Sample records for severe sliding conditions

  1. Microstructural and superficial modification in a Cu-Al-Be shape memory alloy due to superficial severe plastic deformation under sliding wear conditions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Figueroa, C. G.; Garcia-Castillo, F. N.; Jacobo, V. H.; Cortés-Pérez, J.; Schouwenaars, R.

    2017-05-01

    Stress induced martensitic transformation in copper-based shape memory alloys has been studied mainly in monocrystals. This limits the use of such results for practical applications as most engineering applications use polycristals. In the present work, a coaxial tribometer developed by the authors was used to characterise the tribological behaviour of polycrystalline Cu-11.5%Al-0.5%Be shape memory alloy in contact with AISI 9840 steel under sliding wear conditions. The surface and microstructure characterization of the worn material was conducted by conventional scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy, while the mechanical properties along the transversal section were measured by means of micro-hardness testing. The tribological behaviour of Cu-Al-Be showed to be optimal under sliding wear conditions since the surface only presented a slight damage consisting in some elongated flakes produced by strong plastic deformation. The combination of the plastically modified surface and the effects of mechanically induced martensitic transformation is well-suited for sliding wear conditions since the modified surface provides the necessary strength to avoid superficial damage while superelasticity associated to martensitic transformation is an additional mechanism which allows absorbing mechanical energy associated to wear phenomena as opposed to conventional ductile alloys where severe plastic deformation affects several tens of micrometres below the surface.

  2. Scuffing of aluminum/steel contacts under dry sliding conditions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sheiretov, Todor Konstantinov

    Some typical applications where scuffing may occur are gear teeth, piston rings and cylinder pairs, cams and followers, splines, sleeve bearings, and parts of swash and wobble plate compressors. Unlike other tribology-related failures, scuffing occurs very fast, without any warning, and usually leads to the complete destruction of the sliding pair. Practical experience with steel has helped to outline safe ranges of operation for some components. Very little, however, is known about aluminum, which is the second most commonly used engineering metal. The aim of this study is to obtain a better understanding scuffing and seizure of aluminum/steel contacts. The research includes an experimental study of scuffing of aluminum/steel contacts under dry sliding conditions, a study of the physics of the scuffing process, evaluation of various hypotheses for scuffing, and modeling of scuffing. The experiments are conducted in a custom-designed tribometer, which provides accurate control of the environmental conditions. Special instrumentation, experimental procedures and software are developed as a part of the experimental program. These provide a reliable reproduction and identification of scuffing under laboratory conditions. The scuffing characteristics of five materials are obtained in air and refrigerant (R134a) environments. The effects of load, sliding velocity, mechanical strength, environmental temperature, specimen geometry, time, loading history, and type of environment are evaluated. The mechanisms leading to scuffing are studied by examination of surfaces, subsurfaces and wear debris of specimens in the process of scuffing. Quantitative measurements of subsurface plastic strain are also obtained. The theoretical part of the study includes the development of a finite element model for the contact of runned-in rough surfaces and several other models for subsurface stresses, temperatures, and strains. These models provide information about the local conditions in

  3. Lubricant dynamics under sliding condition in disk drives

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wu, Lin

    2006-07-01

    In this paper, we develop a two-dimensional flow model for the lubricant flow dynamics under a sliding head in disk drives. Our two-dimensional model includes important physics such as viscous force, external air shearing stress, air bearing pressure, centrifugal force, disjoining pressure, and surface tension. Our analysis shows that the lubricant flow dynamics under the sliding condition is a fully two-dimensional phenomenon and the circumferential lubricant flow is strongly coupled to the radial flow. It is necessary to have a two-dimensional flow model that couples the circumferential and radial flows together and includes all important physics to achieve realistic predictions. Our results show that the external air shearing stress has a dominant effect on the lubricant flow dynamics. Both velocity slippage at wall and Poiseuille flow effects have to be considered in the evaluation of the air shearing stress under the head. The nonuniform air bearing pressure has a non-negligible effect on the lubricant film dynamics mostly through the Poiseuille flow effect on the air shearing stress but not from its direct pushing or sucking effect on the lubricant surface. Prediction of the formation of lubricant depletion tracks under a sliding head using the two-dimensional model agrees reasonably well with the existing experimental measurements.

  4. Reaction of perfluoroalkylpolyethers (PFPE) with 440C steel in vacuum under sliding conditions at room temperature

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mori, Shigeyuki; Morales, Wilfredo

    1989-01-01

    Reactions of perfluoroalkylpolyethers (PFPE: Fomblin, Demnum and Krytox) were studied during the sliding contact of stainless steel specimens under ultrahigh vacuum conditions. All three fluids reacted with the steel specimens during sliding. Fomblin, which has acetal linkages, decomposed under the sliding conditions generating gaseous products, (COF2 and fluorinated carbons) which were detected by a quadrupole mass spectrometer. Gaseous products were not detected for the Demnum and Krytox fluids. The amount of gaseous products from Fomblin increased with increasing sliding speed. At the end of the sliding experiments, the wear scar and deposits on the specimens were examined by small spot size XPS. The oxide layer on the specimen surface was removed during sliding, and metal fluorides were formed on the worn surface. The surface of the wear scar and deposits were covered with adsorbed PFPE. Based on these results, it was concluded that the decomposition reaction on Fomblin was initiated by contacting the fluid with a fresh metal surface which was formed during sliding.

  5. Onset of frictional sliding of rubber–glass contact under dry and lubricated conditions

    PubMed Central

    Tuononen, Ari J.

    2016-01-01

    Rubber friction is critical in many applications ranging from automotive tyres to cylinder seals. The process where a static rubber sample transitions to frictional sliding is particularly poorly understood. The experimental and simulation results in this paper show a completely different detachment process from the static situation to sliding motion under dry and lubricated conditions. The results underline the contribution of the rubber bulk properties to the static friction force. In fact, simple Amontons’ law is sufficient as a local friction law to produce the correct detachment pattern when the rubber material and loading conditions are modelled properly. Simulations show that micro-sliding due to vertical loading can release initial shear stresses and lead to a high static/dynamic friction coefficient ratio, as observed in the measurements. PMID:27291939

  6. Regularization of discontinuous foliations: Blowing up and sliding conditions via Fenichel theory

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Panazzolo, Daniel; da Silva, Paulo R.

    2017-12-01

    We study the regularization of an oriented 1-foliation F on M ∖ Σ where M is a smooth manifold and Σ ⊂ M is a closed subset, which can be interpreted as the discontinuity locus of F. In the spirit of Filippov's work, we define a sliding and sewing dynamics on the discontinuity locus Σ as some sort of limit of the dynamics of a nearby smooth 1-foliation and obtain conditions to identify whether a point belongs to the sliding or sewing regions.

  7. An Ice Track Equipped with Optical Sensors for Determining the Influence of Experimental Conditions on the Sliding Velocity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lungevics, J.; Jansons, E.; Gross, K. A.

    2018-02-01

    The ability to slide on ice has previously focused on the measurement of friction coefficient rather than the actual sliding velocity that is affected by it. The performance can only be directly measured by the sliding velocity, and therefore the objective was to design and setup a facility to measure velo-city, and determine how experimental conditions affect it. Optical sensors were placed on an angled ice track to provide sliding velocity measurements along three sections and the velocity for the total sliding distance. Experimental conditions included the surface roughness, ambient temperature and load. The effect of roughness was best reported with a Criterion of Contact that showed a similar sliding velocity for metal blocks abraded with sand paper smoother than 600 grit. Searching for the effect of temperature, the highest sliding velocity coincided with the previously reported lowest coefficient of ice friction. Load showed the greatest velocity increase at temperatures closer to the ice melting point suggesting that in such conditions metal block overcame friction forces more easily than in solid friction. Further research needs to be conducted on a longer ice track, with larger metal surfaces, heavier loads and higher velocities to determine how laboratory experiments can predict real-life situations.

  8. XPS analysis of 440C steel surfaces lubricated with perfluoropolyethers under sliding conditions in high vacuum

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Herrera-Fierro, Pilar; Masuko, Masabumi; Jones, William R., Jr.; Pepper, Stephen V.

    1994-01-01

    This work presents the results of the X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) analysis of AISI 440C ball surfaces lubricated with perfluoropolyether (PFPE) oils after friction experiments under sliding conditions at high load in air and vacuum environments. The PFPE lubricants tested were Demnum S100, Fomblin Z-25, and Krytox 143AB. It was found that all the PFPE lubricants were degraded by sliding contact causing the formation of inorganic fluorides on the metallic surfaces and a layer of organic decomposition products. KRYTOX 143AB was the least reactive of the three lubricants tested. It was also found that metal fluoride formed at off-scar areas. This suggests the formation of reactive species, such as COF2 or R(sub f)COF, during sliding experiments, which can diffuse through the lubricant film and react with the metallic surfaces away from the contact region. Comparison of reference specimens before sliding with those that had undergone the sliding tests showed that the amount of non-degraded PFPE remaining on the surface of the balls after the sliding experiments was greater than that of the balls without sliding.

  9. Selected Landscape Plants. Slide Script.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    McCann, Kevin

    This slide script, part of a series of slide scripts designed for use in vocational agriculture classes, deals with commercially important woody ornamental landscape plants. Included in the script are narrations for use with a total of 253 slides illustrating 92 different plants. Several slides are used to illustrate each plant: besides a view of…

  10. Sliding mode controller with modified sliding function for DC-DC Buck Converter.

    PubMed

    Naik, B B; Mehta, A J

    2017-09-01

    This article presents design of Sliding Mode Controller with proportional integral type sliding function for DC-DC Buck Converter for the controlled power supply. The converter with conventional sliding mode controller results in a steady state error in load voltage. The proposed modified sliding function improves the steady state and dynamic performance of the Convertor and facilitates better choices of controller tuning parameters. The conditions for existence of sliding modes for proposed control scheme are derived. The stability of the closed loop system with proposed sliding mode control is proved and improvement in steady state performance is exemplified. The idea of adaptive tuning for the proposed controller to compensate load variations is outlined. The comparative study of conventional and proposed control strategy is presented. The efficacy of the proposed strategy is endowed by the simulation and experimental results. Copyright © 2017 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  11. Sliding and rolling behavior of water droplets on an ordered nanoball matrix fluorocarbon polymer layer under simulated weather conditions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jiang, Xieqiang; Wan, Jie; Han, Haoxu; Wang, Yiping; Li, Kang; Wang, Qingjun

    2018-09-01

    Ordered nanoball matrix fluorocarbon polymer layers were produced with two different fluorocarbon polymers on an anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) surface. These treated surfaces each exhibited hydrophobicity or superhydrophobicity. The dynamic behavior of a droplet sliding down these surfaces was captured by high-speed photography under simulated weather conditions including at room temperature (25 °C) and low temperature (5 °C) with various relative humidities (30%-80%). By analyzing the trajectory of a marker in the captured video frame-by-frame, we distinguished the slipping and rolling behaviors and analyzed the internal fluidity by calculating the ratio of these two motions. Both the pore diameters of the substrate matrix and the environmental conditions play a dominant role in the resultant sliding acceleration of a water droplet. At room temperature (25 °C) and 30% relative humidity, the sliding acceleration of the droplet on the fluoropolymer layer decreased by 0.5 m·s-2 -0.6 m·s-2 as the pore diameters of the underlying AAO substrates increased. The sliding acceleration underwent a 25%-50% decrease under extreme environmental conditions (5 °C and 80% RH). These phenomena proved that a wetting transition from the Cassie-Baxter model to the Wenzel model can partially occur under various weather conditions.

  12. Analysis of slide exploration strategy of cytologists when reading digital slides

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pantanowitz, Liron; Parwani, Anil; Tseytlin, Eugene; Mello-Thoms, Claudia

    2012-02-01

    Cytology is the sub-domain of Pathology that deals mainly with the diagnosis of cellular changes caused by disease. Current clinical practice involves a cytotechnologist that manually screens glass slides containing fixed cytology material using a light microscope. Screened slides are then forwarded to a specialized pathologist, a cytopathologist, for microscopic review and final diagnostic interpretation. If no abnormalities are detected, the specimen is interpreted as "normal", otherwise the abnormalities are marked with a pen on the glass slide by the cytotechnologist and then are used to render a diagnosis. As Pathology is migrating towards a digital environment it is important to determine whether these crucial screening and diagnostic tasks can be performed as well using digital slides as the current practice with glass slides. The purpose of this work is to make this assessment, by using a set of digital slides depicting cytological materials of different disease processes in several organs, and then to analyze how different cytologists including cytotechnologists, cytopathologists and cytotechnology-trainees explored the digital slides. We will (1) collect visual search data from the cytologists as they navigate the digital slides, as well as record any electronic marks (annotations) made by the cytologists; (2) convert the dynamic visual search data into a static representation of the observers' exploration strategy using 'search maps'; and (3) determine slide coverage, per viewing magnification range, for each group. We have developed a virtual microscope to collect this data, and this interface allows for interactive navigation of the virtual slide (including panning and zooming), as well as annotation of reportable findings. Furthermore, all interactions with the interface are time stamped, which allows us to recreate the cytologists' search strategy.

  13. Prototype Slide Stainer

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1971-01-01

    The prototype slide staining system capable of performing both one-component Wright's staining of blood smears and eight-step Gram staining of heat fixed slides of microorganisms is described. Attention was given to liquid containment, waste handling, absence of contamination from previous staining, and stability of the staining reagents. The unit is self-contained, capable of independent operation under one- or zero-g conditions, and compatible with Skylab A.

  14. Sliding-window analysis tracks fluctuations in amygdala functional connectivity associated with physiological arousal and vigilance during fear conditioning.

    PubMed

    Baczkowski, Blazej M; Johnstone, Tom; Walter, Henrik; Erk, Susanne; Veer, Ilya M

    2017-06-01

    We evaluated whether sliding-window analysis can reveal functionally relevant brain network dynamics during a well-established fear conditioning paradigm. To this end, we tested if fMRI fluctuations in amygdala functional connectivity (FC) can be related to task-induced changes in physiological arousal and vigilance, as reflected in the skin conductance level (SCL). Thirty-two healthy individuals participated in the study. For the sliding-window analysis we used windows that were shifted by one volume at a time. Amygdala FC was calculated for each of these windows. Simultaneously acquired SCL time series were averaged over time frames that corresponded to the sliding-window FC analysis, which were subsequently regressed against the whole-brain seed-based amygdala sliding-window FC using the GLM. Surrogate time series were generated to test whether connectivity dynamics could have occurred by chance. In addition, results were contrasted against static amygdala FC and sliding-window FC of the primary visual cortex, which was chosen as a control seed, while a physio-physiological interaction (PPI) was performed as cross-validation. During periods of increased SCL, the left amygdala became more strongly coupled with the bilateral insula and anterior cingulate cortex, core areas of the salience network. The sliding-window analysis yielded a connectivity pattern that was unlikely to have occurred by chance, was spatially distinct from static amygdala FC and from sliding-window FC of the primary visual cortex, but was highly comparable to that of the PPI analysis. We conclude that sliding-window analysis can reveal functionally relevant fluctuations in connectivity in the context of an externally cued task. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. Tribological behaviour of orthodontic archwires under dry and wet sliding conditions in-vitro. I--Frictional behaviour.

    PubMed

    Berradja, Abdenacer; Willems, Guy; Celis, Jean-Pierre

    2006-05-01

    To evaluate the frictional behaviour of orthodontic archwires in dry and wet conditions in-vitro. Two types of archwire materials were investigated: stainless steel and NiTi. A fretting wear tribometer fitted with an alumina ball was operated at 23 degrees C in three different environments: ambient air with 50 per cent relative humidity, 0.9 wt. per cent sodium chloride solution, and deionised water. NiTi archwires sliding against alumina exhibited high coefficients of friction (about 0.6) in the three environments. Stainless steel archwires sliding against alumina had relatively low coefficients of friction (0.3) in the solutions, but high coefficients (0.8) in air. The low frictional forces of the stainless steel wires sliding against alumina in the solutions were due to a lubricating effect of the solutions and corrosion-wear debris. The high frictional forces between the NiTi wires and alumina are attributed to an abrasive interfacial transfer film between the wires and alumina.

  16. Dynamic Sliding Analysis of a Gravity Dam with Fluid-Structure-Foundation Interaction Using Finite Elements and Newmark's Sliding Block Analysis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Goldgruber, Markus; Shahriari, Shervin; Zenz, Gerald

    2015-11-01

    To reduce the natural hazard risks—due to, e.g., earthquake excitation—seismic safety assessments are carried out. Especially under severe loading, due to maximum credible or the so-called safety evaluation earthquake, critical infrastructure, as these are high dams, must not fail. However, under high loading local failure might be allowed as long as the entire structure does not collapse. Hence, for a dam, the loss of sliding stability during a short time period might be acceptable if the cumulative displacements after an event are below an acceptable value. This performance is not only valid for gravity dams but also for rock blocks as sliding is even more imminent in zones with higher seismic activity. Sliding modes cannot only occur in the dam-foundation contact, but also in sliding planes formed due to geological conditions. This work compares the qualitative possible and critical displacements for two methods, the well-known Newmark's sliding block analysis and a Fluid-Foundation-Structure Interaction simulation with the finite elements method. The results comparison of the maximum displacements at the end of the seismic event of the two methods depicts that for high friction angles, they are fairly close. For low friction angles, the results are differing more. The conclusion is that the commonly used Newmark's sliding block analysis and the finite elements simulation are only comparable for high friction angles, where this factor dominates the behaviour of the structure. Worth to mention is that the proposed simulation methods are also applicable to dynamic rock wedge problems and not only to dams.

  17. The Influence of Sliding and Contact Severity on the Generation of White Etching Cracks

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

    Gould, Benjamin; Greco, Aaron

    2015-10-17

    White etching cracks (WECs) have been identified as the dominant mechanism of premature failure for bearings within wind turbine gearboxes. Though WECs have been observed in the field for over a decade, the exact mechanisms which lead to this failure are still debated, and benchtop replication has proven difficult. In previously published work, WECs have been replicated only through the use of component level test rigs, where complete bearings are tested. In these tests, the factors that are thought to drive the formation of WECs, such as slide-to-roll ratio (SRR) and lubricant film thickness, cannot not be easily altered ormore » controlled. In this paper, WECs have been replicated on a three rings on roller, benchtop test rig, which allowed for a direct investigation into the influence that SRR magnitude, sliding direction, and the lubricant film thickness have on surface failures and WEC generation. It was determined that WEC were formed in samples that experienced -30% SRR at various lubrication conditions, however, at lower levels of negative SRR and positive SRR up to 30% no white-etching cracks were observed.« less

  18. T-Slide Linear Actuators

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Vranish, John

    2009-01-01

    T-slide linear actuators use gear bearing differential epicyclical transmissions (GBDETs) to directly drive a linear rack, which, in turn, performs the actuation. Conventional systems use a rotary power source in conjunction with a nut and screw to provide linear motion. Non-back-drive properties of GBDETs make the new actuator more direct and simpler. Versions of this approach will serve as a long-stroke, ultra-precision, position actuator for NASA science instruments, and as a rugged, linear actuator for NASA deployment duties. The T slide can operate effectively in the presence of side forces and torques. Versions of the actuator can perform ultra-precision positioning. A basic T-slide actuator is a long-stroke, rack-and-pinion linear actuator that, typically, consists of a T-slide, several idlers, a transmission to drive the slide (powered by an electric motor) and a housing that holds the entire assembly. The actuator is driven by gear action on its top surface, and is guided and constrained by gear-bearing idlers on its other two parallel surfaces. The geometry, implemented with gear-bearing technology, is particularly effective. An electronic motor operating through a GBDET can directly drive the T slide against large loads, as a rack and pinion linear actuator, with no break and no danger of back driving. The actuator drives the slide into position and stops. The slide holes position with power off and no brake, regardless of load. With the T slide configuration, this GBDET has an entire T-gear surface on which to operate. The GB idlers coupling the other two T slide parallel surfaces to their housing counterpart surfaces provide constraints in five degrees-of-freedom and rolling friction in the direction of actuation. Multiple GB idlers provide roller bearing strength sufficient to support efficient, rolling friction movement, even in the presence of large, resisting forces. T-slide actuators can be controlled using the combination of an off

  19. Robust passive control for a class of uncertain neutral systems based on sliding mode observer.

    PubMed

    Liu, Zhen; Zhao, Lin; Kao, Yonggui; Gao, Cunchen

    2017-01-01

    The passivity-based sliding mode control (SMC) problem for a class of uncertain neutral systems with unmeasured states is investigated. Firstly, a particular non-fragile state observer is designed to generate the estimations of the system states, based upon which a novel integral-type sliding surface function is established for the control process. Secondly, a new sufficient condition for robust asymptotic stability and passivity of the resultant sliding mode dynamics (SMDs) is obtained in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Thirdly, the finite-time reachability of the predesigned sliding surface is ensured by resorting to a novel adaptive SMC law. Finally, the validity and superiority of the scheme are justified via several examples. Copyright © 2016 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  20. Deformation and stabilisation mechanisms of slow rock slides in crystalline bedrock

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zangerl, C.; Prager, C.

    2009-04-01

    Deep-seated rock slides are slope instabilities which are characterised by deformation along one or several shear zones where most of the measured total slope displacement localizes. Generally, a high danger potential is given when rock slides fail in a rapid manner characterised by very high sliding velocities and/or when they develop into long run-out rock avalanches. However several field surveys and deformation monitoring data show that numerous deep-seated rock slides do not fail in a high velocity regime. In fact, many slides creep downwards at rates of some centimetres per year or even less and do not show any evidence for non-reversible acceleration in the past or in the future. Furthermore some of these slope instabilities are actually inactive (dormant) or have even reached a stabilised final state. Deformation monitoring on active rock slides show that acceleration phases characterised by velocities up to meters per day can occur. The trigger for these phases can be manifold and include heavy rainfall, snow melt, water level fluctuations of reservoirs at the slope foot, changes in the slope's equilibrium state due to antecedent slow creeping processes, changes in the material behaviour within the sliding zone, erosion along the foot of the slope, etc. Whereas the role of these triggers in promoting phases of acceleration are generally understood, the same can not be said regarding the kinematics and dynamic processes/mechanisms by which rock slide masses re-stabilise once the trigger impetus has been removed. In the context of this study the term "stabilisation" is used for rock slides which decelerate from high velocities to slow base activities or even stop moving after a certain amount of displacement. Given that reliable rock slide forecasts require the fundamental understanding of possible slope stabilisation mechanisms this study focuses on field-based and numerically obtained key-properties which influence the long-term slope deformation behaviour

  1. 3D finite element modeling of sliding wear

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Buentello Hernandez, Rodolfo G.

    Wear is defined as "the removal of material volume through some mechanical process between two surfaces". There are many mechanical situations that can induce wear and each can involve many wear mechanisms. This research focuses on the mechanical wear due to dry sliding between two surfaces. Currently there is a need to identify and compare materials that would endure sliding wear under severe conditions such as high velocities. The high costs associated with the field experimentation of systems subject to high-speed sliding, has prevented the collection of the necessary data required to fully characterize this phenomena. Simulating wear through Finite Elements (FE) would enable its prediction under different scenarios and would reduce experimentation costs. In the aerospace, automotive and weapon industries such a model can aid in material selection, design and/or testing of systems subjected to wear in bearings, gears, brakes, gun barrels, slippers, locomotive wheels, or even rocket test tracks. The 3D wear model presented in this dissertation allows one to reasonably predict high-speed sliding mechanical wear between two materials. The model predictions are reasonable, when compared against those measured on a sled slipper traveling over the Holloman High Speed Tests Track. This slipper traveled a distance of 5,816 meters in 8.14 seconds and reached a maximum velocity of 1,530 m/s.

  2. World petroleum assessment 2000; compiled PowerPoint slides

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Ahlbrandt, Thomas S.

    2001-01-01

    The slides in this compilation have been produced for a number of presentations on the World Petroleum Assessment 20000. Many of the figures are taken directly form the publication "U.S. Geological Survey World Petroleum Assessment 2000" - Description and Results: USGS Digital Data Series DDS-60, 2000. Some of the slides are modifications of figures from DDS-60, some are new descriptive slides, and a few are new slides. Several of the slides appear to be duplicates, but in fact are slight modifications for format or content from the same image. Forty-one people participated in this effort as part of the World Energy Assessment Team. The full list of contributors is given ion DDS-60. 

  3. Heart attacks triggered by huge mud slides in mountain regions and severe flooding in inhabited areas.

    PubMed

    Nagayoshi, Yasuhiro; Yumoto, Shinya; Sakaguchi, Kazuhisa; Shudo, Chiharu; Takino, Shiro; Hashiyama, Motohiro; Kai, Yutaka; Kuroda, Yutaka; Kawano, Hiroaki; Ogawa, Hisao

    2015-02-01

    On July 12, 2012, heavy rains struck southwest Japan, particularly in the Mount Aso area. Huge mud slides in the mountains destroyed houses, and heavy rains caused severe flooding in the inhabited areas. We investigated the incidence of cardiovascular events after the disaster. We investigated patients who were admitted to the emergency department (ED) from July 12 to August 31 in 2012. We reviewed all patients with cardiovascular events, including acute myocardial infarction (AMI), angina attack, worsening of congestive heart failure (CHF), cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA), arrhythmias, tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy (TC), and symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE). The total number of cardiovascular events was 28 (14 supraventricular arrhythmias, 3 angina attacks, 1 AMI, 1 VTE, 4 CHF, 1 TC and 4 CPA). There was a significant increase in cardiovascular events during the follow-up period in 2012 in comparison with the average number of these events over the same time period during the prior 2 years (16.8 vs. 5.1/month, p<0.01). There was a sharp increase in cardiovascular events in the first week after the disaster. A second peak was observed 7 weeks after the disaster. Two patients with angina attack were previously diagnosed as having vasospastic angina. The incidence rate of AMI did not increase. An increase in cardiovascular events was observed after severe rainfalls and mud slides. Prevention of disaster-induced cardiovascular events should be a priority regardless of the magnitude of the disaster. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  4. Ankle Fusion Combined With Calcaneal Sliding Osteotomy for Severe Arthritic Ball and Socket Ankle Deformity.

    PubMed

    Cho, Byung-Ki; Park, Kyoung-Jin; Choi, Seung-Myung; Kang, Sang-Woo; Lee, Hyung-Ki

    2016-12-01

    Although a ball and socket ankle deformity is usually congenital and asymptomatic, abnormal inversion and eversion mobility can result in recurrent ankle sprain and osteoarthritis. This retrospective study was performed to evaluate the clinical and radiologic outcomes of ankle fusion combined with calcaneal sliding osteotomy for severe arthritic ball and socket ankle deformity. Fourteen patients with severe arthritic ball and socket ankle deformity were followed for more than 3 years after operation. The clinical evaluation consisted of American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, and subjective satisfaction score. The period to fusion and union of osteotomy, the change of hindfoot alignment angle, and complications were evaluated radiologically. AOFAS and FAAM scores were significantly improved from an average of 37.4 and 34.5 points to 74.6 and 78.5 points, respectively. VAS for pain with walking over 20 minutes was significantly improved from an average of 8.4 points to 1.9 points. The average satisfaction score of patients was 88.9 points. The difference in heel alignment angle (compared to contralateral side) was significantly improved from an average of 34.8 to 5.4 degrees. There were 2 cases of progressive arthritis in an adjacent joint and 1 case of failed fusion. Ankle fusion combined with calcaneal sliding osteotomy can be an effective operative option for ball and socket ankle deformity with advanced arthritis. In spite of increased complication rate, reliable pain relief, and restoration of gait ability through correcting hindfoot malalignment could improve the quality of life. Level IV, retrospective case series. © The Author(s) 2016.

  5. Large sliding inguino-scrotal hernia of the urinary bladder

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Ping; Huang, Yonggang; Ye, Jing; Gao, Guodong; Zhang, Fangjie; Wu, Hao

    2018-01-01

    Abstract Rationale: Sliding inguinal hernias of the urinary bladder are protrusions of the bladder through the internal inguinal ring, most of which are insignificant and diagnosed intra-operatively. Large inguino-scrotal bladder hernias commonly present with lower urinary tract symptoms and may cause severe complications, including bladder incarceration or necrosis, bladder hemorrhage, obstructive or neurogenic bladder dysfunction, and even renal failure. Patient concerns: We describe and discuss the clinical findings and management of a 59-year-old man who complained of a decrease in scrotal size after voiding and 2-stage voiding requiring pressure to the scrotum. Diagnoses: The patient was diagnosed preoperatively as massive, bilateral, inguinoscrotal hernias, and a large, left-sided, sliding bladder hernia. Interventions: The patient underwent a timely open re-peritoneal inguinal herniorrhaphy using a mesh. Outcomes: The surgical outcomes were good, and no surgical site infection, chronic postoperative inguinal pain or recurrence were recorded during the follow-up. Lessons: Better knowledge of this rare condition of large inguino-scrotal sliding bladder hernia could help in making a correct diagnosis preoperatively and provide proper surgical management timely, so as to reduce delay in treatment and avoid potential complications. PMID:29595706

  6. The experiment research of the friction sliding isolation structure

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Shirong; Li, Jiangle; Wang, Sheliang

    2018-04-01

    This paper investigated the theory of the friction sliding isolation structure, The M0S2 solid lubricant was adopted as isolation bearing friction materials, and a new sliding isolation bearing was designed and made. The formula of the friction factor and the compression stress was proposed. The feasibility of the material MoS2 used as the coating material in a friction sliding isolation system was tested on the 5 layers concrete frame model. Two application experiment conditions were presented. The results of the experiment research indicated that the friction sliding isolation technology have a good damping effect.

  7. Antiwear Additive Mechanisms in Sliding Contacts

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Baldwin, B. A.

    1984-01-01

    The possible mechanisms associated with wear in a sliding contact and how an oil and antiwear additive can mitigate wear or prevent catastropic seizure of the contacting parts was examined. The various load and temperature regimes are examined and the mechanisms which are predominant under these conditions are determined. The critical mechanism(s) depend on the test parameters, particularly load and temperature, although sliding speed is also a factor. Different ways to improve the efficiency of antiwear additives are suggested.

  8. Numerical Modelling of Tsunami Generated by Deformable Submarine Slides: Parameterisation of Slide Dynamics for Coupling to Tsunami Propagation Model

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Smith, R. C.; Collins, G. S.; Hill, J.; Piggott, M. D.; Mouradian, S. L.

    2015-12-01

    Numerical modelling informs risk assessment of tsunami generated by submarine slides; however, for large-scale slides modelling can be complex and computationally challenging. Many previous numerical studies have approximated slides as rigid blocks that moved according to prescribed motion. However, wave characteristics are strongly dependent on the motion of the slide and previous work has recommended that more accurate representation of slide dynamics is needed. We have used the finite-element, adaptive-mesh CFD model Fluidity, to perform multi-material simulations of deformable submarine slide-generated waves at real world scales for a 2D scenario in the Gulf of Mexico. Our high-resolution approach represents slide dynamics with good accuracy, compared to other numerical simulations of this scenario, but precludes tracking of wave propagation over large distances. To enable efficient modelling of further propagation of the waves, we investigate an approach to extract information about the slide evolution from our multi-material simulations in order to drive a single-layer wave propagation model, also using Fluidity, which is much less computationally expensive. The extracted submarine slide geometry and position as a function of time are parameterised using simple polynomial functions. The polynomial functions are used to inform a prescribed velocity boundary condition in a single-layer simulation, mimicking the effect the submarine slide motion has on the water column. The approach is verified by successful comparison of wave generation in the single-layer model with that recorded in the multi-material, multi-layer simulations. We then extend this approach to 3D for further validation of this methodology (using the Gulf of Mexico scenario proposed by Horrillo et al., 2013) and to consider the effect of lateral spreading. This methodology is then used to simulate a series of hypothetical submarine slide events in the Arctic Ocean (based on evidence of historic

  9. Frictional sliding inclusions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Huang, Jin H.; Furuhashi, R.; Mura, T.

    1993-02-01

    S OLUTIONS ARE presented in closed form by using an averaging method for inclusions sliding along an interface due to uniform eigenstrains precribed in the inclusions. The associated stress fields are also analytically determined. A parameter s is introduced to indicate the relative magnitude of sliding compared with the extreme cases of perfect bonding and perfect sliding. When the parameter s becomes zero, the present solution coincides with Eshelby's solution which is the perfectly bonded case. In contrast, when the parameter s is unity, the solution agrees with Volterra's solution (M URA and F URUHASHI, 1984, J. appl. Mech.51, 308] for the perfect sliding case. Because of non-uniform elastic fields caused by sliding along the interface, the well-known Eshelby tensor is modified for the sliding inclusions. Moreover, based on the Mori-Tanaka theory (M ORI and T ANAKA, 1973, Acta Metall.21, 571), an overall stress-strain relation is established to characterize the sliding effect on the overall elastic moduli.

  10. Sliding wear and friction behaviour of zircaloy-4 in water

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sharma, Garima; Limaye, P. K.; Jadhav, D. T.

    2009-11-01

    In water cooled nuclear reactors, the sliding of fuel bundles in fuel channel handling system can lead to severe wear and it is an important topic to study. In the present study, sliding wear behaviour of zircaloy-4 was investigated in water (pH ˜ 10.5) using ball-on-plate sliding wear tester. Sliding wear resistance zircaloy-4 against SS 316 was examined at room temperature. Sliding wear tests were carried out at different load and sliding frequencies. The coefficient of friction of zircaloy-4 was also measured during each tests and it was found to decrease slightly with the increase in applied load. The micro-mechanisms responsible for wear in zircaloy-4 were identified to be microcutting, micropitting and microcracking of deformed subsurface zones in water.

  11. Pressure vessel sliding support unit and system using the sliding support unit

    DOEpatents

    Breach, Michael R.; Keck, David J.; Deaver, Gerald A.

    2013-01-15

    Provided is a sliding support and a system using the sliding support unit. The sliding support unit may include a fulcrum capture configured to attach to a support flange, a fulcrum support configured to attach to the fulcrum capture, and a baseplate block configured to support the fulcrum support. The system using the sliding support unit may include a pressure vessel, a pedestal bracket, and a plurality of sliding support units.

  12. Failure mechanism of coated biomaterials under high impact-sliding contact stresses

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, Ying

    This study uses a newly developed testing method--- inclined cyclic impact-sliding test to investigate the failure behaviors of different types of biomaterials, (SS316L, Ti6Al4V and CoCr) coated by different coatings (TiN, DLC and PEO), under extremely high dynamic contact stress conditions. This test method can simulate the combined impact and sliding/rolling loading conditions, which is very practical in many aspects of commercial usages. During the tests, fatigue cracking, chipping, peeling and material transferring were observed in damaged area. This research is mainly focused on the failure behaviors of load-bearing materials which cyclic impacting and sliding are always involved. This purpose was accomplished in the three stages: First, impact-sliding test was carried out on TiN coated unhardened M2. It was found that soft substrate can cause early failure of coating due to the considerable plastic deformation in the substrate. In this case, stronger substrate is required to support coating better when tested under high contact stresses. Second, PEO coated Ti-6Al-4V was tested under pure sliding and impact-sliding wear conditions. PEO coating was found not strong enough to afford the high contact pressure under cyclic impact-sliding wear test due to its porous surface structure. However, the wear performance of PEO coating was enhanced due to the sub-stoichiometric oxide. To sum up, for load-bearing biomedical implants involved in high impacting movement, PEO coating may not be a promising surface protection. Third, the dense, smooth PVD/CVD bio-inert coatings were reconsidered. DLC and TiN coatings, combined by different substrates together with different interface materials were tested under the cyclic impact-sliding test using a set of proper loading. The results show that to choose a proper combination of coating, interface and substrate based on their mechanical properties is of great importance under the test condition. Hard substrates provide support

  13. Color standardization in whole slide imaging using a color calibration slide

    PubMed Central

    Bautista, Pinky A.; Hashimoto, Noriaki; Yagi, Yukako

    2014-01-01

    Background: Color consistency in histology images is still an issue in digital pathology. Different imaging systems reproduced the colors of a histological slide differently. Materials and Methods: Color correction was implemented using the color information of the nine color patches of a color calibration slide. The inherent spectral colors of these patches along with their scanned colors were used to derive a color correction matrix whose coefficients were used to convert the pixels’ colors to their target colors. Results: There was a significant reduction in the CIELAB color difference, between images of the same H & E histological slide produced by two different whole slide scanners by 3.42 units, P < 0.001 at 95% confidence level. Conclusion: Color variations in histological images brought about by whole slide scanning can be effectively normalized with the use of the color calibration slide. PMID:24672739

  14. Effect of Physicochemical Anomalies of Soda-Lime Silicate Slides on Biomolecule Immobilization

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2009-01-01

    roughness. EXPERIMENTAL SECTION Materials. Standard soda - lime glass microscope slides were obtained from several sources (Table 1). Rabbit anti-lipid A...had changed, confir- mation was obtained from the manufacturers that slides in set A1 were the same soda - lime glass slides as those in set A2 and...manufacture of soda - lime glass slides. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). To identify el- emental disparities in the glass surface, relative atomic

  15. Multifaceted re-analysis of the enigmatic Kitimat slide complex, Canada

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Stacey, Cooper D.; Lintern, D. Gwyn; Enkin, Randolph J.

    2018-07-01

    Repeat submarine landslides are challenging to study due to the tendency of subsequent slides to destroy previous deposits. Repeat slides are common in fjord head deltas where high amounts of sediment are focused in narrow valleys. This study examines a well-known slide deposit associated with the Kitimat Delta on Canada's west coast that has been linked to tsunamigenic landslides in 1974 and 1975. For the first time we incorporate multibeam bathymetry to a multifaceted dataset including new high resolution acoustic data and sediment cores to examine the history of submarine slides at the Kitimat Delta. Based on morphological analysis and age modelling using 210Pb and 14C data, we determine that the complex surface morphology of the slide lobe consists of at least two large slide deposits that reach 5 km from the delta: the known event that occurred in 1975 and an older event that occurred at 623 ± 83 cal BP (95% confidence interval). We demonstrate that slide deposits can be differentiated based on surface morphology and acoustic character. This is confirmed by age modelling. The 1975 slide resulted in a flow that ploughed through the seabed creating compression and translation along a basal shear plane, resulting in deep deformation and a surface characterized by pressure ridges. The 623 ± 83 cal BP event resulted in a large amount of blocky slide material that overran the former seafloor and was transported >5 km from the delta front. Several buried events are observed at depth, one of which occurred at 2592 ± 84 cal BP and appears to be on the same order of magnitude as the 1975 event and showing very similar acoustic characteristics. As for hazard implications, we show submarine landslides of varying sizes have naturally occurred on this delta throughout the past several thousand years.

  16. Rapid preparation of lecture slides.

    PubMed

    Persson, A V; Frusha, J D; Chevalier, R J

    1985-02-01

    When lecture slides must be prepared at a moment's notice, these methods of rapid preparation will allow you to create good quality slides. Although rush jobs are usually associated with higher costs, using these methods will keep the price per slide to a minimum. An investment must be made for the initial equipment, but the cost per slide is much less than that of slides produced by the standard methods. Type produced by typewriters or computer printers is adequate for most slides, but better slides can be produced with KroyType or Letraset letters. The KL film is preferred for reverse slides of text or line drawings, and the RPC film for production of radiographic slides. If an X-omat developer is not available, Polaroid film is a good alternative for rapid production of slides. The KL reverse slide projects best and can be colored, but RPC film produces a good positive slide of typed material. We have also photographed from a computer terminal screen using the KL film to make positive slides, the Polaroid continuous tone film for reverse slides, and Polaroid color film for color slides of material composed on a computer terminal with multicolor and graphics capabilities.

  17. A continuum treatment of sliding in Eulerian simulations of solid-solid and solid-fluid interfaces

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Subramaniam, Akshay; Ghaisas, Niranjan; Lele, Sanjiva

    2017-11-01

    A novel treatment of sliding is developed for use in an Eulerian framework for simulating elastic-plastic deformations of solids coupled with fluids. In this method, embedded interfacial boundary conditions for perfect sliding are imposed by enforcing the interface normal to be a principal direction of the Cauchy stress and appropriate consistency conditions ensure correct transmission and reflection of waves at the interface. This sliding treatment may be used either to simulate a solid-solid sliding interface or to incorporate an internal slip boundary condition at a solid-fluid interface. Sliding laws like the Coulomb friction law can also be incorporated with relative ease into this framework. Simulations of sliding interfaces are conducted using a 10th order compact finite difference scheme and a Localized Artificial Diffusivity (LAD) scheme for shock and interface capturing. 1D and 2D simulations are used to assess the accuracy of the sliding treatment. The Richmyer-Meshkov instability between copper and aluminum is simulated with this sliding treatment as a demonstration test case. Support for this work was provided through Grant B612155 from the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, US Department of Energy.

  18. Bifurcation of elastic solids with sliding interfaces

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bigoni, D.; Bordignon, N.; Piccolroaz, A.; Stupkiewicz, S.

    2018-01-01

    Lubricated sliding contact between soft solids is an interesting topic in biomechanics and for the design of small-scale engineering devices. As a model of this mechanical set-up, two elastic nonlinear solids are considered jointed through a frictionless and bilateral surface, so that continuity of the normal component of the Cauchy traction holds across the surface, but the tangential component is null. Moreover, the displacement can develop only in a way that the bodies in contact do neither detach, nor overlap. Surprisingly, this finite strain problem has not been correctly formulated until now, so this formulation is the objective of the present paper. The incremental equations are shown to be non-trivial and different from previously (and erroneously) employed conditions. In particular, an exclusion condition for bifurcation is derived to show that previous formulations based on frictionless contact or `spring-type' interfacial conditions are not able to predict bifurcations in tension, while experiments-one of which, ad hoc designed, is reported-show that these bifurcations are a reality and become possible when the correct sliding interface model is used. The presented results introduce a methodology for the determination of bifurcations and instabilities occurring during lubricated sliding between soft bodies in contact.

  19. The Munson-Nygren slide: A major lower-slope slide off Georges Bank

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    O'Leary, Dennis W.

    1986-01-01

    The Munson-Nygren slide is a large compound slide located between Munson and Nygren Canyons below 1900 m depth on the Continental Slope off Georges Bank. Its structural and morphological features are recognized in high-resolution seismic-reflection profiles. The slide comprises an axial trough which has a relief as great as 325 m and a width of 6-10 km. The trough is flanked by displaced and disrupted strata for a total lateral extent of approximately 20 km and a downslope extent of at least 35 km. The slide is unrelated genetically to the adjacent canyons and may postdate Munson Canyon. There is evidence of plastic deformation at the base of the section subjected to sliding. Certain features of the slide complex resemble those seen in landforms on the Laurentian Rise and attributed by Emery et al.* * Emery et al. (1970). to the 1929 Grand Banks earthquake. The Munson-Nygren slide may have been triggered by a large earthquake in late Pleistocene time or later. Destructional landforms associated with the slide are similar to those widely present along the lower slope off Georges Bank. ?? 1986.

  20. Manual stage acquisition and interactive display of digital slides in histopathology.

    PubMed

    Gherardi, Alessandro; Bevilacqua, Alessandro

    2014-07-01

    More powerful PC architectures, high-resolution cameras working at increasing frame rates, and more and more accurate motorized microscopes have boosted new applications in the field of biomedicine and medical imaging. In histopathology, the use of digital slides (DSs) imaging through dedicated hardware for digital pathology is increasing for several reasons: digital annotation of suspicious lesions, recorded clinical history, and telepathology as a collaborative environment. In this paper, we propose the first method known in the literature for real-time whole slide acquisition and displaying conceived for conventional nonautomated microscopes. Differently from DS scanner, our software enables biologists and histopathologists to build and view the DS in real time while inspecting the sample, as they are accustomed to. In addition, since our approach is compliant with existing common microscope positions, provided with camera and PC, this could contribute to disseminate the whole slide technology in the majority of small labs not endowed with DS hardware facilities. Experiments performed with different histologic specimens (referring to tumor tissues of different body parts as well as to tumor cells), acquired under different setup conditions and devices, prove the effectiveness of our approach both in terms of quality and speed performances.

  1. Numerical Modeling of Sliding Stability of RCC dam

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mughieda, O.; Hazirbaba, K.; Bani-Hani, K.; Daoud, W.

    2017-06-01

    Stability and stress analyses are the most important elements that require rigorous consideration in design of a dam structure. Stability of dams against sliding is crucial due to the substantial horizontal load that requires sufficient and safe resistance to develop by mobilization of adequate shearing forces along the base of the dam foundation. In the current research, the static sliding stability of a roller-compacted-concrete (RCC) dam was modelled using finite element method to investigate the stability against sliding. A commercially available finite element software (SAP 2000) was used to analyze stresses in the body of the dam and foundation. A linear finite element static analysis was performed in which a linear plane strain isoperimetric four node elements was used for modelling the dam-foundation system. The analysis was carried out assuming that no slip will occur at the interface between the dam and the foundation. Usual static loading condition was applied for the static analysis. The greatest tension was found to develop in the rock adjacent to the toe of the upstream slope. The factor of safety against sliding along the entire base of the dam was found to be greater than 1 (FS>1), for static loading conditions.

  2. Applications and challenges of digital pathology and whole slide imaging.

    PubMed

    Higgins, C

    2015-07-01

    Virtual microscopy is a method for digitizing images of tissue on glass slides and using a computer to view, navigate, change magnification, focus and mark areas of interest. Virtual microscope systems (also called digital pathology or whole slide imaging systems) offer several advantages for biological scientists who use slides as part of their general, pharmaceutical, biotechnology or clinical research. The systems usually are based on one of two methodologies: area scanning or line scanning. Virtual microscope systems enable automatic sample detection, virtual-Z acquisition and creation of focal maps. Virtual slides are layered with multiple resolutions at each location, including the highest resolution needed to allow more detailed review of specific regions of interest. Scans may be acquired at 2, 10, 20, 40, 60 and 100 × or a combination of magnifications to highlight important detail. Digital microscopy starts when a slide collection is put into an automated or manual scanning system. The original slides are archived, then a server allows users to review multilayer digital images of the captured slides either by a closed network or by the internet. One challenge for adopting the technology is the lack of a universally accepted file format for virtual slides. Additional challenges include maintaining focus in an uneven sample, detecting specimens accurately, maximizing color fidelity with optimal brightness and contrast, optimizing resolution and keeping the images artifact-free. There are several manufacturers in the field and each has not only its own approach to these issues, but also its own image analysis software, which provides many options for users to enhance the speed, quality and accuracy of their process through virtual microscopy. Virtual microscope systems are widely used and are trusted to provide high quality solutions for teleconsultation, education, quality control, archiving, veterinary medicine, research and other fields.

  3. Robust sliding mode control applied to double Inverted pendulum system

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

    Mahjoub, Sonia; Derbel, Nabil; Mnif, Faical

    A three hierarchical sliding mode control is presented for a class of an underactuated system which can overcome the mismatched perturbations. The considered underactuated system is a double inverted pendulum (DIP), can be modeled by three subsystems. Such structure allows the construction of several designs of hierarchies for the controller. For all hierarchical designs, the asymptotic stability of every layer sliding mode surface and the sliding mode surface of subsystems are proved theoretically by Barbalat's lemma. Simulation results show the validity of these methods.

  4. Constitutive modelling of lubricants in concentrated contacts at high slide to roll ratios

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Tevaarwerk, J. L.

    1985-01-01

    A constitutive lubricant friction model for rolling/sliding concentrated contacts such as gears and cams was developed, based upon the Johnson and Tevaarwerk fluid rheology model developed earlier. The friction model reported herein differs from the earlier rheological models in that very large slide to roll ratios can now be accommodated by modifying the thermal response of the model. Also the elastic response of the fluid has been omitted from the model, thereby making it much simpler for use in the high slide to roll contacts. The effects of this simplification are very minimal on the outcome of the predicted friction losses (less than 1%). In essence then the lubricant friction model developed for the high slide to roll ratios treats the fluid in the concentrated contact as consisting of a nonlinear viscous element that is pressure, temperature, and strain rate dependent in its shear response. The fluid rheological constants required for the prediction of the friction losses at different contact conditions are obtained by traction measurements on several of the currently used gear lubricants. An example calculation, using this model and the fluid parameters obtained from the experiments, shows that it correctly predicts trends and magnitude of gear mesh losses measured elsewhere for the same fluids tested here.

  5. The Introduction of Crystallographic Concepts Using Lap-Dissolve Slide Techniques.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bodner, George M.; And Others

    1980-01-01

    Describes a method using lap-dissolve slide techniques with two or more slide projectors focused on a single screen for presenting visual effects that show structural features in extended arrays of atoms, or ions involving up to several hundred atoms. Presents an outline of an introduction to the structures of crystalline solids. (CS)

  6. Ultra-high temperature tensile properties of ODS steel claddings under severe accident conditions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yano, Y.; Tanno, T.; Oka, H.; Ohtsuka, S.; Inoue, T.; Kato, S.; Furukawa, T.; Uwaba, T.; Kaito, T.; Ukai, S.; Oono, N.; Kimura, A.; Hayashi, S.; Torimaru, T.

    2017-04-01

    Ultra-high temperature ring tensile tests were performed to investigate the tensile behavior of oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) steel claddings and wrapper materials under severe accident conditions with temperatures ranging from room temperature to 1400 °C which is close to the melting point of core materials. The experimental results showed that the tensile strength of 9Cr-ODS steel claddings was highest in the core materials at ultra-high temperatures of 900-1200 °C, but there was significant degradation in the tensile strength of 9Cr-ODS steel claddings above 1200 °C. This degradation was attributed to grain boundary sliding deformation with γ/δ transformation, which is associated with reduced ductility. By contrast, the tensile strength of recrystallized 12Cr-ODS and FeCrAl-ODS steel claddings retained its high value above 1200 °C, unlike the other tested materials.

  7. Semantic focusing allows fully automated single-layer slide scanning of cervical cytology slides.

    PubMed

    Lahrmann, Bernd; Valous, Nektarios A; Eisenmann, Urs; Wentzensen, Nicolas; Grabe, Niels

    2013-01-01

    Liquid-based cytology (LBC) in conjunction with Whole-Slide Imaging (WSI) enables the objective and sensitive and quantitative evaluation of biomarkers in cytology. However, the complex three-dimensional distribution of cells on LBC slides requires manual focusing, long scanning-times, and multi-layer scanning. Here, we present a solution that overcomes these limitations in two steps: first, we make sure that focus points are only set on cells. Secondly, we check the total slide focus quality. From a first analysis we detected that superficial dust can be separated from the cell layer (thin layer of cells on the glass slide) itself. Then we analyzed 2,295 individual focus points from 51 LBC slides stained for p16 and Ki67. Using the number of edges in a focus point image, specific color values and size-inclusion filters, focus points detecting cells could be distinguished from focus points on artifacts (accuracy 98.6%). Sharpness as total focus quality of a virtual LBC slide is computed from 5 sharpness features. We trained a multi-parameter SVM classifier on 1,600 images. On an independent validation set of 3,232 cell images we achieved an accuracy of 94.8% for classifying images as focused. Our results show that single-layer scanning of LBC slides is possible and how it can be achieved. We assembled focus point analysis and sharpness classification into a fully automatic, iterative workflow, free of user intervention, which performs repetitive slide scanning as necessary. On 400 LBC slides we achieved a scanning-time of 13.9±10.1 min with 29.1±15.5 focus points. In summary, the integration of semantic focus information into whole-slide imaging allows automatic high-quality imaging of LBC slides and subsequent biomarker analysis.

  8. An energy-absorbing sliding seat for reducing neck injury risks in rear impact--analysis for prototype built.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Xiaowei; Zhou, Qing

    2016-01-01

    This study investigated overall performance of an energy-absorbing sliding seat concept for whiplash neck injury prevention. The sliding seat allows its seat pan to slide backward for some distance under certain restraint force to absorb crash energy in rear impacts. A numerical model that consisted of vehicle interior, seat, seat belt, and BioRID II dummy was built in MADYMO to evaluate whiplash neck injury in rear impact. A parametric study of the effects of sliding seat parameters, including position and cushion stiffness of head restraint, seatback cushion stiffness, recliner characteristics, and especially sliding energy-absorbing (EA) restraint force, on neck injury criteria was conducted in order to compare the effectiveness of the sliding seat concept with that of other existing anti-whiplash mechanisms. Optimal sliding seat design configurations in rear crashes of different severities were obtained. A sliding seat prototype with bending of a steel strip as an EA mechanism was fabricated and tested in a sled test environment to validate the concept. The performance of the sliding seat under frontal and rollover impacts was checked to make sure the sliding mechanism did not result in any negative effects. The protective effect of the sliding seat with EA restraint force is comparable to that of head restraint-based and recliner stiffness-based anti-whiplash mechanisms. EA restraint force levels of 3 kN in rear impacts of low and medium severities and 6 kN in impacts of high severity were obtained from optimization. In frontal collision and rollover, compared to the nonsliding seat, the sliding seat does not result in any negative effects on occupant protection. The sled test results of the sliding seat prototype have shown the effectiveness of the concept for reducing neck injury risks. As a countermeasure, the sliding seat with appropriate restraint forces can significantly reduce whiplash neck injury risk in rear impacts of low, medium, and high

  9. SlideJ: An ImageJ plugin for automated processing of whole slide images.

    PubMed

    Della Mea, Vincenzo; Baroni, Giulia L; Pilutti, David; Di Loreto, Carla

    2017-01-01

    The digital slide, or Whole Slide Image, is a digital image, acquired with specific scanners, that represents a complete tissue sample or cytological specimen at microscopic level. While Whole Slide image analysis is recognized among the most interesting opportunities, the typical size of such images-up to Gpixels- can be very demanding in terms of memory requirements. Thus, while algorithms and tools for processing and analysis of single microscopic field images are available, Whole Slide images size makes the direct use of such tools prohibitive or impossible. In this work a plugin for ImageJ, named SlideJ, is proposed with the objective to seamlessly extend the application of image analysis algorithms implemented in ImageJ for single microscopic field images to a whole digital slide analysis. The plugin has been complemented by examples of macro in the ImageJ scripting language to demonstrate its use in concrete situations.

  10. SlideJ: An ImageJ plugin for automated processing of whole slide images

    PubMed Central

    Baroni, Giulia L.; Pilutti, David; Di Loreto, Carla

    2017-01-01

    The digital slide, or Whole Slide Image, is a digital image, acquired with specific scanners, that represents a complete tissue sample or cytological specimen at microscopic level. While Whole Slide image analysis is recognized among the most interesting opportunities, the typical size of such images—up to Gpixels- can be very demanding in terms of memory requirements. Thus, while algorithms and tools for processing and analysis of single microscopic field images are available, Whole Slide images size makes the direct use of such tools prohibitive or impossible. In this work a plugin for ImageJ, named SlideJ, is proposed with the objective to seamlessly extend the application of image analysis algorithms implemented in ImageJ for single microscopic field images to a whole digital slide analysis. The plugin has been complemented by examples of macro in the ImageJ scripting language to demonstrate its use in concrete situations. PMID:28683129

  11. Passivity-based sliding mode control for a polytopic stochastic differential inclusion system.

    PubMed

    Liu, Leipo; Fu, Zhumu; Song, Xiaona

    2013-11-01

    Passivity-based sliding mode control for a polytopic stochastic differential inclusion (PSDI) system is considered. A control law is designed such that the reachability of sliding motion is guaranteed. Moreover, sufficient conditions for mean square asymptotic stability and passivity of sliding mode dynamics are obtained by linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Finally, two examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. © 2013 ISA. Published by ISA. All rights reserved.

  12. Impact of pavement conditions on crash severity.

    PubMed

    Li, Yingfeng; Liu, Chunxiao; Ding, Liang

    2013-10-01

    Pavement condition has been known as a key factor related to ride quality, but it is less clear how exactly pavement conditions are related to traffic crashes. The researchers used Geographic Information System (GIS) to link Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Crash Record Information System (CRIS) data and Pavement Management Information System (PMIS) data, which provided an opportunity to examine the impact of pavement conditions on traffic crashes in depth. The study analyzed the correlation between several key pavement condition ratings or scores and crash severity based on a large number of crashes in Texas between 2008 and 2009. The results in general suggested that poor pavement condition scores and ratings were associated with proportionally more severe crashes, but very poor pavement conditions were actually associated with less severe crashes. Very good pavement conditions might induce speeding behaviors and therefore could have caused more severe crashes, especially on non-freeway arterials and during favorable driving conditions. In addition, the results showed that the effects of pavement conditions on crash severity were more evident for passenger vehicles than for commercial vehicles. These results provide insights on how pavement conditions may have contributed to crashes, which may be valuable for safety improvement during pavement design and maintenance. Readers should notice that, although the study found statistically significant effects of pavement variables on crash severity, the effects were rather minor in reality as suggested by frequency analyses. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  13. WTP Pretreatment Facility Potential Design Deficiencies--Sliding Bed and Sliding Bed Erosion Assessment

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

    Hansen, E. K.

    2015-05-06

    This assessment is based on readily available literature and discusses both Newtonian and non-Newtonian slurries with respect to sliding beds and erosion due to sliding beds. This report does not quantify the size of the sliding beds or erosion rates due to sliding beds, but only assesses if they could be present. This assessment addresses process pipelines in the Pretreatment (PT) facility and the high level waste (HLW) transfer lines leaving the PT facility to the HLW vitrification facility concentrate receipt vessel.

  14. High-temperature friction and wear studies of Fe-Cu-Sn alloy with graphite as solid lubricant under dry sliding conditions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mushtaq, Shuhaib; Wani, M. F.

    2018-02-01

    Solid lubricants are particularly used in the advanced mechanical motion systems with extreme conditions such as (high temperature, vacuum, radiation, extreme contact pressure, etc). The main focus of this paper is to study the dry sliding friction and wear behavior of Fe-Cu-Sn alloy with varying wt% of graphite at high temperature up to 423 K. The influence of temperature, sliding distance and load on friction and wear behavior of Fe-Cu-Sn alloy against EN8 steel was studied using ball (EN8) on disc (Fe-Cu-Sn alloy). Lower wear and lower friction of Fe-Cu-Sn alloy were observed at high temperature, as compared to room temperature. Surface morphological and surface analytical studies of fresh and worn surfaces were carried out using optical microscopy, 3D profilometer, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, XRD, and Raman spectroscopy to understand the friction and wear behavior.

  15. Fundamentals of the Slide Library.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Boerner, Susan Zee

    This paper is an introduction to the fundamentals of the art (including architecture) slide library, with some emphasis on basic procedures of the science slide library. Information in this paper is particularly relevant to the college, university, and museum slide library. Topics addressed include: (1) history of the slide library; (2) duties of…

  16. Boveri's research at the Zoological Station Naples: Rediscovery of his original microscope slides at the University of Würzburg.

    PubMed

    Scheer, Ulrich

    2018-02-14

    Eric Davidson once wrote about Theodor Boveri: "From his own researches, and perhaps most important, his generalized interpretations, derive the paradigms that underlie modern inquiries into the genomic basis of embryogenesis" (Davidson, 1985). As luck would have it, the "primary data" of Boveri's experimental work, namely the microscope slides prepared by him and his wife Marcella during several stays at the Zoological Station in Naples (1901/02, 1911/12 and 1914), have survived at the University of Würzburg. More than 600 slides exist and despite their age they are in a surprisingly good condition. The slides are labelled and dated in Boveri's handwriting and thus can be assigned to his published experimental work on sea urchin development. The results allowed Boveri to unravel the role of the cell nucleus and its chromosomes in development and inheritance. Here, I present an overview of the slides in the context of Boveri's work along with photographic images of selected specimens taken from the original slides. It is planned to examine the slides in more detail, take high-resolution focal image series of significant specimens and make them online available. Copyright © 2018 The Author. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. Projective synchronization of nonidentical fractional-order neural networks based on sliding mode controller.

    PubMed

    Ding, Zhixia; Shen, Yi

    2016-04-01

    This paper investigates global projective synchronization of nonidentical fractional-order neural networks (FNNs) based on sliding mode control technique. We firstly construct a fractional-order integral sliding surface. Then, according to the sliding mode control theory, we design a sliding mode controller to guarantee the occurrence of the sliding motion. Based on fractional Lyapunov direct methods, system trajectories are driven to the proposed sliding surface and remain on it evermore, and some novel criteria are obtained to realize global projective synchronization of nonidentical FNNs. As the special cases, some sufficient conditions are given to ensure projective synchronization of identical FNNs, complete synchronization of nonidentical FNNs and anti-synchronization of nonidentical FNNs. Finally, one numerical example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the obtained results. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  18. Automated single-slide staining device

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wilkins, J. R.; Mills, S. M. (Inventor)

    1977-01-01

    A simple apparatus and method is disclosed for making individual single Gram stains on bacteria inoculated slides to assist in classifying bacteria in the laboratory as Gram-positive or Gram-negative. The apparatus involves positioning a single inoculated slide in a stationary position and thereafter automatically and sequentially flooding the slide with increments of a primary stain, a mordant, a decolorizer, a counterstain and a wash solution in a sequential manner without the individual lab technician touching the slide and with minimum danger of contamination thereof from other slides.

  19. "Discoveries in Planetary Sciences": Slide Sets Highlighting New Advances for Astronomy Educators

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Brain, David; Schneider, N.; Molaverdikhani, K.; Afsharahmadi, F.

    2012-10-01

    We present two new features of an ongoing effort to bring recent newsworthy advances in planetary science to undergraduate lecture halls. The effort, called 'Discoveries in Planetary Sciences', summarizes selected recently announced discoveries that are 'too new for textbooks' in the form of 3-slide PowerPoint presentations. The first slide describes the discovery, the second slide discusses the underlying planetary science concepts at a level appropriate for students of 'Astronomy 101', and the third presents the big picture implications of the discovery. A fourth slide includes links to associated press releases, images, and primary sources. This effort is generously sponsored by the Division for Planetary Sciences of the American Astronomical Society, and the slide sets are available at http://dps.aas.org/education/dpsdisc/ for download by undergraduate instructors or any interested party. Several new slide sets have just been released, and we summarize the topics covered. The slide sets are also being translated into languages other than English (including Spanish and Farsi), and we will provide an overview of the translation strategy and process. Finally, we will present web statistics on how many people are using the slide sets, as well as individual feedback from educators.

  20. Using monitoring and modeling to define the hazard posed by the reactivated Ferguson rock slide, Merced Canyon, California

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    De Graff, Jerome V.; Gallegos, Alan J.; Reid, Mark E.; Lahusen, Richard G.; Denlinger, Roger P.

    2015-01-01

    Rapid onset natural disasters such as large landslides create a need for scientific information about the event, which is vital to ensuring public safety, restoring infrastructure, preventing additional damage, and resuming normal economic activity. At the same time, there is limited data available upon which to base reliable scientific responses. Monitoring movement and modeling runout are mechanisms for gaining vital data and reducing the uncertainty created about a rapid onset natural disaster. We examine the effectiveness of this approach during the 2006 Ferguson rock slide disaster, which severed California Highway 140. Even after construction of a bypass restoring normal access to the community of El Portal, CA and a major entrance to Yosemite National Park, significant scientific questions remained. The most important for the affected public and emergency service agencies was the likelihood that access would again be severed during the impending rainy season and the possibility of a landslide dam blocking flow in the Merced River. Real-time monitoring of the Ferguson rock slide yielded clear information on the continuing movement of the rock slide and its implications for emergency response actions. Similarly, simulation of runout deposits using a physically based model together with volumes and slope steepness information demonstrated the conditions necessary for a landslide dam-forming event and the possible consequences of such an event given the dimensions of potential rock slide deposits.

  1. A rolling-sliding bench test for investigating rear axle lubrication

    DOE PAGES

    Stump, Benjamin C.; Zhou, Yan; Viola, Michael B.; ...

    2018-02-07

    An automotive rear axle is composed of a set of hypoid gears, whose contact surfaces experience a complex combination of rolling contact fatigue damage and sliding wear. Full-scale rear axle dynamometer tests are used in the industry for efficiency and durability assessment. Here, this study developed a bench-scale rolling-sliding test protocol by simulating the contact pressure, oil temperature, and lubrication regime experienced in a dynamometer duty cycle test. Initial bench results have demonstrated the ability of generating both rolling contact-induced micropitting and sliding wear and the feasibility of investigating the impact of slide-to-roll ratio, surface roughness, test duration, and oilmore » temperature on the friction behavior, vibration noise, and surface damage. Finally, this bench test will allow studying candidate rear axle lubricants and materials under relevant conditions.« less

  2. A rolling-sliding bench test for investigating rear axle lubrication

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

    Stump, Benjamin C.; Zhou, Yan; Viola, Michael B.

    An automotive rear axle is composed of a set of hypoid gears, whose contact surfaces experience a complex combination of rolling contact fatigue damage and sliding wear. Full-scale rear axle dynamometer tests are used in the industry for efficiency and durability assessment. Here, this study developed a bench-scale rolling-sliding test protocol by simulating the contact pressure, oil temperature, and lubrication regime experienced in a dynamometer duty cycle test. Initial bench results have demonstrated the ability of generating both rolling contact-induced micropitting and sliding wear and the feasibility of investigating the impact of slide-to-roll ratio, surface roughness, test duration, and oilmore » temperature on the friction behavior, vibration noise, and surface damage. Finally, this bench test will allow studying candidate rear axle lubricants and materials under relevant conditions.« less

  3. Traction and film thickness measurements under starved elastohydrodynamic conditions

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wedeven, L. D.

    1974-01-01

    Traction measurements under starved elastohydrodynamic conditions were obtained for a point contact geometry. Simultaneous measurements of the film thickness and the locations of the inlet lubricant boundary were made optically. The thickness of a starved film for combination rolling and sliding conditions varies with the location of the inlet boundary in the same way found previously for pure rolling. A starved film was observed to possess greater traction than a flooded film for the same slide roll ratio. For a given slide roll ratio a starved film simply increases the shear rate in the Hertz region. The maximum shear rate depends on the degree of starvation and has no theoretical limit. Traction measurements under starved conditions were compared with flooded conditions under equivalent shear rates in the Hertz region. When the shear rates in the Hertz region were low and the film severely starved, the measured tractions were found to be much lower than expected.

  4. Baseball and softball sliding injuries: incidence and correlates during one high school league varsity season.

    PubMed

    Stovak, Mark; Parikh, Amit; Harvey, Anne T

    2012-11-01

    To estimate injury rates associated with sliding in high school baseball and softball. Prospective cohort study. Community high school athletic events. Ten high school varsity baseball and softball teams over 1 season. All sliding attempts were recorded during each game and recorded as headfirst, feetfirst, or diveback. Base type, playing surface, and field conditions were also noted. Injury exposure rates by game exposures and sliding/diveback exposures. Data were collected from 153 baseball games and 166 softball games. A greater proportion of slides were associated with injury in softball than in baseball (42.0 and 4.9 per 1000 slides; P < 0.05). Headfirst slides led to more injuries than feetfirst slides in baseball (16.8 vs 0 per 1000 slides; P < 0.05) but not in softball (55 vs 35 per 1000 slides; P = 0.74). More powerful studies are required to determine whether efforts to prevent baseball sliding injuries at the high school level should focus on better education in sliding technique or changes in equipment. Softball players are vulnerable to injury when wearing inadequate protective sliding apparel.

  5. Comparison of glass slides and various digital-slide modalities for cytopathology screening and interpretation.

    PubMed

    Hanna, Matthew G; Monaco, Sara E; Cuda, Jacqueline; Xing, Juan; Ahmed, Ishtiaque; Pantanowitz, Liron

    2017-09-01

    Whole-slide imaging in cytology is limited when glass slides are digitized without z-stacks for focusing. Different vendors have started to provide z-stacking solutions to overcome this limitation. The Panoptiq imaging system allows users to create digital files combining low-magnification panoramic images with regions of interest (ROIs) that are imaged with high-magnification z-stacks. The aim of this study was to compare such panoramic images with conventional whole-slide images and glass slides for the tasks of screening and interpretation in cytopathology. Thirty glass slides, including 10 ThinPrep Papanicolaou tests and 20 nongynecologic cytology cases, were digitized with an Olympus BX45 integrated microscope with an attached Prosilica GT camera. ViewsIQ software was used for image acquisition and viewing. These glass slides were also scanned on an Aperio ScanScope XT at ×40 (0.25 μm/pixel) with 1 z-plane and were viewed with ImageScope software. Digital and glass sides were screened and dotted/annotated by a cytotechnologist and were subsequently reviewed by 3 cytopathologists. For panoramic images, the cytotechnologist manually created digital maps and selected representative ROIs to generate z-stacks at a higher magnification. After 3-week washout periods, panoramic images were compared with Aperio digital slides and glass slides. The Panoptiq system permitted fine focusing of thick smears and cell clusters. In comparison with glass slides, the average screening times were 5.5 and 1.8 times longer with Panoptiq and Aperio images, respectively, but this improved with user experience. There was no statistical difference in diagnostic concordance between all 3 modalities. Users' diagnostic confidence was also similar for all modalities. The Aperio whole-slide scanner with 1 z-plane scanning and the Panoptiq imaging system with z-stacking are both suitable for cytopathology screening and interpretation. However, ROI z-stacks do offer a superior mechanism

  6. Sliding vane geometry turbines

    DOEpatents

    Sun, Harold Huimin; Zhang, Jizhong; Hu, Liangjun; Hanna, Dave R

    2014-12-30

    Various systems and methods are described for a variable geometry turbine. In one example, a turbine nozzle comprises a central axis and a nozzle vane. The nozzle vane includes a stationary vane and a sliding vane. The sliding vane is positioned to slide in a direction substantially tangent to an inner circumference of the turbine nozzle and in contact with the stationary vane.

  7. Design of sliding-mode observer for a class of uncertain neutral stochastic systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Zhen; Zhao, Lin; Zhu, Quanmin; Gao, Cunchen

    2017-05-01

    The problem of robust ? control for a class of uncertain neutral stochastic systems (NSS) is investigated by utilising the sliding-mode observer (SMO) technique. This paper presents a novel observer and integral-type sliding-surface design, based on which a new sufficient condition guaranteeing the resultant sliding-mode dynamics (SMDs) to be mean-square exponentially stable with a prescribed level of ? performance is derived. Then, an adaptive reaching motion controller is synthesised to lead the system to the predesigned sliding surface in finite-time almost surely. Finally, two illustrative examples are exhibited to verify the validity and superiority of the developed scheme.

  8. Investigation of Wear and Friction Properties Under Sliding Conditions of Some Materials Suitable for Cages of Rolling-Contact Bearings

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Johnson, Robert L; Swikert, Max A; Bisson, Edmond E

    1952-01-01

    An investigation of wear and friction properties of a number of materials sliding against SAE 52100 steel was conducted. These materials included brass, bronze, beryllium copper, monel, nichrome v, 24s-t aluminum, nodular iron, and gray cast iron. The metals investigated may be useful as possible cage (separator or retainer) materials for rolling-contact bearings of high-speed turbine engines. The ability of materials to form surface films that prevent welding is a most important factor in both dry friction and boundary lubrication. On the basis of wear and resistance to welding only, the cast irons were the most promising materials investigated; they showed the least wear and the least tendency to surface failure when run dry, and when boundary lubricated they showed the highest load capacity. On the basis of mechanical properties, nodular iron is superior to gray cast iron. Bronze had the lowest friction coefficient under dry sliding conditions. The results with brass, beryllium copper, and aluminum were poor and these materials do not appear, with regard to friction and wear, to be suitable for cages.

  9. Slide system for machine tools

    DOEpatents

    Douglass, S.S.; Green, W.L.

    1980-06-12

    The present invention relates to a machine tool which permits the machining of nonaxisymmetric surfaces on a workpiece while rotating the workpiece about a central axis of rotation. The machine tool comprises a conventional two-slide system (X-Y) with one of these slides being provided with a relatively short travel high-speed auxiliary slide which carries the material-removing tool. The auxiliary slide is synchronized with the spindle speed and the position of the other two slides and provides a high-speed reciprocating motion required for the displacement of the cutting tool for generating a nonaxisymmetric surface at a selected location on the workpiece.

  10. Slide system for machine tools

    DOEpatents

    Douglass, Spivey S.; Green, Walter L.

    1982-01-01

    The present invention relates to a machine tool which permits the machining of nonaxisymmetric surfaces on a workpiece while rotating the workpiece about a central axis of rotation. The machine tool comprises a conventional two-slide system (X-Y) with one of these slides being provided with a relatively short travel high-speed auxiliary slide which carries the material-removing tool. The auxiliary slide is synchronized with the spindle speed and the position of the other two slides and provides a high-speed reciprocating motion required for the displacement of the cutting tool for generating a nonaxisymmetric surface at a selected location on the workpiece.

  11. Mailing microscope slides

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Many insects feed agriculturally important crops, trees, and ornamental plants and cause millions of dollars of damage annually. Identification for some of these require the preparation of a microscope slide for examination. There are times when a microscope slide may need to be sent away to a speci...

  12. Modelling the initiation of basal sliding

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mantelli, E.; Schoof, C.

    2017-12-01

    The initiation of basal sliding is a thermally-controlled process that affects ice speed, englacial heat transport, and melt water production at the bed, and ultimately influences the large-scale dynamics of ice sheets. From a modelling perspective, describing the onset of sliding in thin-film models suitable for ice sheet scale simulations is problematic. In particular, previous work concluded that, under shallow-ice mechanics, the scenario of a hard switch from frozen to molten bed leads to an infinite vertical velocity at the onset, and higher-order mechanical formulations are needed to describe sliding initiation. An alternative view considers the occurrence of subtemperate sliding, which allows for a smooth sliding velocity across the onset. However, the sliding velocity decreases rapidly as temperature drops below the melting point, thus raising the issue of whether a mechanical model that does not resolve the ice sheet thickness scale is ever appropriate to model the onset of sliding. In this study we first present a boundary layer model for the hard switch scenario. Our analysis, which considers a thermo-mechanically coupled Stokes flow near the onset, shows that the abrupt onset of sliding is never possible. In fact, the acceleration of ice flow deflects the flowlines towards the bed, which freezes again immediately downstream to the onset. This leads to the conclusion that the sliding velocity must change smoothly across the onset, thus the temperature dependence of sliding needs to be taken into account. In this context, we examine a limiting case of standard temperature-dependent sliding laws, where sliding onset takes the form of an extended transition region interposed between fully frozen and temperate bed. In the transition region basal temperature is at the melting point, and the sliding velocity varies smoothly as dictated by the energy budget of the bed. As the extent of this region is not small compared to the ice sheet length scale, we couple

  13. The Timing of Online Lecture Slide Availability and Its Effect on Attendance, Participation, and Exam Performance

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Babb, Kimberley A.; Ross, Craig

    2009-01-01

    The use of PowerPoint slides has become an almost ubiquitous practice in university classrooms, however little research has examined whether the timing of lecture slide availability to students (either before or after lecture) affects classroom behaviour or exam performance. Using a 2 (slide availability condition) x 2 (course type)…

  14. An Easy Method for Preparing Presentation Slides.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wright, Norman A.; Blevins, Dennis D.

    1984-01-01

    Describes a simplified method of preparing 35mm projection slides with a minimum of equipment and expertise. The quality of these slides compares favorably to professionally produced diazo slides. Twenty-five slides can easily be prepared in less than three hours. Material cost per slide is comparable to professional color slide processing. (JN)

  15. Plastic deformation at surface during unlubricated sliding

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Yamamoto, T.; Buckley, D. H.

    1982-01-01

    The plastic deformation and wear of 304 stainless-steel surface slid against an aluminum oxide rider were observed by using a scanning electron microscope and an optical microscope. Experiments were conducted in a vacuum of 0.000001 Pa and in an environment of 0.0005 Pa chlorine gas at 25 C. The load was 500 grams and the sliding velocity was 0.5 centimeter per second. The deformed surface layer which accumulates and develops successively is left behind the rider, and step-shaped protuberances are developed even after single pass sliding under both environmental conditions. A fully developed surface layer is gradually torn off leaving a characteristic pattern. These observations result from both adhesion and an adhesive wear mechanism.

  16. The sliding-helix voltage sensor

    PubMed Central

    Peyser, Alexander; Nonner, Wolfgang

    2012-01-01

    The voltage sensor (VS) domain of voltage-gated ion channels underlies electrical excitability of living cells. We simulate a mesoscale model of the VS domain to determine the functional consequences of some of its physical elements. Our mesoscale model is based on VS charges, linear dielectrics and whole-body motion, applied to an S4 ‘sliding helix’. The electrostatics under voltage-clamped boundary conditions are solved consistently using a boundary element method. Based on electrostatic configurational energy, statistical-mechanical expectations of the experimentally observable relation between displaced charge and membrane voltage are predicted. Consequences of the model are investigated for variations of: S4 configuration (α- and 310-helical), countercharge alignment with S4 charges, protein polarizability, geometry of the gating canal, screening of S4 charges by the baths, and fixed charges located at the bath interfaces. The sliding helix VS domain has an inherent electrostatic stability in the explored parameter space: countercharges present in the region of weak dielectric always retain an equivalent S4 charge in that region but allow sliding movements displacing 3 to 4 e0. That movement is sensitive to small energy variations (< 2kT) along the path dependent on a number of electrostatic parameters tested in our simulations. These simulations show how the slope of the relation between displaced charge and voltage could be tuned in a channel. PMID:22907204

  17. Using slides to test for changes in crown defoliation assessment methods. Part I: Visual assessment of slides.

    PubMed

    Dobbertin, Matthias; Hug, Christian; Mizoue, Nobuya

    2004-11-01

    In this study we used photographs of tree crowns to test whether the assessment methods for tree defoliation in Switzerland have changed over time. We randomly selected 24 series of slides of Norway spruce with field assessments made between 1986 and 1995. The slides were randomly arranged and assessed by three experts without prior knowledge of the year when the slide was taken or the tree number. Defoliation was assessed using the Swiss reference photo guide. Although the correlations between the field assessments and slide assessments were high (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient ranged between 0.79 and 0.83), we found significant differences between field and slide assessments (4.3 to 9% underprediction by the slide assessors) and between the slide assessments. However, no significant trends in field assessment methods could be detected. When the mean differences between field and slide assessments were subtracted, in some years, field assessors consistently underpredicted (1990, 1992) or overpredicted defoliation (1987, 1991). Defoliation tended to be overpredicted in slides taken against the light, and underpredicted for trees with more than 25% crown overlap. We conclude that slide series can be used to detect changes in assessment methods. However, potential observer bias calls for more objective methods of assessment.

  18. Towards identifying the dynamics of sliding by acoustic emission and vibration

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Korchuganov, M. A.; Filippov, A. V.; Tarasov, S. Yu.; Podgornyh, O. A.; Shamarin, N. N.; Filippova, E. O.

    2016-11-01

    The results of experiments with high load and sliding speed sliding conditions on tribologically mated pairs such as steel 1045/steel 1045 (test 1), steel 1045/basalt (test 2) and Hadfield steel/basalt (test 3) have been carried out in order to identify their response in terms of the acoustic emission and vibration signals. The steel to rock and rock to steel transfer has been revealed by examining the worn surfaces of both steel and rock samples with the use of laser scanning microscopy. The AE signal characteristics have been determined for the tribological pairs studied. The dynamics of sliding has been evaluated by measuring the vibration accelerations. Relationship between wear mode and either acoustic emission signal or vibration signal has been established. The minimal vibration oscillations amplitude and acoustic emission signal energy have been found out in sliding Hadfield steel/basalt pair.

  19. Rock Slide Risk Assessment: A Semi-Quantitative Approach

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Duzgun, H. S. B.

    2009-04-01

    Rock slides can be better managed by systematic risk assessments. Any risk assessment methodology for rock slides involves identification of rock slide risk components, which are hazard, elements at risk and vulnerability. For a quantitative/semi-quantitative risk assessment for rock slides, a mathematical value the risk has to be computed and evaluated. The quantitative evaluation of risk for rock slides enables comparison of the computed risk with the risk of other natural and/or human-made hazards and providing better decision support and easier communication for the decision makers. A quantitative/semi-quantitative risk assessment procedure involves: Danger Identification, Hazard Assessment, Elements at Risk Identification, Vulnerability Assessment, Risk computation, Risk Evaluation. On the other hand, the steps of this procedure require adaptation of existing or development of new implementation methods depending on the type of landslide, data availability, investigation scale and nature of consequences. In study, a generic semi-quantitative risk assessment (SQRA) procedure for rock slides is proposed. The procedure has five consecutive stages: Data collection and analyses, hazard assessment, analyses of elements at risk and vulnerability and risk assessment. The implementation of the procedure for a single rock slide case is illustrated for a rock slope in Norway. Rock slides from mountain Ramnefjell to lake Loen are considered to be one of the major geohazards in Norway. Lake Loen is located in the inner part of Nordfjord in Western Norway. Ramnefjell Mountain is heavily jointed leading to formation of vertical rock slices with height between 400-450 m and width between 7-10 m. These slices threaten the settlements around Loen Valley and tourists visiting the fjord during summer season, as the released slides have potential of creating tsunami. In the past, several rock slides had been recorded from the Mountain Ramnefjell between 1905 and 1950. Among them

  20. Sliding mode controller for a photovoltaic pumping system

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    ElOugli, A.; Miqoi, S.; Boutouba, M.; Tidhaf, B.

    2017-03-01

    In this paper, a sliding mode control scheme (SMC) for maximum power point tracking controller for a photovoltaic pumping system, is proposed. The main goal is to maximize the flow rate for a water pump, by forcing the photovoltaic system to operate in its MPP, to obtain the maximum power that a PV system can deliver.And this, through the intermediary of a sliding mode controller to track and control the MPP by overcoming the power oscillation around the operating point, which appears in most implemented MPPT techniques. The sliding mode control approach is recognized as one of the efficient and powerful tools for nonlinear systems under uncertainty conditions.The proposed controller with photovoltaic pumping system is designed and simulated using MATLAB/SIMULINK environment. In addition, to evaluate its performances, a classical MPPT algorithm using perturb and observe (P&O) has been used for the same system to compare to our controller. Simulation results are shown.

  1. Whole slide images and digital media in pathology education, testing, and practice: the Oklahoma experience.

    PubMed

    Fung, Kar-Ming; Hassell, Lewis A; Talbert, Michael L; Wiechmann, Allan F; Chaser, Brad E; Ramey, Joel

    2012-01-01

    Examination of glass slides is of paramount importance in pathology training. Until the introduction of digitized whole slide images that could be accessed through computer networks, the sharing of pathology slides was a major logistic issue in pathology education and practice. With the help of whole slide images, our department has developed several online pathology education websites. Based on a modular architecture, this program provides online access to whole slide images, still images, case studies, quizzes and didactic text at different levels. Together with traditional lectures and hands-on experiences, it forms the back bone of our histology and pathology education system for residents and medical students. The use of digitized whole slide images has a.lso greatly improved the communication between clinicians and pathologist in our institute.

  2. Whole Slide Images and Digital Media in Pathology Education, Testing, and Practice: The Oklahoma Experience

    PubMed Central

    Fung, Kar-Ming; Hassell, Lewis A.; Talbert, Michael L.; Wiechmann, Allan F.; Chaser, Brad E.; Ramey, Joel

    2012-01-01

    Examination of glass slides is of paramount importance in pathology training. Until the introduction of digitized whole slide images that could be accessed through computer networks, the sharing of pathology slides was a major logistic issue in pathology education and practice. With the help of whole slide images, our department has developed several online pathology education websites. Based on a modular architecture, this program provides online access to whole slide images, still images, case studies, quizzes and didactic text at different levels. Together with traditional lectures and hands-on experiences, it forms the back bone of our histology and pathology education system for residents and medical students. The use of digitized whole slide images has a.lso greatly improved the communication between clinicians and pathologist in our institute. PMID:21965282

  3. Research on Synthetic Aperture Radar Processing for the Spaceborne Sliding Spotlight Mode.

    PubMed

    Shen, Shijian; Nie, Xin; Zhang, Xinggan

    2018-02-03

    Gaofen-3 (GF-3) is China' first C-band multi-polarization synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite, which also provides the sliding spotlight mode for the first time. Sliding-spotlight mode is a novel mode to realize imaging with not only high resolution, but also wide swath. Several key technologies for sliding spotlight mode in spaceborne SAR with high resolution are investigated in this paper, mainly including the imaging parameters, the methods of velocity estimation and ambiguity elimination, and the imaging algorithms. Based on the chosen Convolution BackProjection (CBP) and PFA (Polar Format Algorithm) imaging algorithms, a fast implementation method of CBP and a modified PFA method suitable for sliding spotlight mode are proposed, and the processing flows are derived in detail. Finally, the algorithms are validated by simulations and measured data.

  4. Performance of lead-rubber and sliding bearings under different axial load and velocity conditions.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2008-05-01

    A series of tests on full scale devices for bridge application were completed. Two types of isolators were considered: lead-rubber bearings and sliding bearings. The main performance characteristics of these devices were already acquired through exte...

  5. Sliding enhances fluid and solute transport into buried articular cartilage contacts.

    PubMed

    Graham, B T; Moore, A C; Burris, D L; Price, C

    2017-12-01

    Solutes and interstitial water are naturally transported from cartilage by load-induced interstitial fluid pressures. Fluid and solute recovery during joint articulation have been primarily attributed to passive diffusion and mechanical 'pumping' from dynamic loading. This paper tests if the sliding action of articulation is a significant and independent driver of fluid and solute transport in cartilage. The large osteochondral samples utilized in the present study preserve the convergent wedges necessary for physiological hydrodynamics. Following static load-induced fluid exudation and prior to sliding, a fluorescent solute (AlexaFluor 633) was added to the lubricant bath. In situ confocal microscopy was used to quantify the transport of solute from the bath into the buried stationary contact area (SCA) during sliding. Following static exudation, significant reductions in friction and strain during sliding at 60 mm/s were accompanied by significant solute transport into the inaccessible center of the buried contact; no such transport was detected for the 0- or 1 mm/s sliding conditions. The results suggest that external hydrodynamic pressures from sliding induced advective flows that carried solutes from the bath toward the center of contact. These results provide the first direct evidence that the action of sliding is a significant contributor to fluid and solute recovery by cartilage. Furthermore, they indicate that the sliding-induced transport of solutes into the buried interface was orders of magnitude greater than that attributable to diffusion alone, a result with critical implications for disease prevention and tissue engineering. Copyright © 2017 Osteoarthritis Research Society International. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. Fatigue resistant carbon coatings for rolling/sliding contacts

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

    Singh, Harpal; Ramirez, Giovanni; Eryilmaz, Osman

    2016-06-01

    The growing demands for renewable energy production have recently resulted in a significant increase in wind plant installation. Field data from these plants show that wind turbines suffer from costly repair, maintenance and high failure rates. Often times the reliability issues are linked with tribological components used in wind turbine drivetrains. The primary failure modes in bearings and gears are associated with micropitting, wear, brinelling, scuffing, smearing and macropitting all of which occur at or near the surface. Accordingly, a variety of surface engineering approaches are currently being considered to alter the near surface properties of such bearings and gearsmore » to prevent these tribological failures. In the present work, we have evaluated the tribological performance of compliant highly hydrogenated diamond like carbon coating developed at Argonne National Laboratory, under mixed rolling/sliding contact conditions for wind turbine drivetrain components. The coating was deposited on AISI 52100 steel specimens using a magnetron sputter deposition system. The experiments were performed on a PCS Micro-Pitting-Rig (MPR) with four material pairs at 1.79 GPa contact stress, 40% slide to roll ratio and in polyalphaolefin (PAO4) basestock oil (to ensure extreme boundary conditions). The post-test analysis was performed using optical microscopy, surface profilometry, and Raman spectroscopy. The results obtained show a potential for these coatings in sliding/rolling contact applications as no failures were observed with coated specimens even after 100 million cycles compared to uncoated pair in which they failed after 32 million cycles, under the given test conditions.« less

  7. An analytical model of dynamic sliding friction during impact

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Arakawa, Kazuo

    2017-01-01

    Dynamic sliding friction was studied based on the angular velocity of a golf ball during an oblique impact. This study used the analytical model proposed for the dynamic sliding friction on lubricated and non-lubricated inclines. The contact area A and sliding velocity u of the ball during impact were used to describe the dynamic friction force Fd = λAu, where λ is a parameter related to the wear of the contact area. A comparison with experimental results revealed that the model agreed well with the observed changes in the angular velocity during impact, and λAu is qualitatively equivalent to the empirical relationship, μN + μη‧dA/dt, given by the product between the frictional coefficient μ and the contact force N, and the additional term related to factor η‧ for the surface condition and the time derivative of A.

  8. A technigue exploitation about anti-slide tire polyploid on ice-snow road in winter

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xiaojie, Qi; Qiang, Wang; Zhao, Yang; Yunlong, Wang; Guotian, Wang; Degang, Lv

    2017-04-01

    Present studies focus on improving anti-slide property of tyes on ice-snow road by changing material modification of tyre tread and designing groove. However, the basic reason causing starting slide, long braking distance, turning slide slip and so on of tyres used in winter is that tyre tread materials are unitary and homogenous rubber composite which can’t coordinate driving demands of tyres in winter under muti-work condition, and can’t exert their best property when starting, braking and sliding slip. In order to improve comprehensive anti-slide property of tyres, this paper discusses about changing structure, shape and distribution proportion among haploid materials of tyre tread rubber. Polyploid bubber tyre tread technique based on artificial neural network which is in favor of starting, braking and anti-slide slip is optimized and combined. Friction feature and anti-slide mechanism on ice-snow road of polyploid rubber tyre tread are studied using testing technique of low-temperature cabin and computer simulation. A set high anti-slide theories and realizing method systems of polyploid rubber composite formed from basic theory, models and technique method are developped which will be applied into solving anti-slide problem of winter tyres, provide theory instruction for studies on high anti-slide winter tyres, and promote development of application and usage safety of winter tyres.

  9. Surface profiles and modulation of ultra-thin perfluoropolyether lubricant in contact sliding

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sinha, S. K.; Kawaguchi, M.; Kato, T.

    2004-08-01

    Deformation in shear and associated tribological behaviours of ultra-thin lubricants are of significant importance for the lubrication of magnetic hard disks and for other applications such as micro-electromechanical systems, nano-fluidics and nanotechnology. This paper presents the characteristics of the perfluoropolyether ultra-thin lubricant, in terms of its surface profiles when subjected to a contact sliding test. The results indicate that for a several-monolayers thick (~4.0-4.5 nm) lubricant film, sliding produces a considerable amount of surface roughness due to peaks of lubricant that persist during sliding; however, it can flow back or return to a smooth profile after a lapse of time when the sliding is stopped. For a monolayer-thin (~1.4-1.57 nm) film, the lubricant flow is restricted, and the rough profile created due to sliding persists and almost becomes permanent on the wear track. During sliding, due to high shear stress, a characteristic feature of lubricant profile modulation is observed. This modulation, or waviness, is due to the accumulation of lubricant in piles or islands, giving certain amplitudes and frequencies, which themselves depend upon the percentage of lubricant molecules that are chemically bonded to the substrate and the lubricant thickness. The results indicate that ultra-thin lubricants (monolayer and thicker) behave more like a semi-solid (having some sliding characteristics similar to those of rubbers) than a liquid when subjected to a high shear rate during contact sliding.

  10. Relative sliding durability of candidate high temperature fiber seal materials

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dellacorte, Christopher; Steinetz, Bruce M.

    1992-01-01

    The relative sliding durability behavior of six candidate ceramic fibers for high temperature sliding seal applications is reviewed and compared. Pin on disk tests were used to evaluate potential seal materials by sliding a tow or bundle of the candidate ceramic fiber against a superalloy test disk. Tests were conducted in air under a 2.65 N load, at a sliding velocity of 0.025 m/sec and at temperatures from 25 to 900 C. Friction was measured during the tests and fiber wear, indicated by the extent of fibers broken in the tow or bundle, was measured at the end of each test. For most of the fibers, friction and wear increase with test temperature. The relative fiber durability ranking correlates with tensile strength, indicating that tensile data, which is more readily available than sliding durability data, may be useful in predicting fiber wear behavior under various conditions. A dimensional analysis of the wear data shows that the fiber durability is related to a dimensionless durability ratio which represents the ratio of the fiber strength to the fiber stresses imposed by sliding. The analysis is applicable to fibers with similar diameters and elastic moduli. Based upon the results of the research program, three fiber candidates are recommended for further study as potential seal materials. They are a silicon based complex carbide-oxide fiber, an alumina-boria-silica and an aluminosilicate fiber.

  11. Experimental study on bubble dynamics and wall heat transfer arising from a single nucleation site at subcooled flow boiling conditions – Part 2: Data analysis on sliding bubble characteristics and associated wall heat transfer

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

    Yooa, Junsoo; Estrada-Perez, Carlos E.; Hassan, Yassin A.

    In this second of two companion papers presents an analysis of sliding bubble and wall heat transfer parameters measured during subcooled boiling in a square, vertical, upward flow channel. Bubbles were generated only from a single nucleation site for better observation of both the sliding bubbles’ characteristics and their impact on wall heat transfer through optical measurement techniques. Specific interests include: (i) bubbles departure and subsequent growth while sliding, (ii) bubbles release frequency, (iii) coalescence of sliding bubbles, (iv) sliding bubbles velocity, (v) bubbles size distribution and (vi) wall heat transfer influenced by sliding bubbles. Our results showed that slidingmore » bubbles involve two distinct growth behaviors: (i) at low mass fluxes, sliding bubbles grew fast near the nucleation site, subsequently shrank, and then grew again, (ii) as mass flux increased, however, sliding bubbles grew more steadily. The bubbles originating from the single nucleation site coalesced frequently while sliding, which showed close relation with bubbles release frequency. The sliding bubble velocity near the nucleation site consistently decreased by increasing mass flux, while the observation often became reversed as the bubbles slid downstream due to the effect of interfacial drag. The sliding bubbles moved faster than the local liquid (i.e., ur<0) at low mass flux conditions, but it became reversed as the mass flux increased. The size distribution of sliding bubbles followed Gaussian distribution well both near and far from the nucleation site. The standard deviation of bubble size varied insignificantly through sliding compared to the changes in mean bubble size. Lastly, the sliding bubbles enhanced the wall heat transfer and the effect became more noticeable as inlet subcooling/mass flux decreased or wall heat flux increased. Particularly, the sliding bubble characteristics such as bubble growth behavior observed near the nucleation site played

  12. Experimental study on bubble dynamics and wall heat transfer arising from a single nucleation site at subcooled flow boiling conditions – Part 2: Data analysis on sliding bubble characteristics and associated wall heat transfer

    DOE PAGES

    Yooa, Junsoo; Estrada-Perez, Carlos E.; Hassan, Yassin A.

    2016-04-28

    In this second of two companion papers presents an analysis of sliding bubble and wall heat transfer parameters measured during subcooled boiling in a square, vertical, upward flow channel. Bubbles were generated only from a single nucleation site for better observation of both the sliding bubbles’ characteristics and their impact on wall heat transfer through optical measurement techniques. Specific interests include: (i) bubbles departure and subsequent growth while sliding, (ii) bubbles release frequency, (iii) coalescence of sliding bubbles, (iv) sliding bubbles velocity, (v) bubbles size distribution and (vi) wall heat transfer influenced by sliding bubbles. Our results showed that slidingmore » bubbles involve two distinct growth behaviors: (i) at low mass fluxes, sliding bubbles grew fast near the nucleation site, subsequently shrank, and then grew again, (ii) as mass flux increased, however, sliding bubbles grew more steadily. The bubbles originating from the single nucleation site coalesced frequently while sliding, which showed close relation with bubbles release frequency. The sliding bubble velocity near the nucleation site consistently decreased by increasing mass flux, while the observation often became reversed as the bubbles slid downstream due to the effect of interfacial drag. The sliding bubbles moved faster than the local liquid (i.e., ur<0) at low mass flux conditions, but it became reversed as the mass flux increased. The size distribution of sliding bubbles followed Gaussian distribution well both near and far from the nucleation site. The standard deviation of bubble size varied insignificantly through sliding compared to the changes in mean bubble size. Lastly, the sliding bubbles enhanced the wall heat transfer and the effect became more noticeable as inlet subcooling/mass flux decreased or wall heat flux increased. Particularly, the sliding bubble characteristics such as bubble growth behavior observed near the nucleation site played

  13. Seismically reactivated Hattian slide in Kashmir, Northern Pakistan

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Schneider, Jean F.

    2009-07-01

    The Pakistan 2005 earthquake, of magnitude 7.6, caused severe damage on landscape and infrastructure, in addition to numerous casualties. The event reactivated Hattian Slide, creating a rock avalanche in a location where earlier mass movements had happened already, as indicated by satellite imagery and ground investigation. The slide originated on Dana Hill, in the upper catchment area of Hattian on Karli Stream, a tributary of Jhelum River, Pakistan, and buried the hamlet Dandbeh and several farms nearby. A natural dam accumulated, impounding two lakes, the larger one threatening parts of downstream Hattian Village with flooding. An access road and artificial spillways needed to be constructed in very short time to minimize the flooding risk. As shown by this example, when pointing out the risk of large-scale damage to population and infrastructure by way of hazard indication maps of seismically active regions, and preparing for alleviation of that risk, it is advisable to consider the complete Holocene history of the slopes involved.

  14. Evaluating the visibility of presentation slides

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sugawara, Genki; Umezu, Nobuyuki

    2017-03-01

    Presentations using slide software such as PowerPoint are widely performed in offices and schools. The improvement of presentation skills among ordinary people is required because these days such an opportunity of giving presentation is becoming so common. One of the key factors for making successful presentation is the visibility of the slides, as well as the contents themselves. We propose an algorithm to numerically evaluate the visibility of presentation slides. Our method receives a presentation as a set of images and eliminates the background from the slides to extract characters and figures. This algorithm then evaluates the visibility according to the number and size of characters, their colors, and figure layouts. The slide evaluation criteria are based on the series of experiments with 20 participants to parameterize typical values for visual elements in slides. The algorithm is implemented on an iMac and takes 0.5 sec. to evaluate a slide image. The evaluation score is given as a value between 0 and 100 and the users can improve their slide pages with lower scores. Our future work includes a series of experiments with various presentations and extending our method to publish as a web-based rating service for learning presentation skills.

  15. The Slide-Lecture: An Alternative to Chalkdust?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wilkins, S. A.

    Many instructors teaching large survey courses use the chalkboard to aid their lectures in spite of the waste of class time in writing and erasing, the clutter and confusion that may result, and the messiness of chalkdust. As an alternative, the slide-lecture method has been used for several years at Bossier Community College in teaching…

  16. Plastic deformation and wear process at a surface during unlubricated sliding

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Yamamoto, T.; Buckley, D. H.

    1983-01-01

    The plastic deformation and wear of a 304 stainless steel surface sliding against an aluminum oxide rider with a spherical surface (the radius of curvature: 1.3 cm) were observed by using scanning electron and optical microscopes. Experiments were conducted in a vacuum of one million Pa and in an environment of fifty thousandth Pa of chlorine gas at 25 C. The load was 500 grams and the sliding velocity was 0.5 centimeter per second. The deformed surface layer which accumulates and develops successively is left behind the rider, and step shaped proturbances are developed even after single pass sliding under both environmental conditions. A fully developed surface layer is gradually torn off leaving a characteristic pattern. The mechanism for tearing away of the surface layer from the contact area and sliding track contour is explained assuming the simplified process of material removal based on the adhesion theory for the wear of materials. Previously announced in STAR as N82-32735

  17. Plastic deformation and wear process at a surface during unlubricated sliding

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Yamamoto, T.; Buckley, D. H.

    1982-01-01

    The plastic deformation and wear of a 304 stainless steel surface sliding against an aluminum oxide rider with a spherical surface (the radius of curvature: 1.3 cm) were observed by using scanning electron and optical microscopes. Experiments were conducted in a vacuum of one million Pa and in an environment of fifty thousandth Pa of chlorine gas at 25 C. The load was 500 grams and the sliding velocity was 0.5 centimeter per second. The deformed surface layer which accumulates and develops successively is left behind the rider, and step shaped proturbances are developed even after single pass sliding under both environmental conditions. A fully developed surface layer is gradually torn off leaving a characteristic pattern. The mechanism for tearing away of the surface layer from the contact area and sliding track contour is explained assuming the simplified process of material removal based on the adhesion theory for the wear of materials.

  18. Automated complete slide digitization: a medium for simultaneous viewing by multiple pathologists.

    PubMed

    Leong, F J; McGee, J O

    2001-11-01

    Developments in telepathology robotic systems have evolved the concept of a 'virtual microscope' handling 'digital slides'. Slide digitization is a method of archiving salient histological features in numerical (digital) form. The value and potential of this have begun to be recognized by several international centres. Automated complete slide digitization has application at all levels of clinical practice and will benefit undergraduate, postgraduate, and continuing education. Unfortunately, as the volume of potential data on a histological slide represents a significant problem in terms of digitization, storage, and subsequent manipulation, the reality of virtual microscopy to date has comprised limited views at inadequate resolution. This paper outlines a system refined in the authors' laboratory, which employs a combination of enhanced hardware, image capture, and processing techniques designed for telepathology. The system is able to scan an entire slide at high magnification and create a library of such slides that may exist on an internet server or be distributed on removable media (such as CD-ROM or DVD). A digital slide allows image data manipulation at a level not possible with conventional light microscopy. Combinations of multiple users, multiple magnifications, annotations, and addition of ancillary textual and visual data are now possible. This demonstrates that with increased sophistication, the applications of telepathology technology need not be confined to second opinion, but can be extended on a wider front. Copyright 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  19. Slide-Ring Materials Using Cyclodextrin.

    PubMed

    Ito, Kohzo

    2017-01-01

    We have recently synthesized slide-ring materials using cyclodextrin by cross-linking polyrotaxanes, a typical supramolecule. The slide-ring materials have polymer chains with bulky end groups topologically interlocked by figure-of-eight shaped junctions. This indicates that the cross-links can pass through the polymer chains similar to pulleys to relax the tension of the backbone polymer chains. The slide-ring materials also differ from conventional polymers in that the entropy of rings affects the elasticity. As a result, the slide-ring materials show quite small Young's modulus not proportional to the cross-linking density. This concept can be applied to a wide variety of polymeric materials as well as gels. In particular, the slide-ring materials show remarkable scratch-proof properties for coating materials for automobiles, cell phones, mobile computers, and so on. Further current applications include vibration-proof insulation materials for sound speakers, highly abrasive polishing media, dielectric actuators, and so on.

  20. Fast smooth second-order sliding mode control for stochastic systems with enumerable coloured noises

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yang, Peng-fei; Fang, Yang-wang; Wu, You-li; Zhang, Dan-xu; Xu, Yang

    2018-01-01

    A fast smooth second-order sliding mode control is presented for a class of stochastic systems driven by enumerable Ornstein-Uhlenbeck coloured noises with time-varying coefficients. Instead of treating the noise as bounded disturbance, the stochastic control techniques are incorporated into the design of the control. The finite-time mean-square practical stability and finite-time mean-square practical reachability are first introduced. Then the prescribed sliding variable dynamic is presented. The sufficient condition guaranteeing its finite-time convergence is given and proved using stochastic Lyapunov-like techniques. The proposed sliding mode controller is applied to a second-order nonlinear stochastic system. Simulation results are given comparing with smooth second-order sliding mode control to validate the analysis.

  1. Development of a teledermatopathology consultation system using virtual slides

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    Background An online consultation system using virtual slides (whole slide images; WSI) has been developed for pathological diagnosis, and could help compensate for the shortage of pathologists, especially in the field of dermatopathology and in other fields dealing with difficult cases. This study focused on the performance and future potential of the system. Method In our system, histological specimens on slide glasses are digitalized by a virtual slide instrument, converted into web data, and up-loaded to an open server. Using our own purpose-built online system, we then input patient details such as age, gender, affected region, clinical data, past history and other related items. We next select up to ten consultants. Finally we send an e-mail to all consultants simultaneously through a single command. The consultant receives an e-mail containing an ID and password which is used to access the open server and inspect the images and other data associated with the case. The consultant makes a diagnosis, which is sent to us along with comments. Because this was a pilot study, we also conducted several questionnaires with consultants concerning the quality of images, operability, usability, and other issues. Results We solicited consultations for 36 cases, including cases of tumor, and involving one to eight consultants in the field of dermatopathology. No problems were noted concerning the images or the functioning of the system on the sender or receiver sides. The quickest diagnosis was received only 18 minutes after sending our data. This is much faster than in conventional consultation using glass slides. There were no major problems relating to the diagnosis, although there were some minor differences of opinion between consultants. The results of questionnaires answered by many consultants confirmed the usability of this system for pathological consultation. (16 out of 23 consultants.) Conclusion We have developed a novel teledermatopathological consultation

  2. Finite-time output feedback control of uncertain switched systems via sliding mode design

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhao, Haijuan; Niu, Yugang; Song, Jun

    2018-04-01

    The problem of sliding mode control (SMC) is investigated for a class of uncertain switched systems subject to unmeasurable state and assigned finite (possible short) time constraint. A key issue is how to ensure the finite-time boundedness (FTB) of system state during reaching phase and sliding motion phase. To this end, a state observer is constructed to estimate the unmeasured states. And then, a state estimate-based SMC law is designed such that the state trajectories can be driven onto the specified integral sliding surface during the assigned finite time interval. By means of partitioning strategy, the corresponding FTB over reaching phase and sliding motion phase are guaranteed and the sufficient conditions are derived via average dwell time technique. Finally, an illustrative example is given to illustrate the proposed method.

  3. SLIDING DIRECTION-DEPENDENCE OF POLYETHYLENE WEAR FOR METAL COUNTERFACE TRAVERSE OF SEVERE SCRATCHES

    PubMed Central

    Glennon, Liam P.; Baer, Thomas E.; Martin, James A.; Lack, William D.; Brown, Thomas D.

    2008-01-01

    Third body effects appear to be responsible for an appreciable portion of the wear rate variability within cohorts of patients with metal-on-polyethylene joint replacements. The parameters dominating the rate of polyethylene debris liberation by counterface scratches are not fully understood, but one seemingly contributory factor is the scratch’s orientation relative to the direction of instantaneous local surface sliding. To study this influence, arrays of 550 straight parallel scratches each representative of the severe end of the clinical range were diamond stylus-ruled onto the surface of polished stainless steel plates. These ruled plates were then worn reciprocally against polyethylene pins (both conventional and highly cross-linked) at traverse angles varied parametrically relative to the scratch direction. Wear was measured gravimetrically, and particulate debris was harvested and morphologically characterized. Both of the polyethylene variants tested showed pronounced wear rate peaks at acute scratch traverse angles (15º for conventional, 5º for cross-linked), and had nominally comparable absolute wear rate magnitudes. The particulate debris from this very aggressive test regime primarily consisted of extremely large and elongated strands, often tens or even hundreds of microns in length. These data suggest that counterface damage regions with preferential scratch directionality can liberate large amounts of polyethylene debris, apparently by a slicing/shearing mechanism, at critical (acute) attack angles. However, the predominant manifestation of this wear volume was in the form of particles far beyond the most osteolytically potent size range. PMID:19045513

  4. Color accuracy and reproducibility in whole slide imaging scanners

    PubMed Central

    Shrestha, Prarthana; Hulsken, Bas

    2014-01-01

    Abstract We propose a workflow for color reproduction in whole slide imaging (WSI) scanners, such that the colors in the scanned images match to the actual slide color and the inter-scanner variation is minimum. We describe a new method of preparation and verification of the color phantom slide, consisting of a standard IT8-target transmissive film, which is used in color calibrating and profiling the WSI scanner. We explore several International Color Consortium (ICC) compliant techniques in color calibration/profiling and rendering intents for translating the scanner specific colors to the standard display (sRGB) color space. Based on the quality of the color reproduction in histopathology slides, we propose the matrix-based calibration/profiling and absolute colorimetric rendering approach. The main advantage of the proposed workflow is that it is compliant to the ICC standard, applicable to color management systems in different platforms, and involves no external color measurement devices. We quantify color difference using the CIE-DeltaE2000 metric, where DeltaE values below 1 are considered imperceptible. Our evaluation on 14 phantom slides, manufactured according to the proposed method, shows an average inter-slide color difference below 1 DeltaE. The proposed workflow is implemented and evaluated in 35 WSI scanners developed at Philips, called the Ultra Fast Scanners (UFS). The color accuracy, measured as DeltaE between the scanner reproduced colors and the reference colorimetric values of the phantom patches, is improved on average to 3.5 DeltaE in calibrated scanners from 10 DeltaE in uncalibrated scanners. The average inter-scanner color difference is found to be 1.2 DeltaE. The improvement in color performance upon using the proposed method is apparent with the visual color quality of the tissue scans. PMID:26158041

  5. Automated robust registration of grossly misregistered whole-slide images with varying stains

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Litjens, G.; Safferling, K.; Grabe, N.

    2016-03-01

    Cancer diagnosis and pharmaceutical research increasingly depend on the accurate quantification of cancer biomarkers. Identification of biomarkers is usually performed through immunohistochemical staining of cancer sections on glass slides. However, combination of multiple biomarkers from a wide variety of immunohistochemically stained slides is a tedious process in traditional histopathology due to the switching of glass slides and re-identification of regions of interest by pathologists. Digital pathology now allows us to apply image registration algorithms to digitized whole-slides to align the differing immunohistochemical stains automatically. However, registration algorithms need to be robust to changes in color due to differing stains and severe changes in tissue content between slides. In this work we developed a robust registration methodology to allow for fast coarse alignment of multiple immunohistochemical stains to the base hematyoxylin and eosin stained image. We applied HSD color model conversion to obtain a less stain color dependent representation of the whole-slide images. Subsequently, optical density thresholding and connected component analysis were used to identify the relevant regions for registration. Template matching using normalized mutual information was applied to provide initial translation and rotation parameters, after which a cost function-driven affine registration was performed. The algorithm was validated using 40 slides from 10 prostate cancer patients, with landmark registration error as a metric. Median landmark registration error was around 180 microns, which indicates performance is adequate for practical application. None of the registrations failed, indicating the robustness of the algorithm.

  6. Mechanism of shallow disrupted slide induced by extreme rainfall

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Igwe, O.; Fukuoka, H.

    2010-12-01

    On July 16, 2010, extreme rainfall attacked western Japan and it caused very intense rainfall in Shobara city, Hiroshima prefecture, Japan. This rainfall induced hundreds of shallow disrupted slides and many of those became debris flows. One of this debris flows attacked a house standing in front of the exit of a channel, and claimed a resident’s life. Western Japan had repeatedly similar disasters in the past. Last event took place from July 19 to 26, 2009, when western Japan had a severe rainstorms and caused floods and landslides. Most of the landslides are debris slide - debris flows. Most devastated case took place in Hofu city, Japan. On July 21, extremely intense rainstorm caused numerous debris flows and mud flows in the hillslopes. Some of the debris flows destroyed residential houses and home for elderly people, and finally killed 14 residents. One of the unusual feature of both disaster was that landslides are distributed in very narrow area. In the 2010 Shobara city disaster, all of the landslides were distributed in 5 km x 3 km, and in the 2009 Hofu city disaster, most devastated zone of landslides were 10 km x 5 km. Rain radars of Meteorological Agency of Government of Japan detected the intense rainfall, however, the spatial resolution is usually larger than 5 km and the disaster area is too small to predict landslides nor issue warning. Furthermore, it was found that the growth rate of baby clouds was very quick. The geology of both areas are rhyolite (Shobara) and granite (Hofu), so the areal assessment of landslide hazard should be prepared before those intense rainfall will come. As for the Hofu city case, it was proved that debris flows took place in the high precipitation area and covered by covered by weathered granite sands and silts which is called “masa". This sands has been proved susceptible against landslides under extreme rainfall conditions. However, the transition from slide - debris flow process is not well revealed, except

  7. Diseases of Landscape Ornamentals. Slide Script.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Powell, Charles C.; Sydnor, T. Davis

    This slide script, part of a series of slide scripts designed for use in vocational agriculture classes, deals with recognizing and controlling diseases found on ornamental landscape plants. Included in the script are narrations for use with a total of 80 slides illustrating various foliar diseases (anthracnose, black spot, hawthorn leaf blight,…

  8. Comparing whole slide digital images versus traditional glass slides in the detection of common microscopic features seen in dermatitis

    PubMed Central

    Vyas, Nikki S.; Markow, Michael; Prieto-Granada, Carlos; Gaudi, Sudeep; Turner, Leslie; Rodriguez-Waitkus, Paul; Messina, Jane L.; Jukic, Drazen M.

    2016-01-01

    Background: The quality and limitations of digital slides are not fully known. We aimed to estimate intrapathologist discrepancy in detecting specific microscopic features on glass slides and digital slides created by scanning at ×20. Methods: Hematoxylin and eosin and periodic acid–Schiff glass slides were digitized using the Mirax Scan (Carl Zeiss Inc., Germany). Six pathologists assessed 50–71 digital slides. We recorded objective magnification, total time, and detection of the following: Mast cells; eosinophils; plasma cells; pigmented macrophages; melanin in the epidermis; fungal bodies; neutrophils; civatte bodies; parakeratosis; and sebocytes. This process was repeated using the corresponding glass slides after 3 weeks. The diagnosis was not required. Results: The mean time to assess digital slides was 176.77 s and 137.61 s for glass slides (P < 0.001, 99% confidence interval [CI]). The mean objective magnification used to detect features using digital slides was 18.28 and 14.07 for glass slides (P < 0.001, 99.99% CI). Parakeratosis, civatte bodies, pigmented macrophages, melanin in the epidermis, mast cells, eosinophils, plasma cells, and neutrophils, were identified at lower objectives on glass slides (P = 0.023–0.001, 95% CI). Average intraobserver concordance ranged from κ = 0.30 to κ = 0.78. Features with poor to fair average concordance were: Melanin in the epidermis (κ = 0.15–0.58); plasma cells (κ = 0.15–0.49); and neutrophils (κ = 0.12–0.48). Features with moderate average intrapathologist concordance were: parakeratosis (κ = 0.21–0.61); civatte bodies (κ = 0.21–0.71); pigment-laden macrophages (κ = 0.34–0.66); mast cells (κ = 0.29–0.78); and eosinophils (κ = 0.31–0.79). The average intrapathologist concordance was good for sebocytes (κ = 0.51–1.00) and fungal bodies (κ = 0.47–0.76). Conclusions: Telepathology using digital slides scanned at ×20 is sufficient for detection of histopathologic features routinely

  9. Composite fuzzy sliding mode control of nonlinear singularly perturbed systems.

    PubMed

    Nagarale, Ravindrakumar M; Patre, B M

    2014-05-01

    This paper deals with the robust asymptotic stabilization for a class of nonlinear singularly perturbed systems using the fuzzy sliding mode control technique. In the proposed approach the original system is decomposed into two subsystems as slow and fast models by the singularly perturbed method. The composite fuzzy sliding mode controller is designed for stabilizing the full order system by combining separately designed slow and fast fuzzy sliding mode controllers. The two-time scale design approach minimizes the effect of boundary layer system on the full order system. A stability analysis allows us to provide sufficient conditions for the asymptotic stability of the full order closed-loop system. The simulation results show improved system performance of the proposed controller as compared to existing methods. The experimentation results validate the effectiveness of the proposed controller. Copyright © 2014 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  10. A comparative study of tribological characteristics of hydrogenated DLC film sliding against ceramic mating materials for helium applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wu, Daheng; Ren, Siming; Pu, Jibin; Lu, Zhibin; Zhang, Guangan; Wang, Liping

    2018-05-01

    The tribological behaviors of hydrogenated DLC film sliding against Al2O3, ZrO2, Si3N4 and WC mating balls have been comparatively investigated by a ball-on-disk tribometer at 150 °C under helium and air (RH = 6%) conditions. The results showed that the mating material influenced the friction and wear behavior remarkably in helium atmosphere, where the wear rates were in inversely proportional to the friction coefficients (COF) of those tribo-pairs. Compared to the tests in helium, the tribological performance of DLC film significantly improved in air. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Raman spectroscopy were performed to study the friction behavior and wear mechanism of the film under different conditions. It suggested that the severe abrasion was caused by the strong interaction between the tribo-pairs in helium atmosphere at 150 °C, whereas the sufficient passivation of the dangling bonds of carbon atoms at sliding interface by chemically active molecules, such as water and oxygen, dominated the ultralow friction under air condition. Meanwhile, Hertz analysis was used to further elucidate the frictional mechanism of DLC film under helium and air conditions. It showed that the coefficient of friction was consistent with the varied tendency of the contact radius, namely, higher friction coefficient corresponded to the larger contact radius, which was the same with the relationship between the wear rate and the contact pressure. All of the results made better understanding of the essential mechanism of hydrogenated DLC film sliding against different pairs, which were able to guide the further application of DLC film in the industrial fields of helium atmosphere.

  11. The dryout region in frictionally heated sliding contacts

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hendricks, R. C.; Braun, J.; Arp, V.; Giarratano, P. J.

    1982-01-01

    Some conditions under which boiling and two-phase flow can occur in or near a wet sliding contact are determined and illustrated. The experimental apparatus consisted of a tool pressed against an instrumented slider plate and motion picture sequences at 4000 frames/sec. The temperature and photographic data demonstrated surface conditions of boiling, drying, trapped gas evolution (solutions), and volatility of fluid mixture components. The theoretical modeling and analysis are in reasonable agreement with experimental data.

  12. A Sliding Mode Controller Using Nonlinear Sliding Surface Improved With Fuzzy Logic: Application to the Coupled Tanks System

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Boubakir, A.; Boudjema, F.; Boubakir, C.

    2008-06-01

    This paper proposes an approach of hybrid control that is based on the concept of combining fuzzy logic and the methodology of sliding mode control (SMC). In the present works, a first-order nonlinear sliding surface is presented, on which the developed control law is based. Mathematical proof for the stability and convergence of the system is presented. In order to reduce the chattering in sliding mode control, a fixed boundary layer around the switch surface is used. Within the boundary layer, since the fuzzy logic control is applied, the chattering phenomenon, which is inherent in a sliding mode control, is avoided by smoothing the switch signal. Outside the boundary, the sliding mode control is applied to driving the system states into the boundary layer. Experimental studies carried out on a coupled Tanks system indicate that the proposed fuzzy sliding mode control (FSMC) is a good candidate for control applications.

  13. Probing superlubricity stability of hydrogenated diamond-like carbon film by varying sliding velocity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Yunhai; Yu, Bingjun; Cao, Zhongyue; Shi, Pengfei; Zhou, Ningning; Zhang, Bin; Zhang, Junyan; Qian, Linmao

    2018-05-01

    In this study, the superlubricity stability of hydrogenated diamond-like carbon (H-DLC) film in vacuum was investigated by varying the sliding velocity (30-700 mm/s). The relatively stable superlubricity state can be maintained for a long distance at low sliding velocity, whereas the superlubricity state quickly disappears and never recovers at high sliding velocity. Under superlubricity state, the transfer layer of H-DLC film was observed on the Al2O3 ball, which played a key role in obtaining ultra-low friction coefficient. Although the transfer layer can be generated at the beginning of the test, high-velocity sliding tends to accelerate the superlubricity failure and leads to the severe wear of H-DLC film. Analysis indicated that the main reason for superlubricity failure at high sliding velocity is not attributed to friction heat or the break of hydrogen passivation but to the absence of transfer layer on Al2O3 ball. The present study can enrich the understanding of superlubricity mechanism of H-DLC film.

  14. Tribology of Si/SiO2 in humid air: transition from severe chemical wear to wearless behavior at nanoscale.

    PubMed

    Chen, Lei; He, Hongtu; Wang, Xiaodong; Kim, Seong H; Qian, Linmao

    2015-01-13

    Wear at sliding interfaces of silicon is a main cause for material loss in nanomanufacturing and device failure in microelectromechanical system (MEMS) applications. However, a comprehensive understanding of the nanoscale wear mechanisms of silicon in ambient conditions is still lacking. Here, we report the chemical wear of single crystalline silicon, a material used for micro/nanoscale devices, in humid air under the contact pressure lower than the material hardness. A transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis of the wear track confirmed that the wear of silicon in humid conditions originates from surface reactions without significant subsurface damages such as plastic deformation or fracture. When rubbed with a SiO2 ball, the single crystalline silicon surface exhibited transitions from severe wear in intermediate humidity to nearly wearless states at two opposite extremes: (a) low humidity and high sliding speed conditions and (b) high humidity and low speed conditions. These transitions suggested that at the sliding interfaces of Si/SiO2 at least two different tribochemical reactions play important roles. One would be the formation of a strong "hydrogen bonding bridge" between hydroxyl groups of two sliding interfaces and the other the removal of hydroxyl groups from the SiO2 surface. The experimental data indicated that the dominance of each reaction varies with the ambient humidity and sliding speed.

  15. Wear-caused deflection evolution of a slide rail, considering linear and non-linear wear models

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kim, Dongwook; Quagliato, Luca; Park, Donghwi; Murugesan, Mohanraj; Kim, Naksoo; Hong, Seokmoo

    2017-05-01

    The research presented in this paper details an experimental-numerical approach for the quantitative correlation between wear and end-point deflection in a slide rail. Focusing the attention on slide rail utilized in white-goods applications, the aim is to evaluate the number of cycles the slide rail can operate, under different load conditions, before it should be replaced due to unacceptable end-point deflection. In this paper, two formulations are utilized to describe the wear: Archard model for the linear wear and Lemaitre damage model for the nonlinear wear. The linear wear gradually reduces the surface of the slide rail whereas the nonlinear one accounts for the surface element deletion (i.e. due to pitting). To determine the constants to use in the wear models, simple tension test and sliding wear test, by utilizing a designed and developed experiment machine, have been carried out. A full slide rail model simulation has been implemented in ABAQUS including both linear and non-linear wear models and the results have been compared with those of the real rails under different load condition, provided by the rail manufacturer. The comparison between numerically estimated and real rail results proved the reliability of the developed numerical model, limiting the error in a ±10% range. The proposed approach allows predicting the displacement vs cycle curves, parametrized for different loads and, based on a chosen failure criterion, to predict the lifetime of the rail.

  16. Investigation of the effects of sliding on wheel tread damage

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2005-11-05

    Wheel tread spalling is the main source of damage to wheel treads and : a primary cause for wheel removals from service. Severe frictional : heating of the wheel-rail contact patch during sliding causes the : formation of martensite, a hard, brittle ...

  17. SurfaceSlide: a multitouch digital pathology platform.

    PubMed

    Wang, Yinhai; Williamson, Kate E; Kelly, Paul J; James, Jacqueline A; Hamilton, Peter W

    2012-01-01

    Digital pathology provides a digital environment for the management and interpretation of pathological images and associated data. It is becoming increasing popular to use modern computer based tools and applications in pathological education, tissue based research and clinical diagnosis. Uptake of this new technology is stymied by its single user orientation and its prerequisite and cumbersome combination of mouse and keyboard for navigation and annotation. In this study we developed SurfaceSlide, a dedicated viewing platform which enables the navigation and annotation of gigapixel digitised pathological images using fingertip touch. SurfaceSlide was developed using the Microsoft Surface, a 30 inch multitouch tabletop computing platform. SurfaceSlide users can perform direct panning and zooming operations on digitised slide images. These images are downloaded onto the Microsoft Surface platform from a remote server on-demand. Users can also draw annotations and key in texts using an on-screen virtual keyboard. We also developed a smart caching protocol which caches the surrounding regions of a field of view in multi-resolutions thus providing a smooth and vivid user experience and reducing the delay for image downloading from the internet. We compared the usability of SurfaceSlide against Aperio ImageScope and PathXL online viewer. SurfaceSlide is intuitive, fast and easy to use. SurfaceSlide represents the most direct, effective and intimate human-digital slide interaction experience. It is expected that SurfaceSlide will significantly enhance digital pathology tools and applications in education and clinical practice.

  18. An Adaptive Supervisory Sliding Fuzzy Cerebellar Model Articulation Controller for Sensorless Vector-Controlled Induction Motor Drive Systems

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Shun-Yuan; Tseng, Chwan-Lu; Lin, Shou-Chuang; Chiu, Chun-Jung; Chou, Jen-Hsiang

    2015-01-01

    This paper presents the implementation of an adaptive supervisory sliding fuzzy cerebellar model articulation controller (FCMAC) in the speed sensorless vector control of an induction motor (IM) drive system. The proposed adaptive supervisory sliding FCMAC comprised a supervisory controller, integral sliding surface, and an adaptive FCMAC. The integral sliding surface was employed to eliminate steady-state errors and enhance the responsiveness of the system. The adaptive FCMAC incorporated an FCMAC with a compensating controller to perform a desired control action. The proposed controller was derived using the Lyapunov approach, which guarantees learning-error convergence. The implementation of three intelligent control schemes—the adaptive supervisory sliding FCMAC, adaptive sliding FCMAC, and adaptive sliding CMAC—were experimentally investigated under various conditions in a realistic sensorless vector-controlled IM drive system. The root mean square error (RMSE) was used as a performance index to evaluate the experimental results of each control scheme. The analysis results indicated that the proposed adaptive supervisory sliding FCMAC substantially improved the system performance compared with the other control schemes. PMID:25815450

  19. An adaptive supervisory sliding fuzzy cerebellar model articulation controller for sensorless vector-controlled induction motor drive systems.

    PubMed

    Wang, Shun-Yuan; Tseng, Chwan-Lu; Lin, Shou-Chuang; Chiu, Chun-Jung; Chou, Jen-Hsiang

    2015-03-25

    This paper presents the implementation of an adaptive supervisory sliding fuzzy cerebellar model articulation controller (FCMAC) in the speed sensorless vector control of an induction motor (IM) drive system. The proposed adaptive supervisory sliding FCMAC comprised a supervisory controller, integral sliding surface, and an adaptive FCMAC. The integral sliding surface was employed to eliminate steady-state errors and enhance the responsiveness of the system. The adaptive FCMAC incorporated an FCMAC with a compensating controller to perform a desired control action. The proposed controller was derived using the Lyapunov approach, which guarantees learning-error convergence. The implementation of three intelligent control schemes--the adaptive supervisory sliding FCMAC, adaptive sliding FCMAC, and adaptive sliding CMAC--were experimentally investigated under various conditions in a realistic sensorless vector-controlled IM drive system. The root mean square error (RMSE) was used as a performance index to evaluate the experimental results of each control scheme. The analysis results indicated that the proposed adaptive supervisory sliding FCMAC substantially improved the system performance compared with the other control schemes.

  20. Histopathology slide projector: a simple improvisation.

    PubMed

    Agarwal, Akhilesh K R; Bhattacharya, Nirjhar

    2008-07-01

    The ability to examine histopathology and other hematological slides under microscope is a necessary and important service which should be available in every health facility. The slides need to be projected on to a screen. We describe an inexpensive and easily constructed technique for projecting magnified images of slides using a simple microscope. It is effective both for making observations and for use as a teaching aid.

  1. Wall Area of Influence and Growing Wall Heat Transfer due to Sliding Bubbles in Subcooled Boiling Flow

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

    Yoo, Junsoo; Estrada-Perez, Carlos E.; Hassan, Yassin A.

    A variety of dynamical features of sliding bubbles and their impact on wall heat transfer were observed at subcooled flow boiling conditions in a vertical square test channel. Among the wide range of parameters observed, we particularly focus in this paper on (i) the sliding bubbles’ effect on wall heat transfer (supplemantry discussion to the authors’ previous work in Yoo et al. (2016a,b)) and (ii) the wall area influenced by sliding bubbles in subcooled boiling flow. At first, this study reveals that the degree of wall heat transfer improvement due to sliding bubbles depended less on the wall superheat conditionmore » as the mass flux increased. Also, the sliding bubble trajectory was found to be one of the critical factors in order to properly describe the wall heat transfer associated with sliding bubbles. In particular, the wall area influenced by sliding bubbles depended strongly on both sliding bubble trajectory and sliding bubble size; the sliding bubble trajectory was also observed to be closely related to the sliding bubble size. Importantly, these results indicate the limitation of current approach in CFD analyses especially for the wall area of bubble influence. In addition, the analyses on the temporal fraction of bubbles’ residence (FR) along the heated wall show that the sliding bubbles typically travel through narrow path with high frequency while the opposite was observed downstream. That is, both FR and sliding bubble trajectory depended substantially on the distance from nucleation site, which is expected to be similar for the quenching heat transfer mode induced by sliding bubbles.« less

  2. SurfaceSlide: A Multitouch Digital Pathology Platform

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Yinhai; Williamson, Kate E.; Kelly, Paul J.; James, Jacqueline A.; Hamilton, Peter W.

    2012-01-01

    Background Digital pathology provides a digital environment for the management and interpretation of pathological images and associated data. It is becoming increasing popular to use modern computer based tools and applications in pathological education, tissue based research and clinical diagnosis. Uptake of this new technology is stymied by its single user orientation and its prerequisite and cumbersome combination of mouse and keyboard for navigation and annotation. Methodology In this study we developed SurfaceSlide, a dedicated viewing platform which enables the navigation and annotation of gigapixel digitised pathological images using fingertip touch. SurfaceSlide was developed using the Microsoft Surface, a 30 inch multitouch tabletop computing platform. SurfaceSlide users can perform direct panning and zooming operations on digitised slide images. These images are downloaded onto the Microsoft Surface platform from a remote server on-demand. Users can also draw annotations and key in texts using an on-screen virtual keyboard. We also developed a smart caching protocol which caches the surrounding regions of a field of view in multi-resolutions thus providing a smooth and vivid user experience and reducing the delay for image downloading from the internet. We compared the usability of SurfaceSlide against Aperio ImageScope and PathXL online viewer. Conclusion SurfaceSlide is intuitive, fast and easy to use. SurfaceSlide represents the most direct, effective and intimate human–digital slide interaction experience. It is expected that SurfaceSlide will significantly enhance digital pathology tools and applications in education and clinical practice. PMID:22292040

  3. Analyzing pedestrian crash injury severity under different weather conditions.

    PubMed

    Li, Duo; Ranjitkar, Prakash; Zhao, Yifei; Yi, Hui; Rashidi, Soroush

    2017-05-19

    Pedestrians are the most vulnerable road users due to the lack of mass, speed, and protection compared to other types of road users. Adverse weather conditions may reduce road friction and visibility and thus increase crash risk. There is limited evidence and considerable discrepancy with regard to impacts of weather conditions on injury severity in the literature. This article investigated factors affecting pedestrian injury severity level under different weather conditions based on a publicly available accident database in Great Britain. Accident data from Great Britain that are publicly available through the STATS19 database were analyzed. Factors associated with pedestrian, driver, and environment were investigated using a novel approach that combines a classification and regression tree with random forest approach. Significant severity predictors under fine weather conditions from the models included speed limits, pedestrian age, light conditions, and vehicle maneuver. Under adverse weather conditions, the significant predictors were pedestrian age, vehicle maneuver, and speed limit. Elderly pedestrians are associated with higher pedestrian injury severities. Higher speed limits increase pedestrian injury severity. Based on the research findings, recommendations are provided to improve pedestrian safety.

  4. Relative sliding durability of two candidate high temperature oxide fiber seal materials

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dellacorte, Christopher; Steinetz, Bruce M.

    1991-01-01

    A test program to determine the relative sliding durability of two candidate ceramic fibers for high temperature sliding seal applications is described. Pin on disk tests were used to evaluate potential seal materials. Friction during the tests and fiber wear, indicated by the extent of fibers broken in a test bundle or yarn, was measured at the end of a test. In general, friction and wear increase with test temperature. This may be due to a reduction in fiber strength, a change in the surface chemistry at the fiber/counterface interface due to oxidation, adsorption and/or desorption of surface species and, to a lesser extent, an increase in counterface surface roughness due to oxidation at elevated temperatures. The relative fiber durability correlates with tensile strength indicating that tensile data, which is more readily available than sliding durability data, may be useful in predicting fiber wear behavior under various conditions. A simple model developed using dimensional analysis shows that the fiber durability is related to a dimensionless parameter which represents the ratio of the fiber strength to the fiber stresses imposed by sliding.

  5. Fluid pressure responses for a Devil's Slide-like system: problem formulation and simulation

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Thomas, Matthew A.; Loague, Keith; Voss, Clifford I.

    2015-01-01

    This study employs a hydrogeologic simulation approach to investigate subsurface fluid pressures for a landslide-prone section of the central California, USA, coast known as Devil's Slide. Understanding the relative changes in subsurface fluid pressures is important for systems, such as Devil's Slide, where slope creep can be interrupted by episodic slip events. Surface mapping, exploratory core, tunnel excavation records, and dip meter data were leveraged to conceptualize the parameter space for three-dimensional (3D) Devil's Slide-like simulations. Field observations (i.e. seepage meter, water retention, and infiltration experiments; well records; and piezometric data) and groundwater flow simulation (i.e. one-dimensional vertical, transient, and variably saturated) were used to design the boundary conditions for 3D Devil's Slide-like problems. Twenty-four simulations of steady-state saturated subsurface flow were conducted in a concept-development mode. Recharge, heterogeneity, and anisotropy are shown to increase fluid pressures for failure-prone locations by up to 18.1, 4.5, and 1.8% respectively. Previous estimates of slope stability, driven by simple water balances, are significantly improved upon with the fluid pressures reported here. The results, for a Devil's Slide-like system, provide a foundation for future investigations

  6. Studying the Activities of Microorganisms in Soil Using Slides.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Cullimore, D. Roy; Pipe, Annette E.

    1980-01-01

    Two implanted slide techniques are described by which activity of proteolylic bacteria and the growth of algae in the soil can be readily studied by school students using simple apparatus and methods. Variations are suggested for studying the effects of agricultural practices and environmental conditions on the soil bacteria and algae. (Author/DS)

  7. Research of the Quality of Quarry Dumpers Engine Crankshafts Sliding Bearings of Various Manufacturers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Korotkov, Alexander; Korotkova, Lidiya; Vidin, Denis

    2017-11-01

    Sliding bearings are an important part of many large and critical components. They are widely used in power equipment, high-capacity pumps, compressors, electric motors and internal combustion engines (ICE). As a rule, sliding bearings include an antifriction bushing, part of the shaft surface (bearing journal), and a layer of oil between them. These are complex and critical parts in which there may occur dangerous defects, and which directly affect the durability, accuracy and reliability of the entire unit. To ensure high reliability of the equipment with sliding bearings applied in complex equipment, it is necessary to provide the quality control and sufficient level of monitoring of the technical condition, as well as diagnosis of emerging defects. This paper presents a comparative analysis of the internal combustion engines sliding bearings quality of various manufacturing companies. It gives operational properties of bearings depending on the compositional composition. The results of chemical analysis of the base, the cover and intermediate layers of the ICE liners are presented here. We have also made recommendations to increase the operational performance of sliding bearings.

  8. Techniques for Generating Instructional Slides. Final Report.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Smith, Edgar A.; And Others

    Common in briefing presentations and in individualized instruction is the use of slides that present materials prepared on a typewriter (questions, instructions, outlines). To increase the efficiency and effectiveness of producing these kind of slides a procedure was developed to facilitate: (1) formatting copy to be used for slides; (2) using…

  9. Sliding temperatures of ice skates

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Colbeck, S. C.; Najarian, L.; Smith, H. B.

    1997-06-01

    The two theories developed to explain the low friction of ice, pressure melting and frictional heating, require opposite temperature shifts at the ice-skate interface. The arguments against pressure melting are strong, but only theoretical. A set of direct temperature measurements shows that frictional heating is the dominant mechanism because temperature behaves in the manner predicted by the theory of frictional heating. Like snow skis, ice skates are warmed by sliding and then cool when the sliding stops. The temperature increases with speed and with thermal insulation. The sliding leaves a warm track on the ice surface behind the skate and the skate sprays warm ejecta.

  10. Standardization of whole slide image morphologic assessment with definition of a new application: Digital slide dynamic morphometry.

    PubMed

    Puppa, Giacomo; Risio, Mauro; Sheahan, Kieran; Vieth, Michael; Zlobec, Inti; Lugli, Alessandro; Pecori, Sara; Wang, Lai Mun; Langner, Cord; Mitomi, Hiroyuki; Nakamura, Takatoshi; Watanabe, Masahiko; Ueno, Hideki; Chasle, Jacques; Senore, Carlo; Conley, Stephen A; Herlin, Paulette; Lauwers, Gregory Y

    2011-01-01

    In histopathology, the quantitative assessment of various morphologic features is based on methods originally conceived on specific areas observed through the microscope used. Failure to reproduce the same reference field of view using a different microscope will change the score assessed. Visualization of a digital slide on a screen through a dedicated viewer allows selection of the magnification. However, the field of view is rectangular, unlike the circular field of optical microscopy. In addition, the size of the selected area is not evident, and must be calculated. A digital slide morphometric system was conceived to reproduce the various methods published for assessing tumor budding in colorectal cancer. Eighteen international experts in colorectal cancer were invited to participate in a web-based study by assessing tumor budding with five different methods in 100 digital slides. The specific areas to be tested by each method were marked by colored circles. The areas were grouped in a target-like pattern and then saved as an .xml file. When a digital slide was opened, the .xml file was imported in order to perform the measurements. Since the morphometric tool is composed of layers that can be freely moved on top of the digital slide, the technique was named digital slide dynamic morphometry. Twelve investigators completed the task, the majority of them performing the multiple evaluations of each of the cases in less than 12 minutes. Digital slide dynamic morphometry has various potential applications and might be a useful tool for the assessment of histologic parameters originally conceived for optical microscopy that need to be quantified.

  11. Rolling Contact Fatigue and Wear Behavior of High-Performance Railway Wheel Steels Under Various Rolling-Sliding Contact Conditions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Faccoli, Michela; Petrogalli, Candida; Lancini, Matteo; Ghidini, Andrea; Mazzù, Angelo

    2017-07-01

    An experimental investigation was carried out to study and compare the response to cyclic loading of the high-performance railway wheel steels ER8 EN13262 and SUPERLOS®. Rolling contact tests were performed with the same contact pressure, rolling speed and sliding/rolling ratio, varying the lubrication regime to simulate different climatic conditions. The samples, machined out of wheel rims at two depths within the reprofiling layer, were coupled with UIC 900A rail steel samples. The wear rates, friction coefficients and hardness were correlated with the deformation beneath the contact surface. The crack morphology was studied, and the damage mechanisms were identified. The distribution of crack length and depth at the end of the dry tests was analyzed to quantify the damage. The main difference between the steels lies in the response of the external samples to dry contact: SUPERLOS® is subjected to a higher wear and lower friction coefficient than ER8, and this reduces the density of surface cracks that can propagate under wet contact conditions. The analysis of feedback data from in-service wheels confirmed the experimental results.

  12. Submarine slumps, slides, and flows dominate sculpting of Beringian Margin, Alaska

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

    Carlson, P.R.; Karl, H.A.; Edwards, B.D.

    1990-06-01

    The 1,400 km long Beringian margin is characterized by several very large submarine canyons and by a large oceanic plateau at the southern end. GLORIA sidescan-sonar imagery provides a perspective of this margin that is unattainable with conventional acoustic profiles. The broad coverage of GLORIA images emphasizes that, of all the sedimentary processes affecting this vast margin, mass movement is clearly the dominant shaping process. Styles of failure include mud and debris flows, slumps, and massive block slides, some covering areas greater than 1,500 km{sup 2}. GLORIA imagery and seismic-reflection profiles show evidence for a wide variety of slides andmore » slumps in the canyons of the northern margin, Navarin and Pervenets. The 100 km long shelf edge between these two canyons is characterized by a series of scalloped slide scars and incipient scars associated with blocks of sedimentary material, 1 to 2 km across. One of the largest single slide masses is a huge block tens of kilometers wide that occurs on the rise in the central part of the margin beyond the mouth of Zhemchug Canyon. Sliding of this block may have initiated the incision of the world's largest submarine canyon. The removal of this block accelerated headward erosion by retrograde failure until Zhemchug Canyon was cut back to a fault parallel to the shelf edge. Mass movement along the southern margin is widespread at the edges of Umnak Plateau. One mass failure, well-defined by GLORIA, is about 30 km wide and 55 km long. This and other slides along the plateau are associated with diapiric-like structures, suggesting relatively recent tectonism.« less

  13. Approved Practices in Dairy Reproduction. Slide Script.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Roediger, Roger D.; Barr, Harry L.

    This slide script, part of a series of slide scripts designed for use in vocational agriculture classes, deals with approved practices in dairy reproduction. Included in the guide are narrations for use with 200 slides dealing with the following topics: the importance of good reproduction, the male and female roles in reproduction, selection of…

  14. Linear Classification of Dairy Cattle. Slide Script.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sipiorski, James; Spike, Peter

    This slide script, part of a series of slide scripts designed for use in vocational agriculture classes, deals with principles of the linear classification of dairy cattle. Included in the guide are narrations for use with 63 slides, which illustrate the following areas that are considered in the linear classification system: stature, strength,…

  15. Diatom ooze as weak layer for submarine mega-slides off Northwest Africa: Evidence from core-seismic integration in the Cap Blanc Slide area

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Urlaub, Morelia; Geersen, Jacob; Krastel, Sebastian; Schwenk, Tilmann

    2017-04-01

    The continental slope off Northwest Africa has experienced at least four mega-landslides, each affecting over 20,000 km2 of seafloor. Although the landslides lie more than 400 km apart, they have many similar characteristics, including stepped headwall patterns and several bedding-parallel glide planes at slope angles of <2°. This morphology suggests that failures took place along multiple mechanically weak sedimentary layers that are present at different stratigraphic depths. From all Northwest African mega-landslides the Cap Blanc Slide, situated off the coasts of Mauretania and West Sahara, offers an unprecedented possibility to advance our understanding of landslide causes. ODP site 658 (Leg 108) was drilled within the evacuation area of the slide, recovering its glide plane. In addition, site 658 also recovered the glide plane and the overlying undisturbed sedimentary sequence of a younger slope failure, which took place within the evacuation are of the main Cap Blanc Slide at some distance to the borehole. We use core-seismic integration to characterize the glide planes as well as to determine the timing of slope failures. The sediments just above both glide planes have particularly high biogenic opal contents owing to the presence of large amounts of diatom microfossils. Diatoms are hollow structures of microfossil skeletons, which contain large amounts of bound and intraskeletal water. When a critical stress level is exceeded during compaction, the microfossil shells break. The stored water is released causing a sudden increase in pore pressure, which may facilitate slope failure. We therefore suggest that diatom oozes acted as weak layers in the case of the Cap Blanc Slide. Pronounced biogenic opal maxima occur during glacial terminations and are expected all along the Northwest African continental margin. We thus hypothesize that mega-slides off Northwest Africa, and potentially also at other continental margins, are preconditioned by episodically high

  16. Towards a numerical run-out model for quick-clay slides

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Issler, Dieter; L'Heureux, Jean-Sébastien; Cepeda, José M.; Luna, Byron Quan; Gebreslassie, Tesfahunegn A.

    2015-04-01

    Highly sensitive glacio-marine clays occur in many relatively low-lying areas near the coasts of eastern Canada, Scandinavia and northern Russia. If the load exceeds the yield stress of these clays, they quickly liquefy, with a reduction of the yield strength and the viscosity by several orders of magnitude. Leaching, fluvial erosion, earthquakes and man-made overloads, by themselves or combined, are the most frequent triggers of quick-clay slides, which are hard to predict and can attain catastrophic dimensions. The present contribution reports on two preparatory studies that were conducted with a view to creating a run-out model tailored to the characteristics of quick-clay slides. One study analyzed the connections between the morphological and geotechnical properties of more than 30 well-documented Norwegian quick-clay slides and their run-out behavior. The laboratory experiments by Locat and Demers (1988) suggest that the behavior of quick clays can be reasonably described by universal relations involving the liquidity index, plastic index, remolding energy, salinity and sensitivity. However, these tests should be repeated with Norwegian clays and analyzed in terms of a (shear-thinning) Herschel-Bulkley fluid rather than a Bingham fluid because the shear stress appears to grow in a sub-linear fashion with the shear rate. Further study is required to understand the discrepancy between the material parameters obtained in laboratory tests of material from observed slides and in back-calculations of the same slides with the simple model by Edgers & Karlsrud (1982). The second study assessed the capability of existing numerical flow models to capture the most important aspects of quick-clay slides by back-calculating three different, well documented events in Norway: Rissa (1978), Finneidfjord (1996) and Byneset (2012). The numerical codes were (i) BING, a quasi-two-dimensional visco-plastic model, (ii) DAN3D (2009 version), and (iii) MassMov2D. The latter two are

  17. Robust stabilization of underactuated nonlinear systems: A fast terminal sliding mode approach.

    PubMed

    Khan, Qudrat; Akmeliawati, Rini; Bhatti, Aamer Iqbal; Khan, Mahmood Ashraf

    2017-01-01

    This paper presents a fast terminal sliding mode based control design strategy for a class of uncertain underactuated nonlinear systems. Strategically, this development encompasses those electro-mechanical underactuated systems which can be transformed into the so-called regular form. The novelty of the proposed technique lies in the hierarchical development of a fast terminal sliding attractor design for the considered class. Having established sliding mode along the designed manifold, the close loop dynamics become finite time stable which, consequently, result in high precision. In addition, the adverse effects of the chattering phenomenon are reduced via strong reachability condition and the robustness of the system against uncertainties is confirmed theoretically. A simulation as well as experimental study of an inverted pendulum is presented to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed technique. Copyright © 2016 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  18. Dendrimeric coating of glass slides for sensitive DNA microarrays analysis

    PubMed Central

    Le Berre, Véronique; Trévisiol, Emmanuelle; Dagkessamanskaia, Adilia; Sokol, Serguei; Caminade, Anne-Marie; Majoral, Jean Pierre; Meunier, Bernard; François, Jean

    2003-01-01

    Successful use and reliability of microarray technology is highly dependent on several factors, including surface chemistry parameters and accessibility of cDNA targets to the DNA probes fixed onto the surface. Here, we show that functionalisation of glass slides with homemade dendrimers allow production of more sensitive and reliable DNA microarrays. The dendrimers are nanometric structures of size-controlled diameter with aldehyde function at their periphery. Covalent attachment of these spherical reactive chemical structures on amino-silanised glass slides generates a reactive ∼100 Å layer onto which amino-modified DNA probes are covalently bound. This new grafting chemistry leads to the formation of uniform and homogenous spots. More over, probe concentration before spotting could be reduced from 0.2 to 0.02 mg/ml with PCR products and from 20 to 5 µM with 70mer oligonucleotides without affecting signal intensities after hybridisation with Cy3- and Cy5-labelled targets. More interestingly, while the binding capacity of captured probes on dendrimer-activated glass surface (named dendrislides) is roughly similar to other functionalised glass slides from commercial sources, detection sensitivity was 2-fold higher than with other available DNA microarrays. This detection limit was estimated to 0.1 pM of cDNA targets. Altogether, these features make dendrimer-activated slides ideal for manufacturing cost-effective DNA arrays applicable for gene expression and detection of mutations. PMID:12907740

  19. Time-varying sliding-coefficient-based decoupled terminal sliding-mode control for a class of fourth-order systems.

    PubMed

    Bayramoglu, Husnu; Komurcugil, Hasan

    2014-07-01

    A time-varying sliding-coefficient-based decoupled terminal sliding mode control strategy is presented for a class of fourth-order systems. First, the fourth-order system is decoupled into two second-order subsystems. The sliding surface of each subsystem was designed by utilizing time-varying coefficients. Then, the control target of one subsystem to another subsystem was embedded. Thereafter, a terminal sliding mode control method was utilized to make both subsystems converge to their equilibrium points in finite time. The simulation results on the inverted pendulum system demonstrate that the proposed method exhibits a considerable improvement in terms of a faster dynamic response and lower IAE and ITAE values as compared with the existing decoupled control methods. Copyright © 2014 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  20. Understanding the desensitizing mechanism of olefin in explosives: shear slide of mixed HMX-olefin systems.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Chaoyang; Cao, Xia; Xiang, Bin

    2012-04-01

    We simulated the shear slide behavior of typical mixed HMX-olefin systems and the effect of thickness of olefin layers (4-22 Å) on the behavior at a molecular level by considering two cases: bulk shear and interfacial shear. The results show that: (1) the addition of olefin into HMX can reduce greatly the shear sliding barriers relative to the pure HMX in the two cases, suggesting that the desensitizing mechanism of olefin is controlled dominantly by its good lubricating property; (2) the change of interaction energy in both systoles of shear slide is strongly dominated by van der Waals interaction; and (3) the thickness of olefin layers in the mixed explosives can influence its desensitizing efficiency. That is, the excessive thinness of olefin layers in the mixed explosive systems, for example, several angstroms, can lead to very high sliding barriers.

  1. Compact, Automated Centrifugal Slide-Staining System

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Feeback, Daniel L.; Clarke, Mark S. F.

    2004-01-01

    The Directional Acceleration Vector-Driven Displacement of Fluids (DAVD-DOF) system, under development at the time of reporting the information for this article, would be a relatively compact, automated, centrifugally actuated system for staining blood smears and other microbiological samples on glass microscope slides in either a microgravitational or a normal Earth gravitational environment. The DAVD-DOF concept is a successor to the centrifuge-operated slide stainer (COSS) concept, which was reported in Slide-Staining System for Microgravity or Gravity (MSC-22949), NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 25, No. 1 (January, 2001), page 64. The COSS includes reservoirs and a staining chamber that contains a microscope slide to which a biological sample is affixed. The staining chamber is sequentially filled with and drained of staining and related liquids from the reservoirs by use of a weighted plunger to force liquid from one reservoir to another at a constant level of hypergravity maintained in a standard swing-bucket centrifuge. In the DAVD-DOF system, a staining chamber containing a sample would also be sequentially filled and emptied, but with important differences. Instead of a simple microscope slide, one would use a special microscope slide on which would be fabricated a network of very small reservoirs and narrow channels connected to a staining chamber (see figure). Unlike in the COSS, displacement of liquid would be effected by use of the weight of the liquid itself, rather than the weight of a plunger.

  2. Welded slump-graded sand couplets: evidence for slide generated turbidity currents

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Stanley, Daniel Jean

    1982-09-01

    Some massive channelized strata preserved in the rock record are characterized by a lower slump member which evolves upward to a turbidite. This merging is indicative of probable generation of sediment gravity flows from submarine sliding. Conditions essential for deposition of such sequences are short transport distance between point of failure and depositional site, and an environment likely to retain both facies. Fan valleys are a likely setting for welded couplets: flowing sand, initiated by the sliding event, comes to rest at nearly the same time and position as the slump mass deposited near the base of the valley wall and in the axis proper.

  3. Tribology of the lubricant quantized sliding state.

    PubMed

    Castelli, Ivano Eligio; Capozza, Rosario; Vanossi, Andrea; Santoro, Giuseppe E; Manini, Nicola; Tosatti, Erio

    2009-11-07

    In the framework of Langevin dynamics, we demonstrate clear evidence of the peculiar quantized sliding state, previously found in a simple one-dimensional boundary lubricated model [A. Vanossi et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 97, 056101 (2006)], for a substantially less idealized two-dimensional description of a confined multilayer solid lubricant under shear. This dynamical state, marked by a nontrivial "quantized" ratio of the averaged lubricant center-of-mass velocity to the externally imposed sliding speed, is recovered, and shown to be robust against the effects of thermal fluctuations, quenched disorder in the confining substrates, and over a wide range of loading forces. The lubricant softness, setting the width of the propagating solitonic structures, is found to play a major role in promoting in-registry commensurate regions beneficial to this quantized sliding. By evaluating the force instantaneously exerted on the top plate, we find that this quantized sliding represents a dynamical "pinned" state, characterized by significantly low values of the kinetic friction. While the quantized sliding occurs due to solitons being driven gently, the transition to ordinary unpinned sliding regimes can involve lubricant melting due to large shear-induced Joule heating, for example at large speed.

  4. The Influence of Interfacial Roughness on Fiber Sliding in Oxide Composites with La-Monazite Interphases

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Davis, J. B.; Hay, R. S.; Marshall, D. B.; Morgan, P. E. D.; Sayir, A.; Gray, Hugh R. (Technical Monitor); Farmer, Serene C. (Technical Monitor)

    2002-01-01

    Room temperature debonding and sliding of La-Monazite coated fibers is assessed using a composite with a polycrystalline alumina matrix and fibers of several different single crystal (mullite, sapphire) and directionally solidified eutectic (Al2O3/Y3Al5O12 and Al2O3/Y-ZrO2) compositions. These fibers provide a range of residual stresses and interfacial roughnesses. Sliding occurred over a debond crack at the fiber-coating interface when the sliding displacement and surface roughness were relatively small. At large sliding displacements with relatively rough interfaces, the monazite coatings were deformed extensively by fracture, dislocations and occasional twinning, whereas the fibers were undamaged. Dense, fine-grained (10 nm) microstructures suggestive of dynamic recrystallization were also observed in the coatings. Frictional heating during sliding is assessed. The possibility of low temperature recrystallization is discussed in the light of the known resistance of monazite to radiation damage. The ability of La-Monazite to undergo plastic deformation relatively easily at low temperatures may be enabling for its use as a composite interface.

  5. Dry sliding wear behavior of Al 2219/SiCp-Gr hybrid metal matrix composites

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Basavarajappa, S.; Chandramohan, G.; Mukund, K.; Ashwin, M.; Prabu, M.

    2006-12-01

    The dry sliding wear behavior of Al 2219 alloy and Al 2219/SiCp/Gr hybrid composites are investigated under similar conditions. The composites are fabricated using the liquid metallurgy technique. The dry sliding wear test is carried out for sliding speeds up to 6 m/s and for normal loads up to 60 N using a pin on disc apparatus. It is found that the addition of SiCp and graphite reinforcements increases the wear resistance of the composites. The wear rate decreases with the increase in SiCp reinforcement content. As speed increases, the wear rate decreases initially and then increases. The wear rate increases with the increase in load. Scanning electron microscopy micrographs of the worn surface are used to predict the nature of the wear mechanism. Abrasion is the principle wear mechanism for the composites at low sliding speeds and loads. At higher loads, the wear mechanism changes to delamination.

  6. "Discoveries in Planetary Sciences": Slide Sets Highlighting New Advances for Astronomy Educators

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Brain, D. A.; Schneider, N. M.; Beyer, R. A.

    2010-12-01

    Planetary science is a field that evolves rapidly, motivated by spacecraft mission results. Exciting new mission results are generally communicated rather quickly to the public in the form of press releases and news stories, but it can take several years for new advances to work their way into college textbooks. Yet it is important for students to have exposure to these new advances for a number of reasons. In some cases, new work renders older textbook knowledge incorrect or incomplete. In some cases, new discoveries make it possible to emphasize older textbook knowledge in a new way. In all cases, new advances provide exciting and accessible examples of the scientific process in action. To bridge the gap between textbooks and new advances in planetary sciences we have developed content on new discoveries for use by undergraduate instructors. Called 'Discoveries in Planetary Sciences', each new discovery is summarized in a 3-slide PowerPoint presentation. The first slide describes the discovery, the second slide discusses the underlying planetary science concepts, and the third presents the big picture implications of the discovery. A fourth slide includes links to associated press releases, images, and primary sources. This effort is generously sponsored by the Division for Planetary Sciences of the American Astronomical Society, and the slide sets are available at http://dps.aas.org/education/dpsdisc/. Sixteen slide sets have been released so far covering topics spanning all sub-disciplines of planetary science. Results from the following spacecraft missions have been highlighted: MESSENGER, the Spirit and Opportunity rovers, Cassini, LCROSS, EPOXI, Chandrayan, Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, Mars Express, and Venus Express. Additionally, new results from Earth-orbiting and ground-based observing platforms and programs such as Hubble, Keck, IRTF, the Catalina Sky Survey, HARPS, MEarth, Spitzer, and amateur astronomers have been highlighted. 4-5 new slide sets are

  7. The Cancer Digital Slide Archive - TCGA

    Cancer.gov

    Dr. David Gutman and Dr. Lee Cooper developed The Cancer Digital Slide Archive (CDSA), a web platform for accessing pathology slide images of TCGA samples. Find out how they did it and how to use the CDSA website in this Case Study.

  8. Wear Calculation Approach for Sliding - Friction Pairs

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Springis, G.; Rudzitis, J.; Lungevics, J.; Berzins, K.

    2017-05-01

    One of the most important things how to predict the service life of different products is always connected with the choice of adequate method. With the development of production technologies and measuring devices and with ever increasing precision one can get the appropriate data to be used in analytic calculations. Historically one can find several theoretical wear calculation methods but still there are no exact wear calculation model that could be applied to all cases of wear processes because of difficulties connected with a variety of parameters that are involved in wear process of two or several surfaces. Analysing the wear prediction theories that could be classified into definite groups one can state that each of them has shortcomings that might impact the results thus making unnecessary theoretical calculations. The offered wear calculation method is based on the theories of different branches of science. It includes the description of 3D surface micro-topography using standardized roughness parameters, explains the regularities of particle separation from the material in the wear process using fatigue theory and takes into account material’s physical and mechanical characteristics and definite conditions of product’s working time. The proposed wear calculation model could be of value for prediction of the exploitation time for sliding friction pairs thus allowing the best technologies to be chosen for many mechanical details.

  9. Second-order sliding mode control with experimental application.

    PubMed

    Eker, Ilyas

    2010-07-01

    In this article, a second-order sliding mode control (2-SMC) is proposed for second-order uncertain plants using equivalent control approach to improve the performance of control systems. A Proportional + Integral + Derivative (PID) sliding surface is used for the sliding mode. The sliding mode control law is derived using direct Lyapunov stability approach and asymptotic stability is proved theoretically. The performance of the closed-loop system is analysed through an experimental application to an electromechanical plant to show the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed second-order sliding mode control and factors involved in the design. The second-order plant parameters are experimentally determined using input-output measured data. The results of the experimental application are presented to make a quantitative comparison with the traditional (first-order) sliding mode control (SMC) and PID control. It is demonstrated that the proposed 2-SMC system improves the performance of the closed-loop system with better tracking specifications in the case of external disturbances, better behavior of the output and faster convergence of the sliding surface while maintaining the stability. 2010 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  10. Repair of Large Sliding Inguinal Hernias.

    PubMed

    Samra, Navdeep S; Ballard, David H; Doumite, Darin F; Griffen, F Dean

    2015-12-01

    Sliding inguinal hernias are often unexpected intra-operative findings, and repair of which can be technically challenging. A number of repair techniques have been described. The author modified a technique based on an approach described by Bevan. The purpose of our study is to describe this modified Bevan technique for repair of sliding inguinal hernias and report its efficacy in a series of patients. We retrospectively reviewed all patients with open inguinal hernia repairs performed by a single surgeon from August 2007 to April 2013 for sliding indirect hernias using the modified Bevan technique. Patient records were reviewed for demographics, hernia characteristics, complications, admission status, length of stay, and complications. There were 25 patients eligible for our review (male = 25, mean age = 49 years). All sliding hernias were indirect, none were bilateral, and two were incarcerated. The sliding component involved the bladder and perivesical fat (n = 12), sigmoid colon (n = 10), and the cecum and appendix (n = 3). Eighteen patients were treated as outpatients; seven patients were admitted with a mean stay of 2.2 days. Complications included intra-operative bleeding (n = 1), subcutaneous wound hematoma (n = 1), scrotal seroma (n = 1), transient orchialgia (n = 1), and ileus (n = 1). All patients were seen postoperatively for short-term follow-up with no hernia recurrences. Thirteen patients were available for long-term follow-up (mean = 13.6 months); all had no hernia recurrences. The modification of Bevan's technique for repair of large sliding hernias worked well in our series.

  11. Preparing Scientific Papers, Posters, and Slides.

    PubMed

    Lefor, Alan Kawarai; Maeno, Misato

    2016-01-01

    Publications and presentations are important in academic medicine. The ability to present information in a standard fashion is critically important. Papers, posters, and slides must be prepared appropriately to maximize their chance of being accepted. The first step is to use word processing software correctly. English language usage must conform to standard scientific English usage. Abbreviations should be avoided as much as possible. Numerical data must be presented with the appropriate number of significant figures. The first step in preparing a paper is to decide the target journal. Papers should always be written in 12 point Times New Roman font, while slides and posters should be in Arial or Helvetica. The Results section must contain actual data with appropriate statistical analysis. Take great care to prepare figures and tables according to the journal's instructions. Posters must be prepared to allow easy reading at a distance of 2m. Use a white background and dark letters. The majority of the area of your poster should be Results, and there is no need to include the abstract or references on a poster. Slide presentations should be limited to about one slide for each minute of the talk. Avoid the use of animations and excessive use of color. Do not use abbreviations on slides. Following these simple guidelines will meet the requirements of most journals and allow your audience to appreciate the data on your posters and slides. Copyright © 2015 Association of Program Directors in Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  12. An Automated Slide Classification System at Georgia Tech

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    LoPresti, Maryellen

    1973-01-01

    The Georgia Tech Architecture Library slide collection is being revolutionized by adapting the Santa Cruz Slide Classification System. The slide catalog record is being transferred inexpensively to tapes and updated by the computer. Computer programs print out indexes in any of fifteen different sort fields. (Author)

  13. [THE VIRTUAL CYTOLOGIC SLIDES FOR EXTERNAL EVALUATION OF QUALITY OF IMPLEMENTATION OF CYTOLOGIC ANALYSES IN CLINICAL DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORIES: POSSIBILITIES AND PERSPECTIVES].

    PubMed

    Djangirova, T V; Shabalova, I P; Pronichev, A N; Polyakov, E V

    2015-08-01

    The article considers application of technology of analysis of cytological slides in external quality control of clinical diagnostic laboratories. The advantages of virtual slides are demonstrated against other applied technologies of external evaluation of quality i.e. slide plate and digital micro-photography. The conditions of formation of virtual slides for external evaluation of quality of clinical diagnostic laboratories. The technology of their application is described. The success of practical application of considered technology in the Federal system of external evaluation of quality is emphasized.

  14. Second order sliding mode control for a quadrotor UAV.

    PubMed

    Zheng, En-Hui; Xiong, Jing-Jing; Luo, Ji-Liang

    2014-07-01

    A method based on second order sliding mode control (2-SMC) is proposed to design controllers for a small quadrotor UAV. For the switching sliding manifold design, the selection of the coefficients of the switching sliding manifold is in general a sophisticated issue because the coefficients are nonlinear. In this work, in order to perform the position and attitude tracking control of the quadrotor perfectly, the dynamical model of the quadrotor is divided into two subsystems, i.e., a fully actuated subsystem and an underactuated subsystem. For the former, a sliding manifold is defined by combining the position and velocity tracking errors of one state variable, i.e., the sliding manifold has two coefficients. For the latter, a sliding manifold is constructed via a linear combination of position and velocity tracking errors of two state variables, i.e., the sliding manifold has four coefficients. In order to further obtain the nonlinear coefficients of the sliding manifold, Hurwitz stability analysis is used to the solving process. In addition, the flight controllers are derived by using Lyapunov theory, which guarantees that all system state trajectories reach and stay on the sliding surfaces. Extensive simulation results are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed control method. Copyright © 2014 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  15. Dry sliding wear system response of ferritic and tempered martensitic ductile iron

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jha, V. K.; Mozumder, Y. H.; Shama, S.; Behera, R. K.; Pattaniak, A.; P, Sindhoora L.; Mishra, S. C.; Sen, S.

    2015-02-01

    Spheroidal graphite cast iron (SG iron) is the most preferable member of cast iron family due to its strength and toughness along with good tribological properties. SG iron specimens with annealed and martensitic matrix were subjected to dry sliding wear condition and the system response was correlated to matrix microstructure. Respective microstructure was obtained by annealing and quench and tempering heat treatment process for an austenitizing temperature of 1000°C. Specimens were subjected to Ball on plate wear tester under 40N, 50N, 60N load for a sliding distance of 7.54m. Except for quench and tempered specimen at 50N, weight loss was observed in every condition. The wear surface under optical microscope reveals adhesive mechanism for as-cast and annealed specimen whereas delaminated wear track feature was observed for quench and tempered specimen.

  16. Color standardization and optimization in whole slide imaging.

    PubMed

    Yagi, Yukako

    2011-03-30

    Standardization and validation of the color displayed by digital slides is an important aspect of digital pathology implementation. While the most common reason for color variation is the variance in the protocols and practices in the histology lab, the color displayed can also be affected by variation in capture parameters (for example, illumination and filters), image processing and display factors in the digital systems themselves. We have been developing techniques for color validation and optimization along two paths. The first was based on two standard slides that are scanned and displayed by the imaging system in question. In this approach, one slide is embedded with nine filters with colors selected especially for H&E stained slides (looking like tiny Macbeth color chart); the specific color of the nine filters were determined in our previous study and modified for whole slide imaging (WSI). The other slide is an H&E stained mouse embryo. Both of these slides were scanned and the displayed images were compared to a standard. The second approach was based on our previous multispectral imaging research. As a first step, the two slide method (above) was used to identify inaccurate display of color and its cause, and to understand the importance of accurate color in digital pathology. We have also improved the multispectral-based algorithm for more consistent results in stain standardization. In near future, the results of the two slide and multispectral techniques can be combined and will be widely available. We have been conducting a series of researches and developing projects to improve image quality to establish Image Quality Standardization. This paper discusses one of most important aspects of image quality - color.

  17. Slide less pathology”: Fairy tale or reality?

    PubMed Central

    Indu, M; Rathy, R; Binu, MP

    2016-01-01

    Pathology practice is significantly advanced in various frontiers. Therefore, “slide less digital” pathology will not be a mere imagination in near future. Digitalization of histopathological slides (whole slide imaging [WSI]) is possible with the help of whole slide scanner. The WSI has a positive impact not only in routine practice but also in research field, medical education and bioindustry. Even if digital pathology has definitive advantages, its widespread use is not yet possible. As it is an upcoming technology in our field, this article is aimed to discussessential aspects of WSI. PMID:27601824

  18. Risk Analysis for Unintentional Slide Deployment During Airline Operations.

    PubMed

    Ayra, Eduardo S; Insua, David Ríos; Castellanos, María Eugenia; Larbi, Lydia

    2015-09-01

    We present a risk analysis undertaken to mitigate problems in relation to the unintended deployment of slides under normal operations within a commercial airline. This type of incident entails relevant costs for the airline industry. After assessing the likelihood and severity of its consequences, we conclude that such risks need to be managed. We then evaluate the effectiveness of various countermeasures, describing and justifying the chosen ones. We also discuss several issues faced when implementing and communicating the proposed measures, thus fully illustrating the risk analysis process. © 2015 Society for Risk Analysis.

  19. Fuzzy fractional order sliding mode controller for nonlinear systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Delavari, H.; Ghaderi, R.; Ranjbar, A.; Momani, S.

    2010-04-01

    In this paper, an intelligent robust fractional surface sliding mode control for a nonlinear system is studied. At first a sliding PD surface is designed and then, a fractional form of these networks PDα, is proposed. Fast reaching velocity into the switching hyperplane in the hitting phase and little chattering phenomena in the sliding phase is desired. To reduce the chattering phenomenon in sliding mode control (SMC), a fuzzy logic controller is used to replace the discontinuity in the signum function at the reaching phase in the sliding mode control. For the problem of determining and optimizing the parameters of fuzzy sliding mode controller (FSMC), genetic algorithm (GA) is used. Finally, the performance and the significance of the controlled system two case studies (robot manipulator and coupled tanks) are investigated under variation in system parameters and also in presence of an external disturbance. The simulation results signify performance of genetic-based fuzzy fractional sliding mode controller.

  20. Tissue slide-based microRNA characterization of tumors: how detailed could diagnosis become for cancer medicine?

    PubMed Central

    Sempere, Lorenzo F

    2014-01-01

    miRNAs are short, non-coding, regulatory RNAs that exert cell type-dependent, context-dependent, transcriptome-wide gene expression control under physiological and pathological conditions. Tissue slide-based assays provide qualitative (tumor compartment) and semi-quantitative (expression levels) information about altered miRNA expression at single-cell resolution in clinical tumor specimens. Reviewed here are key technological advances in the last 5 years that have led to implementation of fully automated, robust and reproducible tissue slide-based assays for in situ miRNA detection on US FDA-approved instruments; recent tissue slide-based discovery studies that suggest potential clinical applications of specific miRNAs in cancer medicine are highlighted; and the challenges in bringing tissue slide-based miRNA assays into the clinic are discussed, including clinical validation, biomarker performance, biomarker space and integration with other biomarkers. PMID:25090088

  1. Effect of surface mobility on the particle sliding along a bubble or a solid sphere.

    PubMed

    Wang, Weixing; Zhou, Zhiang; Nandakumar, K; Xu, Zhenghe; Masliyah, Jacob H

    2003-03-01

    The sliding velocity of glass beads on a spherical surface, made either of an air bubble or of a glass sphere held stationary, is measured to investigate the effect of surface mobility on the particle sliding velocity. The sliding process is recorded with a digital camera and analyzed frame by frame. The sliding glass bead was found to accelerate with increasing angular position on the collector's surface. It reaches a maximum velocity at an angular position of about 100 degrees and then, under certain conditions, the glass bead leaves the surface of the collector. The sliding velocity of the glass bead depends strongly on the surface mobility of a bubble, decreasing with decreasing surface mobility. By a mobile surface we mean one which cannot set up resistive forces to an applied stress on the surface. The sliding velocity on a rigid surface, such as a glass sphere, is much lower than that on a mobile bubble surface. The sliding velocity can be described through a modified Stokes equation. A numerical factor in the modified Stokes equation is determined by fitting the experimental data and is found to increase with decreasing surface mobility. Hydrophobic glass beads sliding on a hydrophobic glass sphere were found to stick at the point of impact without sliding if the initial angular position of the impact is less than some specific angle, which is defined as the critical sticking angle. The sticking of the glass beads can be attributed to the capillary contracting force created by the formation of a cavity due to spontaneous receding of the nonwetting liquid from the contact zone. The relationship between the critical sticking angle and the particle size is established based on the Yushchenko [J. Colloid Interface Sci. 96 (1983) 307] analysis.

  2. Sliding mode disturbance observer-based control of a twin rotor MIMO system.

    PubMed

    Rashad, Ramy; El-Badawy, Ayman; Aboudonia, Ahmed

    2017-07-01

    This work proposes a robust tracking controller for a helicopter laboratory setup known as the twin rotor MIMO system (TRMS) using an integral sliding mode controller. To eliminate the discontinuity in the control signal, the controller is augmented by a sliding mode disturbance observer. The actuator dynamics is handled using a backstepping approach which is applicable due to the continuous chattering-free nature of the command signals generated using the disturbance observer based controller. To avoid the complexity of analytically differentiating the command signals, a first order sliding mode differentiator is used. Stability analysis of the closed loop system and the ultimate boundedness of the tracking error is proved using Lyapunov stability arguments. The proposed controller is validated by several simulation studies and is compared to other schemes in the literature. Experimental results using a hardware-in-the-loop system validate the robustness and effectiveness of the proposed controller. Copyright © 2017 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  3. A novel glass slide filing system for pathology slides.

    PubMed

    Tsai, Steve; Kartono, Francisca; Shitabata, Paul K

    2007-07-01

    The availability of a collection of microscope glass slides for review is essential in the study and practice of pathology. A common problem facing many pathologists is the lack of a well-organized filing system. We present a novel system that would be easily accessible, informative, protective, and portable.

  4. Sliding Mode Control of the X-33 with an Engine Failure

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Shtessel, Yuri B.; Hall, Charles E.

    2000-01-01

    Ascent flight control of the X-3 is performed using two XRS-2200 linear aerospike engines. in addition to aerosurfaces. The baseline control algorithms are PID with gain scheduling. Flight control using an innovative method. Sliding Mode Control. is presented for nominal and engine failed modes of flight. An easy to implement, robust controller. requiring no reconfiguration or gain scheduling is demonstrated through high fidelity flight simulations. The proposed sliding mode controller utilizes a two-loop structure and provides robust. de-coupled tracking of both orientation angle command profiles and angular rate command profiles in the presence of engine failure, bounded external disturbances (wind gusts) and uncertain matrix of inertia. Sliding mode control causes the angular rate and orientation angle tracking error dynamics to be constrained to linear, de-coupled, homogeneous, and vector valued differential equations with desired eigenvalues. Conditions that restrict engine failures to robustness domain of the sliding mode controller are derived. Overall stability of a two-loop flight control system is assessed. Simulation results show that the designed controller provides robust, accurate, de-coupled tracking of the orientation angle command profiles in the presence of external disturbances and vehicle inertia uncertainties, as well as the single engine failed case. The designed robust controller will significantly reduce the time and cost associated with flying new trajectory profiles or orbits, with new payloads, and with modified vehicles

  5. Geo-structural modelling for potential large rock slide in Machu Picchu

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Spizzichino, D.; Delmonaco, G.; Margottini, C.; Mazzoli, S.

    2009-04-01

    The monumental complex of the Historical Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, declared as World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983, is located in the Andean chain at approx. 80 km from Cuzco (Peru) and at an elevation of 2430 m a.s.l. along the Urubamba River Valley. From a geological point of view, the Machu Picchu granitoid pluton, forming part of the larger "Quillabamba granite", is one of a series of plutons intruded along the axial zone of the high Eastern Cordillera Permo-Liassic rift system including a variety of rock types, dominantly granites and granodiorites. The most evident structures at the outcrop scale consist of planar joint sets that may be variably reactivated and exhibiting 4 main orientations. At present, the site is affected by geological risk due to frequent landslides that threaten security and tourist exploitation. In the last years, the international landslide scientific community has promoted a multi-discipline joint programme mainly finalised to slope deformation monitoring and analysis after the warning, launched in 2001, of a potential collapse of the citadel, caused by a huge rock slide. The contribute of the Italian research team was devoted to implement a landslide risk analysis and an innovative remote sensing techniques. The main scope of this work is to present the implementation of a geo-structural modelling aimed at defining present and potential slope stability conditions of the Machu Picchu Citadel. Data have been collected by geological, structural and geomechanical field surveys and laboratory tests in order to reconstruct the geomorphological evolution of the area. Landslide types and evolution are strictly controlled by regional tectonic uplift and structural setting. Several slope instability phenomena have been identified and classified according to mechanism, material involved and state of activity. Rock falls, debris flows, rock slides and debris slides are the main surveyed landslide types. Rock slides and rock falls may produce

  6. Monitoring environmental change with color slides

    Treesearch

    Arthur W. Magill

    1989-01-01

    Monitoring human impact on outdoor recreation sites and view landscapes is necessary to evaluate influences which may require corrective action and to determine if management is achieving desired goals. An inexpensive method to monitor environmental change is to establish camera points and use repeat color slides. Successful monitoring from slides requires the observer...

  7. Unevenness of Sliding Surface of Overhead Rigid Conductor Lines and Method for Reducing Unevenness

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Aboshi, Mitsuo; Shimizu, Masashi

    Rigid conductor lines are used in many subways, because the use of such conductor lines reduces the risk of accidents and because less space is required for their installation. However, as the unevenness of the sliding surface of the rigid conductor lines significantly influences the fluctuations in the contact force between pantographs and contact lines, it is necessary to decrease the unevenness at the construction as well as the maintenance stages. In order to investigate the installation accuracy of overhead rigid conductor lines, we have developed a device that accurately and continuously measures the unevenness of the sliding surface. By using this measuring device, we have confirmed that the unevenness of the sliding surface depends on various factors such as the sag between the support points, the deformation of the aluminum base or the conductive rail in the case of a long wavelength, the slight sagging unevenness between the bolts of the long ear, the undulating wear etc. This paper describes the actual unevenness conditions and the technical methods for decreasing the unevenness of the sliding surface of overhead rigid conductor lines.

  8. A Model to Study Articular Cartilage Mechanical and Biological Responses to Sliding Loads.

    PubMed

    Schätti, Oliver R; Gallo, Luigi M; Torzilli, Peter A

    2016-08-01

    In physiological conditions, joint function involves continuously moving contact areas over the tissue surface. Such moving contacts play an important role for the durability of the tissue. It is known that in pathological joints these motion paths and contact mechanics change. Nevertheless, limited information exists on the impact of such physiological and pathophysiological dynamic loads on cartilage mechanics and its subsequent biological response. We designed and validated a mechanical device capable of applying simultaneous compression and sliding forces onto cartilage explants to simulate moving joint contact. Tests with varying axial loads (1-4 kg) and sliding speeds (1-20 mm/s) were performed on mature viable bovine femoral condyles to investigate cartilage mechanobiological responses. High loads and slow sliding speeds resulted in highest cartilage deformations. Contact stress and effective cartilage moduli increased with increasing load and increasing speed. In a pilot study, changes in gene expression of extracellular matrix proteins were correlated with strain, contact stress and dynamic effective modulus. This study describes a mechanical test system to study the cartilage response to reciprocating sliding motion and will be helpful in identifying mechanical and biological mechanisms leading to the initiation and development of cartilage degeneration.

  9. Innovative slide repair techniques guidebook for Missouri.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2011-09-01

    Soil slides often require immediate action to keep traffic moving safely. This study will : focus on developing newer (innovative) approaches to evaluate slope failures and : provide cost-effective repair and mitigation techniques. Typically slides a...

  10. Severity of illness and ambulatory care-sensitive conditions.

    PubMed

    Yuen, Elaine J

    2004-09-01

    This study describes how severity of illness may refine the definition of ambulatory care-sensitive conditions, or ACSCs. Hospital discharge abstract data from Philadelphia were combined with census data to develop population-based adjusted rates of hospitalization for diabetes and asthma, two ACSCs. By stratifying ACSC hospitalization by severity of illness, variations were observed by age, race, and gender. Minority groups may be at higher risk for less access to outpatient primary care and were observed to have higher rates of more severely ill, Stage 3 hospitalization. Geographic map displays indicated wide ranges of age-sex-adjusted rates for high-severity hospitalization in the five-county Philadelphia region. This refined ACSC measure may help to identify specific groups and clinical conditions within a population to assist health care planners estimate health care resources such as facilities, manpower, and programs, as well as to evaluate their outcomes.

  11. Modeling the Sliding/Falling Ladder Paradox

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fox, William P.; Fox, James B.

    2003-01-01

    Recently we were presented with an interesting twist to the sliding ladder problem viewed in the related rates section of most calculus textbooks. Our problem concerning a sliding ladder that eventually hits the ground. At first, those attempting this problem fell into the calculus trap using only related rates. Previous work for this problem…

  12. Virtual slides in peer reviewed, open access medical publication

    PubMed Central

    2011-01-01

    Background Application of virtual slides (VS), the digitalization of complete glass slides, is in its infancy to be implemented in routine diagnostic surgical pathology and to issues that are related to tissue-based diagnosis, such as education and scientific publication. Approach Electronic publication in Pathology offers new features of scientific communication in pathology that cannot be obtained by conventional paper based journals. Most of these features are based upon completely open or partly directed interaction between the reader and the system that distributes the article. One of these interactions can be applied to microscopic images allowing the reader to navigate and magnify the presented images. VS and interactive Virtual Microscopy (VM) are a tool to increase the scientific value of microscopic images. Technology and Performance The open access journal Diagnostic Pathology http://www.diagnosticpathology.org has existed for about five years. It is a peer reviewed journal that publishes all types of scientific contributions, including original scientific work, case reports and review articles. In addition to digitized still images the authors of appropriate articles are requested to submit the underlying glass slides to an institution (DiagnomX.eu, and Leica.com) for digitalization and documentation. The images are stored in a separate image data bank which is adequately linked to the article. The normal review process is not involved. Both processes (peer review and VS acquisition) are performed contemporaneously in order to minimize a potential publication delay. VS are not provided with a DOI index (digital object identifier). The first articles that include VS were published in March 2011. Results and Perspectives Several logistic constraints had to be overcome until the first articles including VS could be published. Step by step an automated acquisition and distribution system had to be implemented to the corresponding article. The acceptance of

  13. Effect of bionic coupling units' forms on wear resistance of gray cast iron under dry linear reciprocating sliding condition

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pang, Zuobo; Zhou, Hong; Xie, Guofeng; Cong, Dalong; Meng, Chao; Ren, Luquan

    2015-07-01

    In order to get close to the wear form of guide rails, the homemade linear reciprocating wear testing machine was used for the wear test. In order to improve the wear-resistance of gray cast iron guide rail, bionic coupling units of different forms were manufactured by a laser. Wear behavior of gray-cast-iron with bionic-coupling units has been studied under dry sliding condition at room temperature using the wear testing machine. The wear resistance was evaluated by means of weight loss measurement and wear morphology. The results indicated that bionic coupling unit could improve the wear resistance of gray cast iron. The wear resistance of gray cast iron with reticulation bionic coupling unit is the best. When the load and speed changed, reticulation bionic coupling unit still has excellent performance in improving the wear resistance of gray cast iron.

  14. Dynamical phenomena in fast sliding nanotube models

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, X. H.; Santoro, G. E.; Tartaglino, U.; Tosatti, E.

    2013-03-01

    The experimentally known fact that coaxial carbon nanotubes can be forced to slide one inside the other stimulated in the past much detailed modelling of the dynamical sliding process. Molecular dynamics simulations of sliding coaxial nanotubes showed the existence of strong frictional peaks when, at large speed, one tube excites the other with a 'washboard' frequency that happens to resonate with some intrinsic vibration frequency. At some of these special speeds we discover a striking example of dynamical symmetry breaking taking place at the nanoscale. Even when both nanotubes are perfectly left-right symmetric and nonchiral, precisely in correspondence with the large peaks of sliding friction occurring at a series of critical sliding velocities, a nonzero angular momentum spontaneously appears. A detailed analysis shows that this internal angular momentum is of phonon origin, in particular arising from preferential excitation of a right polarized (or, with equal probability, of a left polarized) outer-tube 'pseudorotation' mode, thus spontaneously breaking their exact twofold right-left degeneracy. We present and discuss a detailed analysis of nonlinear continuum equations governing this phenomenon, showing the close similarity of this phenomenon with the well-known rotational instability of a forced string, which takes place under sufficiently strong periodic forcing of the string. We also point out new elements appearing in the present problem which are 'nano', in particular the involvement of Umklapp processes and the role of sliding nanofriction.

  15. DPS Discovery Slide Sets for the Introductory Astronomy Instructor

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Meinke, Bonnie K.; Jackson, Brian; Buxner, Sanlyn; Horst, Sarah; Brain, David; Schneider, Nicholas M.

    2016-10-01

    The DPS actively supports the E/PO needs of the society's membership, including those at the front of the college classroom. The DPS Discovery Slide Sets are an opportunity for instructors to put the latest planetary science into their lectures and for scientists to get their exciting results to college students.In an effort to keep the astronomy classroom apprised of the fast moving field of planetary science, the Division for Planetary Sciences (DPS) has developed "DPS Discoveries", which are 3-slide presentations that can be incorporated into college lectures. The slide sets are targeted at the Introductory Astronomy undergraduate level. Each slide set consists of three slides which cover a description of the discovery, a discussion of the underlying science, and a presentation of the big picture implications of the discovery, with a fourth slide that includes links to associated press releases, images, and primary sources. Topics span all subdisciplines of planetary science, and 26 sets are available in Farsi and Spanish. We intend for these slide sets to help Astronomy 101 instructors include new developments (not yet in their textbooks) into the broader context of the course. If you need supplemental material for your classroom, please checkout the archived collection: http://dps.aas.org/education/dpsdiscMore slide sets are now in development and will be available soon! In the meantime, we seek input, feedback, and help from the DPS membership to add fresh slide sets to the series and to connect the college classroom to YOUR science. It's easy to get involved - we'll provide a content template, tips and tricks for a great slide set, and pedagogy reviews. Talk to a coauthor to find out how you can disseminate your science or get involved in E/PO with your contributions.

  16. Analysis and Synthesis of Memory-Based Fuzzy Sliding Mode Controllers.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Jinhui; Lin, Yujuan; Feng, Gang

    2015-12-01

    This paper addresses the sliding mode control problem for a class of Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy systems with matched uncertainties. Different from the conventional memoryless sliding surface, a memory-based sliding surface is proposed which consists of not only the current state but also the delayed state. Both robust and adaptive fuzzy sliding mode controllers are designed based on the proposed memory-based sliding surface. It is shown that the sliding surface can be reached and the closed-loop control system is asymptotically stable. Furthermore, to reduce the chattering, some continuous sliding mode controllers are also presented. Finally, the ball and beam system is used to illustrate the advantages and effectiveness of the proposed approaches. It can be seen that, with the proposed control approaches, not only can the stability be guaranteed, but also its transient performance can be improved significantly.

  17. Student perceptions of digital versus traditional slide use in undergraduate education.

    PubMed

    Solberg, Brooke L

    2012-01-01

    Digitized slides provide a number of intriguing benefits for educators. Before their implementation, however, educators should consider student opinion related to their use. This mixed-methods study directly compared Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) student perceptions of learning experiences in both digital and traditional slide laboratory settings. Results suggested that the majority of students preferred learning with digital slides, and numerous reasons for this preference were identified. Survey responses indicated that students using digital slides tended to view their performances, instructor feedback, and their learning environment more positively than students using traditional slides. Apprehensions about digital slide use were also detected from students preferring traditional slides. These findings provide a guide on how best to exploit both digital and traditional slides in an educational setting.

  18. Geomorphology, stability and mobility of the Currituck slide

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Locat, J.; Lee, H.; ten Brink, Uri S.; Twichell, D.; Geist, E.; Sansoucy, M.

    2009-01-01

    Over the last 100,000??years, the U.S. Atlantic continental margin has experienced various types of mass movements some of which are believed to have taken place at times of low sea level. At one of these times of low sea level a significant trigger caused a major submarine mass movement off the coast of Virginia: the Currituck slide which is believed to have taken place between 24 and 50??ka ago. This slide removed a total volume of about 165??km3 from this section of the continental slope. The departure zone still shows a very clean surface that dips at 4?? and is only covered by a thin veneer of postglacial sediment. Multibeam bathymetric and seismic survey data suggest that this slide took place along three failures surfaces. The morphology of the source area suggests that the sediments were already at least normally consolidated at the time of failure. The slide debris covers an area as much as 55??km wide that extends 180??km from the estimated toe of the original slope. The back analysis of slide initiation indicates that very high pore pressure, a strong earthquake, or both had to be generated to trigger slides on such a low failure plane angle. The shape of the failure plane, the fact that the surface is almost clear of any debris, and the mobility analysis, all support the argument that the slides took place nearly simultaneously. Potential causes for the generation of high pore pressures could be seepage forces from coastal aquifers, delta construction and related pore pressure generation due to the local sediment loading, gas hydrates, and earthquakes. This slide, and its origin, is a spectacular example of the potential threat that submarine mass movements can pose to the US Atlantic coast and underline the need to further assess the potential for the generation of such large slides, like the Grand Banks 1927 landslide of similar volume. ?? 2008 Elsevier B.V.

  19. Information Comprehension from Longhand Notes and Slides in the Language Classroom

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kiliçkaya, Ferit

    2016-01-01

    The aim of the study presented in this paper was to compare undergraduate students' information comprehension under conditions where they took notes in longhand during traditional lectures and lectures given through slides. A quasi-experimental approach was adopted to collect the data from 42 participants enrolled in a compulsory course at a state…

  20. Humboldt slide - A large shear-dominated retrogressive slope failure

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Gardner, J.V.; Prior, D.B.; Field, M.E.

    1999-01-01

    Humboldt Slide is a large, complex slide zone located on the northern California continental margin. Its three-dimensional architecture has been imaged by a combination of multibeam bathymetry, Huntec Deep-Tow seismic profiling, and sidescan sonar. The slide is interpreted to be Late Pleistocene to early Holocene in age and was caused by a combination of factors. The area of the slide is a local depocenter with high accumulation rates of organic-rich sediment; there has been local steepening of slopes by tectonic uplifts; and the entire area is one of high seismicity. Overall, the failure occurred by retrogressive, shear-dominated, minimum movement apparently as a sequence of events. Failure initially occurred by subsidence extension at the middle of the feature, followed by upslope retrogressive failure and downslope compression, and finally by translational sliding at the top of the slide. Degassing, as evidenced by abundant pockmarks, may have inhibited downslope translation. The slide may still be active, as suggested by offsets in Holocene hemipelagic sediment draped over some of the shear surfaces. Crown cracks occur above the present head of the failure and may represent the next generation of failure.

  1. Getting Clever with the Sliding Ladder

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    De, Subhranil

    2014-01-01

    The familiar system involving a uniform ladder sliding against a vertical wall and a horizontal floor is considered again. The floor is taken to be smooth and the wall to be possibly rough--a situation where no matter how large the static friction coefficient between the ladder and the wall, the ladder cannot lean at rest and must slide down.…

  2. Static and dynamic friction in sliding colloidal monolayers

    PubMed Central

    Vanossi, Andrea; Manini, Nicola; Tosatti, Erio

    2012-01-01

    In a pioneer experiment, Bohlein et al. realized the controlled sliding of two-dimensional colloidal crystals over laser-generated periodic or quasi-periodic potentials. Here we present realistic simulations and arguments that besides reproducing the main experimentally observed features give a first theoretical demonstration of the potential impact of colloid sliding in nanotribology. The free motion of solitons and antisolitons in the sliding of hard incommensurate crystals is contrasted with the soliton–antisoliton pair nucleation at the large static friction threshold Fs when the two lattices are commensurate and pinned. The frictional work directly extracted from particles’ velocities can be analyzed as a function of classic tribological parameters, including speed, spacing, and amplitude of the periodic potential (representing, respectively, the mismatch of the sliding interface and the corrugation, or “load”). These and other features suggestive of further experiments and insights promote colloid sliding to a unique friction study instrument. PMID:23019582

  3. Chiral cell sliding drives left-right asymmetric organ twisting

    PubMed Central

    Inaki, Mikiko; Hatori, Ryo; Nakazawa, Naotaka; Okumura, Takashi; Ishibashi, Tomoki; Kikuta, Junichi; Ishii, Masaru

    2018-01-01

    Polarized epithelial morphogenesis is an essential process in animal development. While this process is mostly attributed to directional cell intercalation, it can also be induced by other mechanisms. Using live-imaging analysis and a three-dimensional vertex model, we identified ‘cell sliding,’ a novel mechanism driving epithelial morphogenesis, in which cells directionally change their position relative to their subjacent (posterior) neighbors by sliding in one direction. In Drosophila embryonic hindgut, an initial left-right (LR) asymmetry of the cell shape (cell chirality in three dimensions), which occurs intrinsically before tissue deformation, is converted through LR asymmetric cell sliding into a directional axial twisting of the epithelial tube. In a Drosophila inversion mutant showing inverted cell chirality and hindgut rotation, cell sliding occurs in the opposite direction to that in wild-type. Unlike directional cell intercalation, cell sliding does not require junctional remodeling. Cell sliding may also be involved in other cases of LR-polarized epithelial morphogenesis. PMID:29891026

  4. Chiral cell sliding drives left-right asymmetric organ twisting.

    PubMed

    Inaki, Mikiko; Hatori, Ryo; Nakazawa, Naotaka; Okumura, Takashi; Ishibashi, Tomoki; Kikuta, Junichi; Ishii, Masaru; Matsuno, Kenji; Honda, Hisao

    2018-06-12

    Polarized epithelial morphogenesis is an essential process in animal development. While this process is mostly attributed to directional cell intercalation, it can also be induced by other mechanisms. Using live-imaging analysis and a three-dimensional vertex model, we identified 'cell sliding,' a novel mechanism driving epithelial morphogenesis, in which cells directionally change their position relative to their subjacent (posterior) neighbors by sliding in one direction. In Drosophila embryonic hindgut, an initial left-right (LR) asymmetry of the cell shape (cell chirality in three dimensions), which occurs intrinsically before tissue deformation, is converted through LR asymmetric cell sliding into a directional axial twisting of the epithelial tube. In a Drosophila inversion mutant showing inverted cell chirality and hindgut rotation, cell sliding occurs in the opposite direction to that in wild-type. Unlike directional cell intercalation, cell sliding does not require junctional remodeling. Cell sliding may also be involved in other cases of LR-polarized epithelial morphogenesis. © 2018, Inaki et al.

  5. Auger spectroscopy analysis of lubrication with zinc dialkyldithiophosphate of several metal combinations in sliding contact

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Buckley, D. H.

    1979-01-01

    Sliding friction experiments were conducted with aluminum and other riders rubbing on disks of various elemental metals in the presence of a thin film of zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDP). Auger emission spectroscopy was used to in situ monitor the changes in surface chemistry with rubbing under various loads. The metal disks examined included iron, titanium, rhodium, tungsten, molybdenum, and copper. For equivalent films of ZDP the film is a more effective lubricant for some metals than it is for others. The important active element in the compound varies with the metal lubricated and is a function of metal chemistry. The zinc in the ZDP is susceptible to electron beam induced desorption.

  6. Measurement of glucose concentration by image processing of thin film slides

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Piramanayagam, Sankaranaryanan; Saber, Eli; Heavner, David

    2012-02-01

    Measurement of glucose concentration is important for diagnosis and treatment of diabetes mellitus and other medical conditions. This paper describes a novel image-processing based approach for measuring glucose concentration. A fluid drop (patient sample) is placed on a thin film slide. Glucose, present in the sample, reacts with reagents on the slide to produce a color dye. The color intensity of the dye formed varies with glucose at different concentration levels. Current methods use spectrophotometry to determine the glucose level of the sample. Our proposed algorithm uses an image of the slide, captured at a specific wavelength, to automatically determine glucose concentration. The algorithm consists of two phases: training and testing. Training datasets consist of images at different concentration levels. The dye-occupied image region is first segmented using a Hough based technique and then an intensity based feature is calculated from the segmented region. Subsequently, a mathematical model that describes a relationship between the generated feature values and the given concentrations is obtained. During testing, the dye region of a test slide image is segmented followed by feature extraction. These two initial steps are similar to those done in training. However, in the final step, the algorithm uses the model (feature vs. concentration) obtained from the training and feature generated from test image to predict the unknown concentration. The performance of the image-based analysis was compared with that of a standard glucose analyzer.

  7. Studying the Effects of Nuclear Weapons Using a Slide-Rule Computer

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Shastri, Ananda

    2007-01-01

    This paper describes the construction of a slide-rule computer that allows one to quickly determine magnitudes of several effects that result from the detonation of a nuclear device. Suggestions for exercises are also included that allow high school and college-level physics students to explore scenarios involving these effects. It is hoped that…

  8. Are slide-hold-slide tests a good analogue for the seismic cycle?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    van den Ende, Martijn; Niemeijer, André; Marketos, George; Spiers, Christopher

    2017-04-01

    Earthquakes are among the most disruptive of natural hazards known to man. Owing to their destructive potential and poor predictability, earthquakes and unstable frictional sliding in general receive considerable attention, both in experimental and in modelling studies. For reliable seismic hazard assessments, accurate predictions of the failure strength of seismogenic faults is paramount. To study the time-dependent restrengthening (or "healing") of faults in a laboratory setting, the slide-hold-slide (SHS) method is commonly employed as an analogue for the seismic cycle. Using this method, it is assumed that the rate of restrengthening as observed in SHS tests is similar to the rate of restrengthening of natural faults during the interseismic phase. However, the dynamic and kinematic boundary conditions of SHS tests are inherently different to those of a fault that is being tectonically loaded. As such, it can be questioned whether SHS tests (in which the interseismic period is characterised by stress relaxation) yield the same rate of restrengthening as would be expected from laboratory stick-slip or natural seismic cycles (characterised by a more complex stress history). This question could in principle be addressed experimentally by comparing the results from SHS tests with the stress drop and recurrence time of regular stick-slips. However, due to technical limitations, direct comparison between SHS and stick-slips is non-trivial, and uncertainties in extrapolating the laboratory results remain. To assess the validity of SHS tests as an analogue for the seismic cycle, we simulate laboratory SHS tests as well as stick-slips using the Discrete Element Method (DEM). DEM is a particle-based numerical technique that is suitable for modelling granular media, such as fault gouges. Its constitutive relations are linked to grain-scale micro-processes, and, in the work presented here, we incorporate pressure solution creep and frictional sliding. The simultaneous

  9. Optimal second order sliding mode control for nonlinear uncertain systems.

    PubMed

    Das, Madhulika; Mahanta, Chitralekha

    2014-07-01

    In this paper, a chattering free optimal second order sliding mode control (OSOSMC) method is proposed to stabilize nonlinear systems affected by uncertainties. The nonlinear optimal control strategy is based on the control Lyapunov function (CLF). For ensuring robustness of the optimal controller in the presence of parametric uncertainty and external disturbances, a sliding mode control scheme is realized by combining an integral and a terminal sliding surface. The resulting second order sliding mode can effectively reduce chattering in the control input. Simulation results confirm the supremacy of the proposed optimal second order sliding mode control over some existing sliding mode controllers in controlling nonlinear systems affected by uncertainty. Copyright © 2014 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  10. Lap-Dissolve Slides

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fine, Leonard W.; And Others

    1977-01-01

    Discusses the use of lap-dissolve projection to give students pre-laboratory instruction on an upcoming experiment. In this technique, two slide projectors are operated alternately so that one visual image fades away while the next appears on the same screen area. (MLH)

  11. Virtual slides in peer reviewed, open access medical publication.

    PubMed

    Kayser, Klaus; Borkenfeld, Stephan; Goldmann, Torsten; Kayser, Gian

    2011-12-19

    Application of virtual slides (VS), the digitalization of complete glass slides, is in its infancy to be implemented in routine diagnostic surgical pathology and to issues that are related to tissue-based diagnosis, such as education and scientific publication. Electronic publication in Pathology offers new features of scientific communication in pathology that cannot be obtained by conventional paper based journals. Most of these features are based upon completely open or partly directed interaction between the reader and the system that distributes the article. One of these interactions can be applied to microscopic images allowing the reader to navigate and magnify the presented images. VS and interactive Virtual Microscopy (VM) are a tool to increase the scientific value of microscopic images. The open access journal Diagnostic Pathology http://www.diagnosticpathology.org has existed for about five years. It is a peer reviewed journal that publishes all types of scientific contributions, including original scientific work, case reports and review articles. In addition to digitized still images the authors of appropriate articles are requested to submit the underlying glass slides to an institution (DiagnomX.eu, and Leica.com) for digitalization and documentation. The images are stored in a separate image data bank which is adequately linked to the article. The normal review process is not involved. Both processes (peer review and VS acquisition) are performed contemporaneously in order to minimize a potential publication delay. VS are not provided with a DOI index (digital object identifier). The first articles that include VS were published in March 2011. Several logistic constraints had to be overcome until the first articles including VS could be published. Step by step an automated acquisition and distribution system had to be implemented to the corresponding article. The acceptance of VS by the reader is high as well as by the authors. Of specific value

  12. The Classification of Art Slides: A Survey and Recommendations.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Watt, Richard S.

    The nature and variety of classification systems for museum and university art department slide collections are surveyed through a review of the literature on slide classification in the United States, Great Britain, and Australia, and through case studies of major slide collections at Duke University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel…

  13. 49 CFR 229.115 - Slip/slide alarms.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ..., DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION RAILROAD LOCOMOTIVE SAFETY STANDARDS Safety Requirements Cabs and Cab Equipment § 229.115 Slip/slide alarms. (a) Except for MU locomotives, each locomotive used in road service shall... road service, or continue in road service following a daily inspection, unless the wheel slip/slide...

  14. 49 CFR 229.115 - Slip/slide alarms.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ..., DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION RAILROAD LOCOMOTIVE SAFETY STANDARDS Safety Requirements Cabs and Cab Equipment § 229.115 Slip/slide alarms. (a) Except for MU locomotives, each locomotive used in road service shall... road service, or continue in road service following a daily inspection, unless the wheel slip/slide...

  15. Resistance to Sliding in Clear and Metallic Damon 3 and Conventional Edgewise Brackets: an In vitro Study

    PubMed Central

    Karim Soltani, Mohammad; Golfeshan, Farzaneh; Alizadeh, Yoones; Mehrzad, Jabraiel

    2015-01-01

    Statement of the Problem Frictional forces are considered as important counterforce to orthodontic tooth movement. It is claimed that self-ligating brackets reduce the frictional forces. Purpose The aim of this study was to compare the resistance to sliding in metallic and clear Damon brackets with the conventional brackets in a wet condition. Materials and Method The samples included 4 types of brackets; metallic and clear Damon brackets and metallic and clear conventional brackets (10 brackets in each group). In this study, stainless steel wires sized 0.019×0.025 were employed and the operator’s saliva was used to simulate the conditions of oral cavity. The tidy-modified design was used for simulation of sliding movement. The resistance to sliding and static frictional forces was measured by employing Testometric machine and load cell. Results The mean (±SD) of resistance to sliding was 194.88 (±26.65) and 226.62 (±39.9) g in the esthetic and metallic Damon brackets, while these values were 187.81(±27.84) and 191.17(±66.68) g for the clear and metallic conventional brackets, respectively. Static frictional forces were 206.4(±42.45) and 210.38(±15.89) g in the esthetic and metallic Damon brackets and 220.63(±49.29) and 215.13(±62.38) g in the clear and metallic conventional brackets. According to two-way ANOVA, no significant difference was observed between the two bracket materials (clear and metal) and the two types of bracket (self-ligating versus conventional) regarding resistance to sliding (p= 0.17 and p= 0.23, respectively) and static frictional forces (p= 0.55 and p= 0.96, respectively). Conclusion Neither the type of bracket materials nor their type of ligation made difference in resistance to sliding and static friction. PMID:26106630

  16. Resistance to Sliding in Clear and Metallic Damon 3 and Conventional Edgewise Brackets: an In vitro Study.

    PubMed

    Karim Soltani, Mohammad; Golfeshan, Farzaneh; Alizadeh, Yoones; Mehrzad, Jabraiel

    2015-03-01

    Frictional forces are considered as important counterforce to orthodontic tooth movement. It is claimed that self-ligating brackets reduce the frictional forces. The aim of this study was to compare the resistance to sliding in metallic and clear Damon brackets with the conventional brackets in a wet condition. The samples included 4 types of brackets; metallic and clear Damon brackets and metallic and clear conventional brackets (10 brackets in each group). In this study, stainless steel wires sized 0.019×0.025 were employed and the operator's saliva was used to simulate the conditions of oral cavity. The tidy-modified design was used for simulation of sliding movement. The resistance to sliding and static frictional forces was measured by employing Testometric machine and load cell. The mean (±SD) of resistance to sliding was 194.88 (±26.65) and 226.62 (±39.9) g in the esthetic and metallic Damon brackets, while these values were 187.81(±27.84) and 191.17(±66.68) g for the clear and metallic conventional brackets, respectively. Static frictional forces were 206.4(±42.45) and 210.38(±15.89) g in the esthetic and metallic Damon brackets and 220.63(±49.29) and 215.13(±62.38) g in the clear and metallic conventional brackets. According to two-way ANOVA, no significant difference was observed between the two bracket materials (clear and metal) and the two types of bracket (self-ligating versus conventional) regarding resistance to sliding (p= 0.17 and p= 0.23, respectively) and static frictional forces (p= 0.55 and p= 0.96, respectively). Neither the type of bracket materials nor their type of ligation made difference in resistance to sliding and static friction.

  17. Application of Sliding Mode Methods to the Design of Reconfigurable Flight Control Systems

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wells, Scott R.

    2002-01-01

    Observer-based sliding mode control is investigated for application to aircraft reconfigurable flight control. A comprehensive overview of reconfigurable flight control is given, including, a review of the current state-of-the-art within the subdisciplines of fault detection, parameter identification, adaptive control schemes, and dynamic control allocation. Of the adaptive control methods reviewed, sliding mode control (SMC) appears very promising due its property of invariance to matched uncertainty. An overview of sliding mode control is given and its remarkable properties are demonstrated by example. Sliding mode methods, however, are difficult to implement because unmodeled parasitic dynamics cause immediate and severe instability. This presents a challenge for all practical applications with limited bandwidth actuators. One method to deal with parasitic dynamics is the use of an asymptotic observer in the feedback path. Observer-based SMC is investigated, and a method for selecting observer gains is offered. An additional method for shaping the feedback loop using a filter is also developed. It is shown that this SMC prefilter is equivalent to a form of model reference hedging. A complete design procedure is given which takes advantage of the sliding mode boundary layer to recast the SMC as a linear control law. Frequency domain loop shaping is then used to design the sliding manifold. Finally, three aircraft applications are demonstrated. An F-18/HARV is used to demonstrate a SISO pitch rate tracking controller. It is also used to demonstrate a MIMO lateral-directional roll rate tracking controller. The last application is a full linear six degree-of-freedom advanced tailless fighter model. The observer-based SMC is seen to provide excellent tracking with superior robustness to parameter changes and actuator failures.

  18. Invariant polygons in systems with grazing-sliding.

    PubMed

    Szalai, R; Osinga, H M

    2008-06-01

    The paper investigates generic three-dimensional nonsmooth systems with a periodic orbit near grazing-sliding. We assume that the periodic orbit is unstable with complex multipliers so that two dominant frequencies are present in the system. Because grazing-sliding induces a dimension loss and the instability drives every trajectory into sliding, the system has an attractor that consists of forward sliding orbits. We analyze this attractor in a suitably chosen Poincare section using a three-parameter generalized map that can be viewed as a normal form. We show that in this normal form the attractor must be contained in a finite number of lines that intersect in the vertices of a polygon. However the attractor is typically larger than the associated polygon. We classify the number of lines involved in forming the attractor as a function of the parameters. Furthermore, for fixed values of parameters we investigate the one-dimensional dynamics on the attractor.

  19. Superlubric sliding of graphene nanoflakes on graphene.

    PubMed

    Feng, Xiaofeng; Kwon, Sangku; Park, Jeong Young; Salmeron, Miquel

    2013-02-26

    The lubricating properties of graphite and graphene have been intensely studied by sliding a frictional force microscope tip against them to understand the origin of the observed low friction. In contrast, the relative motion of free graphene layers remains poorly understood. Here we report a study of the sliding behavior of graphene nanoflakes (GNFs) on a graphene surface. Using scanning tunneling microscopy, we found that the GNFs show facile translational and rotational motions between commensurate initial and final states at temperatures as low as 5 K. The motion is initiated by a tip-induced transition of the flakes from a commensurate to an incommensurate registry with the underlying graphene layer (the superlubric state), followed by rapid sliding until another commensurate position is reached. Counterintuitively, the average sliding distance of the flakes is larger at 5 K than at 77 K, indicating that thermal fluctuations are likely to trigger their transitions from superlubric back to commensurate ground states.

  20. Optimal second order sliding mode control for linear uncertain systems.

    PubMed

    Das, Madhulika; Mahanta, Chitralekha

    2014-11-01

    In this paper an optimal second order sliding mode controller (OSOSMC) is proposed to track a linear uncertain system. The optimal controller based on the linear quadratic regulator method is designed for the nominal system. An integral sliding mode controller is combined with the optimal controller to ensure robustness of the linear system which is affected by parametric uncertainties and external disturbances. To achieve finite time convergence of the sliding mode, a nonsingular terminal sliding surface is added with the integral sliding surface giving rise to a second order sliding mode controller. The main advantage of the proposed OSOSMC is that the control input is substantially reduced and it becomes chattering free. Simulation results confirm superiority of the proposed OSOSMC over some existing. Copyright © 2014 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. Whole-slide imaging: routine pathologic diagnosis.

    PubMed

    Cornish, Toby C; Swapp, Ryan E; Kaplan, Keith J

    2012-05-01

    Digital pathology systems offer pathologists an alternate, emerging mechanism to manage and interpret information. They offer increasingly fast and scalable hardware platforms for slide scanning and software that facilitates remote viewing, slide conferencing, archiving, and image analysis. Deployed initially and validated largely within the research and biopharmaceutical industries, WSI is increasingly being implemented for direct patient care. Improvements in image quality, scan times, and imageviewing browsers will hopefully allow pathologists to more seamlessly convert to digital pathology, much like our radiology colleagues have done before us. However, WSI creates both opportunities and challenges. Although niche applications of WSI technology for clinical, educational, and research purposes are clearly successful, it is evident that several areas still require attention and careful consideration before more widespread clinical adoption of WSI takes place. These include regulatory issues, development of standards of practice and validation guidelines, workflow modifications, as well as defining situations where WSI technology will really improve practice in a cost-effective way. Current progress on these and other issues, along with improving technology, will no doubt pave the way for increased adoption over the next decade, allowing the pathology community as a whole to harness the true potential of WSI for patient care. The digital decade will likely redefine how pathology is practiced and the role of the pathologist.

  2. 45 CFR 98.42 - Sliding fee scales.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... Welfare DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES GENERAL ADMINISTRATION CHILD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT FUND Program Operations (Child Care Services)-Lead Agency and Provider Requirements § 98.42 Sliding fee scales... provides for cost sharing by families that receive CCDF child care services. (b) A sliding fee scale(s...

  3. 45 CFR 98.42 - Sliding fee scales.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... Welfare DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES GENERAL ADMINISTRATION CHILD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT FUND Program Operations (Child Care Services)-Lead Agency and Provider Requirements § 98.42 Sliding fee scales... provides for cost sharing by families that receive CCDF child care services. (b) A sliding fee scale(s...

  4. 45 CFR 98.42 - Sliding fee scales.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... Welfare Department of Health and Human Services GENERAL ADMINISTRATION CHILD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT FUND Program Operations (Child Care Services)-Lead Agency and Provider Requirements § 98.42 Sliding fee scales... provides for cost sharing by families that receive CCDF child care services. (b) A sliding fee scale(s...

  5. 45 CFR 98.42 - Sliding fee scales.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... Welfare DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES GENERAL ADMINISTRATION CHILD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT FUND Program Operations (Child Care Services)-Lead Agency and Provider Requirements § 98.42 Sliding fee scales... provides for cost sharing by families that receive CCDF child care services. (b) A sliding fee scale(s...

  6. Develop and Manufacture an airlock sliding tray

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

    Lawton, Cindy M.

    2014-02-26

    The goal of this project is to continue to develop an airlock sliding tray and then partner with an industrial manufacturing company for production. The sliding tray will be easily installed into and removed from most glovebox airlocks in a few minutes. Technical Approach: A prototype of a sliding tray has been developed and tested in the LANL cold lab and 35 trays are presently being built for the plutonium facility (PF-4). The current, recently approved design works for a 14-inch diameter round airlock and has a tray length of approximately 20 inches. The grant will take the already testedmore » and approved round technology and design for the square airlock. These two designs will be suitable for the majority of the existing airlocks in the multitude of DOE facilities. Partnering with an external manufacturer will allow for production of the airlock trays at a much lower cost and increase the availability of the product for all DOE sites. Project duration is estimated to be 12-13 months. Benefits: The purpose of the airlock sliding trays is fourfold: 1) Mitigate risk of rotator cuff injuries, 2) Improve ALARA, 3) Reduce risk of glovebox glove breaches and glove punctures, and 4) Improve worker comfort. I have had the opportunity to visit many other DOE facilities including Savannah, Y-12, ORNL, Sandia, and Livermore for assistance with ergonomic problems and/or injuries. All of these sites would benefit from the airlock sliding tray and I can assume all other DOE facilities with gloveboxes built prior to 1985 could also use the sliding trays.« less

  7. Horizontal Slide Creates Less Cervical Motion When Centering an Injured Patient on a Spine Board.

    PubMed

    DuBose, Dewayne N; Zdziarski, Laura Ann; Scott, Nicole; Conrad, Bryan; Long, Allyson; Rechtine, Glenn R; Prasarn, Mark L; Horodyski, MaryBeth

    2016-05-01

    A patient with a suspected cervical spine injury may be at risk for secondary neurologic injury when initially placed and repositioned to the center of the spine board. We sought to determine which centering adjustment best limits cervical spine movement and minimizes the chance for secondary injury. Using five lightly embalmed cadaveric specimens with a created global instability at C5-C6, motion sensors were anchored to the anterior surface of the vertebral bodies. Three repositioning methods were used to center the cadavers on the spine board: horizontal slide, diagonal slide, and V-adjustment. An electromagnetic tracking device measured angular (degrees) and translation (millimeters) motions at the C5-C6 level during each of the three centering adjustments. The dependent variables were angular motion (flexion-extension, axial rotation, lateral flexion) and translational displacement (anteroposterior, axial, and medial-lateral). The nonuniform condition produced significantly less flexion-extension than the uniform condition (p = 0.048). The horizontal slide adjustment produced less cervical flexion-extension (p = 0.015), lateral bending (p = 0.003), and axial rotation (p = 0.034) than the V-adjustment. Similarly, translation was significantly less with the horizontal adjustment than with the V-adjustment; medial-lateral (p = 0.017), axial (p < 0.001), and anteroposterior (p = 0.006). Of the three adjustments, our team found that horizontal slide was also easier to complete than the other methods. The horizontal slide best limited cervical spine motion and may be the most helpful for minimizing secondary injury based on the study findings. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. Atomistic Simulation of Frictional Sliding Between Cellulose Iß Nanocrystals

    Treesearch

    Xiawa Wu; Robert J. Moon; Ashlie Martini

    2013-01-01

    Sliding friction between cellulose Iß nanocrystals is studied using molecular dynamics simulation. The effects of sliding velocity, normal load, and relative angle between sliding surface are predicted, and the results analyzed in terms of the number of hydrogen bonds within and between the cellulose chains. We find that although the observed friction trends can be...

  9. Slide Conveying of Granular Materials-Thinking Out of the Glovebox

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Goddard, J. D.; Didwania, A. K.; Nott, P. R.

    2000-01-01

    The vibratory conveyor, routinely employed for normal-gravity transport of granular materials, usually consists of a continuous open trough vibrated sinusoidally to induce axial movement of a granular material. Motivated in part by a hypothetical application in zero gravity, we propose a novel modification of the vibratory conveyor based on a closed 2d trough operating in a "slide-conveying" mode, with the granular mass remaining permanently in contact with the trough walls. We present a detailed analysis of the mechanics of transport, based on a rigid-slab model for the granular mass with frictional (Coulomb) slip at the upper and lower walls. The form of the vibration cycle plays a crucial role, and the optimal conveying cycle is not the commonly assumed rectilinear sinusoidal motion. The conveying efficiency for the novel slide conveyor will be presented for several simple vibration cycles, including one believed to represent the theoretical optimum.

  10. Terrain analysis of the racetrack basin and the sliding rocks of Death Valley

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Messina, P.; Stoffer, P.

    2000-01-01

    The Racetrack Playa's unusual surface features known as sliding rocks have been the subject of an ongoing debate and several mapping projects for half a century, although the causative mechanism remains unresolved. Clasts ranging in volume from large pebbles to medium boulders have, unwitnessed, maneuvered around the nearly flat dry lake over considerable distances. The controversy has persisted partly because eyewitness accounts of the phenomenon continue to be lacking, and the earlier mapping missions were limited in method and geographic range. In July 1996, we generated the first complete map of all observed sliding rock trails by submeter differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) mapping technology. The resulting map shows 162 sliding rocks and associated trails to an accuracy of approximately 30 cm. Although anemometer data are not available in the Racetrack wilderness, wind is clearly a catalyst for sliding rock activity; an inferred wind rose was constructed from DGPS trail segment data. When the entire trail network is examined in plan, some patterns emerge, although other (perhaps expected relations) remain elusive: terrain analysis of the surrounding topography demonstrates that the length and morphology of trails are more closely related to where rocks rested at the onset of motion than to any physical attribute of the rocks themselves. Follow-up surveys in May 1998, May 1999, August 1999, and November 1999 revealed little modification of the July, 1996 sliding rock configuration. Only four rocks were repositioned during the El Nino winter of 1997-1998, suggesting that activity may not be restricted to winter storms. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

  11. Predicting Debris-Slide Locations in Northwestern California

    Treesearch

    Mark E. Reid; Stephen D. Ellen; Dianne L. Brien; Juan de la Fuente; James N. Falls; Billie G. Hicks; Eric C. Johnson

    2007-01-01

    We tested four topographic models for predicting locations of debris-slide sources: 1) slope; 2) proximity to stream; 3) SHALSTAB with "standard" parameters; and 4) debris-slide-prone landforms, which delineates areas similar to "inner gorge" and "headwall swale" using experience-based rules. These approaches were compared in three diverse...

  12. Fault stability under conditions of variable normal stress

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Dieterich, J.H.; Linker, M.F.

    1992-01-01

    The stability of fault slip under conditions of varying normal stress is modelled as a spring and slider system with rate- and state-dependent friction. Coupling of normal stress to shear stress is achieved by inclining the spring at an angle, ??, to the sliding surface. Linear analysis yields two conditions for unstable slip. The first, of a type previously identified for constant normal stress systems, results in instability if stiffness is below a critical value. Critical stiffness depends on normal stress, constitutive parameters, characteristic sliding distance and the spring angle. Instability of the first type is possible only for velocity-weakening friction. The second condition yields instability if spring angle ?? <-cot-1??ss, where ??ss is steady-state sliding friction. The second condition can arise under conditions of velocity strengthening or weakening. Stability fields for finite perturbations are investigated by numerical simulation. -Authors

  13. 24 CFR 3285.404 - Severe climatic conditions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ....404 Severe climatic conditions. In frost-susceptible soil locations, ground anchor augers must be installed below the frost line, unless the foundation system is frost-protected to prevent the effects of frost heave, in accordance with acceptable engineering practice and § 3280.306 of this chapter and...

  14. Geometrical and hydrogeological impact on the behaviour of deep-seated rock slides during reservoir impoundment

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lechner, Heidrun; Zangerl, Christian

    2015-04-01

    Given that there are still uncertainties regarding the deformation and failure mechanisms of deep-seated rock slides this study concentrates on key factors that influence the behaviour of rock slides in the surrounding of reservoirs. The focus is placed on the slope geometry, hydrogeology and kinematics. Based on numerous generic rock slide models the impacts of the (i) rock slide geometry, (ii) reservoir impoundment and level fluctuations, (iii) seepage and buoyancy forces and (iv) hydraulic conductivity of the rock slide mass and the basal shear zone are examined using limit equilibrium approaches. The geometry of many deep-seated rock slides in metamorphic rocks is often influenced by geological structures, e.g. fault zones, joints, foliation, bedding planes and others. With downslope displacement the rock slide undergoes a change in shape. Several observed rock slides in an advanced stage show a convex, bulge-like topography at the foot of the slope and a concave topography in the middle to upper part. Especially, the situation of the slope toe plays an important role for stability. A potentially critical situation can result from a partially submerged flat slope toe because the uplift due to water pressure destabilizes the rock slide. Furthermore, it is essential if the basal shear zone daylights at the foot of the slope or encounters alluvial or glacial deposits at the bottom of the valley, the latter having a buttressing effect. In this study generic rock slide models with a shear zone outcropping at the slope toe are established and systematically analysed using limit equilibrium calculations. Two different kinematic types are modelled: (i) a translational or planar and (ii) a rotational movement behaviour. Questions concerning the impact of buoyancy and pore pressure forces that develop during first time impoundment are of key interest. Given that an adverse effect on the rock slide stability is expected due to reservoir impoundment the extent of

  15. A Transformational Approach to Slip-Slide Factoring

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Steckroth, Jeffrey

    2015-01-01

    In this "Delving Deeper" article, the author introduces the slip-slide method for solving Algebra 1 mathematics problems. This article compares the traditional method approach of trial and error to the slip-slide method of factoring. Tools that used to be taken for granted now make it possible to investigate relationships visually,…

  16. Tribochemical synthesis of nano-lubricant films from adsorbed molecules at sliding solid interface: Tribo-polymers from α-pinene, pinane, and n-decane

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    He, Xin; Barthel, Anthony J.; Kim, Seong H.

    2016-06-01

    The mechanochemical reactions of adsorbed molecules at sliding interfaces were studied for α-pinene (C10H16), pinane (C10H18), and n-decane (C10H22) on a stainless steel substrate surface. During vapor phase lubrication, molecules adsorbed at the sliding interface could be activated by mechanical shear. Under the equilibrium adsorption condition of these molecules, the friction coefficient of sliding steel surfaces was about 0.2 and a polymeric film was tribochemically produced. The synthesis yield of α-pinene tribo-polymers was about twice as much as pinane tribo-polymers. In contrast to these strained bicyclic hydrocarbons, n-decane showed much weaker activity for tribo-polymerization at the same mechanical shear condition. These results suggested that the mechanical shear at tribological interfaces could induce the opening of the strained ring structure of α-pinene and pinane, which leads to polymerization of adsorbed molecules at the sliding track. On a stainless steel surface, such polymerization reactions of adsorbed molecules do not occur under typical surface reaction conditions. The mechanical properties and boundary lubrication efficiency of the produced tribo-polymer films are discussed.

  17. Development and evaluation of an off-the-slide genotyping technique for identifying Giardia cysts and Cryptosporidium oocysts directly from US EPA Method 1623 slides.

    PubMed

    Ware, M W; Keely, S P; Villegas, E N

    2013-07-01

    This study developed and systematically evaluated performance and limit of detection of an off-the-slide genotyping procedure for both Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts. Slide standards containing flow-sorted (oo)cysts were used to evaluate the off-the-slide genotyping procedure by microscopy and PCR. Results show approximately 20% of cysts and oocysts are lost during staining. Although transfer efficiency from the slide to the PCR tube could not be determined by microscopy, it was observed that the transfer process aided in the physical lysis of the (oo)cysts likely releasing DNA. PCR detection rates for a single event on a slide were 44% for Giardia and 27% for Cryptosporidium, and a minimum of five cysts and 20 oocysts are required to achieve a 90% PCR detection rate. A Poisson distribution analysis estimated the relative PCR target densities and limits of detection, it showed that 18 Cryptosporidium and five Giardia replicates are required for a 95% probability of detecting a single (oo)cyst on a slide. This study successfully developed and evaluated recovery rates and limits of detection of an off-the-slide genotyping procedure for both Cryptosporidium and Giardia (oo)cysts from the same slide. This off-the-slide genotyping technique is a simple and low cost tool that expands the applications of US EPA Method 1623 results by identifying the genotypes and assemblages of the enumerated Cryptosporidium and Giardia. This additional information will be useful for microbial risk assessment models and watershed management decisions. Journal of Applied Microbiology Published [2013]. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

  18. Assessing agreement between malaria slide density readings.

    PubMed

    Alexander, Neal; Schellenberg, David; Ngasala, Billy; Petzold, Max; Drakeley, Chris; Sutherland, Colin

    2010-01-04

    Several criteria have been used to assess agreement between replicate slide readings of malaria parasite density. Such criteria may be based on percent difference, or absolute difference, or a combination. Neither the rationale for choosing between these types of criteria, nor that for choosing the magnitude of difference which defines acceptable agreement, are clear. The current paper seeks a procedure which avoids the disadvantages of these current options and whose parameter values are more clearly justified. Variation of parasite density within a slide is expected, even when it has been prepared from a homogeneous sample. This places lower limits on sensitivity and observer agreement, quantified by the Poisson distribution. This means that, if a criterion of fixed percent difference criterion is used for satisfactory agreement, the number of discrepant readings is over-estimated at low parasite densities. With a criterion of fixed absolute difference, the same happens at high parasite densities. For an ideal slide, following the Poisson distribution, a criterion based on a constant difference in square root counts would apply for all densities. This can be back-transformed to a difference in absolute counts, which, as expected, gives a wider range of acceptable agreement at higher average densities. In an example dataset from Tanzania, observed differences in square root counts correspond to a 95% limits of agreement of -2,800 and +2,500 parasites/microl at average density of 2,000 parasites/microl, and -6,200 and +5,700 parasites/microl at 10,000 parasites/microl. However, there were more outliers beyond those ranges at higher densities, meaning that actual coverage of these ranges was not a constant 95%, but decreased with density. In a second study, a trial of microscopist training, the corresponding ranges of agreement are wider and asymmetrical: -8,600 to +5,200/microl, and -19,200 to +11,700/microl, respectively. By comparison, the optimal limits of

  19. Swarm slide - debris flow disaster induced by extreme rainfall in Hiroshima, August 2014 and lessons learnt in urban designing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fukuoka, H.; Wang, C.

    2015-12-01

    Hiroshima city was hit by swarm debris flows along a narrow, and linear-shaped rain band of 2 km x 10 km which appeared in the early morning of August 20, 2014. Most of the flows were induced by shallow slide in the upstream. This disaster claimed 74 death, although this city experienced very similar disaster in 1999, claiming more than 30 residents lives. In the most severely affected debris flow torrent, more than 50 residents were killed. Most of the casualties arose in the wooden, vulnerable houses constructed in front of the exit of torrents. Points and lessons learnt from the disaster are as follows:1. Authors collected two types of sands from the source scar of the initial debris slides which induced debris flows. Tested by the ring shear apparatus under pore-pressure control condition, clear "Sliding surface liquefaction" was confirmed for both samples even under small normal stress, representing the small thickness of the slides. These results shows even instant excess pore pressure could initiate the slides and trigger slide-induced debris flow byundrained loading onto the torrent deposits.2. Apparently long-term land-use change since 1945 affected and raised the vulnerability of the community. Residential area had expanded into hill-slope (mountainous / semi-mountainous area) especially along the torrents. Those communities were developed on the past debris flow fan.3. As the devastated area is very close to downtown of Hiroshima city, it gave large societal impact to the Japanese citizens. After 1999 Hiroshima debris flow disaster, the Landslide disaster reduction law which intends to promote designation of landslide potential risk zones, was adopted in 2000. Immediately after 2014 disaster, national diet approved revision of the bill to promote rapid completion of the designation over the national territory. MLIT (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Tranportation and Tourism) decided to install X-band rain radars at more sites to cover whole city zones

  20. Image Montaging for Creating a Virtual Pathology Slide: An Innovative and Economical Tool to Obtain a Whole Slide Image

    PubMed Central

    Pandurangappa, Rohit; Annavajjula, Saileela; Rajashekaraiah, Premalatha Bidadi

    2016-01-01

    Background. Microscopes are omnipresent throughout the field of biological research. With microscopes one can see in detail what is going on at the cellular level in tissues. Though it is a ubiquitous tool, the limitation is that with high magnification there is a small field of view. It is often advantageous to see an entire sample at high magnification. Over the years technological advancements in optics have helped to provide solutions to this limitation of microscopes by creating the so-called dedicated “slide scanners” which can provide a “whole slide digital image.” These scanners can provide seamless, large-field-of-view, high resolution image of entire tissue section. The only disadvantage of such complete slide imaging system is its outrageous cost, thereby hindering their practical use by most laboratories, especially in developing and low resource countries. Methods. In a quest for their substitute, we tried commonly used image editing software Adobe Photoshop along with a basic image capturing device attached to a trinocular microscope to create a digital pathology slide. Results. The seamless image created using Adobe Photoshop maintained its diagnostic quality. Conclusion. With time and effort photomicrographs obtained from a basic camera-microscope set up can be combined and merged in Adobe Photoshop to create a whole slide digital image of practically usable quality at a negligible cost. PMID:27747147

  1. Image Montaging for Creating a Virtual Pathology Slide: An Innovative and Economical Tool to Obtain a Whole Slide Image.

    PubMed

    Banavar, Spoorthi Ravi; Chippagiri, Prashanthi; Pandurangappa, Rohit; Annavajjula, Saileela; Rajashekaraiah, Premalatha Bidadi

    2016-01-01

    Background . Microscopes are omnipresent throughout the field of biological research. With microscopes one can see in detail what is going on at the cellular level in tissues. Though it is a ubiquitous tool, the limitation is that with high magnification there is a small field of view. It is often advantageous to see an entire sample at high magnification. Over the years technological advancements in optics have helped to provide solutions to this limitation of microscopes by creating the so-called dedicated "slide scanners" which can provide a "whole slide digital image." These scanners can provide seamless, large-field-of-view, high resolution image of entire tissue section. The only disadvantage of such complete slide imaging system is its outrageous cost, thereby hindering their practical use by most laboratories, especially in developing and low resource countries. Methods . In a quest for their substitute, we tried commonly used image editing software Adobe Photoshop along with a basic image capturing device attached to a trinocular microscope to create a digital pathology slide. Results . The seamless image created using Adobe Photoshop maintained its diagnostic quality. Conclusion . With time and effort photomicrographs obtained from a basic camera-microscope set up can be combined and merged in Adobe Photoshop to create a whole slide digital image of practically usable quality at a negligible cost.

  2. Accuracy of reading liquid based cytology slides using the ThinPrep Imager compared with conventional cytology: prospective study

    PubMed Central

    d'Assuncao, Jefferson; Irwig, Les; Macaskill, Petra; Chan, Siew F; Richards, Adele; Farnsworth, Annabelle

    2007-01-01

    Objective To compare the accuracy of liquid based cytology using the computerised ThinPrep Imager with that of manually read conventional cytology. Design Prospective study. Setting Pathology laboratory in Sydney, Australia. Participants 55 164 split sample pairs (liquid based sample collected after conventional sample from one collection) from consecutive samples of women choosing both types of cytology and whose specimens were examined between August 2004 and June 2005. Main outcome measures Primary outcome was accuracy of slides for detecting squamous lesions. Secondary outcomes were rate of unsatisfactory slides, distribution of squamous cytological classifications, and accuracy of detecting glandular lesions. Results Fewer unsatisfactory slides were found for imager read cytology than for conventional cytology (1.8% v 3.1%; P<0.001). More slides were classified as abnormal by imager read cytology (7.4% v 6.0% overall and 2.8% v 2.2% for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia of grade 1 or higher). Among 550 patients in whom imager read cytology was cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 1 or higher and conventional cytology was less severe than grade 1, 133 of 380 biopsy samples taken were high grade histology. Among 294 patients in whom imager read cytology was less severe than cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 1 and conventional cytology was grade 1 or higher, 62 of 210 biopsy samples taken were high grade histology. Imager read cytology therefore detected 71 more cases of high grade histology than did conventional cytology, resulting from 170 more biopsies. Similar results were found when one pathologist reread the slides, masked to cytology results. Conclusion The ThinPrep Imager detects 1.29 more cases of histological high grade squamous disease per 1000 women screened than conventional cytology, with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 1 as the threshold for referral to colposcopy. More imager read slides than conventional slides were

  3. Tribological Performance of Duplex-Annealed Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-2Mo Titanium Alloy at Elevated Temperatures Under Dry Sliding Condition

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Heilig, Sebastian; Ramezani, Maziar; Neitzert, Thomas; Liewald, Mathias

    2018-03-01

    Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-2Mo (Ti-6-2-4-2) is a typical near-α titanium alloy developed for high-temperature applications. It offers numerous enhanced properties like an outstanding strength-to-weight ratio, a low Young's modulus and exceptional creep and corrosion resistance. On the other hand, titanium alloys are known for their weak resistance to wear. Ti-6-2-4-2 is mainly applied in aero engine component parts, which are exposed to temperatures up to 565 °C. Through an increasing demand on efficiency, engine components are exposed to higher combustion pressures and temperatures. Elevated temperature tribology tests were conducted on a pin-on-disk tribometer equipped with a heating chamber. The tests were carried out under dry conditions with a constant sliding distance of 600 m with a speed of 0.16 m/s at the ball point. The sliding partner was AISI E52100 steel ball with the hardness of 58HRC. The varied input variables are normal load and temperature. It can be concluded that the coefficient of friction (CoF) increases with increasing temperature, while the wear rate decreases to its minimum at 600 °C due to increasing adhesion and oxidation mechanisms. Wear track observations using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) including energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were used to determine the occurring wear mechanisms.

  4. An Automated Blur Detection Method for Histological Whole Slide Imaging

    PubMed Central

    Moles Lopez, Xavier; D'Andrea, Etienne; Barbot, Paul; Bridoux, Anne-Sophie; Rorive, Sandrine; Salmon, Isabelle; Debeir, Olivier; Decaestecker, Christine

    2013-01-01

    Whole slide scanners are novel devices that enable high-resolution imaging of an entire histological slide. Furthermore, the imaging is achieved in only a few minutes, which enables image rendering of large-scale studies involving multiple immunohistochemistry biomarkers. Although whole slide imaging has improved considerably, locally poor focusing causes blurred regions of the image. These artifacts may strongly affect the quality of subsequent analyses, making a slide review process mandatory. This tedious and time-consuming task requires the scanner operator to carefully assess the virtual slide and to manually select new focus points. We propose a statistical learning method that provides early image quality feedback and automatically identifies regions of the image that require additional focus points. PMID:24349343

  5. Whole-slide imaging in pathology: the potential impact on PACS

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Horii, Steven C.

    2007-03-01

    Pathology, the medical specialty charged with the evaluation of macroscopic and microscopic aspects of disease, is increasingly turning to digital imaging. While the conventional tissue blocks and glass slides form an "archive" that pathology departments must maintain, digital images acquired from microscopes or digital slide scanners are increasingly used for telepathology, consultation, and intra-facility communication. Since many healthcare facilities are moving to "enterprise PACS" with departments in addition to radiology using the infrastructure of such systems, some understanding of the potential of whole-slide digital images is important. Network and storage designers, in particular, are very likely to be impacted if a significant number of such images are to be moved on, or stored (even temporarily) in, enterprise PACS. As an example, a typical commercial whole-slide imaging system typically generates 15 gigabytes per slide scanned (per focal plane). Many of these whole-slide scanners have a throughput of 1000 slides per day. If that full capacity is used and all the resulting digital data is moved to the enterprise PACS, it amounts to 15 terabytes per day; the amount of data a large radiology department might generate in a year or two. This paper will review both the clinical scenarios of whole-slide imaging as well as the resulting data volumes. The author will emphasize the potential PACS infrastructure impact of such huge data volumes.

  6. Sliding-Mode Control Applied for Robust Control of a Highly Unstable Aircraft

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Vetter, Travis Kenneth

    2002-01-01

    An investigation into the application of an observer based sliding mode controller for robust control of a highly unstable aircraft and methods of compensating for actuator dynamics is performed. After a brief overview of some reconfigurable controllers, sliding mode control (SMC) is selected because of its invariance properties and lack of need for parameter identification. SMC is reviewed and issues with parasitic dynamics, which cause system instability, are addressed. Utilizing sliding manifold boundary layers, the nonlinear control is converted to a linear control and sliding manifold design is performed in the frequency domain. An additional feedback form of model reference hedging is employed which is similar to a prefilter and has large benefits to system performance. The effects of inclusion of actuator dynamics into the designed plant is heavily investigated. Multiple Simulink models of the full longitudinal dynamics and wing deflection modes of the forward swept aero elastic vehicle (FSAV) are constructed. Additionally a linear state space models to analyze effects from various system parameters. The FSAV has a pole at +7 rad/sec and is non-minimum phase. The use of 'model actuators' in the feedback path, and varying there design, is heavily investigated for the resulting effects on plant robustness and tolerance to actuator failure. The use of redundant actuators is also explored and improved robustness is shown. All models are simulated with severe failure and excellent tracking, and task dependent handling qualities, and low pilot induced oscillation tendency is shown.

  7. Sliding Mode Approaches for Robust Control, State Estimation, Secure Communication, and Fault Diagnosis in Nuclear Systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ablay, Gunyaz

    Using traditional control methods for controller design, parameter estimation and fault diagnosis may lead to poor results with nuclear systems in practice because of approximations and uncertainties in the system models used, possibly resulting in unexpected plant unavailability. This experience has led to an interest in development of robust control, estimation and fault diagnosis methods. One particularly robust approach is the sliding mode control methodology. Sliding mode approaches have been of great interest and importance in industry and engineering in the recent decades due to their potential for producing economic, safe and reliable designs. In order to utilize these advantages, sliding mode approaches are implemented for robust control, state estimation, secure communication and fault diagnosis in nuclear plant systems. In addition, a sliding mode output observer is developed for fault diagnosis in dynamical systems. To validate the effectiveness of the methodologies, several nuclear plant system models are considered for applications, including point reactor kinetics, xenon concentration dynamics, an uncertain pressurizer model, a U-tube steam generator model and a coupled nonlinear nuclear reactor model.

  8. The Easy Way to Create Computer Slide Shows.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Anderson, Mary Alice

    1995-01-01

    Discusses techniques for creating computer slide shows. Topics include memory; format; color use; HyperCard and CD-ROM; font styles and sizes; graphs and graphics; the slide show option; special effects; and tips for effective presentation. (Author/AEF)

  9. Microarray slide hybridization using fluorescently labeled cDNA.

    PubMed

    Ares, Manuel

    2014-01-01

    Microarray hybridization is used to determine the amount and genomic origins of RNA molecules in an experimental sample. Unlabeled probe sequences for each gene or gene region are printed in an array on the surface of a slide, and fluorescently labeled cDNA derived from the RNA target is hybridized to it. This protocol describes a blocking and hybridization protocol for microarray slides. The blocking step is particular to the chemistry of "CodeLink" slides, but it serves to remind us that almost every kind of microarray has a treatment step that occurs after printing but before hybridization. We recommend making sure of the precise treatment necessary for the particular chemistry used in the slides to be hybridized because the attachment chemistries differ significantly. Hybridization is similar to northern or Southern blots, but on a much smaller scale.

  10. Presentation video retrieval using automatically recovered slide and spoken text

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cooper, Matthew

    2013-03-01

    Video is becoming a prevalent medium for e-learning. Lecture videos contain text information in both the presentation slides and lecturer's speech. This paper examines the relative utility of automatically recovered text from these sources for lecture video retrieval. To extract the visual information, we automatically detect slides within the videos and apply optical character recognition to obtain their text. Automatic speech recognition is used similarly to extract spoken text from the recorded audio. We perform controlled experiments with manually created ground truth for both the slide and spoken text from more than 60 hours of lecture video. We compare the automatically extracted slide and spoken text in terms of accuracy relative to ground truth, overlap with one another, and utility for video retrieval. Results reveal that automatically recovered slide text and spoken text contain different content with varying error profiles. Experiments demonstrate that automatically extracted slide text enables higher precision video retrieval than automatically recovered spoken text.

  11. The implication of DNA bending energy for nucleosome positioning and sliding.

    PubMed

    Liu, Guoqing; Xing, Yongqiang; Zhao, Hongyu; Cai, Lu; Wang, Jianying

    2018-06-11

    Nucleosome not only directly affects cellular processes, such as DNA replication, recombination, and transcription, but also severs as a fundamentally important target of epigenetic modifications. Our previous study indicated that the bending property of DNA is important in nucleosome formation, particularly in predicting the dyad positions of nucleosomes on a DNA segment. Here, we investigated the role of bending energy in nucleosome positioning and sliding in depth to decipher sequence-directed mechanism. The results show that bending energy is a good physical index to predict the free energy in the process of nucleosome reconstitution in vitro. Our data also imply that there are at least 20% of the nucleosomes in budding yeast do not adopt canonical positioning, in which underlying sequences wrapped around histones are structurally symmetric. We also revealed distinct patterns of bending energy profile for distinctly organized chromatin structures, such as well-positioned nucleosomes, fuzzy nucleosomes, and linker regions and discussed nucleosome sliding in terms of bending energy. We proposed that the stability of a nucleosome is positively correlated with the strength of the bending anisotropy of DNA segment, and both accessibility and directionality of nucleosome sliding is likely to be modulated by diverse patterns of DNA bending energy profile.

  12. How to Prepare Clay-Lift and Sandwich Slides.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Barman, Charles R.

    1984-01-01

    Describes two techniques for making 35 millimeter slides without using photographic film. One method uses clear adhesive contact paper and the other uses transparency film. Both techniques are inexpensive and require only a few minutes of preparation per slide. (JM)

  13. Cancer Digital Slide Archive: an informatics resource to support integrated in silico analysis of TCGA pathology data

    PubMed Central

    Gutman, David A; Cobb, Jake; Somanna, Dhananjaya; Park, Yuna; Wang, Fusheng; Kurc, Tahsin; Saltz, Joel H; Brat, Daniel J; Cooper, Lee A D

    2013-01-01

    Background The integration and visualization of multimodal datasets is a common challenge in biomedical informatics. Several recent studies of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data have illustrated important relationships between morphology observed in whole-slide images, outcome, and genetic events. The pairing of genomics and rich clinical descriptions with whole-slide imaging provided by TCGA presents a unique opportunity to perform these correlative studies. However, better tools are needed to integrate the vast and disparate data types. Objective To build an integrated web-based platform supporting whole-slide pathology image visualization and data integration. Materials and methods All images and genomic data were directly obtained from the TCGA and National Cancer Institute (NCI) websites. Results The Cancer Digital Slide Archive (CDSA) produced is accessible to the public (http://cancer.digitalslidearchive.net) and currently hosts more than 20 000 whole-slide images from 22 cancer types. Discussion The capabilities of CDSA are demonstrated using TCGA datasets to integrate pathology imaging with associated clinical, genomic and MRI measurements in glioblastomas and can be extended to other tumor types. CDSA also allows URL-based sharing of whole-slide images, and has preliminary support for directly sharing regions of interest and other annotations. Images can also be selected on the basis of other metadata, such as mutational profile, patient age, and other relevant characteristics. Conclusions With the increasing availability of whole-slide scanners, analysis of digitized pathology images will become increasingly important in linking morphologic observations with genomic and clinical endpoints. PMID:23893318

  14. Positive sliding mode control for blood glucose regulation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Menani, Karima; Mohammadridha, Taghreed; Magdelaine, Nicolas; Abdelaziz, Mourad; Moog, Claude H.

    2017-11-01

    Biological systems involving positive variables as concentrations are some examples of so-called positive systems. This is the case of the glycemia-insulinemia system considered in this paper. To cope with these physical constraints, it is shown that a positive sliding mode control (SMC) can be designed for glycemia regulation. The largest positive invariant set (PIS) is obtained for the insulinemia subsystem in open and closed loop. The existence of a positive SMC for glycemia regulation is shown here for the first time. Necessary conditions to design the sliding surface and the discontinuity gain are derived to guarantee a positive SMC for the insulin dynamics. SMC is designed to be positive everywhere in the largest closed-loop PIS of plasma insulin system. Two-stage SMC is employed; the last stage SMC2 block uses the glycemia error to design the desired insulin trajectory. Then the plasma insulin state is forced to track the reference via SMC1. The resulting desired insulin trajectory is the required virtual control input of the glycemia system to eliminate blood glucose (BG) error. The positive control is tested in silico on type-1 diabetic patients model derived from real-life clinical data.

  15. Ferrographic analysis of wear particles from sliding elastohydrodynamic experiments

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Jones, W. R., Jr.; Nagaraj, H. S.; Winer, W. O.

    1978-01-01

    The Ferrograph was used to analyze wear debris generated in a sliding elastohydrodynamic contact. The amount of wear debris correlates well with the ratio of film thickness to composite surface roughness (A ratio). The general wear level parameter and the wear severity index yielded similar correlations with average A ratios. Essentially all the generated wear particles were of the normal rubbing wear type. The Ferrograph was more sensitive in detecting the wear debris than was the commonly used emission spectrograph.

  16. [Whole slide imaging technology: from digitization to online applications].

    PubMed

    Ameisen, David; Le Naour, Gilles; Daniel, Christel

    2012-11-01

    As e-health becomes essential to modern care, whole slide images (virtual slides) are now an important clinical, teaching and research tool in pathology. Virtual microscopy consists of digitizing a glass slide by acquiring hundreds of tiles of regions of interest at different zoom levels and assembling them into a structured file. This gigapixel image can then be remotely viewed over a terminal, exactly the way pathologists use a microscope. In this article, we will first describe the key elements of this technology, from the acquisition, using a scanner or a motorized microscope, to the broadcasting of virtual slides through a local or distant viewer over an intranet or Internet connection. As virtual slides are now commonly used in virtual classrooms, clinical data and research databases, we will highlight the main issues regarding its uses in modern pathology. Emphasis will be made on quality assurance policies, standardization and scaling. © 2012 médecine/sciences – Inserm / SRMS.

  17. Penile lengthening and widening without grafting according to a modified 'sliding' technique.

    PubMed

    Egydio, Paulo H; Kuehhas, Franklin E

    2015-12-01

    To present the feasibility and safety of penile length and girth restoration based on a modified 'sliding' technique for patients with severe erectile dysfunction (ED) and significant penile shortening, with or without Peyronie's disease (PD). Between January 2013 and January 2014, 143 patients underwent our modified 'sliding' technique for penile length and girth restoration and concomitant penile prosthesis implantation. It is based on three key elements: (i) the sliding manoeuvre for penile length restoration; (ii) potential complementary longitudinal ventral and/or dorsal tunical incisions for girth restoration; and (iii) closure of the newly created rectangular bow-shaped tunical defects with Buck's fascia only. In all, 143 patients underwent the procedure. The causes of penile shortening and narrowing were: PD in 53.8%; severe ED with unsuccessful intracavernosal injection therapy in 21%; post-radical prostatectomy 14.7%; androgen-deprivation therapy, with or without brachytherapy or external radiotherapy, for prostate cancer in 7%; post-penile fracture in 2.1%; post-redo-hypospadias repair in 0.7%; and post-priapism in 0.7%. In patients with ED and PD, the mean (range) deviation of the penile axis was 45 (0-100)°. The mean (range) subjective penile shortening reported by patients was 3.4 (1-7) cm and shaft constriction was present in 53.8%. Malleable penile prostheses were used in 133 patients and inflatable penile prostheses were inserted in 10 patients. The median (range) follow-up was 9.7 (6-18) months. The mean (range) penile length gain was 3.1 (2-7) cm. No penile prosthesis infection caused device explantation. The average International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) score increased from 24 points at baseline to 60 points at the 6-month follow-up. Penile length and girth restoration based on our modified sliding technique is a safe and effective procedure. The elimination of grafting saves operative time and, consequently, decreases the infection

  18. Effects of Roughness and Inertia on Precursors to Frictional Sliding

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Robbins, Mark O.; Salerno, K. Michael

    2012-02-01

    Experiments show that when a PMMA block on a surface is normally loaded and driven by an external shear force, contact at the interface is modified in discrete precursor slips prior to steady state sliding.[1] Our simulations use an atomistic model of a rough two-dimensional block in contact with a flat surface to investigate the evolution of stress and displacement along the contact between surfaces. The talk will show how local and global stress conditions govern the initiation of interfacial cracks as well as the spatial extension of the cracked region. Inertia also plays an important role in determining the number and size of slips before sliding and influences the distribution of stresses at the interface. Finally, the geometry of surface asperities also influences the interfacial evolution and the total friction force. The relationship between the interfacial stress state and rupture velocity will also be discussed. [1] S.M. Rubinstein, G. Cohen and J. Fineberg, PRL 98, 226103 (2007)

  19. A Balanced-pressure Sliding Seal for Transfer of Pressurized Air Between Stationary and Rotating Parts

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Curren, Arthur N; Cochran, Reeves P

    1957-01-01

    A combination sliding-ring and pressure-balancing seal capable of transferring pressurize air from stationary to rotating parts was developed and experimentally investigated at sliding velocities and cooling-air pressures up to 10,000 feet per minute and 38.3 pounds per square inch absolute, respectively. Leakage of cooling air was completely eliminated with an expenditure of balance air less than one-fourth the leakage loss of air from labyrinth seals under the same conditions. Additional cooling of the carbon-base seal rings was required, and the maximum wear rate on the rings was about 0.0005 inch per hour.

  20. UHPC and NSFRC in Severe Environmental Conditions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rehacek, S.; Citek, D.; Kolisko, J.

    2017-10-01

    Structure and properties of cement composite are time-varying characteristics, depending among others on environmental conditions. The key idea is a struggle for complex research of joint effect of physical, chemical and dynamic loads on the internal structure of cement composite and understanding the correlation between changes in microstructure and macro-scale properties. During the experimental program, specimens will be exposed to combined influence of freeze-thaw cycles, aggressive chemical agents and dynamic loading. The aim is to create a theoretical basis for design of effective cement composites meant to be used in severe environmental conditions.

  1. Disturbance observer-based adaptive sliding mode hybrid projective synchronisation of identical fractional-order financial systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Khan, Ayub; Tyagi, Arti

    2018-05-01

    In this paper, we have studied the hybrid projective synchronisation for incommensurate, integer and commensurate fractional-order financial systems with unknown disturbance. To tackle the problem of unknown bounded disturbance, fractional-order disturbance observer is designed to approximate the unknown disturbance. Further, we have introduced simple sliding mode surface and designed adaptive sliding mode controllers incorporating with the designed fractional-order disturbance observer to achieve a bounded hybrid projective synchronisation between two identical fractional-order financial model with different initial conditions. It is shown that the slave system with disturbance can be synchronised with the projection of the master system generated through state transformation. Simulation results are presented to ensure the validity and effectiveness of the proposed sliding mode control scheme in the presence of external bounded unknown disturbance. Also, synchronisation error for commensurate, integer and incommensurate fractional-order financial systems is studied in numerical simulation.

  2. Elastomers in Combined Rolling-Sliding Contact; Wear and its Underlying Mechanisms

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rowe, Kyle Gene

    Elastomeric materials, specifically rubbers, being both of a practical and scientific importance, have been the subjects of vast amounts of research spanning well over two centuries. There is currently a large effort by tire manufacturers to design new rubber compounds with lower rolling resistance, higher sliding friction, and reduced or predictable wear. At present, these efforts are primarily based on a few empirical rules and very costly trial and error testing; only a basic understanding of the mechanisms involved in the wear of elastomeric materials exists despite rigorous study. In general, the only well controlled experiments have been for simple loading and sliding schemes. The aim of this work is to characterize the tribological properties of a carbon black filled natural rubber sample. This work explores (1) its behavior in unidirectional sliding, (2) contact mechanics, (3) traction properties in combined rolling and sliding, (4) frictional heating response, and (5) wear. It was found that the friction coefficient of this material was dependent upon sliding velocity, contact pressure, and surface roughness. The high friction coefficients also lead to a bifurcation of the contact area into two different pressure regimes at sliding velocities greater than 10 mm/s . The traction response of this material in combined rolling and sliding exhibited similar behavior, being a function of the contact pressure, but not rolling velocity. The wear of this material was found to be linearly dependent upon the global slip condition and occurred preferentially on the sample. Investigations of the worn surface revealed that the most likely mechanism of wear is the degradation of surface material in a confined layer a few micrometers thick. A simple spring-mass model was developed to offer an explanation of localized wear. It was found that the coupling of system elements in the normal direction helped to shift the load from wearing elements to non-wearing ones. The

  3. [Heritage Education Lesson Plans and Slide Presentations].

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Van Buren, Maurie

    Field tested in 27 schools and in grades four through twelve, this teaching unit stresses heritage education through the study of southern U.S. architectural styles for homes from the pioneer log structures to the 1950s ranch home. Each of the four lessons in this unit focuses around a slide presentation of 20 slides designed to fit into one…

  4. Alaska research natural areas: 3. Serpentine slide.

    Treesearch

    G.P. Juday

    1992-01-01

    The 1730-ha Serpentine Slide Research Natural Area (RNA) is located in central Alaska in the White Mountains National Recreation Area. It is managed by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Steese-White Mountains District. Serpentine Slide was selected as a Research Natural Area (RNA) because it contains an alpine exposure of serpentinite; a 9...

  5. Slide Presentations as Speech Suppressors: When and Why Learners Miss Oral Information

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wecker, Christof

    2012-01-01

    The objective of this study was to test whether information presented on slides during presentations is retained at the expense of information presented only orally, and to investigate part of the conditions under which this effect occurs, and how it can be avoided. Such an effect could be expected and explained either as a kind of redundancy…

  6. Pure moment testing for spinal biomechanics applications: Fixed versus sliding ring cable-driven test designs.

    PubMed

    Eguizabal, Johnny; Tufaga, Michael; Scheer, Justin K; Ames, Christopher; Lotz, Jeffrey C; Buckley, Jenni M

    2010-05-07

    In vitro multi-axial bending testing using pure moment loading conditions has become the standard in evaluating the effects of different types of surgical intervention on spinal kinematics. Simple, cable-driven experimental set-ups have been widely adopted because they require little infrastructure. Traditionally, "fixed ring" cable-driven experimental designs have been used; however, there have been concerns with the validity of this set-up in applying pure moment loading. This study involved directly comparing the loading state induced by a traditional "fixed ring" apparatus versus a novel "sliding ring" approach. Flexion-extension bending was performed on an artificial spine model and a single cadaveric test specimen, and the applied loading conditions to the specimen were measured with an in-line multiaxial load cell. The results showed that the fixed ring system applies flexion-extension moments that are 50-60% less than the intended values. This design also imposes non-trivial anterior-posterior shear forces, and non-uniform loading conditions were induced along the length of the specimen. The results of this study indicate that fixed ring systems have the potential to deviate from a pure moment loading state and that our novel sliding ring modification corrects this error in the original test design. This suggests that the proposed sliding ring design should be used for future in vitro spine biomechanics studies involving a cable-driven pure moment apparatus. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  7. Plasma spray processing of TiC-based coatings for sliding wear resistance

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mohanty, Mahesh

    Titanium carbide-reinforced metallic coatings, produced by plasma spraying, can be used for sliding wear resistant applications. The sliding wear properties of such coatings are governed to a large extent by the strength, structure and stability of the bond interface between the carbide and the metallic phases. In the present investigation, the microstructure and sliding wear properties of plasma sprayed metal-bonded TiC coatings containing up to 90 v/o carbide have been studied. It was shown that alloying of the metallic phase improved carbide retention in TiC cermets due to better interface bonding, and increased wear resistance and lowered sliding coefficient of friction. TiC-based coatings were produced from both physically blended and synthesized feed powders. It was observed that the precursor TiC-based powder morphology and structure greatly affected the plasma sprayed coating microstructures and the resultant physical and mechanical characteristics. Physical blending of powders induced segregation during spraying, leading to somewhat lower deposit efficiencies and coating uniformity, while synthesized and alloyed titanium carbide/metal composite powders reduced problems of segregation and reactions associated with plasma spraying of physically blended powders where the TiC was in direct contact with the plasma jet. To understand oxidation effects of the environment, Ti and TiC-based coatings were produced under low pressure (VPS), air plasma (APS) and shrouded plasma sprayed conditions. APS Ti and TiC-based powders with reactive matrices suffered severe oxidation decomposition during flight, leading to poor deposition efficiencies and oxidized microstructures. High particle temperatures and cold air plasma spraying. Coating oxidation due to reactions of the particles with the surrounding air during spraying reduced coating hardness and wear resistance. TiC-with Ti or Ti-alloy matrix coatings with the highest hardness, density and wear resistance was

  8. Automated detection of diagnostically relevant regions in H&E stained digital pathology slides

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bahlmann, Claus; Patel, Amar; Johnson, Jeffrey; Ni, Jie; Chekkoury, Andrei; Khurd, Parmeshwar; Kamen, Ali; Grady, Leo; Krupinski, Elizabeth; Graham, Anna; Weinstein, Ronald

    2012-03-01

    We present a computationally efficient method for analyzing H&E stained digital pathology slides with the objective of discriminating diagnostically relevant vs. irrelevant regions. Such technology is useful for several applications: (1) It can speed up computer aided diagnosis (CAD) for histopathology based cancer detection and grading by an order of magnitude through a triage-like preprocessing and pruning. (2) It can improve the response time for an interactive digital pathology workstation (which is usually dealing with several GByte digital pathology slides), e.g., through controlling adaptive compression or prioritization algorithms. (3) It can support the detection and grading workflow for expert pathologists in a semi-automated diagnosis, hereby increasing throughput and accuracy. At the core of the presented method is the statistical characterization of tissue components that are indicative for the pathologist's decision about malignancy vs. benignity, such as, nuclei, tubules, cytoplasm, etc. In order to allow for effective yet computationally efficient processing, we propose visual descriptors that capture the distribution of color intensities observed for nuclei and cytoplasm. Discrimination between statistics of relevant vs. irrelevant regions is learned from annotated data, and inference is performed via linear classification. We validate the proposed method both qualitatively and quantitatively. Experiments show a cross validation error rate of 1.4%. We further show that the proposed method can prune ~90% of the area of pathological slides while maintaining 100% of all relevant information, which allows for a speedup of a factor of 10 for CAD systems.

  9. Extended observer based on adaptive second order sliding mode control for a fixed wing UAV.

    PubMed

    Castañeda, Herman; Salas-Peña, Oscar S; León-Morales, Jesús de

    2017-01-01

    This paper addresses the design of attitude and airspeed controllers for a fixed wing unmanned aerial vehicle. An adaptive second order sliding mode control is proposed for improving performance under different operating conditions and is robust in presence of external disturbances. Moreover, this control does not require the knowledge of disturbance bounds and avoids overestimation of the control gains. Furthermore, in order to implement this controller, an extended observer is designed to estimate unmeasurable states as well as external disturbances. Additionally, sufficient conditions are given to guarantee the closed-loop stability of the observer based control. Finally, using a full 6 degree of freedom model, simulation results are obtained where the performance of the proposed method is compared against active disturbance rejection based on sliding mode control. Copyright © 2016 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  10. Sliding mode controllers for a tempered glass furnace.

    PubMed

    Almutairi, Naif B; Zribi, Mohamed

    2016-01-01

    This paper investigates the design of two sliding mode controllers (SMCs) applied to a tempered glass furnace system. The main objective of the proposed controllers is to regulate the glass plate temperature, the upper-wall temperature and the lower-wall temperature in the furnace to a common desired temperature. The first controller is a conventional sliding mode controller. The key step in the design of this controller is the introduction of a nonlinear transformation that maps the dynamic model of the tempered glass furnace into the generalized controller canonical form; this step facilitates the design of the sliding mode controller. The second controller is based on a state-dependent coefficient (SDC) factorization of the tempered glass furnace dynamic model. Using an SDC factorization, a simplified sliding mode controller is designed. The simulation results indicate that the two proposed control schemes work very well. Moreover, the robustness of the control schemes to changes in the system's parameters as well as to disturbances is investigated. In addition, a comparison of the proposed control schemes with a fuzzy PID controller is performed; the results show that the proposed SDC-based sliding mode controller gave better results. Copyright © 2015 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  11. Continuous stacking computational approach based automated microscope slide scanner

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Murali, Swetha; Adhikari, Jayesh Vasudeva; Jagannadh, Veerendra Kalyan; Gorthi, Sai Siva

    2018-02-01

    Cost-effective and automated acquisition of whole slide images is a bottleneck for wide-scale deployment of digital pathology. In this article, a computation augmented approach for the development of an automated microscope slide scanner is presented. The realization of a prototype device built using inexpensive off-the-shelf optical components and motors is detailed. The applicability of the developed prototype to clinical diagnostic testing is demonstrated by generating good quality digital images of malaria-infected blood smears. Further, the acquired slide images have been processed to identify and count the number of malaria-infected red blood cells and thereby perform quantitative parasitemia level estimation. The presented prototype would enable cost-effective deployment of slide-based cyto-diagnostic testing in endemic areas.

  12. A Simple Measurement of the Sliding Friction Coefficient

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gratton, Luigi M.; Defrancesco, Silvia

    2006-01-01

    We present a simple computer-aided experiment for investigating Coulomb's law of sliding friction in a classroom. It provides a way of testing the possible dependence of the friction coefficient on various parameters, such as types of materials, normal force, apparent area of contact and sliding velocity.

  13. Quantitative analysis of the text and graphic content in ophthalmic slide presentations.

    PubMed

    Ing, Edsel; Celo, Erdit; Ing, Royce; Weisbrod, Lawrence; Ing, Mercedes

    2017-04-01

    To determine the characteristics of ophthalmic digital slide presentations. Retrospective quantitative analysis. Slide presentations from a 2015 Canadian primary eye care conference were analyzed for their duration, character and word count, font size, words per minute (wpm), lines per slide, words per slide, slides per minute (spm), text density product (wpm × spm), proportion of graphic content, and Flesch Reading Ease (FRE) score using Microsoft PowerPoint and Word. The median audience evaluation score for the lectures was used to dichotomize the higher scoring lectures (HSL) from the lower scoring lectures (LSL). A priori we hypothesized that there would be a difference in the wpm, spm, text density product, and FRE score between HSL and LSL. Wilcoxon rank-sum tests with Bonferroni correction were utilized. The 17 lectures had medians of 2.5 spm, 20.3 words per slide, 5.0 lines per slide, 28-point sans serif font, 36% graphic content, and text density product of 136.4 words × slides/minute 2 . Although not statistically significant, the HSL had more wpm, fewer words per slide, more graphics per slide, greater text density, and higher FRE score than LSL. There was a statistically significant difference in the spm of the HSL (3.1 ± 1.0) versus the LSL (2.2 ± 1.0) at p = 0.0124. All presenters showed more than 1 slide per minute. The HSL showed more spm than the LSL. The descriptive statistics from this study may aid in the preparation of slides used for teaching and conferences. Copyright © 2017 Canadian Ophthalmological Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. Ferguson rock slide buries California State Highway near Yosemite National Park

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Harp, E.L.; Reid, M.E.; Godt, J.W.; DeGraff, J.V.; Gallegos, A.J.

    2008-01-01

    During spring 2006, talus from the toe area of a rock-block slide of about 800,000 m3 buried California State Highway 140, one of the main routes into heavily-visited Yosemite National Park, USA. Closure of the highway for 92 days caused business losses of about 4.8 million USD. The rock slide, composed of slate and phyllite, moved slowly downslope from April to June 2006, creating a fresh head scarp with 9-12 m of displacement. Movement of the main rock slide, a re-activation of an older slide, was triggered by an exceptionally wet spring 2006, following a very wet spring 2005. As of autumn 2006, most of the main slide appeared to be at rest, although rocks occasionally continued to fall from steep, fractured rock masses at the toe area of the slide. Future behavior of the slide is difficult to predict, but possible scenarios range from continued scattered rock fall to complete rapid failure of the entire mass. Although unlikely except under very destabilizing circumstances, a worst-case, rapid failure of the entire rock slide could extend across the Merced River, damming the river and creating a reservoir. As a temporary measure, traffic has been rerouted to the opposite side of the Merced River at about the same elevation as the buried section of Highway 140. A state-of-the-art monitoring system has been installed to detect movement in the steep talus slope, movement of the main slide mass, local strong ground motion from regional earthquakes, and sudden changes in stream levels, possibly indicating damming of the river by slide material. ?? 2008 Springer-Verlag.

  15. Ferguson rock slide buries California State Highway near Yosemite National Park

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Harp, Edwin L.; Reid, Mark E.; Godt, Jonathan W.; DeGraff, Jerome V.; Gallegos, Alan J.

    2008-01-01

    During spring 2006, talus from the toe area of a rock-block slide of about 800,000 m3 buried California State Highway 140, one of the main routes into heavily-visited Yosemite National Park, USA. Closure of the highway for 92 days caused business losses of about 4.8 million USD. The rock slide, composed of slate and phyllite, moved slowly downslope from April to June 2006, creating a fresh head scarp with 9-12 m of displacement. Movement of the main rock slide, a re-activation of an older slide, was triggered by an exceptionally wet spring 2006, following a very wet spring 2005. As of autumn 2006, most of the main slide appeared to be at rest, although rocks occasionally continued to fall from steep, fractured rock masses at the toe area of the slide. Future behavior of the slide is difficult to predict, but possible scenarios range from continued scattered rock fall to complete rapid failure of the entire mass. Although unlikely except under very destabilizing circumstances, a worst-case, rapid failure of the entire rock slide could extend across the Merced River, damming the river and creating a reservoir. As a temporary measure, traffic has been rerouted to the opposite side of the Merced River at about the same elevation as the buried section of Highway 140. A state-of-the-art monitoring system has been installed to detect movement in the steep talus slope, movement of the main slide mass, local strong ground motion from regional earthquakes, and sudden changes in stream levels, possibly indicating damming of the river by slide material.

  16. [Circadian blood pressure variation under several pathophysiological conditions including secondary hypertension].

    PubMed

    Imai, Yutaka; Hosaka, Miki; Satoh, Michihiro

    2014-08-01

    Abnormality of circadian blood pressure (BP) variation, i.e. non-dipper, riser, nocturnal hypertension etc, is brought by several pathophysiological conditions especially by secondary hypertension. These pathophysiological conditions are classified into several categories, i.e. disturbance of autonomic nervous system, metabolic disorder, endocrine disorder, disorder of Na and water excretion (e.g. sodium sensitivity), severe target organ damage and ischemia, cardiovascular complications and drug induced hypertension. Each pathophysiological condition which brings disturbance of circadian BP variation is included in several categories, e.g. diabetes mellitus is included in metabolic disorder, autonomic imbalance, sodium sensitivity and endocrine disorder. However, it seems that unified principle of the genesis of disturbance of circadian BP variation in many pathophysiological conditions is autonomic imbalance. Thus, it is concluded that disturbance of circadian BP variation is not purposive biological behavior but the result of autonomic imbalance which looks as if compensatory reaction such as exaggerated Na-water excretion during night in patient with Na-water retention who reveals disturbed circadian BP variation.

  17. Gravitational sliding of the Mt. Etna massif along a sloping basement

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Murray, John B.; van Wyk de Vries, Benjamin; Pitty, Andy; Sargent, Phil; Wooller, Luke

    2018-04-01

    Geological field evidence and laboratory modelling indicate that volcanoes constructed on slopes slide downhill. If this happens on an active volcano, then the movement will distort deformation data and thus potentially compromise interpretation. Our recent GPS measurements demonstrate that the entire edifice of Mt. Etna is sliding to the ESE, the overall direction of slope of its complex, rough sedimentary basement. We report methods of discriminating the sliding vector from other deformation processes and of measuring its velocity, which averaged 14 mm year-1 during four intervals between 2001 and 2012. Though sliding of one sector of a volcano due to flank instability is widespread and well-known, this is the first time basement sliding of an entire active volcano has been directly observed. This is important because the geological record shows that such sliding volcanoes are prone to devastating sector collapse on the downslope side, and whole volcano migration should be taken into account when assessing future collapse hazard. It is also important in eruption forecasting, as the sliding vector needs to be allowed for when interpreting deformation events that take place above the sliding basement within the superstructure of the active volcano, as might occur with dyke intrusion or inflation/deflation episodes.

  18. Second-Order Consensus in Multiagent Systems via Distributed Sliding Mode Control.

    PubMed

    Yu, Wenwu; Wang, He; Cheng, Fei; Yu, Xinghuo; Wen, Guanghui

    2016-11-22

    In this paper, the new decoupled distributed sliding-mode control (DSMC) is first proposed for second-order consensus in multiagent systems, which finally solves the fundamental unknown problem for sliding-mode control (SMC) design of coupled networked systems. A distributed full-order sliding-mode surface is designed based on the homogeneity with dilation for reaching second-order consensus in multiagent systems, under which the sliding-mode states are decoupled. Then, the SMC is applied to the decoupled sliding-mode states to reach their origin in finite time, which is the sliding-mode surface. The states of agents can first reach the designed sliding-mode surface in finite time and then move to the second-order consensus state along the surface in finite time as well. The DSMC designed in this paper can eliminate the influence of singularity problems and weaken the influence of chattering, which is still very difficult in the SMC systems. In addition, DSMC proposes a general decoupling framework for designing SMC in networked multiagent systems. Simulations are presented to verify the theoretical results in this paper.

  19. On the numerical modeling of sliding beams: A comparison of different approaches

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Steinbrecher, Ivo; Humer, Alexander; Vu-Quoc, Loc

    2017-11-01

    The transient analysis of sliding beams represents a challenging problem of structural mechanics. Typically, the sliding motion superimposed by large flexible deformation requires numerical methods as, e.g., finite elements, to obtain approximate solutions. By means of the classical sliding spaghetti problem, the present paper provides a guideline to the numerical modeling with conventional finite element codes. For this purpose, two approaches, one using solid elements and one using beam elements, respectively, are employed in the analysis, and the characteristics of each approach are addressed. The contact formulation realizing the interaction of the beam with its support demands particular attention in the context of sliding structures. Additionally, the paper employs the sliding-beam formulation as a third approach, which avoids the numerical difficulties caused by the large sliding motion through a suitable coordinate transformation. The present paper briefly outlines the theoretical fundamentals of the respective approaches for the modeling of sliding structures and gives a detailed comparison by means of the sliding spaghetti serving as a representative example. The specific advantages and limitations of the different approaches with regard to accuracy and computational efficiency are discussed in detail. Through the comparison, the sliding-beam formulation, which proves as an effective approach for the modeling, can be validated for the general problem of a sliding structure subjected to large deformation.

  20. The Summer Slide: What We Know and Can Do about Summer Learning Loss

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Alexander, Karl, Ed.; Pitcock, Sarah, Ed.; Boulay, Matthew C., Ed.

    2016-01-01

    This book is an authoritative examination of summer learning loss, featuring original contributions by scholars and practitioners at the forefront of the movement to understand--and stem--the "summer slide." The contributors provide an up-to-date account of what research has to say about summer learning loss, the conditions in low-income…

  1. Terminal Sliding Mode Tracking Controller Design for Automatic Guided Vehicle

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, Hongbin

    2018-03-01

    Based on sliding mode variable structure control theory, the path tracking problem of automatic guided vehicle is studied, proposed a controller design method based on the terminal sliding mode. First of all, through analyzing the characteristics of the automatic guided vehicle movement, the kinematics model is presented. Then to improve the traditional expression of terminal sliding mode, design a nonlinear sliding mode which the convergence speed is faster than the former, verified by theoretical analysis, the design of sliding mode is steady and fast convergence in the limited time. Finally combining Lyapunov method to design the tracking control law of automatic guided vehicle, the controller can make the automatic guided vehicle track the desired trajectory in the global sense as well as in finite time. The simulation results verify the correctness and effectiveness of the control law.

  2. A new optimal sliding mode controller design using scalar sign function.

    PubMed

    Singla, Mithun; Shieh, Leang-San; Song, Gangbing; Xie, Linbo; Zhang, Yongpeng

    2014-03-01

    This paper presents a new optimal sliding mode controller using the scalar sign function method. A smooth, continuous-time scalar sign function is used to replace the discontinuous switching function in the design of a sliding mode controller. The proposed sliding mode controller is designed using an optimal Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) approach. The sliding surface of the system is designed using stable eigenvectors and the scalar sign function. Controller simulations are compared with another existing optimal sliding mode controller. To test the effectiveness of the proposed controller, the controller is implemented on an aluminum beam with piezoceramic sensor and actuator for vibration control. This paper includes the control design and stability analysis of the new optimal sliding mode controller, followed by simulation and experimental results. The simulation and experimental results show that the proposed approach is very effective. © 2013 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  3. Prediction of CpG-island function: CpG clustering vs. sliding-window methods

    PubMed Central

    2010-01-01

    Background Unmethylated stretches of CpG dinucleotides (CpG islands) are an outstanding property of mammal genomes. Conventionally, these regions are detected by sliding window approaches using %G + C, CpG observed/expected ratio and length thresholds as main parameters. Recently, clustering methods directly detect clusters of CpG dinucleotides as a statistical property of the genome sequence. Results We compare sliding-window to clustering (i.e. CpGcluster) predictions by applying new ways to detect putative functionality of CpG islands. Analyzing the co-localization with several genomic regions as a function of window size vs. statistical significance (p-value), CpGcluster shows a higher overlap with promoter regions and highly conserved elements, at the same time showing less overlap with Alu retrotransposons. The major difference in the prediction was found for short islands (CpG islets), often exclusively predicted by CpGcluster. Many of these islets seem to be functional, as they are unmethylated, highly conserved and/or located within the promoter region. Finally, we show that window-based islands can spuriously overlap several, differentially regulated promoters as well as different methylation domains, which might indicate a wrong merge of several CpG islands into a single, very long island. The shorter CpGcluster islands seem to be much more specific when concerning the overlap with alternative transcription start sites or the detection of homogenous methylation domains. Conclusions The main difference between sliding-window approaches and clustering methods is the length of the predicted islands. Short islands, often differentially methylated, are almost exclusively predicted by CpGcluster. This suggests that CpGcluster may be the algorithm of choice to explore the function of these short, but putatively functional CpG islands. PMID:20500903

  4. Neural network-based sliding mode control for atmospheric-actuated spacecraft formation using switching strategy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sun, Ran; Wang, Jihe; Zhang, Dexin; Shao, Xiaowei

    2018-02-01

    This paper presents an adaptive neural networks-based control method for spacecraft formation with coupled translational and rotational dynamics using only aerodynamic forces. It is assumed that each spacecraft is equipped with several large flat plates. A coupled orbit-attitude dynamic model is considered based on the specific configuration of atmospheric-based actuators. For this model, a neural network-based adaptive sliding mode controller is implemented, accounting for system uncertainties and external perturbations. To avoid invalidation of the neural networks destroying stability of the system, a switching control strategy is proposed which combines an adaptive neural networks controller dominating in its active region and an adaptive sliding mode controller outside the neural active region. An optimal process is developed to determine the control commands for the plates system. The stability of the closed-loop system is proved by a Lyapunov-based method. Comparative results through numerical simulations illustrate the effectiveness of executing attitude control while maintaining the relative motion, and higher control accuracy can be achieved by using the proposed neural-based switching control scheme than using only adaptive sliding mode controller.

  5. Universal fuzzy integral sliding-mode controllers for stochastic nonlinear systems.

    PubMed

    Gao, Qing; Liu, Lu; Feng, Gang; Wang, Yong

    2014-12-01

    In this paper, the universal integral sliding-mode controller problem for the general stochastic nonlinear systems modeled by Itô type stochastic differential equations is investigated. One of the main contributions is that a novel dynamic integral sliding mode control (DISMC) scheme is developed for stochastic nonlinear systems based on their stochastic T-S fuzzy approximation models. The key advantage of the proposed DISMC scheme is that two very restrictive assumptions in most existing ISMC approaches to stochastic fuzzy systems have been removed. Based on the stochastic Lyapunov theory, it is shown that the closed-loop control system trajectories are kept on the integral sliding surface almost surely since the initial time, and moreover, the stochastic stability of the sliding motion can be guaranteed in terms of linear matrix inequalities. Another main contribution is that the results of universal fuzzy integral sliding-mode controllers for two classes of stochastic nonlinear systems, along with constructive procedures to obtain the universal fuzzy integral sliding-mode controllers, are provided, respectively. Simulation results from an inverted pendulum example are presented to illustrate the advantages and effectiveness of the proposed approaches.

  6. Sliding mode based fault detection, reconstruction and fault tolerant control scheme for motor systems.

    PubMed

    Mekki, Hemza; Benzineb, Omar; Boukhetala, Djamel; Tadjine, Mohamed; Benbouzid, Mohamed

    2015-07-01

    The fault-tolerant control problem belongs to the domain of complex control systems in which inter-control-disciplinary information and expertise are required. This paper proposes an improved faults detection, reconstruction and fault-tolerant control (FTC) scheme for motor systems (MS) with typical faults. For this purpose, a sliding mode controller (SMC) with an integral sliding surface is adopted. This controller can make the output of system to track the desired position reference signal in finite-time and obtain a better dynamic response and anti-disturbance performance. But this controller cannot deal directly with total system failures. However an appropriate combination of the adopted SMC and sliding mode observer (SMO), later it is designed to on-line detect and reconstruct the faults and also to give a sensorless control strategy which can achieve tolerance to a wide class of total additive failures. The closed-loop stability is proved, using the Lyapunov stability theory. Simulation results in healthy and faulty conditions confirm the reliability of the suggested framework. Copyright © 2015 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  7. Development and Sliding Wear Response of Epoxy Composites Filled with Coal Mine Overburden Material

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Das, Prithika; Satapathy, Alok; Mishra, M. K.

    2018-03-01

    The paper reports on development and characterization of epoxy based composites filled with micro-sized mine overburden material. Coal mine overburden material is typically highly heterogeneous and is considered as waste material. For excavating each ton of coal, roughly 5 tons of overburden materials are removed and is dumped nearby occupying large space. Gainful utilization of this waste is a major challenge. In the present work, this material is used as filler materials in making a new class of epoxy matrix composites. Composites with different weight proportions of fillers (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40) wt. % are prepared by hand layup technique. Compression tests are performed as per corresponding ASTM standards to assess the compressive strength of these composites. Further, dry sliding tests are performed following ASTM G99 standards using a pin on disk machine. A design of experiment approach based on Taguchi’s L16 orthogonal arrays is adopted. Tests are performed at different sliding velocities for multiple sliding distances under varying normal loads. Specific wear rates of the composites under different test conditions are obtained. The analysis of the test results revealed that the filler content and the sliding velocity are the most predominant control factors affecting the wear rate. This work thus, opens up a new avenue for the value added utilization of coal mine overburden material.

  8. The Microseismicity of Glacier Sliding

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Walter, Fabian; Röösli, Claudia; Kissling, Edi

    2017-04-01

    Our understanding of glacier and ice sheet basal motion remains incomplete. The past decades have witnessed a shift away from initially proposed hard bed theories towards soft, till-laden beds, which deform and thus participate in basal motion. The theoretical treatment of deformable beds is subject to debate, yet our capability to predict ice sheet flow and ultimately sea level rise is contingent upon correct parameterization of basal motion (Ritz et al., 2015). Both hard and soft bed theories neglect frictional sliding across distinct basal fault planes and elastic deformation in response to sudden dislocation. Over recent years, this view has been repeatedly challenged as more and more studies report seismogenic faulting associated with basal sliding. For instance, large parts of the Whillans Ice Stream at Antarctica's Siple Coast move nearly exclusively during sudden sliding episodes (Wiens et al., 2008). This "stick-slip motion" is difficult to explain with traditional glacier sliding theories but more analogous to earthquake dislocation on tectonic faults. Although the Whillans Ice Stream motion may be an extreme example, there exists evidence for much smaller microseismic stick-slip events beneath the Greenland Ice Sheet and non-polar glaciers (Podolskiy and Walter, 2016). This raises the question how relevant and widespread the stick-slip phenomenon is and if it is necessary to include it into ice sheet models. Here we discuss recent seismic deployments, which focused on detection of stick-slip events beneath the Greenland Ice Sheet and European Alpine Glaciers. For all deployments, a considerable challenge lies in detection of stick-slip seismograms in the presence of a dominant background seismicity associated with surface crevassing. Nevertheless, automatic search algorithms and waveform characteristics provide important insights into temporal variation of stick-slip activity as well as information about fault plane geometry and co-seismic sliding

  9. Section 608 Rule Presentation Slides

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    This document presents slides informing the public about updates to the Section 608 concerning appliance disposal, refrigerant reclamation, technician certification, refrigerant sales restriction, recordkeeping, and repairing refrigerant leaks.

  10. The virtual case: a new method to completely digitize cytological and histological slides.

    PubMed

    Demichelis, F; Barbareschi, M; Dalla Palma, P; Forti, S

    2002-08-01

    The purpose of this study was to present a new method for handling histological/cytological cases. Thanks to the introduction of information technology in pathology, including the amenities afforded by robotic microscopes and digital imaging, tissue slides can be represented and evaluated using digital techniques in order to construct virtual cases through completely automated procedures. A virtual case (VC) is composed of a collection of digital images representing a histological/cytological slide at all magnification levels together with all relevant clinical data. In the present study, we describe an automated system to manage robotic microscope and image acquisition for the proper construction of VCs. These can then be viewed on a computer by means of an interface ("user-friendly") that allows one to select the more appropriate fields and to examine them at different magnifications, rapidly going from panoramic views to high resolution and vice versa. In comparison with glass slides, VCs have several advantages arising from their digital nature and can be considered a common platform for a wide range of applications such as teleconsultation, education, research, and quality control and proficiency tests.

  11. Significance of grain sliding mechanisms for ductile deformation of rocks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dimanov, A.; Bourcier, M.; Gaye, A.; Héripré, E.; Bornert, M.; Raphanel, J.; Ludwig, W.

    2013-12-01

    Ductile shear zones at depth present polyphase and heterogeneous rocks and multi-scale strain localization patterns. Most strain concentrates in ultramylonitic layers, which exhibit microstructural signatures of several concomitant deformation mechanisms. The latter are either active in volume (dislocation creep), or in the vicinity and along interfaces (grain sliding and solution mass transfer). Because their chronology of appearance and interactions are unclear, inference of the overall rheology seems illusory. We have therefore characterized over a decade the rheology of synthetic lower crustal materials with different compositions and fluid contents, and for various microstructures. Non-Newtonian flow clearly related to dominant dislocation creep. Conversely, Newtonian behavior involved grain sliding mechanisms, but crystal plasticity could be identified as well. In order to clarify the respective roles of these mechanisms we underwent a multi-scale investigation of the ductile deformation of rock analog synthetic halite with controlled microstructures. The mechanical tests were combined with in-situ optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X ray computed tomography, allowing for digital image correlation (DIC) techniques and retrieval of full strain field. Crystal plasticity dominated, as evidenced by physical slip lines and DIC computed slip bands. Crystal orientation mapping allowed to identify strongly active easy glide {110} <110> systems. But, all other slip systems were observed as well, and especially near interfaces, where their activity is necessary to accommodate for the plastic strain incompatibilities between neighboring grains. We also evidenced grain boundary sliding (GBS), which clearly occurred as a secondary, but necessary, accommodation mechanism. The DIC technique allowed the quantification of the relative contribution of each mechanism. The amount of GBS clearly increased with decreasing grain size. Finite element (FE) modeling

  12. An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Stereo Slides in Teaching Geomorphology.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Giardino, John R.; Thornhill, Ashton G.

    1984-01-01

    Provides information about producing stereo slides and their use in the classroom. Describes an evaluation of the teaching effectiveness of stereo slides using two groups of 30 randomly selected students from introductory geomorphology. Results from a pretest/postttest measure show that stereo slides significantly improved understanding. (JM)

  13. Friction and wear performance of bearing ball sliding against diamond-like carbon coatings

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wu, Shenjiang; Kousaka, Hiroyuki; Kar, Satyananda; Li, Dangjuan; Su, Junhong

    2017-01-01

    We have studied the tribological properties of bearing steel ball (Japan standard, SUJ2) sliding against tetrahedral amorphous carbon (ta-C) coatings and amorphous hydrogenated carbon (a-C:H) coatings. The reciprocating sliding testes are performed with ball-on-plate friction tester in ambient air condition. Analysis of friction coefficient, wear volume and microstructure in wear scar are carried out using optical microscopy, atom force morphology (AFM) and Raman spectroscopy. The results show the SUJ2 on ta-C coating has low friction coefficient (around 0.15) but high wear loss. In contrast, the low wear loss of SUJ2 on a-C:H coating with high (around 0.4) and unsteady friction coefficient. Some Fe2O3, FeO and graphitization have been found on the wear scar of SUJ2 sliding against ta-C coating. Nearly no oxide materials exist on the wear scar of SUJ2 against a-C:H coating. The mechanism and hypothesis of the wear behavior have been investigated according to the measurement results. This study will contribute to proper selection and understand the tribological performance of bearing steels against DLC coatings.

  14. Mechanism of sand slide - cold lahar induced by extreme rainfall

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fukuoka, Hiroshi; Yamada, Masumi; Dok, Atitkagna

    2014-05-01

    reveal the mechanism of rapid motion. In the undrained or partially drained tests under pore water pressure test, monotonic loading of shear stress, and constant shear speed conditions, we found that immediately after failure takes place, a big excess pore pressure was generated and accelerating motions had stated in all cases. The reduced shear resistance thereafter was maintained because of the lasting high pore pressure. Even in the partially-drained test, we found once the pore pressure reached almost same with the normal stress and then gradually decreased due to dissipation. Those tests apparently shows that the high mobility and high acceleration of the motion are expected and this could be the key mechanism of the fluidization of initial shallow slides into sand flows, i.e., cold lahars. In the past ring shear test series on volcanic materials from fluidized landslides at El Picaccho of El Salvador, Mt Aso of Kumamto Prefecture, and Nagari Tandikat near Padang, Indonesia, show very similar trends. In all those cases, we expected serious grain crushing during shear, contributed to the generation of excess pore pressure, because those material are deposited recently (in geological time) and suffered no big overburden pressure which means no consolidation and no serious grain crushing ever before. So those volcanic materials are generally susceptible to crushing and expect high mobility when slides are initiated under fully saturated condition.

  15. Improving condition severity classification with an efficient active learning based framework

    PubMed Central

    Nissim, Nir; Boland, Mary Regina; Tatonetti, Nicholas P.; Elovici, Yuval; Hripcsak, George; Shahar, Yuval; Moskovitch, Robert

    2017-01-01

    Classification of condition severity can be useful for discriminating among sets of conditions or phenotypes, for example when prioritizing patient care or for other healthcare purposes. Electronic Health Records (EHRs) represent a rich source of labeled information that can be harnessed for severity classification. The labeling of EHRs is expensive and in many cases requires employing professionals with high level of expertise. In this study, we demonstrate the use of Active Learning (AL) techniques to decrease expert labeling efforts. We employ three AL methods and demonstrate their ability to reduce labeling efforts while effectively discriminating condition severity. We incorporate three AL methods into a new framework based on the original CAESAR (Classification Approach for Extracting Severity Automatically from Electronic Health Records) framework to create the Active Learning Enhancement framework (CAESAR-ALE). We applied CAESAR-ALE to a dataset containing 516 conditions of varying severity levels that were manually labeled by seven experts. Our dataset, called the “CAESAR dataset,” was created from the medical records of 1.9 million patients treated at Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC). All three AL methods decreased labelers’ efforts compared to the learning methods applied by the original CAESER framework in which the classifier was trained on the entire set of conditions; depending on the AL strategy used in the current study, the reduction ranged from 48% to 64% that can result in significant savings, both in time and money. As for the PPV (precision) measure, CAESAR-ALE achieved more than 13% absolute improvement in the predictive capabilities of the framework when classifying conditions as severe. These results demonstrate the potential of AL methods to decrease the labeling efforts of medical experts, while increasing accuracy given the same (or even a smaller) number of acquired conditions. We also demonstrated that the methods

  16. Improving condition severity classification with an efficient active learning based framework.

    PubMed

    Nissim, Nir; Boland, Mary Regina; Tatonetti, Nicholas P; Elovici, Yuval; Hripcsak, George; Shahar, Yuval; Moskovitch, Robert

    2016-06-01

    Classification of condition severity can be useful for discriminating among sets of conditions or phenotypes, for example when prioritizing patient care or for other healthcare purposes. Electronic Health Records (EHRs) represent a rich source of labeled information that can be harnessed for severity classification. The labeling of EHRs is expensive and in many cases requires employing professionals with high level of expertise. In this study, we demonstrate the use of Active Learning (AL) techniques to decrease expert labeling efforts. We employ three AL methods and demonstrate their ability to reduce labeling efforts while effectively discriminating condition severity. We incorporate three AL methods into a new framework based on the original CAESAR (Classification Approach for Extracting Severity Automatically from Electronic Health Records) framework to create the Active Learning Enhancement framework (CAESAR-ALE). We applied CAESAR-ALE to a dataset containing 516 conditions of varying severity levels that were manually labeled by seven experts. Our dataset, called the "CAESAR dataset," was created from the medical records of 1.9 million patients treated at Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC). All three AL methods decreased labelers' efforts compared to the learning methods applied by the original CAESER framework in which the classifier was trained on the entire set of conditions; depending on the AL strategy used in the current study, the reduction ranged from 48% to 64% that can result in significant savings, both in time and money. As for the PPV (precision) measure, CAESAR-ALE achieved more than 13% absolute improvement in the predictive capabilities of the framework when classifying conditions as severe. These results demonstrate the potential of AL methods to decrease the labeling efforts of medical experts, while increasing accuracy given the same (or even a smaller) number of acquired conditions. We also demonstrated that the methods included in

  17. Solenoid valve design minimizes vibration and sliding wear problem

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Gillon, W. A., Jr.

    1968-01-01

    Two-way cryogenic solenoid valve resists damage from vibration and metallic interfacial sliding. The new system features a flat-faced armature guided by a flexure disk which eliminates sliding surfaces and is less subject to contamination and wear.

  18. Through the Sliding Glass Door: #EmpowerTheReader

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Johnson, Nancy J.; Koss, Melanie D.; Martinez, Miriam

    2018-01-01

    This article seeks to complicate the understanding of Bishop's (1990) metaphor of mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors, with particular emphasis on sliding glass doors and the emotional connections needed for readers to move through them. The authors begin by examining the importance of the reader and the characters he or she meets. Next, the…

  19. Improved robustness and performance of discrete time sliding mode control systems.

    PubMed

    Chakrabarty, Sohom; Bartoszewicz, Andrzej

    2016-11-01

    This paper presents a theoretical analysis along with simulations to show that increased robustness can be achieved for discrete time sliding mode control systems by choosing the sliding variable, or the output, to be of relative degree two instead of relative degree one. In other words it successfully reduces the ultimate bound of the sliding variable compared to the ultimate bound for standard discrete time sliding mode control systems. It is also found out that for such a selection of relative degree two output of the discrete time system, the reduced order system during sliding becomes finite time stable in absence of disturbance. With disturbance, it becomes finite time ultimately bounded. Copyright © 2016 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  20. Robust Stabilization of T-S Fuzzy Stochastic Descriptor Systems via Integral Sliding Modes.

    PubMed

    Li, Jinghao; Zhang, Qingling; Yan, Xing-Gang; Spurgeon, Sarah K

    2017-09-19

    This paper addresses the robust stabilization problem for T-S fuzzy stochastic descriptor systems using an integral sliding mode control paradigm. A classical integral sliding mode control scheme and a nonparallel distributed compensation (Non-PDC) integral sliding mode control scheme are presented. It is shown that two restrictive assumptions previously adopted developing sliding mode controllers for Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy stochastic systems are not required with the proposed framework. A unified framework for sliding mode control of T-S fuzzy systems is formulated. The proposed Non-PDC integral sliding mode control scheme encompasses existing schemes when the previously imposed assumptions hold. Stability of the sliding motion is analyzed and the sliding mode controller is parameterized in terms of the solutions of a set of linear matrix inequalities which facilitates design. The methodology is applied to an inverted pendulum model to validate the effectiveness of the results presented.

  1. Coating for hot sliding seals

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Stock, J.

    1979-01-01

    Heat resistant paint is effective surface coating for sliding seals that must operate at elevated temperatures. Economical paint is easy to apply, offers minimal friction, and improves reliability of seals.

  2. Strain localization in ultramylonitic calcite marbles by dislocation creep-accommodated grain boundary sliding

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rogowitz, Anna; Grasemann, Bernhard; Clancy White, Joseph

    2015-04-01

    Strain localization in monomineralic rocks is often associated with brittle precursors, resulting in stress and strain concentration, followed by grain size reduction and activation of grain-size-sensitive deformation mechanisms such as diffusion creep, grain boundary sliding and cataclastic flow. The aforementioned mechanisms typically tend to produce a random crystallographic orientation or a decrease in intensity of a pre-existing texture. However, reports of fine grained polycrystalline materials showing a preferred crystallographic orientation indicate a need for subsequent grain re-organization by either static annealing or the activation of additional deformation mechanisms in conjunction with grain boundary sliding. We present observations from an almost pure calcite marble layer from Syros Island (Cyclades, Greece) deformed in lower greenschist facies conditions. The presence of a crack (i.e. cross-cutting element) that rotated during shear resulted in the formation of a flanking structure. At the location of maximum displacement (120 cm) along the cross-cutting element, the marble is extremely fine grained (3 µm) leading to anticipation of deformation by grain-size-sensitive mechanisms. Detailed microstructural analysis of the highly strained (80 < gamma < 1000) calcite ultramylonite by optical microscopy, electron backscatter diffraction and scanning transmission electron microscopy show that recrystallization by bulging results in small, strain-free grains. The change in grain size appears to be concomitant with increased activity of independent grain boundary sliding as indicated by a random misorientation angle distribution. At the same time, dislocation multiplication through Frank-Read sources produces high mean dislocation density (~ 5x10^13 m^-2) as well as a weak primary CPO; the latter all argue that grain boundary sliding was accommodated by dislocation activity. Theoretical and experimental determined relationships (paleowattmeter

  3. Effect of sliding velocity on the tribological behavior of copper and associated nanostructure development

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Emge, Andrew

    The unlubricated sliding of metals is important in many mechanical devices covering a wide range of sliding velocities. However, the effect of sliding velocity on the tribological behavior of unlubricated metals has not been widely studied. Similarly, the relationship between microstructures developed at high sliding velocities and tribological behavior has not been studied in depth. Microstructures produced at low sliding velocities have been studied extensively and commonly include nanocrystalline or fine grained material near the sliding surface with heavily deformed microstructures further from the surface. The current research relates two aspects of the sliding friction of ductile metals, the effect of sliding velocity and the production of nanocrystalline tribomaterial. The project focused on the effects of sliding velocity on the frictional behavior of oxygen free high conductivity (OFHC) copper sliding against 440C stainless steel, Nitronic 40 stainless steel, and copper. Low velocity tests were performed with a pin on disk tribometer. High velocity tests were performed with a rotating barrel gas gun (RBGG) which combined impact with sliding. The RBGG provides sliding velocities as high as 5.5 m/s and impact velocities as high as 12 m/s while maintaining sliding times on the order of tens of microseconds. Changes in the coefficient of friction, microstructure, and composition were studied. Surface and subsurface microstructures of the worn samples were characterized with a range of instruments including scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), focused ion beam (FIB) milling and imaging, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with EDS, orientation imaging microscopy (OIM), and nanoindentation. In the case of self-mated copper the sliding velocity had little effect on the coefficient of friction for both experimental apparatuses. For the case of copper sliding against 440C stainless steel on the pin on disk system

  4. Interfacial Microstructure Evolution due to Strain Path Changes in Sliding Contacts.

    PubMed

    Eder, Stefan J; Cihak-Bayr, Ulrike; Gachot, Carsten; Rodriguez Ripoll, Manel

    2018-06-22

    We performed large-scale molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to study the transient softening stage that has been observed experimentally in sliding interfaces subject to strain path changes. The occurrence of this effect can be of crucial importance for the energy efficiency and wear resistance of systems that experience changes in sliding direction, such as bearings or gears in wind parks, piston rings in combustion engines, or wheel--rail contacts for portal cranes. We therefore modeled the sliding of a rough counterbody against two polycrystalline substrates of fcc copper and bcc iron with initial near-surface grain sizes of 40 nm. The microstructural development of these substrates was monitored and quantified as a function of time, depth, and applied pressure during unidirectional sliding for 7 ns. The results were then compared to the case of sliding in one direction for 5 ns and reversing the sliding direction for an additional 2 ns. We observed the generation of partial dislocations, grain refinement and rotation, as well as twinning (for fcc) in the near-surface region. All microstructures were increasingly affected by these processes when maintaining the sliding direction, but recovered to a great extent upon sliding reversal up to applied pressures of 0.4 GPa in the case of fcc Cu and 1.5 GPa for bcc Fe. We discuss the applicability and limits of our polycrystalline MD model for reproducing well-known bulk phenomena such as the Bauschinger effect in interfacial processes.

  5. Sliding episodes during the 2002-2003 Stromboli lava effusion: Insights from seismic, volcanic, and statistical data analysis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Falsaperla, S.; Maiolino, V.; Spampinato, S.; Jaquet, O.; Neri, M.

    2008-04-01

    Repeated phenomena of flank instability accompanied the 28 December 2002 to 21 July 2003 eruption of Stromboli volcano. The major episodes were two tsunamigenic landslides on 30 December 2002, 2 d after the volcano unrest. After 30 December, sliding processes remodeled the area affected by slope instability. We propose analyses of 565 sliding episodes taking place from December 2002 to February 2003. We try to shed light on their main seismic features and links with the ongoing seismic and volcanic activity using variogram analysis as well. A characterization of the seismic signals in the time and frequency domains is presented for 185 sliding episodes. Their frequency content is between 1 Hz and 7 Hz. On the basis of the dominant peaks and shape of the spectrum, we identify three subclasses of signals, one of which has significant energy below 2 Hz. Low-frequency signatures were also found in the seismic records of the landslides of 30 December, which affected the aerial and submarine northwestern flank of the volcano. Accordingly, we surmise that spectral analysis might provide evidence of sliding phenomena with submarine runouts. We find no evidence of sliding processes induced by earthquakes. Additionally, a negative statistical correlation between sliding episodes and explosion quakes is highlighted by variogram analysis. Variograms indicate a persistent behavior, memory, of the flank instability from 5 to 10 d. We interpret the climax in the occurrence rate of the sliding processes between 24 and 29 January 2003 as the result of favorable conditions to slope instability due to the emplacement of NW-SE aligned, dike-fed vents located near the scarp of the landslide area. Afterward, the stabilizing effect of the lava flows over the northwestern flank of the volcano limited erosive phenomena to the unstable, loose slope not covered by lava.

  6. Dynamic boundary layer based neural network quasi-sliding mode control for soft touching down on asteroid

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Xiaosong; Shan, Zebiao; Li, Yuanchun

    2017-04-01

    Pinpoint landing is a critical step in some asteroid exploring missions. This paper is concerned with the descent trajectory control for soft touching down on a small irregularly-shaped asteroid. A dynamic boundary layer based neural network quasi-sliding mode control law is proposed to track a desired descending path. The asteroid's gravitational acceleration acting on the spacecraft is described by the polyhedron method. Considering the presence of input constraint and unmodeled acceleration, the dynamic equation of relative motion is presented first. The desired descending path is planned using cubic polynomial method, and a collision detection algorithm is designed. To perform trajectory tracking, a neural network sliding mode control law is given first, where the sliding mode control is used to ensure the convergence of system states. Two radial basis function neural networks (RBFNNs) are respectively used as an approximator for the unmodeled term and a compensator for the difference between the actual control input with magnitude constraint and nominal control. To improve the chattering induced by the traditional sliding mode control and guarantee the reachability of the system, a specific saturation function with dynamic boundary layer is proposed to replace the sign function in the preceding control law. Through the Lyapunov approach, the reachability condition of the control system is given. The improved control law can guarantee the system state move within a gradually shrinking quasi-sliding mode band. Numerical simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.

  7. Design and analysis of adaptive Super-Twisting sliding mode control for a microgyroscope.

    PubMed

    Feng, Zhilin; Fei, Juntao

    2018-01-01

    This paper proposes a novel adaptive Super-Twisting sliding mode control for a microgyroscope under unknown model uncertainties and external disturbances. In order to improve the convergence rate of reaching the sliding surface and the accuracy of regulating and trajectory tracking, a high order Super-Twisting sliding mode control strategy is employed, which not only can combine the advantages of the traditional sliding mode control with the Super-Twisting sliding mode control, but also guarantee that the designed control system can reach the sliding surface and equilibrium point in a shorter finite time from any initial state and avoid chattering problems. In consideration of unknown parameters of micro gyroscope system, an adaptive algorithm based on Lyapunov stability theory is designed to estimate the unknown parameters and angular velocity of microgyroscope. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed scheme is demonstrated by simulation results. The comparative study between adaptive Super-Twisting sliding mode control and conventional sliding mode control demonstrate the superiority of the proposed method.

  8. Qualification test unit slide stainer (Beckman P/N 673753)

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bernier, P. S.

    1972-01-01

    Specifications for a slide stainer unit for the Skylab program are presented. The qualification test slide stainer was designed to be a self-contained system capable of performing an eight-step Gram stain of microorganisms and a Wright's stain of blood smears.

  9. Determining the Ecosystem Services Important for Urban Landscapes-Slides

    EPA Science Inventory

    This presentation consists of introductory slides on ecosystem services in urban landscapes and then a discussion of two case studies concerning the provision of water quality in urban landscapes. The introductory slides will explore the range of ecosystem services provided by u...

  10. The Evolution of Interfacial Sliding Stresses During Cyclic Push-in Testing of C- and BN-Coated Hi-Nicalon Fiber-Reinforced CMCs

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Eldridge, J. I.; Bansal, N. P.; Bhatt, R. T.

    1998-01-01

    Interfacial debond cracks and fiber/matrix sliding stresses in ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) can evolve under cyclic fatigue conditions as well as with changes in the environment, strongly affecting the crack growth behavior, and therefore, the useful service lifetime of the composite. In this study, room temperature cyclic fiber push-in testing was applied to monitor the evolution of frictional sliding stresses and fiber sliding distances with continued cycling in both C- and BN-coated Hi-Nicalon SiC fiber-reinforced CMCs. A SiC matrix composite reinforced with C-coated Hi-Nical on fibers as well as barium strontium aluminosilicate (BSAS) matrix composites reinforced with BN-coated (four different deposition processes compared) Hi-Nicalon fibers were examined. For failure at a C interface, test results indicated progressive increases in fiber sliding distances during cycling in room air but not in nitrogen. These results suggest the presence of moisture will promote crack growth when interfacial failure occurs at a C interface. While short-term testing environmental effects were not apparent for failure at the BN interfaces, long-term exposure of partially debonded BN-coated fibers to humid air resulted in large increases in fiber sliding distances and decreases in interfacial sliding stresses for all the BN coatings, presumably due to moisture attack. A wide variation was observed in debond and frictional sliding stresses among the different BN coatings.

  11. Registration of organs with sliding interfaces and changing topologies

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Berendsen, Floris F.; Kotte, Alexis N. T. J.; Viergever, Max A.; Pluim, Josien P. W.

    2014-03-01

    Smoothness and continuity assumptions on the deformation field in deformable image registration do not hold for applications where the imaged objects have sliding interfaces. Recent extensions to deformable image registration that accommodate for sliding motion of organs are limited to sliding motion along approximately planar surfaces or cannot model sliding that changes the topological configuration in case of multiple organs. We propose a new extension to free-form image registration that is not limited in this way. Our method uses a transformation model that consists of uniform B-spline transformations for each organ region separately, which is based on segmentation of one image. Since this model can create overlapping regions or gaps between regions, we introduce a penalty term that minimizes this undesired effect. The penalty term acts on the surfaces of the organ regions and is optimized simultaneously with the image similarity. To evaluate our method registrations were performed on publicly available inhale-exhale CT scans for which performances of other methods are known. Target registration errors are computed on dense landmark sets that are available with these datasets. On these data our method outperforms the other methods in terms of target registration error and, where applicable, also in terms of overlap and gap volumes. The approximation of the other methods of sliding motion along planar surfaces is reasonably well suited for the motion present in the lung data. The ability of our method to handle sliding along curved boundaries and for changing region topology configurations was demonstrated on synthetic images.

  12. A history of slide rules for blackbody radiation computations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Johnson, R. Barry; Stewart, Sean M.

    2012-10-01

    During the Second World War the importance of utilizing detection devices capable of operating in the infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum was firmly established. Up until that time, laboriously constructed tables for blackbody radiation needed to be used in calculations involving the amount of radiation radiated within a given spectral region or for other related radiometric quantities. To rapidly achieve reasonably accurate calculations of such radiometric quantities, a blackbody radiation calculator was devised in slide rule form first in Germany in 1944 and soon after in England and the United States. In the immediate decades after its introduction, the radiation slide rule was widely adopted and recognized as a useful and important tool for engineers and scientists working in the infrared field. It reached its pinnacle in the United States in 1970 in a rule introduced by Electro Optical Industries, Inc. With the onset in the latter half of the 1970s of affordable, hand-held electronic calculators, the impending demise of the radiation slide rule was evident. No longer the calculational device of choice, the radiation slide rule all but disappeared within a few short years. Although today blackbody radiation calculations can be readily accomplished using anything from a programmable pocket calculator upwards, with each device making use of a wide variety of numerical approximations to the integral of Planck's function, radiation slide rules were in the early decades of infrared technology the definitive "workhorse" for those involved in infrared systems design and engineering. This paper presents a historical development of radiation slide rules with many versions being discussed.

  13. A re-evaluation of the 1964 "L" street slide

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1985-04-01

    This report basically looks at a new theory (undrained failure through the clay which was recently studied for the 4th Avenue slide) for the cause and failure mechanism of the "L" Street slide. The predominant theory is that the landslides at both "L...

  14. Performance of a malaria microscopy image analysis slide reading device.

    PubMed

    Prescott, William R; Jordan, Robert G; Grobusch, Martin P; Chinchilli, Vernon M; Kleinschmidt, Immo; Borovsky, Joseph; Plaskow, Mark; Torrez, Miguel; Mico, Maximo; Schwabe, Christopher

    2012-05-06

    Viewing Plasmodium in Romanovsky-stained blood has long been considered the gold standard for diagnosis and a cornerstone in management of the disease. This method however, requires a subjective evaluation by trained, experienced diagnosticians and establishing proficiency of diagnosis is fraught with many challenges. Reported here is an evaluation of a diagnostic system (a "device" consisting of a microscope, a scanner, and a computer algorithm) that evaluates scanned images of standard Giemsa-stained slides and reports species and parasitaemia. The device was challenged with two independent tests: a 55 slide, expert slide reading test the composition of which has been published by the World Health Organization ("WHO55" test), and a second test in which slides were made from a sample of consenting subjects participating in a malaria incidence survey conducted in Equatorial Guinea (EGMIS test). These subjects' blood was tested by malaria RDT as well as having the blood smear diagnosis unequivocally determined by a worldwide panel of a minimum of six reference microscopists. Only slides with unequivocal microscopic diagnoses were used for the device challenge, n = 119. On the WHO55 test, the device scored a "Level 4" using the WHO published grading scheme. Broken down by more traditional analysis parameters this result was translated to 89% and 70% sensitivity and specificity, respectively. Species were correctly identified in 61% of the slides and the quantification of parasites fell within acceptable range of the validated parasitaemia in 10% of the cases. On the EGMIS test it scored 100% and 94% sensitivity/specificity, with 64% of the species correct and 45% of the parasitaemia within an acceptable range. A pooled analysis of the 174 slides used for both tests resulted in an overall 92% sensitivity and 90% specificity with 61% species and 19% quantifications correct. In its current manifestation, the device performs at a level comparable to that of many human

  15. Performance of a malaria microscopy image analysis slide reading device

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    Background Viewing Plasmodium in Romanovsky-stained blood has long been considered the gold standard for diagnosis and a cornerstone in management of the disease. This method however, requires a subjective evaluation by trained, experienced diagnosticians and establishing proficiency of diagnosis is fraught with many challenges. Reported here is an evaluation of a diagnostic system (a “device” consisting of a microscope, a scanner, and a computer algorithm) that evaluates scanned images of standard Giemsa-stained slides and reports species and parasitaemia. Methods The device was challenged with two independent tests: a 55 slide, expert slide reading test the composition of which has been published by the World Health Organization (“WHO55” test), and a second test in which slides were made from a sample of consenting subjects participating in a malaria incidence survey conducted in Equatorial Guinea (EGMIS test). These subjects’ blood was tested by malaria RDT as well as having the blood smear diagnosis unequivocally determined by a worldwide panel of a minimum of six reference microscopists. Only slides with unequivocal microscopic diagnoses were used for the device challenge, n = 119. Results On the WHO55 test, the device scored a “Level 4” using the WHO published grading scheme. Broken down by more traditional analysis parameters this result was translated to 89% and 70% sensitivity and specificity, respectively. Species were correctly identified in 61% of the slides and the quantification of parasites fell within acceptable range of the validated parasitaemia in 10% of the cases. On the EGMIS test it scored 100% and 94% sensitivity/specificity, with 64% of the species correct and 45% of the parasitaemia within an acceptable range. A pooled analysis of the 174 slides used for both tests resulted in an overall 92% sensitivity and 90% specificity with 61% species and 19% quantifications correct. Conclusions In its current manifestation, the

  16. Evaluation of several non-reflecting computational boundary conditions for duct acoustics

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Watson, Willie R.; Zorumski, William E.; Hodge, Steve L.

    1994-01-01

    Several non-reflecting computational boundary conditions that meet certain criteria and have potential applications to duct acoustics are evaluated for their effectiveness. The same interior solution scheme, grid, and order of approximation are used to evaluate each condition. Sparse matrix solution techniques are applied to solve the matrix equation resulting from the discretization. Modal series solutions for the sound attenuation in an infinite duct are used to evaluate the accuracy of each non-reflecting boundary conditions. The evaluations are performed for sound propagation in a softwall duct, for several sources, sound frequencies, and duct lengths. It is shown that a recently developed nonlocal boundary condition leads to sound attenuation predictions considerably more accurate for short ducts. This leads to a substantial reduction in the number of grid points when compared to other non-reflecting conditions.

  17. Survey: interpolation methods for whole slide image processing.

    PubMed

    Roszkowiak, L; Korzynska, A; Zak, J; Pijanowska, D; Swiderska-Chadaj, Z; Markiewicz, T

    2017-02-01

    Evaluating whole slide images of histological and cytological samples is used in pathology for diagnostics, grading and prognosis . It is often necessary to rescale whole slide images of a very large size. Image resizing is one of the most common applications of interpolation. We collect the advantages and drawbacks of nine interpolation methods, and as a result of our analysis, we try to select one interpolation method as the preferred solution. To compare the performance of interpolation methods, test images were scaled and then rescaled to the original size using the same algorithm. The modified image was compared to the original image in various aspects. The time needed for calculations and results of quantification performance on modified images were also compared. For evaluation purposes, we used four general test images and 12 specialized biological immunohistochemically stained tissue sample images. The purpose of this survey is to determine which method of interpolation is the best to resize whole slide images, so they can be further processed using quantification methods. As a result, the interpolation method has to be selected depending on the task involving whole slide images. © 2016 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2016 Royal Microscopical Society.

  18. High-strain slide-ring shape-memory polycaprolactone-based polyurethane.

    PubMed

    Wu, Ruiqing; Lai, Jingjuan; Pan, Yi; Zheng, Zhaohui; Ding, Xiaobin

    2018-06-06

    To enable shape-memory polymer networks to achieve recoverable high deformability with a simultaneous high shape-fixity ratio and shape-recovery ratio, novel semi-crystalline slide-ring shape-memory polycaprolactone-based polyurethane (SR-SMPCLU) with movable net-points constructed by a topologically interlocked slide-ring structure was designed and fabricated. The SR-SMPCLU not only exhibited good shape fixity, almost complete shape recovery, and a fast shape-recovery speed, it also showed an outstanding recoverable high-strain capacity with 95.83% Rr under a deformation strain of 1410% due to the pulley effect of the topological slide-ring structure. Furthermore, the SR-SMPCLU system maintained excellent shape-memory performance with increasing the training cycle numbers at 45% and even 280% deformation strain. The effects of the slide-ring cross-linker content, deformation strain, and successive shape-memory cycles on the shape-memory performance were investigated. A possible mechanism for the shape-memory effect of the SR-SMPCLU system is proposed.

  19. Automated single-slide staining system

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mills, S. M.; Wilkins, J. R.

    1974-01-01

    Apparatus developed to Gram-stain single slides automatically is flexible enough to accommodate other types of staining procedures. Method frees operator and eliminates necessity for subjective evaluations as to length of staining or decolorizing time.

  20. Investigation of transient temperature's influence on damage of high-speed sliding electrical contact rail surface

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Yuyan; Sun, Shasha; Guo, Quanli; Yang, Degong; Sun, Dongtao

    2016-11-01

    In the high speed sliding electrical contact with large current, the temperature of contact area rises quickly under the coupling action of the friction heating, the Joule heating and electric arc heating. The rising temperature seriously affects the conductivity of the components and the yield strength of materials, as well affects the contact state and lead to damage, so as to shorten the service life of the contact elements. Therefore, there is vital significance to measure the temperature accurately and investigate the temperature effect on damage of rail surface. Aiming at the problem of components damage in high speed sliding electrical contact, the transient heat effect on the contact surface was explored and its influence and regularity on the sliding components damage was obtained. A kind of real-time temperature measurement method on rail surface of high speed sliding electrical contact is proposed. Under the condition of 2.5 kA current load, based on the principle of infrared radiation non-contact temperature sensor was used to measure the rail temperature. The dynamic distribution of temperature field was obtained through the simulation analysis, further, the connection between temperature changes and the rail surface damage morphology, the damage volume was analyzed and established. Finally, the method to reduce rail damage and improve the life of components by changing the temperature field was discussed.

  1. Implementation of fuzzy-sliding mode based control of a grid connected photovoltaic system.

    PubMed

    Menadi, Abdelkrim; Abdeddaim, Sabrina; Ghamri, Ahmed; Betka, Achour

    2015-09-01

    The present work describes an optimal operation of a small scale photovoltaic system connected to a micro-grid, based on both sliding mode and fuzzy logic control. Real time implementation is done through a dSPACE 1104 single board, controlling a boost chopper on the PV array side and a voltage source inverter (VSI) on the grid side. The sliding mode controller tracks permanently the maximum power of the PV array regardless of atmospheric condition variations, while The fuzzy logic controller (FLC) regulates the DC-link voltage, and ensures via current control of the VSI a quasi-total transit of the extracted PV power to the grid under a unity power factor operation. Simulation results, carried out via Matlab-Simulink package were approved through experiment, showing the effectiveness of the proposed control techniques. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  2. Application of whole slide image markup and annotation for pathologist knowledge capture.

    PubMed

    Campbell, Walter S; Foster, Kirk W; Hinrichs, Steven H

    2013-01-01

    The ability to transfer image markup and annotation data from one scanned image of a slide to a newly acquired image of the same slide within a single vendor platform was investigated. The goal was to study the ability to use image markup and annotation data files as a mechanism to capture and retain pathologist knowledge without retaining the entire whole slide image (WSI) file. Accepted mathematical principles were investigated as a method to overcome variations in scans of the same glass slide and to accurately associate image markup and annotation data across different WSI of the same glass slide. Trilateration was used to link fixed points within the image and slide to the placement of markups and annotations of the image in a metadata file. Variation in markup and annotation placement between WSI of the same glass slide was reduced from over 80 μ to less than 4 μ in the x-axis and from 17 μ to 6 μ in the y-axis (P < 0.025). This methodology allows for the creation of a highly reproducible image library of histopathology images and interpretations for educational and research use.

  3. Application of whole slide image markup and annotation for pathologist knowledge capture

    PubMed Central

    Campbell, Walter S.; Foster, Kirk W.; Hinrichs, Steven H.

    2013-01-01

    Objective: The ability to transfer image markup and annotation data from one scanned image of a slide to a newly acquired image of the same slide within a single vendor platform was investigated. The goal was to study the ability to use image markup and annotation data files as a mechanism to capture and retain pathologist knowledge without retaining the entire whole slide image (WSI) file. Methods: Accepted mathematical principles were investigated as a method to overcome variations in scans of the same glass slide and to accurately associate image markup and annotation data across different WSI of the same glass slide. Trilateration was used to link fixed points within the image and slide to the placement of markups and annotations of the image in a metadata file. Results: Variation in markup and annotation placement between WSI of the same glass slide was reduced from over 80 μ to less than 4 μ in the x-axis and from 17 μ to 6 μ in the y-axis (P < 0.025). Conclusion: This methodology allows for the creation of a highly reproducible image library of histopathology images and interpretations for educational and research use. PMID:23599902

  4. Development and evaluation of an off-the-slide genotyping technique for identifying Giardia cysts and Cryptosporidium oocysts directly from US EPA Method 1623 slides

    EPA Science Inventory

    ABSTRACT Aims This study developed and systematically evaluated performance and limit of detection of an off-the-slide genotyping procedure for both Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts. Methods and Results Slide standards containing flow sorted (oo)cysts were used to e...

  5. Designing for Damage: Robust Flight Control Design using Sliding Mode Techniques

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Vetter, T. K.; Wells, S. R.; Hess, Ronald A.; Bacon, Barton (Technical Monitor); Davidson, John (Technical Monitor)

    2002-01-01

    A brief review of sliding model control is undertaken, with particular emphasis upon the effects of neglected parasitic dynamics. Sliding model control design is interpreted in the frequency domain. The inclusion of asymptotic observers and control 'hedging' is shown to reduce the effects of neglected parasitic dynamics. An investigation into the application of observer-based sliding mode control to the robust longitudinal control of a highly unstable is described. The sliding mode controller is shown to exhibit stability and performance robustness superior to that of a classical loop-shaped design when significant changes in vehicle and actuator dynamics are employed to model airframe damage.

  6. Optimizing Student Learning: Examining the Use of Presentation Slides

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Strauss, Judy; Corrigan, Hope; Hofacker, Charles F.

    2011-01-01

    Sensory overload and split attention result in reduced learning when instructors read slides with bullet points and complex graphs during a lecture. Conversely, slides containing relevant visual elements, when accompanied by instructor narration, use both the visual and verbal channels of a student's working memory, thus improving the chances of…

  7. Digital and traditional slides for teaching cellular morphology: a comparative analysis of learning outcomes.

    PubMed

    Solberg, Brooke L

    2012-01-01

    Recent advances in technology have brought forth an intriguing new tool for teaching hematopoietic cellular identification skills: the digital slide. Although digitized slides offer a number of appealing options for educators, little research has been done to examine how their utilization would impact learning outcomes. To fill that void, this study was designed to examine student performance, skill retention and transferability, and self-efficacy beliefs amongst undergraduate MLS students learning cellular morphology with digital versus traditional slides. Results showed that students learning with digital slides performed better on assessments containing only traditional slide specimens than students learning with traditional slides, both immediately following the learning activity and after a considerable duration of time. Students learning with digital slides also reported slightly higher levels of self-efficacy related to cellular identification. The findings of this study suggest that students learning cellular identification skills with digital slides are able to transfer that skill directly to traditional slides, and that their ability to identify cells is not negatively affected in present or future settings.

  8. Sliding Seal Materials for Adiabatic Engines, Phase 2

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lankford, J.; Wei, W.

    1986-01-01

    An essential task in the development of the heavy-duty adiabatic diesel engine is identification and improvements of reliable, low-friction piston seal materials. In the present study, the sliding friction coefficients and wear rates of promising carbide, oxide, and nitride materials were measured under temperature, environmental, velocity, and loading conditions that are representative of the adiabatic engine environment. In addition, silicon nitride and partially stabilized zirconia disks were ion implanted with TiNi, Ni, Co, and Cr, and subsequently run against carbide pins, with the objective of producing reduced friction via solid lubrication at elevated temperature. In order to provide guidance needed to improve materials for this application, the program stressed fundamental understanding of the mechanisms involved in friction and wear. Electron microscopy was used to elucidate the micromechanisms of wear following wear testing, and Auger electron spectroscopy was used to evaluate interface/environment interactions which seemed to be important in the friction and wear process. Unmodified ceramic sliding couples were characterized at all temperatures by friction coefficients of 0.24 and above. The coefficient at 800 C in an oxidizing environment was reduced to below 0.1, for certain material combinations, by the ion implanation of TiNi or Co. This beneficial effect was found to derive from lubricious Ti, Ni, and Co oxides.

  9. Fresh and aged human lymphocyte metaphase slides are equally usable for GTG banding.

    PubMed

    Sajjad, Naheed; Haque, Sayedul; SBurney, Syed Intesar; Shahid, Syed Muhammad; Zehra, Sitwat; Azhar, Abid

    2014-09-01

    The identification of chromosomes for routine cytogenetic analysis is based on quality of metaphases and good banding pattern. Fresh slides of human lymphocytes have been shown to produce good bands for the identification of chromosomes morphology. G-bands by Trypsin using Giemsa (GTG) banding of aged slides is generally considered hard to get desired band pattern of chromosomes persistently. The current study is focused on GTG banding of aged slides. A total of 340 subjects including 290 primary infertile and 50 fertile were selected. The blood samples were drawn aseptically for cytogenetic analysis. Lymphocytes were cultured and GTG banding was done on 1440 glass slides. Giemsa trypsin banding of aged slides were done by adjusting average trypsin time for each month according to the slide age and metaphase concentration. Correlation analyses showed a significant and positive correlation between slide ageing and trypsin pre-treatment time. The results of this study suggest that, the fresh and aged human lymphocyte metaphases are equally usable for GTG banding.

  10. Dry Sliding Wear Behavior and Subsurface Microstructure Evolution of Mg97Zn1Y2 Alloy in a Wide Sliding Speed Range

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    An, J.; Xuan, X. H.; Zhao, J.; Sun, W.; Liang, C.

    2016-12-01

    The wear properties of Mg97Zn1Y2 alloy were investigated using the pin-on-disk wear machine within a load range of 20-380 N and a sliding speed range of 0.2-4.0 m/s. Analysis of worn surfaces using scanning electron microscope and energy-dispersive x-ray spectrometer revealed that wear mechanisms including abrasion + oxidation, delamination accompanied by heavy surface oxidation and delamination operated in mild wear regime, while wear mechanisms such as severe plastic deformation, severe plastic deformation accompanied by spallation of oxidation layer and surface melting prevailed in severe wear regime. The microstructural evolution and hardness change in subsurfaces were examined by optical microscopy and hardness tester. The transformation of surface material from the deformed into dynamic recrystallization (DRX) microstructure was observed before and after mild-to-severe transition. The reason for mild-to-severe wear transition was identified as the transformation of strain hardening to DRX softening in subsurface. Mg97Zn1Y2 alloy has a superior mild-to-severe wear transition resistance to AZ alloys because of its higher recrystallization temperature. A novel model for evaluating the critical surface temperature of mild-to-severe wear transition was established using DRX kinetics.

  11. Tape-recorded Lectures With Slide Synchronization

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Goodhue, D.

    1969-01-01

    Describes "Taped Explanation Slide Synchronization" programs used for individual study or group showing in college zoology. Discusses preparation of programs, class organization, equipment, and costs. (EB)

  12. Sliding Mode Control for Discrete-Time Systems With Markovian Packet Dropouts.

    PubMed

    Song, Heran; Chen, Shih-Chi; Yam, Yeung

    2017-11-01

    This paper presents the design of a sliding mode controller for networked control systems subject to successive Markovian packet dropouts. This paper adopts the Gilbert-Elliott channel model to describe the temporal correlation among packet losses, and proposes an update scheme to select the assumed available states for use in a sliding mode control law. A technique used in the theory of discrete-time Markov jump linear systems is applied to tackle the effect of the packet losses. This involves introducing a couple of Lyapunov functions dependent on the indicator functions of the instantaneous packet loss, and proving that the sliding mode controller is able to drive the system state trajectories into the neighborhood of the designed integral sliding surface in mean-square sense given that the corresponding Lyapunov inequalities are satisfied. The system is guaranteed thereafter to remain inside the neighborhood of the sliding surface. Simulated case studies are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the control law.

  13. Sliding Mode Thermal Control System for Space Station Furnace Facility

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Jackson Mark E.; Shtessel, Yuri B.

    1998-01-01

    The decoupled control of the nonlinear, multiinput-multioutput, and highly coupled space station furnace facility (SSFF) thermal control system is addressed. Sliding mode control theory, a subset of variable-structure control theory, is employed to increase the performance, robustness, and reliability of the SSFF's currently designed control system. This paper presents the nonlinear thermal control system description and develops the sliding mode controllers that cause the interconnected subsystems to operate in their local sliding modes, resulting in control system invariance to plant uncertainties and external and interaction disturbances. The desired decoupled flow-rate tracking is achieved by optimization of the local linear sliding mode equations. The controllers are implemented digitally and extensive simulation results are presented to show the flow-rate tracking robustness and invariance to plant uncertainties, nonlinearities, external disturbances, and variations of the system pressure supplied to the controlled subsystems.

  14. Current Status of Whole-Slide Imaging in Education.

    PubMed

    Saco, Adela; Bombi, Jose Antoni; Garcia, Adriana; Ramírez, Jose; Ordi, Jaume

    2016-01-01

    Conventional light microscopy (CLM) has classically been the basic tool to teach histology and pathology. In recent years, whole-slide imaging (WSI), which consists of generating a high-magnification digital image of an entire histological glass slide, has emerged as a useful alternative to CLM offering a myriad of opportunities for education. Navigation through the digitized slides closely simulates viewing glass slides with a microscope and is also referred to as virtual microscopy. WSI has many advantages for education. Students feel more comfortable with its use, and it can be used in any classroom as it only requires a computer with Internet access and it allows remote access from anywhere and from any device. WSI can be used simultaneously by a large number of people, stimulating cooperation between students and improving the interaction with the teachers. It allows making marks and annotations on specific fields, which enable specific directed questions to the teacher. Finally, WSI supports are cost-effective compared with CLM. Consequently, WSI has begun to replace CLM in many institutions. WSI has shown to be an extremely useful tool for undergraduate education (medical, dental and veterinary schools), for the training of residents of pathology, tele-education and in tumor boards. © 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  15. Evaluation of the head-helmet sliding properties in an impact test.

    PubMed

    Trotta, Antonia; Ní Annaidh, Aisling; Burek, Roy Owen; Pelgrims, Bart; Ivens, Jan

    2018-05-18

    The scalp plays a crucial role in head impact biomechanics, being the first tissue involved in the impact and providing a sliding interface between the impactor and/or helmet and the skull. It is important to understand both the scalp-skull and the scalp-helmet sliding in order to determine the head response due to an impact. However, experimental data on the sliding properties of the scalp is lacking. The aim of this work was to identify the sliding properties of the scalp using cadaver heads, in terms of scalp-skull and scalp-liner (internal liner of the helmet) friction and to compare these values with that of widely used artificial headforms (HIII and magnesium EN960). The effect of the hair, the direction of sliding, the speed of the test and the normal load were considered. The experiments revealed that the sliding behaviour of the scalp under impact loading is characterised by three main phases: (1) the low friction sliding of the scalp over the skull (scalp-skull friction), (2) the tensioning effect of the scalp and (3) the sliding of the liner fabric over the scalp (scalp-liner friction). Results showed that the scalp-skull coefficient of friction (COF) is very low (0.06 ± 0.048), whereas the scalp-liner COF is 0.29 ± 0.07. The scalp-liner COF is statistically different from the value of the HIII-liner (0.75 ± 0.06) and the magnesium EN960-liner (0.16 ± 0.026). These data will lead to the improvement of current headforms for head impact standard tests, ultimately leading to more realistic head impact simulations and the optimization of helmet designs. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. Linear Motor With Air Slide

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Johnson, Bruce G.; Gerver, Michael J.; Hawkey, Timothy J.; Fenn, Ralph C.

    1993-01-01

    Improved linear actuator comprises air slide and linear electric motor. Unit exhibits low friction, low backlash, and more nearly even acceleration. Used in machinery in which positions, velocities, and accelerations must be carefully controlled and/or vibrations must be suppressed.

  17. A Multidirectional Tribo-System: Wear of UHMWPE under Sliding, Rolling, and Rotation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Patten, Elias Wolfgang

    Total knee replacements (TKR) have become a successful surgical procedure for addressing end-stage osteoarthritis, with ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene and cobalt chrome alloy (UHMWPE/Co-Cr) serving as the bearing materials of choice for decades. However, more than 10% of TKRs fail and require revision surgery. The predominant challenge with UHMWPE is the particulate debris generated through wear-mediated processes; wear debris from the UHMWPE tibial bearing surface leading to loosening is still the main cause for post-fifth-year revisions. UHMWPE wear in hip arthroplasty has been linked to microstructural evolution at the surface from multidirectional sliding in the hip joint but little is known about how the microstructure responds to clinically relevant sliding conditions in the knee. This is likely because wear tests are typically performed under basic motion parameters with simplified geometry (pin-on-disk tests) while the knee has more complex kinematics: it is neither a ball-and-socket joint nor a simple hinge joint, but has 2D sliding, rolling/slip motion, and rotation. There is also disagreement over how to best quantify cross-shear and how to model how much wear it will cause. A custom multidirectional tribo-system was used to investigate the individual and combined effects of the different motions in TKR: 2D sliding, rolling, and rotation, for a total of eight separate kinematic conditions. The trends in wear rates and wear factors for these different motions were compared with many different definitions for magnitudes and ratios of cross-shear. Additionally, the wear surfaces were examined for wear mechanism and the microstructural changes in lamellae orientation for the different motions were analyzed. To mimic the tribological conditions of a condyle in a TKR, polished Co-Cr spheres were articulated against flat, smooth UHMWPE disks with physiologically relevant loading, speed, and lubrication conditions. The motion parameters were selected

  18. Microgravity Isolation Control System Design Via High-Order Sliding Mode Control

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Shkolnikov, Ilya; Shtessel, Yuri; Whorton, Mark S.; Jackson, Mark

    2000-01-01

    Vibration isolation control system design for a microgravity experiment mount is considered. The controller design based on dynamic sliding manifold (DSM) technique is proposed to attenuate the accelerations transmitted to an isolated experiment mount either from a vibrating base or directly generated by the experiment, as well as to stabilize the internal dynamics of this nonminimum phase plant. An auxiliary DSM is employed to maintain the high-order sliding mode on the primary sliding manifold in the presence of uncertain actuator dynamics of second order. The primary DSM is designed for the closed-loop system in sliding mode to be a filter with given characteristics with respect to the input external disturbances.

  19. Surface folding in metals: a mechanism for delamination wear in sliding

    PubMed Central

    Mahato, Anirban; Guo, Yang; Sundaram, Narayan K.; Chandrasekar, Srinivasan

    2014-01-01

    Using high-resolution, in situ imaging of a hard, wedge-shaped model asperity sliding against a metal surface, we demonstrate a new mechanism for particle formation and delamination wear. Damage to the residual surface is caused by the occurrence of folds on the free surface of the prow-shaped region ahead of the wedge. This damage manifests itself as shallow crack-like features and surface tears, which are inclined at very acute angles to the surface. The transformation of folds into cracks, tears and particles is directly captured. Notably, a single sliding pass is sufficient to damage the surface, and subsequent passes result in the generation of platelet-like wear particles. Tracking the folding process at every stage from surface bumps to folds to cracks/tears/particles ensures that there is no ambiguity in capturing the mechanism of wear. Because fold formation and consequent delamination are quite general, our findings have broad applicability beyond wear itself, including implications for design of surface generation and conditioning processes. PMID:25197251

  20. Mechanism of opening a sliding clamp

    PubMed Central

    Douma, Lauren G.; Yu, Kevin K.; England, Jennifer K.

    2017-01-01

    Abstract Clamp loaders load ring-shaped sliding clamps onto DNA where the clamps serve as processivity factors for DNA polymerases. In the first stage of clamp loading, clamp loaders bind and stabilize clamps in an open conformation, and in the second stage, clamp loaders place the open clamps around DNA so that the clamps encircle DNA. Here, the mechanism of the initial clamp opening stage is investigated. Mutations were introduced into the Escherichia coli β-sliding clamp that destabilize the dimer interface to determine whether the formation of an open clamp loader–clamp complex is dependent on spontaneous clamp opening events. In other work, we showed that mutation of a positively charged Arg residue at the β-dimer interface and high NaCl concentrations destabilize the clamp, but neither facilitates the formation of an open clamp loader–clamp complex in experiments presented here. Clamp opening reactions could be fit to a minimal three-step ‘bind-open-lock’ model in which the clamp loader binds a closed clamp, the clamp opens, and subsequent conformational rearrangements ‘lock’ the clamp loader–clamp complex in a stable open conformation. Our results support a model in which the E. coli clamp loader actively opens the β-sliding clamp. PMID:28973453

  1. Sliding Speed-Dependent Tribochemical Wear of Oxide-Free Silicon

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, Lei; Qi, Yaqiong; Yu, Bingjun; Qian, Linmao

    2017-06-01

    Fundamental understanding of tribochemical wear mechanism of oxide-free single crystalline silicon (without native oxide layer) is essential to optimize the process of ultra-precision surface manufacturing. Here, we report sliding speed-dependent nanowear of oxide-free silicon against SiO2 microspheres in air and in deionized water. When contact pressure is too low to induce Si yield, tribochemical wear occurs with the existence of water molecules and wear volume decreases logarithmically to constant as sliding speed increased. TEM and Raman observations indicate that the dynamics of rupture and reformation of interfacial bonding bridges result in the variation of tribochemical wear of the oxide-free Si with the increase of sliding speed.

  2. Textural development of clayey and quartzofeldspathic fault gouges relative to their sliding behavior

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Moore, Diane E.; Byerlee, J.D.

    1990-01-01

    Many of the secondary fault structures developed during triaxial friction experiments have been generally correlated with the structures of natural fault zones. Therefore, any physical differences that can be found between laboratory samples that slide stably and those that show stick-slip motion may help to identify the cause of earthquakes. We have examined petrographically the run products of many triaxial friction experiments using clayey and quartzofeldspathic gouges, which comprise the principal types of natural fault gouge material. The examined samples were tested under a wide range of temperature, confining and fluid pressure, and velocity conditions. The clayey and quartzofeldspathic gouges show some textural differences, owing to their different mineral contents and grain sizes and shapes. In the clayey gouges, for example, a clay mineral fabric and kink band sets are commonly developed, whereas in the quartzofeldspathic gouges fracturing and crushing of the predominately quartz and feldspar grains are important processes. For both types of gouge, however, and whatever the pressure-temperature-velocity conditions of the experiments, the transition from stable sliding to stick-slip motion is correlated with: (i) a change from pervasive deformation of the gouge layer to localized slip in subsidiary shears; and (ii) an increase in the angle betweem the shears that crosscut the gouge layer (Riedel shears) and ones that form along the gouge-rock cylinder boundaries (boundary shears). This suggests that the localization of shear within a fault zone combined with relatively high Riedel-shear angles are somehow connected with earthquakes. Secondary fracture sets similar to Riedel shears have been identified at various scales in major strike-slip faults such as the San Andreas of the western United States (Wallace, 1973) and the Luhuo and Fuyun earthquake faults of China (Deng and Zhang, 1984; Deng et al., 1986). The San Andreas also contains locked and creeping

  3. Utilizing Whole Slide Images for Pathology Peer Review and Working Groups.

    PubMed

    Malarkey, David E; Willson, Gabrielle A; Willson, Cynthia J; Adams, E Terence; Olson, Greg R; Witt, William M; Elmore, Susan A; Hardisty, Jerry F; Boyle, Michael C; Crabbs, Torrie A; Miller, Rodney A

    2015-12-01

    This article describes the results of comparisons of digitally scanned whole slide images (WSIs) and glass microscope slides for diagnosis of tissues under peer review by the National Toxicology Program. Findings in this article were developed as a result of the data collected from 6 pathology working groups (PWGs), 1 pathology peer review, and survey comments from over 25 participating pathologists. For each PWG, 6-14 pathologists examined 10-143 tissues per study from 6- and 9-month perinatal studies and 2-year carcinogenicity studies. Overall it was found that evaluation of WSIs is generally equivalent to using glass slides. Concordance of PWG consensus diagnoses based upon review of WSIs versus glass slides ranged from 74% to 100% (median 86%). The intra- and interobserver diagnostic variation did not appear to influence the conclusions of any study. Based upon user opinions collected from surveys, WSIs may be less optimal than glass slides for evaluation of subtle lesions, large complex lesions, small lesions in a large section of tissue, and foci of altered hepatocytes. These results indicate that, although there may be some limitations, the use of WSIs can effectively accomplish the objectives of a conventional glass slide review and definitely serves as a useful adjunct to the conduct of PWGs. © 2015 by The Author(s).

  4. Sliding mode control of magnetic suspensions for precision pointing and tracking applications

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Misovec, Kathleen M.; Flynn, Frederick J.; Johnson, Bruce G.; Hedrick, J. Karl

    1991-01-01

    A recently developed nonlinear control method, sliding mode control, is examined as a means of advancing the achievable performance of space-based precision pointing and tracking systems that use nonlinear magnetic actuators. Analytic results indicate that sliding mode control improves performance compared to linear control approaches. In order to realize these performance improvements, precise knowledge of the plant is required. Additionally, the interaction of an estimating scheme and the sliding mode controller has not been fully examined in the literature. Estimation schemes were designed for use with this sliding mode controller that do not seriously degrade system performance. The authors designed and built a laboratory testbed to determine the feasibility of utilizing sliding mode control in these types of applications. Using this testbed, experimental verification of the authors' analyses is ongoing.

  5. Control of vertical posture while standing on a sliding board and pushing an object.

    PubMed

    Lee, Yun-Ju; Chen, Bing; Liang, Jing-Nong; Aruin, Alexander S

    2018-03-01

    Voluntary pushing or translation perturbation of the support surface each induces a body perturbation that affects postural control. The objective of the study was to investigate anticipatory (APA) and compensatory (CPA) postural adjustments when pushing an object (that induces self-initiated perturbation) and standing on a sliding board (that induces translational perturbation). Thirteen healthy young participants were instructed to push a handle with both hands while standing on a sliding board that was either free to move in the anterior-posterior direction or stationary. Electromyographic activity (EMG) of trunk and lower extremity muscles, center of pressure (COP) displacements, and the forces exerted by the hand were recorded and analyzed during the APA and CPA phases. When the sliding board was free to move during pushing (translation perturbation), onsets of activity of ventral leg muscles and COP displacement were delayed as compared to pushing when standing on a stationary board. Moreover, magnitudes of shank muscle activity and the COP displacement were decreased. When pushing heavier weight, magnitudes of muscle activity, COP displacement, and pushing force increased. The magnitude of activity of the shank muscles during the APA and CPA phases in conditions with translational perturbation varied with the magnitude of the pushing weight. The outcome of the study suggests that the central nervous system prioritizes the pushing task while attenuates the source of additional perturbation induced by translation perturbation. These results could be used in the development of balance re-training paradigms involving pushing weight while standing on a sliding surface.

  6. 4. AFRD WAREHOUSE, WEST SIDE DETAIL OF ALTERED SLIDING DOORS, ...

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

    4. AFRD WAREHOUSE, WEST SIDE DETAIL OF ALTERED SLIDING DOORS, FACING EAST. WEATHER COVER OVER RAIL IS ORIGINAL. SHEET METAL SIDING HAS BEEN INSERTED BETWEEN TWO HALVES OF SLIDING DOORS. - Minidoka Relocation Center Warehouse, 111 South Fir Street, Shoshone, Lincoln County, ID

  7. Sliding mechanics of coated composite wires and the development of an engineering model for binding.

    PubMed

    Zufall, S W; Kusy, R P

    2000-02-01

    A tribological (friction and wear) study, which was designed to simulate clinical sliding mechanics, was conducted as part of an effort to determine the suitability of poly(chloro-p-xylylene) coatings for composite orthodontic archwires. Prototype composite wires, having stiffnesses similar to those of current initial and intermediate alignment wires, were tested against stainless steel and ceramic brackets in the passive and active configurations (with and without angulation). Kinetic coefficient of friction values, which were determined to quantify sliding resistances as functions of the normal forces of ligation, had a mean that was 72% greater than uncoated wire couples at 0.43. To improve analysis of the active configuration, a mathematical model was developed that related bracket angulation, bracket width, interbracket distance, wire geometry, and wire elastic modulus to sliding resistance. From this model, kinetic coefficients of binding were determined to quantify sliding resistances as functions of the normal forces of binding. The mean binding coefficient was the same as that of uncoated wire couples at 0.42. Although penetrations through the coating were observed on many specimens, the glass-fiber reinforcement within the composite wires was undamaged for all conditions tested. This finding implies that the risk of glass fiber release during clinical use would be eliminated by the coating. In addition, the frictional and binding coefficients were still within the limits outlined by conventional orthodontic wire-bracket couples. Consequently, the coatings were regarded as an improvement to the clinical acceptability of composite orthodontic archwires.

  8. Instant Reality--The Use (and Misuse) of Photographic Slides in the Classroom.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Underhill, Nic

    The paper suggests ways in which the teacher of English as a second language may use slides to stimulate students by teaching through, and not just about, the slides. Slides are useful when used as a tool to uncover the students' creative and imaginative faculties, which may fail to be discovered through conventional language teaching. The use of…

  9. 3D DEM analyses of the 1963 Vajont rock slide

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Boon, Chia Weng; Houlsby, Guy; Utili, Stefano

    2013-04-01

    The 1963 Vajont rock slide has been modelled using the distinct element method (DEM). The open-source DEM code, YADE (Kozicki & Donzé, 2008), was used together with the contact detection algorithm proposed by Boon et al. (2012). The critical sliding friction angle at the slide surface was sought using a strength reduction approach. A shear-softening contact model was used to model the shear resistance of the clayey layer at the slide surface. The results suggest that the critical sliding friction angle can be conservative if stability analyses are calculated based on the peak friction angles. The water table was assumed to be horizontal and the pore pressure at the clay layer was assumed to be hydrostatic. The influence of reservoir filling was marginal, increasing the sliding friction angle by only 1.6˚. The results of the DEM calculations were found to be sensitive to the orientations of the bedding planes and cross-joints. Finally, the failure mechanism was investigated and arching was found to be present at the bend of the chair-shaped slope. References Boon C.W., Houlsby G.T., Utili S. (2012). A new algorithm for contact detection between convex polygonal and polyhedral particles in the discrete element method. Computers and Geotechnics, vol 44, 73-82, doi.org/10.1016/j.compgeo.2012.03.012. Kozicki, J., & Donzé, F. V. (2008). A new open-source software developed for numerical simulations using discrete modeling methods. Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering, 197(49-50), 4429-4443.

  10. Steady and transient sliding under rate-and-state friction

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Putelat, Thibaut; Dawes, Jonathan H. P.

    2015-05-01

    The physics of dry friction is often modelled by assuming that static and kinetic frictional forces can be represented by a pair of coefficients usually referred to as μs and μk, respectively. In this paper we re-examine this discontinuous dichotomy and relate it quantitatively to the more general, and smooth, framework of rate-and-state friction. This is important because it enables us to link the ideas behind the widely used static and dynamic coefficients to the more complex concepts that lie behind the rate-and-state framework. Further, we introduce a generic framework for rate-and-state friction that unifies different approaches found in the literature. We consider specific dynamical models for the motion of a rigid block sliding on an inclined surface. In the Coulomb model with constant dynamic friction coefficient, sliding at constant velocity is not possible. In the rate-and-state formalism steady sliding states exist, and analysing their existence and stability enables us to show that the static friction coefficient μs should be interpreted as the local maximum at very small slip rates of the steady state rate-and-state friction law. Next, we revisit the often-cited experiments of Rabinowicz (J. Appl. Phys., 22:1373-1379, 1951). Rabinowicz further developed the idea of static and kinetic friction by proposing that the friction coefficient maintains its higher and static value μs over a persistence length before dropping to the value μk. We show that there is a natural identification of the persistence length with the distance that the block slips as measured along the stable manifold of the saddle point equilibrium in the phase space of the rate-and-state dynamics. This enables us explicitly to define μs in terms of the rate-and-state variables and hence link Rabinowicz's ideas to rate-and-state friction laws. This stable manifold naturally separates two basins of attraction in the phase space: initial conditions in the first one lead to the block

  11. Structural basis of human PCNA sliding on DNA

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    de March, Matteo; Merino, Nekane; Barrera-Vilarmau, Susana; Crehuet, Ramon; Onesti, Silvia; Blanco, Francisco J.; de Biasio, Alfredo

    2017-01-01

    Sliding clamps encircle DNA and tether polymerases and other factors to the genomic template. However, the molecular mechanism of clamp sliding on DNA is unknown. Using crystallography, NMR and molecular dynamics simulations, here we show that the human clamp PCNA recognizes DNA through a double patch of basic residues within the ring channel, arranged in a right-hand spiral that matches the pitch of B-DNA. We propose that PCNA slides by tracking the DNA backbone via a `cogwheel' mechanism based on short-lived polar interactions, which keep the orientation of the clamp invariant relative to DNA. Mutation of residues at the PCNA-DNA interface has been shown to impair the initiation of DNA synthesis by polymerase δ (pol δ). Therefore, our findings suggest that a clamp correctly oriented on DNA is necessary for the assembly of a replication-competent PCNA-pol δ holoenzyme.

  12. A Computer System for Making Quick and Economical Color Slides.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Pryor, Harold George

    1986-01-01

    A computer-based method for producing 35mm color slides has been used in Ohio State University's College of Dentistry. The method can produce both text and slides in less than two hours, providing substantial flexibility in planning and revising visual presentations. (Author/MLW)

  13. Multi-Dimensional Analysis of Large, Complex Slope Instability: Case study of Downie Slide, British Columbia, Canada. (Invited)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kalenchuk, K. S.; Hutchinson, D.; Diederichs, M. S.

    2013-12-01

    Downie Slide, one of the world's largest landslides, is a massive, active, composite, extremely slow rockslide located on the west bank of the Revelstoke Reservoir in British Columbia. It is a 1.5 billion m3 rockslide measuring 2400 m along the river valley, 3300m from toe to headscarp and up to 245 m thick. Significant contributions to the field of landslide geomechanics have been made by analyses of spatially and temporally discriminated slope deformations, and how these are controlled by complex geological and geotechnical factors. Downie Slide research demonstrates the importance of delineating massive landslides into morphological regions in order to characterize global slope behaviour and identify localized events, which may or may not influence the overall slope deformation patterns. Massive slope instabilities do not behave as monolithic masses, rather, different landslide zones can display specific landslide processes occurring at variable rates of deformation. The global deformation of Downie Slide is extremely slow moving; however localized regions of the slope incur moderate to high rates of movement. Complex deformation processes and composite failure mechanism are contributed to by topography, non-uniform shear surfaces, heterogeneous rockmass and shear zone strength and stiffness characteristics. Further, from the analysis of temporal changes in landslide behaviour it has been clearly recognized that different regions of the slope respond differently to changing hydrogeological boundary conditions. State-of-the-art methodologies have been developed for numerical simulation of large landslides; these provide important tools for investigating dynamic landslide systems which account for complex three-dimensional geometries, heterogenous shear zone strength parameters, internal shear zones, the interaction of discrete landslide zones and piezometric fluctuations. Numerical models of Downie Slide have been calibrated to reproduce observed slope behaviour

  14. Robust fault tolerant control based on sliding mode method for uncertain linear systems with quantization.

    PubMed

    Hao, Li-Ying; Yang, Guang-Hong

    2013-09-01

    This paper is concerned with the problem of robust fault-tolerant compensation control problem for uncertain linear systems subject to both state and input signal quantization. By incorporating novel matrix full-rank factorization technique with sliding surface design successfully, the total failure of certain actuators can be coped with, under a special actuator redundancy assumption. In order to compensate for quantization errors, an adjustment range of quantization sensitivity for a dynamic uniform quantizer is given through the flexible choices of design parameters. Comparing with the existing results, the derived inequality condition leads to the fault tolerance ability stronger and much wider scope of applicability. With a static adjustment policy of quantization sensitivity, an adaptive sliding mode controller is then designed to maintain the sliding mode, where the gain of the nonlinear unit vector term is updated automatically to compensate for the effects of actuator faults, quantization errors, exogenous disturbances and parameter uncertainties without the need for a fault detection and isolation (FDI) mechanism. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed design method is illustrated via a model of a rocket fairing structural-acoustic. Copyright © 2013 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  15. Sliding Mode Control of Real-Time PNU Vehicle Driving Simulator and Its Performance Evaluation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lee, Min Cheol; Park, Min Kyu; Yoo, Wan Suk; Son, Kwon; Han, Myung Chul

    This paper introduces an economical and effective full-scale driving simulator for study of human sensibility and development of new vehicle parts and its control. Real-time robust control to accurately reappear a various vehicle motion may be a difficult task because the motion platform is the nonlinear complex system. This study proposes the sliding mode controller with a perturbation compensator using observer-based fuzzy adaptive network (FAN). This control algorithm is designed to solve the chattering problem of a sliding mode control and to select the adequate fuzzy parameters of the perturbation compensator. For evaluating the trajectory control performance of the proposed approach, a tracking control of the developed simulator named PNUVDS is experimentally carried out. And then, the driving performance of the simulator is evaluated by using human perception and sensibility of some drivers in various driving conditions.

  16. Hand ultrasound: a high-fidelity simulation of lung sliding.

    PubMed

    Shokoohi, Hamid; Boniface, Keith

    2012-09-01

    Simulation training has been effectively used to integrate didactic knowledge and technical skills in emergency and critical care medicine. In this article, we introduce a novel model of simulating lung ultrasound and the features of lung sliding and pneumothorax by performing a hand ultrasound. The simulation model involves scanning the palmar aspect of the hand to create normal lung sliding in varying modes of scanning and to mimic ultrasound features of pneumothorax, including "stratosphere/barcode sign" and "lung point." The simple, reproducible, and readily available simulation model we describe demonstrates a high-fidelity simulation surrogate that can be used to rapidly illustrate the signs of normal and abnormal lung sliding at the bedside. © 2012 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine.

  17. Automated detection of tuberculosis on sputum smeared slides using stepwise classification

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Divekar, Ajay; Pangilinan, Corina; Coetzee, Gerrit; Sondh, Tarlochan; Lure, Fleming Y. M.; Kennedy, Sean

    2012-03-01

    Routine visual slide screening for identification of tuberculosis (TB) bacilli in stained sputum slides under microscope system is a tedious labor-intensive task and can miss up to 50% of TB. Based on the Shannon cofactor expansion on Boolean function for classification, a stepwise classification (SWC) algorithm is developed to remove different types of false positives, one type at a time, and to increase the detection of TB bacilli at different concentrations. Both bacilli and non-bacilli objects are first analyzed and classified into several different categories including scanty positive, high concentration positive, and several non-bacilli categories: small bright objects, beaded, dim elongated objects, etc. The morphological and contrast features are extracted based on aprior clinical knowledge. The SWC is composed of several individual classifiers. Individual classifier to increase the bacilli counts utilizes an adaptive algorithm based on a microbiologist's statistical heuristic decision process. Individual classifier to reduce false positive is developed through minimization from a binary decision tree to classify different types of true and false positive based on feature vectors. Finally, the detection algorithm is was tested on 102 independent confirmed negative and 74 positive cases. A multi-class task analysis shows high accordance rate for negative, scanty, and high-concentration as 88.24%, 56.00%, and 97.96%, respectively. A binary-class task analysis using a receiver operating characteristics method with the area under the curve (Az) is also utilized to analyze the performance of this detection algorithm, showing the superior detection performance on the high-concentration cases (Az=0.913) and cases mixed with high-concentration and scanty cases (Az=0.878).

  18. Reusable Launch Vehicle Control in Multiple Time Scale Sliding Modes

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Shtessel, Yuri

    1999-01-01

    A reusable launch vehicle control problem during ascent is addressed via multiple-time scaled continuous sliding mode control. The proposed sliding mode controller utilizes a two-loop structure and provides robust, de-coupled tracking of both orientation angle command profiles and angular rate command profiles in the presence of bounded external disturbances and plant uncertainties. Sliding mode control causes the angular rate and orientation angle tracking error dynamics to be constrained to linear, de-coupled, homogeneous, and vector valued differential equations with desired eigenvalues placement. The dual-time scale sliding mode controller was designed for the X-33 technology demonstration sub-orbital launch vehicle in the launch mode. 6DOF simulation results show that the designed controller provides robust, accurate, de-coupled tracking of the orientation angle command profiles in presence of external disturbances and vehicle inertia uncertainties. It creates possibility to operate the X-33 vehicle in an aircraft-like mode with reduced pre-launch adjustment of the control system.

  19. Lung Sliding Identification Is Less Accurate in the Left Hemithorax.

    PubMed

    Piette, Eric; Daoust, Raoul; Lambert, Jean; Denault, André

    2017-02-01

    The aim of our study was to compare the accuracy of lung sliding identification for the left and right hemithoraxes, using prerecorded short US sequences, in a group of physicians with mixed clinical and US training. A total of 140 US sequences of a complete respiratory cycle were recorded in the operating room. Each sequence was divided in two, yielding 140 sequences of present lung sliding and 140 sequences of absent lung sliding. Of these 280 sequences, 40 were randomly repeated to assess intraobserver variability, for a total of 320 sequences. Descriptive data, the mean accuracy of each participant, as well as the rate of correct answers for each of the original 280 sequences were tabulated and compared for different subgroups of clinical and US training. A video with examples of present and absent lung sliding and a lung pulse was shown before testing. Two sessions were planned to facilitate the participation of 75 clinicians. In the first group, the rate of accurate lung sliding identification was lower in the left hemithorax than in the right (67.0% [interquartile range (IQR), 43.0-83.0] versus 80.0% [IQR, 57.0-95.0]; P < .001). In the second group, the rate of accurate lung sliding identification was also lower in the left hemithorax than in the right (76.3% [IQR, 42.9-90.9] versus 88.7% [IQR, 63.1-96.9]; P = .001). Mean accuracy rates were 67.5% (95% confidence interval, 65.7-69.4) in the first group and 73.1% (95% confidence interval, 70.7-75.5) in the second (P < .001). Lung sliding identification seems less accurate in the left hemithorax when using a short US examination. This study was done on recorded US sequences and should be repeated in a live clinical situation to confirm our results. © 2016 by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine.

  20. Adaptive integral backstepping sliding mode control for opto-electronic tracking system based on modified LuGre friction model

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yue, Fengfa; Li, Xingfei; Chen, Cheng; Tan, Wenbin

    2017-12-01

    In order to improve the control accuracy and stability of opto-electronic tracking system fixed on reef or airport under friction and external disturbance conditions, adaptive integral backstepping sliding mode control approach with friction compensation is developed to achieve accurate and stable tracking for fast moving target. The nonlinear observer and slide mode controller based on modified LuGre model with friction compensation can effectively reduce the influence of nonlinear friction and disturbance of this servo system. The stability of the closed-loop system is guaranteed by Lyapunov theory. The steady-state error of the system is eliminated by integral action. The adaptive integral backstepping sliding mode controller and its performance are validated by a nonlinear modified LuGre dynamic model of the opto-electronic tracking system in simulation and practical experiments. The experiment results demonstrate that the proposed controller can effectively realise the accuracy and stability control of opto-electronic tracking system.

  1. Creating Slide Show Book Reports.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Taylor, Harriet G.; Stuhlmann, Janice M.

    1995-01-01

    Describes the use of "Kid Pix 2" software by fourth grade students to develop slide-show book reports. Highlights include collaboration with education majors from Louisiana State University, changes in attitudes of the education major students and elementary students, and problems with navigation and disk space. (LRW)

  2. 13. INTERIOR OF FRONT BEDROOM SHOWING BUILTIN COMBINATION CABINET/SLIDING DOOR ...

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

    13. INTERIOR OF FRONT BEDROOM SHOWING BUILT-IN COMBINATION CABINET/SLIDING DOOR CLOSET AND SLIDING GLASS WINDOW. VIEW TO SOUTHEAST. - Bishop Creek Hydroelectric System, Plant 4, Worker Cottage, Bishop Creek, Bishop, Inyo County, CA

  3. Nanoscale wear and kinetic friction between atomically smooth surfaces sliding at high speeds

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rajauria, Sukumar; Canchi, Sripathi V.; Schreck, Erhard; Marchon, Bruno

    2015-02-01

    The kinetic friction and wear at high sliding speeds is investigated using the head-disk interface of hard disk drives, wherein the head and the disk are less than 10 nm apart and move at sliding speeds of 5-10 m/s relative to each other. While the spacing between the sliding surfaces is of the same order of magnitude as various AFM based fundamental studies on friction, the sliding speed is nearly six orders of magnitude larger, allowing a unique set-up for a systematic study of nanoscale wear at high sliding speeds. In a hard disk drive, the physical contact between the head and the disk leads to friction, wear, and degradation of the head overcoat material (typically diamond like carbon). In this work, strain gauge based friction measurements are performed; the friction coefficient as well as the adhering shear strength at the head-disk interface is extracted; and an experimental set-up for studying friction between high speed sliding surfaces is exemplified.

  4. Extensive Gravity Sliding of Late Jurassic-Cretaceous Age along the Northern Yucatan Margin of the Gulf of Mexico

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Steier, A.; Mann, P.

    2017-12-01

    Gravity slides on salt or shale detachment surfaces linking updip extension with down dip compression have been described from several margins of the Gulf of Mexico (GOM). In a region 250 km offshore from the southwestern coast of Florida, the late Jurassic section near Destin Dome and Desoto Canyon has undergone late Jurassic to Cretaceous gravity sliding and downdip dispersion of rigid blocks along the top of the underlying Louann salt. Yet there has been no previous study of similar structural styles on the slope and deep basin of its late Jurassic conjugate margin located 200 km offshore of the northern margin of the Yucatan Peninsula. This study describes an extensive area of Mesozoic gravity sliding from the northern Yucatan slope using a grid of 2D seismic data covering a 134,000 km2 area of the northern Yucatan margin tied to nine wells. These data allow the northern Yucatan margin to be divided into three slope and basinal provinces: 1) a 225 km length of the northeastern margin consisting of late Jurassic-Cretaceous section that is not underlain by salt, exhibits no gravity sliding features, and has sub-horizontal dips; 2) a 120 km length of the north-central Yucatan margin with gravity slide features characterized by an 80-km-wide updip zone of normal faults occupying the shelf edge and upper slope and a 50-km-wide downdip zone of folds and thrust faults at the base of the slope; the slide area exhibits multiple detached slide blocks composed of late Jurassic sandstones and marine mudstones separated by intervening salt rollers; growth wedges adjacent to listric, normal faults suggest a gradual and long-lived downdip motion of rigid fault blocks throughout much of the late Jurassic and Cretaceous rather than a catastrophic and instantaneous collapse of the shelf edge; the basal, normal detachment fault averages 3° in dip and is overlain by salt that varies from 0-500 ms in time thickness; by the end of the Cretaceous, most gravity sliding and vertical

  5. Anomaly Detection in Test Equipment via Sliding Mode Observers

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Solano, Wanda M.; Drakunov, Sergey V.

    2012-01-01

    Nonlinear observers were originally developed based on the ideas of variable structure control, and for the purpose of detecting disturbances in complex systems. In this anomaly detection application, these observers were designed for estimating the distributed state of fluid flow in a pipe described by a class of advection equations. The observer algorithm uses collected data in a piping system to estimate the distributed system state (pressure and velocity along a pipe containing liquid gas propellant flow) using only boundary measurements. These estimates are then used to further estimate and localize possible anomalies such as leaks or foreign objects, and instrumentation metering problems such as incorrect flow meter orifice plate size. The observer algorithm has the following parts: a mathematical model of the fluid flow, observer control algorithm, and an anomaly identification algorithm. The main functional operation of the algorithm is in creating the sliding mode in the observer system implemented as software. Once the sliding mode starts in the system, the equivalent value of the discontinuous function in sliding mode can be obtained by filtering out the high-frequency chattering component. In control theory, "observers" are dynamic algorithms for the online estimation of the current state of a dynamic system by measurements of an output of the system. Classical linear observers can provide optimal estimates of a system state in case of uncertainty modeled by white noise. For nonlinear cases, the theory of nonlinear observers has been developed and its success is mainly due to the sliding mode approach. Using the mathematical theory of variable structure systems with sliding modes, the observer algorithm is designed in such a way that it steers the output of the model to the output of the system obtained via a variety of sensors, in spite of possible mismatches between the assumed model and actual system. The unique properties of sliding mode control

  6. An investigation on dry sliding wear behaviour of AA6061-AlNp composite

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mahesh Naidu, K.; Mohan Reddy, Chandra

    2018-03-01

    This paper studies the effect of load, sliding distance, reinforcement percentage and temperature on dry sliding wear behaviour of Al-AlNp composites by using pin on disc machine. The wear test was conducted at different loads (1,2,3 & 4 Kg), temperatures (30°C, 100°C, 170°C & 240°C) and sliding distances (500m,1000m,1500m and 2000m). Increase in wear rate has been observed by increasing the load and sliding distance, at the same time it has been decreased by increasing the reinforcement percentage and temperature. At the higher loads, temperatures and sliding distances adhesive wear, abrasive wear and oxidation wear are observed to be dominant modes of wear mechanisms in the composite.

  7. A new composite adaptive controller featuring the neural network and prescribed sliding surface with application to vibration control

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Phu, Do Xuan; Huy, Ta Duc; Mien, Van; Choi, Seung-Bok

    2018-07-01

    This work proposes a novel composite adaptive controller based on the prescribed performance of the sliding surface and applies it to vibration control of a semi-active vehicle seat suspension system subjected to severe external disturbances. As a first step, the online fast interval type 2 fuzzy neural network system is adopted to establish a model and two sliding surfaces are used; conventional surface and prescribed surface. Then, an equivalent control is determined by assuming the derivative of the prescribed surface is zero, followed by the design of a controller which can guarantee both stability and robustness. Then, two controllers are combined and integrated with adaptation laws using the projection algorithm. The effectiveness of the proposed composite controller is validated through both simulation and experiment by undertaking vibration control of a semi-active seat suspension system equipped with a magneto-rheological (MR) damper. It is shown from both simulation and experimental realization that excellent vibration control performances are achieved with a small tracking error between the proposed and prescribed objectives. In addition, the control superiority of the proposed controller to conventional sliding mode controller featuring one sliding surface and proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controllers are demonstrated through a comparative work.

  8. Science documentary video slides to enhance education and communication

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Byrne, J. M.; Little, L. J.; Dodgson, K.

    2010-12-01

    Documentary production can convey powerful messages using a combination of authentic science and reinforcing video imagery. Conventional documentary production contains too much information for many viewers to follow; hence many powerful points may be lost. But documentary productions that are re-edited into short video sequences and made available through web based video servers allow the teacher/viewer to access the material as video slides. Each video slide contains one critical discussion segment of the larger documentary. A teacher/viewer can review the documentary one segment at a time in a class room, public forum, or in the comfort of home. The sequential presentation of the video slides allows the viewer to best absorb the documentary message. The website environment provides space for additional questions and discussion to enhance the video message.

  9. A novel continuous fractional sliding mode control

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Muñoz-Vázquez, A. J.; Parra-Vega, V.; Sánchez-Orta, A.

    2017-10-01

    A new fractional-order controller is proposed, whose novelty is twofold: (i) it withstands a class of continuous but not necessarily differentiable disturbances as well as uncertainties and unmodelled dynamics, and (ii) based on a principle of dynamic memory resetting of the differintegral operator, it is enforced an invariant sliding mode in finite time. Both (i) and (ii) account for exponential convergence of tracking errors, where such principle is instrumental to demonstrate the closed-loop stability, robustness and a sustained sliding motion, as well as that high frequencies are filtered out from the control signal. The proposed methodology is illustrated with a representative simulation study.

  10. Adhesive Wear Performance of CFRP Multilayered Polyester Composites Under Dry/wet Contact Conditions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Danaelan, D.; Yousif, B. F.

    The tribo-performance of a new engineering composite material based on coconut fibers was investigated. In this work, coconut fibers reinforced polyester (CFRP) composites were developed. The tribo-experiments were conducted by using pin-on-disc machine under dry and wet sliding contact condition against smooth stainless steel counterface. Worn surfaces were observed using optical microscope. Friction coefficient and specific wear rate were presented as a function of sliding distance (0-0.6 km) at different sliding velocities (0.1-0.28 m/s). The effect of applied load and sliding velocity was evaluated. The results showed that all test parameters have significant influence on friction and wear characteristics of the composites. Moreover, friction coefficient increased as the normal load and speed increased, the values were about 0.7-0.9 under dry contact condition. Meanwhile, under wet contact condition, there was a great reduction in the friction coefficient, i.e. the values were about 0.1-0.2. Furthermore, the specific wear rates were found to be around 2-4 (10-3) mm3/Nm under dry contact condition and highly reduced under wet condition. In other words, the presence of water as cleaner and polisher assisted to enhance the adhesive wear performance of CFRP by about 10%. The images from optical microscope showed evidence of adhesive wear mode with transition to abrasive wear mode at higher sliding velocities due to third body abrasion. On the other hand, optical images for wet condition showed less adhesive wear and smooth surfaces.

  11. Sliding seal materials for adiabatic engines

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lankford, J.

    1985-01-01

    The sliding friction coefficients and wear rates of promising carbide, oxide, and nitride materials were measured under temperature, environmental, velocity, loading conditions that are representative of the adiabatic engine environment. In order to provide guidance needed to improve materials for this application, the program stressed fundamental understanding of the mechanisms involved in friction and wear. Microhardness tests were performed on the candidate materials at elevated temperatures, and in atmospheres relevant to the piston seal application, and optical and electron microscopy were used to elucidate the micromechanisms of wear following wear testing. X-ray spectroscopy was used to evaluate interface/environment interactions which seemed to be important in the friction and wear process. Electrical effects in the friction and wear processes were explored in order to evaluate the potential usefulness of such effects in modifying the friction and wear rates in service. However, this factor was found to be of negligible significance in controlling friction and wear.

  12. Slide Rule For Calculating Curing Schedules

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Heater, Don

    1995-01-01

    Special-purpose slide rule devised for calculating schedules for storing and curing adhesives, sealants, and other materials characterized by known curing times and shelf lives. Prevents mistakes commonly made in determining storage and curing schedules.

  13. Temperature histories of commercial flights at severe conditions from GASP data

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Jasperson, W. H.; Nastrom, G. D.

    1983-01-01

    The thermal environment of commercial aircraft from a data set gathered during the Global Atmospheric Sampling Program (GASP) is studied. The data set covers a four-year period of measurements. The report presents plots of airplane location and speed and atmospheric temperature as functions of elapsed time for 35 extreme-condition flights, selected by minimum values of several temperature parameters. One of these parameters, the severity factor, is an approximation of the in-flight wing-tank temperature. Representative low-severity-factor flight histories may be useful for actual temperature-profile inputs to design and research studies. Comparison of the GASP atmospheric temperatures to interpolated temperatures from National Meteorological Center and Global Weather Central analysis fields shows that the analysis temperatures are slightly biased toward warmer than actual temperatures, particularly over oceans and at extreme conditions.

  14. On decentralized adaptive full-order sliding mode control of multiple UAVs.

    PubMed

    Xiang, Xianbo; Liu, Chao; Su, Housheng; Zhang, Qin

    2017-11-01

    In this study, a novel decentralized adaptive full-order sliding mode control framework is proposed for the robust synchronized formation motion of multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) subject to system uncertainty. First, a full-order sliding mode surface in a decentralized manner is designed to incorporate both the individual position tracking error and the synchronized formation error while the UAV group is engaged in building a certain desired geometric pattern in three dimensional space. Second, a decentralized virtual plant controller is constructed which allows the embedded low-pass filter to attain the chattering free property of the sliding mode controller. In addition, robust adaptive technique is integrated in the decentralized chattering free sliding control design in order to handle unknown bounded uncertainties, without requirements for assuming a priori knowledge of bounds on the system uncertainties as stated in conventional chattering free control methods. Subsequently, system robustness as well as stability of the decentralized full-order sliding mode control of multiple UAVs is synthesized. Numerical simulation results illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed control framework to achieve robust 3D formation flight of the multi-UAV system. Copyright © 2017 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  15. Alternative Films for Making Presentation Slides for the Occasional User.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hunt, Harold R., Jr.

    1985-01-01

    As alternatives to the well-known Kodak Kodalith film for making presentation slides, suggests using Kodak Technical Pan Film, 2415 and Kodak Precision Fine Film LPD4. Although less known, both films are capable of making excellent quality slides with minimum effort and, for the occasional user, offer advantages over the Kodalith-Diazochrome…

  16. Adaptive fuzzy sliding control of single-phase PV grid-connected inverter

    PubMed Central

    Zhu, Yunkai

    2017-01-01

    In this paper, an adaptive fuzzy sliding mode controller is proposed to control a two-stage single-phase photovoltaic (PV) grid-connected inverter. Two key technologies are discussed in the presented PV system. An incremental conductance method with adaptive step is adopted to track the maximum power point (MPP) by controlling the duty cycle of the controllable power switch of the boost DC-DC converter. An adaptive fuzzy sliding mode controller with an integral sliding surface is developed for the grid-connected inverter where a fuzzy system is used to approach the upper bound of the system nonlinearities. The proposed strategy has strong robustness for the sliding mode control can be designed independently and disturbances can be adaptively compensated. Simulation results of a PV grid-connected system verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, demonstrating the satisfactory robustness and performance. PMID:28797060

  17. Adaptive fuzzy sliding control of single-phase PV grid-connected inverter.

    PubMed

    Fei, Juntao; Zhu, Yunkai

    2017-01-01

    In this paper, an adaptive fuzzy sliding mode controller is proposed to control a two-stage single-phase photovoltaic (PV) grid-connected inverter. Two key technologies are discussed in the presented PV system. An incremental conductance method with adaptive step is adopted to track the maximum power point (MPP) by controlling the duty cycle of the controllable power switch of the boost DC-DC converter. An adaptive fuzzy sliding mode controller with an integral sliding surface is developed for the grid-connected inverter where a fuzzy system is used to approach the upper bound of the system nonlinearities. The proposed strategy has strong robustness for the sliding mode control can be designed independently and disturbances can be adaptively compensated. Simulation results of a PV grid-connected system verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, demonstrating the satisfactory robustness and performance.

  18. Slow-slip events on the Whillans Ice Plain, Antarctica, described using rate-and-state friction as an ice stream sliding law

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lipovsky, Bradley Paul; Dunham, Eric M.

    2017-04-01

    The Whillans Ice Plain (WIP), Antarctica, experiences twice daily tidally modulated stick-slip cycles. Slip events last about 30 min, have sliding velocities as high as ˜0.5 mm/s (15 km/yr), and have total slip ˜0.5 m. Slip events tend to occur during falling ocean tide: just after high tide and just before low tide. To reproduce these characteristics, we use rate-and-state friction, which is commonly used to simulate tectonic faulting, as an ice stream sliding law. This framework describes the evolving strength of the ice-bed interface throughout stick-slip cycles. We present simulations that resolve the cross-stream dimension using a depth-integrated treatment of an elastic ice layer loaded by tides and steady ice inflow. Steady sliding with rate-weakening friction is conditionally stable with steady sliding occurring for sufficiently narrow ice streams relative to a nucleation length. Stick-slip cycles occur when the ice stream is wider than the nucleation length or, equivalently, when effective pressures exceed a critical value. Ice streams barely wider than the nucleation length experience slow-slip events, and our simulations suggest that the WIP is in this slow-slip regime. Slip events on the WIP show a sense of propagation, and we reproduce this behavior by introducing a rate-strengthening region in the center of the otherwise rate-weakening ice stream. If pore pressures are raised above a critical value, our simulations predict that the WIP would exhibit quasi-steady tidally modulated sliding as observed on other ice streams. This study validates rate-and-state friction as a sliding law to describe ice stream sliding styles.

  19. Convergence analysis of sliding mode trajectories in multi-objective neural networks learning.

    PubMed

    Costa, Marcelo Azevedo; Braga, Antonio Padua; de Menezes, Benjamin Rodrigues

    2012-09-01

    The Pareto-optimality concept is used in this paper in order to represent a constrained set of solutions that are able to trade-off the two main objective functions involved in neural networks supervised learning: data-set error and network complexity. The neural network is described as a dynamic system having error and complexity as its state variables and learning is presented as a process of controlling a learning trajectory in the resulting state space. In order to control the trajectories, sliding mode dynamics is imposed to the network. It is shown that arbitrary learning trajectories can be achieved by maintaining the sliding mode gains within their convergence intervals. Formal proofs of convergence conditions are therefore presented. The concept of trajectory learning presented in this paper goes further beyond the selection of a final state in the Pareto set, since it can be reached through different trajectories and states in the trajectory can be assessed individually against an additional objective function. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  20. Transverse thermal depinning and nonlinear sliding friction of an adsorbed monolayer.

    PubMed

    Granato, E; Ying, S C

    2000-12-18

    We study the response of an adsorbed monolayer under a driving force as a model of sliding friction phenomena between two crystalline surfaces with a boundary lubrication layer. Using Langevin-dynamics simulation, we determine the nonlinear response in the direction transverse to a high symmetry direction along which the layer is already sliding. We find that below a finite transition temperature there exist a critical depinning force and hysteresis effects in the transverse response in the dynamical state when the adlayer is sliding smoothly along the longitudinal direction.

  1. Clinical utility of an automated instrument for gram staining single slides.

    PubMed

    Baron, Ellen Jo; Mix, Samantha; Moradi, Wais

    2010-06-01

    Gram stains of 87 different clinical samples were prepared by the laboratory's conventional methods (automated or manual) and by a new single-slide-type automated staining instrument, GG&B AGS-1000. Gram stains from either heat- or methanol-fixed slides stained with the new instrument were easy to interpret, and results were essentially the same as those from the methanol-fixed slides prepared as a part of the routine workflow. This instrument is well suited to a rapid-response laboratory where Gram stain requests are commonly received on a stat basis.

  2. Comparative study of tool machinery sliding systems; comparison between plane and cylindrical basic shapes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Glăvan, D. O.; Babanatsas, T.; Babanatis Merce, R. M.; Glăvan, A.

    2018-01-01

    The paper brings in attention the importance that the sliding system of a tool machinery is having in the final precision of the manufacturing. We are basically comparing two type of slides, one constructed with plane surfaces and the other one with circular cross-sections (as known as cylindrical slides), analysing each solution from the point of view of its technology of manufacturing, of the precision that the particular slides are transferring to the tool machinery, cost of production, etc. Special attention is given to demonstrate theoretical and to confirm by experimental works what is happening with the stress distribution in the case of plane slides and cylindrical slides, both in longitudinal and in cross-over sections. Considering the results obtained for the stress distribution in the transversal and longitudinal cross sections, by composing them, we can obtain the stress distribution on the semicircular slide. Based on the results, special solutions for establishing the stress distribution between two surfaces without interact in the contact zone have been developed.

  3. Dry Sliding Tribological Studies of AA6061-B4C-Gr Hybrid Composites

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Monikandan, V. V.; Joseph, M. A.; Rajendrakumar, P. K.

    2016-10-01

    The dry sliding behavior of stir-cast AA6061-10 wt.% B4C composites containing 2.5, 5 and 7.5 wt.% graphite particles was studied as a function of applied load, sliding speed and sliding distance on a pin-on-disk tribotester. The wear rate and friction coefficient increased with increase in applied load and sliding distance. The increase in graphite addition reduced the increase in wear rate and friction coefficient in the sliding speed range 2-2.5 m/s. Scanning electron microscopy of the worn pin revealed a graphite tribolayer, and transmission electron microscopy revealed overlapping deformation bands under 30 N applied load. Upon increasing the applied load to 40 N, welded region with fine crystalline structure was formed due to dynamic recrystallization of AA6061 alloy matrix.

  4. V̇O2 and Muscle Deoxygenation Kinetics During Skating: Comparison Between Slide Board and Treadmill Skating.

    PubMed

    Piucco, Tatiane; Soares, Rogério; Diefenthaeler, Fernando; Millet, Guillaume; Murias, Juan

    2017-11-15

    this study aimed to compare the oxygen uptake (V̇O 2 ) kinetics during skating on a treadmill and skating on a slide board and discuss potential mechanisms that might control the V̇O 2 kinetics responses during skating. breath-by-breath pulmonary V̇O 2 and near-infrared spectroscopy-derived muscle deoxygenation ([HHbMb]) were monitored continuously in 12 well-trained young long track speed skaters. On-transient V̇O 2 and [HHbMb] responses to skating on a treadmill and skating on a slide board at 80% of the estimated gas exchange threshold were fitted as mono-exponential function. The signals were time aligned, and the individual [HHbMb]-to-V̇O 2 ratio was calculated as the average value from 20-120 s after exercise starts. the time constants for the adjustment of phase II V̇O 2 (τ V̇O 2 ) and [HHbMb] (τ[HHbMb]) were low and similar between slide board vs. treadmill skating (18.1 ± 3.4 vs. 18.9 ± 3.6 for τ V̇O 2 and 12.6 ± 4.0 vs. 12.4 ± 4.0 s for τ[HHbMb]). The [HHbMb]/V̇O 2 ratio was not different from 1.0 (p > 0.05) in both conditions. the fast V̇O 2 kinetics during skating suggest that chronical adaptation to skating might overcome any possible restriction in leg blood flow during low intensity exercise. The [HHbMb]/V̇O 2 ratio values also suggest a good matching of O 2 delivery to O 2 utilization in trained speed skaters. The similar τ V̇O 2 and τ [HHbMb] values between slide board and treadmill further reinforce the validity of using a slide board for skating testing and training purposes.

  5. Bearing Fault Diagnosis by a Robust Higher-Order Super-Twisting Sliding Mode Observer

    PubMed Central

    Kim, Jong-Myon

    2018-01-01

    An effective bearing fault detection and diagnosis (FDD) model is important for ensuring the normal and safe operation of machines. This paper presents a reliable model-reference observer technique for FDD based on modeling of a bearing’s vibration data by analyzing the dynamic properties of the bearing and a higher-order super-twisting sliding mode observation (HOSTSMO) technique for making diagnostic decisions using these data models. The HOSTSMO technique can adaptively improve the performance of estimating nonlinear failures in rolling element bearings (REBs) over a linear approach by modeling 5 degrees of freedom under normal and faulty conditions. The effectiveness of the proposed technique is evaluated using a vibration dataset provided by Case Western Reserve University, which consists of vibration acceleration signals recorded for REBs with inner, outer, ball, and no faults, i.e., normal. Experimental results indicate that the proposed technique outperforms the ARX-Laguerre proportional integral observation (ALPIO) technique, yielding 18.82%, 16.825%, and 17.44% performance improvements for three levels of crack severity of 0.007, 0.014, and 0.021 inches, respectively. PMID:29642459

  6. Bearing Fault Diagnosis by a Robust Higher-Order Super-Twisting Sliding Mode Observer.

    PubMed

    Piltan, Farzin; Kim, Jong-Myon

    2018-04-07

    An effective bearing fault detection and diagnosis (FDD) model is important for ensuring the normal and safe operation of machines. This paper presents a reliable model-reference observer technique for FDD based on modeling of a bearing's vibration data by analyzing the dynamic properties of the bearing and a higher-order super-twisting sliding mode observation (HOSTSMO) technique for making diagnostic decisions using these data models. The HOSTSMO technique can adaptively improve the performance of estimating nonlinear failures in rolling element bearings (REBs) over a linear approach by modeling 5 degrees of freedom under normal and faulty conditions. The effectiveness of the proposed technique is evaluated using a vibration dataset provided by Case Western Reserve University, which consists of vibration acceleration signals recorded for REBs with inner, outer, ball, and no faults, i.e., normal. Experimental results indicate that the proposed technique outperforms the ARX-Laguerre proportional integral observation (ALPIO) technique, yielding 18.82%, 16.825%, and 17.44% performance improvements for three levels of crack severity of 0.007, 0.014, and 0.021 inches, respectively.

  7. Buckling of a Flexible Strip Sliding on a Frictional Base

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Huynen, Alexandre; Marck, Julien; Denoel, Vincent; Detournay, Emmanuel

    2013-03-01

    The main motivation for this contribution is the buckling of a drillstring sliding on the bottom of the horizontal section of borehole. The open questions that remain today are related to the determination of the onset of instability, and to the conditions under which different modes of constrained buckling occur. In this presentation, we are concerned by a two-dimensional version of this problem; namely, the sliding of a flexible strip being fed inside a conduit. The ribbon, which has a flexural rigidity EI and a weight per unit length w, is treated as an inextensible elastica of negligible thickness. The contact between the ribbon and the wall of the conduit is characterized by a friction coefficient μ. First, we report the result of a stability analysis that aims at determining the critical inserted length of the ribbon l* (μ) (scaled by the characteristic length λ =(EI / w) 1 / 3) at which there is separation between the strip and the conduit bottom, as well as the buckling mode. Next, the relationship between the feeding force F and the inserted length l after bifurcation is computed. Finally, the results of a ``kitchen table'' experiment involving a strip of silicon rubber being pushed on a plank are reported and compared with predictions.

  8. Terminal sliding mode tracking control for a class of SISO uncertain nonlinear systems.

    PubMed

    Chen, Mou; Wu, Qing-Xian; Cui, Rong-Xin

    2013-03-01

    In this paper, the terminal sliding mode tracking control is proposed for the uncertain single-input and single-output (SISO) nonlinear system with unknown external disturbance. For the unmeasured disturbance of nonlinear systems, terminal sliding mode disturbance observer is presented. The developed disturbance observer can guarantee the disturbance approximation error to converge to zero in the finite time. Based on the output of designed disturbance observer, the terminal sliding mode tracking control is presented for uncertain SISO nonlinear systems. Subsequently, terminal sliding mode tracking control is developed using disturbance observer technique for the uncertain SISO nonlinear system with control singularity and unknown non-symmetric input saturation. The effects of the control singularity and unknown input saturation are combined with the external disturbance which is approximated using the disturbance observer. Under the proposed terminal sliding mode tracking control techniques, the finite time convergence of all closed-loop signals are guaranteed via Lyapunov analysis. Numerical simulation results are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed terminal sliding mode tracking control. Copyright © 2012 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  9. Whole slide imaging of unstained tissue using lensfree microscopy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Morel, Sophie Nhu An; Hervé, Lionel; Bordy, Thomas; Cioni, Olivier; Delon, Antoine; Fromentin, Catherine; Dinten, Jean-Marc; Allier, Cédric

    2016-04-01

    Pathologist examination of tissue slides provides insightful information about a patient's disease. Traditional analysis of tissue slides is performed under a binocular microscope, which requires staining of the sample and delays the examination. We present a simple cost-effective lensfree imaging method to record 2-4μm resolution wide-field (10 mm2 to 6 cm2) images of unstained tissue slides. The sample processing time is reduced as there is no need for staining. A wide field of view (10 mm2) lensfree hologram is recorded in a single shot and the image is reconstructed in 2s providing a very fast acquisition chain. The acquisition is multispectral, i.e. multiple holograms are recorded simultaneously at three different wavelengths, and a dedicated holographic reconstruction algorithm is used to retrieve both amplitude and phase. Whole tissue slides imaging is obtained by recording 130 holograms with X-Y translation stages and by computing the mosaic of a 25 x 25 mm2 reconstructed image. The reconstructed phase provides a phase-contrast-like image of the unstained specimen, revealing structures of healthy and diseased tissue. Slides from various organs can be reconstructed, e.g. lung, colon, ganglion, etc. To our knowledge, our method is the first technique that enables fast wide-field lensfree imaging of such unlabeled dense samples. This technique is much cheaper and compact than a conventional phase contrast microscope and could be made portable. In sum, we present a new methodology that could quickly provide useful information when a rapid diagnosis is needed, such as tumor margin identification on frozen section biopsies during surgery.

  10. Foam-filled cushions for sliding trays

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Nahin, S. B.; Robb, P. H.

    1980-01-01

    Polytetrafluoroethylene tube filled with polyurethane foam forms low friction sliding surface that cushions vibrations and absorbs manufacturing tolerances and misalignment. Possible uses include packaging of components for shipping and seals for doors in lockers, cars, and refrigerators.

  11. Simultaneous automatic scoring and co-registration of hormone receptors in tumor areas in whole slide images of breast cancer tissue slides.

    PubMed

    Trahearn, Nicholas; Tsang, Yee Wah; Cree, Ian A; Snead, David; Epstein, David; Rajpoot, Nasir

    2017-06-01

    Automation of downstream analysis may offer many potential benefits to routine histopathology. One area of interest for automation is in the scoring of multiple immunohistochemical markers to predict the patient's response to targeted therapies. Automated serial slide analysis of this kind requires robust registration to identify common tissue regions across sections. We present an automated method for co-localized scoring of Estrogen Receptor and Progesterone Receptor (ER/PR) in breast cancer core biopsies using whole slide images. Regions of tumor in a series of fifty consecutive breast core biopsies were identified by annotation on H&E whole slide images. Sequentially cut immunohistochemical stained sections were scored manually, before being digitally scanned and then exported into JPEG 2000 format. A two-stage registration process was performed to identify the annotated regions of interest in the immunohistochemistry sections, which were then scored using the Allred system. Overall correlation between manual and automated scoring for ER and PR was 0.944 and 0.883, respectively, with 90% of ER and 80% of PR scores within in one point or less of agreement. This proof of principle study indicates slide registration can be used as a basis for automation of the downstream analysis for clinically relevant biomarkers in the majority of cases. The approach is likely to be improved by implantation of safeguarding analysis steps post registration. © 2016 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry. © 2016 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.

  12. Parameter studies of sediments in the Storegga Slide region

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yang, S. L.; Kvalstad, T.; Solheim, A.; Forsberg, C. F.

    2006-09-01

    Based on classification tests, oedometer tests, fall-cone tests and triaxial tests, physical and mechanical properties of sediments in the Storegga Slide region were analysed to assess parameter interrelationships. The data show good relationships between a number of physical and mechanical parameters. Goodness of fit between compression index and various physical parameters can be improved by multiple regression analysis. The interclay void ratio and liquidity index correlate well with the undrained shear strength of clay. Sediments with higher water content, liquid limit, activity, interclay void ratio, plasticity index and liquidity index showed higher compression index and/or lower undrained shear strength. Some relationships between parameters were tested by using data from two other sites south of the Storegga Slide. A better understanding of properties of sediments in regions such as that of the Storegga Slide can be obtained through this approach.

  13. The Epidemiology and Effect of Sliding Injuries in Major and Minor League Baseball Players.

    PubMed

    Camp, Christopher L; Curriero, Frank C; Pollack, Keshia M; Mayer, Stephanie W; Spiker, Andrea M; D'Angelo, John; Coleman, Struan H

    2017-08-01

    Although sliding occurs frequently in professional baseball, little is known about the epidemiology and effect of injuries that occur during sliding in this population of elite athletes. To describe the incidence and characteristics of sliding injuries, determine their effect in terms of time out of play, and identify common injury patterns that may represent appropriate targets for injury prevention programs in the future. Descriptive epidemiologic study. All offensive sliding injuries occurring in Major League Baseball (MLB) and Minor League Baseball (MLB) that resulted in time out of play during a span of 5 seasons (2011-2015) were identified. In addition to player demographics, data extracted included time out of play, location on field where injury occurred, level of play, treatment (surgical vs nonsurgical), direction of slide (head vs feet first), body region injured, and diagnosis. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the distribution of these injuries, and injury rates were calculated per slide. From 2011 to 2015, 1633 injuries occurred as a result of a slide. The total number of days missed per season was 4263. Surgical intervention was required for 134 (8.2%) injuries, and the mean days missed was 66.5 for players treated surgically and 12.3 days for players treated nonoperatively ( P < .001). MLB players were more likely than MiLB players to require surgical intervention (12.3% vs 7.5%, P = .019). Injuries to the hands/fingers represented 25.3% of all injuries and 31.3% of those requiring surgery. Although the majority of injuries occurred at second base (57%), the per-slide injury rate was similar across all bases ( P = .991). The estimated overall frequency of injury in MLB was once per every 336 slides, and the rate of injury for head- and feet-first slides was 1 in 249 and 413 slides, respectively ( P = .119). Injuries occurring while sliding in professional baseball result in a significant amount of time out of play for these elite athletes

  14. Chaos synchronization of uncertain chaotic systems using composite nonlinear feedback based integral sliding mode control.

    PubMed

    Mobayen, Saleh

    2018-06-01

    This paper proposes a combination of composite nonlinear feedback and integral sliding mode techniques for fast and accurate chaos synchronization of uncertain chaotic systems with Lipschitz nonlinear functions, time-varying delays and disturbances. The composite nonlinear feedback method allows accurate following of the master chaotic system and the integral sliding mode control provides invariance property which rejects the perturbations and preserves the stability of the closed-loop system. Based on the Lyapunov- Krasovskii stability theory and linear matrix inequalities, a novel sufficient condition is offered for the chaos synchronization of uncertain chaotic systems. This method not only guarantees the robustness against perturbations and time-delays, but also eliminates reaching phase and avoids chattering problem. Simulation results demonstrate that the suggested procedure leads to a great control performance. Copyright © 2018 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  15. Quantitation of a slide test (Monotest) for infectious mononucleosis

    PubMed Central

    Carter, P. Kenneth; Schoen, Irwin; Miyahira, Teru

    1970-01-01

    A slide test for infectious mononucleosis using formalinized horse erythrocytes (Monotest2) was quantitated and compared with standard differential heterophile (Davidsohn) titres performed on the same specimens. The Monotest titre parallels the standard presumptive heterophile (antisheep cell) titre in the degree of elevation, with a ratio of Monotest to heterophile titre of approximately 1 to 56. The simplicity of the quantitative slide test recommends it as a routine test for infectious mononucleosis. PMID:5530641

  16. Sequence-dependent nucleosome sliding in rotation-coupled and uncoupled modes revealed by molecular simulations

    PubMed Central

    Tan, Cheng; Takada, Shoji

    2017-01-01

    While nucleosome positioning on eukaryotic genome play important roles for genetic regulation, molecular mechanisms of nucleosome positioning and sliding along DNA are not well understood. Here we investigated thermally-activated spontaneous nucleosome sliding mechanisms developing and applying a coarse-grained molecular simulation method that incorporates both long-range electrostatic and short-range hydrogen-bond interactions between histone octamer and DNA. The simulations revealed two distinct sliding modes depending on the nucleosomal DNA sequence. A uniform DNA sequence showed frequent sliding with one base pair step in a rotation-coupled manner, akin to screw-like motions. On the contrary, a strong positioning sequence, the so-called 601 sequence, exhibits rare, abrupt transitions of five and ten base pair steps without rotation. Moreover, we evaluated the importance of hydrogen bond interactions on the sliding mode, finding that strong and weak bonds favor respectively the rotation-coupled and -uncoupled sliding movements. PMID:29194442

  17. Microfluidic extraction and microarray detection of biomarkers from cancer tissue slides

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nguyen, H. T.; Dupont, L. N.; Jean, A. M.; Géhin, T.; Chevolot, Y.; Laurenceau, E.; Gijs, M. A. M.

    2018-03-01

    We report here a new microfluidic method allowing for the quantification of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression levels from formalin-fixed breast cancer tissues. After partial extraction of proteins from the tissue slide, the extract is routed to an antibody (Ab) microarray for HER2 titration by fluorescence. Then the HER2-expressing cell area is evaluated by immunofluorescence (IF) staining of the tissue slide and used to normalize the fluorescent HER2 signal measured from the Ab microarray. The number of HER2 gene copies measured by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) on an adjacent tissue slide is concordant with the normalized HER2 expression signal. This work is the first study implementing biomarker extraction and detection from cancer tissue slides using microfluidics in combination with a microarray system, paving the way for further developments towards multiplex and precise quantification of cancer biomarkers.

  18. Experimental studies of compaction and dilatancy during frictional sliding on faults containing gouge

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Morrow, C.A.; Byerlee, J.D.

    1989-01-01

    Transient strength changes are observed in fault gouge materials when the velocity of shearing is varied. A transient stress peak is produced when the strain rate in the gouge is suddenly increased, whereas a transient stress drop results from a sudden change to a slower strain rate. We have studied the mechanism responsible for these observations by performing frictional sliding experiments on sawcut granite samples filled with a layer of several different fault gouge types. Changes in pore volume and strength were monitored as the sliding velocity alternated between fast and slow rates. Pore volume increased at the faster strain rate, indicating a dilation of the gouge layer, whereas volume decreased at the slower rate indicating compaction. These results verify that gouge dilation is a function of strain rate. Pore volume changed until an equilibrium void ratio of the granular material was reached for a particular rate of strain. Using arguments from soil mechanics, we find that the dense gouge was initially overconsolidated relative to the equilibrium level, whereas the loose gouge was initially underconsolidated relative to this level. Therefore, the transient stress behavior must be due to the overconsolidated state of the gouge at the new rate when the velocity is increased and to the underconsolidated state when the velocity is lowered. Time-dependent compaction was also shown to cause a transient stress response similar to the velocity-dependent behavior. This may be important in natural fault gouges as they become consolidated and stronger with time. In addition, the strain hardening of the gouge during shearing was found to be a function of velocity, rendering it difficult to quantify the change in equilibrium shear stress when velocity is varied under certain conditions. ?? 1989.

  19. Seismic isolation of nuclear power plants using sliding isolation bearings

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kumar, Manish

    Nuclear power plants (NPP) are designed for earthquake shaking with very long return periods. Seismic isolation is a viable strategy to protect NPPs from extreme earthquake shaking because it filters a significant fraction of earthquake input energy. This study addresses the seismic isolation of NPPs using sliding bearings, with a focus on the single concave Friction Pendulum(TM) (FP) bearing. Friction at the sliding surface of an FP bearing changes continuously during an earthquake as a function of sliding velocity, axial pressure and temperature at the sliding surface. The temperature at the sliding surface, in turn, is a function of the histories of coefficient of friction, sliding velocity and axial pressure, and the travel path of the slider. A simple model to describe the complex interdependence of the coefficient of friction, axial pressure, sliding velocity and temperature at the sliding surface is proposed, and then verified and validated. Seismic hazard for a seismically isolated nuclear power plant is defined in the United States using a uniform hazard response spectrum (UHRS) at mean annual frequencies of exceedance (MAFE) of 10-4 and 10 -5. A key design parameter is the clearance to the hard stop (CHS), which is influenced substantially by the definition of the seismic hazard. Four alternate representations of seismic hazard are studied, which incorporate different variabilities and uncertainties. Response-history analyses performed on single FP-bearing isolation systems using ground motions consistent with the four representations at the two shaking levels indicate that the CHS is influenced primarily by whether the observed difference between the two horizontal components of ground motions in a given set is accounted for. The UHRS at the MAFE of 10-4 is increased by a design factor (≥ 1) for conventional (fixed base) nuclear structure to achieve a target annual frequency of unacceptable performance. Risk oriented calculations are performed for

  20. Cerium Addition Improved the Dry Sliding Wear Resistance of Surface Welding AZ91 Alloy

    PubMed Central

    Zhao, Zhihao; Zhu, Qingfeng; Wang, Gaosong; Tao, Kai

    2018-01-01

    In this study, the effects of cerium (Ce) addition on the friction and wear properties of surface welding AZ91 magnesium alloys were evaluated by pin-on-disk dry sliding friction and wear tests at normal temperature. The results show that both the friction coefficient and wear rate of surfacing magnesium alloys decreased with the decrease in load and increase in sliding speed. The surfacing AZ91 alloy with 1.5% Ce had the lowest friction coefficient and wear rate. The alloy without Ce had the worst wear resistance, mainly because it contained a lot of irregularly shaped and coarse β-Mg17Al12 phases. During friction, the β phase readily caused stress concentration and thus formed cracks at the interface between β phase and α-Mg matrix. The addition of Ce reduced the size and amount of Mg17Al12, while generating Al4Ce phase with a higher thermal stability. The Al-Ce phase could hinder the grain-boundary sliding and migration and reduced the degree of plastic deformation of subsurface metal. Scanning electron microscopy observation showed that the surfacing AZ91 alloy with 1.5% Ce had a total of four types of wear mechanism: abrasion, oxidation, and severe plastic deformation were the primary mechanisms; delamination was the secondary mechanism. PMID:29415492

  1. Morphologic Variability of two Adjacent Mass-Transport Deposits: Twin Slides, Gela Basin (Sicily Channel).

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Minisini, D.; Trincardi, F.; Asioli, A.; Canu, M.; Foglini, F.

    2006-12-01

    Integrating geophysical, sedimentological, structural and paleontological data, we reconstruct the age, size and internal geometry of two adjacent and recent mass-transport deposits (Twin Slides) exposed on the seafloor of Gela Basin (Sicily Channel). Twin Slides are coeval (late-Holocene), and were likely triggered by an earthquake. Twin Slides originated from the mobilization of Pleistocene slope units, are only 6 km apart from each other, have their headscarps in similar water depth (230 m), and have a comparable run out distance (ca. 10 km). Both slides suggest a multistage evolution, but differ in internal organization and morphological expression. The northern slide shows a deposit characterised by pressure ridges in the toe region suggesting a component of plastic deformation, while the southern slide is characterised by large blocks and a reduced thickness of displaced masses. We ascribe the difference in deformation style and resulting morphology to the stratigraphic architecture of the Pleistocene progradational units involved in failure. In the case of the blocky southern slide the units affected by failure are slightly older (Eemian or pre-Emian) and more consolidated; furthermore, in the area where the headscarp is located these units appear affected by shallow faulting likely resulting in the definition of large blocks. The northern slide, instead, affects progradational units of the Last Glacial Maximum in an area where these units are more than 100 m thick and, possibly, underconsolidated.

  2. Ribosomes slide on lysine-encoding homopolymeric A stretches

    PubMed Central

    Koutmou, Kristin S; Schuller, Anthony P; Brunelle, Julie L; Radhakrishnan, Aditya; Djuranovic, Sergej; Green, Rachel

    2015-01-01

    Protein output from synonymous codons is thought to be equivalent if appropriate tRNAs are sufficiently abundant. Here we show that mRNAs encoding iterated lysine codons, AAA or AAG, differentially impact protein synthesis: insertion of iterated AAA codons into an ORF diminishes protein expression more than insertion of synonymous AAG codons. Kinetic studies in E. coli reveal that differential protein production results from pausing on consecutive AAA-lysines followed by ribosome sliding on homopolymeric A sequence. Translation in a cell-free expression system demonstrates that diminished output from AAA-codon-containing reporters results from premature translation termination on out of frame stop codons following ribosome sliding. In eukaryotes, these premature termination events target the mRNAs for Nonsense-Mediated-Decay (NMD). The finding that ribosomes slide on homopolymeric A sequences explains bioinformatic analyses indicating that consecutive AAA codons are under-represented in gene-coding sequences. Ribosome ‘sliding’ represents an unexpected type of ribosome movement possible during translation. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.05534.001 PMID:25695637

  3. SPH-based numerical simulations of flow slides in municipal solid waste landfills.

    PubMed

    Huang, Yu; Dai, Zili; Zhang, Weijie; Huang, Maosong

    2013-03-01

    Most municipal solid waste (MSW) is disposed of in landfills. Over the past few decades, catastrophic flow slides have occurred in MSW landfills around the world, causing substantial economic damage and occasionally resulting in human victims. It is therefore important to predict the run-out, velocity and depth of such slides in order to provide adequate mitigation and protection measures. To overcome the limitations of traditional numerical methods for modelling flow slides, a mesh-free particle method entitled smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) is introduced in this paper. The Navier-Stokes equations were adopted as the governing equations and a Bingham model was adopted to analyse the relationship between material stress rates and particle motion velocity. The accuracy of the model is assessed using a series of verifications, and then flow slides that occurred in landfills located in Sarajevo and Bandung were simulated to extend its applications. The simulated results match the field data well and highlight the capability of the proposed SPH modelling method to simulate such complex phenomena as flow slides in MSW landfills.

  4. Modeling the Physics of Sliding Objects on Rotating Space Elevators and Other Non-relativistic Strings

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Golubovic, Leonardo; Knudsen, Steven

    2017-01-01

    We consider general problem of modeling the dynamics of objects sliding on moving strings. We introduce a powerful computational algorithm that can be used to investigate the dynamics of objects sliding along non-relativistic strings. We use the algorithm to numerically explore fundamental physics of sliding climbers on a unique class of dynamical systems, Rotating Space Elevators (RSE). Objects sliding along RSE strings do not require internal engines or propulsion to be transported from the Earth's surface into outer space. By extensive numerical simulations, we find that sliding climbers may display interesting non-linear dynamics exhibiting both quasi-periodic and chaotic states of motion. While our main interest in this study is in the climber dynamics on RSEs, our results for the dynamics of sliding object are of more general interest. In particular, we designed tools capable of dealing with strongly nonlinear phenomena involving moving strings of any kind, such as the chaotic dynamics of sliding climbers observed in our simulations.

  5. Typing of Haemophilus influenzae by Coagglutination and Conventional Slide Agglutination

    PubMed Central

    Shively, Roxanne G.; Shigel, Janet T.; Peterson, Ellena M.; De La Maza, Luis M.

    1981-01-01

    Coagglutination was compared with conventional slide agglutination for the typing of 297 clinical isolates of Haemophilus sp. A 100% correlation was found with the H. influenzae type b isolates. Coagglutination showed no false-positive reactions with the nontypable strains of H. influenzae and H. parainfluenzae isolates; however, conventional slide agglutination exhibited many false-positive and non-interpretable reactions. PMID:6977555

  6. Horizontal sliding of kilometre-scale hot spring area during the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake

    PubMed Central

    Tsuji, Takeshi; Ishibashi, Jun’ichiro; Ishitsuka, Kazuya; Kamata, Ryuichi

    2017-01-01

    We report horizontal sliding of the kilometre-scale geologic block under the Aso hot springs (Uchinomaki area) caused by vibrations from the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake (Mw 7.0). Direct borehole observations demonstrate the sliding along the horizontal geological formation at ~50 m depth, which is where the shallowest hydrothermal reservoir developed. Owing to >1 m northwest movement of the geologic block, as shown by differential interferometric synthetic aperture radar (DInSAR), extensional open fissures were generated at the southeastern edge of the horizontal sliding block, and compressional deformation and spontaneous fluid emission from wells were observed at the northwestern edge of the block. The temporal and spatial variation of the hot spring supply during the earthquake can be explained by the horizontal sliding and borehole failures. Because there was no strain accumulation around the hot spring area prior to the earthquake and gravitational instability could be ignored, the horizontal sliding along the low-frictional formation was likely caused by seismic forces from the remote earthquake. The insights derived from our field-scale observations may assist further research into geologic block sliding in horizontal geological formations. PMID:28218298

  7. An entirely automated method to score DSS-induced colitis in mice by digital image analysis of pathology slides

    PubMed Central

    Kozlowski, Cleopatra; Jeet, Surinder; Beyer, Joseph; Guerrero, Steve; Lesch, Justin; Wang, Xiaoting; DeVoss, Jason; Diehl, Lauri

    2013-01-01

    SUMMARY The DSS (dextran sulfate sodium) model of colitis is a mouse model of inflammatory bowel disease. Microscopic symptoms include loss of crypt cells from the gut lining and infiltration of inflammatory cells into the colon. An experienced pathologist requires several hours per study to score histological changes in selected regions of the mouse gut. In order to increase the efficiency of scoring, Definiens Developer software was used to devise an entirely automated method to quantify histological changes in the whole H&E slide. When the algorithm was applied to slides from historical drug-discovery studies, automated scores classified 88% of drug candidates in the same way as pathologists’ scores. In addition, another automated image analysis method was developed to quantify colon-infiltrating macrophages, neutrophils, B cells and T cells in immunohistochemical stains of serial sections of the H&E slides. The timing of neutrophil and macrophage infiltration had the highest correlation to pathological changes, whereas T and B cell infiltration occurred later. Thus, automated image analysis enables quantitative comparisons between tissue morphology changes and cell-infiltration dynamics. PMID:23580198

  8. Electrical charging effects on the sliding friction of a model nano-confined ionic liquid

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

    Capozza, R.; Vanossi, A.; CNR-IOM Democritos National Simulation Center, Via Bonomea 265, 34136 Trieste

    2015-10-14

    Recent measurements suggest the possibility to exploit ionic liquids (ILs) as smart lubricants for nano-contacts, tuning their tribological and rheological properties by charging the sliding interfaces. Following our earlier theoretical study of charging effects on nanoscale confinement and squeezout of a model IL, we present here molecular dynamics simulations of the frictional and lubrication properties of that model under charging conditions. First, we describe the case when two equally charged plates slide while being held together to a confinement distance of a few molecular layers. The shear sliding stress is found to rise strongly and discontinuously as the number ofmore » IL layers decreases stepwise. However, the shear stress shows, within each given number of layers, only a weak dependence upon the precise value of the normal load, a result in agreement with data extracted from recent experiments. We subsequently describe the case of opposite charging of the sliding plates and follow the shear stress when the charging is slowly and adiabatically reversed in the course of time, under fixed load. Despite the fixed load, the number and structure of the confined IL layers change with changing charge, and that in turn drives strong friction variations. The latter involves first of all charging-induced freezing of the IL film, followed by a discharging-induced melting, both made possible by the nanoscale confinement. Another mechanism for charging-induced frictional changes is a shift of the plane of maximum shear from mid-film to the plate-film interface, and vice versa. While these occurrences and results invariably depend upon the parameters of the model IL and upon its specific interaction with the plates, the present study helps identifying a variety of possible behavior, obtained under very simple assumptions, while connecting it to an underlying equilibrium thermodynamics picture.« less

  9. Rapid and Facile Microwave-Assisted Surface Chemistry for Functionalized Microarray Slides

    PubMed Central

    Lee, Jeong Heon; Hyun, Hoon; Cross, Conor J.; Henary, Maged; Nasr, Khaled A.; Oketokoun, Rafiou; Choi, Hak Soo; Frangioni, John V.

    2011-01-01

    We describe a rapid and facile method for surface functionalization and ligand patterning of glass slides based on microwave-assisted synthesis and a microarraying robot. Our optimized reaction enables surface modification 42-times faster than conventional techniques and includes a carboxylated self-assembled monolayer, polyethylene glycol linkers of varying length, and stable amide bonds to small molecule, peptide, or protein ligands to be screened for binding to living cells. We also describe customized slide racks that permit functionalization of 100 slides at a time to produce a cost-efficient, highly reproducible batch process. Ligand spots can be positioned on the glass slides precisely using a microarraying robot, and spot size adjusted for any desired application. Using this system, we demonstrate live cell binding to a variety of ligands and optimize PEG linker length. Taken together, the technology we describe should enable high-throughput screening of disease-specific ligands that bind to living cells. PMID:23467787

  10. Key Parameters for Operator Diagnosis of BWR Plant Condition during a Severe Accident

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

    Clayton, Dwight A.; Poore, III, Willis P.

    2015-01-01

    The objective of this research is to examine the key information needed from nuclear power plant instrumentation to guide severe accident management and mitigation for boiling water reactor (BWR) designs (specifically, a BWR/4-Mark I), estimate environmental conditions that the instrumentation will experience during a severe accident, and identify potential gaps in existing instrumentation that may require further research and development. This report notes the key parameters that instrumentation needs to measure to help operators respond to severe accidents. A follow-up report will assess severe accident environmental conditions as estimated by severe accident simulation model analysis for a specific US BWR/4-Markmore » I plant for those instrumentation systems considered most important for accident management purposes.« less

  11. Hydrodynamically induced fluid transfer and non-convective double-diffusion in microgravity sliding solvent diffusion cells

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Pollmann, Konrad W.; Stodieck, Louis S.; Luttges, Marvin W.

    1994-01-01

    Microgravity can provide a diffusion-dominated environment for double-diffusion and diffusion-reaction experiments otherwise disrupted by buoyant convection or sedimentation. In sliding solvent diffusion cells, a diffusion interface between two liquid columns is achieved by aligning two offset sliding wells. Fluid in contact with the sliding lid of the cavities is subjected to an applied shear stress. The momentum change by the start/stop action of the well creates an additional hydrodynamical force. In microgravity, these viscous and inertial forces are sufficiently large to deform the diffusion interface and induce hydrodynamic transfer between the wells. A series of KC-135 parabolic flight experiments were conducted to characterize these effects and establish baseline data for microgravity diffusion experiments. Flow visualizations show the diffusion interface to be deformed in a sinusoidal fashion following well alignment. After the wells were separated again in a second sliding movement, the total induced liquid transfer was determined and normalized by the well aspect ratio. The normalized transfer decreased linearly with Reynolds number from 3.3 to 4.0% (w/v) for Re = 0.4 (Stokes flow) to a minimum of 1.0% for Re = 23 to 30. Reynolds numbers that provide minimum induced transfers are characterized by an interface that is highly deformed and unsuitable for diffusion measurements. Flat diffusion interfaces acceptable for diffusion measurements are obtained with Reynolds numbers on the order of 7 to 10. Microgravity experiments aboard a sounding rocket flight verified counterdiffusion of different solutes to be diffusion dominated. Ground control experiments showed enhanced mixing by double-diffusive convection. Careful selection of experimental parameters improves initial conditions and minimizes induced transfer rates.

  12. Reusable Launch Vehicle Control In Multiple Time Scale Sliding Modes

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Shtessel, Yuri; Hall, Charles; Jackson, Mark

    2000-01-01

    A reusable launch vehicle control problem during ascent is addressed via multiple-time scaled continuous sliding mode control. The proposed sliding mode controller utilizes a two-loop structure and provides robust, de-coupled tracking of both orientation angle command profiles and angular rate command profiles in the presence of bounded external disturbances and plant uncertainties. Sliding mode control causes the angular rate and orientation angle tracking error dynamics to be constrained to linear, de-coupled, homogeneous, and vector valued differential equations with desired eigenvalues placement. Overall stability of a two-loop control system is addressed. An optimal control allocation algorithm is designed that allocates torque commands into end-effector deflection commands, which are executed by the actuators. The dual-time scale sliding mode controller was designed for the X-33 technology demonstration sub-orbital launch vehicle in the launch mode. Simulation results show that the designed controller provides robust, accurate, de-coupled tracking of the orientation angle command profiles in presence of external disturbances and vehicle inertia uncertainties. This is a significant advancement in performance over that achieved with linear, gain scheduled control systems currently being used for launch vehicles.

  13. Detection of the HTLV-I gene on cytologic smear slides.

    PubMed

    Kashima, Kenji; Nagahama, Junji; Sato, Keiji; Tanamachi, Hiroyuki; Gamachi, Ayako; Daa, Tsutomu; Nakayama, Iwao; Yokoyama, Shigeo

    2002-01-01

    To apply the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection of the HTLV-I gene from cytologic smear slides. Samples were from seven cases of serum anti-ATL antibody (ATLA)-positive T-cell lymphoma and three from ATLA-negative T-cell lymphoma. Six of the seven ATLA-positive cases were confirmed to be ATLL by Southern blotting. From the seventh case a fresh sample for blotting could not obtained. DNA was extracted from the cytologic smear slides of all 10 cases; they had been stained with Papanicolaou or May-Giemsa stain, digested with proteinase K and precipitated with phenol and ethanol. The target sequence in the pX region of the HTLV-I gene was amplified by PCR. All seven ATLA-positive cases, including one that had not yet been confirmed by Southern blotting, showed a single band, as predicted, while the three ATLA-negative cases showed no band. If cytologic smear slides are available but a fresh sample is not, the PCR method should provide evidence that the virus is present since in our study sufficient DNA templates were successfully extracted from the stained cytologic smear slides for detection of the virus.

  14. Incremental Feeding High-Pressure Sliding for Grain Refinement of Large-Scale Sheets: Application to Inconel 718

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Takizawa, Yoichi; Sumikawa, Kosei; Watanabe, Kyohei; Masuda, Takahiro; Yumoto, Manabu; Kanai, Yuta; Otagiri, Yoshiharu; Horita, Zenji

    2018-03-01

    This study updates a process of high-pressure sliding (HPS) recently developed as a severe plastic deformation process under high pressure for grain refinement of sheet samples. The updated version, which we call the incremental feeding HPS (IF-HPS), consists of sliding for SPD and feeding for upsizing the SPD-processed area so that, without increasing the capacity of processing facility, it is possible to cover a much larger area with an SPD-processed ultrafine-grained structure with a grain size of 120 nm. For the IF-HPS processing, anvils with flat surfaces but without grooves are used in an unconstrained condition, and the feeding distance is set equal to the deformed width. A Ni-based superalloy (Inconel 718) is processed by the IF-HPS under 4 GPa at room temperature, and it is possible to obtain an SPD-processed sheet with dimensions of approximately 100 × 100 × 1 mm3. Strain distribution and evolution were examined by hardness measurement and simulation using a finite element method. Tensile tests were conducted using tensile specimens extracted from the IF-HPS-processed sheet. Advent of high strain rate superplasticity with the total elongation of more than 400 pct was confirmed by pulling the tensile specimens with an initial strain rate of 2.0 × 10-2 s-1 at a temperature as low as 1073 K. The formability of the IF-HPS-processed sheet was confirmed by successful cup forming. It was also confirmed that the restoration after the superplastic deformation was feasible by subjecting to conventional heat treatment used for Inconel 718.

  15. Structure and morphology of submarine slab slides: clues to origin and behavior

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    O'Leary, Dennis W.

    1991-01-01

    Geologic features suggest that some slab slides probably result from long-term strength degradation of weak layers deep in the homoclinal section. Time-dependent strain in clay-rich layers can create potential slide surfaces of low frictional strength. Competent layers are weak in tension and probably fragment in the first instance of, or even prior to, translation, and the allochthonous mass is readily transformed into a high-momentum debris flow. The structure and geomorphology of slab slides provide important clues to their origin and behavior. -from Author

  16. A new drag spool for measuring basal sliding and till deformation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Truffer, M.; Pomraning, D.; Dushime, B.; Amundson, J. M.; Motyka, R. J.; Larsen, C.

    2017-12-01

    Direct observation of subglacial processes are challenging due to significant problems of access. A primary method of access are boreholes drilled through the ice with hot water. A variety of instruments have been developed to monitor ice deformation, till deformation, sliding of ice over subglacial till, water pressure in boreholes, and pore water pressure in subglacial till. It is not common to measure all of these parameters in one single borehole. However, ignorance about one of these parameters can hamper the interpretation of others. For example, it is desirable to monitor all components of basal motion (ice deformation near the base, till deformation, and sliding) simultaneously. Here we present a newly developed drag spool that attempts this. The spool consists of an anchor that is hammered into subglacial till. The anchor is instrumented with tilt sensors and a pore water pressure sensor. It is connected to a probe in the bottom part of the ice via a signal wire. This main probe measures the payout of the signal wire as well as tilt in the basal ice and water pressure in the borehole. A prototype of this instrument was tested on Taku Glacier, Alaska, under about 200 m of ice and operated successfully for several months. Data show deformation of ice and the upper till layer. Sliding at the interface is intermittent and accounts for less than 10% of the observed surface motion. Deformation of ice and till occurs more continuously but is interrupted by specific events. These events are sometimes - but not always - related to speed-up events at the surface. This indicates that occasionally the basal system evolves on spatial scales that are not sufficiently large to be observed at the surface.

  17. 1. Photographic copy of a slide of a postcard (ca ...

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

    1. Photographic copy of a slide of a postcard (ca 1939). Slide in possession of Mary P. Davis, Preservation Planning, Redevelopment Division, City of Albuquerque, New Mexico. EAST-NORTHEAST VIEW OF ENTRANCE GATE AND THE ORIGINAL ORPHANAGE BUILDING, BETWEEN THE CLASSROOM DORMITORY ADDITION (ON FAR SIDE) AND THE CHAPEL ADDITION (ON THE NEAR SIDE). - St. Anthony's Orphanage, 1500 Indian School Road, Northwest, Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, NM

  18. Sliding states of a soft-colloid cluster crystal: Cluster versus single-particle hopping

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rossini, Mirko; Consonni, Lorenzo; Stenco, Andrea; Reatto, Luciano; Manini, Nicola

    2018-05-01

    We study a two-dimensional model for interacting colloidal particles which displays spontaneous clustering. Within this model we investigate the competition between the pinning to a periodic corrugation potential and a sideways constant pulling force which would promote a sliding state. For a few sample particle densities and amplitudes of the periodic corrugation potential we investigate the depinning from the statically pinned to the dynamically sliding regime. This sliding state exhibits the competition between a dynamics where entire clusters are pulled from a minimum to the next and a dynamics where single colloids or smaller groups leave a cluster and move across the corrugation energy barrier to join the next cluster downstream in the force direction. Both kinds of sliding states can occur either coherently across the entire sample or asynchronously: the two regimes result in different average mobilities. Finite temperature tends to destroy separate sliding regimes, generating a smoother dependence of the mobility on the driving force.

  19. Triggering mechanism and tsunamogenic potential of the Cape Fear Slide complex, U.S. Atlantic margin

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Hornbach, Matthew J.; Lavier, Luc L.; Ruppel, Carolyn D.

    2007-01-01

    Analysis of new multibeam bathymetry data and seismic Chirp data acquired over the Cape Fear Slide complex on the U.S. Atlantic margin suggests that at least 5 major submarine slides have likely occurred there within the past 30,000 years, indicating that repetitive, large-scale mass wasting and associated tsunamis may be more common in this area than previously believed. Gas hydrate deposits and associated free gas as well as salt tectonics have been implicated in previous studies as triggers for the major Cape Fear slide events. Analysis of the interaction of the gas hydrate phase boundary and the various generations of slides indicates that only the most landward slide likely intersected the phase boundary and inferred high gas pressures below it. For much of the region, we believe that displacement along a newly recognized normal fault led to upward migration of salt, oversteepening of slopes, and repeated slope failures. Using new constraints on slide morphology, we develop the first tsunami model for the Cape Fear Slide complex. Our results indicate that if the most seaward Cape Fear slide event occurred today, it could produce waves in excess of 2 m at the present-day 100 m bathymetric contour.

  20. Continuing Medical Education Speakers with High Evaluation Scores Use more Image-based Slides.

    PubMed

    Ferguson, Ian; Phillips, Andrew W; Lin, Michelle

    2017-01-01

    Although continuing medical education (CME) presentations are common across health professions, it is unknown whether slide design is independently associated with audience evaluations of the speaker. Based on the conceptual framework of Mayer's theory of multimedia learning, this study aimed to determine whether image use and text density in presentation slides are associated with overall speaker evaluations. This retrospective analysis of six sequential CME conferences (two annual emergency medicine conferences over a three-year period) used a mixed linear regression model to assess whether post-conference speaker evaluations were associated with image fraction (percentage of image-based slides per presentation) and text density (number of words per slide). A total of 105 unique lectures were given by 49 faculty members, and 1,222 evaluations (70.1% response rate) were available for analysis. On average, 47.4% (SD=25.36) of slides had at least one educationally-relevant image (image fraction). Image fraction significantly predicted overall higher evaluation scores [F(1, 100.676)=6.158, p=0.015] in the mixed linear regression model. The mean (SD) text density was 25.61 (8.14) words/slide but was not a significant predictor [F(1, 86.293)=0.55, p=0.815]. Of note, the individual speaker [χ 2 (1)=2.952, p=0.003] and speaker seniority [F(3, 59.713)=4.083, p=0.011] significantly predicted higher scores. This is the first published study to date assessing the linkage between slide design and CME speaker evaluations by an audience of practicing clinicians. The incorporation of images was associated with higher evaluation scores, in alignment with Mayer's theory of multimedia learning. Contrary to this theory, however, text density showed no significant association, suggesting that these scores may be multifactorial. Professional development efforts should focus on teaching best practices in both slide design and presentation skills.

  1. Friction and wear behaviour of Mo-W doped carbon-based coating during boundary lubricated sliding

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hovsepian, Papken Eh.; Mandal, Paranjayee; Ehiasarian, Arutiun P.; Sáfrán, G.; Tietema, R.; Doerwald, D.

    2016-03-01

    A molybdenum and tungsten doped carbon-based coating (Mo-W-C) was developed in order to provide low friction in boundary lubricated sliding condition at ambient and at high temperature. The Mo-W-C coating showed the lowest friction coefficient among a number of commercially available state-of-the-art DLC coatings at ambient temperature. At elevated temperature (200 °C), Mo-W-C coating showed a significant reduction in friction coefficient with sliding distance in contrast to DLC coatings. Raman spectroscopy revealed the importance of combined Mo and W doping for achieving low friction at both ambient and high temperature. The significant decrease in friction and wear rate was attributed to the presence of graphitic carbon debris (from coating) and 'in situ' formed metal sulphides (WS2 and MoS2, where metals were supplied from coating and sulphur from engine oil) in the transfer layer.

  2. Reusable Launch Vehicle Attitude Control Using a Time-Varying Sliding Mode Control Technique

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Shtessel, Yuri B.; Zhu, J. Jim; Daniels, Dan; Jackson, Scott (Technical Monitor)

    2002-01-01

    In this paper we present a time-varying sliding mode control (TVSMC) technique for reusable launch vehicle (RLV) attitude control in ascent and entry flight phases. In ascent flight the guidance commands Euler roll, pitch and yaw angles, and in entry flight it commands the aerodynamic angles of bank, attack and sideslip. The controller employs a body rate inner loop and the attitude outer loop, which are separated in time-scale by the singular perturbation principle. The novelty of the TVSMC is that both the sliding surface and the boundary layer dynamics can be varied in real time using the PD-eigenvalue assignment technique. This salient feature is used to cope with control command saturation and integrator windup in the presence of severe disturbance or control effector failure, which enhances the robustness and fault tolerance of the controller. The TV-SMC ascent and descent designs are currently being tested with high fidelity, 6-DOF dispersion simulations. The test results will be presented in the final version of this paper.

  3. Detection of the local sliding in the tyre-road contact by measuring vibrations on the inner liner of the tyre

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Niskanen, Arto J.; Tuononen, Ari J.

    2017-04-01

    Intelligent tyres can provide vital information from the tyre-road contact, especially for autonomous cars and intelligent infrastructure. In this paper, the acceleration measured on the inner liner of a tyre is used to detect the local sliding in the tyre-road contact. The Hilbert-Huang transform is utilized to extract the relevant vibration components and localize them in the wheel rotation angle domain. The energy of the vibration in the trailing part of the contact is shown to increase in low-friction conditions which can be related to the sliding of the tread part as a result of the shear stresses exceeding the local friction limit. To separate the effect of the surface roughness and the friction, different road surfaces were used in the measurements. In addition, the effects of different driving manoeuvres on the measured accelerations and the propagation of the sliding zone in the contact patch during braking are illustrated.

  4. Sliding Mode Control Applied to Reconfigurable Flight Control Design

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hess, R. A.; Wells, S. R.; Bacon, Barton (Technical Monitor)

    2002-01-01

    Sliding mode control is applied to the design of a flight control system capable of operating with limited bandwidth actuators and in the presence of significant damage to the airframe and/or control effector actuators. Although inherently robust, sliding mode control algorithms have been hampered by their sensitivity to the effects of parasitic unmodeled dynamics, such as those associated with actuators and structural modes. It is known that asymptotic observers can alleviate this sensitivity while still allowing the system to exhibit significant robustness. This approach is demonstrated. The selection of the sliding manifold as well as the interpretation of the linear design that results after introduction of a boundary layer is accomplished in the frequency domain. The design technique is exercised on a pitch-axis controller for a simple short-period model of the High Angle of Attack F-18 vehicle via computer simulation. Stability and performance is compared to that of a system incorporating a controller designed by classical loop-shaping techniques.

  5. An investigation of rolling-sliding contact fatigue damage of carburized gear steels

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kramer, Patrick C.

    The goal of this study was to evaluate the differences in RSCF performance between vacuum and gas carburized steels as well as to investigate the evolution of damage (wear and microstructure changes) leading to pitting. Vacuum and gas carburizing was performed on two gear steels (4120 and 4320) at 1010°C. The carburized specimens were tested in the as-carburized condition using a RSCF machine designed and built at the Colorado School of Mines. The tests were conducted at 3.2 GPa nominal Hertzian contact stress, based on pure rolling, 100°C, and using a negative twenty percent slide ratio. Tests were conducted to pitting failure for each condition for a comparison of the average fatigue lives. Pure rolling tests were also conducted, and were suspended at the same number of cycles as the average RSCF life for a comparison of fatigue damage developed by RCF and RSCF. Incremental tests were suspended at 1,000, 10,000, 100,000, and 200,000 cycles for the vacuum carburized steels to evaluate the wear and damage developed during the initial cycles of RSCF testing and to relate the wear and damage to pitting resistance. Incremental damage was not investigated for gas carburizing due to the limited number of available specimens. The vacuum carburized samples showed a decreased pitting fatigue resistance over the gas carburized samples, possibly due to the presence of bainite in the vacuum carburized cases. Pitting was observed to initiate from surface micropitting and microcracking. A microstructural change induced by contact fatigue, butterflies, was shown to contribute to micropitting and microcracking. Incremental testing revealed that the formation of a microcrack preceded and was necessary for the formation of the butterfly features, and that the butterfly features developed between 10,000 and 100,000 cycles. The orientation and depth of butterfly formation was shown to be dependent upon the application of traction stresses from sliding. RSCF butterflies formed

  6. Identification of mycobacterium tuberculosis in sputum smear slide using automatic scanning microscope

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rulaningtyas, Riries; Suksmono, Andriyan B.; Mengko, Tati L. R.; Saptawati, Putri

    2015-04-01

    Sputum smear observation has an important role in tuberculosis (TB) disease diagnosis, because it needs accurate identification to avoid high errors diagnosis. In development countries, sputum smear slide observation is commonly done with conventional light microscope from Ziehl-Neelsen stained tissue and it doesn't need high cost to maintain the microscope. The clinicians do manual screening process for sputum smear slide which is time consuming and needs highly training to detect the presence of TB bacilli (mycobacterium tuberculosis) accurately, especially for negative slide and slide with less number of TB bacilli. For helping the clinicians, we propose automatic scanning microscope with automatic identification of TB bacilli. The designed system modified the field movement of light microscope with stepper motor which was controlled by microcontroller. Every sputum smear field was captured by camera. After that some image processing techniques were done for the sputum smear images. The color threshold was used for background subtraction with hue canal in HSV color space. Sobel edge detection algorithm was used for TB bacilli image segmentation. We used feature extraction based on shape for bacilli analyzing and then neural network classified TB bacilli or not. The results indicated identification of TB bacilli that we have done worked well and detected TB bacilli accurately in sputum smear slide with normal staining, but not worked well in over staining and less staining tissue slide. However, overall the designed system can help the clinicians in sputum smear observation becomes more easily.

  7. Revealing Grain Boundary Sliding from Textures of a Deformed Nanocrystalline Pd–Au Alloy

    PubMed Central

    Skrotzki, Werner; Zhao, Yajun; Pukenas, Aurimas; Birringer, Rainer

    2018-01-01

    Employing a recent modeling scheme for grain boundary sliding [Zhao et al. Adv. Eng. Mater. 2017, doi:10.1002/adem.201700212], crystallographic textures were simulated for nanocrystalline fcc metals deformed in shear compression. It is shown that, as grain boundary sliding increases, the texture strength decreases while the signature of the texture type remains the same. Grain boundary sliding affects the texture components differently with respect to intensity and angular position. A comparison of a simulation and an experiment on a Pd–10 atom % Au alloy with a 15 nm grain size reveals that, at room temperature, the predominant deformation mode is grain boundary sliding contributing to strain by about 60%. PMID:29370130

  8. Fast smooth second-order sliding mode control for systems with additive colored noises.

    PubMed

    Yang, Pengfei; Fang, Yangwang; Wu, Youli; Liu, Yunxia; Zhang, Danxu

    2017-01-01

    In this paper, a fast smooth second-order sliding mode control is presented for a class of stochastic systems with enumerable Ornstein-Uhlenbeck colored noises. The finite-time mean-square practical stability and finite-time mean-square practical reachability are first introduced. Instead of treating the noise as bounded disturbance, the stochastic control techniques are incorporated into the design of the controller. The finite-time convergence of the prescribed sliding variable dynamics system is proved by using stochastic Lyapunov-like techniques. Then the proposed sliding mode controller is applied to a second-order nonlinear stochastic system. Simulation results are presented comparing with smooth second-order sliding mode control to validate the analysis.

  9. Second-order sliding mode controller with model reference adaptation for automatic train operation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ganesan, M.; Ezhilarasi, D.; Benni, Jijo

    2017-11-01

    In this paper, a new approach to model reference based adaptive second-order sliding mode control together with adaptive state feedback is presented to control the longitudinal dynamic motion of a high speed train for automatic train operation with the objective of minimal jerk travel by the passengers. The nonlinear dynamic model for the longitudinal motion of the train comprises of a locomotive and coach subsystems is constructed using multiple point-mass model by considering the forces acting on the vehicle. An adaptation scheme using Lyapunov criterion is derived to tune the controller gains by considering a linear, stable reference model that ensures the stability of the system in closed loop. The effectiveness of the controller tracking performance is tested under uncertain passenger load, coupler-draft gear parameters, propulsion resistance coefficients variations and environmental disturbances due to side wind and wet rail conditions. The results demonstrate improved tracking performance of the proposed control scheme with a least jerk under maximum parameter uncertainties when compared to constant gain second-order sliding mode control.

  10. Clinical Utility of an Automated Instrument for Gram Staining Single Slides

    PubMed Central

    Baron, Ellen Jo; Mix, Samantha; Moradi, Wais

    2010-01-01

    Gram stains of 87 different clinical samples were prepared by the laboratory's conventional methods (automated or manual) and by a new single-slide-type automated staining instrument, GG&B AGS-1000. Gram stains from either heat- or methanol-fixed slides stained with the new instrument were easy to interpret, and results were essentially the same as those from the methanol-fixed slides prepared as a part of the routine workflow. This instrument is well suited to a rapid-response laboratory where Gram stain requests are commonly received on a stat basis. PMID:20410348

  11. Ice-like water supports hydration forces and eases sliding friction

    PubMed Central

    Dhopatkar, Nishad; Defante, Adrian P.; Dhinojwala, Ali

    2016-01-01

    The nature of interfacial water is critical in several natural processes, including the aggregation of lipids into the bilayer, protein folding, lubrication of synovial joints, and underwater gecko adhesion. The nanometer-thin water layer trapped between two surfaces has been identified to have properties that are very different from those of bulk water, but the molecular cause of such discrepancy is often undetermined. Using surface-sensitive sum frequency generation (SFG) spectroscopy, we discover a strongly coordinated water layer confined between two charged surfaces, formed by the adsorption of a cationic surfactant on the hydrophobic surfaces. By varying the adsorbed surfactant coverage and hence the surface charge density, we observe a progressively evolving water structure that minimizes the sliding friction only beyond the surfactant concentration needed for monolayer formation. At complete surfactant coverage, the strongly coordinated confined water results in hydration forces, sustains confinement and sliding pressures, and reduces dynamic friction. Observing SFG signals requires breakdown in centrosymmetry, and the SFG signal from two oppositely oriented surfactant monolayers cancels out due to symmetry. Surprisingly, we observe the SFG signal for the water confined between the two charged surfactant monolayers, suggesting that this interfacial water layer is noncentrosymmetric. The structure of molecules under confinement and its macroscopic manifestation on adhesion and friction have significance in many complicated interfacial processes prevalent in biology, chemistry, and engineering. PMID:27574706

  12. Rough viscoelastic sliding contact: Theory and experiments

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Carbone, G.; Putignano, C.

    2014-03-01

    In this paper, we show how the numerical theory introduced by the authors [Carbone and Putignano, J. Mech. Phys. Solids 61, 1822 (2013), 10.1016/j.jmps.2013.03.005] can be effectively employed to study the contact between viscoelastic rough solids. The huge numerical complexity is successfully faced up by employing the adaptive nonuniform mesh developed by the authors in Putignano et al. [J. Mech. Phys. Solids 60, 973 (2012), 10.1016/j.jmps.2012.01.006]. Results mark the importance of accounting for viscoelastic effects to correctly simulate the sliding rough contact. In detail, attention is, first, paid to evaluate the viscoelastic dissipation, i.e., the viscoelastic friction. Fixed the sliding speed and the normal load, friction is completely determined. Furthermore, since the methodology employed in the work allows to study contact between real materials, a comparison between experimental outcomes and numerical prediction in terms of viscoelastic friction is shown. The good agreement seems to validate—at least partially—the presented methodology. Finally, it is shown that viscoelasticity entails not only the dissipative effects previously outlined, but is also strictly related to the anisotropy of the contact solution. Indeed, a marked anisotropy is present in the contact region, which results stretched in the direction perpendicular to the sliding speed. In the paper, the anisotropy of the deformed surface and of the contact area is investigated and quantified.

  13. Preliminary evaluation of feeder and lint slide moisture addition on ginning, fiber quality, and textile processing of western cotton

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of moisture addition at the gin stand feeder conditioning hopper and/or the battery condenser slide on gin performance and Western cotton fiber quality and textile processing. The test treatments included no moisture addition, feeder hopper hum...

  14. Direct power control of DFIG wind turbine systems based on an intelligent proportional-integral sliding mode control.

    PubMed

    Li, Shanzhi; Wang, Haoping; Tian, Yang; Aitouch, Abdel; Klein, John

    2016-09-01

    This paper presents an intelligent proportional-integral sliding mode control (iPISMC) for direct power control of variable speed-constant frequency wind turbine system. This approach deals with optimal power production (in the maximum power point tracking sense) under several disturbance factors such as turbulent wind. This controller is made of two sub-components: (i) an intelligent proportional-integral module for online disturbance compensation and (ii) a sliding mode module for circumventing disturbance estimation errors. This iPISMC method has been tested on FAST/Simulink platform of a 5MW wind turbine system. The obtained results demonstrate that the proposed iPISMC method outperforms the classical PI and intelligent proportional-integral control (iPI) in terms of both active power and response time. Copyright © 2016 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  15. Adaptive sliding mode control for a class of chaotic systems

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

    Farid, R.; Ibrahim, A.; Zalam, B., E-mail: ramy5475@yahoo.com

    2015-03-30

    Chaos control here means to design a controller that is able to mitigating or eliminating the chaos behavior of nonlinear systems that experiencing such phenomenon. In this paper, an Adaptive Sliding Mode Controller (ASMC) is presented based on Lyapunov stability theory. The well known Chua's circuit is chosen to be our case study in this paper. The study shows the effectiveness of the proposed adaptive sliding mode controller.

  16. Tribological dry sliding behavior of chopped carbon fiber reinforced polyetheretherketone

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chumaevskii, A. V.; Ivanov, A. N.; Filippov, A. V.; Rubtsov, V. E.; Kolubaev, E. A.

    2017-12-01

    Tribological tests on 3D printed pure polyetheretherketone and carbon fiber reinforced polyetheretherketone samples were carried out. The negative effect of carbon fiber sticking out of the matrix on wear and sliding process stability was revealed. These fibers may be too long and oriented to the worn surface in a manner that prevents their removal by wear so that the worn surface becomes irregular and the sliding process instable.

  17. Cytopathology whole slide images and adaptive tutorials for postgraduate pathology trainees: a randomized crossover trial.

    PubMed

    Van Es, Simone L; Kumar, Rakesh K; Pryor, Wendy M; Salisbury, Elizabeth L; Velan, Gary M

    2015-09-01

    To determine whether cytopathology whole slide images and virtual microscopy adaptive tutorials aid learning by postgraduate trainees, we designed a randomized crossover trial to evaluate the quantitative and qualitative impact of whole slide images and virtual microscopy adaptive tutorials compared with traditional glass slide and textbook methods of learning cytopathology. Forty-three anatomical pathology registrars were recruited from Australia, New Zealand, and Malaysia. Online assessments were used to determine efficacy, whereas user experience and perceptions of efficiency were evaluated using online Likert scales and open-ended questions. Outcomes of online assessments indicated that, with respect to performance, learning with whole slide images and virtual microscopy adaptive tutorials was equivalent to using traditional methods. High-impact learning, efficiency, and equity of learning from virtual microscopy adaptive tutorials were strong themes identified in open-ended responses. Participants raised concern about the lack of z-axis capability in the cytopathology whole slide images, suggesting that delivery of z-stacked whole slide images online may be important for future educational development. In this trial, learning cytopathology with whole slide images and virtual microscopy adaptive tutorials was found to be as effective as and perceived as more efficient than learning from glass slides and textbooks. The use of whole slide images and virtual microscopy adaptive tutorials has the potential to provide equitable access to effective learning from teaching material of consistently high quality. It also has broader implications for continuing professional development and maintenance of competence and quality assurance in specialist practice. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  18. The Relationship of Revenue Dispersion to Several Indicators of Institutional Financial Conditions.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Taylor, Barbara A.

    The relationship between revenue dispersion and several indicators of financial condition in four-year colleges and universities was studied. Revenue dispersion is a measure of the diversity of institutional income sources. It was hypothesized that revenue dispersion would be positively related to financial condition, since variants on…

  19. Evaluating color performance of whole-slide imaging devices by multispectral-imaging of biological tissues

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Saleheen, Firdous; Badano, Aldo; Cheng, Wei-Chung

    2017-03-01

    The color reproducibility of two whole-slide imaging (WSI) devices was evaluated with biological tissue slides. Three tissue slides (human colon, skin, and kidney) were used to test a modern and a legacy WSI devices. The color truth of the tissue slides was obtained using a multispectral imaging system. The output WSI images were compared with the color truth to calculate the color difference for each pixel. A psychophysical experiment was also conducted to measure the perceptual color reproducibility (PCR) of the same slides with four subjects. The experiment results show that the mean color differences of the modern, legacy, and monochrome WSI devices are 10.94+/-4.19, 22.35+/-8.99, and 42.74+/-2.96 ▵E00, while their mean PCRs are 70.35+/-7.64%, 23.06+/-14.68%, and 0.91+/-1.01%, respectively.

  20. A fuzzy logic sliding mode controlled electronic differential for a direct wheel drive EV

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ozkop, Emre; Altas, Ismail H.; Okumus, H. Ibrahim; Sharaf, Adel M.

    2015-11-01

    In this study, a direct wheel drive electric vehicle based on an electronic differential system with a fuzzy logic sliding mode controller (FLSMC) is studied. The conventional sliding surface is modified using a fuzzy rule base to obtain fuzzy dynamic sliding surfaces by changing its slopes using the global error and its derivative in a fuzzy logic inference system. The controller is compared with proportional-integral-derivative (PID) and sliding mode controllers (SMCs), which are usually preferred to be used in industry. The proposed controller provides robustness and flexibility to direct wheel drive electric vehicles. The fuzzy logic sliding mode controller, electronic differential system and the overall electrical vehicle mechanism are modelled and digitally simulated by using the Matlab software. Simulation results show that the system with FLSMC has better efficiency and performance compared to those of PID and SMCs.

  1. Sliding Contact Bearings for Service to 700 C

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Sliney, Harold E.

    1996-01-01

    Cylindrical, sliding contact bearings made entirely of a self-lubricating powder metallurgy composite (PM212) or of super alloy shells lined with clad PM212 were tested in an oscillating mode at temperatures from 25 to 700 C. Tests of 100 hr duration or longer were conducted at a bearing unit load of 3.45 Mpa (500 psi). Shorter duration tests at various unit loads up to 24.1 Mpa (3500 psi) were also conducted. In comparison tests, bearings lubricated with PM212 had superior anti-wear characteristics compared to the baseline, unlubricated, super alloy bearings: no galling of PM212-lubricated bearings occurred, while severe surface damage including galling occurred, especially at high loads, during the baseline tests. A heat treatment procedure, which dimensionally stabilizes PM212 and thereby minimizes clearance changes during high temperature bearing operation, is described.

  2. Prediction Study on Anti-Slide Control of Railway Vehicle Based on RBF Neural Networks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yang, Lijun; Zhang, Jimin

    While railway vehicle braking, Anti-slide control system will detect operating status of each wheel-sets e.g. speed difference and deceleration etc. Once the detected value on some wheel-set is over pre-defined threshold, brake effort on such wheel-set will be adjusted automatically to avoid blocking. Such method takes effect on guarantee safety operation of vehicle and avoid wheel-set flatness, however it cannot adapt itself to the rail adhesion variation. While wheel-sets slide, the operating status is chaotic time series with certain law, and can be predicted with the law and experiment data in certain time. The predicted values can be used as the input reference signals of vehicle anti-slide control system, to judge and control the slide status of wheel-sets. In this article, the RBF neural networks is taken to predict wheel-set slide status in multi-step with weight vector adjusted based on online self-adaptive algorithm, and the center & normalizing parameters of active function of the hidden unit of RBF neural networks' hidden layer computed with K-means clustering algorithm. With multi-step prediction simulation, the predicted signal with appropriate precision can be used by anti-slide system to trace actively and adjust wheel-set slide tendency, so as to adapt to wheel-rail adhesion variation and reduce the risk of wheel-set blocking.

  3. Research on the Diesel Engine with Sliding Mode Variable Structure Theory

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ma, Zhexuan; Mao, Xiaobing; Cai, Le

    2018-05-01

    This study constructed the nonlinear mathematical model of the diesel engine high-pressure common rail (HPCR) system through two polynomial fitting which was treated as a kind of affine nonlinear system. Based on sliding-mode variable structure control (SMVSC) theory, a sliding-mode controller for affine nonlinear systems was designed for achieving the control of common rail pressure and the diesel engine’s rotational speed. Finally, on the simulation platform of MATLAB, the designed nonlinear HPCR system was simulated. The simulation results demonstrated that sliding-mode variable structure control algorithm shows favourable control performances which are overcoming the shortcomings of traditional PID control in overshoot, parameter adjustment, system precision, adjustment time and ascending time.

  4. Advanced Interval Type-2 Fuzzy Sliding Mode Control for Robot Manipulator.

    PubMed

    Hwang, Ji-Hwan; Kang, Young-Chang; Park, Jong-Wook; Kim, Dong W

    2017-01-01

    In this paper, advanced interval type-2 fuzzy sliding mode control (AIT2FSMC) for robot manipulator is proposed. The proposed AIT2FSMC is a combination of interval type-2 fuzzy system and sliding mode control. For resembling a feedback linearization (FL) control law, interval type-2 fuzzy system is designed. For compensating the approximation error between the FL control law and interval type-2 fuzzy system, sliding mode controller is designed, respectively. The tuning algorithms are derived in the sense of Lyapunov stability theorem. Two-link rigid robot manipulator with nonlinearity is used to test and the simulation results are presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed method that can control unknown system well.

  5. Preparations for Severe Winter Conditions by Emergency Health Personnel in Turkey.

    PubMed

    Calışkan, Cüneyt; Algan, Aysun; Koçak, Hüseyin; Biçer, Burcu Küçük; Sengelen, Meltem; Cakir, Banu

    2014-04-23

    Emergency and core ambulance personnel work under all environmental conditions, including severe weather condtions. We evaluated emergency medical personnel in Çanakkale, Turkey, for their degree of preparedness. A descriptive study was conducted in Çanakkale, Turkey, within 112 emergency service units and their 17 district stations. Surveys were developed to measure the level of preparedness for serious winter conditions that individual workers made for themselves, their homes, and their cars. Of the 167 survey participants, the mean age was 29.8 ± 7.9 years; 52.7% were women; more than half (54.75%) were emergency medical technicians; and 53.3% were married. Only 10.4% of those who heated their homes with natural gas had carbon monoxide detectors. Scores relating to household and individual preparation for severe winter conditions increased by participants' age (P < .003), being married (P < .000) and working in the city center (P < .021); and for men whose cars were equipped with tow ropes, extra clothing, and snow tires (P < .05). Absenteeism was higher for central-city personnel than district workers because they were less prepared for harsh winter conditions (P = .016). Many of the surveyed emergency health personel demonstrated insufficient preparations for serious winter conditions. To increase the safety and efficiency of emergency medical personnel, educational training programs should be rountinely conducted. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2014;0:1-4).

  6. XPS analysis of the effect of fillers on PTFE transfer film development in sliding contacts

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Blanchet, T. A.; Kennedy, F. E.; Jayne, D. T.

    1993-01-01

    The development of transfer films atop steel counterfaces in contact with unfilled and bronze-filled PTFE has been studied using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The sliding apparatus was contained within the vacuum of the analytical system, so the effects of the native oxide, hydrocarbon, and adsorbed gaseous surface layers of the steel upon the PTFE transfer behavior could be studied in situ. For both the filled and the unfilled PTFE, cleaner surfaces promoted greater amounts of transfer. Metal fluorides, which formed at the transfer film/counterface interface, were found solely in cases where the native oxide had been removed to expose the metallic surface prior to sliding. These fluorides also were found at clean metal/PTFE interfaces formed in the absence of frictional contact. A fraction of these fluorides resulted from irradiation damage inherent in XPS analysis. PTFE transfer films were found to build up with repeated sliding passes, by a process in which strands of transfer filled in the remaining counterface area. Under these reported test conditions, the transfer process is not expected to continue atop previously deposited transfer films. The bronze-filled composite generated greater amounts of transfer than the unfilled PTFE. The results are discussed relative to the observed increase in wear resistance imparted to PTFE by a broad range of inorganic fillers.

  7. Sensitivity study of the Storegga Slide tsunami using retrogressive and visco-plastic rheology models

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kim, Jihwan; Løvholt, Finn

    2016-04-01

    Enormous submarine landslides having volumes up to thousands of km3 and long run-out may cause tsunamis with widespread effects. Clay-rich landslides, such as Trænadjupet and Storegga offshore Norway commonly involve retrogressive mass and momentum release mechanisms that affect the tsunami generation. As a consequence, the failure mechanisms, soil parameters, and release rate of the retrogression are of importance for the tsunami generation. Previous attempts to model the tsunami generation due to retrogressive landslides are few, and limited to idealized conditions. Here, a visco-plastic model including additional effects such as remolding, time dependent mass release, and hydrodynamic resistance, is employed for simulating the Storegga Slide. As landslide strength parameters and their evolution in time are uncertain, it is necessary to conduct a sensitivity study to shed light on the tsunamigenic processes. The induced tsunami is simulated using Geoclaw. We also compare our tsunami simulations with recent analysis conducted using a pure retrogressive model for the landslide, as well as previously published results using a block model. The availability of paleotsunami run-up data and detailed slide deposits provides a suitable background for improved understanding of the slide mechanics and tsunami generation. The research leading to these results has received funding from the Research Council of Norway under grant number 231252 (Project TsunamiLand) and the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013) under grant agreement 603839 (Project ASTARTE).

  8. Influence of load and sliding velocity on wear resistance of solid-lubricant composites of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Panin, S. V.; Kornienko, L. A.; Buslovich, D. G.; Alexenko, V. O.; Ivanova, L. R.

    2017-12-01

    To determine the limits of the operation loading intervals appropriate for the use of solid lubricant UHMWPE composites in tribounits for mechanical engineering and medicine, the tribotechnical properties of UHMWPE blends with the optimum solid lubricant filler content (polytetrafluoroethylene, calcium stearate, molybdenum disulfide, colloidal graphite, boron nitride) are studied under dry sliding friction at different velocities (V = 0.3 and 0.5 m/s) and loads (P = 60 and 140 N). It is shown that the wear resistance of solid lubricant UHMWPE composites at moderate sliding velocities (V = 0.3 m/s) and loads (P = 60 N) increases 2-3 times in comparison with pure UHMWPE, while at high load P = 140 N wear resistance of both neat UHMWPE and its composites is reduced almost twice. At high sliding velocities and loads (up to P = 140 N), multiple increasing of the wear of pure UHMWPE and its composites takes place (by the factor of 5 to 10). The operational conditions of UHMWPE composites in tribounits in engineering and medicine are discussed.

  9. Estimating risk of debris slides after timber harvest in northwestern California

    Treesearch

    M. K. Neely; R. M. Rice

    1990-01-01

    Abstract - The risk of debris slides resulting from logging must often be appraised by foresters planning timber harvests. The Board of Forestry of the State of California commissioned the development of a Mass Movement Checklist to guide foresters making such appraisals. The classification accuracy of the Checklist, tested using 50 logging-related debris slides and 50...

  10. Drying induced upright sliding and reorganization of carbon nanotube arrays

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Qingwen; DePaula, Raymond; Zhang, Xiefei; Zheng, Lianxi; Arendt, Paul N.; Mueller, Fred M.; Zhu, Y. T.; Tu, Yi

    2006-09-01

    Driven by capillary force, wet carbon nanotube (CNT) arrays have been found to reorganize into cellular structures upon drying. During the reorganization process, individual CNTs are firmly attached to the substrate and have to lie down on the substrate at cell bottoms, forming closed cells. Here we demonstrate that by modifying catalyst structures, the adhesion of CNTs to the substrate can be weakened. Upon drying such CNT arrays, CNTs may slide away from their original sites on the surface and self-assemble into cellular patterns with bottoms open. It is also found that the sliding distance of CNTs increases with array height, and drying millimetre tall arrays leads to the sliding of CNTs over a few hundred micrometres and the eventual self-assembly into discrete islands. By introducing regular vacancies in CNT arrays, CNTs may be manipulated into different patterns.

  11. Preservation of Lantern Slides for Use in Today's Technology

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hillier, A. S.

    2007-10-01

    Lantern slides will keep a long time, which is a good quality for preservation. However, as I have found, they break. Unless there is a lantern slide projector available, there is no way to show these valuable assets to others. This poster will explain my project to bring these pictures to life, to use them in education projects, and to simply show a bit of history to an attentive audience. With today's technology they can be placed on computers and stored more easily and be a joy to all.

  12. Solving the chemical master equation using sliding windows

    PubMed Central

    2010-01-01

    Background The chemical master equation (CME) is a system of ordinary differential equations that describes the evolution of a network of chemical reactions as a stochastic process. Its solution yields the probability density vector of the system at each point in time. Solving the CME numerically is in many cases computationally expensive or even infeasible as the number of reachable states can be very large or infinite. We introduce the sliding window method, which computes an approximate solution of the CME by performing a sequence of local analysis steps. In each step, only a manageable subset of states is considered, representing a "window" into the state space. In subsequent steps, the window follows the direction in which the probability mass moves, until the time period of interest has elapsed. We construct the window based on a deterministic approximation of the future behavior of the system by estimating upper and lower bounds on the populations of the chemical species. Results In order to show the effectiveness of our approach, we apply it to several examples previously described in the literature. The experimental results show that the proposed method speeds up the analysis considerably, compared to a global analysis, while still providing high accuracy. Conclusions The sliding window method is a novel approach to address the performance problems of numerical algorithms for the solution of the chemical master equation. The method efficiently approximates the probability distributions at the time points of interest for a variety of chemically reacting systems, including systems for which no upper bound on the population sizes of the chemical species is known a priori. PMID:20377904

  13. Second-order sliding mode control for DFIG-based wind turbines fault ride-through capability enhancement.

    PubMed

    Benbouzid, Mohamed; Beltran, Brice; Amirat, Yassine; Yao, Gang; Han, Jingang; Mangel, Hervé

    2014-05-01

    This paper deals with the fault ride-through capability assessment of a doubly fed induction generator-based wind turbine using a high-order sliding mode control. Indeed, it has been recently suggested that sliding mode control is a solution of choice to the fault ride-through problem. In this context, this paper proposes a second-order sliding mode as an improved solution that handle the classical sliding mode chattering problem. Indeed, the main and attractive features of high-order sliding modes are robustness against external disturbances, the grids faults in particular, and chattering-free behavior (no extra mechanical stress on the wind turbine drive train). Simulations using the NREL FAST code on a 1.5-MW wind turbine are carried out to evaluate ride-through performance of the proposed high-order sliding mode control strategy in case of grid frequency variations and unbalanced voltage sags. Copyright © 2014 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. Sliding mode output feedback control based on tracking error observer with disturbance estimator.

    PubMed

    Xiao, Lingfei; Zhu, Yue

    2014-07-01

    For a class of systems who suffers from disturbances, an original output feedback sliding mode control method is presented based on a novel tracking error observer with disturbance estimator. The mathematical models of the systems are not required to be with high accuracy, and the disturbances can be vanishing or nonvanishing, while the bounds of disturbances are unknown. By constructing a differential sliding surface and employing reaching law approach, a sliding mode controller is obtained. On the basis of an extended disturbance estimator, a creative tracking error observer is produced. By using the observation of tracking error and the estimation of disturbance, the sliding mode controller is implementable. It is proved that the disturbance estimation error and tracking observation error are bounded, the sliding surface is reachable and the closed-loop system is robustly stable. The simulations on a servomotor positioning system and a five-degree-of-freedom active magnetic bearings system verify the effect of the proposed method. Copyright © 2014 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  15. Review of the current state of whole slide imaging in pathology

    PubMed Central

    Pantanowitz, Liron; Valenstein, Paul N.; Evans, Andrew J.; Kaplan, Keith J.; Pfeifer, John D.; Wilbur, David C.; Collins, Laura C.; Colgan, Terence J.

    2011-01-01

    Whole slide imaging (WSI), or “virtual” microscopy, involves the scanning (digitization) of glass slides to produce “digital slides”. WSI has been advocated for diagnostic, educational and research purposes. When used for remote frozen section diagnosis, WSI requires a thorough implementation period coupled with trained support personnel. Adoption of WSI for rendering pathologic diagnoses on a routine basis has been shown to be successful in only a few “niche” applications. Wider adoption will most likely require full integration with the laboratory information system, continuous automated scanning, high-bandwidth connectivity, massive storage capacity, and more intuitive user interfaces. Nevertheless, WSI has been reported to enhance specific pathology practices, such as scanning slides received in consultation or of legal cases, of slides to be used for patient care conferences, for quality assurance purposes, to retain records of slides to be sent out or destroyed by ancillary testing, and for performing digital image analysis. In addition to technical issues, regulatory and validation requirements related to WSI have yet to be adequately addressed. Although limited validation studies have been published using WSI there are currently no standard guidelines for validating WSI for diagnostic use in the clinical laboratory. This review addresses the current status of WSI in pathology related to regulation and validation, the provision of remote and routine pathologic diagnoses, educational uses, implementation issues, and the cost-benefit analysis of adopting WSI in routine clinical practice. PMID:21886892

  16. Robust adaptive sliding mode control for uncertain systems with unknown time-varying delay input.

    PubMed

    Benamor, Anouar; Messaoud, Hassani

    2018-05-02

    This article focuses on robust adaptive sliding mode control law for uncertain discrete systems with unknown time-varying delay input, where the uncertainty is assumed unknown. The main results of this paper are divided into three phases. In the first phase, we propose a new sliding surface is derived within the Linear Matrix Inequalities (LMIs). In the second phase, using the new sliding surface, the novel Robust Sliding Mode Control (RSMC) is proposed where the upper bound of uncertainty is supposed known. Finally, the novel approach of Robust Adaptive Sliding ModeControl (RASMC) has been defined for this type of systems, where the upper limit of uncertainty which is assumed unknown. In this new approach, we have estimate the upper limit of uncertainties and we have determined the control law based on a sliding surface that will converge to zero. This novel control laws are been validated in simulation on an uncertain numerical system with good results and comparative study. This efficiency is emphasized through the application of the new controls on the two physical systems which are the process trainer PT326 and hydraulic system two tanks. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  17. Effect of distribution of striated laser hardening tracks on dry sliding wear resistance of biomimetic surface

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Su, Wei; Zhou, Ti; Zhang, Peng; Zhou, Hong; Li, Hui

    2018-01-01

    Some biological surfaces were proved to have excellent anti-wear performance. Being inspired, Nd:YAG pulsed laser was used to create striated biomimetic laser hardening tracks on medium carbon steel samples. Dry sliding wear tests biomimetic samples were performed to investigate specific influence of distribution of laser hardening tracks on sliding wear resistance of biomimetic samples. After comparing wear weight loss of biomimetic samples, quenched sample and untreated sample, it can be suggested that the sample covered with dense laser tracks (3.5 mm spacing) has lower wear weight loss than the one covered with sparse laser tracks (4.5 mm spacing); samples distributed with only dense laser tracks or sparse laser tracks (even distribution) were proved to have better wear resistance than samples distributed with both dense and sparse tracks (uneven distribution). Wear mechanisms indicate that laser track and exposed substrate of biomimetic sample can be regarded as hard zone and soft zone respectively. Inconsecutive striated hard regions, on the one hand, can disperse load into small branches, on the other hand, will hinder sliding abrasives during wear. Soft regions with small range are beneficial in consuming mechanical energy and storing lubricative oxides, however, soft zone with large width (>0.5 mm) will be harmful to abrasion resistance of biomimetic sample because damages and material loss are more obvious on surface of soft phase. As for the reason why samples with even distributed bionic laser tracks have better wear resistance, it can be explained by the fact that even distributed laser hardening tracks can inhibit severe worn of local regions, thus sliding process can be more stable and wear extent can be alleviated as well.

  18. Gender differences in offaxis neuromuscular control during stepping under a slippery condition.

    PubMed

    Lee, Song Joo; Ren, Yupeng; Geiger, François; Zhang, Li-Qun

    2013-11-01

    Females are at greater risks of musculoskeletal injuries than are males, which may be related to decreased neuromuscular control in axial and/or frontal planes, offaxis neuromuscular control. The objective of this study was to investigate gender differences in offaxis neuromuscular control during stepping under a slippery condition. Forty-three healthy subjects (21 males and 22 females) performed different stepping tasks under a slippery condition, namely, free pivoting task (FPT) to control axial plane pivoting, free sliding task (FST) to control frontal plane sliding, and free pivoting and sliding task (FPST) to control axial pivoting, and frontal sliding on a custom-made offaxis elliptical trainer. Compared to males, females showed significantly higher pivoting instability, higher max internal and external pivoting angles, higher mean max medial and lateral sliding distance, and higher entropy of time to peak EMG in the medial and lateral gastrocnemius muscles during the FPST and higher entropy of time to peak EMG in the lateral gastrocnemius muscle during the FPT and FST. The findings may help us understand potential injury risk factors associated with gender differences, and provide a basis for developing targeted neuromuscular training to improve offaxis neuromuscular control, and reduce musculoskeletal injuries associated with excessive offaxis loadings.

  19. Comparison of four DNA extraction methods for the detection of Mycobacterium leprae from Ziehl-Neelsen-stained microscopic slides.

    PubMed

    Ruiz-Fuentes, Jenny Laura; Díaz, Alexis; Entenza, Anayma Elena; Frión, Yahima; Suárez, Odelaisy; Torres, Pedro; de Armas, Yaxsier; Acosta, Lucrecia

    2015-12-01

    The diagnosis of leprosy has been a challenge due to the low sensibility of the conventional methods and the impossibility of culturing the causative organism. In this study, four methods for Mycobacterium leprae nucleic-acid extraction from Ziehl-Neelsen-stained slides (ZNS slides) were compared: Phenol/chloroform, Chelex 100 resin, and two commercial kits (Wizard Genomic DNA Purification Kit and QIAamp DNA Mini Kit). DNA was extracted from four groups of slides: a high-codification-slide group (bacteriological index [BI]⩾4), a low-codification-slide group (BI=1), a negative-slide group (BI=0), and a negative-control-slide group (BI=0). Quality DNA was evidenced by the amplification of specific repetitive element present in M. leprae genomic DNA (RLEP) using a nested polymerase chain reaction. This is the first report comparing four different extraction methods for obtaining M. leprae DNA from ZNS slides in Cuban patients, and applied in molecular diagnosis. Good-quality DNA and positive amplification were detected in the high-codification-slide group with the four methods, while from the low-codification-slide group only the QIAGEN and phenol-chloroform methods obtained amplification of M. leprae. In the negative-slide group, only the QIAGEN method was able to obtain DNA with sufficient quality for positive amplification of the RLEP region. No amplification was observed in the negative-control-slide group by any method. Patients with ZNS negative slides can still transmit the infection, and molecular methods can help identify and treat them, interrupting the chain of transmission and preventing the onset of disabilities. The ZNS slides can be sent easily to reference laboratories for later molecular analysis that can be useful not only to improve the diagnosis, but also for the application of other molecular techniques. Copyright © 2015 Asian-African Society for Mycobacteriology. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  20. Scanning electron microscope study of polytetrafluoroethylene sliding on aluminum single crystals

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Brainard, W. A.; Buckley, D. H.

    1973-01-01

    Friction experiments were conducted in air with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) sliding on aluminum single crystals. Mechanical scoring of the crystals with (110) and (100) orientations was observed with a single pass of the PTFE slider. No scoring was observed on the (111). The degree of scoring of the crystals is related to the hardness, with the hardest surface (111) showing no damage and the softest surface (110) showing the most severe scoring. Scoring is caused by work-hardened pieces of aluminum which, as a consequence of the adhesion between PTFE and aluminum, were pulled out of the bulk and became embedded in the PTFE polymer.

  1. WEBSLIDE: A "Virtual" Slide Projector Based on World Wide Web

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Barra, Maria; Ferrandino, Salvatore; Scarano, Vittorio

    1999-03-01

    We present here the design key concepts of WEBSLIDE, a software project whose objective is to provide a simple, cheap and efficient solution for showing slides during lessons in computer labs. In fact, WEBSLIDE allows the video monitors of several client machines (the "STUDENTS") to be synchronously updated by the actions of a particular client machine, called the "INSTRUCTOR." The system is based on the World Wide Web and the software components of WEBSLIDE mainly consists in a WWW server, browsers and small Cgi-Bill scripts. What makes WEBSLIDE particularly appealing for small educational institutions is that WEBSLIDE is built with "off the shelf" products: it does not involve using a specifically designed program but any Netscape browser, one of the most popular browsers available on the market, is sufficient. Another possible use is to use our system to implement "guided automatic tours" through several pages or Intranets internal news bulletins: the company Web server can broadcast to all employees relevant information on their browser.

  2. Morphological study on the prediction of the site of surface slides

    Treesearch

    Hiromasa Hiura

    1991-01-01

    The annual continual occurrence of surface slides in the basin was estimated by modifying the estimation formula of Yoshimatsu. The Weibull Distribution Function revealed to be usefull for presenting the state and the transition of surface slides in the basin. Three parameters of the Weibull Function are recognized to be the linear function of the area ratio a/A. The...

  3. Development of a standardized testing system for orthodontic sliding mechanics.

    PubMed

    Fathimani, Maryam; Melenka, Garrett W; Romanyk, Dan L; Toogood, Roger W; Heo, Giseon; Carey, Jason P; Major, Paul W

    2015-01-01

    The primary objective of this study was to develop a computer-controlled three-dimensional friction measuring system, the orthodontic friction simulator (OFS). A clinically-based in vitro experiment considering wet and dry friction for conventionally and self-ligated brackets is presented to elucidate debate surrounding sliding mechanics and illustrate capabilities of the OFS. The OFS was designed and manufactured using sound engineering principles and with the primary concern of being able to measure all forces and moments generated during sliding mechanics. This required the implementation of a six-axis load cell. A variety of translation and rotation stages were also incorporated to allow for precise positioning of the bracket relative to the archwire. Once designed and built, the OFS was then used to compare conventional and self-ligation methods in both the wet and dry state. Damon Q brackets and 0.018″ × 0.025″ stainless steel wires were used for all tests with a sample size of n = 65 for each ligation method. Archwires were pulled at a speed of 0.1 mm/s in 11 increments of 0.1 mm. At each increment, the bracket would be rotated 0.5° resulting in a total archwire travel of 1.1 mm and a second-order bracket angle range of 0°-5°. A repeated measures ANOVA was conducted to determine if ligation method and/or addition of moisture effected resulting orthodontic loads. The developed equipment for studying orthodontic sliding mechanics was able to measure forces and moments in all three directions; a capability not previously realized in the literature. Additionally, it was found that passive ligation significantly reduced resistance to sliding, P ≤ 0.05, while the dry/wet state did not. The OFS certainly proved to be an adequate instrument for the scientific evaluation of orthodontic sliding mechanics. It is capable of measuring loads generated in all directions and is a fully automated apparatus allowing for simple and repeatable friction

  4. Chattering-Free Sliding Mode Control with Unmodeled Dynamics

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Krupp, Don; Shtessel, Yuri B.

    1999-01-01

    Sliding mode control systems are valued for their robust accommodation of uncertainties and their ability to reject disturbances. In this paper, a design methodology is proposed to eliminate the chattering phenomenon affecting sliding mode controlled plants with input unmodeled actuator dynamics of second order or greater. The proposed controller design is based on the relative degrees of the plant and the unmodeled actuator dynamics and the ranges of the uncertainties of the plant and actuator. The controller utilizes the pass filter characteristics of the physical actuating device to provide a smoothing effect on the discontinuous control signal rather than introducing any artificial dynamics into the controller design thus eliminating chattering in the system's output response.

  5. Vibration suppression in flexible structures via the sliding-mode control approach

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Drakunov, S.; Oezguener, Uemit

    1994-01-01

    Sliding mode control became very popular recently because it makes the closed loop system highly insensitive to external disturbances and parameter variations. Sliding algorithms for flexible structures have been used previously, but these were based on finite-dimensional models. An extension of this approach for differential-difference systems is obtained. That makes if possible to apply sliding-mode control algorithms to the variety of nondispersive flexible structures which can be described as differential-difference systems. The main idea of using this technique for dispersive structures is to reduce the order of the controlled part of the system by applying an integral transformation. We can say that transformation 'absorbs' the dispersive properties of the flexible structure as the controlled part becomes dispersive.

  6. Fire severity and tree regeneration following bark beetle outbreaks: the role of outbreak stage and burning conditions.

    PubMed

    Harvey, Brian J; Donato, Daniel C; Romme, William H; Turner, Monica G

    The degree to which recent bark beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) outbreaks may influence fire severity and postfire tree regeneration is of heightened interest to resource managers throughout western North America, but empirical data on actual fire effects are lacking. Outcomes may depend on burning conditions (i.e., weather during fire), outbreak severity, or intervals between outbreaks and subsequent fire. We studied recent fires that burned through green-attack/red-stage (outbreaks <3 years before fire) and gray-stage (outbreaks 3–15 years before fire) subalpine forests dominated by lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia) in Greater Yellowstone, Wyoming, USA, to determine if fire severity was linked to prefire beetle outbreak severity and whether these two disturbances produced compound ecological effects on postfire tree regeneration. With field data from 143 postfire plots that burned under different conditions, we assessed canopy and surface fire severity, and postfire tree seedling density against prefire outbreak severity. In the green-attack/red stage, several canopy fire-severity measures increased with prefire outbreak severity under moderate burning conditions. Under extreme conditions, few fire-severity measures were related to prefire outbreak severity, and effect sizes were of marginal biological significance. The percentage of tree stems and basal area killed by fire increased with more green-attack vs. red-stage trees (i.e., the earliest stages of outbreak). In the gray stage, by contrast, most fire-severity measures declined with increasing outbreak severity under moderate conditions, and fire severity was unrelated to outbreak severity under extreme burning conditions. Postfire lodgepole pine seedling regeneration was unrelated to prefire outbreak severity in either post-outbreak stage, but increased with prefire serotiny. Results suggest bark beetle outbreaks can affect fire severity in subalpine forests under moderate burning

  7. The triggering factors of the Móafellshyrna debris slide in northern Iceland: intense precipitation, earthquake activity and thawing of mountain permafrost

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Saemundsson, Thorsteinn; Morino, Costanza; Kristinn Helgason, Jón; Conway, Susan J.; Pétursson, Halldór G.

    2017-04-01

    On the 20th of September in 2012, a large debris slide occurred in the Móafellshyrna Mountain in the Tröllaskagi peninsula, central north Iceland. Three factors are likely to have contributed to the failure of the slope: intense precipitation, earthquake activity and thawing of ground ice. The weather conditions prior the slide were somewhat unusual, with a warm and dry summer. From the 20th of August to the 20th of September, about 440 mm of precipitation fell in the area, where the mean annual precipitation at the nearest station is around 670 mm. The slide initiated after this thirty day period of intense precipitation, followed by a seismic sequence in the Eyjafjarðaráll graben, located about 60 km NNE of Móafellshyrna Mountain, a sequence that started on the 19th of September. The slide originated at elevation of 870 m a.s.l. on the NW-slope of the mountain. The total volume of the debris slide is estimated around 500,000 m3 and that its primary cause was intense precipitation. We cannot exclude the influence of the seismic sequence as a secondary contributing factor. The presence of ice-cemented blocks of talus immediately after the debris slide shows that thawing of ground ice could also have played an important role as a triggering factor. Ice-cemented blocks of talus have been observed in the deposits of two other recent landslides in northern Iceland, in the Torfufell Mountain and the Árnesfjall Mountain. The source areas for both the Móafellshyrna and the Torfufell slides are within the lower elevation limit of mountain permafrost in northern Iceland but the source area of the Árnesfjall slide is at much lower elevation, around 350 m a.s.l. The fact that there are now three documented landslides which are linked to ground ice-melting suggests that discontinuous permafrost is degrading in Iceland, consistent with the decadal trend of increasing atmospheric temperature in Iceland due to climate change. This study highlights that ground ice thaw

  8. Diagnosis of major cancer resection specimens with virtual slides: impact of a novel digital pathology workstation.

    PubMed

    Randell, Rebecca; Ruddle, Roy A; Thomas, Rhys G; Mello-Thoms, Claudia; Treanor, Darren

    2014-10-01

    Digital pathology promises a number of benefits in efficiency in surgical pathology, yet the longer time required to review a virtual slide than a glass slide currently represents a significant barrier to the routine use of digital pathology. We aimed to create a novel workstation that enables pathologists to view a case as quickly as on the conventional microscope. The Leeds Virtual Microscope (LVM) was evaluated using a mixed factorial experimental design. Twelve consultant pathologists took part, each viewing one long cancer case (12-25 slides) on the LVM and one on a conventional microscope. Total time taken and diagnostic confidence were similar for the microscope and LVM, as was the mean slide viewing time. On the LVM, participants spent a significantly greater proportion of the total task time viewing slides and revisited slides more often. The unique design of the LVM, enabling real-time rendering of virtual slides while providing users with a quick and intuitive way to navigate within and between slides, makes use of digital pathology in routine practice a realistic possibility. With further practice with the system, diagnostic efficiency on the LVM is likely to increase yet more. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  9. Student Teachers' Evaluations of Slides of Children with Down Syndrome: Impact of Facial Plastic Surgery, Labelling and Factual Knowledge.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Elkabetz, R.; And Others

    1990-01-01

    This study examined the impact of facial plastic surgery, labeling (mentally retarded, normal, Down's syndrome), and level of knowledge of Down's syndrome on 127 student teachers' evaluations of slides of persons with such characteristics. Although there was no overall significant main effect for the pre-post operation condition, there was a…

  10. Sliding mode control method having terminal convergence in finite time

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Venkataraman, Subramanian T. (Inventor); Gulati, Sandeep (Inventor)

    1994-01-01

    An object of this invention is to provide robust nonlinear controllers for robotic operations in unstructured environments based upon a new class of closed loop sliding control methods, sometimes denoted terminal sliders, where the new class will enforce closed-loop control convergence to equilibrium in finite time. Improved performance results from the elimination of high frequency control switching previously employed for robustness to parametric uncertainties. Improved performance also results from the dependence of terminal slider stability upon the rate of change of uncertainties over the sliding surface rather than the magnitude of the uncertainty itself for robust control. Terminal sliding mode control also yields improved convergence where convergence time is finite and is to be controlled. A further object is to apply terminal sliders to robot manipulator control and benchmark performance with the traditional computed torque control method and provide for design of control parameters.

  11. Exploring virtual reality technology and the Oculus Rift for the examination of digital pathology slides.

    PubMed

    Farahani, Navid; Post, Robert; Duboy, Jon; Ahmed, Ishtiaque; Kolowitz, Brian J; Krinchai, Teppituk; Monaco, Sara E; Fine, Jeffrey L; Hartman, Douglas J; Pantanowitz, Liron

    2016-01-01

    Digital slides obtained from whole slide imaging (WSI) platforms are typically viewed in two dimensions using desktop personal computer monitors or more recently on mobile devices. To the best of our knowledge, we are not aware of any studies viewing digital pathology slides in a virtual reality (VR) environment. VR technology enables users to be artificially immersed in and interact with a computer-simulated world. Oculus Rift is among the world's first consumer-targeted VR headsets, intended primarily for enhanced gaming. Our aim was to explore the use of the Oculus Rift for examining digital pathology slides in a VR environment. An Oculus Rift Development Kit 2 (DK2) was connected to a 64-bit computer running Virtual Desktop software. Glass slides from twenty randomly selected lymph node cases (ten with benign and ten malignant diagnoses) were digitized using a WSI scanner. Three pathologists reviewed these digital slides on a 27-inch 5K display and with the Oculus Rift after a 2-week washout period. Recorded endpoints included concordance of final diagnoses and time required to examine slides. The pathologists also rated their ease of navigation, image quality, and diagnostic confidence for both modalities. There was 90% diagnostic concordance when reviewing WSI using a 5K display and Oculus Rift. The time required to examine digital pathology slides on the 5K display averaged 39 s (range 10-120 s), compared to 62 s with the Oculus Rift (range 15-270 s). All pathologists confirmed that digital pathology slides were easily viewable in a VR environment. The ratings for image quality and diagnostic confidence were higher when using the 5K display. Using the Oculus Rift DK2 to view and navigate pathology whole slide images in a virtual environment is feasible for diagnostic purposes. However, image resolution using the Oculus Rift device was limited. Interactive VR technologies such as the Oculus Rift are novel tools that may be of use in digital pathology.

  12. Exploring virtual reality technology and the Oculus Rift for the examination of digital pathology slides

    PubMed Central

    Farahani, Navid; Post, Robert; Duboy, Jon; Ahmed, Ishtiaque; Kolowitz, Brian J.; Krinchai, Teppituk; Monaco, Sara E.; Fine, Jeffrey L.; Hartman, Douglas J.; Pantanowitz, Liron

    2016-01-01

    Background: Digital slides obtained from whole slide imaging (WSI) platforms are typically viewed in two dimensions using desktop personal computer monitors or more recently on mobile devices. To the best of our knowledge, we are not aware of any studies viewing digital pathology slides in a virtual reality (VR) environment. VR technology enables users to be artificially immersed in and interact with a computer-simulated world. Oculus Rift is among the world's first consumer-targeted VR headsets, intended primarily for enhanced gaming. Our aim was to explore the use of the Oculus Rift for examining digital pathology slides in a VR environment. Methods: An Oculus Rift Development Kit 2 (DK2) was connected to a 64-bit computer running Virtual Desktop software. Glass slides from twenty randomly selected lymph node cases (ten with benign and ten malignant diagnoses) were digitized using a WSI scanner. Three pathologists reviewed these digital slides on a 27-inch 5K display and with the Oculus Rift after a 2-week washout period. Recorded endpoints included concordance of final diagnoses and time required to examine slides. The pathologists also rated their ease of navigation, image quality, and diagnostic confidence for both modalities. Results: There was 90% diagnostic concordance when reviewing WSI using a 5K display and Oculus Rift. The time required to examine digital pathology slides on the 5K display averaged 39 s (range 10–120 s), compared to 62 s with the Oculus Rift (range 15–270 s). All pathologists confirmed that digital pathology slides were easily viewable in a VR environment. The ratings for image quality and diagnostic confidence were higher when using the 5K display. Conclusion: Using the Oculus Rift DK2 to view and navigate pathology whole slide images in a virtual environment is feasible for diagnostic purposes. However, image resolution using the Oculus Rift device was limited. Interactive VR technologies such as the Oculus Rift are novel tools

  13. Slide Esophagoplasty vs End-to-End Anastomosis for Recalcitrant Esophageal Stricture after Esophageal Atresia Repair.

    PubMed

    Kamran, Ali; Smithers, Charles J; Manfredi, Michael A; Hamilton, Thomas E; Ngo, Peter D; Zurakowski, David; Jennings, Russell W

    2018-06-01

    Anastomotic stricture is a common complication after esophageal atresia (EA) repair. Patients with a recalcitrant stricture may require surgical intervention. The technique of reanastomosis after stricture resection can affect patient outcomes. Patients with EA who underwent anastomotic stricture resection, from July 2010 to February 2017, were reviewed. After stricture resection, patients who had slide esophagoplasty performed were compared with those having conventional end-to-end anastomosis. Fifty patients underwent stricture repair surgery by slide esophagoplasty (n = 12) or end-to-end (n = 38) anastomosis technique at a median age of 14 months (interquartile range [IQR] 6 to 23 months). Significantly fewer patients required dilation therapy after slide esophagoplasty: 6 of 12 (50%) compared with 32 of 38 (84%) in the end-to-end group (p = 0.02). The number of dilation sessions was significantly lower in the slide group vs the end-to-end (p = 0.004) group, with a risk ratio confirming the approximately half the number of dilations for the slide approach (risk ratio 0.57, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.86). Steroid injection was combined with dilation in 3 of 12 (25%) vs 22 of 38 (58%) in the slide and end-to-end groups, respectively (p = 0.10). Stent placement was used in none of slide cases vs 8 of 38 (21%) in the end-to-end group (p = 0.17). Stricture incision was performed in 1 of 12 (8%) in the slide group and 11 of 38 (29%) in the end-to-end group (p = 0.25). There were leak complications in fewer patients after slide esophagoplasty compared with end-to-end anastomosis: 1 of 12 (8%) vs 8 of 38 (21%) (p = 0.43). Slide esophagoplasty may be a useful technique of anastomotic configuration for selected patients with recalcitrant esophageal stricture, offering more favorable outcomes compared with end-to-end anastomosis. Copyright © 2017 American College of Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. Visualization of the wake behind a sliding bubble

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    O'Reilly Meehan, R.; Grennan, K.; Davis, I.; Nolan, K.; Murray, D. B.

    2017-10-01

    In this work, Schlieren measurements are presented for the wake of an air bubble sliding under a heated, inclined surface in quiescent water to provide new insights into the intricate sliding bubble wake structure and the associated convective cooling process. This is a two-phase flow configuration that is pertinent to thermal management solutions, where the fundamental flow physics have yet to be fully described. In this work, we present an experimental apparatus that enables high-quality Schlieren images for different bubble sizes and measurement planes. By combining these visualizations with an advanced bubble tracking technique, we can simultaneously quantify the symbiotic relationship that exists between the sliding bubble dynamics and its associated wake. An unstable, dynamic wake structure is revealed, consisting of multiple hairpin-shaped vortex structures interacting within the macroscopic area affected by the bubble. As vorticity is generated in the near wake, the bubble shape is observed to recoil and rebound. This also occurs normal to the surface and is particularly noticeable for larger bubble sizes, with a periodic ejection of material from the near wake corresponding to significant shape changes. These findings, along with their implications from a thermal management perspective, provide information on the rich dynamics of this natural flow that cannot be obtained using alternate experimental techniques.

  15. A Locally Adaptive Regularization Based on Anisotropic Diffusion for Deformable Image Registration of Sliding Organs

    PubMed Central

    Pace, Danielle F.; Aylward, Stephen R.; Niethammer, Marc

    2014-01-01

    We propose a deformable image registration algorithm that uses anisotropic smoothing for regularization to find correspondences between images of sliding organs. In particular, we apply the method for respiratory motion estimation in longitudinal thoracic and abdominal computed tomography scans. The algorithm uses locally adaptive diffusion tensors to determine the direction and magnitude with which to smooth the components of the displacement field that are normal and tangential to an expected sliding boundary. Validation was performed using synthetic, phantom, and 14 clinical datasets, including the publicly available DIR-Lab dataset. We show that motion discontinuities caused by sliding can be effectively recovered, unlike conventional regularizations that enforce globally smooth motion. In the clinical datasets, target registration error showed improved accuracy for lung landmarks compared to the diffusive regularization. We also present a generalization of our algorithm to other sliding geometries, including sliding tubes (e.g., needles sliding through tissue, or contrast agent flowing through a vessel). Potential clinical applications of this method include longitudinal change detection and radiotherapy for lung or abdominal tumours, especially those near the chest or abdominal wall. PMID:23899632

  16. A locally adaptive regularization based on anisotropic diffusion for deformable image registration of sliding organs.

    PubMed

    Pace, Danielle F; Aylward, Stephen R; Niethammer, Marc

    2013-11-01

    We propose a deformable image registration algorithm that uses anisotropic smoothing for regularization to find correspondences between images of sliding organs. In particular, we apply the method for respiratory motion estimation in longitudinal thoracic and abdominal computed tomography scans. The algorithm uses locally adaptive diffusion tensors to determine the direction and magnitude with which to smooth the components of the displacement field that are normal and tangential to an expected sliding boundary. Validation was performed using synthetic, phantom, and 14 clinical datasets, including the publicly available DIR-Lab dataset. We show that motion discontinuities caused by sliding can be effectively recovered, unlike conventional regularizations that enforce globally smooth motion. In the clinical datasets, target registration error showed improved accuracy for lung landmarks compared to the diffusive regularization. We also present a generalization of our algorithm to other sliding geometries, including sliding tubes (e.g., needles sliding through tissue, or contrast agent flowing through a vessel). Potential clinical applications of this method include longitudinal change detection and radiotherapy for lung or abdominal tumours, especially those near the chest or abdominal wall.

  17. Detailed analysis of the Valdes slide: a landward facing slope failure off Chile

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Anasetti, Andrea; Krastel, Sebastian; Weinrebe, Willy; Klaucke, Ingo; Bialas, Jorge

    2010-05-01

    The Chilean continental margin is a very active area interested by important tectonic movements and characterized by a fast morphological evolution. Geophysical data acquired during cruise JC 23, aboard RV JAMES COOK in March/April 2008 and previous cruises cover most of the active Chilean continental margin between 33° and 37° S. Integrated interpretation of multi-beam bathymetric, sub-bottom profiles, side-scan sonar and seismic data allowed the identification of a number of slope failures. The main topic of this project is the morphological and sedimentological analysis of the Valdes slide, a medium-sized submarine landslide offshore the city of Talcahuano (300 km south of Santiago). In contrast to most other slides along continental margins, the Valdes slide is located on the landward facing eastern slope of a submarine ridge. This setting has important implications for the associated tsunami wave field (first arrival of positive amplitude). We measured geometrical parameters of the failure and adjacent slope. The slide affected an area of 19 km2 between ~1060 m and >1700 m water depths. Its is ~ 6 km long, up to 3 km wide and involved a total sedimentary volume of about 0,8 km3. The failure process was characterized by a multiple-event and we assume its tsunami potential to be high. Using the high resolution bathymetric data and the seismic profiles along the slide deposit it was possible to reconstruct the original morphology of the area in order to understand the relation between the slide event and the structural evolution of the ridge. Through the analysis of the data and bibliographic information about the Chilean margin, we analyzed potential trigger mechanisms for the landslide. The Valdes slide is situated on a steep ridge flank. The ridge follows an elongated fault zone running app. parallel to the margin. This fault zone has a dextral component which in combination with the faults elongation results in a compressional regime that is superimposed on

  18. Note: A rigid piezo motor with large output force and an effective method to reduce sliding friction force.

    PubMed

    Guo, Ying; Hou, Yubin; Lu, Qingyou

    2014-05-01

    We present a completely practical TunaDrive piezo motor. It consists of a central piezo stack sandwiched by two arm piezo stacks and two leg piezo stacks, respectively, which is then sandwiched and spring-clamped by a pair of parallel polished sapphire rods. It works by alternatively fast expanding and contracting the arm/leg stacks while slowly expanding/contracting the central stack simultaneously. The key point is that sufficiently fast expanding and contracting a limb stack can make its two sliding friction forces well cancel, resulting in the total sliding friction force is <10% of the total static friction force, which can help increase output force greatly. The piezo motor's high compactness, precision, and output force make it perfect in building a high-quality harsh-condition (vibration resistant) atomic resolution scanning probe microscope.

  19. Detecting brain tumor in pathological slides using hyperspectral imaging

    PubMed Central

    Ortega, Samuel; Fabelo, Himar; Camacho, Rafael; de la Luz Plaza, María; Callicó, Gustavo M.; Sarmiento, Roberto

    2018-01-01

    Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is an emerging technology for medical diagnosis. This research work presents a proof-of-concept on the use of HSI data to automatically detect human brain tumor tissue in pathological slides. The samples, consisting of hyperspectral cubes collected from 400 nm to 1000 nm, were acquired from ten different patients diagnosed with high-grade glioma. Based on the diagnosis provided by pathologists, a spectral library of normal and tumor tissues was created and processed using three different supervised classification algorithms. Results prove that HSI is a suitable technique to automatically detect high-grade tumors from pathological slides. PMID:29552415

  20. Detecting brain tumor in pathological slides using hyperspectral imaging.

    PubMed

    Ortega, Samuel; Fabelo, Himar; Camacho, Rafael; de la Luz Plaza, María; Callicó, Gustavo M; Sarmiento, Roberto

    2018-02-01

    Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is an emerging technology for medical diagnosis. This research work presents a proof-of-concept on the use of HSI data to automatically detect human brain tumor tissue in pathological slides. The samples, consisting of hyperspectral cubes collected from 400 nm to 1000 nm, were acquired from ten different patients diagnosed with high-grade glioma. Based on the diagnosis provided by pathologists, a spectral library of normal and tumor tissues was created and processed using three different supervised classification algorithms. Results prove that HSI is a suitable technique to automatically detect high-grade tumors from pathological slides.

  1. Codimension-1 Sliding Bifurcations of a Filippov Pest Growth Model with Threshold Policy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tang, Sanyi; Tang, Guangyao; Qin, Wenjie

    A Filippov system is proposed to describe the stage structured nonsmooth pest growth with threshold policy control (TPC). The TPC measure is represented by the total density of both juveniles and adults being chosen as an index for decisions on when to implement chemical control strategies. The proposed Filippov system can have three pieces of sliding segments and three pseudo-equilibria, which result in rich sliding mode bifurcations and local sliding bifurcations including boundary node (boundary focus, or boundary saddle) and tangency bifurcations. As the threshold density varies the model exhibits the interesting global sliding bifurcations sequentially: touching → buckling → crossing → sliding homoclinic orbit to a pseudo-saddle → crossing → touching bifurcations. In particular, bifurcation of a homoclinic orbit to a pseudo-saddle with a figure of eight shape, to a pseudo-saddle-node or to a standard saddle-node have been observed for some parameter sets. This implies that control outcomes are sensitive to the threshold level, and hence it is crucial to choose the threshold level to initiate control strategy. One more sliding segment (or pseudo-equilibrium) is induced by the total density of a population guided switching policy, compared to only the juvenile density guided policy, implying that this control policy is more effective in terms of preventing multiple pest outbreaks or causing the density of pests to stabilize at a desired level such as an economic threshold.

  2. Marine ice sheet model performance depends on basal sliding physics and sub-shelf melting

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gladstone, Rupert Michael; Warner, Roland Charles; Galton-Fenzi, Benjamin Keith; Gagliardini, Olivier; Zwinger, Thomas; Greve, Ralf

    2017-01-01

    Computer models are necessary for understanding and predicting marine ice sheet behaviour. However, there is uncertainty over implementation of physical processes at the ice base, both for grounded and floating glacial ice. Here we implement several sliding relations in a marine ice sheet flow-line model accounting for all stress components and demonstrate that model resolution requirements are strongly dependent on both the choice of basal sliding relation and the spatial distribution of ice shelf basal melting.Sliding relations that reduce the magnitude of the step change in basal drag from grounded ice to floating ice (where basal drag is set to zero) show reduced dependence on resolution compared to a commonly used relation, in which basal drag is purely a power law function of basal ice velocity. Sliding relations in which basal drag goes smoothly to zero as the grounding line is approached from inland (due to a physically motivated incorporation of effective pressure at the bed) provide further reduction in resolution dependence.A similar issue is found with the imposition of basal melt under the floating part of the ice shelf: melt parameterisations that reduce the abruptness of change in basal melting from grounded ice (where basal melt is set to zero) to floating ice provide improved convergence with resolution compared to parameterisations in which high melt occurs adjacent to the grounding line.Thus physical processes, such as sub-glacial outflow (which could cause high melt near the grounding line), impact on capability to simulate marine ice sheets. If there exists an abrupt change across the grounding line in either basal drag or basal melting, then high resolution will be required to solve the problem. However, the plausible combination of a physical dependency of basal drag on effective pressure, and the possibility of low ice shelf basal melt rates next to the grounding line, may mean that some marine ice sheet systems can be reliably simulated at

  3. Novel method for the high-throughput processing of slides for the comet assay.

    PubMed

    Karbaschi, Mahsa; Cooke, Marcus S

    2014-11-26

    Single cell gel electrophoresis (the comet assay), continues to gain popularity as a means of assessing DNA damage. However, the assay's low sample throughput and laborious sample workup procedure are limiting factors to its application. "Scoring", or individually determining DNA damage levels in 50 cells per treatment, is time-consuming, but with the advent of high-throughput scoring, the limitation is now the ability to process significant numbers of comet slides. We have developed a novel method by which multiple slides may be manipulated, and undergo electrophoresis, in batches of 25 rather than individually and, importantly, retains the use of standard microscope comet slides, which are the assay convention. This decreases assay time by 60%, and benefits from an electrophoresis tank with a substantially smaller footprint, and more uniform orientation of gels during electrophoresis. Our high-throughput variant of the comet assay greatly increases the number of samples analysed, decreases assay time, number of individual slide manipulations, reagent requirements and risk of damage to slides. The compact nature of the electrophoresis tank is of particular benefit to laboratories where bench space is at a premium. This novel approach is a significant advance on the current comet assay procedure.

  4. Global Sliding Mode Control for the Bank-to-Turn of Hypersonic Glide Vehicle

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, J.; Yu, Y. F.; Yan, P. P.; Fan, Y. H.; Guo, X. W.

    2017-03-01

    The technology of Bank-to-Turn has been recognized as an attractive direction due to their significance for the control of hypersonic glide vehicle. Strong coupling existing among pitch, yaw and roll channel was a great challenge for banking to turn, and thus a novel global sliding mode controller was designed for hypersonic glider in this paper. Considering the coupling among channels as interference, we can use invariance principle of sliding mode motion to realize the decoupling control. The global sliding mode control system could eliminate the stage of reaching, which can lead to the realization of whole systematic process decoupling control. When the global sliding mode factor was designed, a minimum norm pole assignment method of the sliding mode matrix was introduced to improve the robustness of the system. The method of continuity of symbolic function was adopted to overcome the chatter, which furtherly modify the transient performance of the system. The simulation results show that this method has good performance of three channel decoupling control and guidance command tracking. And it can meet the requirements of the dynamic performance of the system.

  5. Ergonomic evaluation of slide boards used by home care aides to assist client transfers.

    PubMed

    Sun, Chuan; Buchholz, Bryan; Quinn, Margaret; Punnett, Laura; Galligan, Catherine; Gore, Rebecca

    2018-07-01

    Home care aides risk musculoskeletal injury because they lift and move clients; the body weight of most adults exceeds the NIOSH recommended limit for lifting. Methods to reduce manual patient lifting in institutional settings are often technically or economically infeasible in home care. Our goal was to identify suitable, safe, low-technology transfer devices for home care use. Sixteen experienced home care aides performed client transfers from wheelchair to bed (upward) and bed to wheelchair (downward) in a simulated home care environment (laboratory), using four different slide boards and by hand without a device. Aides' hand forces were measured during client transfers; aides also evaluated usability of each board. Hand forces exerted while using slide boards were mostly lower than in manual transfer, and forces were lower in downward versus upward transfers. Aides judged a board with a sliding mechanism easier to use than boards without a sliding mechanism. Practitioner Summary: This paper provides quantitative biomechanical measurements showing that slide boards reduced the hand forces needed by home care aides to transfer clients from bed to wheel chair and vice versa, compared to manual lifting. Using a semi-quantitative usability survey, aides identified boards with a sliding mechanism easiest to use.

  6. Markov state modeling of sliding friction

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pellegrini, F.; Landes, François P.; Laio, A.; Prestipino, S.; Tosatti, E.

    2016-11-01

    Markov state modeling (MSM) has recently emerged as one of the key techniques for the discovery of collective variables and the analysis of rare events in molecular simulations. In particular in biochemistry this approach is successfully exploited to find the metastable states of complex systems and their evolution in thermal equilibrium, including rare events, such as a protein undergoing folding. The physics of sliding friction and its atomistic simulations under external forces constitute a nonequilibrium field where relevant variables are in principle unknown and where a proper theory describing violent and rare events such as stick slip is still lacking. Here we show that MSM can be extended to the study of nonequilibrium phenomena and in particular friction. The approach is benchmarked on the Frenkel-Kontorova model, used here as a test system whose properties are well established. We demonstrate that the method allows the least prejudiced identification of a minimal basis of natural microscopic variables necessary for the description of the forced dynamics of sliding, through their probabilistic evolution. The steps necessary for the application to realistic frictional systems are highlighted.

  7. Au/Cr Sputter Coating for the Protection of Alumina During Sliding at High Temperatures

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Benoy, Patricia A.; Dellacorte, Christopher

    1995-01-01

    A sputter deposited bilayer coating of gold and chromium was investigated as a potential solid lubricant to protect alumina substrates in applications involving sliding at high temperature. The proposed lubricant was tested in a pin-on-disk tribometer with coated alumina disks sliding against uncoated alumina pins. Three test parameters; temperature, load, and sliding velocity were varied over a wide range in order to determine the performance envelope on the gold/chromium (Au/Cr) solid lubricant film. The tribo-tests were run in an air atmosphere at temperatures of 25 to 1000 C, under loads of 4.9 to 49.0 N and at sliding velocities from 1 to 15 m/sec. Post test analyses included surface profilometry, wear factor determination and scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) examination of worn surfaces. Compared to unlubricated Al2O3 sliding, the use of the Au/Cr film reduced friction by 30 to 50 percent and wear by one to two orders of magnitude. Increases in test temperature resulted in lower friction and the Au/Cr film continued to provide low friction, about 0.3, even at 1000 C. Pin wear factors and friction were largely unaffected by increasing loads up to 29.4 N. Sliding velocity had essentially no effect on friction, however, increased velocity reduced coating life (total sliding distance). Based upon these research results, the Au/Cr film is a promising lubricant for moderately loaded, low speed applications operating at temperatures as high as 1000 C.

  8. DeepScope: Nonintrusive Whole Slide Saliency Annotation and Prediction from Pathologists at the Microscope

    PubMed Central

    Schaumberg, Andrew J.; Sirintrapun, S. Joseph; Al-Ahmadie, Hikmat A.; Schüffler, Peter J.; Fuchs, Thomas J.

    2018-01-01

    Modern digital pathology departments have grown to produce whole-slide image data at petabyte scale, an unprecedented treasure chest for medical machine learning tasks. Unfortunately, most digital slides are not annotated at the image level, hindering large-scale application of supervised learning. Manual labeling is prohibitive, requiring pathologists with decades of training and outstanding clinical service responsibilities. This problem is further aggravated by the United States Food and Drug Administration’s ruling that primary diagnosis must come from a glass slide rather than a digital image. We present the first end-to-end framework to overcome this problem, gathering annotations in a nonintrusive manner during a pathologist’s routine clinical work: (i) microscope-specific 3D-printed commodity camera mounts are used to video record the glass-slide-based clinical diagnosis process; (ii) after routine scanning of the whole slide, the video frames are registered to the digital slide; (iii) motion and observation time are estimated to generate a spatial and temporal saliency map of the whole slide. Demonstrating the utility of these annotations, we train a convolutional neural network that detects diagnosis-relevant salient regions, then report accuracy of 85.15% in bladder and 91.40% in prostate, with 75.00% accuracy when training on prostate but predicting in bladder, despite different pathologists examining the different tissues. When training on one patient but testing on another, AUROC in bladder is 0.79±0.11 and in prostate is 0.96±0.04. Our tool is available at https://bitbucket.org/aschaumberg/deepscope PMID:29601065

  9. Structural analysis of a eukaryotic sliding DNA clamp-clamp loadercomplex.

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

    Bowman, Gregory D.; O'Donnell, Mike; Kuriyan, John

    2006-06-17

    Sliding clamps are ring-shaped proteins that encircle DNA and confer high processivity on DNA polymerases. Here we report the crystal structure of the five-protein clamp loader complex (replication factor-C, RFC) of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, bound to the sliding clamp (proliferating cell nuclear antigen, PCNA). Tight interfacial coordination of the ATP analogue ATP-?-S by RFC results in a spiral arrangement of the ATPase domains of the clamp loader above the PCNA ring. Placement of a model for primed DNA within the central hole of PCNA reveals a striking correspondence between the RFC spiral and the grooves of the DNA doublemore » helix. This model, in which the clamp loader complex locks onto primed DNA in a screw-cap-like arrangement, provides a simple explanation for the process by which the engagement of primer-template junctions by the RFC:PCNA complex results in ATP hydrolysis and release of the sliding clamp on DNA.« less

  10. Automated Slide Scanning and Segmentation in Fluorescently-labeled Tissues Using a Widefield High-content Analysis System.

    PubMed

    Poon, Candice C; Ebacher, Vincent; Liu, Katherine; Yong, Voon Wee; Kelly, John James Patrick

    2018-05-03

    Automated slide scanning and segmentation of fluorescently-labeled tissues is the most efficient way to analyze whole slides or large tissue sections. Unfortunately, many researchers spend large amounts of time and resources developing and optimizing workflows that are only relevant to their own experiments. In this article, we describe a protocol that can be used by those with access to a widefield high-content analysis system (WHCAS) to image any slide-mounted tissue, with options for customization within pre-built modules found in the associated software. Not originally intended for slide scanning, the steps detailed in this article make it possible to acquire slide scanning images in the WHCAS which can be imported into the associated software. In this example, the automated segmentation of brain tumor slides is demonstrated, but the automated segmentation of any fluorescently-labeled nuclear or cytoplasmic marker is possible. Furthermore, there are a variety of other quantitative software modules including assays for protein localization/translocation, cellular proliferation/viability/apoptosis, and angiogenesis that can be run. This technique will save researchers time and effort and create an automated protocol for slide analysis.

  11. Particle Sliding on a Rough Incline

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Zurcher, Ulrich

    2007-01-01

    We study a particle sliding on a rough inclined plane as an example of a mechanical problem with nonholonomic constraint. The particle is launched in an arbitrary direction so that its motion has both a horizontal and a "vertical" (i.e., up- and downhill) direction. The friction force acts along the instantaneous velocity, so that the horizontal…

  12. Sliding bubbles on a hot horizontal wire in a subcooled bath

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Duchesne, Alexis; Dubois, Charles; Caps, Hervé

    2015-11-01

    When a wire is heated up to the boiling point in a liquid bath some bubbles will nucleate on the wire surface. Traditional nucleate boiling theory predicts that bubbles generate from active nucleate site, grow up and depart from the heating surface due to buoyancy and inertia. However, an alternative scenario is presented in the literature for a subcooled bath: bubbles slide along the horizontal wire before departing. New experiments were performed by using a constantan wire and different liquids, varying the injected power. Silicone oil, water and even liquid nitrogen were tested in order to vary wetting conditions, liquid viscosities and surface tensions. We explored the influence of the wire diameter and of the subcooled bath temperature. We observed, of course, sliding motion, but also a wide range of behaviors from bubbles clustering to film boiling. We noticed that bubbles could change moving sense, especially when encountering with another bubble. The bubble speed is carefully measured and can reach more than 100 mm/s for a millimetric bubble. We investigated the dependence of the speed on the different parameters and found that this speed is, for a given configuration, quite independent of the injected power. We understand these phenomena in terms of Marangoni effects. This project has been financially supported by ARC SuperCool contract of the University of Liège.

  13. Comparison and analysis of reoperations in two different treatment protocols for trochanteric hip fractures - postoperative technical complications with dynamic hip screw, intramedullary nail and Medoff sliding plate.

    PubMed

    Paulsson, Johnny; Stig, Josefine Corin; Olsson, Ola

    2017-08-24

    treatment protocol based on use of biaxial Medoff sliding plate for unstable pertrochanteric and uniaxial Medoff sliding plate for subtrochanteric fractures reduced the risk of severe technical complications compared to using the treatment protocol based on dynamic hip screw and intramedullary nail.

  14. The dynamic behaviour of data-driven Δ-M and ΔΣ-M in sliding mode control

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Almakhles, Dhafer; Swain, Akshya K.; Nasiri, Alireza

    2017-11-01

    In recent years, delta (Δ-M) and delta-sigma modulators (ΔΣ-M) are increasingly being used as efficient data converters due to numerous advantages they offer. This paper investigates various dynamical features of these modulators/systems (both in continuous and discrete time domain) and derives their stability conditions using the theory of sliding mode. The upper bound of the hitting time (step) has been estimated. The equivalent mode conditions, i.e. where the outputs of the modulators are equivalent to the inputs, are established. The results of the analysis are validated through simulations considering a numerical example.

  15. A quantitative study of the summer slide in science of elementary school students

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Donovan, Giovanna Guadagno

    Concerned parents and educators agree children learn best when the rhythm of instruction is continuous with practice and application of skills. Long summer breaks may interrupt the flow of formal school learning leading some students to forget previous instruction. A review of the previous school work is generally required in the fall upon return from the summer vacation. Investigating summer vacation and equity issues, Jamar (1994) noted that more affluent students may "return to school in the fall with a considerable educational advantage over their less advantaged peers as a result of either additional school-related learning, or lower levels of forgetting, over the summer months (p. 1)". The population of 402 fifth grade students from a suburban New England school district participated in this study. The district administered the science subtest of the TerraNova 2 (TN2) assessment in late May 2007 (pre-test data) and in September 2007 (post-test data). These archived data, including gender and student socioeconomic status (SES) levels (as referenced by free or reduced lunch status), were analyzed for an ex-post facto causal comparison study to identify the phenomenon of summer slide in science of fifth graders enrolled in six elementary schools. The ANOVA statistical model was used calculating the repeated measures factor of time (pre/post summer vacation) on the science content area. Subsequent two-way ANOVAS, with one repeated-measures factor (time of testing) explored the existence of similar/different patterns by gender and by SES levels. Two questions guided this study. First, does the summer slide phenomenon exist in science education? Second, if the summer slide in science phenomenon exists in science education, then does SES impact it? Does the summer slide in science phenomenon differ between genders? Findings suggest that the summer slide phenomenon exists in science; SES and gender does not affect the overall science test scores. However, SES impacts

  16. Integral backstepping sliding mode control for underactuated systems: swing-up and stabilization of the Cart-Pendulum System.

    PubMed

    Adhikary, Nabanita; Mahanta, Chitralekha

    2013-11-01

    In this paper an integral backstepping sliding mode controller is proposed for controlling underactuated systems. A feedback control law is designed based on backstepping algorithm and a sliding surface is introduced in the final stage of the algorithm. The backstepping algorithm makes the controller immune to matched and mismatched uncertainties and the sliding mode control provides robustness. The proposed controller ensures asymptotic stability. The effectiveness of the proposed controller is compared against a coupled sliding mode controller for swing-up and stabilization of the Cart-Pendulum System. Simulation results show that the proposed integral backstepping sliding mode controller is able to reject both matched and mismatched uncertainties with a chattering free control law, while utilizing less control effort than the sliding mode controller. Copyright © 2013 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  17. Weather conditions conducive to Beijing severe haze more frequent under climate change

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cai, Wenju; Li, Ke; Liao, Hong; Wang, Huijun; Wu, Lixin

    2017-03-01

    The frequency of Beijing winter severe haze episodes has increased substantially over the past decades, and is commonly attributed to increased pollutant emissions from China’s rapid economic development. During such episodes, levels of fine particulate matter are harmful to human health and the environment, and cause massive disruption to economic activities, as occurred in January 2013. Conducive weather conditions are an important ingredient of severe haze episodes, and include reduced surface winter northerlies, weakened northwesterlies in the midtroposphere, and enhanced thermal stability of the lower atmosphere. How such weather conditions may respond to climate change is not clear. Here we project a 50% increase in the frequency and an 80% increase in the persistence of conducive weather conditions similar to those in January 2013, in response to climate change. The frequency and persistence between the historical (1950-1999) and future (2050-2099) climate were compared in 15 models under Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5 (RCP8.5). The increased frequency is consistent with large-scale circulation changes, including an Arctic Oscillation upward trend, weakening East Asian winter monsoon, and faster warming in the lower troposphere. Thus, circulation changes induced by global greenhouse gas emissions can contribute to the increased Beijing severe haze frequency.

  18. Shallow translational slides hazard evaluation in Santa Marta de Penaguião (Douro valley - Portugal)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pereira, Susana; Luís Zêzere, José; Bateira, Carlos

    2010-05-01

    The present study is developed for the municipality of Santa Marta de Penaguião (70 square kilometers), located in the Douro Valley region (Northern Portugal). In the past, several destructive landslides occurred in this area, and were responsible for deaths and destruction of houses and roads. Despite these losses, mitigation and landslide zonation programs are missing, and the land use planning at the municipal level did not solve yet the problem. The study area is mainly composed by metamorphic rocks (e.g., schist and quartzite). These rocks are strongly fractured, and weathered materials are abundant in clayed schist, mainly in those areas where agricultural terraces were constructed centuries ago for the vineyard monoculture. From the geomorphologic point of view, the study area is characterized by deep incised valleys, tectonic depressions and slopes controlled by the geological structure. Elevation ranges from 49 m to 1416 m. The main landslide triggering factor is rainfall and the mean annual precipitation ranges from 700 mm (in the bottom of fluvial valleys) to 2500 mm (in the mountains top). A landslide inventory was performed in 2005-2009 using aerial photo-interpretation (1/5.000 scale) and field work. The inventory includes 848 landslides, most of shallow translational slide type (85% of total slope movements). The landslide density is 10.5 events/square kilometers, and the average landslide area is 535 square meters. The susceptibility to shallow translational slide occurrence was assessed at the 1: 10 000 scale in a GIS environment. Two different bivariate statistical methods were used to evaluate landslide susceptibility: the Information Value and the Fuzzy Logic Gamma operator. Eight conditioning factors were weighted and integrated to model susceptibility: slope angle, slope aspect, slope curvature, lithology, geomorphologic units, fault density, land use and terrace structures build in slopes. The susceptibility results were validated using a

  19. Clay-clast aggregates: A new textural evidence for seismic fault sliding?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Boutareaud, Sébastien; Calugaru, Dan-Gabriel; Han, Raehee; Fabbri, Olivier; Mizoguchi, Kazuo; Tsutsumi, Akito; Shimamoto, Toshihiko

    2008-03-01

    To determine the processes responsible for slip-weakening in clayey gouge zones, rotary-shear experiments were conducted at seismic slip rates (equivalent to 0.9 and 1.3 m/s) at 0.6 MPa normal stress on a natural clayey gouge for saturated and non-saturated initial conditions. The mechanical behavior of the simulated faults shows a reproducible slip-weakening behavior, whatever initial moisture conditions. Examination of gouge obtained at the residual friction stage in saturated and non-saturated initial conditions allows the definition of two types of microstructures: a foliated type reflecting strain localization, and a non-foliated type composed of spherical aggregates. Friction experiments demonstrate that liquid-vapor transition of water within gouge due to frictional heating has a high capacity to explain the formation of spherical aggregates in the first meters of displacement. This result suggests that the occurrence of spherical aggregates in natural clayey fault gouges can constitute a new textural evidence for shallow depth pore water phase transition at seismic slip velocity and consequently for past seismic fault sliding.

  20. Finite-time control for nonlinear spacecraft attitude based on terminal sliding mode technique.

    PubMed

    Song, Zhankui; Li, Hongxing; Sun, Kaibiao

    2014-01-01

    In this paper, a fast terminal sliding mode control (FTSMC) scheme with double closed loops is proposed for the spacecraft attitude control. The FTSMC laws are included both in an inner control loop and an outer control loop. Firstly, a fast terminal sliding surface (FTSS) is constructed, which can drive the inner loop tracking-error and the outer loop tracking-error on the FTSS to converge to zero in finite time. Secondly, FTSMC strategy is designed by using Lyaponov's method for ensuring the occurrence of the sliding motion in finite time, which can hold the character of fast transient response and improve the tracking accuracy. It is proved that FTSMC can guarantee the convergence of tracking-error in both approaching and sliding mode surface. Finally, simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme. © 2013 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. SLIDE - a web-based tool for interactive visualization of large-scale -omics data.

    PubMed

    Ghosh, Soumita; Datta, Abhik; Tan, Kaisen; Choi, Hyungwon

    2018-06-28

    Data visualization is often regarded as a post hoc step for verifying statistically significant results in the analysis of high-throughput data sets. This common practice leaves a large amount of raw data behind, from which more information can be extracted. However, existing solutions do not provide capabilities to explore large-scale raw datasets using biologically sensible queries, nor do they allow user interaction based real-time customization of graphics. To address these drawbacks, we have designed an open-source, web-based tool called Systems-Level Interactive Data Exploration, or SLIDE to visualize large-scale -omics data interactively. SLIDE's interface makes it easier for scientists to explore quantitative expression data in multiple resolutions in a single screen. SLIDE is publicly available under BSD license both as an online version as well as a stand-alone version at https://github.com/soumitag/SLIDE. Supplementary Information are available at Bioinformatics online.

  2. Sliding tethered ligands add topological interactions to the toolbox of ligand–receptor design

    PubMed Central

    Bauer, Martin; Kékicheff, Patrick; Iss, Jean; Fajolles, Christophe; Charitat, Thierry; Daillant, Jean; Marques, Carlos M.

    2015-01-01

    Adhesion in the biological realm is mediated by specific lock-and-key interactions between ligand–receptor pairs. These complementary moieties are ubiquitously anchored to substrates by tethers that control the interaction range and the mobility of the ligands and receptors, thus tuning the kinetics and strength of the binding events. Here we add sliding anchoring to the toolbox of ligand–receptor design by developing a family of tethered ligands for which the spacer can slide at the anchoring point. Our results show that this additional sliding degree of freedom changes the nature of the adhesive contact by extending the spatial range over which binding may sustain a significant force. By introducing sliding tethered ligands with self-regulating length, this work paves the way for the development of versatile and reusable bio-adhesive substrates with potential applications for drug delivery and tissue engineering. PMID:26350224

  3. Finite time control for MIMO nonlinear system based on higher-order sliding mode.

    PubMed

    Liu, Xiangjie; Han, Yaozhen

    2014-11-01

    Considering a class of MIMO uncertain nonlinear system, a novel finite time stable control algorithm is proposed based on higher-order sliding mode concept. The higher-order sliding mode control problem of MIMO nonlinear system is firstly transformed into finite time stability problem of multivariable system. Then continuous control law, which can guarantee finite time stabilization of nominal integral chain system, is employed. The second-order sliding mode is used to overcome the system uncertainties. High frequency chattering phenomenon of sliding mode is greatly weakened, and the arbitrarily fast convergence is reached. The finite time stability is proved based on the quadratic form Lyapunov function. Examples concerning the triple integral chain system with uncertainty and the hovercraft trajectory tracking are simulated respectively to verify the effectiveness and the robustness of the proposed algorithm. Copyright © 2014 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  4. Sliding, Insulating Window Panel Reduces Heat Loss.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    School Business Affairs, 1984

    1984-01-01

    A new sliding insulated panel reduces window heat loss up to 86 percent, and infiltration 60-90 percent, paying for itself in 3-9 years. This article discusses the panel's use and testing in the upper Midwest, reporting both technical characteristics and users' reactions. (MCG)

  5. 45 CFR 98.42 - Sliding fee scales.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... provides for cost sharing by families that receive CCDF child care services. (b) A sliding fee scale(s) shall be based on income and the size of the family and may be based on other factors as appropriate. (c... a family of the same size. ...

  6. A Conditional Cash Transfer Program in the Philippines Reduces Severe Stunting.

    PubMed

    Kandpal, Eeshani; Alderman, Harold; Friedman, Jed; Filmer, Deon; Onishi, Junko; Avalos, Jorge

    2016-09-01

    Pantawid, a conditional cash transfer (CCT) program in the Philippines, provided grants conditioned on health-related behaviors for children aged 0-5 y and schooling for those aged 10-14 y. We investigated whether Pantawid improved anthropometric measurements in children aged 6-36 mo. We estimated cross-sectional intention-to-treat effects using a 2011 cluster-randomized trial across 130 villages-65 treated and 65 control-with data collected after 31 mo of implementation. Anthropometry characteristics were measured for 241 children in treated areas and 244 children in control areas. Health service use for children aged 6-36 mo and dietary intake for those aged 6-60 mo also were measured. Outcome variables were height-for-age z scores (HAZs) and weight-for-age z scores (WAZs), stunting, severe stunting, underweight, and severely underweight. Impact also was assessed on perinatal care, institutional delivery, presence of skilled birth attendant, breastfeeding practices, immunization, growth monitoring and deworming, care-seeking, and children's intake of protein-rich foods. Pantawid was associated with a significant reduction in severe stunting [<-3 SD from WHO standards for healthy children; β = -10.2 percentage points (95% CI -18.8, -1.6 percentage points); P = 0.020] as well as a marginally significant increase in HAZs [β = 0.284 SDs (95% CI -0.033, 0.602 SDs); P = 0.08]. WAZs, stunting, underweight, and severely underweight status did not change. Concomitantly, several measures of health-seeking behavior increased significantly. To our knowledge, Pantawid is one of few CCT programs worldwide that significantly reduced severe stunting in children aged 6-36 mo; changes in key parenting practices, including children's intake of protein-rich foods and care-seeking behavior, were concurrent. © 2016 American Society for Nutrition.

  7. Applied teaching concepts of animated motion slides in otolaryngology.

    PubMed

    Duberstein, L E; Josephs, J A; Kilgo, J

    1978-01-01

    Motion is an essential part of otolaryngologic function, and an understanding of concepts of motion is critical in teaching otolaryngology. Standard movie projection devices have intrinsic defects, such as considerable expense to make, complexity of operation, and a lack of flexibility. Slide projection transparencies (2X2) offer instructional flexibility but could not be used to project motion until recently. Using applications of gelatin films of images with polarizing light, we have been able to produce an illusion of motion similar to that used in creating the motion in cartoons. We have produced a series of slides for instructional purposes to show concepts in otolaryngology.

  8. Novel method for the high-throughput processing of slides for the comet assay

    PubMed Central

    Karbaschi, Mahsa; Cooke, Marcus S.

    2014-01-01

    Single cell gel electrophoresis (the comet assay), continues to gain popularity as a means of assessing DNA damage. However, the assay's low sample throughput and laborious sample workup procedure are limiting factors to its application. “Scoring”, or individually determining DNA damage levels in 50 cells per treatment, is time-consuming, but with the advent of high-throughput scoring, the limitation is now the ability to process significant numbers of comet slides. We have developed a novel method by which multiple slides may be manipulated, and undergo electrophoresis, in batches of 25 rather than individually and, importantly, retains the use of standard microscope comet slides, which are the assay convention. This decreases assay time by 60%, and benefits from an electrophoresis tank with a substantially smaller footprint, and more uniform orientation of gels during electrophoresis. Our high-throughput variant of the comet assay greatly increases the number of samples analysed, decreases assay time, number of individual slide manipulations, reagent requirements and risk of damage to slides. The compact nature of the electrophoresis tank is of particular benefit to laboratories where bench space is at a premium. This novel approach is a significant advance on the current comet assay procedure. PMID:25425241

  9. Sliding movement of single actin filaments on one-headed myosin filaments

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Harada, Yoshie; Noguchi, Akira; Kishino, Akiyoshi; Yanagida, Toshio

    1987-04-01

    The myosin molecule consists of two heads, each of which contains an enzymatic active site and an actin-binding site. The fundamental problem of whether the two heads function independently or cooperatively during muscle contraction has been studied by methods using an actomyosin thread1, superprecipitation2-4 and chemical modification of muscle fibres5. No clear conclusion has yet been reached. We have approached this question using an assay system in which sliding movements of fluorescently labelled single actin filaments along myosin filaments can be observed directly6,7. Here, we report direct measurement of the sliding of single actin filaments along one-headed myosin filaments in which the density of heads was varied over a wide range. Our results show that cooperative interaction between the two heads of myosin is not essential for inducing the sliding movement of actin filaments.

  10. Sliding Mode Control of Dynamic Voltage Restorer by Using a New Adaptive Reaching Law

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pandey, Achala; Agrawal, Rekha; Mandloi, Ravindra S.; Sarkar, Biswaroop

    2017-12-01

    This paper presents a new kind of adaptive reaching law for sliding mode control of Dynamic Voltage Restorer (DVR). Such an adaptive reaching law follows under-damped sinusoidal nature that causes the initial state to reach the sliding regime in extremely less time with negligible chattering. Moreover, it is robust in the sense the trajectory does not deviate from the sliding surface. This new approach is developed and successfully applied to DVR. The simulation results are presented that show its robustness.

  11. Attributes and origins of ancient submarine slides and filled embayments: examples from the Gulf Coast basin

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Morton, Robert

    1993-01-01

    Submarine slides exhibit landward-dipping, wavy, mounded, and chaotic seismic reflections that are manifestations of slump blocks and other mass transport material. Composition of these internally derived slide deposits depends on the composition of the preexisting shelf margin. Embayment fill above the slide consists mostly of externally derived mudstones and sandstones deposited by various disorganized slope processes, as well as more organized submarine channel-levee systems. Thickest slope sandstones, which are potential hydrocarbon reservoirs, commonly occur above the basal slide mudstones where seismic reflections change from chaotic patterns to overlying wavy or subhorizontal reflections.

  12. Occurrence of spherical ceramic debris in indentation and sliding contact

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Miyoshi, K.; Buckley, D. H.

    1982-01-01

    Indenting experiments were conducted with the silicon carbide (0001) surface in contact with a spherical diamond indenter in air. Sliding friction experiments were also conducted with silicon carbide in contact with iron and iron-based binary alloys at room temperature and 800 C. Fracture pits with a spherical particle and spherical wear debris were observed as a result of indenting and sliding. Spherical debris may be produced by a mechanism that involves a spherical-shaped fracture along the circular or spherical stress trajectories under the inelastic deformation zone.

  13. Note: A rigid piezo motor with large output force and an effective method to reduce sliding friction force

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

    Guo, Ying; Lu, Qingyou, E-mail: qxl@ustc.edu.cn; Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026

    2014-05-15

    We present a completely practical TunaDrive piezo motor. It consists of a central piezo stack sandwiched by two arm piezo stacks and two leg piezo stacks, respectively, which is then sandwiched and spring-clamped by a pair of parallel polished sapphire rods. It works by alternatively fast expanding and contracting the arm/leg stacks while slowly expanding/contracting the central stack simultaneously. The key point is that sufficiently fast expanding and contracting a limb stack can make its two sliding friction forces well cancel, resulting in the total sliding friction force is <10% of the total static friction force, which can help increasemore » output force greatly. The piezo motor's high compactness, precision, and output force make it perfect in building a high-quality harsh-condition (vibration resistant) atomic resolution scanning probe microscope.« less

  14. 21 CFR 864.3800 - Automated slide stainer.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Automated slide stainer. 864.3800 Section 864.3800 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES HEMATOLOGY AND PATHOLOGY DEVICES Pathology Instrumentation and Accessories § 864.3800...

  15. 21 CFR 864.3800 - Automated slide stainer.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Automated slide stainer. 864.3800 Section 864.3800 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES HEMATOLOGY AND PATHOLOGY DEVICES Pathology Instrumentation and Accessories § 864.3800...

  16. 21 CFR 864.3800 - Automated slide stainer.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Automated slide stainer. 864.3800 Section 864.3800 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES HEMATOLOGY AND PATHOLOGY DEVICES Pathology Instrumentation and Accessories § 864.3800...

  17. 21 CFR 864.3800 - Automated slide stainer.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Automated slide stainer. 864.3800 Section 864.3800 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES HEMATOLOGY AND PATHOLOGY DEVICES Pathology Instrumentation and Accessories § 864.3800...

  18. 21 CFR 864.3800 - Automated slide stainer.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Automated slide stainer. 864.3800 Section 864.3800 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES HEMATOLOGY AND PATHOLOGY DEVICES Pathology Instrumentation and Accessories § 864.3800...

  19. Frosted Slides Decorated with Silica Nanowires for Detecting Circulating Tumor Cells from Prostate Cancer Patients.

    PubMed

    Cui, Haijun; Wang, Binshuai; Wang, Wenshuo; Hao, Yuwei; Liu, Chuanyong; Song, Kai; Zhang, Shudong; Wang, Shutao

    2018-06-13

    Developing low-cost and highly efficient nanobiochips are important for liquid biopsies, real-time monitoring, and precision medicine. By in situ growth of silica nanowires on a commercial frosted slide, we develop a biochip for effective circulating tumor cells (CTCs) detection after modifying epithelial cell adhesion molecule antibody (anti-EpCAM). The biochip shows the specificity and high capture efficiency of 85.4 ± 8.3% for prostate cancer cell line (PC-3). The microsized frosted slides and silica nanowires allow enhanced efficiency in capture EpCAM positive cells by synergistic topographic interactions. And the capture efficiency of biochip increased with the increase of silica nanowires length on frosted slide. The biochip shows that micro/nanocomposite structures improve the capture efficiency of PC-3 more than 70% toward plain slide. Furthermore, the nanobiochip has been successfully applied to identify CTCs from whole blood specimens of prostate cancer patients. Thus, this frosted slide-based biochip may provide a cheap and effective way of clinical monitoring of CTCs.

  20. Slide-induced waves, seiching and ground fracturing caused by the earthquake of March 27, 1964 at Kenai Lake, Alaska: Chapter A in The Alaska earthquake, March 27, 1964: regional effects

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    McCulloch, David S.

    1966-01-01

    The March 27, 1964, earthquake dislodged slides from nine deltas in Kenai Lake, south-central Alaska. Sliding removed protruding parts of deltas-often the youngest parts-and steepened delta fronts, increasing the chances of further sliding. Fathograms show that debris from large slides spread widely over the lake floor, some reaching the toe of the opposite shore; at one place debris traveled 5,000 feet over the horizontal lake floor. Slides generated two kinds of local waves: a backfill and far-shore wave. Backfill waves were formed by water that rushed toward the delta to fill the void left by the sinking slide mass, overtopped the slide scrap, and came ashore over the delta. Some backfill waves had runup heights of 30 feet and ran inland more than 300 feet, uprooting and breaking off large trees. Far-shore waves hit the shore opposite the slides. They were formed by slide debris that crossed the lake floor and forced water ahead of it, which then ran up the opposite slope, burst above the lake surface, and struck the shore. One far-shore wave had a runup height of 72 feet. Kenai Lake was tilted and seiched; a power spectrum analysis of a limnogram shows a wave having the period of the calculated uninodal seiche (36 minutes) and several shorter period waves. In constricted and shallow reaches, waves caused by seiching had 20- and 30-foot runup heights. Deep lateral spreading of sediments toward delta margins displaced deeply driven railroad-bridge piles, and set up stress fields in the surface sediments which resulted in the formation of many shear and some tension fractures on the surface of two deltas.