the drill collar as electrodes and provides two independent resistivity measurements: a principal well-focused lateral measurement of the current flowing radially from a defined segment of the drill collar and a secondary axial or bit measurement of the current flowing from a defined portion of the lower bottomhole assembly (BHA). In oil-based muds, a single (bit) measurement is made of the current flowing to the formation through the drill bit.

Luminal flow regulates NO and O2− along the nephron

PubMed Central

Cabral, Pablo D.

2011-01-01

Urinary flow is not constant but in fact highly variable, altering the mechanical forces (shear stress, stretch, and pressure) exerted on the epithelial cells of the nephron as well as solute delivery. Nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide (O2−) play important roles in various processes within the kidney. Reductions in NO and increases in O2− lead to abnormal NaCl and water absorption and hypertension. In the last few years, luminal flow has been shown to be a regulator of NO and O2− production along the nephron. Increases in luminal flow enhance fluid, Na, and bicarbonate transport in the proximal tubule. However, we know of no reports directly addressing flow regulation of NO and O2− in this segment. In the thick ascending limb, flow-stimulated NO and O2− formation has been extensively studied. Luminal flow stimulates NO production by nitric oxide synthase type 3 and its translocation to the apical membrane in medullary thick ascending limbs. These effects are mediated by flow-induced shear stress. In contrast, flow-induced stretch and NaCl delivery stimulate O2− production by NADPH oxidase in this segment. The interaction between flow-induced NO and O2− is complex and involves more than one simply scavenging the other. Flow-induced NO prevents flow from increasing O2− production via cGMP-dependent protein kinase in thick ascending limbs. In macula densa cells, shear stress increases NO production and this requires that the primary cilia be intact. The role of luminal flow in NO and O2− production in the distal tubule is not known. In cultured inner medullary collecting duct cells, shear stress enhances nitrite accumulation, a measure of NO production. Although much progress has been made on this subject in the last few years, there are still many unanswered questions. PMID:21345976

Evaluation of Road Performance Based on International Roughness Index and Falling Weight Deflectometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hasanuddin; Setyawan, A.; Yulianto, B.

2018-03-01

Assessment to the performance of road pavement is deemed necessary to improve the management quality of road maintenance and rehabilitation. This research to evaluate the road base on functional and structural and recommendations handling done. Assessing the pavement performance is conducted with functional and structural evaluation. Functional evaluation of pavement is based on the value of IRI (International Roughness Index) which among others is derived from reading NAASRA for analysis and recommended road handling. Meanwhile, structural evaluation of pavement is done by analyzing deflection value based on FWD (Falling Weight Deflectometer) data resulting in SN (Structural Number) value. The analysis will result in SN eff (Structural Number Effective) and SN f (Structural Number Future) value obtained from comparing SN eff to SN f value that leads to SCI (Structural Condition Index) value. SCI value implies the possible recommendation for handling pavement. The study done to Simpang Tuan-Batas Kota Jambi road segment was based on functional analysis. The study indicated that the road segment split into 12 segments in which segment 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 were of regular maintenance, segment 2, 4, 8, 10, 12 belonged to periodic maintenance, and segment 6 was of rehabilitation. The structural analysis resulted in 8 segments consisting of segment 1 and 2 recommended for regular maintenance, segment 3, 4, 5, and 7 for functional overlay, and 6 and 8 were of structural overlay.

One-dimensional turbulence modeling for cylindrical and spherical flows: model formulation and application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lignell, David O.; Lansinger, Victoria B.; Medina, Juan; Klein, Marten; Kerstein, Alan R.; Schmidt, Heiko; Fistler, Marco; Oevermann, Michael

2018-06-01

The one-dimensional turbulence (ODT) model resolves a full range of time and length scales and is computationally efficient. ODT has been applied to a wide range of complex multi-scale flows, such as turbulent combustion. Previous ODT comparisons to experimental data have focused mainly on planar flows. Applications to cylindrical flows, such as round jets, have been based on rough analogies, e.g., by exploiting the fortuitous consistency of the similarity scalings of temporally developing planar jets and spatially developing round jets. To obtain a more systematic treatment, a new formulation of the ODT model in cylindrical and spherical coordinates is presented here. The model is written in terms of a geometric factor so that planar, cylindrical, and spherical configurations are represented in the same way. Temporal and spatial versions of the model are presented. A Lagrangian finite-volume implementation is used with a dynamically adaptive mesh. The adaptive mesh facilitates the implementation of cylindrical and spherical versions of the triplet map, which is used to model turbulent advection (eddy events) in the one-dimensional flow coordinate. In cylindrical and spherical coordinates, geometric stretching of the three triplet map images occurs due to the radial dependence of volume, with the stretching being strongest near the centerline. Two triplet map variants, TMA and TMB, are presented. In TMA, the three map images have the same volume, but different radial segment lengths. In TMB, the three map images have the same radial segment lengths, but different segment volumes. Cylindrical results are presented for temporal pipe flow, a spatial nonreacting jet, and a spatial nonreacting jet flame. These results compare very well to direct numerical simulation for the pipe flow, and to experimental data for the jets. The nonreacting jet treatment overpredicts velocity fluctuations near the centerline, due to the geometric stretching of the triplet maps and its effect on the eddy event rate distribution. TMB performs better than TMA. A hybrid planar-TMB (PTMB) approach is also presented, which further improves the results. TMA, TMB, and PTMB are nearly identical in the pipe flow where the key dynamics occur near the wall away from the centerline. The jet flame illustrates effects of variable density and viscosity, including dilatational effects.

Assignment of boundary conditions in embedded ground water flow models

USGS Publications Warehouse

Leake, S.A.

1998-01-01

Many small-scale ground water models are too small to incorporate distant aquifer boundaries. If a larger-scale model exists for the area of interest, flow and head values can be specified for boundaries in the smaller-scale model using values from the larger-scale model. Flow components along rows and columns of a large-scale block-centered finite-difference model can be interpolated to compute horizontal flow across any segment of a perimeter of a small-scale model. Head at cell centers of the larger-scale model can be interpolated to compute head at points on a model perimeter. Simple linear interpolation is proposed for horizontal interpolation of horizontal-flow components. Bilinear interpolation is proposed for horizontal interpolation of head values. The methods of interpolation provided satisfactory boundary conditions in tests using models of hypothetical aquifers.Many small-scale ground water models are too small to incorporate distant aquifer boundaries. If a larger-scale model exists for the area of interest, flow and head values can be specified for boundaries in the smaller-scale model using values from the larger-scale model. Flow components along rows and columns of a large-scale block-centered finite-difference model can be interpolated to compute horizontal flow across any segment of a perimeter of a small-scale model. Head at cell centers of the larger.scale model can be interpolated to compute head at points on a model perimeter. Simple linear interpolation is proposed for horizontal interpolation of horizontal-flow components. Bilinear interpolation is proposed for horizontal interpolation of head values. The methods of interpolation provided satisfactory boundary conditions in tests using models of hypothetical aquifers.

[Segment analysis of the target market of physiotherapeutic services].

PubMed

Babaskin, D V

2010-01-01

The objective of the present study was to demonstrate the possibilities to analyse selected segments of the target market of physiotherapeutic services provided by medical and preventive-facilities of two major types. The main features of a target segment, such as provision of therapeutic massage, are illustrated in terms of two characteristics, namely attractiveness to the users and the ability of a given medical facility to satisfy their requirements. Based on the analysis of portfolio of the available target segments the most promising ones (winner segments) were selected for further marketing studies. This choice does not exclude the possibility of involvement of other segments of medical services in marketing activities.

Liver vessels segmentation using a hybrid geometrical moments/graph cuts method

PubMed Central

Esneault, Simon; Lafon, Cyril; Dillenseger, Jean-Louis

2010-01-01

This paper describes a fast and fully-automatic method for liver vessel segmentation on CT scan pre-operative images. The basis of this method is the introduction of a 3-D geometrical moment-based detector of cylindrical shapes within the min-cut/max-flow energy minimization framework. This method represents an original way to introduce a data term as a constraint into the widely used Boykov’s graph cuts algorithm and hence, to automate the segmentation. The method is evaluated and compared with others on a synthetic dataset. Finally, the relevancy of our method regarding the planning of a -necessarily accurate- percutaneous high intensity focused ultrasound surgical operation is demonstrated with some examples. PMID:19783500

Guiding automated left ventricular chamber segmentation in cardiac imaging using the concept of conserved myocardial volume.

PubMed

Garson, Christopher D; Li, Bing; Acton, Scott T; Hossack, John A

2008-06-01

The active surface technique using gradient vector flow allows semi-automated segmentation of ventricular borders. The accuracy of the algorithm depends on the optimal selection of several key parameters. We investigated the use of conservation of myocardial volume for quantitative assessment of each of these parameters using synthetic and in vivo data. We predicted that for a given set of model parameters, strong conservation of volume would correlate with accurate segmentation. The metric was most useful when applied to the gradient vector field weighting and temporal step-size parameters, but less effective in guiding an optimal choice of the active surface tension and rigidity parameters.

In vivo endoscopic Doppler optical coherence tomography imaging of the colon

PubMed Central

Welge, Weston A.; Barton, Jennifer K.

2017-01-01

Background and Objective Colorectal cancer remains the second deadliest cancer in the United States. Several screening methods exist, however detection of small polyps remains a challenge. Optical coherence tomography has been demonstrated to be capable of detecting lesions as small as 1 mm in the mouse colon, but detection is based on measuring a doubling of the mucosa thickness. The colon microvasculature may be an attractive biomarker of early tumor development because tumor vessels are characterized by irregular structure and dysfunction. Our goal was to develop an endoscopic method of detecting and segmenting colon vessels using Doppler optical coherence tomography to enable future studies for improving early detection and development of novel chemopreventive agents. Method We conducted in vivo colon imaging in an azoxymethane (AOM)-treated mouse model of colorectal cancer using a miniature endoscope and a swept-source OCT system at 1040 nm with a 16 kHz sweep rate. We applied the Kasai autocorrelation algorithm to laterally oversampled OCT B-scans to resolve vascular flow in the mucosa and submucosa. Vessels were segmented by applying a series of image processing steps: (1) intensity thresholding, (2) two-dimensional matched filtering, and (3) histogram segmentation. Results We observed differences in the vessels sizes and spatial distribution in a mature adenoma compared to surrounding undiseased tissue and compared the results with histology. We also imaged flow in four young mice (2 AOM-treated and 2 control) showing no significant differences, which is expected so early after carcinogen exposure. We also present flow images of adenoma in a living mouse and a euthanized mouse to demonstrate that no flow is detected after euthanasia. Conclusion We present, to the best of our knowledge, the first Doppler OCT images of in vivo mouse colon collected with a fiber-based endoscope. We also describe a fast and robust image processing method for segmenting vessels in the colon. These results suggest that Doppler OCT is a promising imaging modality for vascular imaging in the colon that requires no exogenous contrast agents. PMID:27546786

Physical inter-relationships between hydrothermal activity, faulting and magmatic processes at the center of a slow-spreading, magma-rich mid-ocean ridge segment: A case study of the Lucky Strike segment (MAR, 37°03'-37‧N)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fontaine, F. J.; Cannat, M.; Escartin, J.; Crawford, W. C.; Singh, S. C.

2012-12-01

The modalities and efficiency of hydrothermal heat evacuation at mid-ocean ridges (25% of the global heat loss) are controlled by the lithosphere thermal and permeability structures for which we had robust constraints only for fast/intermediate spreading axis until the last past few years during which integrated geophysical, geological and geochemical studies focused on some hydrothermal sites at slow-spreading ridges. At the Lucky Strike vent field of the mid-atlantic ridge - a hydrothermal complex composed of high-temperature (maximum T=340°C), smoker-like vents and associated diffuse flow and extracting a few hundreds MW from the oceanic lithosphere - a seafloor observatory which installation started in 2005 highlights local interactions between hydrothermal, tectonic and magmatic processes. Detailed geophysical and geological investigations stress the role of the local axial fault system on localizing high- and low-temperature ventings around the faulted rim of a paleo lava lake. Microseismic studies bring constraints on the subseafloor hydrology and suggest an along-axis flow pattern, with a privileged recharge area located about a kilometer north off the active discharges. Seismic reflection studies image a central magma chamber fueling the hydrothermal sites and also reveal its along-axis depth variations likely influencing hydrothermal cell organization and flow focusing. Such linkages among hydrothermal dynamics, heat source and crustal permeability geometries usually lack quantitative constraints at mid-ocean ridges in general, and the Lucky Strike segment settings offers a unique opportunity to couple high-resolution geophysical data to hydrodynamic model. Here we develop a series of original two- and three-dimensional numerical and physical models of hydrothermal activity, tailored to this slow-spreading environment. Our results highlight physical linkages among magmatism, tectonics and crustal hydrology stressing the key role of faulting and magma chamber roof-topology in focusing fluid flow at the center of the Lucky Strike segment. They also help identifying some causes of variations in the modalities of hydrothermal heat extraction along the global ridge network.

Prenatal Diagnosis of Abnormal Invasive Placenta by Ultrasound: Measurement of Highest Peak Systolic Velocity of Subplacental Blood Flow.

PubMed

Zhang, Junling; Li, Hezhou; Wang, Fang; Qin, Hongyan; Qin, Qiaohong

2018-05-07

The aim of the study described here was to identify an efficient criterion for the prenatal diagnosis of abnormal invasive placenta. We evaluated 129 women with anterior placenta previa who underwent trans-abdominal ultrasound evaluation in the third trimester. Spectral Doppler ultrasonography was performed to assess the subplacental blood flow of the anterior lower uterine segment by measuring the highest peak systolic velocity and resistive index. These patients were prospectively followed until delivery and evaluated for abnormal placental invasion. The peak systolic velocity and resistive index of patients with and without abnormal placental invasion were then compared. Postpartum examination revealed that 55 of the patients had an abnormal invasive placenta, whereas the remaining 74 did not. Patients with abnormal placental invasion had a higher peak systolic velocity of the subplacental blood flow in the lower segment of the anterior aspect of the uterus (area under receiver operating characteristic curve: 0.91; 95% confidence interval: 0.87-0.96) than did those without abnormal placental invasion. Our preliminary investigations suggest that a peak systolic velocity of 41 cm/s can be considered a cutoff point to diagnose abnormal invasive placenta, with both good sensitivity (87%) and good specificity (78%), and the higher the peak systolic velocity, the greater is the chance of abnormal placental invasion. Resistive index had no statistical significance (area under receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.56; 95% confidence interval: 0.46-0.66) in the diagnosis of abnormal invasive placenta. In conclusion, measurement of the highest peak systolic velocity of subplacental blood flow in the anterior lower uterine segment can serve as an additional marker of anterior abnormal invasive placenta. Copyright © 2018 World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Reservoir simulation with MUFITS code: Extension for double porosity reservoirs and flows in horizontal wells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Afanasyev, Andrey

2017-04-01

Numerical modelling of multiphase flows in porous medium is necessary in many applications concerning subsurface utilization. An incomplete list of those applications includes oil and gas fields exploration, underground carbon dioxide storage and geothermal energy production. The numerical simulations are conducted using complicated computer programs called reservoir simulators. A robust simulator should include a wide range of modelling options covering various exploration techniques, rock and fluid properties, and geological settings. In this work we present a recent development of new options in MUFITS code [1]. The first option concerns modelling of multiphase flows in double-porosity double-permeability reservoirs. We describe internal representation of reservoir models in MUFITS, which are constructed as a 3D graph of grid blocks, pipe segments, interfaces, etc. In case of double porosity reservoir, two linked nodes of the graph correspond to a grid cell. We simulate the 6th SPE comparative problem [2] and a five-spot geothermal production problem to validate the option. The second option concerns modelling of flows in porous medium coupled with flows in horizontal wells that are represented in the 3D graph as a sequence of pipe segments linked with pipe junctions. The well completions link the pipe segments with reservoir. The hydraulics in the wellbore, i.e. the frictional pressure drop, is calculated in accordance with Haaland's formula. We validate the option against the 7th SPE comparative problem [3]. We acknowledge financial support by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research (project No RFBR-15-31-20585). References [1] Afanasyev, A. MUFITS Reservoir Simulation Software (www.mufits.imec.msu.ru). [2] Firoozabadi A. et al. Sixth SPE Comparative Solution Project: Dual-Porosity Simulators // J. Petrol. Tech. 1990. V.42. N.6. P.710-715. [3] Nghiem L., et al. Seventh SPE Comparative Solution Project: Modelling of Horizontal Wells in Reservoir Simulation // SPE Symp. Res. Sim., 1991. DOI: 10.2118/21221-MS.

Experimental and CFD flow studies in an intracranial aneurysm model with Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids.

PubMed

Frolov, S V; Sindeev, S V; Liepsch, D; Balasso, A

2016-05-18

According to the clinical data, flow conditions play a major role in the genesis of intracranial aneurysms. The disorder of the flow structure is the cause of damage of the inner layer of the vessel wall, which leads to the development of cerebral aneurysms. Knowledge of the alteration of the flow field in the aneurysm region is important for treatment. The aim is to study quantitatively the flow structure in an patient-specific aneurysm model of the internal carotid artery using both experimental and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods with Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids. A patient-specific geometry of aneurysm of the internal carotid artery was used. Patient data was segmented and smoothed to obtain geometrical model. An elastic true-to-scale silicone model was created with stereolithography. For initial investigation of the blood flow, the flow was visualized by adding particles into the silicone model. The precise flow velocity measurements were done using 1D Laser Doppler Anemometer with a spatial resolution of 50 μ m and a temporal resolution of 1 ms. The local velocity measurements were done at a distance of 4 mm to each other. A fluid with non-Newtonian properties was used in the experiment. The CFD simulations for unsteady-state problem were done using constructed hexahedral mesh for Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids. Using 1D laser Doppler Anemometer the minimum velocity magnitude at the end of systole -0.01 m/s was obtained in the aneurysm dome while the maximum velocity 1 m/s was at the center of the outlet segment. On central cross section of the aneurysm the maximum velocity value is only 20% of the average inlet velocity. The average velocity on the cross-section is only 11% of the inlet axial velocity. Using the CFD simulation the wall shear stresses for Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluid at the end of systolic phase (t= 0.25 s) were computed. The wall shear stress varies from 3.52 mPa (minimum value) to 10.21 Pa (maximum value) for the Newtonian fluid. For the non-Newtonian fluid the wall shear stress minimum is 2.94 mPa; the maximum is 9.14 Pa. The lowest value of the wall shear stress for both fluids was obtained at the dome of the aneurysm while the highest wall shear stress was at the beginning of the outlet segment. The vortex in the aneurysm region is unstable during the cardiac cycle. The clockwise rotation of the streamlines at the inlet segment for Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluid is shown. The results of the present study are in agreement with the hemodynamics theory of aneurysm genesis. Low value of wall shear stress is observed at the aneurysm dome which can cause a rupture of an aneurysm.

F100(3) parallel compressor computer code and user's manual

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mazzawy, R. S.; Fulkerson, D. A.; Haddad, D. E.; Clark, T. A.

1978-01-01

The Pratt & Whitney Aircraft multiple segment parallel compressor model has been modified to include the influence of variable compressor vane geometry on the sensitivity to circumferential flow distortion. Further, performance characteristics of the F100 (3) compression system have been incorporated into the model on a blade row basis. In this modified form, the distortion's circumferential location is referenced relative to the variable vane controlling sensors of the F100 (3) engine so that the proper solution can be obtained regardless of distortion orientation. This feature is particularly important for the analysis of inlet temperature distortion. Compatibility with fixed geometry compressor applications has been maintained in the model.

Arc-Heater Facility for Hot Hydrogen Exposure of Nuclear Thermal Rocket Materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Litchford, Ron J.; Foote, John P.; Wang,Ten-See; Hickman, Robert; Panda, Binayak; Dobson, Chris; Osborne, Robin; Clifton, Scooter

2006-01-01

A hyper-thermal environment simulator is described for hot hydrogen exposure of nuclear thermal rocket material specimens and component development. This newly established testing capability uses a high-power, multi-gas, segmented arc-heater to produce high-temperature pressurized hydrogen flows representative of practical reactor core environments and is intended to serve. as a low cost test facility for the purpose of investigating and characterizing candidate fueUstructura1 materials and improving associated processing/fabrication techniques. Design and development efforts are thoroughly summarized, including thermal hydraulics analysis and simulation results, and facility operating characteristics are reported, as determined from a series of baseline performance mapping tests.

Numerical solution of stiff systems of ordinary differential equations with applications to electronic circuits

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rosenbaum, J. S.

1971-01-01

Systems of ordinary differential equations in which the magnitudes of the eigenvalues (or time constants) vary greatly are commonly called stiff. Such systems of equations arise in nuclear reactor kinetics, the flow of chemically reacting gas, dynamics, control theory, circuit analysis and other fields. The research reported develops an A-stable numerical integration technique for solving stiff systems of ordinary differential equations. The method, which is called the generalized trapezoidal rule, is a modification of the trapezoidal rule. However, the method is computationally more efficient than the trapezoidal rule when the solution of the almost-discontinuous segments is being calculated.

Analysis of Regional Effects on Market Segment Production

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-06-01

REGIONAL EFFECTS ON MARKET SEGMENT PRODUCTION by James D. Moffitt June 2016 Thesis Advisor: Lyn R. Whitaker Co-Advisor: Jonathan K. Alt...REPORT TYPE AND DATES COVERED Master’s thesis 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE ANALYSIS OF REGIONAL EFFECTS ON MARKET SEGMENT PRODUCTION 5. FUNDING NUMBERS 6...accessions in Potential Rating Index Zip Code Market New Evolution (PRIZM NE) market segments. This model will aid USAREC G2 analysts involved in

Structure and kinematics of segment-scale crustal accretion processes in Iceland and implications for analogous mid-ocean ridge systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Siler, Drew Lorenz

2011-12-01

The sub-surface geologic structure of the crust is controlled by the magmatic and tectonic processes that construct the crust during plate spreading. As a result, geologic structure provides constraints on the processes that occur during plate spreading. The crust of the Skagi region of northern Iceland, where this study was focused, was accreted by magmatic construction to Iceland ˜7-10 Ma and subsequently glacially eroded, exhuming ˜1-3 km of structural relief. Continuous spreading-parallel and spreading-orthogonal mountain ranges expose the crust accreted at discrete spreading segments, the fundamental intervals upon which plate spreading and crustal accretion occur. As a result, Skagi is an ideal location to employ geologic structure analysis to study magmatic rifting processes. Within spreading segments structural patterns vary significantly between segment centers and distal fissure swarms. While segment centers are characterized by focused magmatic construction and km-scale sub-volcanic subsidence, fissure swarms are characterized by limited magmatic construction, minor sub-axial subsidence and lateral dike injection. Such along-strike variation indicates that both magma in the upper crust and gabbroic material in the lower crust must be redistributed along-strike within spreading segments during plate spreading. Material flow is directed from beneath segment centers towards distal fissure swarms. At the regional scale, each spreading segment is a structurally discrete interval of Iceland's Neovolcanic Zone. As a result of west-northwestward movement of Iceland relative to the Iceland hotspot, the rift zone axis has progressively relocated to the east-southeast with time, leaving a series of abandoned rift zones throughout western Iceland. A compilation of published K/Ar and 40Ar/39Ar age data and geologic data from across northern Iceland shows that rift relocation occurs via frequent (2-3 Ma), small-scale (˜20 km) rift propagations rather than rare, 100s of km 'rift jumps' as is conventional models suggest. The structure relationships we define in the Icelandic crust are similar to that of other magmatic rift systems including Mid-Ocean Ridges, continental rifts and ancient volcanic rift margins. As such, we suggest that many of the crustal accretion processes we have inferred from Icelandic data may be important in these analogous environments as well.

Intermediate shocks in three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic bow-shock flows with multiple interacting shock fronts

PubMed

De Sterck H; Poedts

2000-06-12

Simulation results of three-dimensional (3D) stationary magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) bow-shock flows around perfectly conducting spheres are presented. For strong upstream magnetic field a new complex bow-shock flow topology arises consisting of two consecutive interacting shock fronts. It is shown that the leading shock front contains a segment of intermediate 1-3 shock type. This is the first confirmation in 3D that intermediate shocks, which were believed to be unphysical for a long time, can be formed and can persist for small-dissipation MHD in a realistic flow configuration.

ASTHMA, CHRONIC BRONCHITIS AND EMPHYSEMA—The Use of Intermittent Positive Pressure Breathing with Inspiratory Flow Rate Control: A Review of the Literature

PubMed Central

Sheldon, Gerard P.

1963-01-01

In chronic obstructive lung disease (asthma, chronic bronchitis, obstructive emphysema) there is a segmental reduction in the caliber of the airways, which always results in obstruction to air-flow. Increased airway resistance is a physiological expression of airway obstruction. The addition of inspiratory flow rate control to an intermittent positive pressure breathing device permits slow filling of a lung with obstructed airways, and is presented as a simple means of reducing the high pulmonary flow resistance and increasing the tidal volume. ImagesFigure 1. PMID:13977070

Automated vessel segmentation using cross-correlation and pooled covariance matrix analysis.

PubMed

Du, Jiang; Karimi, Afshin; Wu, Yijing; Korosec, Frank R; Grist, Thomas M; Mistretta, Charles A

2011-04-01

Time-resolved contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA) provides contrast dynamics in the vasculature and allows vessel segmentation based on temporal correlation analysis. Here we present an automated vessel segmentation algorithm including automated generation of regions of interest (ROIs), cross-correlation and pooled sample covariance matrix analysis. The dynamic images are divided into multiple equal-sized regions. In each region, ROIs for artery, vein and background are generated using an iterative thresholding algorithm based on the contrast arrival time map and contrast enhancement map. Region-specific multi-feature cross-correlation analysis and pooled covariance matrix analysis are performed to calculate the Mahalanobis distances (MDs), which are used to automatically separate arteries from veins. This segmentation algorithm is applied to a dual-phase dynamic imaging acquisition scheme where low-resolution time-resolved images are acquired during the dynamic phase followed by high-frequency data acquisition at the steady-state phase. The segmented low-resolution arterial and venous images are then combined with the high-frequency data in k-space and inverse Fourier transformed to form the final segmented arterial and venous images. Results from volunteer and patient studies demonstrate the advantages of this automated vessel segmentation and dual phase data acquisition technique. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Geomorphic Classification and Evaluation of Channel Width and Emergent Sandbar Habitat Relations on the Lower Platte River, Nebraska

USGS Publications Warehouse

Elliott, Caroline M.

2011-01-01

This report presents a summary of geomorphic characteristics extracted from aerial imagery for three broad segments of the Lower Platte River. This report includes a summary of the longitudinal multivariate classification in Elliott and others (2009) and presents a new analysis of total channel width and habitat variables. Three segments on the lower 102.8 miles of the Lower Platte River are addressed in this report: the Loup River to the Elkhorn River (70 miles long), the Elkhorn River to Salt Creek (6.9 miles long), and Salt Creek to the Missouri River (25.9 miles long). The locations of these segments were determined by the locations of tributaries potentially significant to the hydrology or sediment supply of the Lower Platte River. This report summarizes channel characteristics as mapped from July 2006 aerial imagery including river width, valley width, channel curvature, and in-channel habitat features. In-channel habitat measurements were not made under consistent hydrologic conditions and must be considered general estimates of channel condition in late July 2006. Longitudinal patterns in these features are explored and are summarized in the context of the longitudinal multivariate classification in Elliott and others (2009) for the three Lower Platte River segments. Detailed descriptions of data collection and classification methods are described in Elliott and others (2009). Nesting data for the endangered interior least tern (Sternula antillarum) and threatened piping plover (Charadrius melodus) from 2006 through 2009 are examined within the context of the multivariate classification and Lower Platte River segments. The widest reaches of the Lower Platte River are located in the segment downstream from the Loup River to the Elkhorn River. This segment also has the widest valley and highest degree of braiding of the three segments and many large vegetated islands. The short segment of river between the Elkhorn River and Salt Creek has a fairly low valley width and high channel sinuosities at larger scales. The segment from Salt Creek to the Missouri River has narrow valleys and generally low channel sinuosity. Tern and plover nest sites from 2006 through 2009 in the multi-scale multivariate classification indicated relative nesting selection of cluster 2 reaches among the four-cluster classification and reaches containing clusters 2, 3, and 6 from the seven-cluster classification. These classes, with the exception of cluster 6 are common downstream from the Elkhorn River. Trends in total channel width indicated that reaches dominated by dark vegetation (islands) are the widest on the Lower Platte River. Reaches with high percentages of dry sand and dry sand plus light vegetation were the narrowest reaches. This suggests that narrow channel reaches have sufficient transport capacity to maintain sandbars under recent (2006) flow regimes and are likely to be most amenable to maintaining tern and plover habitat in the Lower Platte River. Further investigations into the dynamics of emergent sandbar habitat and the effects of bank stabilization on in-channel habitats will require the collection and analysis of new data, particularly detailed elevation information and an assessment of existing bank stabilization structures.

Deciphering the fine-structure of tribal admixture in the Bedouin population using genomic data

PubMed Central

Markus, B; Alshafee, I; Birk, O S

2014-01-01

The Bedouin Israeli population is highly inbred and structured with a very high prevalence of recessive diseases. Many studies in the past two decades focused on linkage analysis in large, multiple consanguineous pedigrees of this population. The advent of high-throughput technologies motivated researchers to search for rare variants shared between smaller pedigrees, integrating data from clinically similar yet seemingly non-related sporadic cases. However, such analyses are challenging because, without pedigree data, there is no prior knowledge regarding possible relatedness between the sporadic cases. Here, we describe models and techniques for the study of relationships between pedigrees and use them for the inference of tribal co-ancestry, delineating the complex social interactions between different tribes in the Negev Bedouins of southern Israel. Through our analysis, we differentiate between tribes that share many yet small genomic segments because of co-ancestry versus tribes that share larger segments because of recent admixture. The emergent pattern is well correlated with the prevalence of rare mutations in the different tribes. Tribes that do not intermarry, mostly because of social restrictions, hold private mutations, whereas tribes that do intermarry demonstrate a genetic flow of mutations between them. Thus, social structure within an inbred community can be delineated through genomic data, with implications to genetic counseling and genetic mapping. PMID:24084643

Deciphering the fine-structure of tribal admixture in the Bedouin population using genomic data.

PubMed

Markus, B; Alshafee, I; Birk, O S

2014-02-01

The Bedouin Israeli population is highly inbred and structured with a very high prevalence of recessive diseases. Many studies in the past two decades focused on linkage analysis in large, multiple consanguineous pedigrees of this population. The advent of high-throughput technologies motivated researchers to search for rare variants shared between smaller pedigrees, integrating data from clinically similar yet seemingly non-related sporadic cases. However, such analyses are challenging because, without pedigree data, there is no prior knowledge regarding possible relatedness between the sporadic cases. Here, we describe models and techniques for the study of relationships between pedigrees and use them for the inference of tribal co-ancestry, delineating the complex social interactions between different tribes in the Negev Bedouins of southern Israel. Through our analysis, we differentiate between tribes that share many yet small genomic segments because of co-ancestry versus tribes that share larger segments because of recent admixture. The emergent pattern is well correlated with the prevalence of rare mutations in the different tribes. Tribes that do not intermarry, mostly because of social restrictions, hold private mutations, whereas tribes that do intermarry demonstrate a genetic flow of mutations between them. Thus, social structure within an inbred community can be delineated through genomic data, with implications to genetic counseling and genetic mapping.

Rotor Broadband Noise Prediction with Comparison to Model Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brooks, Thomas F.; Burley, Casey L.

2001-01-01

This paper reports an analysis and prediction development of rotor broadband noise. The two primary components of this noise are Blade-Wake Interaction (BWI) noise, due to the blades' interaction with the turbulent wakes of the preceding blades, and "Self" noise, due to the development and shedding of turbulence within the blades' boundary layers. Emphasized in this report is the new code development for Self noise. The analysis and validation employs data from the HART program, a model BO-105 rotor wind tunnel test conducted in the German-Dutch Wind Tunnel (DNW). The BWI noise predictions are based on measured pressure response coherence functions using cross-spectral methods. The Self noise predictions are based on previously reported semiempirical modeling of Self noise obtained from isolated airfoil sections and the use of CAMRAD.Modl to define rotor performance and local blade segment flow conditions. Both BWI and Self noise from individual blade segments are Doppler shifted and summed at the observer positions. Prediction comparisons with measurements show good agreement for a range of rotor operating conditions from climb to steep descent. The broadband noise predictions, along with those of harmonic and impulsive Blade-Vortex Interaction (BVI) noise predictions, demonstrate a significant advance in predictive capability for main rotor noise.

Generation, absorption, and transfer of mechanical energy during walking in children.

PubMed

Umberger, Brian R; Augsburger, Sam; Resig, JoAnne; Oeffinger, Donna; Shapiro, Robert; Tylkowski, Chester

2013-05-01

The purpose of this study was to characterize the manner in which net joint moments and non-muscular forces generate, absorb, and transfer mechanical energy during walking in able-bodied children. Standard gait data from seven healthy subjects between 6 and 17 years of age were combined with a dynamic model of the whole body to perform a power analysis based on induced acceleration techniques. These data were used to determine how each moment and force generates energy to, absorbs energy from, and transfers energy among the major body segments. The joint moments were found to induce transfers of mechanical energy between body segments that generally exceeded the magnitudes of energy generation and absorption. The amount of energy transferred by gravitational and velocity-dependent forces was considerably less than for the joint moments. The hip and ankle joint moments had relatively simple power patterns that tended to oppose each other, particularly over the stance phase. The knee joint moment had a more complex power pattern that appeared distinct from the hip and ankle moments. The general patterns of mechanical energy flow were similar to previous reports in adults. The approach described in this paper should provide a useful complement to standard clinical gait analysis procedures. Copyright © 2012 IPEM. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated detection of videotaped neonatal seizures of epileptic origin.

PubMed

Karayiannis, Nicolaos B; Xiong, Yaohua; Tao, Guozhi; Frost, James D; Wise, Merrill S; Hrachovy, Richard A; Mizrahi, Eli M

2006-06-01

This study aimed at the development of a seizure-detection system by training neural networks with quantitative motion information extracted from short video segments of neonatal seizures of the myoclonic and focal clonic types and random infant movements. The motion of the infants' body parts was quantified by temporal motion-strength signals extracted from video segments by motion-segmentation methods based on optical flow computation. The area of each frame occupied by the infants' moving body parts was segmented by clustering the motion parameters obtained by fitting an affine model to the pixel velocities. The motion of the infants' body parts also was quantified by temporal motion-trajectory signals extracted from video recordings by robust motion trackers based on block-motion models. These motion trackers were developed to adjust autonomously to illumination and contrast changes that may occur during the video-frame sequence. Video segments were represented by quantitative features obtained by analyzing motion-strength and motion-trajectory signals in both the time and frequency domains. Seizure recognition was performed by conventional feed-forward neural networks, quantum neural networks, and cosine radial basis function neural networks, which were trained to detect neonatal seizures of the myoclonic and focal clonic types and to distinguish them from random infant movements. The computational tools and procedures developed for automated seizure detection were evaluated on a set of 240 video segments of 54 patients exhibiting myoclonic seizures (80 segments), focal clonic seizures (80 segments), and random infant movements (80 segments). Regardless of the decision scheme used for interpreting the responses of the trained neural networks, all the neural network models exhibited sensitivity and specificity>90%. For one of the decision schemes proposed for interpreting the responses of the trained neural networks, the majority of the trained neural-network models exhibited sensitivity>90% and specificity>95%. In particular, cosine radial basis function neural networks achieved the performance targets of this phase of the project (i.e., sensitivity>95% and specificity>95%). The best among the motion segmentation and tracking methods developed in this study produced quantitative features that constitute a reliable basis for detecting neonatal seizures. The performance targets of this phase of the project were achieved by combining the quantitative features obtained by analyzing motion-strength signals with those produced by analyzing motion-trajectory signals. The computational procedures and tools developed in this study to perform off-line analysis of short video segments will be used in the next phase of this project, which involves the integration of these procedures and tools into a system that can process and analyze long video recordings of infants monitored for seizures in real time.

Use of market segmentation to identify untapped consumer needs in vision correction surgery for future growth.

PubMed

Loarie, Thomas M; Applegate, David; Kuenne, Christopher B; Choi, Lawrence J; Horowitz, Diane P

2003-01-01

Market segmentation analysis identifies discrete segments of the population whose beliefs are consistent with exhibited behaviors such as purchase choice. This study applies market segmentation analysis to low myopes (-1 to -3 D with less than 1 D cylinder) in their consideration and choice of a refractive surgery procedure to discover opportunities within the market. A quantitative survey based on focus group research was sent to a demographically balanced sample of myopes using contact lenses and/or glasses. A variable reduction process followed by a clustering analysis was used to discover discrete belief-based segments. The resulting segments were validated both analytically and through in-market testing. Discontented individuals who wear contact lenses are the primary target for vision correction surgery. However, 81% of the target group is apprehensive about laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). They are nervous about the procedure and strongly desire reversibility and exchangeability. There exists a large untapped opportunity for vision correction surgery within the low myope population. Market segmentation analysis helped determine how to best meet this opportunity through repositioning existing procedures or developing new vision correction technology, and could also be applied to identify opportunities in other vision correction populations.

High temperature seal for large structural movements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Steinetz, Bruce M. (Inventor); Dunlap, Jr., Patrick H. (Inventor)

2004-01-01

A high temperature sealing system is operative to seal an interface between adjacent hot structures and to minimize parasitic flow between such structures that move relative to one another in-plane or out-of-plane. The sealing system may be used to seal thrust-directing ramp structures of a reusable launch vehicle and includes a channel and a plurality of movable segmented sealing elements. Adjacent ramp structures include edge walls which extend within the channel. The sealing elements are positioned along the sides of the channel and are biased to engage with the inner surfaces of the ramp structures. The segmented sealing elements are movable to correspond to the contour of the thrust-directing ramp structures. The sealing system is operative to prevent high temperature thrust gases that flow along the ramp structures from infiltrating into the interior of the vehicle.

Patient-specific coronary artery blood flow simulation using myocardial volume partitioning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Kyung Hwan; Kang, Dongwoo; Kang, Nahyup; Kim, Ji-Yeon; Lee, Hyong-Euk; Kim, James D. K.

2013-03-01

Using computational simulation, we can analyze cardiovascular disease in non-invasive and quantitative manners. More specifically, computational modeling and simulation technology has enabled us to analyze functional aspect such as blood flow, as well as anatomical aspect such as stenosis, from medical images without invasive measurements. Note that the simplest ways to perform blood flow simulation is to apply patient-specific coronary anatomy with other average-valued properties; in this case, however, such conditions cannot fully reflect accurate physiological properties of patients. To resolve this limitation, we present a new patient-specific coronary blood flow simulation method by myocardial volume partitioning considering artery/myocardium structural correspondence. We focus on that blood supply is closely related to the mass of each myocardial segment corresponding to the artery. Therefore, we applied this concept for setting-up simulation conditions in the way to consider many patient-specific features as possible from medical image: First, we segmented coronary arteries and myocardium separately from cardiac CT; then the myocardium is partitioned into multiple regions based on coronary vasculature. The myocardial mass and required blood mass for each artery are estimated by converting myocardial volume fraction. Finally, the required blood mass is used as boundary conditions for each artery outlet, with given average aortic blood flow rate and pressure. To show effectiveness of the proposed method, fractional flow reserve (FFR) by simulation using CT image has been compared with invasive FFR measurement of real patient data, and as a result, 77% of accuracy has been obtained.

Investigation of Roadway Geometric and Traffic Flow Factors for Vehicle Crashes Using Spatiotemporal Interaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gill, G.; Sakrani, T.; Cheng, W.; Zhou, J.

2017-09-01

Traffic safety is a major concern in the transportation industry due to immense monetary and emotional burden caused by crashes of various severity levels, especially the injury and fatality ones. To reduce such crashes on all public roads, the safety management processes are commonly implemented which include network screening, problem diagnosis, countermeasure identification, and project prioritization. The selection of countermeasures for potential mitigation of crashes is governed by the influential factors which impact roadway crashes. Crash prediction model is the tool widely adopted by safety practitioners or researchers to link various influential factors to crash occurrences. Many different approaches have been used in the past studies to develop better fitting models which also exhibit prediction accuracy. In this study, a crash prediction model is developed to investigate the vehicular crashes occurring at roadway segments. The spatial and temporal nature of crash data is exploited to form a spatiotemporal model which accounts for the different types of heterogeneities among crash data and geometric or traffic flow variables. This study utilizes the Poisson lognormal model with random effects, which can accommodate the yearly variations in explanatory variables and the spatial correlations among segments. The dependency of different factors linked with roadway geometric, traffic flow, and road surface type on vehicular crashes occurring at segments was established as the width of lanes, posted speed limit, nature of pavement, and AADT were found to be correlated with vehicle crashes.

Electric Power Distribution System Model Simplification Using Segment Substitution

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

Reiman, Andrew P.; McDermott, Thomas E.; Akcakaya, Murat

Quasi-static time-series (QSTS) simulation is used to simulate the behavior of distribution systems over long periods of time (typically hours to years). The technique involves repeatedly solving the load-flow problem for a distribution system model and is useful for distributed energy resource (DER) planning. When a QSTS simulation has a small time step and a long duration, the computational burden of the simulation can be a barrier to integration into utility workflows. One way to relieve the computational burden is to simplify the system model. The segment substitution method of simplifying distribution system models introduced in this paper offers modelmore » bus reduction of up to 98% with a simplification error as low as 0.2% (0.002 pu voltage). In contrast to existing methods of distribution system model simplification, which rely on topological inspection and linearization, the segment substitution method uses black-box segment data and an assumed simplified topology.« less

Investigation of a subsonic-arc-attachment thruster using segmented anodes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Berns, Darren H.; Sankovic, John M.; Sarmiento, Charles J.

1993-01-01

To investigate high frequency arc instabilities observed in subsonic-arc-attachment thrusters, a 3 kW, segmented-anode arc jet was designed and tested using hydrogen as the propellant. The thruster nozzle geometry was scaled from a 30 kW design previously tested in the 1960's. By observing the current to each segment and the arc voltage, it was determined that the 75-200 kHz instabilities were results of axial movements of the arc anode attachment point. The arc attachment point was fully contained in the subsonic portion of the nozzle for nearly all flow rates. The effects of isolating selected segments were investigated. In some cases, forcing the arc downstream caused the restrike to cease. Finally, decreasing the background pressure from 18 to 0.05 Pa affected the pressure distribution in the nozzle including the pressure in the subsonic arc chamber.

Investigation of a subsonic-arc-attachment thruster using segmented anodes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Berns, Darren H.; Sankovic, John M.; Sarmiento, Charles J.

1993-01-01

To investigate high frequency arc instabilities observed in subsonic-arc-attachment thrusters, a 3 kW, segmented-anode arcjet was designed and tested using hydrogen as the propellant. The thruster nozzle geometry was scaled from a 30 kW design previously tested in the 1960's. By observing the current to each segment and the arc voltage, it was determined that the 75-200 kHz instabilities were results of axial movements of the arc anode attachment point. The arc attachment point was fully contained in the subsonic portion of the nozzle for nearly all flow rates. The effects of isolating selected segments were investigated. In some cases, forcing the arc downstream caused the restrike to cease. Finally, decreasing the background pressure from 18 Pa to 0.05 Pa affected the pressure distribution in the nozzle, including the pressure in the subsonic arc chamber.

External stent for repair of secondary tracheomalacia.

PubMed

Johnston, M R; Loeber, N; Hillyer, P; Stephenson, L W; Edmunds, L H

1980-09-01

Tracheomalacia was created in anesthetized piglets by submucosal resection of 3 to 5 tracheal cartilages. Measurements of airway pressure and flow showed that expiratory airway resistance is maximal at low lung volumes and is significantly increased by creation of the malacic segment. Cervical flexion increases expiratory airway resistance, whereas hyperextension of the neck reduces resistance toward normal. External stenting of the malacic segment reduces expiratory airway resistance, and the combination of external stenting and hyperextension restores airway resistance to normal except at low lung volume. Two patients with secondary tracheomalacia required tracheostomy and could not be decannulated after the indication for the tracheostomy was corrected. Both were successfully decannulated after external stenting of the malacic segment with rib grafts. Postoperative measurements of expiratory pulmonary resistance show a marked decrease from preoperative measurements. External stenting of symptomatic tracheomalacia reduces expiratory airway resistance by supporting and stretching the malacic segment and is preferable to prolonged internal stenting or tracheal resection.

Assessing SPO techniques to constrain magma flow: Examples from sills of the Karoo Igneous Province, South Africa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoyer, Lauren; Watkeys, Michael K.

2015-08-01

Shape ellipsoids that define the petrofabrics of plagioclase in Jurassic Karoo dolerite sills in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa are rigorously constrained using the long axis lengths of plagioclase crystals and ellipse incompatibility. This has been undertaken in order to determine the most effective technique to determine petrofabrics when using the SPO-2003 programme (Launeau and Robin, 2005). The technique of segmenting an image for analysis is scrutinised and as a process is found redundant. A grain size threshold is defined to assist with the varying grain sizes observed within and between sills. Where grains exceed the 0.2 mm size threshold, images should be acquired at a high magnification (i.e., 10 × magnification). Petrofabrics are determined using the foliation and the lineation of the ellipsoid as defined by the maximum and minimum principal axes (respectively) of the resultant ellipsoid. Samples with strongly prolate fabrics are isolated allowing further constraint on the petrofabric to be made. Once the efficacy of the petrofabric determination process has been determined, the resultant foliations (and lineations) then elucidate the most accurate petrofabric attainable. The most accurate petrofabrics will be determined by using the correct magnification when the images are obtained and to run the analyses without segmenting the image. The fabrics of the upper and lower contacts of the Karoo dolerite sills are analysed in detail using these techniques and the fabrics are used as a proxy for magma flow.

Colony image acquisition and genetic segmentation algorithm and colony analyses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, W. X.

2012-01-01

Colony anaysis is used in a large number of engineerings such as food, dairy, beverages, hygiene, environmental monitoring, water, toxicology, sterility testing. In order to reduce laboring and increase analysis acuracy, many researchers and developers have made efforts for image analysis systems. The main problems in the systems are image acquisition, image segmentation and image analysis. In this paper, to acquire colony images with good quality, an illumination box was constructed. In the box, the distances between lights and dishe, camra lens and lights, and camera lens and dishe are adjusted optimally. In image segmentation, It is based on a genetic approach that allow one to consider the segmentation problem as a global optimization,. After image pre-processing and image segmentation, the colony analyses are perfomed. The colony image analysis consists of (1) basic colony parameter measurements; (2) colony size analysis; (3) colony shape analysis; and (4) colony surface measurements. All the above visual colony parameters can be selected and combined together, used to make a new engineeing parameters. The colony analysis can be applied into different applications.

Primary nerve grafting: A study of revascularization.

PubMed

Chalfoun, Charbel; Scholz, Thomas; Cole, Matthew D; Steward, Earl; Vanderkam, Victoria; Evans, Gregory R D

2003-01-01

It was the purpose of this study to evaluate the revascularization of primary nerve repair and grafts using orthogonal polarization spectral (OPS) (Cytometrix, Inc.) imaging, a novel method for real-time evaluation of microcirculatory blood flow. Twenty male Sprague Dawley rats (250 g) were anesthetized with vaporized halothane and surgically prepared for common peroneal nerve resection. Group I animals (n = 10) underwent primary neurorraphy following transection, utilizing a microsurgical technique with 10-0 nylon suture. Group II (n = 10) animals had a 7-mm segment of nerve excised, reversed, and subsequently replaced as a nerve graft under similar techniques. All animals were evaluated using the OPS imaging system on three portions (proximal, transection site/graft, and distal) of the nerve following repair or grafting. Reevaluation of 5 animals randomly selected from each group using the OPS imaging system was again performed on days 14 and 28 following microsurgical repair/grafting. Values were determined by percent change in vascularity of the common peroneal nerve at 0 hr following surgery. Real-time evaluation of blood flow was utilized as an additional objective criterion. Percent vascularity in group I and II animals increased from baseline in all segments at day 14. By day 28, vascularity in nerves of group I rats decreased in all segments to values below baseline, with the exception of the transection site, which remained at a higher value than obtained directly after surgical repair. In group II animals, vascularity remained above baseline in all segments except the distal segment, which returned to vascularity levels similar to those at 0 hr. Further, occlusion of the vessels demonstrated in the graft and distal segments following initial transection appeared to be corrected. This study suggests that revascularization may occur via bidirectional inosculation with favored proximal vascular growth advancement. The use of real-time imaging offers a unique evaluation of tissues through emerging technologies. Copyright 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Brugada syndrome and ischemia-induced ST-segment elevation. Similarities and differences#

PubMed Central

Di Diego, José M.; Fish, Jeffrey M.; Antzelevitch, Charles

2006-01-01

Introduction ST-Segment elevation is a common electrocardiogram (ECG) manifestation of acute transmural myocardial ischemia in leads facing the injury. Acute myocardial ischemia involving the right-ventricular (RV) outflow tract is known to induce a Brugada-like ECG. In this paper, we examined the electrophysiological bases for the similarities between the ECG characteristics of the Brugada syndrome model induced by terfenadine (5 μmol/L) and the ECG manifestations of the acute transmural no-flow ischemia model. Methods For both experimental simulations, we used isolated arterially perfused canine RV wedge preparations to record transmembrane action potentials (AP) from endocardium and epicardium together with a transmural pseudo-ECG (ECG); basic cycle length = 400 to 2000 ms. Results In the presence of a prominent Ito-mediated AP notch, no-flow ischemia causes true ST-segment elevation because of selective depression and loss of the AP dome at some epicardial sites. In the absence of a prominent AP notch, ischemia ultimately produces an apparent ST-segment elevation, which is secondary to a prolongation of the R wave caused by marked transmural conduction delays. Similarly, in the Brugada syndrome model generated in preparations displaying a large epicardial Ito, ST-segment elevation was due to loss of the epicardial AP dome at some sites but not at others. Transmural conduction delay giving the appearance of ST-segment elevation is also observed in the Brugada model in preparations exhibiting smaller AP notch. In both models, propagation of the dome from the site at which it is maintained to a site at which it is lost may result in closely coupled phase 2 reentrant extrasystoles. Conclusion Our results suggest that Ito can modulate the electrocardiographic manifestation of acute ischemia as well as that of the Brugada syndrome, and that both clinical entities are the result of a similar electrophysiological substrate. PMID:16226068

Exploring changes in the spatial distribution of stream baseflow generation during a seasonal recession

USGS Publications Warehouse

Payn, R.A.; Gooseff, M.N.; McGlynn, B.L.; Bencala, K.E.; Wondzell, S.M.

2012-01-01

Relating watershed structure to streamflow generation is a primary focus of hydrology. However, comparisons of longitudinal variability in stream discharge with adjacent valley structure have been rare, resulting in poor understanding of the distribution of the hydrologic mechanisms that cause variability in streamflow generation along valleys. This study explores detailed surveys of stream base flow across a gauged, 23 km2 mountain watershed. Research objectives were (1) to relate spatial variability in base flow to fundamental elements of watershed structure, primarily topographic contributing area, and (2) to assess temporal changes in the spatial patterns of those relationships during a seasonal base flow recession. We analyzed spatiotemporal variability in base flow using (1) summer hydrographs at the study watershed outlet and 5 subwatershed outlets and (2) longitudinal series of discharge measurements every ~100 m along the streams of the 3 largest subwatersheds (1200 to 2600 m in valley length), repeated 2 to 3 times during base flow recession. Reaches within valley segments of 300 to 1200 m in length tended to demonstrate similar streamflow generation characteristics. Locations of transitions between these segments were consistent throughout the recession, and tended to be collocated with abrupt longitudinal transitions in valley slope or hillslope-riparian characteristics. Both within and among subwatersheds, correlation between the spatial distributions of streamflow and topographic contributing area decreased during the recession, suggesting a general decrease in the influence of topography on stream base flow contributions. As topographic controls on base flow evidently decreased, multiple aspects of subsurface structure were likely to have gained influence.

Microstructural Organization of Elastomeric Polyurethanes with Siloxane-Containing Soft Segments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, Taeyi; Weklser, Jadwiga; Padsalgikar, Ajay; Runt, James

2011-03-01

In the present study, we investigate the microstructure of two series of segmented polyurethanes (PUs) containing siloxane-based soft segments and the same hard segments, the latter synthesized from diphenylmethane diisocyanate and butanediol. The first series is synthesized using a hydroxy-terminated polydimethylsiloxane macrodiol and varying hard segment contents. The second series are derived from an oligomeric diol containing both siloxane and aliphatic carbonate species. Hard domain morphologies were characterized using tapping mode atomic force microscopy and quantitative analysis of hard/soft segment demixing was conducted using small-angle X-ray scattering. The phase transitions of all materials were investigated using DSC and dynamic mechanical analysis, and hydrogen bonding by FTIR spectroscopy.

Analysis of flow patterns in a patient-specific aortic dissection model.

PubMed

Cheng, Z; Tan, F P P; Riga, C V; Bicknell, C D; Hamady, M S; Gibbs, R G J; Wood, N B; Xu, X Y

2010-05-01

Aortic dissection is the most common acute catastrophic event affecting the thoracic aorta. The majority of patients presenting with an uncomplicated type B dissection are treated medically, but 25% of these patients develop subsequent aneurysmal dilatation of the thoracic aorta. This study aimed at gaining more detailed knowledge of the flow phenomena associated with this condition. Morphological features and flow patterns in a dissected aortic segment of a presurgery type B dissection patient were analyzed based on computed tomography images acquired from the patient. Computational simulations of blood flow in the patient-specific model were performed by employing a correlation-based transitional version of Menter's hybrid k-epsilon/k-omega shear stress transport turbulence model implemented in ANSYS CFX 11. Our results show that the dissected aorta is dominated by locally highly disturbed, and possibly turbulent, flow with strong recirculation. A significant proportion (about 80%) of the aortic flow enters the false lumen, which may further increase the dilatation of the aorta. High values of wall shear stress have been found around the tear on the true lumen wall, perhaps increasing the likelihood of expanding the tear. Turbulence intensity in the tear region reaches a maximum of 70% at midsystolic deceleration phase. Incorporating the non-Newtonian behavior of blood into the same transitional flow model has yielded a slightly lower peak wall shear stress and higher maximum turbulence intensity without causing discernible changes to the distribution patterns. Comparisons between the laminar and turbulent flow simulations show a qualitatively similar distribution of wall shear stress but a significantly higher magnitude with the transitional turbulence model.

Evaluation of velocity-sensitized and acceleration-sensitized NCE-MRA for below-knee peripheral arterial disease.

PubMed

Shaida, Nadeem; Priest, Andrew N; See, T C; Winterbottom, Andrew P; Graves, Martin J; Lomas, David J

2017-06-01

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of velocity- and acceleration-sensitized noncontrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (NCE-MRA) of the infrageniculate arteries using contrast-enhanced MRA (CE-MRA) as a reference standard. Twenty-four patients with symptoms of peripheral arterial disease were recruited. Each patient's infrageniculate arterial tree was examined using a velocity-dependent flow-sensitized dephasing (VEL-FSD) technique, an acceleration-dependent (ACC-FSD) technique, and our conventional CE-MRA technique performed at 1.5T. The images were independently reviewed by two experienced vascular radiologists, who evaluated each vessel segment to assess visibility, diagnostic confidence, venous contamination, and detection of pathology. In all, 432 segments were evaluated by each of the three techniques by each reader in total. Overall diagnostic confidence was rated as moderate or high in 98.5% of segments with CE-MRA, 92.1% with VEL-FSD, and 79.9% with ACC-FSD. No venous contamination was seen in 96% of segments with CE-MRA, 72.2% with VEL-FSD, and 85.8% with ACC-FSD. Per-segment, per-limb, and per-patient sensitivities for detecting significant stenotic disease were 63.4%, 73%, and 92%, respectively, for ACC-FSD, and 65.3%, 87.2%, and 96% for VEL-FSD, and as such no significant statistical change was detected using McNemar's chi-squared test with P-values of 1.00, 0.13, and 0.77 obtained, respectively. Flow-dependent NCE-MRA techniques may have a role to play in evaluation of patients with peripheral vascular disease. Increased sensitivity of a velocity-based technique compared to an acceleration-based technique comes at the expense of greater venous contamination. 2J. Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;45:1846-1853. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

Study on the application of MRF and the D-S theory to image segmentation of the human brain and quantitative analysis of the brain tissue

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guan, Yihong; Luo, Yatao; Yang, Tao; Qiu, Lei; Li, Junchang

2012-01-01

The features of the spatial information of Markov random field image was used in image segmentation. It can effectively remove the noise, and get a more accurate segmentation results. Based on the fuzziness and clustering of pixel grayscale information, we find clustering center of the medical image different organizations and background through Fuzzy cmeans clustering method. Then we find each threshold point of multi-threshold segmentation through two dimensional histogram method, and segment it. The features of fusing multivariate information based on the Dempster-Shafer evidence theory, getting image fusion and segmentation. This paper will adopt the above three theories to propose a new human brain image segmentation method. Experimental result shows that the segmentation result is more in line with human vision, and is of vital significance to accurate analysis and application of tissues.

A Method for Optimizing Non-Axisymmetric Liners for Multimodal Sound Sources

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Watson, W. R.; Jones, M. G.; Parrott, T. L.; Sobieski, J.

2002-01-01

Central processor unit times and memory requirements for a commonly used solver are compared to that of a state-of-the-art, parallel, sparse solver. The sparse solver is then used in conjunction with three constrained optimization methodologies to assess the relative merits of non-axisymmetric versus axisymmetric liner concepts for improving liner acoustic suppression. This assessment is performed with a multimodal noise source (with equal mode amplitudes and phases) in a finite-length rectangular duct without flow. The sparse solver is found to reduce memory requirements by a factor of five and central processing time by a factor of eleven when compared with the commonly used solver. Results show that the optimum impedance of the uniform liner is dominated by the least attenuated mode, whose attenuation is maximized by the Cremer optimum impedance. An optimized, four-segmented liner with impedance segments in a checkerboard arrangement is found to be inferior to an optimized spanwise segmented liner. This optimized spanwise segmented liner is shown to attenuate substantially more sound than the optimized uniform liner and tends to be more effective at the higher frequencies. The most important result of this study is the discovery that when optimized, a spanwise segmented liner with two segments gives attenuations equal to or substantially greater than an optimized axially segmented liner with the same number of segments.

Using Paleoseismic Trenching and LiDAR Analysis to Evaluate Rupture Propagation Through Segment Boundaries of the Central Wasatch Fault Zone, Utah

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bennett, S. E. K.; DuRoss, C. B.; Reitman, N. G.; Devore, J. R.; Hiscock, A.; Gold, R. D.; Briggs, R. W.; Personius, S. F.

2014-12-01

Paleoseismic data near fault segment boundaries constrain the extent of past surface ruptures and the persistence of rupture termination at segment boundaries. Paleoseismic evidence for large (M≥7.0) earthquakes on the central Holocene-active fault segments of the 350-km-long Wasatch fault zone (WFZ) generally supports single-segment ruptures but also permits multi-segment rupture scenarios. The extent and frequency of ruptures that span segment boundaries remains poorly known, adding uncertainty to seismic hazard models for this populated region of Utah. To address these uncertainties we conducted four paleoseismic investigations near the Salt Lake City-Provo and Provo-Nephi segment boundaries of the WFZ. We examined an exposure of the WFZ at Maple Canyon (Woodland Hills, UT) and excavated the Flat Canyon trench (Salem, UT), 7 and 11 km, respectively, from the southern tip of the Provo segment. We document evidence for at least five earthquakes at Maple Canyon and four to seven earthquakes that post-date mid-Holocene fan deposits at Flat Canyon. These earthquake chronologies will be compared to seven earthquakes observed in previous trenches on the northern Nephi segment to assess rupture correlation across the Provo-Nephi segment boundary. To assess rupture correlation across the Salt Lake City-Provo segment boundary we excavated the Alpine trench (Alpine, UT), 1 km from the northern tip of the Provo segment, and the Corner Canyon trench (Draper, UT) 1 km from the southern tip of the Salt Lake City segment. We document evidence for six earthquakes at both sites. Ongoing geochronologic analysis (14C, optically stimulated luminescence) will constrain earthquake chronologies and help identify through-going ruptures across these segment boundaries. Analysis of new high-resolution (0.5m) airborne LiDAR along the entire WFZ will quantify latest Quaternary displacements and slip rates and document spatial and temporal slip patterns near fault segment boundaries.

High Frequency Radar Observations of Tidal Current Variability in the Lower Chesapeake Bay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Updyke, T. G.; Dusek, G.; Atkinson, L. P.

2016-02-01

Analysis of eight years of high frequency radar surface current observations in the lower Chesapeake Bay is presented with a focus on the variability of the tidal component of the surface circulation which accounts for a majority of the variance of the surface flow (typically 70-80% for the middle of the radar footprint). Variations in amplitude and phase of the major tidal constituents are examined in the context of water level, wind and river discharge data. Comparisons are made with harmonic analysis results from long-term records of current data measured by three current profilers operated by NOAA as part of the Chesapeake Bay Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System (PORTS). Preliminary results indicate that there is significant spatial variability in the M2 amplitude over the HF radar grid as well as temporal variability when harmonic analysis is performed using bi-monthly time segments over the course of the record.

Conjoint Analysis for New Service Development on Electricity Distribution in Indonesia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Widaningrum, D. L.; Chynthia; Astuti, L. D.; Seran, M. A. B.

2017-07-01

Many cases of illegal use of electricity in Indonesia is still rampant, especially for activities where the power source is not available, such as in the location of street vendors. It is not only detrimental to the state, but also harm the perpetrators of theft of electricity and the surrounding communities. The purpose of this study is to create New Service Development (NSD) to provide a new electricity source for street vendors' activity based on their preferences. The methods applied in NSD is Conjoint Analysis, Cluster Analysis, Quality Function Deployment (QFD), Service Blueprint, Process Flow Diagrams and Quality Control Plan. The results of this study are the attributes and their importance in the new electricity’s service based on street vendors’ preferences as customers, customer segmentation, service design for new service, designing technical response, designing operational procedures, the quality control plan of any existing operational procedures.

Characterizing scaling properties of complex signals with missed data segments using the multifractal analysis.

PubMed

Pavlov, A N; Pavlova, O N; Abdurashitov, A S; Sindeeva, O A; Semyachkina-Glushkovskaya, O V; Kurths, J

2018-01-01

The scaling properties of complex processes may be highly influenced by the presence of various artifacts in experimental recordings. Their removal produces changes in the singularity spectra and the Hölder exponents as compared with the original artifacts-free data, and these changes are significantly different for positively correlated and anti-correlated signals. While signals with power-law correlations are nearly insensitive to the loss of significant parts of data, the removal of fragments of anti-correlated signals is more crucial for further data analysis. In this work, we study the ability of characterizing scaling features of chaotic and stochastic processes with distinct correlation properties using a wavelet-based multifractal analysis, and discuss differences between the effect of missed data for synchronous and asynchronous oscillatory regimes. We show that even an extreme data loss allows characterizing physiological processes such as the cerebral blood flow dynamics.

Characterizing scaling properties of complex signals with missed data segments using the multifractal analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pavlov, A. N.; Pavlova, O. N.; Abdurashitov, A. S.; Sindeeva, O. A.; Semyachkina-Glushkovskaya, O. V.; Kurths, J.

2018-01-01

The scaling properties of complex processes may be highly influenced by the presence of various artifacts in experimental recordings. Their removal produces changes in the singularity spectra and the Hölder exponents as compared with the original artifacts-free data, and these changes are significantly different for positively correlated and anti-correlated signals. While signals with power-law correlations are nearly insensitive to the loss of significant parts of data, the removal of fragments of anti-correlated signals is more crucial for further data analysis. In this work, we study the ability of characterizing scaling features of chaotic and stochastic processes with distinct correlation properties using a wavelet-based multifractal analysis, and discuss differences between the effect of missed data for synchronous and asynchronous oscillatory regimes. We show that even an extreme data loss allows characterizing physiological processes such as the cerebral blood flow dynamics.

Developing a Procedure for Segmenting Meshed Heat Networks of Heat Supply Systems without Outflows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tokarev, V. V.

2018-06-01

The heat supply systems of cities have, as a rule, a ring structure with the possibility of redistributing the flows. Despite the fact that a ring structure is more reliable than a radial one, the operators of heat networks prefer to use them in normal modes according to the scheme without overflows of the heat carrier between the heat mains. With such a scheme, it is easier to adjust the networks and to detect and locate faults in them. The article proposes a formulation of the heat network segmenting problem. The problem is set in terms of optimization with the heat supply system's excessive hydraulic power used as the optimization criterion. The heat supply system computer model has a hierarchically interconnected multilevel structure. Since iterative calculations are only carried out for the level of trunk heat networks, decomposing the entire system into levels allows the dimensionality of the solved subproblems to be reduced by an order of magnitude. An attempt to solve the problem by fully enumerating possible segmentation versions does not seem to be feasible for systems of really existing sizes. The article suggests a procedure for searching rational segmentation of heat supply networks with limiting the search to versions of dividing the system into segments near the flow convergence nodes with subsequent refining of the solution. The refinement is performed in two stages according to the total excess hydraulic power criterion. At the first stage, the loads are redistributed among the sources. After that, the heat networks are divided into independent fragments, and the possibility of increasing the excess hydraulic power in the obtained fragments is checked by shifting the division places inside a fragment. The proposed procedure has been approbated taking as an example a municipal heat supply system involving six heat mains fed from a common source, 24 loops within the feeding mains plane, and more than 5000 consumers. Application of the proposed segmentation procedure made it possible to find a version with required hydraulic power in the heat supply system on 3% less than the one found using the simultaneous segmentation method.

Effect of Outflow Tract Contributions to 82Rb-PET Global Myocardial Blood Flow Computations.

PubMed

Van Tosh, Andrew; Reichek, Nathaniel; Palestro, Christopher J; Nichols, Kenneth J

2016-06-01

Algorithms are able to compute myocardial blood flow (MBF) from dynamic PET data for each of the 17 left ventricular segments, with global MBF obtained by averaging segmental values. This study was undertaken to compare MBFs with and without the basal-septal segments. Data were examined retrospectively for 196 patients who underwent rest and regadenoson-stress (82)Rb PET/CT scanning for evaluation of known or suspected coronary artery disease. MBF data were acquired in gated list mode and rebinned to isolate the first-pass dynamic portion. Coronary vascular resistance (CVR) was computed as mean arterial pressure divided by MBF. MBF inhomogeneity was computed as the ratio of SD to mean MBF. Relative perfusion scores were obtained using (82)Rb-specific normal limits applied to polar maps of myocardial perfusion generated from myocardial equilibrium portions of PET data. MBF and CVRs from 17 and 14 segments were compared. Mean MBFs were lower for 17- than 14-segment means for rest (0.78 ± 0.50 vs. 0.85 ± 0.54 mL/g/min, paired t test P < 0.0001) and stress (1.50 ± 0.88 vs. 1.67 ± 0.96 mL/g/min, P < 0.0001). Bland-Altman plots of MBF differences versus means exhibited nonzero intercept (-0.04 ± 0.01, P = 0.0004) and significant correlation (r = -0.64, P < 0.0001), with slopes significantly different from 0.0 (-7.2% ± 0.6% and -8.3% ± 0.7% for rest and stress MBF; P < 0.0001). Seventeen-segment CVRs were higher than 14-segment CVRs for rest (159 ± 86 vs. 147 ± 81 mm Hg/mL/g/min, paired t test P < 0.0001) and stress CVR (85 ± 52 vs. 76 ± 48 mm Hg/mL/g/min, P < 0.0001). MBF inhomogeneity correlated significantly (P < 0.0001) with summed perfusion scores, but values correlated significantly more strongly for 14- than 17-segment values for rest (r = 0.67 vs. r = 0.52, P = 0.02) and stress (r = 0.69 vs. r = 0.47, P = 0.001). When basal segments were included in MBF determinations, perfusion inhomogeneity was greater both for rest (39% ± 10% vs. 31% ± 10%, P < 0.0001) and for stress (42% ± 12% vs. 32% ± 11%, P < 0.0001). Averaging 17 versus 14 segments leads to systematically 7%-8% lower MBF calculations, higher CVRs, and greater computed inhomogeneity. Consideration should be given to excluding basal-septal segments from standard global MBF determination. © 2016 by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Inc.

Morphometric variability within the axial zone of the southern Juan de Fuca Ridge: Interpretation from Sea MARC II, Sea MARC I, and deep-sea photography

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kappel, Ellen S.; Normark, William R.

1987-01-01

The morphometric characteristics of the axial regions of oceanic spreading centers are determined by (1) the type of volcanic flows, (2) the relation between primary volcanic relief (on a scale of a few meters to tens of meters) and degree of sediment cover, and (3) the extent of surficial expression and timing of tectonic disruption of the young oceanic crust. Even within a single, continuous, linear spreading-ridge segment with relatively uniform axial valley dimensions over a distance of 50 or more kilometers, such as along the southern Juan de Fuca Ridge, the changes in morphometric characteristics along axis within the youngest crust indicate distinct variation in tectonic and volcanic activity over short distances within short time periods. An integrated analysis of Sea MARC I, Sea MARC II, and photographic data for the southernmost continuous segment of the Juan de Fuca Ridge shows that generalizations about tectonic and volcanic processes at spreading ridges must consider both the temporal scale of processes as well as the physical scales of observations if predictive models are to be successful. Comparison of the morphometric expression within the major hydrothermal vent area and the rest of the southernmost ridge segment suggests that the mapped distribution of hydrothermal vents may reflect the extent of survey effort rather than uniqueness of geologic setting.

A Microfabricated Involute-Foil Regenerator for Stirling Engines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tew, Roy; Ibrahim, Mounir; Danila, Daniel; Simon, Terrence; Mantell, Susan; Sun, Liyong; Gedeon, David; Kelly, Kevin; McLean, Jeffrey; Qiu, Songgang

2007-01-01

A segmented involute-foil regenerator has been designed, microfabricated and tested in an oscillating-flow rig with excellent results. During the Phase I effort, several approximations of parallel-plate regenerator geometry were chosen as potential candidates for a new microfabrication concept. Potential manufacturers and processes were surveyed. The selected concept consisted of stacked segmented-involute-foil disks (or annular portions of disks), originally to be microfabricated from stainless-steel via the LiGA (lithography, electroplating, and molding) process and EDM. During Phase II, re-planning of the effort led to test plans based on nickel disks, microfabricated via the LiGA process, only. A stack of nickel segmented-involute-foil disks was tested in an oscillating-flow test rig. These test results yielded a performance figure of merit (roughly the ratio of heat transfer to pressure drop) of about twice that of the 90 percent random fiber currently used in small approx.100 W Stirling space-power convertors-in the Reynolds Number range of interest (50 to 100). A Phase III effort is now underway to fabricate and test a segmented-involute-foil regenerator in a Stirling convertor. Though funding limitations prevent optimization of the Stirling engine geometry for use with this regenerator, the Sage computer code will be used to help evaluate the engine test results. Previous Sage Stirling model projections have indicated that a segmented-involute-foil regenerator is capable of improving the performance of an optimized involute-foil engine by 6 to 9 percent; it is also anticipated that such involute-foil geometries will be more reliable and easier to manufacture with tight-tolerance characteristics, than random-fiber or wire-screen regenerators. Beyond the near-term Phase III regenerator fabrication and engine testing, other goals are (1) fabrication from a material suitable for high temperature Stirling operation (up to 850 C for current engines; up to 1200 C for a potential engine-cooler for a Venus mission), and (2) reduction of the cost of the fabrication process to make it more suitable for terrestrial applications of segmented involute foils. Past attempts have been made to use wrapped foils to approximate the large theoretical figures of merit projected for parallel plates. Such metal wrapped foils have never proved very successful, apparently due to the difficulties of fabricating wrapped-foils with uniform gaps and maintaining the gaps under the stress of time-varying temperature gradients during start-up and shut-down, and relatively-steady temperature gradients during normal operation. In contrast, stacks of involute-foil disks, with each disk consisting of multiple involute-foil segments held between concentric circular ribs, have relatively robust structures. The oscillating-flow rig tests of the segmented-involute-foil regenerator have demonstrated a shift in regenerator performance strongly in the direction of the theoretical performance of ideal parallel-plate regenerators.

A Microfabricated Involute-Foil Regenerator for Stirling Engines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tew, Roy; Ibrahim, Mounir; Danila, Daniel; Simon, Terry; Mantell, Susan; Sun, Liyong; Gedeon, David; Kelly, Kevin; McLean, Jeffrey; Wood, Gary;

Morphological changes in the anterior segment of the Abyssinian cat eye with hereditary rod-cone degeneration.

PubMed

May, Chr Albrecht; Lütjen-Drecoll, Elke; Narfström, Kristina

2005-10-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate morphological changes of the anterior segment of the eye in Abyssinian cats with progressive rod-cone degeneration and to correlate them with blood flow data obtained in the same animals. Sections of the left eyes of six normal cats and of eight cats with different stages of hereditary retinal degeneration were prepared for transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Tangential and sagittal sections were also stained with antibodies against substance P, tyrosine hydroxylase, panneuronal marker PGP9.5, nitric oxide synthase, synaptophysin, and smooth muscle alpha-actin. In Abyssinian cats with hereditary rod-cone degeneration, significant changes were observed in the iris consisting of irregularities in the vascular wall of smaller arteries without changes in their innervation pattern. The ciliary processes were shorter than in normal cats, and their structure appeared more compact and retracted. Slight changes were also observed in the anterior part of the ciliary epithelium. The anterior chamber angle region did not appear to be affected. Clear morphological correlations to the physiological blood flow data were observed in the anterior eye segment, pointing not only to functional but also morphological vascular abnormalities in this animal model for retinitis pigmentosa.

MRI Segmentation of the Human Brain: Challenges, Methods, and Applications

PubMed Central

Despotović, Ivana

2015-01-01

Image segmentation is one of the most important tasks in medical image analysis and is often the first and the most critical step in many clinical applications. In brain MRI analysis, image segmentation is commonly used for measuring and visualizing the brain's anatomical structures, for analyzing brain changes, for delineating pathological regions, and for surgical planning and image-guided interventions. In the last few decades, various segmentation techniques of different accuracy and degree of complexity have been developed and reported in the literature. In this paper we review the most popular methods commonly used for brain MRI segmentation. We highlight differences between them and discuss their capabilities, advantages, and limitations. To address the complexity and challenges of the brain MRI segmentation problem, we first introduce the basic concepts of image segmentation. Then, we explain different MRI preprocessing steps including image registration, bias field correction, and removal of nonbrain tissue. Finally, after reviewing different brain MRI segmentation methods, we discuss the validation problem in brain MRI segmentation. PMID:25945121