MOLECULAR GAS AND STAR FORMATION IN NEARBY DISK GALAXIES

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

Leroy, Adam K.; Munoz-Mateos, Juan-Carlos; Walter, Fabian

2013-08-01

We compare molecular gas traced by {sup 12}CO (2-1) maps from the HERACLES survey, with tracers of the recent star formation rate (SFR) across 30 nearby disk galaxies. We demonstrate a first-order linear correspondence between {Sigma}{sub mol} and {Sigma}{sub SFR} but also find important second-order systematic variations in the apparent molecular gas depletion time, {tau}{sub dep}{sup mol}={Sigma}{sub mol}/{Sigma}{sub SFR}. At the 1 kpc common resolution of HERACLES, CO emission correlates closely with many tracers of the recent SFR. Weighting each line of sight equally, using a fixed {alpha}{sub CO} equivalent to the Milky Way value, our data yield a molecularmore » gas depletion time, {tau}{sub dep}{sup mol}={Sigma}{sub mol}/{Sigma}{sub SFR}{approx}2.2 Gyr with 0.3 dex 1{sigma} scatter, in very good agreement with recent literature data. We apply a forward-modeling approach to constrain the power-law index, N, that relates the SFR surface density and the molecular gas surface density, {Sigma}{sub SFR}{proportional_to}{Sigma}{sub mol}{sup N}. We find N = 1 {+-} 0.15 for our full data set with some scatter from galaxy to galaxy. This also agrees with recent work, but we caution that a power-law treatment oversimplifies the topic given that we observe correlations between {tau}{sub dep}{sup mol} and other local and global quantities. The strongest of these are a decreased {tau}{sub dep}{sup mol} in low-mass, low-metallicity galaxies and a correlation of the kpc-scale {tau}{sub dep}{sup mol} with dust-to-gas ratio, D/G. These correlations can be explained by a CO-to-H{sub 2} conversion factor ({alpha}{sub CO}) that depends on dust shielding, and thus D/G, in the theoretically expected way. This is not a unique interpretation, but external evidence of conversion factor variations makes this the most conservative explanation of the strongest observed {tau}{sub dep}{sup mol} trends. After applying a D/G-dependent {alpha}{sub CO}, some weak correlations between {tau}{sub dep}{sup mol} and local conditions persist. In particular, we observe lower {tau}{sub dep}{sup mol} and enhanced CO excitation associated with nuclear gas concentrations in a subset of our targets. These appear to reflect real enhancements in the rate of star formation per unit gas, and although the distribution of {tau}{sub dep} does not appear bimodal in galaxy centers, {tau}{sub dep} does appear multivalued at fixed {Sigma}{sub H2}, supporting the idea of ''disk'' and ''starburst'' modes driven by other environmental parameters.« less

THE STAR FORMATION LAWS OF EDDINGTON-LIMITED STAR-FORMING DISKS

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

Ballantyne, D. R.; Armour, J. N.; Indergaard, J., E-mail: david.ballantyne@physics.gatech.edu

2013-03-10

Two important avenues into understanding the formation and evolution of galaxies are the Kennicutt-Schmidt (K-S) and Elmegreen-Silk (E-S) laws. These relations connect the surface densities of gas and star formation ({Sigma}{sub gas} and {Sigma}-dot{sub *}, respectively) in a galaxy. To elucidate the K-S and E-S laws for disks where {Sigma}{sub gas} {approx}> 10{sup 4} M{sub Sun} pc{sup -2}, we compute 132 Eddington-limited star-forming disk models with radii spanning tens to hundreds of parsecs. The theoretically expected slopes ( Almost-Equal-To 1 for the K-S law and Almost-Equal-To 0.5 for the E-S relation) are relatively robust to spatial averaging over the disks.more » However, the star formation laws exhibit a strong dependence on opacity that separates the models by the dust-to-gas ratio that may lead to the appearance of a erroneously large slope. The total infrared luminosity (L{sub TIR}) and multiple carbon monoxide (CO) line intensities were computed for each model. While L{sub TIR} can yield an estimate of the average {Sigma}-dot{sub *} that is correct to within a factor of two, the velocity-integrated CO line intensity is a poor proxy for the average {Sigma}{sub gas} for these warm and dense disks, making the CO conversion factor ({alpha}{sub CO}) all but useless. Thus, observationally derived K-S and E-S laws at these values of {Sigma}{sub gas} that uses any transition of CO will provide a poor measurement of the underlying star formation relation. Studies of the star formation laws of Eddington-limited disks will require a high-J transition of a high density molecular tracer, as well as a sample of galaxies with known metallicity estimates.« less

Tradeoffs between hydraulic and mechanical stress responses of mature Norway spruce trunk wood.

PubMed

Rosner, Sabine; Klein, Andrea; Müller, Ulrich; Karlsson, Bo

2008-08-01

We tested the effects of growth characteristics and basic density on hydraulic and mechanical properties of mature Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) wood from six 24-year-old clones, grown on two sites in southern Sweden differing in water availability. Hydraulic parameters assessed were specific hydraulic conductivity at full saturation (ks100) and vulnerability to cavitation (Psi50), mechanical parameters included bending strength (sigma b), modulus of elasticity (MOE), compression strength (sigma a) and Young's modulus (E). Basic density, diameter at breast height, tree height, and hydraulic and mechanical parameters varied considerably among clones. Clonal means of hydraulic and mechanical properties were strongly related to basic density and to growth parameters across sites, especially to diameter at breast height. Compared with stem wood of slower growing clones, stem wood of rapidly growing clones had significantly lower basic density, lower sigma b, MOE, sigma a and E, was more vulnerable to cavitation, but had higher ks100. Basic density was negatively correlated to Psi50 and ks100. We therefore found a tradeoff between Psi50 and ks100. Clones with high basic density had significantly lower hydraulic vulnerability, but also lower hydraulic conductivity at full saturation and thus less rapid growth than clones with low basic density. This tradeoff involved a negative relationship between Psi50 and sigma b as well as MOE, and between ks100 and sigma b, MOE and sigma a. Basic density and Psi50 showed no site-specific differences, but tree height, diameter at breast height, ks100 and mechanical strength and stiffness were significantly lower at the drier site. Basic density had no influence on the site-dependent differences in hydraulic and mechanical properties, but was strongly negatively related to diameter at breast height. Selecting for growth may thus lead not only to a reduction in mechanical strength and stiffness but also to a reduction in hydraulic safety.

Modeling polymer-induced interactions between two grafted surfaces: comparison between interfacial statistical associating fluid theory and self-consistent field theory.

PubMed

Jain, Shekhar; Ginzburg, Valeriy V; Jog, Prasanna; Weinhold, Jeffrey; Srivastava, Rakesh; Chapman, Walter G

2009-07-28

The interaction between two polymer grafted surfaces is important in many applications, such as nanocomposites, colloid stabilization, and polymer alloys. In our previous work [Jain et al., J. Chem. Phys. 128, 154910 (2008)], we showed that interfacial statistical associating fluid density theory (iSAFT) successfully calculates the structure of grafted polymer chains in the absence/presence of a free polymer. In the current work, we have applied this density functional theory to calculate the force of interaction between two such grafted monolayers in implicit good solvent conditions. In particular, we have considered the case where the segment sizes of the free (sigma(f)) and grafted (sigma(g)) polymers are different. The interactions between the two monolayers in the absence of the free polymer are always repulsive. However, in the presence of the free polymer, the force either can be purely repulsive or can have an attractive minimum depending upon the relative chain lengths of the free (N(f)) and grafted polymers (N(g)). The attractive minimum is observed only when the ratio alpha = N(f)/N(g) is greater than a critical value. We find that these critical values of alpha satisfy the following scaling relation: rho(g) square root(N(g)) beta(3) proportional to alpha(-lambda), where beta = sigma(f)/sigma(g) and lambda is the scaling exponent. For beta = 1 or the same segment sizes of the free and grafted polymers, this scaling relation is in agreement with those from previous theoretical studies using self-consistent field theory (SCFT). Detailed comparisons between iSAFT and SCFT are made for the structures of the monolayers and their forces of interaction. These comparisons lead to interesting implications for the modeling of nanocomposite thermodynamics.

Local and global gravitational aspects of domain wall space-times

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

Cvetic, M.; Griffies, S.; Soleng, H.H.

1993-09-15

Local and global gravitational effects induced by eternal vacuum domain walls are studied. We concentrate on thin walls between nonequal and nonpositive cosmological constants on each side of the wall. The assumption of homogeneity, isotropy, and geodesic completeness of the space-time intrinsic to the wall as described in the comoving coordinate system and the constraint that the same symmetries hold in hypersurfaces parallel to the wall yield a general [ital Ansatz] for the line element of space-time. We restrict the problem further by demanding that the wall's surface energy density, [sigma], is positive and by requiring that the infinitely thinmore » wall represents a thin-wall limit of kinklike scalar field configuration. These vacuum domain walls fall in three classes depending on the value of their [sigma]: (1) extreme walls with [sigma]=[sigma][sub ext] are planar, static walls corresponding to supersymmetric configurations, (2) nonextreme walls with [sigma]=[sigma][sub non][gt][sigma][sub ext] correspond to expanding bubbles with observers on either side of the wall being [ital inside] the bubble, and (3) ultraextreme walls with [sigma]=[sigma][sub ultra][lt][sigma][sub ext] represent the bubbles of false vacuum decay. On the sides with less negative cosmological constant, the extreme, nonextreme, and ultraextreme walls exhibit no, repulsive, and attractive effective gravitational forces,'' respectively. These gravitational forces'' are global effects not caused by local curvature. Since the nonextreme wall encloses observers on both sides, the supersymmetric system has the lowest gravitational mass accessible to outside observers. It is conjectured that similar positive mass protection occurs in all physical systems and that no finite negative mass object can exist inside the universe.« less

THE MILKY WAY HAS NO DISTINCT THICK DISK

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

Bovy, Jo; Rix, Hans-Walter; Hogg, David W., E-mail: bovy@ias.edu

2012-06-01

Different stellar sub-populations of the Milky Way's stellar disk are known to have different vertical scale heights, their thickness increasing with age. Using SEGUE spectroscopic survey data, we have recently shown that mono-abundance sub-populations, defined in the [{alpha}/Fe]-[Fe/H] space, are well described by single-exponential spatial-density profiles in both the radial and the vertical direction; therefore, any star of a given abundance is clearly associated with a sub-population of scale height h{sub z} . Here, we work out how to determine the stellar surface-mass density contributions at the solar radius R{sub 0} of each such sub-population, accounting for the survey selectionmore » function, and for the fraction of the stellar population mass that is reflected in the spectroscopic target stars given populations of different abundances and their presumed age distributions. Taken together, this enables us to derive {Sigma}{sub R{sub 0}}(h{sub z}), the surface-mass contributions of stellar populations with scale height h{sub z} . Surprisingly, we find no hint of a thin-thick disk bi-modality in this mass-weighted scale-height distribution, but a smoothly decreasing function, approximately {Sigma}{sub R{sub 0}}(h{sub z}){proportional_to} exp(-h{sub z}), from h{sub z} Almost-Equal-To 200 pc to h{sub z} Almost-Equal-To 1 kpc. As h{sub z} is ultimately the structurally defining property of a thin or thick disk, this shows clearly that the Milky Way has a continuous and monotonic distribution of disk thicknesses: there is no 'thick disk' sensibly characterized as a distinct component. We discuss how our result is consistent with evidence for seeming bi-modality in purely geometric disk decompositions or chemical abundances analyses. We constrain the total visible stellar surface-mass density at the solar radius to be {Sigma}{sub R{sub 0}}* = 30 {+-} 1 M{sub Sun} pc{sup -2}.« less

Time dependent density functional theory study of the near-edge x-ray absorption fine structure of benzene in gas phase and on metal surfaces.

PubMed

Asmuruf, Frans A; Besley, Nicholas A

2008-08-14

The near-edge x-ray absorption fine structure of benzene in the gas phase and adsorbed on the Au(111) and Pt(111) surfaces is studied with time dependent density functional theory. Excitation energies computed with hybrid exchange-correlation functionals are too low compared to experiment. However, after applying a constant shift the spectra are in good agreement with experiment. For benzene on the Au(111) surface, two bands arising from excitation to the e(2u)(pi(*)) and b(2g)(pi(*)) orbitals of benzene are observed for photon incidence parallel to the surface. On Pt(111) surface, a broader band arises from excitation to benzene orbitals that are mixed with the surface and have both sigma(*)(Pt-C) and pi(*) characters.

Prediction of three sigma maximum dispersed density for aerospace applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Charles, Terri L.; Nitschke, Michael D.

1993-01-01

Free molecular heating (FMH) is caused by the transfer of energy during collisions between the upper atmosphere molecules and a space vehicle. The dispersed free molecular heating on a surface is an important constraint for space vehicle thermal analyses since it can be a significant source of heating. To reduce FMH to a spacecraft, the parking orbit is often designed to a higher altitude at the expense of payload capability. Dispersed FMH is a function of both space vehicle velocity and atmospheric density, however, the space vehicle velocity variations are insignificant when compared to the atmospheric density variations. The density of the upper atmosphere molecules is a function of altitude, but also varies with other environmental factors, such as solar activity, geomagnetic activity, location, and time. A method has been developed to predict three sigma maximum dispersed density for up to 15 years into the future. This method uses a state-of-the-art atmospheric density code, MSIS 86, along with 50 years of solar data, NASA and NOAA solar activity predictions for the next 15 years, and an Aerospace Corporation correlation to account for density code inaccuracies to generate dispersed maximum density ratios denoted as 'K-factors'. The calculated K-factors can be used on a mission unique basis to calculate dispersed density, and hence dispersed free molecular heating rates. These more accurate K-factors can allow lower parking orbit altitudes, resulting in increased payload capability.

A CONSTANT MOLECULAR GAS DEPLETION TIME IN NEARBY DISK GALAXIES

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

Bigiel, F.; Leroy, A. K.; Walter, F.

2011-04-01

We combine new sensitive, wide-field CO data from the HERACLES survey with ultraviolet and infrared data from GALEX and Spitzer to compare the surface densities of H{sub 2}, {Sigma}{sub H2}, and the recent star formation rate, {Sigma}{sub SFR}, over many thousands of positions in 30 nearby disk galaxies. We more than quadruple the size of the galaxy sample compared to previous work and include targets with a wide range of galaxy properties. Even though the disk galaxies in this study span a wide range of properties, we find a strong, and approximately linear correlation between {Sigma}{sub SFR} and {Sigma}{sub H2}more » at our common resolution of 1 kpc. This implies a roughly constant median H{sub 2} consumption time, {tau}{sup H2}{sub Dep} = {Sigma}{sub H2}/{Sigma}{sub SFR}, of {approx}2.35 Gyr (including heavy elements) across our sample. At 1 kpc resolution, there is only a weak correlation between {Sigma}{sub H2} and {tau}{sup H2}{sub Dep} over the range {Sigma}{sub H2} {approx} 5-100 M{sub sun} pc{sup -2}, which is probed by our data. We compile a broad set of literature measurements that have been obtained using a variety of star formation tracers, sampling schemes, and physical scales and show that overall, these data yield almost exactly the same results, although with more scatter. We interpret these results as strong, albeit indirect evidence that star formation proceeds in a uniform way in giant molecular clouds in the disks of spiral galaxies.« less

Localized N, {lambda}, {sigma}, and {xi} single-particle potentials in finite nuclei calculated with SU{sub 6} quark-model baryon-baryon interactions

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

Kohno, M.; Fujiwara, Y.

Localized single-particle potentials for all octet baryons, N, {lambda}, {sigma}, and {xi}, in finite nuclei, {sup 12}C, {sup 16}O, {sup 28}Si, {sup 40}Ca, {sup 56}Fe, and {sup 90}Zr, are calculated using the quark-model baryon-baryon interactions. G matrices evaluated in symmetric nuclear matter in the lowest order Brueckner theory (LOBT) are applied to finite nuclei in local density approximation. Nonlocal potentials are localized by a zero-momentum Wigner transformation. Empirical single-particle properties of the nucleon and the {lambda} hyperon in a nuclear medium have been known to be explained semiquantitatively in the LOBT framework. Attention is focused in the present consideration onmore » predictions for the {sigma} and {xi} hyperons. The unified description for the octet baryon-baryon interactions by the SU{sub 6} quark model enables us to obtain less ambiguous extrapolation to the S=-1 and S=-2 sectors based on the knowledge in the NN sector than other potential models. The {sigma} mean field is shown to be weakly attractive at the surface, but turns out to be repulsive inside, which is consistent with the experimental evidence. The {xi} hyperon s.p. potential is also attractive at the nuclear surface region, and inside it fluctuates around zero. Hence {xi} hypernuclear bound states are unlikely. We also evaluate energy shifts of the {sigma}{sup -} and {xi}{sup -} atomic levels in {sup 28}Si and {sup 56}Fe, using the calculated s.p. potentials.« less

Crystal structure of the Escherichia coli regulator of sigma70, Rsd, in complex with sigma70 domain 4.

PubMed

Patikoglou, Georgia A; Westblade, Lars F; Campbell, Elizabeth A; Lamour, Valérie; Lane, William J; Darst, Seth A

2007-09-21

The Escherichia coli Rsd protein binds tightly and specifically to the RNA polymerase (RNAP) sigma(70) factor. Rsd plays a role in alternative sigma factor-dependent transcription by biasing the competition between sigma(70) and alternative sigma factors for the available core RNAP. Here, we determined the 2.6 A-resolution X-ray crystal structure of Rsd bound to sigma(70) domain 4 (sigma(70)(4)), the primary determinant for Rsd binding within sigma(70). The structure reveals that Rsd binding interferes with the two primary functions of sigma(70)(4), core RNAP binding and promoter -35 element binding. Interestingly, the most highly conserved Rsd residues form a network of interactions through the middle of the Rsd structure that connect the sigma(70)(4)-binding surface with three cavities exposed on distant surfaces of Rsd, suggesting functional coupling between sigma(70)(4) binding and other binding surfaces of Rsd, either for other proteins or for as yet unknown small molecule effectors. These results provide a structural basis for understanding the role of Rsd, as well as its ortholog, AlgQ, a positive regulator of Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence, in transcription regulation.

Strain-rate/temperature behavior of high density polyethylene in compression

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clements, L. L.; Sherby, O. D.

1978-01-01

The compressive strain rate/temperature behavior of highly linear, high density polyethylene was analyzed in terms of the predictive relations developed for metals and other crystalline materials. For strains of 5 percent and above, the relationship between applied strain rate, dotted epsilon, and resulting flow stress, sigma, was found to be: dotted epsilon exp times (Q sub f/RT) = k'(sigma/sigma sub c) to the nth power; the left-hand side is the activation-energy-compensated strain rate, where Q sub f is activation energy for flow, R is gas constant, and T is temperature; k is a constant, n is temperature-independent stress exponent, and sigma/sigma sub c is structure-compensated stress. A master curve resulted from a logarithmic plot of activation-energy-compensated strain rate versus structure-compensated stress.

The Effect of Surface Preparation on the Precipitation of Sigma During High Temperature Exposure of S32205 Duplex Stainless Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jepson, Mark A. E.; Rowlett, Matthew; Higginson, Rebecca L.

2017-03-01

Although the formation of sigma phase in duplex stainless steels is reasonably well documented, the effect of surface finish on its formation rate in surface regions has not been previously noted. The growth of the sigma phase precipitated in the subsurface region (to a maximum depth of 120 μm) has been quantified after heat treatment of S32205 duplex stainless steel at 1073 K (800 °C) and 1173 K (900 °C) after preparation to two surface finishes. Here, results are presented that show that there is a change in the rate of sigma phase formation in the surface region of the material, with a coarser surface finish leading to a greater depth of precipitation at a given time and temperature of heat treatment. The growth rate and morphology of the precipitated sigma has been examined and explored in conjunction with thermodynamic equilibrium phase calculations.

Concurrent Solution and Adsorption of Hydrocarbons in Gas Chromatographic Columns Packed with Different Loadings of 3-Methylsydnone on Chromosorb P

PubMed

Castells; Romero; Nardillo

1997-08-01

Thermodynamic properties of solution in 3-methylsydnone (3MS) and of adsorption at the nitrogen/3MS interface were gas chromatographically measured for a group of fifteen hydrocarbons at infinite dilution conditions. Retention volumes were measured at five temperatures within the range 37-52°C in six columns containing different loadings of 3MS on Chromosorb P AW. Partition and adsorption coefficients were calculated and from their temperature dependence the corresponding enthalpies were obtained, although with considerable error; infinite dilution activity coefficients of the hydrocarbons in the bulk and in the surface phases demonstrated a strong correlation. Bulk activity coefficients in 3MS were very much smaller than those previously measured for the same solutes in formamide (FA) and in ethyleneglycol (EG), and were also smaller than what could be predicted on account of 3MS cohesive energy density as estimated from the quotient sigma/v1/3 (sigma, surface tension; v, molar volume). There was not such a large difference between the surface activity coefficients in the three solvents; furthermore, the quotients (surface activity coefficient/bulk activity coefficient) for a given solute in 3MS were twice as large as in FA and about three times larger than in EG. These results make evident the difficulties inherent in the prediction of surface phase properties from those in the bulk and cast doubts on the pertinency of employing the surface tension to compare cohesive energy densities of polar solvents with important chemical differences.

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

Patikoglou,G.; Westblade, L.; Campbell, E.

The Escherichia coli Rsd protein binds tightly and specifically to the RNA polymerase (RNAP) {sigma}{sup 70} factor. Rsd plays a role in alternative {sigma} factor-dependent transcription by biasing the competition between {sigma}{sup 70} and alternative {sigma} factors for the available core RNAP. Here, we determined the 2.6 {angstrom}-resolution X-ray crystal structure of Rsd bound to {sigma}{sup 70} domain 4 ({sigma}{sup 70}{sub 4}), the primary determinant for Rsd binding within {sigma}{sup 70}. The structure reveals that Rsd binding interferes with the two primary functions of {sigma}{sup 70}{sub 4}, core RNAP binding and promoter -35 element binding. Interestingly, the most highly conservedmore » Rsd residues form a network of interactions through the middle of the Rsd structure that connect the {sigma}{sup 70}{sub 4}-binding surface with three cavities exposed on distant surfaces of Rsd, suggesting functional coupling between {sigma}{sup 70}{sub 4} binding and other binding surfaces of Rsd, either for other proteins or for as yet unknown small molecule effectors. These results provide a structural basis for understanding the role of Rsd, as well as its ortholog, AlgQ, a positive regulator of Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence, in transcription regulation.« less

Electric dipole moment of diatomic molecules by configuration interaction. V - Two states of /2/Sigma/+/ symmetry in CN.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Green, S.

1972-01-01

Previous accurate dipole moment calculation techniques are modified to be applicable to higher excited states of symmetry. The self-consistent fields and configuration interactions are calculated for the X(2)Sigma(+) and B(2)Sigma(+) states of CN. Spin hyperfine constants and spin density at the nucleus are considered in the context of one-electron operator properties. The values of the self-consistent field and configuration interaction for the spin density are compared with experimental values for several diatomic molecules.

Small-Molecule Sigma1 Modulator Induces Autophagic Degradation of PD-L1.

PubMed

Maher, Christina M; Thomas, Jeffrey D; Haas, Derick A; Longen, Charles G; Oyer, Halley M; Tong, Jane Y; Kim, Felix J

2018-02-01

Emerging evidence suggests that Sigma1 ( SIGMAR1 , also known as sigma-1 receptor) is a unique ligand-regulated integral membrane scaffolding protein that contributes to cellular protein and lipid homeostasis. Previously, we demonstrated that some small-molecule modulators of Sigma1 alter endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated protein homeostasis pathways in cancer cells, including the unfolded protein response and autophagy. Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is a type I integral membrane glycoprotein that is cotranslationally inserted into the ER and is processed and transported through the secretory pathway. Once at the surface of cancer cells, PD-L1 acts as a T-cell inhibitory checkpoint molecule and suppresses antitumor immunity. Here, we demonstrate that in Sigma1-expressing triple-negative breast and androgen-independent prostate cancer cells, PD-L1 protein levels were suppressed by RNAi knockdown of Sigma1 and by small-molecule inhibition of Sigma1. Sigma1-mediated action was confirmed by pharmacologic competition between Sigma1-selective inhibitor and activator ligands. When administered alone, the Sigma1 inhibitor decreased cell surface PD-L1 expression and suppressed functional interaction of PD-1 and PD-L1 in a coculture of T cells and cancer cells. Conversely, the Sigma1 activator increased PD-L1 cell surface expression, demonstrating the ability to positively and negatively modulate Sigma1 associated PD-L1 processing. We discovered that the Sigma1 inhibitor induced degradation of PD-L1 via autophagy, by a mechanism distinct from bulk macroautophagy or general ER stress-associated autophagy. Finally, the Sigma1 inhibitor suppressed IFNγ-induced PD-L1. Our data demonstrate that small-molecule Sigma1 modulators can be used to regulate PD-L1 in cancer cells and trigger its degradation by selective autophagy. Implications: Sigma1 modulators sequester and eliminate PD-L1 by autophagy, thus preventing functional PD-L1 expression at the cell surface. This posits Sigma1 modulators as novel therapeutic agents in PD-L1/PD-1 blockade strategies that regulate the tumor immune microenvironment. Visual Overview: http://mcr.aacrjournals.org/content/molcanres/16/2/243/F1.large.jpg Mol Cancer Res; 16(2); 243-55. ©2017 AACR . ©2017 American Association for Cancer Research.

[Use of the Six Sigma methodology for the preparation of parenteral nutrition mixtures].

PubMed

Silgado Bernal, M F; Basto Benítez, I; Ramírez García, G

2014-04-01

To use the tools of the Six Sigma methodology for the statistical control in the elaboration of parenteral nutrition mixtures at the critical checkpoint of specific density. Between August of 2010 and September of 2013, specific density analysis was performed to 100% of the samples, and the data were divided in two groups, adults and neonates. The percentage of acceptance, the trend graphs, and the sigma level were determined. A normality analysis was carried out by using the Shapiro Wilk test and the total percentage of mixtures within the specification limits was calculated. The specific density data between August of 2010 and September of 2013 comply with the normality test (W = 0.94) and show improvement in sigma level through time, reaching 6/6 in adults and 3.8/6 in neonates. 100% of the mixtures comply with the specification limits for adults and neonates, always within the control limits during the process. The improvement plans together with the Six Sigma methodology allow controlling the process, and warrant the agreement between the medical prescription and the content of the mixture. Copyright AULA MEDICA EDICIONES 2014. Published by AULA MEDICA. All rights reserved.

New upper limits on the local metagalactic ionizing radiation density

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vogel, Stuart N.; Weymann, Ray; Rauch, Michael; Hamilton, Tom

1995-01-01

We have obtained H-alpha observations with the Maryland-Caltech Fabry-Perot Spectrometer attached to the Cassegrain focus of the 1.5 m telescope at Palomer Observatory in order to set limits on the number of ionizing photons from the local metagalactic radiation field. We have observed the SW component of the Haynes-Giovanelli cloud H I 1225+01, an intergalactic cloud which should be optimum for measuring the metagalactic flux because it is nearly opaque to ionizing photons, it does not appear to be significantly shielded from the metagalactic radiation field, and the limits on embedded or nearby ionizing sources are unusually low. For the area of the cloud with an H I column density greater than 10(exp 19)/sq cm we set a 2 sigma limit of 1.1 x 10(exp -19) ergs/sq cm/s/sq arcsec (20 mR) for the surface brightness of diffuse H-alpha. This implies a 2 sigma upper limit on the incident one-sided ionizing flux of Phi(sub ex) is less than 3 x 10(exp 4)/sq cm/s. For a radiation field of the form J(sub nu) is approximately nu(exp -1.4), this yields a firm 2 sigma upper limit on the local metagalactic photoionization rate of Gamma is less than 2 x 10(exp -13)/s, and an upper limit for the radiation field J(sub nu) at the Lyman limit of J(sub nu0) is less than 8 x 10(exp -23) ergs/sq cm/Hz/sr. We discuss previous efforts to constrain the metagalactic ionizing flux using H-alpha surface brightness observations and also other methods, and conclude that our result places the firmest upper limit on this flux. We also observed the 7 min diameter region centered on 3C 273 in which H-alpha emission at a velocity of approximately 1700 km/s was initially reported by Williams and Schommer. In agreement with T. B. Williams (private communication) we find the initial detection was spurious. We obtain a 2 sigma upper limit of 1.8 x 10(exp -19) ergs/sq cm/s/sq arcsec (32 mR) for the mean surface brightness of diffuse H-alpha, about a factor of 6 below the published value.

Dispersal of Giant Molecular Clouds by Photoionization and Radiation Pressure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Jeong-Gyu; Kim, Woong-Tae; Ostriker, Eve C.

2018-01-01

UV radiation feedback from young massive stars plays a key role in the evolution of giant molecular clouds (GMCs) by forming HII regions and driving their expansion. We present the results of radiation hydrodynamic simulations of star cluster formation in turbulent GMCs, focusing on the effects of photoionization and radiation pressure on regulating the net star formation efficiency (SFE) and lifetime of clouds. We find that the net SFE depends primarily on the initial gas surface density, $\\Sigma_0$, such that the net SFE increases from 4% to 50% as $\\Sigma_0$ increases from $20\\,M_{\\odot}\\,{\\rm pc}^{-2}$ to $1300\\,M_{\\odot}\\,{\\rm pc}^{-2}$. Cloud dispersal occurs within $10\\,{\\rm Myr}$ after the onset of radiation feedback, or within 0.7--4.0 free-fall times that increases with $\\Sigma_0$. Photoionization plays a dominant role in destroying molecular clouds typical of the Milky Way, while radiation pressure takes over in massive, dense clouds. Based on the analysis of mass loss processes by photoevaporation or momentum injection, we develop a semi-analytic model for cloud dispersal and compare it with the numerical results.

Particle Acceleration in Dissipative Pulsar Magnetospheres

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kazanas, Z.; Kalapotharakos, C.; Harding, A.; Contopoulos, I.

2012-01-01

Pulsar magnetospheres represent unipolar inductor-type electrical circuits at which an EM potential across the polar cap (due to the rotation of their magnetic field) drives currents that run in and out of the polar cap and close at infinity. An estimate ofthe magnitude of this current can be obtained by dividing the potential induced across the polar cap V approx = B(sub O) R(sub O)(Omega R(sub O)/c)(exp 2) by the impedance of free space Z approx eq 4 pi/c; the resulting polar cap current density is close to $n {GJ} c$ where $n_{GJ}$ is the Goldreich-Julian (GJ) charge density. This argument suggests that even at current densities close to the GJ one, pulsar magnetospheres have a significant component of electric field $E_{parallel}$, parallel to the magnetic field, a condition necessary for particle acceleration and the production of radiation. We present the magnetic and electric field structures as well as the currents, charge densities, spin down rates and potential drops along the magnetic field lines of pulsar magnetospheres which do not obey the ideal MHD condition $E cdot B = 0$. By relating the current density along the poloidal field lines to the parallel electric field via a kind of Ohm's law $J = sigma E_{parallel}$ we study the structure of these magnetospheres as a function of the conductivity $sigma$. We find that for $sigma gg OmegaS the solution tends to the (ideal) Force-Free one and to the Vacuum one for $sigma 11 OmegaS. Finally, we present dissipative magnetospheric solutions with spatially variable $sigma$ that supports various microphysical properties and are compatible with the observations.

Density Measurements in Air by Optically Exciting the Cordes Bands of I2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Balla, R. Jeffrey; Exton, Reginald J.

2000-01-01

We describe an optical method based on laser-induced fluorescence for obtaining instantaneous measurements of density along a line in low-density air seeded with I2. The Cordes bands of I2 (D(sup 1)sigma(sup +, sub u)) left arrow X(sup 1)sigma(sup +, sub g)) are excited with a tunable ArF excimer laser. air densities in the range (0.1-6.5) x 10(exp 17) cm(exp -3) are measured over 295-583 K using the density-dependent emission ratio of two emission bands of I2; the 340 nm bands and the diffuse-structured McLennan bands near 320 nm.

UV TO FAR-IR CATALOG OF A GALAXY SAMPLE IN NEARBY CLUSTERS: SPECTRAL ENERGY DISTRIBUTIONS AND ENVIRONMENTAL TRENDS

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

Hernandez-Fernandez, Jonathan D.; Iglesias-Paramo, J.; Vilchez, J. M., E-mail: jonatan@iaa.es

2012-03-01

In this paper, we present a sample of cluster galaxies devoted to study the environmental influence on the star formation activity. This sample of galaxies inhabits in clusters showing a rich variety in their characteristics and have been observed by the SDSS-DR6 down to M{sub B} {approx} -18, and by the Galaxy Evolution Explorer AIS throughout sky regions corresponding to several megaparsecs. We assign the broadband and emission-line fluxes from ultraviolet to far-infrared to each galaxy performing an accurate spectral energy distribution for spectral fitting analysis. The clusters follow the general X-ray luminosity versus velocity dispersion trend of L{sub X}more » {proportional_to} {sigma}{sup 4.4}{sub c}. The analysis of the distributions of galaxy density counting up to the 5th nearest neighbor {Sigma}{sub 5} shows: (1) the virial regions and the cluster outskirts share a common range in the high density part of the distribution. This can be attributed to the presence of massive galaxy structures in the surroundings of virial regions. (2) The virial regions of massive clusters ({sigma}{sub c} > 550 km s{sup -1}) present a {Sigma}{sub 5} distribution statistically distinguishable ({approx}96%) from the corresponding distribution of low-mass clusters ({sigma}{sub c} < 550 km s{sup -1}). Both massive and low-mass clusters follow a similar density-radius trend, but the low-mass clusters avoid the high density extreme. We illustrate, with ABELL 1185, the environmental trends of galaxy populations. Maps of sky projected galaxy density show how low-luminosity star-forming galaxies appear distributed along more spread structures than their giant counterparts, whereas low-luminosity passive galaxies avoid the low-density environment. Giant passive and star-forming galaxies share rather similar sky regions with passive galaxies exhibiting more concentrated distributions.« less

A VLA (Very Large Array) Search for 5 GHz Radio Transients and Variables at Low Galactic Latitudes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ofek, E. O.; Frail, D. A.; Breslauer, B.; Kulkarni, S. R.; Chandra, P.; Gal-Yam, A.; Kasliwal, M. M.; Gehrels, N.

2012-01-01

We present the results of a 5GHz survey with the Very Large Array (VLA) and the expanded VLA, designed to search for short-lived (approx < 1 day) transients and to characterize the variability of radio sources at milli-Jansky levels. A total sky area of 2.66 sq. deg, spread over 141 fields at low Galactic latitudes (b approx equals 6 - 8 deg) was observed 16 times with a cadence that was chosen to sample timescales of days, months and years. Most of the data were reduced, analyzed and searched for transients in near real time. Interesting candidates were followed up using visible light telescopes (typical delays of 1 - 2 hr) and the X-Ray Telescope on board the Swift satellite. The final processing of the data revealed a single possible transient with a flux density of f(sub v) approx equals 2.4mJy. This implies a transients sky surface density of kappa(f(sub v) > 1.8mJy) = 0.039(exp +0.13,+0.18) (sub .0.032,.0.038) / sq. deg (1, 2 sigma confidence errors). This areal density is consistent with the sky surface density of transients from the Bower et al. survey extrapolated to 1.8mJy. Our observed transient areal density is consistent with a Neutron Stars (NSs) origin for these events. Furthermore, we use the data to measure the sources variability on days to years time scales, and we present the variability structure function of 5GHz sources. The mean structure function shows a fast increase on approximately 1 day time scale, followed by a slower increase on time scales of up to 10 days. On time scales between 10 - 60 days the structure function is roughly constant. We find that approx > 30% of the unresolved sources brighter than 1.8mJy are variable at the > 4-sigma confidence level, presumably due mainly to refractive scintillation.

Sigma meson in vacuum and nuclear matter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Menchaca-Maciel, M. C.; Morones-Ibarra, J. R.

2013-04-01

We have obtained the value of the interaction constant g σππ that adjusts the values obtained in the E791 Collaboration at Fermilab and BES Collaboration at the Beijing Electron Positron Collider experiments. To get this we have used the concept of critical width to make compatible the parameters obtained from the Breit-Wigner formula and those obtained from the density function. Also, the total width and effective mass modification of the sigma meson in nuclear matter has been studied in the Walecka model, assuming that the sigma couples to a pair of nucleon-antinucleon states and to particle-hole states, including the in-medium effect of sigma-omega mixing. We have considered, for completeness, the coupling of sigma to two virtual pions. We have found that the sigma meson mass decreases with respect to its value in vacuum and that the contribution of the sigma-omega mixing effect on the mass shift is relevant.

Baryon masses and σ terms in SU(3) BChPT×1/N c

DOE PAGES

Fernando, Ishara P.; Alarcon-Soriano, Jose-Manuel; Goity, Jose Luis

2018-04-27

Baryon masses and nucleonmore » $$\\sigma$$ terms are studied with the effective theory that combines the chiral and $$1/N_c$$ expansions for three flavors. In particular the connection between the deviation of the Gell-Mann-Okubo relation and the $$\\sigma$$ term associated with the scalar density $$\\bar u u+\\bar d d-2\\bar s s$$ is emphasized. The latter is at lowest order related to a mass combination whose low value has given rise to a $$\\sigma$$ term puzzle. It is shown that while the nucleon $$\\sigma$$ terms have a well behaved low energy expansion, that mass combination is affected by large higher order corrections non-analytic in quark masses. Lastly, adding to the analysis lattice QCD baryon masses, it is found that $$\\sigma_{\\pi N}=69(10)$$~MeV and $$\\sigma_s$$ has natural magnitude within its relative large uncertainty.« less

Baryon masses and σ terms in SU(3) BChPT×1/N c

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

Fernando, Ishara P.; Alarcon-Soriano, Jose-Manuel; Goity, Jose Luis

Baryon masses and nucleonmore » $$\\sigma$$ terms are studied with the effective theory that combines the chiral and $$1/N_c$$ expansions for three flavors. In particular the connection between the deviation of the Gell-Mann-Okubo relation and the $$\\sigma$$ term associated with the scalar density $$\\bar u u+\\bar d d-2\\bar s s$$ is emphasized. The latter is at lowest order related to a mass combination whose low value has given rise to a $$\\sigma$$ term puzzle. It is shown that while the nucleon $$\\sigma$$ terms have a well behaved low energy expansion, that mass combination is affected by large higher order corrections non-analytic in quark masses. Lastly, adding to the analysis lattice QCD baryon masses, it is found that $$\\sigma_{\\pi N}=69(10)$$~MeV and $$\\sigma_s$$ has natural magnitude within its relative large uncertainty.« less

Characteristic microwave-background distortions from collapsing spherical domain walls

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goetz, Guenter; Notzold, Dirk

1990-01-01

The redshift distortion induced by collapsing spherical domain walls is calculated. The most frequent microwave background distortions are found to occur at large angles in the form of blue disks. This is the angular region currently measured by the COBE satellite. COBE could therefore detect signals predicted here for domain walls with surface energy density of the order of MeV. Such values for sigma are proposed in the late-time phase-transition scenario of Hill et al. (1989).

Identification of carbohydrate-binding domains in the attachment proteins of type 1 and type 3 reoviruses.

PubMed

Chappell, J D; Duong, J L; Wright, B W; Dermody, T S

2000-09-01

The reovirus attachment protein, sigma1, is responsible for strain-specific patterns of viral tropism in the murine central nervous system and receptor binding on cultured cells. The sigma1 protein consists of a fibrous tail domain proximal to the virion surface and a virion-distal globular head domain. To better understand mechanisms of reovirus attachment to cells, we conducted studies to identify the region of sigma1 that binds cell surface carbohydrate. Chimeric and truncated sigma1 proteins derived from prototype reovirus strains type 1 Lang (T1L) and type 3 Dearing (T3D) were expressed in insect cells by using a baculovirus vector. Assessment of expressed protein susceptibility to proteolytic cleavage, binding to anti-sigma1 antibodies, and oligomerization indicates that the chimeric and truncated sigma1 proteins are properly folded. To assess carbohydrate binding, recombinant sigma1 proteins were tested for the capacity to agglutinate mammalian erythrocytes and to bind sialic acid presented on glycophorin, the cell surface molecule bound by type 3 reovirus on human erythrocytes. Using a panel of two wild-type and ten chimeric and truncated sigma1 proteins, the sialic acid-binding domain of type 3 sigma1 was mapped to a region of sequence proposed to form the more amino terminal of two predicted beta-sheet structures in the tail. This unit corresponds to morphologic region T(iii) observed in computer-processed electron micrographs of sigma1 protein purified from virions. In contrast, the homologous region of T1L sigma1 sequence was not implicated in carbohydrate binding; rather, sequences in the distal portion of the tail known as the neck were required. Results of these studies demonstrate that a functional receptor-binding domain, which uses sialic acid as its ligand, is contained within morphologic region T(iii) of the type 3 sigma1 tail. Furthermore, our findings indicate that T1L and T3D sigma1 proteins contain different arrangements of receptor-binding domains.

Interaction of sigma 70 with Escherichia coli RNA polymerase core enzyme studied by surface plasmon resonance.

PubMed

Ferguson, A L; Hughes, A D; Tufail, U; Baumann, C G; Scott, D J; Hoggett, J G

2000-09-22

The interaction between the core form of bacterial RNA polymerases and sigma factors is essential for specific promoter recognition, and for coordinating the expression of different sets of genes in response to varying cellular needs. The interaction between Escherichia coli core RNA polymerase and sigma 70 has been investigated by surface plasmon resonance. The His-tagged form of sigma 70 factor was immobilised on a Ni2+-NTA chip for monitoring its interaction with core polymerase. The binding constant for the interaction was found to be 1.9x10(-7) M, and the dissociation rate constant for release of sigma from core, in the absence of DNA or transcription, was 4x10(-3) s(-1), corresponding to a half-life of about 200 s.

Comparison of radar backscatter from Antarctic and Arctic sea ice

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hosseinmostafa, R.; Lytle, V.

1992-01-01

Two ship-based step-frequency radars, one at C-band (5.3 GHz) and one at Ku-band (13.9 GHz), measured backscatter from ice in the Weddell Sea. Most of the backscatter data were from first-year (FY) and second-year (SY) ice at the ice stations where the ship was stationary and detailed snow and ice characterizations were performed. The presence of a slush layer at the snow-ice interface masks the distinction between FY and SY ice in the Weddell Sea, whereas in the Arctic the separation is quite distinct. The effect of snow-covered ice on backscattering coefficients (sigma0) from the Weddell Sea region indicates that surface scattering is the dominant factor. Measured sigma0 values were compared with Kirchhoff and regression-analysis models. The Weibull power-density function was used to fit the measured backscattering coefficients at 45 deg.

Microwave remote sensing of snowpacks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stiles, W. H.; Ulaby, F. T.

1980-01-01

The interaction mechanisms responsible for the microwave backscattering and emission behavior of snow were investigated, and models were developed relating the backscattering coefficient (sigma) and apparent temperature (T) to the physical parameters of the snowpack. The microwave responses to snow wetness, snow water equivalent, snow surface roughness, and to diurnal variations were investigated. Snow wetness was shown to have an increasing effect with increasing frequency and angle of incidence for both active and passive cases. Increasing snow wetness was observed to decrease the magnitude sigma and increase T. Snow water equivalent was also observed to exhibit a significant influence sigma and T. Snow surface configuration (roughness) was observed to be significant only for wet snow surface conditions. Diurnal variations were as large as 15 dB for sigma at 35 GHz and 120 K for T at 37 GHz. Simple models for sigma and T of a snowpack scene were developed in terms of the most significant ground-truth parameters. The coefficients for these models were then evaluated; the fits to the sigma and T measurements were generally good. Finally, areas of needed additional observations were outlined and experiments were specified to further the understanding of the microwave-snowpack interaction mechanisms.

New constraints on neutron star models of gamma-ray bursts. II - X-ray observations of three gamma-ray burst error boxes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Boer, M.; Hurley, K.; Pizzichini, G.; Gottardi, M.

1991-01-01

Exosat observations are presented for 3 gamma-ray-burst error boxes, one of which may be associated with an optical flash. No point sources were detected at the 3-sigma level. A comparison with Einstein data (Pizzichini et al., 1986) is made for the March 5b, 1979 source. The data are interpreted in the framework of neutron star models and derive upper limits for the neutron star surface temperatures, accretion rates, and surface densities of an accretion disk. Apart from the March 5b, 1979 source, consistency is found with each model.

Gravitational microlensing - The effect of random motion of individual stars in the lensing galaxy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kundic, Tomislav; Wambsganss, Joachim

1993-01-01

We investigate the influence of random motion of individual stars in the lensing galaxy on the light curve of a gravitationally lensed background quasar. We compare this with the effects of the transverse motion of the galaxy. We find that three-dimensional random motion of stars with a velocity dispersion sigma in each dimension is more effective in producing 'peaks' in a microlensed light curve by a factor a about 1.3 than motion of the galaxy with a transverse velocity v(t) = sigma. This effectiveness parameter a seems to depend only weakly on the surface mass density. With an assumed transverse velocity of v(t) = 600 km/s of the galaxy lensing the QSO 2237+0305 and a measured velocity dispersion of sigma = 215 km/s, the expected rate of maxima in the light curves calculated for bulk motion alone has to be increased by about 10 percent due to the random motion of stars. As a consequence, the average time interval Delta t between two high-magnification events is smaller than the time interval Delta(t) bulk, calculated for bulk motion alone, Delta t about 0.9 Delta(t) bulk.

Thermocapillary migration of liquid droplets in a temperature gradient in a density matched system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rashidnia, N.; Balasubramaniam, R.

1991-01-01

An experimental investigation of thermocapillary flow in droplets of a vegetable oil (partially hydrogenated soybean oil) immersed in silicone oil was conducted in a test cell with a heated top wall and a cooled bottom wall. The liquids are nearly immiscible and have equal densities at a temperature below the room temperature, thus providing a simulation of low-gravity conditions by reducing the buoyancy forces. The interfacial tension between the two oils was measured in the temperature range 20 to 50 C using a capillary tube and (d sigma)/(d T) was determined to be negative. Droplets ranging in sizes from 3 mm to 1 cm diameter were injected into the silicone oil. The vertical temperature profile in the bulk liquid (silicone oil) produces temperature variations along the interface which induce variations in the interfacial tension. The flow inside the droplet driven by the resulting interfacial shear stresses was observed using a laser light-sheet flow visualization technique. The flow direction is consistent with the sign of (d sigma)/(d T). The observed maximum surface velocities are compared to the theoretical predictions of Young et al. (1959).

Thermocapillary migration of liquid droplets in a temperature gradient in a density matched system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rashidnia, N.; Balasubramaniam, R.

1989-01-01

An experimental investigation of thermocapillary flow in droplets of a vegetable oil (partially hydrogenated soybean oil) immersed in silicone oil was conducted in a test cell with a heated top wall and a cooled bottom wall. The liquids are nearly immiscible and have equal densities at a temperature below the room temperature, thus providing a simulation of low-gravity conditions by reducing the buoyancy forces. The interfacial tension between the two oils was measured in the temperature range 20 to 50 C using a capillary tube and (d sigma)/(d T) was determined to be negative. Droplets ranging in sizes from 3 mm to 1 cm diameter were injected into the silicone oil. The vertical temperature profile in the bulk liquid (silicone oil) produces temperature variations along the interface which induce variations in the interfacial tension. The flow inside the droplet driven by the resulting interfacial shear stresses was observed using a laser light-sheet flow visualization technique. The flow direction is consistent with the sign of (d sigma)/(d T). The observed maximum surface velocities are compared to the theoretical predictions of Young et al. (1959).

Theoretical study of hydrogen bonding interaction in nitroxyl (HNO) dimer: interrelationship of the two N-H...O blue-shifting hydrogen bonds.

PubMed

Liu, Ying; Liu, Wenqing; Li, Haiyang; Liu, Jianguo; Yang, Yong

2006-10-19

The hydrogen bonding interactions of the HNO dimer have been investigated using ab initio molecular orbital and density functional theory (DFT) with the 6-311++G(2d,2p) basis set. The natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis and atom in molecules (AIM) theory were applied to understand the nature of the interactions. The interrelationship between one N-H...O hydrogen bond and the other N-H...O hydrogen bond has been established by performing partial optimizations. The dimer is stabilized by the N-H...O hydrogen bonding interactions, which lead to the contractions of N-H bonds as well as the characteristic blue-shifts of the stretching vibrational frequencies nu(N-H). The NBO analysis shows that both rehybridization and electron density redistribution contribute to the large blue-shifts of the N-H stretching frequencies. A quantitative correlations of the intermolecular distance H...O (r(H...O)) with the parameters: rho at bond critical points (BCPs), s-characters of N atoms in N-H bonds, electron densities in the sigma*(N-H), the blue-shift degrees of nu(N-H) are presented. The relationship between the difference of rho (|Deltarho|) for the one hydrogen bond compared with the other one and the difference of interaction energy (DeltaE) are also illustrated. It indicates that for r(H...O) ranging from 2.05 to 2.3528 A, with increasing r(H...O), there is the descending tendency for one rho(H...O) and the ascending tendency for the other rho(H...O). r(H...O) ranging from 2.3528 to 2.85 A, there are descending tendencies for the two rho(H...O) with increasing r(H...O). On the potential energy surface of the dimer, the smaller the difference between one rho(H...O) and the other rho(H...O) is, the more stable the structure is. As r(H...O) increases, the blue-shift degrees of nu(N-H) decrease. The cooperative descending tendencies in s-characters of two N atoms with increasing r(H...O) contribute to the decreases in blue-shift degrees of nu(N-H). Ranging from 2.05 to 2.55 A, the increase of the electron density in one sigma*(N-H) with elongating r(H...O) weakens the blue-shift degrees of nu(N-H), simultaneously, the decrease of the electron density in the other sigma*(N-H) with elongating r(H...O) strengthens the blue-shift degrees of nu(N-H). Ranging from 2.55 to 2.85 A, the cooperative ascending tendencies of the electron densities in two sigma*(N-H) with increasing r(H...O) contribute to the decreases in blue-shift degrees of nu(N-H).

Synthesis of a new class of carbon-bonded anionic sigma complexes with 1,3-dimethyl-2,6-dioxo-5-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyrimidin-4-olate moiety as insensitive high energy density materials -- implications from impact sensitivity and thermal testings.

PubMed

Kulandaiya, Rajamani; Doraisamyraja, Kalaivani

2015-01-01

Poly nitro aromatic compounds are high energy density materials. Carbon-bonded anionic sigma complexes derived from them have remarkable thermal stability. At present there is a strong requirement for thermally stable insensitive high energy density materials (IHEDMs) in the energetic field which necessitates the present investigation. Three new carbon-bonded anionic sigma complexes were synthesized from 2-chloro-1,3,5-trinitrobenzene, 1,3-dimethylpyrimidine-2,4,6(1H,3H,5H)-trione (1,3-dimethylbarbituric acid) and bases such as triethanolamine, pyridine and N,N-diethylaniline, characterized by UV-VIS, IR, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR and elemental analysis data. Their molecular structures were further ascertained through single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. TGA/DTA testings were undertaken at four different heating rates (5, 10, 20 and 40 K/min) and energy of activation was determined employing Ozawa and Kissinger plots. The reported carbon-bonded anionic sigma complexes were prepared through single pot synthesis in good yield with high purity. These complexes are molecular salts comprise of cation and anion moieties. Because of the salt-like nature, they are highly stable upto 300°C and decompose in two stages on further heating. They are stable towards impact of 2 kg mass hammer upto height limit (160 cm) of the instrument. The delocalization of the negative charge and various hydrogen bonds noticed in their crystals are the added factors of their thermal stability. The new insensitive high energy density materials of the present findings may receive attention in the field of energetics in future. Graphical AbstractA new class of carbon-bonded anionic sigma complexes as insensitive high energy density materials.

Sigma 1 protein of mammalian reoviruses extends from the surfaces of viral particles

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

Furlong, D.B.; Nibert, M.L.; Fields, B.N.

1988-01-01

Electron microscopy revealed structures consisting of long fibers topped with knobs extending from the surfaces of virions of mammalian reoviruses. The morphology of these structures was reminiscent of the fiber protein of adenovirus. Fibers were also seen extending from the reovirus top component and intermediate subviral particles but not from cores, suggesting that the fibers consist of either the ..mu..1C or sigma1 outer capsid protein. Amino acid sequence analysis predicts that the reovirus cell attachment protein sigma1 contains an extended fiber domain. When sigma1 protein was released from viral particles with mild heat and subsequently obtained in isolation, it wasmore » found to have a morphology identical to that of the fiber structures seen extending from the viral particles. The identification of an extended form of sigma1 has important implications for its function in cell attachment. Other evidence suggest that sigma1 protein may occur in virions in both an extended and an unextended state.« less

RE-EXAMINING LARSON'S SCALING RELATIONSHIPS IN GALACTIC MOLECULAR CLOUDS

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

Heyer, Mark; Krawczyk, Coleman; Duval, Julia

The properties of Galactic molecular clouds tabulated by Solomon et al. (SRBY) are re-examined using the Boston University-FCRAO Galactic Ring Survey of {sup 13}CO J = 1-0 emission. These new data provide a lower opacity tracer of molecular clouds and improved angular and spectral resolution compared with previous surveys of molecular line emission along the Galactic Plane. We calculate giant molecular cloud (GMC) masses within the SRBY cloud boundaries assuming local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) conditions throughout the cloud and a constant H{sub 2} to {sup 13}CO abundance, while accounting for the variation of the {sup 12}C/{sup 13}C with galactocentric radius.more » The LTE-derived masses are typically five times smaller than the SRBY virial masses. The corresponding median mass surface density of molecular hydrogen for this sample is 42 M{sub sun} pc{sup -2}, which is significantly lower than the value derived by SRBY (median 206 M{sub sun} pc{sup -2}) that has been widely adopted by most models of cloud evolution and star formation. This discrepancy arises from both the extrapolation by SRBY of velocity dispersion, size, and CO luminosity to the 1 K antenna temperature isophote that likely overestimates the GMC masses and our assumption of constant {sup 13}CO abundance over the projected area of each cloud. Owing to the uncertainty of molecular abundances in the envelopes of clouds, the mass surface density of GMCs could be larger than the values derived from our {sup 13}CO measurements. From velocity dispersions derived from the {sup 13}CO data, we find that the coefficient of the cloud structure functions, v{sup 0} = {sigma}{sub v}/R {sup 1/2}, is not constant, as required to satisfy Larson's scaling relationships, but rather systematically varies with the surface density of the cloud as {approx}{sigma}{sup 0.5} as expected for clouds in self-gravitational equilibrium.« less

The low-lying {pi}{sigma}* state and its role in the intramolecular charge transfer of aminobenzonitriles and aminobenzethyne

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

Lee, Jae-Kwang; Fujiwara, Takashige; Kofron, William G.

2008-04-28

Electronic absorption spectra of the low-lying {pi}{pi}* and {pi}{sigma}* states of several aminobenzonitriles and 4-dimethylaminobenzethyne have been studied by time-resolved transient absorption and time-dependent density functional theory calculation. In acetonitrile, the lifetime of the {pi}{sigma}*-state absorption is very short (picoseconds or subpicosecond) for molecules that exhibit intramolecular charge transfer (ICT), and very long (nanoseconds) for those that do not. Where direct comparison of the temporal characteristics of the {pi}{sigma}*-state and the ICT-state transients could be made, the formation rate of the ICT state is identical to the decay rate of the {pi}{sigma}* state within the experimental uncertainty. These results aremore » consistent with the {pi}{sigma}*-mediated ICT mechanism, L{sub a} ({pi}{pi}*){yields}{pi}{sigma}*{yields}ICT, in which the decay rate of the {pi}{sigma}* state is determined by the rate of the solvent-controlled {pi}{sigma}*{yields}ICT charge-shift reaction. The {pi}{pi}*{yields}{pi}{sigma}* state crossing does not occur in 3-dimethylaminobenzonitrile or 2-dimethylaminobenzonitrile, as predicted by the calculation, and 4-aminobenzonitrile and 4-dimethylaminobenzethyne does not exhibit the ICT reaction, consistent with the higher energy of the ICT state relative to the {pi}{sigma}* state.« less

Nonlinear calculation of the m=1 internal kink instability in current carrying stellarators

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

Wakatani, M.

1978-02-01

Nonlinear properties of the m=1 internal kink mode are shown in a low beta current carrying stellarator. The effects of the external helical magnetic fields are considered through a rotational transform and the magnetic surface is assumed to be circular. Magnetic surfaces inside the iota sub eta + iota sub sigma = 1 surface shift and deform non-circularly, while magnetic surfaces outside the iota sub eta + iota sub sigma = 1 are not disturbed, where iota sub eta is a rotational transform due to helical magnetic fields and iota sub sigma is due to a plasma current. Many highermore » harmonics are excited after the fundamental mode saturates. When the external helical magnetic fields are lowered, the m=1 tearing mode similar to that in a low beta Tokamak grows and magnetic islands appear near the iota sub eta + iota sub sigma = 1 surface. For adequate helical magnetic fields, the current carrying stellarator becomes stable against both the m=1 internal kink mode and the m=1 internal kink mode and the m=1 tearing mode, without lowering the rotational transform.« less

Ground Cloud Dispersion Measurements During the Titan IV Mission A-18 (23 October 1997) at Vandenberg Air Force Base

DTIC Science & Technology

1999-02-20

958.88 BASE= 0.00 SECOND SELECTED LAYER HEIGHT- (METERS) TOP = 3008.96 BASE= 958.88 SIGMAR (AZ) AT THE SURFACE (DEGREES) 5.7504 SIGMER(EL) AT THE SURFACE... SIGMAR (AZ) AT THE SURFACE (DEGREES) 5.7504 SIGMER(EL) AT THE SURFACE (DEGREES) 1.0344 MET. WIND WIND LAYER WIND SPEED WIND DIRECTION SIGMA OF SIGMA OF NO

Microscopic study of spin cut-off factors of nuclear level densities

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

Gholami, M.; Kildir, M.; Behkami, A. N.

Level densities and spin cut-off factors have been investigated within the microscopic approach based on the BCS Hamiltonian. In particular, the spin cut-off parameters have been calculated at neutron binding energies over a large range of nuclear mass using the BCS theory. The spin cut-off parameters {sigma}{sup 2}(E) have also been obtained from the Gilbert and Cameron expression and from rigid body calculations. The results were compared with their corresponding macroscopic values. It was found that the values of {sigma}{sup 2}(E) did not increase smoothly with A as expected based on macroscopic theory. Instead, the values of {sigma}{sup 2}(E) showmore » structure reflecting the angular momentum of the shell model orbitals near the Fermi energy.« less

Chemical origin of blue- and redshifted hydrogen bonds: intramolecular hyperconjugation and its coupling with intermolecular hyperconjugation.

PubMed

Li, An Yong

2007-04-21

Upon formation of a H bond Y...H-XZ, intramolecular hyperconjugation n(Z)-->sigma*(X-H) of the proton donor plays a key role in red- and blueshift characters of H bonds and must be introduced in the concepts of hyperconjugation and rehybridization. Intermolecular hyperconjugation transfers electron density from Y to sigma*(X-H) and causes elongation and stretch frequency redshift of the X-H bond; intramolecular hyperconjugation couples with intermolecular hyperconjugation and can adjust electron density in sigma*(X-H); rehybridization causes contraction and stretch frequency blueshift of the X-H bond on complexation. The three factors--intra- and intermolecular hyperconjugations and rehybridization--determine commonly red- or blueshift of the formed H bond. A proton donor that has strong intramolecular hyperconjugation often forms blueshifted H bonds.

Surface energy from order parameter profile: At the QCD phase transition

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frei, Z.; Patkos, A.

1989-01-01

The order parameter profile between coexisting confined and plasma regions at the quantum chromodynamic (QCD) phase transition is constructed. The dimensionless combination of the surface energy (Sigma) and the correlation length (Zeta) is estimated to be Sigma Zeta 3 approximately equals 0.8.

Constant curvature surfaces of the supersymmetric ℂP{sup N−1} sigma model

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

Delisle, L., E-mail: delisle@dms.umontreal.ca; Hussin, V., E-mail: hussin@dms.umontreal.ca; Centre de Recherches Mathématiques, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128, Succ. Centre-ville, Montréal, Québec H3C 3J7

2015-02-15

Constant curvature surfaces are constructed from the finite action solutions of the supersymmetric ℂP{sup N−1} sigma model. It is shown that there is a unique holomorphic solution which leads to constant curvature surfaces: the generalized Veronese curve. We give a general criterion to construct non-holomorphic solutions of the model. We extend our analysis to general supersymmetric Grassmannian models.

THE MOLECULAR GAS DENSITY IN GALAXY CENTERS AND HOW IT CONNECTS TO BULGES

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

Fisher, David B.; Bolatto, Alberto; Drory, Niv

2013-02-20

In this paper we present gas density, star formation rate (SFR), stellar masses, and bulge-disk decompositions for a sample of 60 galaxies. Our sample is the combined sample of the BIMA SONG, CARMA STING, and PdBI NUGA surveys. We study the effect of using CO-to-H{sub 2} conversion factors that depend on the CO surface brightness, and also that of correcting SFRs for diffuse emission from old stellar populations. We estimate that SFRs in bulges are typically lower by 20% when correcting for diffuse emission. Using the surface brightness dependent conversion factor, we find that over half of the galaxies inmore » our sample have {Sigma}{sub mol} > 100 M {sub Sun} pc{sup -2}. Though our sample is not complete in any sense, our results are enough to rule out the assumption that bulges are uniformly gas-poor systems. We find a trend between gas density of bulges and bulge Sersic index; bulges with lower Sersic index have higher gas density. Those bulges with low Sersic index (pseudobulges) have gas fractions that are similar to that of disks. Conversely, the typical molecular gas fraction in classical bulges is more similar to that of an elliptical galaxy. We also find that there is a strong correlation between bulges with the highest gas surface density and the galaxy being barred. However, we also find that classical bulges with low gas surface density can be barred as well. Our results suggest that understanding the connection between the central surface density of gas in disk galaxies and the presence of bars should also take into account the total gas content of the galaxy. Finally, we show that when using the corrected SFRs and gas densities, the correlation between SFR surface density and gas surface density of bulges is similar to that of disks. This implies that at the scale of the bulges the timescale for converting gas into stars is comparable to those results found in disks.« less

Determination of the conformation of 2-hydroxy- and 2-aminobenzoic acid dimers using 13C NMR and density functional theory/natural bond order analysis: the central importance of the carboxylic acid carbon.

PubMed

Burnette, Ronald R; Weinhold, Frank

2006-07-20

The 13C chemical shift for the carboxylic acid carbon provides a powerful diagnostic probe to determine the preferred isomeric dimer structures of benzoic acid derivatives undergoing intra- and intermolecular H-bonding in the gas, solution and crystalline phases. We have employed hybrid density functional calculations and natural bond orbital analysis to elucidate the electronic origins of the observed 13C shieldings and their relationship to isomeric stability. We find that delocalizing interactions from the carbonyl oxygen lone pairs (nO) into vicinal carbon-oxygen and carbon-carbon antibonds (sigmaCO*,sigmaCC*) make critical contributions to the 13C shieldings, and these nO --> sigmaCO*, nO --> sigmaCC* interactions are in turn sensitive to the intramolecular interactions that dictate dimer structure and stability. The carboxyl carbon atom can thus serve as a useful detector of subtle structural and conformational features in this pharmacologically important class of carboxylic acid interactions.

Preliminary evaluation of the SIR-B response to soil moisture, surface roughness, and crop canopy cover

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dobson, M. C.; Ulaby, F. T.

1986-01-01

Two predawn ascending data-takes by the Shuttle Imaging Radar-B (SIR-B) were used to evaluate the effects of surface roughness, crop canopy, and soil moisture on radar backscatter. The two images, separated by three days, were both obtained at 30-deg local angle of incidence, but with opposite azimuth viewing directions. The imagery was externally calibrated with respect to the radar backscattering coefficient sigma(0) via response to arrays of point and area-extended targets of known radar cross section. Three land-cover classes: (1) corn, (2) corn stubble and plowed bare soil, and (3) disked bare soil, soybeans, soybean stubble, alfalfa, and clover could be readily separated for either observation date on the basis of image tone alone. The dependence of sigma(0) on the surface roughness and canopy brightness inhibits the capability of SIR to globally estimate the near-surface soil moisture from the value of sigma(0) for single date observations, unless the surface roughness or canopy cover conditions are accounted for. However, within given ranges of these conditions, the sigma(0) was found to be highly correlated with the soil moisture.

Digging in the coronal graveyard - A Rosat observation of the red giant Arcturus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ayres, Thomas R.; Fleming, Thomas A.; Schmitt, Juergen H. M. M.

1991-01-01

A deep exposure of the bright star Arcturus (Alpha Bootis: K1 III) with the Roentgensatellit (Rosat) failed to detect soft X-ray emission from the archetype 'noncoronal' red giant. The 3-sigma upper limit in the energy band 0.1-2.4 keV corresponds to an X-ray luminosity of less than 3 x 10 to the 25th erg/s, equivalent to a coronal surface flux density of less than 0.0001 solar. The nondetection safely eliminates coronal irradiation as a possible mechanism to produce the highly variable He I 10830 feature and emphasizes the sharp decline in solarlike coronal activity that accompanies the evolution of low-mass single stars away from the main sequence. While the most conspicuous object in the Rosat field of view was not visible in X-rays, at least one fainter star is among the about 60 sources recorded: the Sigma Sct variable CN Boo, an A8 giant in the UMa Stream.

Model representations for systems of selfadjoint operators satisfying commutation relations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zolotarev, Vladimir A.

2010-12-01

Model representations are constructed for a system \\{B_k\\}_1^n of bounded linear selfadjoint operators in a Hilbert space H such that \\displaystyle \\lbrack B_k,B_s \\rbrack =\\frac i2\\varphi^*R_{k,s}^-\\varphi, \\qquad\\sigma_k\\varphi B_s-\\sigma_s\\varphi B_k=R_{k,s}^+\\varphi, \\displaystyle \\sigma_k\\varphi\\varphi^*\\sigma_s-\\sigma_s\\varphi\\varphi^*\\sigma_k=2iR_{k,s}^-,\\qquad1\\le k, s\\le n, where \\varphi is a linear operator from H into a Hilbert space E and \\{\\sigma_k,R_{k,s}^+/-\\}_1^n are some selfadjoint operators in E. A realization of these models in function spaces on a Riemann surface is found and a full set of invariants for \\{B_k\\}_1^n is described. Bibliography: 11 titles.

Sigma metrics as a tool for evaluating the performance of internal quality control in a clinical chemistry laboratory.

PubMed

Kumar, B Vinodh; Mohan, Thuthi

2018-01-01

Six Sigma is one of the most popular quality management system tools employed for process improvement. The Six Sigma methods are usually applied when the outcome of the process can be measured. This study was done to assess the performance of individual biochemical parameters on a Sigma Scale by calculating the sigma metrics for individual parameters and to follow the Westgard guidelines for appropriate Westgard rules and levels of internal quality control (IQC) that needs to be processed to improve target analyte performance based on the sigma metrics. This is a retrospective study, and data required for the study were extracted between July 2015 and June 2016 from a Secondary Care Government Hospital, Chennai. The data obtained for the study are IQC - coefficient of variation percentage and External Quality Assurance Scheme (EQAS) - Bias% for 16 biochemical parameters. For the level 1 IQC, four analytes (alkaline phosphatase, magnesium, triglyceride, and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol) showed an ideal performance of ≥6 sigma level, five analytes (urea, total bilirubin, albumin, cholesterol, and potassium) showed an average performance of <3 sigma level and for level 2 IQCs, same four analytes of level 1 showed a performance of ≥6 sigma level, and four analytes (urea, albumin, cholesterol, and potassium) showed an average performance of <3 sigma level. For all analytes <6 sigma level, the quality goal index (QGI) was <0.8 indicating the area requiring improvement to be imprecision except cholesterol whose QGI >1.2 indicated inaccuracy. This study shows that sigma metrics is a good quality tool to assess the analytical performance of a clinical chemistry laboratory. Thus, sigma metric analysis provides a benchmark for the laboratory to design a protocol for IQC, address poor assay performance, and assess the efficiency of existing laboratory processes.

Effects of Surface Treatments on Secondary Electron Emission from CVD Diamond Films

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mearini, G. T.; Krainsky, I. L.; Dayton, J. A., Jr.; Zorman, Christian; Wang, Yaxin; Lamouri, A.

1995-01-01

Secondary electron emission (SEE) properties of polycrystalline diamond films grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) were measured. The total secondary yield (sigma) from as-grown samples was observed to be as high as 20 at room temperature and 48 while heating at 700 K in vacuum. Electron-beam-activated, alkali-terminated diamond films have shown stable values of sigma as high as 60 when coated with CsI and similarly high values when coated with other alkali halides. Diamond coated with BaF2 had a stable sigma of 6, but no enhancement of the SEE properties was observed with coatings of Ti or Au. Hydrogen was identified to give rise to this effect in as-grown films. However, electron beam exposure led to a reduction in sigma values as low as 2. Exposure to a molecular hydrogen environment restored sigma to its original value after degradation, and enabled stable secondary emission during electron beam exposure. Atomic hydrogen and hydrogen plasma treatments were performed on diamond/Mo samples in an attempt to increase the near-surface hydrogen concentration which might lead to increased stability in the secondary emission. Raman scattering analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) confirmed that hydrogen plasma and atomic hydrogen treatments improved the quality of the CVD diamond significantly. Elastic recoil detection (ERD) showed that heating as-grown diamond targets to 7OO K, which was correlated with an increase in sigma, removed contaminants from the surface but did not drive hydrogen from the diamond bulk. ERD showed that the hydrogen plasma treatment produced an increase in the hydrogen concentration in the near-surface region which did not decrease while heating in vacuum at 700 K, but no improvement in the SEE properties was observed.

Factorial-based response-surface modeling with confidence intervals for optimizing thermal-optical transmission analysis of atmospheric black carbon.

PubMed

Conny, J M; Norris, G A; Gould, T R

2009-03-09

Thermal-optical transmission (TOT) analysis measures black carbon (BC) in atmospheric aerosol on a fibrous filter. The method pyrolyzes organic carbon (OC) and employs laser light absorption to distinguish BC from the pyrolyzed OC; however, the instrument does not necessarily separate the two physically. In addition, a comprehensive temperature protocol for the analysis based on the Beer-Lambert Law remains elusive. Here, empirical response-surface modeling was used to show how the temperature protocol in TOT analysis can be modified to distinguish pyrolyzed OC from BC based on the Beer-Lambert Law. We determined the apparent specific absorption cross sections for pyrolyzed OC (sigma(Char)) and BC (sigma(BC)), which accounted for individual absorption enhancement effects within the filter. Response-surface models of these cross sections were derived from a three-factor central-composite factorial experimental design: temperature and duration of the high-temperature step in the helium phase, and the heating increase in the helium-oxygen phase. The response surface for sigma(BC), which varied with instrument conditions, revealed a ridge indicating the correct conditions for OC pyrolysis in helium. The intersection of the sigma(BC) and sigma(Char) surfaces indicated the conditions where the cross sections were equivalent, satisfying an important assumption upon which the method relies. 95% confidence interval surfaces defined a confidence region for a range of pyrolysis conditions. Analyses of wintertime samples from Seattle, WA revealed a temperature between 830 degrees C and 850 degrees C as most suitable for the helium high-temperature step lasting 150s. However, a temperature as low as 750 degrees C could not be rejected statistically.

Topography of Slow Sigma Power during Sleep is Associated with Processing Speed in Preschool Children.

PubMed

Doucette, Margaret R; Kurth, Salome; Chevalier, Nicolas; Munakata, Yuko; LeBourgeois, Monique K

2015-11-04

Cognitive development is influenced by maturational changes in processing speed, a construct reflecting the rapidity of executing cognitive operations. Although cognitive ability and processing speed are linked to spindles and sigma power in the sleep electroencephalogram (EEG), little is known about such associations in early childhood, a time of major neuronal refinement. We calculated EEG power for slow (10-13 Hz) and fast (13.25-17 Hz) sigma power from all-night high-density electroencephalography (EEG) in a cross-sectional sample of healthy preschool children (n = 10, 4.3 ± 1.0 years). Processing speed was assessed as simple reaction time. On average, reaction time was 1409 ± 251 ms; slow sigma power was 4.0 ± 1.5 μV²; and fast sigma power was 0.9 ± 0.2 μV². Both slow and fast sigma power predominated over central areas. Only slow sigma power was correlated with processing speed in a large parietal electrode cluster (p < 0.05, r ranging from -0.6 to -0.8), such that greater power predicted faster reaction time. Our findings indicate regional correlates between sigma power and processing speed that are specific to early childhood and provide novel insights into the neurobiological features of the EEG that may underlie developing cognitive abilities.

Shock compaction of molybdenum powder

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ahrens, T. J.; Kostka, D.; Vreeland, T., Jr.; Schwarz, R. B.; Kasiraj, P.

1983-01-01

Shock recovery experiments which were carried out in the 9 to 12 GPa range on 1.4 distension Mo and appear adequate to compact to full density ( 45 (SIGMA)m) powders were examined. The stress levels, however, are below those calculated to be from 100 to approx. 22 GPa which a frictional heating model predicts are required to consolidate approx. 10 to 50 (SIGMA)m particles. The model predicts that powders that have a distension of m=1.6 shock pressures of 14 to 72 GPa are required to consolidate Mo powders in the 50 to 10 (SIGMA)m range.

INVESTIGATING PLANET FORMATION IN CIRCUMSTELLAR DISKS: CARMA OBSERVATIONS OF RY Tau AND DG Tau

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

Isella, Andrea; Carpenter, John M.; Sargent, Anneila I., E-mail: isella@astro.caltech.ed

2010-05-10

We present CARMA observations of the thermal dust emission from the circumstellar disks around the young stars RY Tau and DG Tau at wavelengths of 1.3 mm and 2.8 mm. The angular resolution of the maps is as high as 0.''15, or 20 AU at the distance of the Taurus cloud, which is a factor of 2 higher than has been achieved to date at these wavelengths. The unprecedented detail of the resulting disk images enables us to address three important questions related to the formation of planets. (1) What is the radial distribution of the circumstellar dust? (2) Doesmore » the dust emission show any indication of gaps that might signify the presence of (proto-)planets? (3) Do the dust properties depend on the orbital radius? We find that modeling the disk surface density in terms of either a classical power law or the similarity solution for viscous disk evolution reproduces the observations well. Both models constrain the surface density between 15 and 50 AU to within 30% for a given dust opacity. Outside this range, the densities inferred from the two models differ by almost an order of magnitude. The 1.3 mm image from RY Tau shows two peaks separated by 0.''2 with a decline in the dust emission toward the stellar position, which is significant at about 2{sigma}-4{sigma}. For both RY Tau and DG Tau, the dust emission at radii larger than 15 AU displays no significant deviation from an unperturbed viscous disk model. In particular, no radial gaps in the dust distribution are detected. Under reasonable assumptions, we exclude the presence of planets more massive than 5 M{sub J} orbiting either star at distances between about 10 and 60 AU, unless such a planet is so young that there has been insufficient time to open a gap in the disk surface density. The radial variation of the dust opacity slope, {beta}, was investigated by comparing the 1.3 mm and 2.8 mm observations. We find mean values of {beta} of 0.5 and 0.7 for DG Tau and RY Tau, respectively. Variations in {beta} are smaller than {Delta}{beta} = 0.7 between 20 and 70 AU. These results confirm that the circumstellar dust throughout these disks differs significantly from dust in the interstellar medium.« less

The Mean Curvature of the Influence Surface of Wave Equation With Sources on a Moving Surface

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Farassat, F.; Farris, Mark

1999-01-01

The mean curvature of the influence surface of the space-time point (x, t) appears in linear supersonic propeller noise theory and in the Kirchhoff formula for a supersonic surface. Both these problems are governed by the linear wave equation with sources on a moving surface. The influence surface is also called the Sigma - surface in the aeroacoustic literature. This surface is the locus, in a frame fixed to the quiescent medium, of all the points of a radiating surface f(x, t) = 0 whose acoustic signals arrive simultaneously to an observer at position x and at the time t. Mathematically, the Sigma- surface is produced by the intersection of the characteristic conoid of the space-time point (x, t) and the moving surface. In this paper, we derive the expression for the local mean curvature of the Sigma - space of the space-time point for a moving rigid or deformable surface f(x, t) = 0. This expression is a complicated function of the geometric and kinematic parameters of the surface f(x, t) = 0. Using the results of this paper, the solution of the governing wave equation of high speed propeller noise radiation as well as the Kirchhoff formula for a supersonic surface can be written as very compact analytic expression.

[Surface stress analysis of distal extension removable partial denture retained with two types of semi-precision attachments].

PubMed

Wang, Y; Mi, N; Qing, F; Liu, F; Chen, J

2001-10-01

The aims of this study are to analyze the surface stress of the periodontal supporting bone of the bilateral distol extension removable partial denture which is retained by using intra-coronal or extra-coronal semi-precision attachment, and to characterize the biomechanics of these two designs by using a strain gauge. A fresh human mandible specimen with 76|67 missing and six bilateral partial removable denture retained with six semi-precision attachments were made, including three attachments with intra-coronal studs and three attachments with extra-coronal vertical bars. A total of six 45 degrees rosette strain gauges were bonded at six prepared points on the surface of the mandible to measure the surface stress, including the middle point between 76 of the buccal edentulous alveolar crest area under the denture base verge(point 1), the distal buccal cervix of 5 (point 2), the buccal apical area of 5 (point 3), the buccal middle area of 34 roots (point 4, 5), the lingual middle area of 5 root (point 6). The static loads of 14N, 28N and 42N were applied vertically, buccally 45 degrees, lingually 45 degrees at the middle point of the 6|6 occlusal surface. The micro-strain was recorded, and the maximal/minimal principle stresses were calculated for each RPD and each point. The stress characteristics of these two types of attachments were compared and analyzed. In most situations, the stress of these two semi-precision attachments showed significant differences. The vertical load: The stress values of these intra-coronal and extra-coronal attachments at points 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 differed significantly(P < 0.05), including points 1, 2, (sigma intra < sigma extra) and points 3, 4, 6(sigma intra > sigma extra). Buccal loads: The stress values of these intra-coronal and extra-coronal attachments at points 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 differed significantly(P < 0.05), including points 1, 2(sigma intra < sigma extra) and points 3, 4, 5(sigma intra > sigma extra). Lingual loads: The stress values of these intra-coronal and extra-coronal attachments at points 2, 3, 4, 6 differed significantly (P < 0.05, sigma intra > sigma extra). The intra-coronal attachment generally produced higher stress at the site of the alveolar bone around the abutment than the extra-coronal attachment, but extra-coronal attachment produced higher stress at the edentulous alveolar crest and the distal cervical alveolar bone of the distal abutment than the intra-coronal attachment. The intra-coronal attachment is suggested to be applied in some cases that the periodontal condition of distal abutment was good, and the extra-coronal attachment is suggested to be used in some cases that the condition of the edentulous alveolar crest is fairly good, while the periodontal condition of the distal abutment was relatively weak.

On the direct and dissociative excitation of the O(3s 3S0) state by electron impact on atomic and molecular oxygen

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zipf, E. C.

1986-01-01

The ratio of the cross sections for the direct and dissociative excitation of the OI(3s 3S0-2p 3P; 1304 A wavelength) transition, sigma A/sigma D, are accurately determined, and the sigma A/sigma D ratio is directly normalized to the ratio of the O(+) and O2(+) ionization cross sections using a high-density diffuse gas source, an electrostatically focused electron gun, a vacuum-ultraviolet monochromater, and a quadrupole mass spectrometer for simultaneous optical and composition measurements. Using revised sigma A(1304 A) values calculated with new calibration standards, the shape of the cross section for the excitation of the O(3s 3S0) state agrees well with previous results, though the absolute magnitude of sigma A(1304 A) is smaller than the results of Stone and Zipf (1974) by a factor of 2.8. The revised cross sections agree well with recent quantum calculations when cascade excitation of the 3s 3S0 state is taken into account.

Interstellar absorption along the line of sight to Sigma Scorpii using Copernicus observations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Allen, M. M.; Snow, T. P.; Jenkins, E. B.

1990-01-01

From Copernicus observations of Sigma Sco, 57 individual lines of 11 elements plus the molecular species H2 and CO were identified. By using a profile-fitting technique, rather than curves of growth, it was possible to obtain column densities and Doppler b values for up to four separate components along this line of sight. Electron density in the major H I component was derived from the photoionization equilibrium of sulfur, obtaining, n(e) of about 0.3/cu cm. The neutral hydrogen density in the same component was also derived using fine-structure excitation of O I. An H II component is also present in which the electron density was n(e) about 20/cu cm. As a by-product of this analysis, previously undetermined oscillator strengths for two Mn II lines were obtained: for 1162.-017 A, f about 0.023 and for 1164.211 A, f about 0.0086.

Characterization of a maximum-likelihood nonparametric density estimator of kernel type

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Geman, S.; Mcclure, D. E.

1982-01-01

Kernel type density estimators calculated by the method of sieves. Proofs are presented for the characterization theorem: Let x(1), x(2),...x(n) be a random sample from a population with density f(0). Let sigma 0 and consider estimators f of f(0) defined by (1).

Permeability of acetic acid across gel and liquid-crystalline lipid bilayers conforms to free-surface-area theory.

PubMed Central

Xiang, T X; Anderson, B D

1997-01-01

Solubility-diffusion theory, which treats the lipid bilayer membrane as a bulk lipid solvent into which permeants must partition and diffuse across, fails to account for the effects of lipid bilayer chain order on the permeability coefficient of any given permeant. This study addresses the scaling factor that must be applied to predictions from solubility-diffusion theory to correct for chain ordering. The effects of bilayer chemical composition, temperature, and phase structure on the permeability coefficient (Pm) of acetic acid were investigated in large unilamellar vesicles by a combined method of NMR line broadening and dynamic light scattering. Permeability values were obtained in distearoylphosphatidylcholine, dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine, dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine, and dilauroylphosphatidylcholine bilayers, and their mixtures with cholesterol, at various temperatures both above and below the gel-->liquid-crystalline phase transition temperatures (Tm). A new scaling factor, the permeability decrement f, is introduced to account for the decrease in permeability coefficient from that predicted by solubility-diffusion theory owing to chain ordering in lipid bilayers. Values of f were obtained by division of the observed Pm by the permeability coefficient predicted from a bulk solubility-diffusion model. In liquid-crystalline phases, a strong correlation (r = 0.94) between f and the normalized surface density sigma was obtained: in f = 5.3 - 10.6 sigma. Activation energies (Ea) for the permeability of acetic acid decreased with decreasing phospholipid chain length and correlated with the sensitivity of chain ordering to temperature, [symbol: see text] sigma/[symbol: see text](1/T), as chain length was varied. Pm values decreased abruptly at temperatures below the main phase transition temperatures in pure dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine and dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine bilayers (30-60-fold) and below the pretransition in dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine bilayers (8-fold), and the linear relationship between in f and sigma established for liquid-crystalline bilayers was no longer followed. However, in both gel and liquid-crystalline phases in f was found to exhibit an inverse correlation with free surface area (in f = -0.31 - 29.1/af, where af is the average free area (in square angstroms) per lipid molecule). Thus, the lipid bilayer permeability of acetic acid can be predicted from the relevant chain-packing properties in the bilayer (free surface area), regardless of whether chain ordering is varied by changes in temperature, lipid chain length, cholesterol concentration, or bilayer phase structure, provided that temperature effects on permeant dehydration and diffusion and the chain-length effects on bilayer barrier thickness are properly taken into account. PMID:8994607

THE VLA-COSMOS SURVEY. IV. DEEP DATA AND JOINT CATALOG

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

Schinnerer, E.; Sargent, M. T.; Bondi, M.

2010-06-15

In the context of the VLA-COSMOS Deep project, additional VLA A array observations at 1.4 GHz were obtained for the central degree of the COSMOS field and combined with the existing data from the VLA-COSMOS Large project. A newly constructed Deep mosaic with a resolution of 2.''5 was used to search for sources down to 4{sigma} with 1{sigma} {approx} 12 {mu}Jy beam{sup -1} in the central 50' x 50'. This new catalog is combined with the catalog from the Large project (obtained at 1.''5 x 1.''4 resolution) to construct a new Joint catalog. All sources listed in the new Jointmore » catalog have peak flux densities of {>=}5{sigma} at 1.''5 and/or 2.''5 resolution to account for the fact that a significant fraction of sources at these low flux levels are expected to be slightly resolved at 1.''5 resolution. All properties listed in the Joint catalog, such as peak flux density, integrated flux density, and source size, are determined in the 2.''5 resolution Deep image. In addition, the Joint catalog contains 43 newly identified multi-component sources.« less

Probability of fixation under weak selection: a branching process unifying approach.

PubMed

Lambert, Amaury

2006-06-01

We link two-allele population models by Haldane and Fisher with Kimura's diffusion approximations of the Wright-Fisher model, by considering continuous-state branching (CB) processes which are either independent (model I) or conditioned to have constant sum (model II). Recent works by the author allow us to further include logistic density-dependence (model III), which is ubiquitous in ecology. In all models, each allele (mutant or resident) is then characterized by a triple demographic trait: intrinsic growth rate r, reproduction variance sigma and competition sensitivity c. Generally, the fixation probability u of the mutant depends on its initial proportion p, the total initial population size z, and the six demographic traits. Under weak selection, we can linearize u in all models thanks to the same master formula u = p + p(1 - p)[g(r)s(r) + g(sigma)s(sigma) + g(c)s(c)] + o(s(r),s(sigma),s(c), where s(r) = r' - r, s(sigma) = sigma-sigma' and s(c) = c - c' are selection coefficients, and g(r), g(sigma), g(c) are invasibility coefficients (' refers to the mutant traits), which are positive and do not depend on p. In particular, increased reproduction variance is always deleterious. We prove that in all three models g(sigma) = 1/sigma and g(r) = z/sigma for small initial population sizes z. In model II, g(r) = z/sigma for all z, and we display invasion isoclines of the 'mean vs variance' type. A slight departure from the isocline is shown to be more beneficial to alleles with low sigma than with high r. In model III, g(c) increases with z like ln(z)/c, and g(r)(z) converges to a finite limit L > K/sigma, where K = r/c is the carrying capacity. For r > 0 the growth invasibility is above z/sigma when z < K, and below z/sigma when z > K, showing that classical models I and II underestimate the fixation probabilities in growing populations, and overestimate them in declining populations.

Application of sigma metrics for the assessment of quality control in clinical chemistry laboratory in Ghana: A pilot study.

PubMed

Afrifa, Justice; Gyekye, Seth A; Owiredu, William K B A; Ephraim, Richard K D; Essien-Baidoo, Samuel; Amoah, Samuel; Simpong, David L; Arthur, Aaron R

2015-01-01

Sigma metrics provide a uniquely defined scale with which we can assess the performance of a laboratory. The objective of this study was to assess the internal quality control (QC) in the clinical chemistry laboratory of the University of Cape Cost Hospital (UCC) using the six sigma metrics application. We used commercial control serum [normal (L1) and pathological (L2)] for validation of quality control. Metabolites (glucose, urea, and creatinine), lipids [triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)], enzymes [alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (AST)], electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride) and total protein were assessed. Between-day imprecision (CVs), inaccuracy (Bias) and sigma values were calculated for each control level. Apart from sodium (2.40%, 3.83%), chloride (2.52% and 2.51%) for both L1 and L2 respectively, and glucose (4.82%), cholesterol (4.86%) for L2, CVs for all other parameters (both L1 and L2) were >5%. Four parameters (HDL-C, urea, creatinine and potassium) achieved sigma levels >1 for both controls. Chloride and sodium achieved sigma levels >1 for L1 but <1 for L2. In contrast, cholesterol, total protein and AST achieved sigma levels <1 for L1 but >1 for L2. Glucose and ALP achieved a sigma level >1 for both control levels whereas TG achieved a sigma level >2 for both control levels. Unsatisfactory sigma levels (<3) where achieved for all parameters using both control levels, this shows instability and low consistency of results. There is the need for detailed assessment of the analytical procedures and the strengthening of the laboratory control systems in order to achieve effective six sigma levels for the laboratory.

Application of sigma metrics for the assessment of quality control in clinical chemistry laboratory in Ghana: A pilot study

PubMed Central

Afrifa, Justice; Gyekye, Seth A.; Owiredu, William K. B. A.; Ephraim, Richard K. D.; Essien-Baidoo, Samuel; Amoah, Samuel; Simpong, David L.; Arthur, Aaron R.

2015-01-01

Background: Sigma metrics provide a uniquely defined scale with which we can assess the performance of a laboratory. The objective of this study was to assess the internal quality control (QC) in the clinical chemistry laboratory of the University of Cape Cost Hospital (UCC) using the six sigma metrics application. Materials and Methods: We used commercial control serum [normal (L1) and pathological (L2)] for validation of quality control. Metabolites (glucose, urea, and creatinine), lipids [triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)], enzymes [alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (AST)], electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride) and total protein were assessed. Between-day imprecision (CVs), inaccuracy (Bias) and sigma values were calculated for each control level. Results: Apart from sodium (2.40%, 3.83%), chloride (2.52% and 2.51%) for both L1 and L2 respectively, and glucose (4.82%), cholesterol (4.86%) for L2, CVs for all other parameters (both L1 and L2) were >5%. Four parameters (HDL-C, urea, creatinine and potassium) achieved sigma levels >1 for both controls. Chloride and sodium achieved sigma levels >1 for L1 but <1 for L2. In contrast, cholesterol, total protein and AST achieved sigma levels <1 for L1 but >1 for L2. Glucose and ALP achieved a sigma level >1 for both control levels whereas TG achieved a sigma level >2 for both control levels. Conclusion: Unsatisfactory sigma levels (<3) where achieved for all parameters using both control levels, this shows instability and low consistency of results. There is the need for detailed assessment of the analytical procedures and the strengthening of the laboratory control systems in order to achieve effective six sigma levels for the laboratory. PMID:25657495

Bacterial two-hybrid analysis of interactions between region 4 of the sigma(70) subunit of RNA polymerase and the transcriptional regulators Rsd from Escherichia coli and AlgQ from Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

PubMed

Dove, S L; Hochschild, A

2001-11-01

A number of transcriptional regulators mediate their effects through direct contact with the sigma(70) subunit of Escherichia coli RNA polymerase (RNAP). In particular, several regulators have been shown to contact a C-terminal portion of sigma(70) that harbors conserved region 4. This region of sigma contains a putative helix-turn-helix DNA-binding motif that contacts the -35 element of sigma(70)-dependent promoters directly. Here we report the use of a recently developed bacterial two-hybrid system to study the interaction between the putative anti-sigma factor Rsd and the sigma(70) subunit of E. coli RNAP. Using this system, we found that Rsd can interact with an 86-amino-acid C-terminal fragment of sigma(70) and also that amino acid substitution R596H, within region 4 of sigma(70), weakens this interaction. We demonstrated the specificity of this effect by showing that substitution R596H does not weaken the interaction between sigma and two other regulators shown previously to contact region 4 of sigma(70). We also demonstrated that AlgQ, a homolog of Rsd that positively regulates virulence gene expression in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, can contact the C-terminal region of the sigma(70) subunit of RNAP from this organism. We found that amino acid substitution R600H in sigma(70) from P. aeruginosa, corresponding to the R596H substitution in E. coli sigma(70), specifically weakens the interaction between AlgQ and sigma(70). Taken together, our findings suggest that Rsd and AlgQ contact similar surfaces of RNAP present in region 4 of sigma(70) and probably regulate gene expression through this contact.

Exponential Characteristic Spatial Quadrature for Discrete Ordinates Neutral Particle Transport in Slab Geometry

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-03-01

left bdy = 0 vacuum current incident at left boundary = I type of current incident at left bdy = 0 isotropic surface Src region# cR SigmaR SourceR nc...0 type of current incident at left bdy = 0 isotropic surface Src region# cR SigmaR SourceR nc Right Bdy 1 0.5000 .3OD+00 0.0000D+00 256. 16.0000 2... SigmaR SourceR nc Right Bdy 1 0.1000 1.0000D+00 0.0000D+00 256. 16.0000 2 0.9500 1.0(OOD+00 1.0000D+00 256. 32.0000 type of right bdy = 0 vacuum current

Implosive accretion and outbursts of active galactic nuclei

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lovelace, R. V. E.; Romanova, M. M.; Newman, W. I.

1994-01-01

A model and simulation code have been developed for time-dependent axisymmetric disk accretion onto a compact object including for the first time the influence of an ordered magnetic field. The accretion rate and radiative luminosity of the disk are naturally coupled to the rate of outflow of energy and angular momentum in magnetically driven (+/- z) winds. The magnetic field of the wind is treated in a phenomenological way suggested by self-consistent wind solutions. The radial accretion speed u(r, t) of the disk matter is shown to be the sum of the usual viscous contribution and a magnetic contribution proportional to r(exp 3/2)(B(sub p exp 2))/sigma, where B(sub p)(r,t) is the poloidal field threading the disk and sigma(r,t) is the disk's surface mass density. An enhancement or variation in B(sub p) at a large radial distance leads to the formation of a soliton-like structure in the disk density, temperature, and B-field which propagates implosively inward. The implosion gives a burst in the power output in winds or jets and a simultaneous burst in the disk radiation. The model is pertinent to the formation of discrete fast-moving components in jets observed by very long baseline interferometry. These components appear to originate at times of optical outbursts of the active galactic nucleus.

Topography of Slow Sigma Power during Sleep is Associated with Processing Speed in Preschool Children

PubMed Central

Doucette, Margaret R.; Kurth, Salome; Chevalier, Nicolas; Munakata, Yuko; LeBourgeois, Monique K.

2015-01-01

Cognitive development is influenced by maturational changes in processing speed, a construct reflecting the rapidity of executing cognitive operations. Although cognitive ability and processing speed are linked to spindles and sigma power in the sleep electroencephalogram (EEG), little is known about such associations in early childhood, a time of major neuronal refinement. We calculated EEG power for slow (10–13 Hz) and fast (13.25–17 Hz) sigma power from all-night high-density electroencephalography (EEG) in a cross-sectional sample of healthy preschool children (n = 10, 4.3 ± 1.0 years). Processing speed was assessed as simple reaction time. On average, reaction time was 1409 ± 251 ms; slow sigma power was 4.0 ± 1.5 μV2; and fast sigma power was 0.9 ± 0.2 μV2. Both slow and fast sigma power predominated over central areas. Only slow sigma power was correlated with processing speed in a large parietal electrode cluster (p < 0.05, r ranging from −0.6 to −0.8), such that greater power predicted faster reaction time. Our findings indicate regional correlates between sigma power and processing speed that are specific to early childhood and provide novel insights into the neurobiological features of the EEG that may underlie developing cognitive abilities. PMID:26556377

Effect of dust charging and trapped electrons on nonlinear solitary structures in an inhomogeneous magnetized plasma

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

Kumar, Ravinder; Malik, Hitendra K.; Singh, Khushvant

2012-01-15

Main concerns of the present article are to investigate the effects of dust charging and trapped electrons on the solitary structures evolved in an inhomogeneous magnetized plasma. Such a plasma is found to support two types of waves, namely, fast wave and slow wave. Slow wave propagates in the plasma only when the wave propagation angle {theta} satisfies the condition {theta}{>=}tan{sup -1}{l_brace}({radical}((1+2{sigma})-[(n{sub dlh}({gamma}{sub 1}-1))/(1+n{sub dlh}{gamma}{sub 1})])-v{sub 0}/u{sub 0}){r_brace}, where v{sub 0}(u{sub 0}) is the z- (x-) component of ion drift velocity, {sigma} = T{sub i}/T{sub eff}, n{sub dlh} = n{sub d0}/(n{sub el0} + n{sub eh0}), and {gamma}{sub 1}=-(1/{Phi}{sub i0})[(1-{Phi}{sub i0}/1+{sigma}(1-{Phi}{submore » i0}))] together with T{sub i} as ion temperature, n{sub el0}(n{sub eh0}) as the density of trapped (isothermal) electrons, {Phi}{sub i0} as the dust grain (density n{sub d0}) surface potential relative to zero plasma potential, and T{sub eff}=(n{sub elo}+n{sub eho})T{sub el}T{sub eh}/(n{sub elo}T{sub eh}+n{sub eho}T{sub el}), where T{sub el}(T{sub eh}) is the temperature of trapped (isothermal) electrons. Both the waves evolve in the form of density hill type structures in the plasma, confirming that these solitary structures are compressive in nature. These structures are found to attain higher amplitude when the charge on the dust grains is fluctuated (in comparison with the case of fixed charge) and also when the dust grains and trapped electrons are more in number; the same is the case with higher temperature of ions and electrons. Slow solitary structures show weak dependence on the dust concentration. Both types of structures are found to become narrower under the application of stronger magnetic field. With regard to the charging of dust grains, it is observed that the charge gets reduced for the higher trapped electron density and temperature of ions and electrons, and dust charging shows weak dependence on the ion temperature.« less

Sigma metrics as a tool for evaluating the performance of internal quality control in a clinical chemistry laboratory

PubMed Central

Kumar, B. Vinodh; Mohan, Thuthi

2018-01-01

OBJECTIVE: Six Sigma is one of the most popular quality management system tools employed for process improvement. The Six Sigma methods are usually applied when the outcome of the process can be measured. This study was done to assess the performance of individual biochemical parameters on a Sigma Scale by calculating the sigma metrics for individual parameters and to follow the Westgard guidelines for appropriate Westgard rules and levels of internal quality control (IQC) that needs to be processed to improve target analyte performance based on the sigma metrics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study, and data required for the study were extracted between July 2015 and June 2016 from a Secondary Care Government Hospital, Chennai. The data obtained for the study are IQC - coefficient of variation percentage and External Quality Assurance Scheme (EQAS) - Bias% for 16 biochemical parameters. RESULTS: For the level 1 IQC, four analytes (alkaline phosphatase, magnesium, triglyceride, and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol) showed an ideal performance of ≥6 sigma level, five analytes (urea, total bilirubin, albumin, cholesterol, and potassium) showed an average performance of <3 sigma level and for level 2 IQCs, same four analytes of level 1 showed a performance of ≥6 sigma level, and four analytes (urea, albumin, cholesterol, and potassium) showed an average performance of <3 sigma level. For all analytes <6 sigma level, the quality goal index (QGI) was <0.8 indicating the area requiring improvement to be imprecision except cholesterol whose QGI >1.2 indicated inaccuracy. CONCLUSION: This study shows that sigma metrics is a good quality tool to assess the analytical performance of a clinical chemistry laboratory. Thus, sigma metric analysis provides a benchmark for the laboratory to design a protocol for IQC, address poor assay performance, and assess the efficiency of existing laboratory processes. PMID:29692587

Standard Deviation of Spatially-Averaged Surface Cross Section Data from the TRMM Precipitation Radar

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meneghini, Robert; Jones, Jeffrey A.

2010-01-01

We investigate the spatial variability of the normalized radar cross section of the surface (NRCS or Sigma(sup 0)) derived from measurements of the TRMM Precipitation Radar (PR) for the period from 1998 to 2009. The purpose of the study is to understand the way in which the sample standard deviation of the Sigma(sup 0) data changes as a function of spatial resolution, incidence angle, and surface type (land/ocean). The results have implications regarding the accuracy by which the path integrated attenuation from precipitation can be inferred by the use of surface scattering properties.

Comparison of sigma(o) obtained from the conventional definition with sigma(o) appearing in the radar equation for randomly rough surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Levine, D. M.

1981-01-01

A comparison is made of the radar cross section of rough surface calculated in one case from the conventional definition and obtained in the second case directly from the radar equation. The validity of the conventional definition representing the cross section appearing in the radar equation is determined. The analysis is executed in the special case of perfectly conducting, randomly corrugated surfaces in the physical optics limit. The radar equation is obtained by solving for the radiation scattered from an arbitrary source back to a colocated antenna. The signal out of the receiving antenna is computed from this solution and the result put into a form recognizeable as the radar equation. The conventional definition is obtained by solving a similar problem but for backscatter from an incident planewave. It is shown that these tow forms for sigma are the same if the observer is far enough from the surface.

Statistical Measures of Large-Scale Structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vogeley, Michael; Geller, Margaret; Huchra, John; Park, Changbom; Gott, J. Richard

1993-12-01

\\inv Mpc} To quantify clustering in the large-scale distribution of galaxies and to test theories for the formation of structure in the universe, we apply statistical measures to the CfA Redshift Survey. This survey is complete to m_{B(0)}=15.5 over two contiguous regions which cover one-quarter of the sky and include ~ 11,000 galaxies. The salient features of these data are voids with diameter 30-50\\hmpc and coherent dense structures with a scale ~ 100\\hmpc. Comparison with N-body simulations rules out the ``standard" CDM model (Omega =1, b=1.5, sigma_8 =1) at the 99% confidence level because this model has insufficient power on scales lambda >30\\hmpc. An unbiased open universe CDM model (Omega h =0.2) and a biased CDM model with non-zero cosmological constant (Omega h =0.24, lambda_0 =0.6) match the observed power spectrum. The amplitude of the power spectrum depends on the luminosity of galaxies in the sample; bright (L>L(*) ) galaxies are more strongly clustered than faint galaxies. The paucity of bright galaxies in low-density regions may explain this dependence. To measure the topology of large-scale structure, we compute the genus of isodensity surfaces of the smoothed density field. On scales in the ``non-linear" regime, <= 10\\hmpc, the high- and low-density regions are multiply-connected over a broad range of density threshold, as in a filamentary net. On smoothing scales >10\\hmpc, the topology is consistent with statistics of a Gaussian random field. Simulations of CDM models fail to produce the observed coherence of structure on non-linear scales (>95% confidence level). The underdensity probability (the frequency of regions with density contrast delta rho //lineρ=-0.8) depends strongly on the luminosity of galaxies; underdense regions are significantly more common (>2sigma ) in bright (L>L(*) ) galaxy samples than in samples which include fainter galaxies.

A structural model of anti-anti-[sigma] inhibition by a two-component receiver domain: the PhyR stress response regulator

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

Herrou, Julien; Foreman, Robert; Fiebig, Aretha

2012-05-09

PhyR is a hybrid stress regulator conserved in {alpha}-proteobacteria that contains an N-terminal {sigma}-like (SL) domain and a C-terminal receiver domain. Phosphorylation of the receiver domain is known to promote binding of the SL domain to an anti-{sigma} factor. PhyR thus functions as an anti-anti-{sigma} factor in its phosphorylated state. We present genetic evidence that Caulobacter crescentus PhyR is a phosphorylation-dependent stress regulator that functions in the same pathway as {sigma}{sup T} and its anti-{sigma} factor, NepR. Additionally, we report the X-ray crystal structure of PhyR at 1.25 {angstrom} resolution, which provides insight into the mechanism of anti-anti-{sigma} regulation. Directmore » intramolecular contact between the PhyR receiver and SL domains spans regions {sigma}{sub 2} and {sigma}{sub 4}, likely serving to stabilize the SL domain in a closed conformation. The molecular surface of the receiver domain contacting the SL domain is the structural equivalent of {alpha}4-{beta}5-{alpha}5, which is known to undergo dynamic conformational change upon phosphorylation in a diverse range of receiver proteins. We propose a structural model of PhyR regulation in which receiver phosphorylation destabilizes the intramolecular interaction between SL and receiver domains, thereby permitting regions {sigma}{sub 2} and {sigma}{sub 4} in the SL domain to open about a flexible connector loop and bind anti-{sigma} factor.« less

A structural model of anti-anti-[sigma];#963; inhibition by a two-component receiver domain: the PhyR stress response regulator

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

Herrou, Julien; Foreman, Robert; Fiebig, Aretha

2012-03-30

PhyR is a hybrid stress regulator conserved in {alpha}-proteobacteria that contains an N-terminal {sigma}-like (SL) domain and a C-terminal receiver domain. Phosphorylation of the receiver domain is known to promote binding of the SL domain to an anti-{sigma} factor. PhyR thus functions as an anti-anti-{sigma} factor in its phosphorylated state. We present genetic evidence that Caulobacter crescentus PhyR is a phosphorylation-dependent stress regulator that functions in the same pathway as {sigma}{sup T} and its anti-{sigma} factor, NepR. Additionally, we report the X-ray crystal structure of PhyR at 1.25 {angstrom} resolution, which provides insight into the mechanism of anti-anti-{sigma} regulation. Directmore » intramolecular contact between the PhyR receiver and SL domains spans regions {sigma}{sub 2} and {sigma}{sub 4}, likely serving to stabilize the SL domain in a closed conformation. The molecular surface of the receiver domain contacting the SL domain is the structural equivalent of {alpha}4-{beta}5-{alpha}5, which is known to undergo dynamic conformational change upon phosphorylation in a diverse range of receiver proteins. We propose a structural model of PhyR regulation in which receiver phosphorylation destabilizes the intramolecular interaction between SL and receiver domains, thereby permitting regions {sigma}{sub 2} and {sigma}{sub 4} in the SL domain to open about a flexible connector loop and bind anti-{sigma} factor.« less

5D-QSAR for spirocyclic sigma1 receptor ligands by Quasar receptor surface modeling.

PubMed

Oberdorf, Christoph; Schmidt, Thomas J; Wünsch, Bernhard

2010-07-01

Based on a contiguous and structurally as well as biologically diverse set of 87 sigma(1) ligands, a 5D-QSAR study was conducted in which a quasi-atomistic receptor surface modeling approach (program package Quasar) was applied. The superposition of the ligands was performed with the tool Pharmacophore Elucidation (MOE-package), which takes all conformations of the ligands into account. This procedure led to four pharmacophoric structural elements with aromatic, hydrophobic, cationic and H-bond acceptor properties. Using the aligned structures a 3D-model of the ligand binding site of the sigma(1) receptor was obtained, whose general features are in good agreement with previous assumptions on the receptor structure, but revealed some novel insights since it represents the receptor surface in more detail. Thus, e.g., our model indicates the presence of an H-bond acceptor moiety in the binding site as counterpart to the ligands' cationic ammonium center, rather than a negatively charged carboxylate group. The presented QSAR model is statistically valid and represents the biological data of all tested compounds, including a test set of 21 ligands not used in the modeling process, with very good to excellent accuracy [q(2) (training set, n=66; leave 1/3 out) = 0.84, p(2) (test set, n=21)=0.64]. Moreover, the binding affinities of 13 further spirocyclic sigma(1) ligands were predicted with reasonable accuracy (mean deviation in pK(i) approximately 0.8). Thus, in addition to novel insights into the requirements for binding of spirocyclic piperidines to the sigma(1) receptor, the presented model can be used successfully in the rational design of new sigma(1) ligands. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Multidimensional intermolecular dynamics from tunable far-infrared laser spectroscopy: Angular-radial coupling in the intermolecular potential of argon--H sub 2 O

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

Cohen, R.C.; Saykally, R.J.

1991-12-01

Five new vibration--rotation tunneling states of Ar--H{sub 2}O (the {Sigma} and {Pi}(1{sub 11}) and the {Sigma} and {Pi}(2{sub 12}) internal rotor states and the {ital n}=1, {Pi}(1{sub 01}) stretching-internal rotor combination level) have been accessed by tunable far-infrared laser spectroscopy. The measured vibrational band origins of transitions to these states are within 2% of predictions made from an anisotropic three-dimensional intermolecular potential surface (denoted AW1) derived from a nonlinear least-squares fit to previous far-infrared spectral data (J. Phys. Chem. {bold 94}, 7991(1990)). This provides strong evidence that the AW1 intermolecular potential surface incorporates much of the essential physics of themore » intermolecular forces which bind the cluster. However, larger deviations from the predictions are found in the observed rotational term values. A detailed analysis of these deviations clearly demonstrates the need for even stronger angular-radial coupling in the Ar--H{sub 2}O intermolecular potential than the already substantial coupling present in the AW1 surface. Specifically, the presently observed {Sigma}(1{sub 11}) state and the {ital n}=1, {Sigma}(0{sub 00}) state are found to be approximately 65:35 mixtures of the basis states which represent pure stretching and internal rotation. The {Sigma}(2{sub 12}) level is found to be mixed just as strongly with {ital n}=2, {Sigma}(1{sub 01}). The formalism for accurately deperturbing vibration--rotation--tunneling states coupled by Coriolis interactions used in the above analysis is presented.« less

[Occurrence and spatial differentiation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface soils from Shenzhen, China].

PubMed

Zhang, Di; Cao, Shan-Ping; Sun, Jian-Lin; Zeng, Hui

2014-02-01

188 surface soil samples were collected in Shenzhen of China to determine the occurrence and spatial differentiation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), based on which we studied the correlation between PAHs concentrations and urbanization levels, as well as the PAHs ecological risk. The total concentrations of 28 PAHs (sigma28 PAHs), 16 EPA PAHs (sigma 16 PAHs) and 7 carcinogenic PAHs (sigma7 CarPAHs) ranged from 5 to 7939 ng x g(-1), 2 to 6745 ng x g(-1) and not detected to 3786 ng x g(-1), respectively. 8 kinds of land use types according to sigma16 PAHs average levels in descending order were: transportation lands, commercial lands, industrial lands, agricultural lands, residential lands, urban green space, orchards and woodland. And sigma16 PAHs of construction and non-construction lands samples were mainly derived from combustion of various fossil fuels with contribution of 75.1% and 68.2%, respectively. Significant positive correlation was also found between PAHs concentrations of high molecular weight and urbanization levels. And PAHs pollution in the top soils of Shenzhen was at a low-end level of the world.

Characteristic microwave background distortions from collapsing domain wall bubbles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goetz, Guenter; Noetzold, Dirk

1990-01-01

The magnitude and angular pattern of distortions of the microwave background are analyzed by collapsing spherical domain walls. A characteristic pattern of redshift distortions of red or blue spikes surrounded by blue discs was found. The width and height of a spike is related to the diameter and magnitude of the disc. A measurement of the relations between these quantities thus can serve as an unambiguous indicator for a collapsing spherical domain wall. From the redshift distortion in the blue discs an upper bound was found on the surface energy density of the walls sigma is less than or approximately 8 MeV cubed.

The estimation of pointing angle and normalized surface scattering cross section from GEOS-3 radar altimeter measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, G. S.; Curry, W. J.

1977-01-01

The statistical error of the pointing angle estimation technique is determined as a function of the effective receiver signal to noise ratio. Other sources of error are addressed and evaluated with inadequate calibration being of major concern. The impact of pointing error on the computation of normalized surface scattering cross section (sigma) from radar and the waveform attitude induced altitude bias is considered and quantitative results are presented. Pointing angle and sigma processing algorithms are presented along with some initial data. The intensive mode clean vs. clutter AGC calibration problem is analytically resolved. The use clutter AGC data in the intensive mode is confirmed as the correct calibration set for the sigma computations.

Irreversible blockade of sigma-1 receptors by haloperidol and its metabolites in guinea pig brain and SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells.

PubMed

Cobos, Enrique J; del Pozo, Esperanza; Baeyens, José M

2007-08-01

We evaluated the effect of haloperidol (HP) and its metabolites on [(3)H](+)-pentazocine binding to sigma(1) receptors in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells and guinea pig brain P(1), P(2) and P(3) subcellular fractions. Three days after a single i.p. injection in guinea pigs of HP (but not of other sigma(1) antagonists or (-)-sulpiride), [(3)H](+)-pentazocine binding to brain membranes was markedly decreased. Recovery of sigma(1) receptor density to steady state after HP-induced inactivation required more than 30 days. HP-metabolite II (reduced HP, 4-(4-chlorophenyl)-alpha-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-hydroxy-1-piperidinebutanol), but not HP-metabolite I (4-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hydroxypiperidine), irreversibly blocked sigma(1) receptors in guinea pig brain homogenate and P(2) fraction in vitro. We found similar results in SH-SY5Y cells, which suggests that this process may also take place in humans. HP irreversibly inactivated sigma(1) receptors when it was incubated with brain homogenate and SH-SY5Y cells, but not when incubated with P(2) fraction membranes, which suggests that HP is metabolized to inactivate sigma(1) receptors. Menadione, an inhibitor of the ketone reductase activity that leads to the production of HP-metabolite II, completely prevented HP-induced inactivation of sigma(1) receptors in brain homogenates. These results suggest that HP may irreversibly inactivate sigma(1) receptors in guinea pig and human cells, probably after metabolism to reduced HP.

Tunable far infrared laser spectroscopy of van der Waals bonds: The intermolecular stretching vibration and effective radial potentials for Ar--H sub 2 O

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

Cohen, R.C.; Busarow, K.L.; Lee, Y.T.

1990-01-01

Measurements of the fundamental van der Waals stretching vibration {Sigma}(0{sub 00},{ital v}{sub {ital s}}=1) {l arrow}{Sigma}(0{sub 00},{ital v}{sub {ital s}}=0) of Ar--H{sub 2}O ({nu}{sub 0}=907 322.08(94) MHz) and a transition from the lowest excited internal rotor state {Sigma}(1{sub 01},{ital v}{sub {ital s}}=0) to the {Sigma}(1{sub 01},{ital v}{sub {ital s}}=1) level ({nu}{sub 0}=1019 239.4(1.0) MHz) are presented. A simultaneous rotational analysis of the new stretching data with the internal rotor bands observed by us previously (J. Chem. Phys. {bold 89}, 4494 (1988)), including the effects of Coriolis interactions, provides experimental evidence for the new assignment of the internal rotor transitions suggestedmore » by Hutson in the accompanying paper. Fits to the rotational term values for the {ital v}{sub {ital s}}=0 states are used to derive effective radial potential energy surfaces for each of the {Sigma} internal rotor states. The results show the well depth (153.4 cm{sup {minus}1}) of the effective radial potential for the {Sigma}(1{sub 01},{ital v}{sub {ital s}}=0) level to be approximately 25 cm{sup {minus}1} deeper than that for the {Sigma}(0{sub 00},{ital v}{sub {ital s}}=0) ground state of the complex, indicating that the former is stabilized considerably more by the anisotropic intermolecular potential energy surface than is the ground state.« less

A Vegetation Correction Methodology for Time Series Based Soil Moisture Retrieval From C-band Radar Observations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Joseph, Alicia T.; O'Neil, P. E.; vanderVelde, R.; Gish, T.

2008-01-01

A methodology is presented to correct backscatter (sigma(sup 0)) observations for the effect of vegetation. The proposed methodology is based on the concept that the ratio of the surface scattering over the total amount of scattering (sigma(sup 0)(sub soil)/sigma(sup 0)) is only affected by the vegetation and can be described as a function of the vegetation water content. Backscatter observations sigma(sup 0) from the soil are not influenced by vegetation. Under bare soil conditions (sigma(sup 0)(sub soil)/sigma(sup 0)) equals 1. Under low to moderate biomass and soil moisture conditions, vegetation affects the observed sigma(sup 0) through absorption of the surface scattering and contribution of direct scattering by the vegetation itself. Therefore, the contribution of the surface scattering is smaller than the observed total amount of scattering and decreases as the biomass increases. For dense canopies scattering interactions between the soil surface and vegetation elements (e.g. leaves and stems) also become significant. Because these higher order scattering mechanisms are influenced by the soil surface, an increase in (sigma(sup 0)(sub soil)/sigma(sup 0)) may be observed as the biomass increases under densely vegetated conditions. This methodology is applied within the framework of time series based approach for the retrieval of soil moisture. The data set used for this investigation has been collected during a campaign conducted at USDA's Optimizing Production Inputs for Economic and Environmental Enhancement OPE-3) experimental site in Beltsville, Maryland (USA). This campaign took place during the corn growth cycle from May 10th to 0ctober 2nd, 2002. In this period the corn crops reached a vegetation water content of 5.1 kg m(exp -2) at peak biomass and a soil moisture range varying between 0.00 to 0.26 cubic cm/cubic cm. One of the deployed microwave instruments operated was a multi-frequency (C-band (4.75 GHz) and L-band (1.6 GHz)) quad-polarized (HH, HV, VV, VH) radar which was mounted on a 20 meter long boom. In the OPE-3 field campaign, radar observations were collected once a week at nominal times of 8 am, 10 am, 12 noon and 2 pm. During each data run the radar acquired sixty independent measurements within an azimuth of 120 degrees from a boom height of 12.2 m and at three different incidence angles (15,35, and 55 degrees). The sixty observations were averaged to provide one backscatter value for the study area and its accuracy is estimated to be 51.0 dB. For this investigation the C-band observations have been used. Application of the proposed methodology to the selected data set showed a well-defined relationship between (sigma(sup 0)(sub soil)/sigma(sup 0)) and the vegetation water content. It is found that this relationship can be described with two experimentally determined parameters, which depend on the sensing configuration (e.g. incidence angle and polarization). Through application of the proposed vegetation correction methodology and the obtained parameterizations, the soil moisture retrieval accuracy within the framework of a time series based approach is improved from 0.033 to 0.032 cubic cm/cubic cm, from 0.049 to 0.033 cubic cm/cubic cm and from 0.079 to 0.047 cubic cm/cubic cm for incidence angles of 15,35 and 55 degrees, respectively. Improvement in soil moisture retrieval due to vegetation correction is greater at larger incidence angles (due to the increased path length and larger vegetation effects on the surface signal at the larger angles).

The Effect of the Spin-Forbidden Co((sup 1) Sigma plus) plus O((sup 3) P) Yields CO2 (1 Sigma (sub G) plus) Recombination Reaction on Afterbody Heating of Mars Entry Vehicles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Xu, Lu T.; Jaffe, Richard L.; Schwenke, David W.; Panesi, Marco

2017-01-01

Vibrationally excited CO2, formed by two-body recombination from CO((sup 1) sigma plus) and O((sup 3) P) in the wake behind spacecraft entering the Martian atmosphere reaction, is potentially responsible for the higher than anticipated radiative heating of the backshell, compared to pre-flight predictions. This process involves a spin-forbidden transition of the transient triplet CO2 molecule to the longer-lived singlet. To accurately predict the singlet-triplet transition probability and estimate the thermal rate coefficient of the recombination reaction, ab initio methods were used to compute the first singlet and three lowest triplet CO2 potential energy surfaces and the spin-orbit coupling matrix elements between these states. Analytical fits to these four potential energy surfaces were generated for surface hopping trajectory calculations, using Tully's fewest switches surface hopping algorithm. Preliminary results for the trajectory calculations are presented. The calculated probability of a CO((sup 1) sigma plus) and O((sup 3) P) collision leading to singlet CO2 formation is on the order of 10 (sup -4). The predicted flowfield conditions for various Mars entry scenarios predict temperatures in the range of 1000 degrees Kelvin - 4000 degrees Kelvin and pressures in the range of 300-2500 pascals at the shoulder and in the wake, which is consistent with a heavy-particle collision frequency of 10 (sup 6) to 10 (sup 7) per second. Owing to this low collision frequency, it is likely that CO((sup 1) sigma plus) molecules formed by this mechanism will mostly be frozen in a highly nonequilibrium rovibrational energy state until they relax by photoemission.

Observations of Al, Fe and Ca(+) in Mercury's Exosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bida, Thomas A.; Killen, Rosemary M.

2011-01-01

We report 5-(sigma) tangent column detections of Al and Fe, and strict 3-(sigma) tangent column upper limits for Ca(+) in Mercury's exosphere obtained using the HIRES spectrometer on the Keck I telescope. These are the first direct detections of Al and Fe in Mercury's exosphere. Our Ca(-) observation is consistent with that reported by The Mercury Atmospheric and Surface Composition Spectrometer (MASCS) on the MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft.

Interstellar absorption along the line of sight to Sigma Scorpii using Copernicus observations

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

Allen, M.M.; Snow, T.P.; Jenkins, E.B.

1990-05-01

From Copernicus observations of Sigma Sco, 57 individual lines of 11 elements plus the molecular species H2 and CO were identified. By using a profile-fitting technique, rather than curves of growth, it was possible to obtain column densities and Doppler b values for up to four separate components along this line of sight. Electron density in the major H I component was derived from the photoionization equilibrium of sulfur, obtaining, n(e) of about 0.3/cu cm. The neutral hydrogen density in the same component was also derived using fine-structure excitation of O I. An H II component is also present inmore » which the electron density was n(e) about 20/cu cm. As a by-product of this analysis, previously undetermined oscillator strengths for two Mn II lines were obtained: for 1162.-017 A, f about 0.023 and for 1164.211 A, f about 0.0086. 58 refs.« less

Removing cosmic-ray hits from multiorbit HST Wide Field Camera images

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Windhorst, Rogier A.; Franklin, Barbara E.; Neuschaefer, Lyman W.

1994-01-01

We present an optimized algorithm that removes cosmic rays ('CRs') from multiorbit Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Wide Field/Planetary Camera ('WF/PC') images. It computes the image noise in every iteration from the WF/PC CCD equation. This includes all known sources of random and systematic calibration errors. We test this algorithm on WF/PC stacks of 2-12 orbits as a function of the number of available orbits and the formal Poissonian sigma-clipping level. We find that the algorithm needs greater than or equal 4 WF/PC exposures to locate the minimal sky signal (which is noticeably affected by CRs), with an optimal clipping level at 2-2.5 x sigma(sub Poisson). We analyze the CR flux detected on multiorbit 'CR stacks,' which are constructed by subtracting the best CR filtered images from the unfiltered 8-12 orbit average. We use an automated object finder to determine the surface density of CRS as a function of the apparent magnitude (or ADU flux) they would have generated in the images had they not been removed. The power law slope of the CR 'counts' (gamma approximately = 0.6 for N(m) m(exp gamma)) is steeper than that of the faint galaxy counts down to V approximately = 28 mag. The CR counts show a drop off between 28 less than or approximately V less than or approximately 30 mag (the latter is our formal 2 sigma point source sensitivity without spherical aberration). This prevents the CR sky integral from diverging, and is likely due to a real cutoff in the CR energy distribution below approximately 11 ADU per orbit. The integral CR surface density is less than or approximately 10(exp 8)/sq. deg, and their sky signal is V approximately = 25.5-27.0 mag/sq. arcsec, or 3%-13% of our NEP sky background (V = 23.3 mag/sq. arcsec), and well above the EBL integral of the deepest galaxy counts (B(sub J) approximately = 28.0 mag/sq. arcsec). We conclude that faint CRs will always contribute to the sky signal in the deepest WF/PC images. Since WFPC2 has approximately 2.7x lower read noise and a thicker CCD, this will result in more CR detections than in WF/PC, potentially affecting approximately 10%-20% of the pixels in multiorbit WFPC2 data cubes.

Hard-sphere mixture excess free energy at infinite size ratio

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

Tukur, N.M.; Hamad, E.Z.; Mansoori, G.A.

1999-02-01

This article presents the exact limiting value of the derivative of the excess Helmholtz energy, A{sup E}, with respect to molecular size at constant temperature, density and composition for a binary mixture of hard spheres with an infinite size ratio ({sigma}{sub 11}/{sigma}{sub 22}{r_arrow}{infinity}); i.e., lim{sub {sigma}{sub 22}{r_arrow}0}[({partial_derivative}A{sub hs}{sup E}/RT)/{partial_derivative}{sigma}{sub 22}]{sub T,{rho},x,{sigma}{sub 11}}=({pi}/2){rho}x{sub 1}x{sub 2}{sigma}{sub 11}{sup 2}/(1{minus}({pi}/6){rho}x{sub 1}{sigma}{sub 11}{sup 3}). This limiting value is compared with the Mansoori{endash}Carnahan{endash}Starling{endash}Leland (MCSL) and also used to test the limits of some commonly used models in estimating the excess free energy of solvents in mixtures or polymer solutions. The models evaluated include the van Laar,more » Wilson, Edmond{endash}Ogston, Flory{endash}Huggins, Lacome{endash}Sanchez, Scott{endash}Magat, and Chen {ital et al.} It is shown that while the MCSL equation of state produces the same limiting value as the exact value reported here the other mixture models deviate from the exact value. This expression may be utilized to correct the mixture theories at their infinite size ratio limits. {copyright} {ital 1999 American Institute of Physics.}« less

Soliton matter in the two-dimensional linear sigma model

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

Dodd, L.R.; Lohe, M.A.; Rossi, M.

1987-10-01

We consider a one-dimensional model of nuclear matter where the quark clusters are described by solutions of the sigma model on a linear lattice in the self-consistent mean field approximation. Exact expressions are given for the baglike solutions confined to a finite interval, corresponding in the infinite interval limit to the free solitons previously found by Campbell and Liao. Periodic, self-consistent solutions which satisfy Bloch's theorem are constructed. Their energies and associated quark sigma field distributions are calculated numerically as functions of the baryon spacing, and compared with those of the uniform quark plasma. The predicted configuration of the groundmore » state depends critically on the assumed manner of filling the lowest band of quark single-particle levels, and on the density. In the absence of additional repulsive forces in the model, we find that the high density massless quark plasma is energetically favored and that there is a smooth transition from the baglike state to a uniform plasma with nonvanishing sigma field at comparatively large lattice constants 2dapprox. =10m/sub q//sup -1/ (m/sub q/ is the quark mass). If dilute filling of the entire band is employed, the clustered state is stable and a first order phase transition can occur for a range of much smaller lattice spacings 2dapprox. =4m/sub q//sup -1/. .AE« less

The adsorption of 1,3-butadiene on Pd/Ni multilayers: The interplay between spin polarization and chemisorption strength

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

Gomez, Guillermina; Belelli, Patricia G., E-mail: pbelelli@plapiqui.edu.a; Cabeza, Gabriela F.

2010-12-15

The adsorption of 1,3-butadiene (BD) on the Pd/Ni(1 1 1) multilayers has been studied using the VASP method in the framework of the density functional theory (DFT). The adsorption on two different configurations of the Pd{sub n}/Ni{sub m}(1 1 1) systems were considered. The most stable adsorption sites are dependent on the substrate composition and on the inclusion or not of spin polarization. On Pd{sub 1}Ni{sub 3}(1 1 1) surface, di-{pi}-cis and 1,2,3,4-tetra-{sigma} adsorption structures are the most stable for non-spin polarized (NSP) and spin polarized (SP) levels of calculation, respectively. Conversely, on Pd{sub 3}Ni{sub 1}(1 1 1) surface, themore » 1,2,3,4-tetra-{sigma} adsorption structure is the most stable for both NSP and SP levels, respectively. The magnetization of the Pd atoms strongly modifies the adsorption energy of BD and its most stable adsorption mode. On the other hand, as a consequence of BD adsorption, the Pd magnetization decreases. The smaller adsorption energies of BD and 1-butene on the Pd{sub 1}Ni{sub 3}(1 1 1) surface than on Pd(1 1 1) can be associated to the strained Pd overlayer deposited on Ni(1 1 1). -- Graphical Abstract: The adsorption of 1,3-butadiene on Pd/Ni(1 1 1) multilayers was theoretically studied. The most stable adsorption site depends on the substrate composition and on the inclusion of spin polarization. Display Omitted« less

Redox-dependent changes in RsrA, an anti-sigma factor in Streptomyces coelicolor: zinc release and disulfide bond formation.

PubMed

Bae, Jae-Bum; Park, Joo-Hong; Hahn, Mi-Young; Kim, Min-Sik; Roe, Jung-Hye

2004-01-09

sigmaR is a sigma factor for transcribing genes to defend cells against oxidative stresses in the antibiotic-producing bacterium Streptomyces coelicolor. The availability of sigmaR is regulated by RsrA, an anti-sigma factor, whose sigmaR-binding activity is regulated by redox changes in the environment, via thiol-disulfide exchange. We found that reduced RsrA contains zinc in a stoichiometric amount, whereas oxidized form has very little: 1 mol of zinc per mol of RsrA was released upon oxidation as monitored by a chromogenic Zn-chelator, 4-(2-pyridylazo)-resorcinol (PAR). Measurement of zinc bound in several RsrA mutants of various cysteine and histidine substitutions suggested that C3, H7, C41, and C44 serve as zinc-binding sites. The zinc-binding and sigmaR-binding activities of mutant proteins did not coincide, suggesting that zinc might not be absolutely required for the anti-sigma activity of RsrA. Zn-free apo-RsrA bound sigmaR and inhibited sigmaR-dependent transcription in vitro. Compared with Zn-RsrA, the anti-transcription activity of apo-RsrA was about threefold lower and its sigmaR-binding affinity decreased by about ninefold when measured by surface plasmon resonance analysis. Apo-RsrA was more sensitive to protease, suggesting that zinc allows RsrA to maintain a more compact structure, optimized for binding sigmaR. The cysteine pairs that form disulfide bonds were determined by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, revealing formation of the critical disulfide bond between C11 and one of the essential cysteine residues C41 or 44, most likely C44. An improved model for the mechanism of redox-modulation of RsrA was presented.

RS CVn binaries: Testing the solar-stellar dynamo connection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dempsey, R.

1995-01-01

We have used the Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer satellite to study the coronal emission from the EUV-bright RS CVn binaries Sigma2 CrB, observed February 10-21, 1994, and II Peg, observed October 1-5, 1993. We present time-resolved and integrated EUV short-, medium-, and long-wavelength spectra for these binaries. Sigma2 CrB shows significant first-order emission features in the long-wavelength region. The coronal emission distributions and electron densities are estimated for those active coronae dominated by high temperature plasma.

ASYMMETRIC ABSORPTION PROFILES OF Ly{alpha} AND Ly{beta} IN DAMPED Ly{alpha} SYSTEMS

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

Lee, Hee-Won, E-mail: hwlee@sejong.ac.kr

2013-08-01

Damped Ly{alpha} systems observed in the quasar spectra are characterized by a high neutral hydrogen column density, N{sub HI} > 2 x 10{sup 20} cm{sup -2}. The absorption wing profiles are often fitted using the Voigt function due to the fact that the scattering cross section near the resonant line center is approximately described by the Lorentzian function. Since a hydrogen atom has infinitely many p states that participate in the electric dipole interaction, the cross section starts to deviate from the Lorentzian in an asymmetric way in the line wing regions. We investigate this asymmetry in the absorption linemore » profiles around Ly{alpha} and Ly{beta} as a function of the neutral hydrogen column density N{sub HI}. In terms of {Delta}{lambda} {identical_to} {lambda} - {lambda}{sub {alpha}}, we expand the Kramers-Heisenberg formula around Ly{alpha} to find {sigma}({lambda}) {approx_equal} (0.5f{sub 12}){sup 2}{sigma}{sub T}({Delta}{lambda}/{lambda}{sub {alpha}}){sup -2}[1 + 3.792({Delta}{lambda}/{lambda}{sub {alpha}})], where f{sub 12} and {sigma}{sub T} are the oscillator strength of Ly{alpha} and the Thomson scattering cross section, respectively. In terms of {Delta}{lambda}{sub 2} {identical_to} {lambda} - {lambda}{sub {beta}} in the vicinity of Ly{beta}, the total scattering cross section, given as the sum of cross sections for Rayleigh and Raman scattering, is shown to be {sigma}({lambda}) {approx_equal} {sigma}{sub T}(0.5f{sub 13}){sup 2}(1 + R{sub 0})({Delta}{lambda}{sub 2}/{lambda}{sub {beta}}){sup -2}[1 - 24.68({Delta}{lambda}{sub 2}/{lambda}{sub {beta}})] with f{sub 13} and the factor R{sub 0} = 0.1342 being the oscillator strength for Ly{beta} and the ratio of the Raman cross section to Rayleigh cross section, respectively. A redward asymmetry develops around Ly{alpha}, whereas a blue asymmetry is obtained for Ly{beta}. The absorption center shifts are found to be almost proportional to the neutral hydrogen column density.« less

A modified integrated NDVI for improving estimates of terrestrial net primary production

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Running, Steven W.

1990-01-01

Logic is presented for a time-integrated NDVI that is modified by an AVHRR derived surface evaporation resistance factor sigma, and truncated by temperatures that cause plant dormancy, to improve environmental sensitivity. With this approach, NDVI observed during subfreezing temperatures is not integrated. Water stress-related impairment in plant activity is incorporated by reducing the effective NDVI at each integration with sigma, which is derived from the slope of the surface temperature to NDVI ratio for climatically similar zones of the scene. A comparison of surface resistance before and after an extended drought period for a 1200 sq km region of coniferous forest in Montana is presented.

ABSOLUTE INTEGRAL CROSS SECTIONS AND PRODUCT BRANCHING RATIOS FOR THE VIBRATIONALLY SELECTED ION-MOLECULE REACTIONS: N{sub 2}{sup +}(X {sup 2}{Sigma}{sub g}{sup +}; v {sup +} = 0-2) + CH{sub 4}

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

Xu Yuntao; Chang, Yih Chung; Lu Zhou

Absolute vibrationally selected integral cross sections ({sigma}{sub v+}'s) for the ion-molecule reaction N{sub 2}{sup +}(X {sup 2}{Sigma}{sub g}{sup +}; v {sup +} = 0-2) + CH{sub 4} have been measured by using the newly developed vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) laser pulsed field ionization-photoion (PFI-PI) double-quadrupole-double-octopole ion guide apparatus. By employing a novel electric field pulsing scheme to the VUV laser PFI-PI source, we have been able to prepare reactant N{sub 2}{sup +} ions in single-vibrational quantum states with not only high intensity and high purity but also high kinetic energy resolution, allowing integral cross section measurements to be conducted in themore » center-of-mass kinetic energies (E{sub cm}'s) from 0.05 to 10.00 eV. Three primary product channels corresponding to the formations of CH{sub 3}{sup +}, CH{sub 2}{sup +}, and N{sub 2}H{sup +} were identified. After correcting for the secondary reactions involving CH{sub 3}{sup +} and CH{sub 2}{sup +}, we have determined the {sigma}{sub v+} values of the formation of these primary product ions, {sigma}{sub v+}(CH{sub 3}{sup +}), {sigma}{sub v+}(CH{sub 2}{sup +}), and {sigma}{sub v+}(N{sub 2}H{sup +}), and their branching ratios, [{sigma}{sub v+}(CH{sub 3}{sup +}): {sigma}{sub v+}(CH{sub 2}{sup +}): {sigma}{sub v+}(N{sub 2}H{sup +})]/{sigma}{sub v+}(CH{sub 3}{sup +} + CH{sub 2}{sup +} + N{sub 2}H{sup +}), v {sup +} = 0-2, in the E{sub cm} range of 0.05-10.00 eV, where {sigma}{sub v+}(CH{sub 3}{sup +} + CH{sub 2}{sup +} + N{sub 2}H{sup +}) = {sigma}{sub v+}(CH{sub 3}{sup +}) + {sigma}{sub v+}(CH{sub 2}{sup +}) + {sigma}{sub v+}(N{sub 2}H{sup +}). The branching ratios are found to be nearly independent of the v {sup +} state and E{sub cm}. Complex v {sup +}-state and E{sub cm} dependences for {sigma}{sub v+}(CH{sub 3}{sup +}), {sigma}{sub v+}(CH{sub 2}{sup +}), and {sigma}{sub v+}(N{sub 2}H{sup +}) along with vibrational inhibition for the formation of these product ions are observed. The vibrational effects on the {sigma}{sub v+} values are sufficiently large to warrant the inclusion of the vibrationally excited reactions N{sub 2}{sup +}(X {sup 2}{Sigma}{sub g}{sup +}; v {sup +} {>=} 1) + CH{sub 4} for a more realistic modeling of the ion and neutral densities observed in the atmosphere of Titan. The cross-sectional data obtained in the present study are also useful for benchmarking theoretical calculations on ion-neutral collision dynamics.« less

Rarefied-continuum gas dynamics transition for SUMS project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cheng, Sin-I

1989-01-01

This program is to develop an analytic method for reducing SUMS data for the determination of the undisturbed atmosphere conditions ahead of the shuttle along its descending trajectory. It is divided into an internal flow problem, an external flow problem and their matching conditions. Since the existing method of Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) failed completely for the internal flow problem, the emphasis is on the internal flow of a highly non-equilibrium, rarefied air through a short tube of a diameter much less than the gaseous mean free path. A two fluid model analysis of this internal flow problem has been developed and studied with typical results illustrated. A computer program for such an analysis and a technical paper published in Lecture Notes in Physics No. 323 (1989) are included as Appendices 3 and 4. A proposal for in situ determination of the surface accommodation coefficients sigma sub t and sigma e is included in Appendix 5 because of their importance in quantitative data reduction. A two fluid formulation for the external flow problem is included as Appendix 6 and a review article for AIAA on Hypersonic propulsion, much dependent on ambient atmospheric density, is also included as Appendix 7.

Differential mechanisms of binding of anti-sigma factors Escherichia coli Rsd and bacteriophage T4 AsiA to E. coli RNA polymerase lead to diverse physiological consequences.

PubMed

Sharma, Umender K; Chatterji, Dipankar

2008-05-01

Anti-sigma factors Escherichia coli Rsd and bacteriophage T4 AsiA bind to the essential housekeeping sigma factor, sigma(70), of E. coli. Though both factors are known to interact with the C-terminal region of sigma(70), the physiological consequences of these interactions are very different. This study was undertaken for the purpose of deciphering the mechanisms by which E. coli Rsd and bacteriophage T4 AsiA inhibit or modulate the activity of E. coli RNA polymerase, which leads to the inhibition of E. coli cell growth to different amounts. It was found that AsiA is the more potent inhibitor of in vivo transcription and thus causes higher inhibition of E. coli cell growth. Measurements of affinity constants by surface plasmon resonance experiments showed that Rsd and AsiA bind to sigma(70) with similar affinity. Data obtained from in vivo and in vitro binding experiments clearly demonstrated that the major difference between AsiA and Rsd is the ability of AsiA to form a stable ternary complex with RNA polymerase. The binding patterns of AsiA and Rsd with sigma(70) studied by using the yeast two-hybrid system revealed that region 4 of sigma(70) is involved in binding to both of these anti-sigma factors; however, Rsd interacts with other regions of sigma(70) as well. Taken together, these results suggest that the higher inhibition of E. coli growth by AsiA expression is probably due to the ability of the AsiA protein to trap the holoenzyme RNA polymerase rather than its higher binding affinity to sigma(70).

Application of Scanning-Imaging X-Ray Microscopy to Fluid Inclusion Candidates in Carbonates of Carbonaceous Chondrites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tsuchiyama, Akira; Nakano, Tsukasa; Miyake, Akira; Akihisa, Takeuchi; Uesugi, Kentaro; Suzuki, Yoshio; Kitayama, Akira; Matsuno, Junya; Zolensky, Michael E.

2016-01-01

In order to search for such fluid inclusions in carbonaceous chondrites, a nondestructive technique using x-ray micro-absorption tomography combined with FIB sampling was developed and applied to a carbonaceous chondrite. They found fluid inclusion candidates in calcite grains, which were formed by aqueous alteration. However, they could not determine whether they are really aqueous fluids or merely voids. Phase and absorption contrast images can be simultaneously obtained in 3D by using scanning-imaging x-ray microscopy (SIXM). In refractive index, n=1-sigma+i(beta), in the real part, 1-sigma is the refractive index with decrement, sigma, which is nearly proportional to the density, and the imaginary part, beta, is the extinction coefficient, which is related to the liner attenuation coefficient, mu. Many phases, including water and organic materials as well as minerals, can be identified by SIXM, and this technique has potential availability for Hayabusa-2 sample analysis too. In this study, we examined quantitative performance of d and m values and the spatial resolution in SIXM by using standard materials, and applied this technique to carbonaceous chondrite samples. We used POM ([CH2O]n), silicon, quartz, forsterite, corundum, magnetite and nickel as standard materials for examining the sigma and mu values. A fluid inclusion in terrestrial quartz and bi-valve shell (Atrina vexillum), which are composed of calcite and organic layers with different thickness, were also used for examining the spatial resolution. The Ivuna (CI) and Sutter's Mill (CM) meteorites were used as carbonaceous chondrite samples. Rod- or cube-shaped samples 20-30 micron in size were extracted by using FIB from cross-sectional surfaces of the standard materials or polished thin sections of the chondrites, which was previously observed with SEM. Then, the sample was attached to a thin W-needle and imaged by SIXM system at beamline BL47XU, SPring-8, Japan. The slice thickness was 109.3 nm and the pixel size was mostly 100 nm.

The interaction of MnH(X 7Sigma+) with He: ab initio potential energy surface and bound states.

PubMed

Turpin, Florence; Halvick, Philippe; Stoecklin, Thierry

2010-06-07

The potential energy surface of the ground state of the He-MnH(X (7)Sigma(+)) van der Waals complex is presented. Within the supermolecular approach of intermolecular energy calculations, a grid of ab initio points was computed at the multireference configuration interaction level using the aug-cc-pVQZ basis set for helium and hydrogen and the relativistic aug-cc-pVQZ-DK basis set for manganese. The potential energy surface was then fitted to a global analytical form which main features are discussed. As a first application of this potential energy surface, we present accurate calculations of bound energy levels of the (3)He-MnH and (4)He-MnH complexes.

Modality-specific peripheral antinociceptive effects of μ-opioid agonists on heat and mechanical stimuli: Contribution of sigma-1 receptors.

PubMed

Montilla-García, Ángeles; Perazzoli, Gloria; Tejada, Miguel Á; González-Cano, Rafael; Sánchez-Fernández, Cristina; Cobos, Enrique J; Baeyens, José M

2018-06-01

Morphine induces peripherally μ-opioid-mediated antinociception to heat but not to mechanical stimulation. Peripheral sigma-1 receptors tonically inhibit μ-opioid antinociception to mechanical stimuli, but it is unknown whether they modulate μ-opioid heat antinociception. We hypothesized that sigma-1 receptors might play a role in the modality-specific peripheral antinociceptive effects of morphine and other clinically relevant μ-opioid agonists. Mechanical nociception was assessed in mice with the paw pressure test (450 g), and heat nociception with the unilateral hot plate (55 °C) test. Local peripheral (intraplantar) administration of morphine, buprenorphine or oxycodone did not induce antinociception to mechanical stimulation but had dose-dependent antinociceptive effects on heat stimuli. Local sigma-1 antagonism unmasked peripheral antinociception by μ-opioid agonists to mechanical stimuli, but did not modify their effects on heat stimulation. TRPV1+ and IB4+ cells are segregated populations of small neurons in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and the density of sigma-1 receptors was higher in IB4+ cells than in the rest of small nociceptive neurons. The in vivo ablation of TRPV1-expressing neurons with resiniferatoxin did not alter IB4+ neurons in the DRG, mechanical nociception, or the effects of sigma-1 antagonism on local morphine antinociception in this type of stimulus. However, it impaired the responses to heat stimuli and the effect of local morphine on heat nociception. In conclusion, peripheral opioid antinociception to mechanical stimuli is limited by sigma-1 tonic inhibitory actions, whereas peripheral opioid antinociception to heat stimuli (produced in TRPV1-expressing neurons) is not. Therefore, sigma-1 receptors contribute to the modality-specific peripheral effects of opioid analgesics. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Structure Study of Magnetic Thin Films for Voltage Controlled Spintronics by Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy Experiment and Density Functional Theory Calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Congli

We have studied magnetic thin films for voltage controlled magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) by advanced scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and density functional theory (DFT) simulations. MTJs are the prototypical spintronic device and manipulation of magnetism by electrical means is among the most promising approaches to novel voltage-controlled spin electronics. The voltage controlled magnetic effect can be achieved across many different materials systems, all of which depend on high-quality thin films with minimum crystallographic defects. Cr2O3 is antiferromagnetic in bulk but ferromagnetic on the (0001) surface. Bulk Cr2O3 has two degenerate antiferromagnetic states with opposite (0001) surface spin polarization. As Cr2O3 is also magnetoelectric, the degenerate antiferromagnetic states can be lifted by manipulating the free-energy gain DeltaF = aEH. Therefore, the surface ferromagnetism can be controlled by applied electric field. We have observed vertical grain boundaries in Cr2O 3/Al2O3 systems that are related with a 60° in-plane rotation by diffraction contrast TEM image. STEM as a function of scattering angle points out a simultaneous ⅓[101¯0] basal plane shift. Local boundary electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) shows a pre-peak on the O K-edge, indicating a reduced bandgap along the boundary that provides potential breakdown paths in Cr2O3 thin films. B doping of Cr2O3 is known to increase the Neel temperature. B was found to form either BCr4 tetrahedra or BO 3 triangles in the Cr2O3 lattice, with sigma * and pi* bonds exhibiting different energy loss features. Modeling the experimental spectra as a linear combination of simulated B K edges reproduces the experimental pi* / sigma * ratios for 12 to 43 % of the B in the sample occupying BCr 4 sites. Simulated BCr4 fraction / total B as a function of oxygen partial pressures supports the EELS results and indicates further increase of Neel temperature can be achieved by optimizing oxygen partial pressures.

Linear response of stretch-affected premixed flames to flow oscillations

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

Wang, H.Y.; Law, C.K.; Lieuwen, T.

2009-04-15

The linear response of 2D wedge-shaped premixed flames to harmonic velocity disturbances was studied, allowing for the influence of flame stretch manifested as variations in the local flame speed along the wrinkled flame front. Results obtained from analyzing the G-equation show that the flame response is mainly characterized by a Markstein number {sigma}{sub C}, which measures the curvature effect of the wrinkles, and a Strouhal number, St{sub f}, defined as the angular frequency of the disturbance normalized by the time taken for the disturbance to propagate the flame length. Flame stretch is found to become important when the disturbance frequencymore » satisfies {sigma}{sub C}St{sub f}{sup 2}{proportional_to} O(1), i.e. St{sub f}{proportional_to} O({sigma}{sub C}{sup -1/2}). Specifically, for disturbance frequencies below this order, stretch effects are small and the flame responds as an unstretched one. When the disturbance frequencies are of this order, the transfer function, defined as the ratio of the normalized fluctuation of the heat release rate to that of the velocity, is contributed mostly from fluctuations of the flame surface area, which is now affected by stretch. Finally, as the disturbance frequency increases to St{sub f}{proportional_to} O({sigma}{sub C}{sup -1}), i.e. {sigma}{sub C}St{sub f}{proportional_to} O(1), the direct contribution from the stretch-affected flame speed fluctuation to the transfer function becomes comparable to that of the flame surface area. The present study phenomenologically explains the experimentally observed filtering effect in which the flame wrinkles developed at the flame base decay along the flame surface for large frequency disturbances as well as for thermal-diffusively stable and weakly unstable mixtures. (author)« less

Far-infrared vibration--rotation-tunneling spectroscopy of Ar--NH sub 3 : Intermolecular vibrations and effective angular potential energy surface

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

Schmuttenmaer, C.A.; Cohen, R.C.; Loeser, J.G.

Two new intermolecular vibration--rotation-tunneling (VRT) bands of Ar--NH{sub 3} have been measured using tunable far infrared laser spectroscopy. We have unambiguously assigned these and a previously measured FIR band (Gwo {ital et} {ital al}., Mol. Phys. {bold 71}, 453 (1990)) as {Pi}(1{sub 0}, {ital n}=0){l arrow}{Sigma}(0{sub 0}, {ital n}=0), {Sigma}(1{sub 0}, {ital n}=0){l arrow}{Sigma}(0{sub 0}, {ital n}=0), and {Sigma}(0{sub 0}, {ital n}=1){l arrow}{Sigma}(0{sub 0}, {ital n}=0). The three upper states of these are found to be strongly mixed by anisotropy and Coriolis effects. A simultaneous least squares fit of all transitions has yielded vibrational frequencies, rotational and centrifugal distortion constants,more » and a Coriolis parameter as well as quadrupole hyperfine coupling constants for the upper states. An effective angular potential energy surface for Ar--NH{sub 3} in its lowest stretching state has been determined from these data, after explicitly accounting for the effects of bend stretch interactions. Features of the surface include a global minimum at the near T-shaped configuration ({theta}=90{degree}), a 30 cm{sup {minus}1} to 60 cm{sup {minus}1} barrier to rotation at {theta}=180{degree} (or 0{degree}), and a very low barrier or possibly a secondary minimum at {theta}=0{degree} (or 180{degree}). Both attractive and repulsive interactions are shown to contribute significantly to the anisotropic forces in the complex. Comparison with {ital ab} {ital initio} calculations are presented.« less

Mean circulation of the Coral Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kessler, William S.; Cravatte, Sophie

2013-12-01

The mean absolute geostrophic circulation of the Coral Sea is constructed from climatological hydrographic data referenced to a 1000 m velocity field derived from Argo float drift. Two branches of the South Equatorial Current (SEC) enter the Coral Sea between New Caledonia and the Solomon Islands: the broad, upper thermocline North Vanuatu Jet (NVJ), and the narrow North Caledonian Jet (NCJ) extending to at least 1500 m. Most of this incoming flow leaves to the Solomon Sea. Four distinct pathways through the Coral Sea are traced by their water properties: (1) The NCJ crosses the Sea to the coast of Australia and turns north at densities sigma 25-27.4 as the main source of the Gulf of Papua (GPC) western boundary current, eventually feeding the New Guinea Coastal Undercurrent; (2) part of the shallow NVJ turns into the Solomon Sea in midbasin, carrying high-salinity water above sigma 25.5; (3) another part of the NVJ continues to Australia, then turns north to join the GPC, extending it to the surface; (4) a shallow finger of NVJ water, traced by low oxygen above sigma 25, turns south along the coast, beginning the East Australian Current (EAC) at 15°S. Total transport from the Coral to the Tasman Sea is small and shallow; instead, most of the EAC is fed from south of New Caledonia, consistent with the Island Rule. However, large transport fractions occur in narrow jets close to coastlines and reefs and are not well sampled, precluding a quantitative estimate of meridional redistribution of the incoming SEC.

FIRST RESULTS FROM Z -FOURGE : DISCOVERY OF A CANDIDATE CLUSTER AT z = 2.2 IN COSMOS

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

Spitler, Lee R.; Glazebrook, Karl; Poole, Gregory B.

2012-04-01

We report the first results from the Z -FOURGE survey: the discovery of a candidate galaxy cluster at z = 2.2 consisting of two compact overdensities with red galaxies detected at {approx}> 20{sigma} above the mean surface density. The discovery was made possible by a new deep (K{sub s} {approx}< 24.8 AB 5{sigma}) Magellan/FOURSTAR near-IR imaging survey with five custom medium-bandwidth filters. The filters pinpoint the location of the Balmer/4000 A break in evolved stellar populations at 1.5 < z < 3.5, yielding significantly more accurate photometric redshifts than possible with broadband imaging alone. The overdensities are within 1' ofmore » each other in the COSMOS field and appear to be embedded in a larger structure that contains at least one additional overdensity ({approx}10{sigma}). Considering the global properties of the overdensities, the z = 2.2 system appears to be the most distant example of a galaxy cluster with a population of red galaxies. A comparison to a large {Lambda}CDM simulation suggests that the system may consist of merging subclusters, with properties in between those of z > 2 protoclusters with more diffuse distributions of blue galaxies and the lower-redshift galaxy clusters with prominent red sequences. The structure is completely absent in public optical catalogs in COSMOS and only weakly visible in a shallower near-IR survey. The discovery showcases the potential of deep near-IR surveys with medium-band filters to advance the understanding of environment and galaxy evolution at z > 1.5.« less

The Local Supercluster as a test of cosmological models

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cen, Renyue

1994-01-01

The Local Supercluster kinematic properties (the Local Group infall toward the Virgo Cluster and galaxy density distribution about the Virgo Cluster) in various cosmological models are examined utilizing large-scale N-body (PM) simulations 500(exp 3) cells, 250(exp 3) particles, and box size of 400 h(exp -1) Mpc) and are compared to observations. Five models are investigated: (1) the standard, Cosmic Background Explorer Satellite (COBE)-normalized cold dark matter (CDM) model with omega = 1, h = 0.5, and sigma(sub 8) = 1.05; (2) the standard Hot Dark Matter (HDM) model with omega = 1, h = 0.75, and sigma(sub 8) = 1; (3) the tilted CDM model with omega = 1, h = 0.5, n = 0.7, and sigma(sub 8) = 0.5; (4) a CDM + lambda model with omega = 0.3, lambda = 0.7, h = 2/3, and sigma(sub 8) = 2/3; (5) the PBI model with omega = 0.2, h = 0.8, x = 0.1, m = -0.5, and sigma(sub 8) = 0.9. Comparison of the five models with the presently available observational measurements v(sub LG) = 85 - 305 km/s (with mean of 250 km/s), delta(n(sub g))/(n(sub g)-bar) = 1.40 + or - 0.35) suggests that an open universe with omega approximately 0.5 (with or without lambda) and sigma(sub 8) approximately 0.8 is preferred, with omega = 0.3-1.0 (with or without lambda) and sigma(sub 8) = 0.7-1.0 being the acceptable range. At variance with some previous claims based on either direct N-body or spherical nonlinear approaches, we find that a flat model with sigma(sub 8) approximately 0.7-1.0 seems to be reasonably consistent with observations. However, if one favors the low limit of v(sub LG) = 85 km/s, then an omega approximately 0.2-0.3 universe seems to provide a better fit, and flat (omega = 1) models are ruled out at approximately 95% confidence level. On the other hand, if the high limit of v(sub LG) = 350 km/s is closer to the truth, then it appears that omega approximately 0.7-0.8 is more consistent. This test is insensitive to the shape of the power spectrum, but rather sensitive to the normalization of the perturbation amplitude on the relevant scale (e.g., sigma(sub 8)) and omega. We find that neither linear nor nonlinear relations (with spherical symmetry) are good approximations for the relation between radial peculiar velocity and density perturbation, i.e., nonspherical effects and gravitational tidal field are important. The derived omega using either of the two relations is underestimated. In some cases, this error is as large as a factor of 2-4.

ELASTIC SCATTERING ANGULAR DISTRIBUTIONS AND TOTAL REACTION CROSS SECTIONS FOR THE INTERACTION OF 12.8 Mev DEUTERONS WITH Ni$sup 58$ AND Ni$sup 60$ NUCLEI

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

Budzanowski, A.; Grotowski, K.

1962-10-15

Recentiy optical model analysis has been applied to fit the experimental angular distribution data of the elastic scattering of deuterons by nuclei. In view of a considerable dependence of sigma /sub R/ on the shape of the real and imaginary part of the potential at the nuclear surface, it was thought worthwhile to measure both sigma /sub el/ ( theta ) and sigma /sub R/ for 12.8 Mev deuterons on targets of separated Ni/sup 58/ and Ni/sup 60/ isotopes. (W.D.M.)

High Resolution Radio Observations Of Energetically Dominant Regions In Local Luminous Infrared Galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barcos-Munoz, Loreto

2016-07-01

Luminous and Ultra-luminous Infrared galaxies (U/LIRGs) are one of the most powerful classes of extragalactic objects in the local universe, and they provide a unique opportunity to study star formation and feedback processes in extreme environments. They are primarily observed to be interacting or merging disk galaxies. During the interaction, large amounts of gas are funneled to the central few kpc, triggering high star formation rates (SFR) and dust production. The absorption of UV and optical radiation from stars, or active galactic nuclei (AGN), by dust produces their observed high infrared luminosities.The high level of dust obscuration intrinsic to U/LIRGs makes them difficult to study. Radio interferometry is thus the perfect tool for revealing the nature of these systems - it provides the high spatial resolution needed to resolve energetically dominant regions in U/LIRGs at wavelengths that have both diagnostic power and transparency to dust. In this thesis, 6 and 33 GHz radio continuum interferometric observations with the upgraded Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) are used to study a sample of 22 local U/LIRGs.First, a detailed analysis of the 6 and 33 GHz radio continuum emission from the closest ULIRG, Arp 220, is presented. This late stage merger is highly obscured, being optically thick even at mid-infrared wavelengths. Further, due to its extreme environment, it is often used as a template for high redshift starbursts. Arp 220 hosts two distinct nuclei that are separated by (\\sim) 370 pc. The nuclei are well resolved with the 33 GHz observations (i.e., with a spatial resolution of ˜ 30 pc). The deconvolved radii enclosing half of the total 33 GHz light are approximately 50 and 35 pc for the eastern and western nucleus, respectively. Literature values of the gas mass and infrared luminosity are combined with the 33 GHz sizes under the assumption of co-spatiality to show that Arp 220 has one of the highest molecular gas surface densities ((\\Sigma_mol \\sim 10^{5.3}) (east) and (10^{5.7}) (west) (\\mathrm{M_\\odot pc^{-2}})) and SFR surface densities ((\\mathrm{\\Sigma_{SFR} \\sim 10^{4.0} (east) and 10^{4.0} (west) M_{\\odot} yr^{-1} kpc^{-2}})) measured for any star-forming system. Despite these high values, the nuclei of Arp 220 are not maximal starbursts (i.e., under the assumption that the main feedback mechanism is radiation pressure on dust). The small derived sizes for the nuclei indicate Arp 220 is only optically thin in a narrow frequency range, (\\sim) 5 to 350 GHz.The analysis of a larger sample of 22 U/LIRGs at 33 GHz with the VLA is also presented. It is found that, for most of these galaxies, the integrated radio flux densities correlate well with those at infrared wavelengths, indicating these systems follow the radio-IR correlation and that the emission at 33 GHz is primarily produced by star formation activity. The radio emission from most of these galaxies are resolved, with deconvolved half-light radii ranging from 20 pc to 1.7 kpc. Similar assumptions for Arp 220 above are used here to estimate SFR surface densities of (\\Sigma_SFR) from (10^{0.5}) to (10^{4.5}) (\\mathrm{M_{\\odot} yr^{-1} kpc^{-2}}) and molecular gas surface densities (\\Sigma_mol) of (\\mathrm{10^{2.5} to 10^{5.7} M_{\\odot} pc^{-2}}). These values are among the highest values measured for any galaxies. The star formation-gas scaling relation is used to compare the U/LIRGs with regions within normal spiral galaxies. The presence of two ``modes" of star formation is inferred in the comparison, although this result is extremely dependent on the CO-to-({H_{2}}) conversion factor. The local U/LIRGs studied in this survey show high infrared surface brightnesses, however 19 of the 22 sources are not maximal starbursts. Finally, those targets showing the flattest 1.5-6 GHz spectral indices and the highest surface brightnesses exhibit the strongest [Cii] deficits, which supports the idea that deficit is associated with the most highly obscured, high energy density star-forming regions.In order to determine the true limit for star formation in galaxies (e.g., through Eddington limit analysis), better measures of the gas content, opacity and velocity dispersion of U/LIRGs are needed. The last study presented in this thesis is an analysis of the first high spatial resolution ALMA observations of the mm continuum and dense molecular gas tracers in Arp 220. A spatial resolution of 30 pc is achieved using the most extended configuration available in Cycle 3. An optically thin model of the spectral flux density distribution is found to predict the continuum emission at 92 GHz, within the uncertainties of the measurement and accounting for extended emission that is potentially filtered out. At 92 GHz, the western nucleus is dominated by dust emission, while the eastern nucleus by free-free emission. High critical gas density tracers HCN, HCO(^{+}), their isotopologues, and the shock tracer SiO are detected. P-Cygni profiles are observed in the central beam of both nuclei, with a cleaner profile shape in the eastern nucleus. The western nucleus shows strong absorption in the center, which makes determination of the profile line shapes more complicated. These P-Cygni features indicate the presence of outflowing gas. The derived mass loading factors are 18 (east) and 35 (west), which may be an indication that active galactic nuclei help to boost the outflow mass rates. However, these numbers are strongly dependent on the highly uncertain HCN-to-gas mass conversion factor and should only be considered as upper limits. In addition to signatures of outflowing gas, clear evidence of gas rotation in both nuclei are observed.

Simulation of the A-X and B-X transition emission spectra of the InBr molecule for diagnostics in low-pressure plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Briefi, S.; Fantz, U.

2011-04-01

Inductively coupled low-pressure discharges containing InBr have been investigated spectroscopically. In order to obtain plasma parameters such as the vibrational and rotational temperature of the InBr molecule, the emission spectra of the A\\,^3\\!\\Pi_{0^+}\\rightarrow X\\,^1\\!\\Sigma_{0}^+ and the B\\,^3\\! \\Pi_{1}\\rightarrow X\\,^1\\!\\Sigma_{0}^+ transitions have been simulated. The program is based on the molecular constants and takes into account vibrational states up to v = 24. The required Franck-Condon factors and vibrationally resolved transition probabilities have been computed solving the Schrödinger equation using the Born-Oppenheimer approximation. The ground state density of the InBr molecule in the plasma has been determined from absorption spectra using effective transition probabilities for the A-X and B-X transition according to the vibrational population. The obtained densities agree well with densities derived from an Arrhenius type vapour pressure equation.

The relationship between purely stochastic sampling error and the number of technical replicates used to estimate concentration at an extreme dilution

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

For any analytical system the population mean (mu) number of entities (e.g., cells or molecules) per tested volume, surface area, or mass also defines the population standard deviation (sigma = square root of mu ). For a preponderance of analytical methods, sigma is very small relative to mu due to...

Simulation of transformations of thin metal films heated by nanosecond laser pulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balandin, V. Yu.; Niedrig, R.; Bostanjoglo, O.

1995-01-01

The ablation of free-standing thin aluminum films by a nanosecond laser pulse was investigated by time-resolved transmission electron microscopy and numerical simulation. It was established that thin film geometry is particularly suited to furnish information on the mechanism of evaporation and the surface tension of the melt. In the case of aluminum the surface tension sigma as function of temperature can be approximated by two linear sections with a coefficient -0.3 x 10(exp -3) N/K m from the melting point 933 K up to 3000 K and -0.02 x 10(exp -3) N/K m above 3000 K, respectively, with sigma(993 K) = 0.9 N/m and sigma(8500 K) = 0. At lower pulse energies the films disintegrated predominantly by thermocapillary flow. Higher pulse energies produced volume evaporation, and a nonmonotonous flow, explained by recoil from evaporating atoms and thermocapillarity. The familiar equations of energy and motion, which presuppose separate and coherent vapor and liquid phases, were not adequate to describe the ablation of the hottest zone. Surface evaporation seemed to be marginal at all laser pulse energies used.

The Reovirus Sigmal Aspartic Acid Sandwich: A Trimerization Motif Poised for Conformational Change

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

Schelling,P.; Guglielml, K.; Kirchner, E.

2007-01-01

Reovirus attachment protein {sigma}1 mediates engagement of receptors on the surface of target cells and undergoes dramatic conformational rearrangements during viral disassembly in the endocytic pathway. The {sigma}1 protein is a filamentous, trimeric molecule with a globular {beta}-barrel head domain. An unusual cluster of aspartic acid residues sandwiched between hydrophobic tyrosines is located at the {sigma}1 subunit interface. A 1.75 {angstrom} structure of the {sigma}1 head domain now reveals two water molecules at the subunit interface that are held strictly in position and interact with neighboring residues. Structural and biochemical analyses of mutants affecting the aspartic acid sandwich indicate thatmore » these residues and the corresponding chelated water molecules act as a plug to block the free flow of solvent and stabilize the trimer. This arrangement of residues at the {sigma}1 head trimer interface illustrates a new protein design motif that may confer conformational mobility during cell entry.« less

X-Ray Scattering Studies of the Liquid-Vapor Interface of Gallium.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kawamoto, Eric Hitoshi

A UHV system was developed for performing X-ray scattering studies and in situ analyses of liquid metal surfaces. A nearly ideal choice for this study, gallium has a melting point just above room temperature; is amenable to handling in both air and vacuum; its surface oxides can be removed while its cleanliness is maintained and monitored. Using argon glow-discharge sputtering techniques to remove intervening surface oxides, thin wetting layers of gallium were prepared atop nonreactive substrates, to be used as samples suited for liquid surface scattering experiments. Preliminary measurements of X-ray reflectivity from the liquid-vapor interface of gallium were performed with the X-ray UHV chamber configured for use in conjunction with liquid surface spectrometers at two synchrotron beamlines. A novel technique for carrying out and interpreting scattering measurements from curved liquid surfaces was demonstrated. The energy tunability and intense focused white beam flux from a wiggler source was shown to place within reach the large values of wavevector transfer at which specular reflectivity data yield small length scale information about surface structure. Various theoretical treatments and simulations predict quasi-lamellar ordering of atoms near the free surface of metallic liquids due to energetics particular to metals (electron delocalization, the dependence of system energy on ion and electron densities, surface tension and electrostatic energy). However, the experimental data reported to date is insufficient to distinguish between a monotonic, sigmoidal electron density profile found at the free surfaces of dielectric liquids, and the damped oscillatory layer-like profiles anticipated for metallic liquids. Out to a wavevector transfer of Q = 0.55 A ^{-1}, the reflectivity data measured from a curved Ga surface is not inconsistent with what is expected for a liquid-vapor electron density profile of Gaussian width sigma = 1.3 +/- 0.2 A. Subsequent measurements roughly tripled the range of Q, but an oxidized surface led to poor data and hindered interpretation. The analysis presented is speculative at best, but within the context of the thermally excited capillary wave model of simple liquid surfaces, there seems to be no serious deviation from the simple Gaussian interfacial profile with the aforementioned roughness.

An Atmospheric Variability Model for Venus Aerobraking Missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tolson, Robert T.; Prince, Jill L. H.; Konopliv, Alexander A.

2013-01-01

Aerobraking has proven to be an enabling technology for planetary missions to Mars and has been proposed to enable low cost missions to Venus. Aerobraking saves a significant amount of propulsion fuel mass by exploiting atmospheric drag to reduce the eccentricity of the initial orbit. The solar arrays have been used as the primary drag surface and only minor modifications have been made in the vehicle design to accommodate the relatively modest aerothermal loads. However, if atmospheric density is highly variable from orbit to orbit, the mission must either accept higher aerothermal risk, a slower pace for aerobraking, or a tighter corridor likely with increased propulsive cost. Hence, knowledge of atmospheric variability is of great interest for the design of aerobraking missions. The first planetary aerobraking was at Venus during the Magellan mission. After the primary Magellan science mission was completed, aerobraking was used to provide a more circular orbit to enhance gravity field recovery. Magellan aerobraking took place between local solar times of 1100 and 1800 hrs, and it was found that the Venusian atmospheric density during the aerobraking phase had less than 10% 1 sigma orbit to orbit variability. On the other hand, at some latitudes and seasons, Martian variability can be as high as 40% 1 sigmaFrom both the MGN and PVO mission it was known that the atmosphere, above aerobraking altitudes, showed greater variability at night, but this variability was never quantified in a systematic manner. This paper proposes a model for atmospheric variability that can be used for aerobraking mission design until more complete data sets become available.

Dynamics of the Trans-Neptune Region: Apsidal Waves in the Kuiper Belt

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ward, William R.; Hahn, Joseph M.

1998-01-01

The role of apsidal density waves propagating in a primordial trans-Neptune disk (i.e., Kuiper belt) is investigated. It is shown that Neptune launches apsidal waves at its secular resonance near 40 AU that propagate radially outward, deeper into the particle disk. The wavelength of apsidal waves is considerably longer than waves that might be launched at Lindblad resonances, because the pattern speed, g(sub s), resulting from the apsis precession of Neptune is much slower than its mean motion, Omega(sub s). If the early Kuiper belt had a sufficient surface density, sigma, the disk's wave response to Neptune's secular perturbation would have spread the disturbing torque radially over a collective scale lambda(sub *) approx. = r(2(mu)(sub d)Omega/ absolute value of r dg/dr)(sup 1/2), where mu(sub d)equivalent pi(sigma)r(exp 2)/(1 solar mass) and Omega(r) and g(r) are respectively the mean motion and precession frequency of the disk particles. This results in considerably smaller eccentricities at resonance than had the disk particles been treated as noninteracting test particles. Consequently, particles are less apt to be excited into planet-crossing orbits, implying that the erosion timescales reported by earlier test-particle simulations of the Kuiper belt may be underestimated. It is also shown that the torque the disk exerts upon the planet (due to its gravitational attraction for the disk's spiral wave pattern) damps the planet's eccentricity and further inhibits the planet's ability to erode the disk. Key words: celestial mechanics, stellar dynamics - comets: general minor planets, asteroids

CONSTRAINTS ON THE FAINT END OF THE QUASAR LUMINOSITY FUNCTION AT z {approx} 5 IN THE COSMOS FIELD

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

Ikeda, H.; Matsuoka, K.; Kajisawa, M.

2012-09-10

We present the result of our low-luminosity quasar survey in the redshift range of 4.5 {approx}< z {approx}< 5.5 in the COSMOS field. Using the COSMOS photometric catalog, we selected 15 quasar candidates with 22 < i' < 24 at z {approx} 5 that are {approx}3 mag fainter than the Sloan Digital Sky Survey quasars in the same redshift range. We obtained optical spectra for 14 of the 15 candidates using FOCAS on the Subaru Telescope and did not identify any low-luminosity type-1 quasars at z {approx} 5, while a low-luminosity type-2 quasar at z {approx} 5.07 was discovered. Inmore » order to constrain the faint end of the quasar luminosity function at z {approx} 5, we calculated the 1{sigma} confidence upper limits of the space density of type-1 quasars. As a result, the 1{sigma} confidence upper limits on the quasar space density are {Phi} < 1.33 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup -7} Mpc{sup -3} mag{sup -1} for -24.52 < M{sub 1450} < -23.52 and {Phi} < 2.88 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup -7} Mpc{sup -3} mag{sup -1} for -23.52 < M{sub 1450} < -22.52. The inferred 1{sigma} confidence upper limits of the space density are then used to provide constraints on the faint-end slope and the break absolute magnitude of the quasar luminosity function at z {approx} 5. We find that the quasar space density decreases gradually as a function of redshift at low luminosity (M{sub 1450} {approx} -23), being similar to the trend found for quasars with high luminosity (M{sub 1450} < -26). This result is consistent with the so-called downsizing evolution of quasars seen at lower redshifts.« less

A two scale analysis of tight sandstones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adler, P. M.; Davy, C. A.; Song, Y.; Troadec, D.; Hauss, G.; Skoczylas, F.

2015-12-01

Tight sandstones have a low porosity and a very small permeability K. Available models for K do not compare well with measurements. These sandstones are made of SiO_2 grains, with a typical size of several hundreds of micron. These grains are separated by a network of micro-cracks, with sizes ranging between microns down to tens of nm. Therefore, the structure can be schematized by Voronoi polyhedra separated by plane and permeable polygonal micro-cracks. Our goal is to estimate K based on a two scale analysis and to compare the results to measurements. For a particular sample [2], local measurements on several scales include FIB/SEM [3], CMT and 2D SEM. FIB/SEM is selected because the peak pore size given by Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry is of 350nm. FIB/SEM imaging (with 50 nm voxel size) identifies an individual crack of 180nm average opening, whereas CMT provides a connected porosity (individual crack) for 60 nm voxel size, of 4 micron average opening. Numerical modelling is performed by combining the micro-crack network scale (given by 2D SEM) and the 3D micro-crack scale (given by either FIB/SEM or CMT). Estimates of the micro-crack density are derived from 2D SEM trace maps by counting the intersections with scanlines, the surface density of traces, and the number of fracture intersections. K is deduced by using a semi empirical formula valid for identical, isotropic and uniformly distributed fractures [1]. This value is proportional to the micro-crack transmissivity sigma. Sigma is determined by solving the Stokes equation in the micro-cracks measured by FIB/SEM or CMT. K is obtained by combining the two previous results. Good correlation with measured values on centimetric plugs is found when using sigma from CMT data. The results are discussed and further research is proposed. [1] Adler et al, Fractured porous media, Oxford Univ. Press, 2012. [2] Duan et al, Int. J. Rock Mech. Mining Sci., 65, p75, 2014. [3] Song et al, Marine and Petroleum Eng., 65, p63, 2015.

Pencil beam scanning dosimetry for large animal irradiation

PubMed Central

Lin, Liyong; Solberg, Timothy D.; Carabe, Alexandro; Mcdonough, James E.; Diffenderfer, Eric; Sanzari, Jenine K.; Kennedy, Ann R.; Cengel, Keith

2014-01-01

The space radiation environment imposes increased dangers of exposure to ionizing radiation, particularly during a solar particle event. These events consist primarily of low-energy protons that produce a highly inhomogeneous depth–dose distribution. Here we describe a novel technique that uses pencil beam scanning at extended source-to-surface distances and range shifter (RS) to provide robust but easily modifiable delivery of simulated solar particle event radiation to large animals. Thorough characterization of spot profiles as a function of energy, distance and RS position is critical to accurate treatment planning. At 105 MeV, the spot sigma is 234 mm at 4800 mm from the isocentre when the RS is installed at the nozzle. With the energy increased to 220 MeV, the spot sigma is 66 mm. At a distance of 1200 mm from the isocentre, the Gaussian sigma is 68 mm and 23 mm at 105 MeV and 220 MeV, respectively, when the RS is located on the nozzle. At lower energies, the spot sigma exhibits large differences as a function of distance and RS position. Scan areas of 1400 mm (superior–inferior) by 940 mm (anterior–posterior) and 580 mm by 320 mm are achieved at the extended distances of 4800 mm and 1200 mm, respectively, with dose inhomogeneity <2%. To treat large animals with a more sophisticated dose distribution, spot size can be reduced by placing the RS closer than 70 mm to the surface of the animals, producing spot sigmas below 6 mm. PMID:24855043

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

Akaishi, Yoshinori; College of Science and Technology, Nihon University, Funabashi 274-8501; Myint, Khin Swe

The overbinding problem of {sub {lambda}}{sup 5}He is solved by introducing a concept of coherent {lambda}-{sigma} coupling which is equivalent to a {lambda}NN three-body force. This three-body force is coherently enhanced in the 0{sup +} states of {sub {lambda}}{sup 4}H and {sub {lambda}}{sup 4}He. The 0{sup +}-1{sup +} splitting in these hypernuclei is mainly due to coherent {lambda}-{sigma} coupling and partly due to the {lambda}N spin-spin interaction. A {lambda}NN three-body potential is derived from the coupled-channel treatment. The origin of the repulsive and attractive nature of the three-body force is discussed. Coherent {lambda}-{sigma} coupling becomes more important in neutron-rich hypernucleimore » and especially in neutron-star matter at high densities. The possible existence of ''hyperheavy hydrogen'', {sub {lambda}}{sup 6}H, is suggested.« less

Transport of Bacillus thuringiensis var. Kurstaki Via Fomites

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-01-01

Dick- inson and Co., Fisher Scientific) with cycloheximide (50 mg/ L, Sigma-Aldrich), and colony counts were obtained after overnight incubation at 37...soy agar (Beckton Dickinson and Co., Fisher Scientific) with cycloheximide (50 mg/L, Sigma- Aldrich), and colony counts were obtained after overnight...Miguel and colleagues reported the reaer- osolization of pollen , pollen fragments, animal dander, and mold from paved surfaces.16 Turnbull and col

Intelligence measures and stage 2 sleep in typically-developing and autistic children.

PubMed

Tessier, Sophie; Lambert, Andréane; Chicoine, Marjolaine; Scherzer, Peter; Soulières, Isabelle; Godbout, Roger

2015-07-01

The relationship between intelligence measures and 2 EEG measures of non-rapid eye movement sleep, sleep spindles and Sigma activity, was examined in 13 typically-developing (TD) and 13 autistic children with normal IQ and no complaints of poor sleep. Sleep spindles and Sigma EEG activity were computed for frontal (Fp1, Fp2) and central (C3, C4) recording sites. Time in stage 2 sleep and IQ was similar in both groups. Autistic children presented less spindles at Fp2 compared to the TD children. TD children showed negative correlation between verbal IQ and sleep spindle density at Fp2. In the autistic group, verbal and full-scale IQ scores correlated negatively with C3 sleep spindle density. The duration of sleep spindles at Fp1 was shorter in the autistic group than in the TD children. The duration of sleep spindles at C4 was positively correlated with verbal IQ only in the TD group. Fast Sigma EEG activity (13.25-15.75 Hz) was lower at C3 and C4 in autistic children compared to the TD children, particularly in the latter part of the night. Only the TD group showed positive correlation between performance IQ and latter part of the night fast Sigma activity at C4. These results are consistent with a relationship between EEG activity during sleep and cognitive processing in children. The difference between TD and autistic children could derive from dissimilar cortical organization and information processing in these 2 groups. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Thickness of the particle swarm in cosmic ray air showers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Linsley, J.

1985-01-01

The average dispersion in arrival time of air shower particles detected with a scintillator at an impact parameter r is described with accuracy 5-10% by the empirical formula sigma = Sigma sub to (1+r/r sub t) sup b, where Sigma sub to = 2.6 ns, r sub t = 30m and b = (1.94 + or - .08) (0.39 + or - .06) sec Theta, for r 2 km, 10 to the 8th power E 10 to the 11th power GeV, and Theta 60 deg. (E is the primary energy and theta is the zenith angle). The amount of fluctuation in sigma sub t due to fluctuations in the level of origin and shower development is less than 20%. These results provide a basis for estimating the impact parameters of very larger showers with data from very small detector arrays (mini-arrays). The energy of such showers can then be estimated from the local particle density. The formula also provides a basis for estimating the angular resolution of air shower array-telescopes.

Study of collisional deactivation of O{sub 2}(b{sup 1}{Sigma}{sub g}{sup +}) molecules in a hydrogen-oxygen mixture at high temperatures using laser-induced gratings

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

Kozlov, D. N., E-mail: dnk@kapella.gpi.ru; Kobtsev, V. D.; Stel'makh, O. M.

2013-07-15

Collisional deactivation of O{sub 2}(b{sup 1}{Sigma}{sub g}{sup +}) molecules resonantly excited by a 10 ns pulse of laser radiation with a wavelength of 762 nm in H{sub 2}/O{sub 2} mixtures is experimentally studied. The radiation intensity and hence the molecule excitation efficiency have a spatially periodic modulation that leads to the formation of laser-induced gratings (LIGs) of the refractive index. The study of LIG temporal evolution allows collisional relaxation rates of molecular excited states and gas temperature to be determined. In this work, the b{sup 1}{Sigma}{sub g}{sup +} state of O{sub 2} molecules deactivation rates are measured in a 4.3more » vol % H{sub 2} mixture at the number density of 2 amg in the temperature range 291-850 K. The physical deactivation is shown to dominate in the collisions of H{sub 2} with O{sub 2}(b{sup 1}{Sigma}{sub g}{sup +}) and O{sub 2}(a{sup 1}{Delta}{sub g}) up to temperatures of 780-790 K at time delays up to 10 {mu}s after the excitation pulse. The parameters of the obtained temperature dependence of the (b{sup 1}{Sigma}{sub g}{sup +} state deactivation rate agree well with the data of independent measurements performed earlier at lower temperatures (200-400 K). Tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy is used to measure the temperature dependence of the number density of the H{sub 2}O molecules which appear as the mixture, as the result of the dark gross reaction with O{sub 2} molecules in the ground state, O{sub 2} + 2H{sub 2} {yields} 2H{sub 2}O. The measurements show that this reaction results in complete transformation of H{sub 2} into H{sub 2}O at temperatures of 790-810 K.« less

The nondetection of continuum radiation from Comet IRAS-Araki-Alcock (1983d) at 2- to 6-cm wavelengths and its implication on the icy-grain halo theory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

De Pater, I.; Wade, C. M.; Houpis, H. L. F.; Palmer, P.

1985-01-01

The Comet IRAS-Araki-Alcock was observed with the VLA at 6 and 2 cm, when the comet was at geocentric distances of 0.08 and 0.035 AU, respectively, and the results are discussed. The three sigma upper limits to the flux density are 90 and 750 micro-Jy at the two wavelengths, respectively, values fully two orders of magnitude below the flux densities predicted by the icy-grain halo theory as initially developed. The corrected theory also indicates that the icy grain halo theory does not give an adequate description of the cometary environment. It is shown that the halo is either very optically thin, with a filling factor of the order of 10 to the -5th, or that the maximum size of the grain that can be lifted off the nuclear surface is only of the order of 10-100 microns.

Deuterium Abundance Toward G191-B2B: Results from the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lemoine, M.; Vidal-Madjar, A.; Hebrard, G.; Desert, J.-M.; Ferlet, R.; LecavelierdesEtangs, A.; Howk, J. C.; Andre, M.; Blair, W. P.; Friedman, S. D.;

ESTIMATING THE STAR FORMATION RATE AT 1 kpc SCALES IN NEARBY GALAXIES

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

Leroy, Adam K.; Munoz-Mateos, Juan-Carlos; Bigiel, Frank

2012-07-15

Using combinations of H{alpha}, ultraviolet (UV), and infrared (IR) emission, we estimate the star formation rate (SFR) surface density, {Sigma}{sub SFR}, at 1 kpc resolution for 30 disk galaxies that are targets of the IRAM HERACLES CO survey. We present a new physically motivated IR spectral-energy-distribution-based approach to account for possible contributions to 24 {mu}m emission not associated with recent star formation. Considering a variety of 'reference' SFRs from the literature, we revisit the calibration of the 24 {mu}m term in hybrid (UV+IR or H{alpha}+IR) tracers. We show that the overall calibration of this term remains uncertain at the factormore » of two level because of the lack of wide-field, robust reference SFR estimates. Within this uncertainty, published calibrations represent a reasonable starting point for 1 kpc-wide areas of star-forming disk galaxies, but we re-derive and refine the calibration of the IR term in these tracers to match our resolution and approach to 24 {mu}m emission. We compare a large suite of {Sigma}{sub SFR} estimates and find that above {Sigma}{sub SFR} {approx} 10{sup -3} M{sub Sun} yr{sup -1} kpc{sup -2} the systematic differences among tracers are less than a factor of two across two orders of magnitude dynamic range. We caution that methodology and data both become serious issues below this level. We note from simple model considerations that when focusing on a part of a galaxy dominated by a single stellar population, the intrinsic uncertainty in H{alpha}- and FUV-based SFRs is {approx}0.3 and {approx}0.5 dex.« less

Origin of the X-Hal (Hal = Cl, Br) bond-length change in the halogen-bonded complexes.

PubMed

Wang, Weizhou; Hobza, Pavel

2008-05-01

The origin of the X-Hal bond-length change in the halogen bond of the X-Hal...Y type has been investigated at the MP2(full)/6-311++G(d,p) level of theory using a natural bond orbital analysis, atoms in molecules procedure, and electrostatic potential fitting methods. Our results have clearly shown that various theories explaining the nature of the hydrogen bond cannot be applied to explain the origin of the X-Hal bond-length change in the halogen bond. We provide a new explanation for this change. The elongation of the X-Hal bond length is caused by the electron-density transfer to the X-Hal sigma* antibonding orbital. For the blue-shifting halogen bond, the electron-density transfer to the X-Hal sigma* antibonding orbital is only of minor importance; it is the electrostatic attractive interaction that causes the X-Hal bond contraction.

Transformation of measures in infinite-dimensional spaces by the flow induced by a stochastic differential equation

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

Pilipenko, A Yu

2003-04-30

Let {mu} be a Gaussian measure in the space X and H the Cameron-Martin space of the measure {mu}. Consider the stochastic differential equation d{xi}(u,t)=a{sub t}({xi}(u,t))dt+{sigma}{sub n}{sigma}{sub t}{sup n}({xi}(u,t))d{omega}{sub n}(t), t element of [0,T]; {xi}(u,0)=u,; where u element of X, a and {sigma}{sub n} are functions taking values in H, {omega}{sub n}(t), n{>=}1 are independent one-dimensional Wiener processes. Consider the easure-valued random process {mu}{sub t}:={mu}o{xi}( {center_dot} ,t){sup -1}. It is shown that under certain natural conditions on the coefficients of the initial equation the measures {mu}{sub t}({omega}) are equivalent to {mu} for almost all {omega}. Explicit expressions for their Radon-Nikodymmore » densities are obtained.« less

[Uncertainty characterization approaches for ecological risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon in Taihu Lake].

PubMed

Guo, Guang-Hui; Wu, Feng-Chang; He, Hong-Ping; Feng, Cheng-Lian; Zhang, Rui-Qing; Li, Hui-Xian

2012-04-01

Probabilistic approaches, such as Monte Carlo Sampling (MCS) and Latin Hypercube Sampling (LHS), and non-probabilistic approaches, such as interval analysis, fuzzy set theory and variance propagation, were used to characterize uncertainties associated with risk assessment of sigma PAH8 in surface water of Taihu Lake. The results from MCS and LHS were represented by probability distributions of hazard quotients of sigma PAH8 in surface waters of Taihu Lake. The probabilistic distribution of hazard quotient were obtained from the results of MCS and LHS based on probabilistic theory, which indicated that the confidence intervals of hazard quotient at 90% confidence level were in the range of 0.000 18-0.89 and 0.000 17-0.92, with the mean of 0.37 and 0.35, respectively. In addition, the probabilities that the hazard quotients from MCS and LHS exceed the threshold of 1 were 9.71% and 9.68%, respectively. The sensitivity analysis suggested the toxicity data contributed the most to the resulting distribution of quotients. The hazard quotient of sigma PAH8 to aquatic organisms ranged from 0.000 17 to 0.99 using interval analysis. The confidence interval was (0.001 5, 0.016 3) at the 90% confidence level calculated using fuzzy set theory, and the confidence interval was (0.000 16, 0.88) at the 90% confidence level based on the variance propagation. These results indicated that the ecological risk of sigma PAH8 to aquatic organisms were low. Each method has its own set of advantages and limitations, which was based on different theory; therefore, the appropriate method should be selected on a case-by-case to quantify the effects of uncertainties on the ecological risk assessment. Approach based on the probabilistic theory was selected as the most appropriate method to assess the risk of sigma PAH8 in surface water of Taihu Lake, which provided an important scientific foundation of risk management and control for organic pollutants in water.

Transactivation of TrkB by Sigma-1 receptor mediates cocaine-induced changes in dendritic spine density and morphology in hippocampal and cortical neurons

PubMed Central

Ka, Minhan; Kook, Yeon-Hee; Liao, Ke; Buch, Shilpa; Kim, Woo-Yang

2016-01-01

Cocaine is a highly addictive narcotic associated with dendritic spine plasticity in the striatum. However, it remains elusive whether cocaine modifies spines in a cell type-specific or region-specific manner or whether it alters different types of synapses in the brain. In addition, there is a paucity of data on the regulatory mechanism(s) involved in cocaine-induced modification of spine density. In the current study, we report that cocaine exposure differentially alters spine density, spine morphology, and the types of synapses in hippocampal and cortical neurons. Cocaine exposure in the hippocampus resulted in increased spine density, but had no significant effect on cortical neurons. Although cocaine exposure altered spine morphology in both cell types, the patterns of spine morphology were distinct for each cell type. Furthermore, we observed that cocaine selectively affects the density of excitatory synapses. Intriguingly, in hippocampal neurons cocaine-mediated effects on spine density and morphology involved sigma-1 receptor (Sig-1 R) and its downstream TrkB signaling, which were not the case in cortical neurons. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of Sig-1 R prevented cocaine-induced TrkB activation in hippocampal neurons. Our findings reveal a novel mechanism by which cocaine induces selective changes in spine morphology, spine density, and synapse formation, and could provide insights into the cellular basis for the cognitive impairment observed in cocaine addicts. PMID:27735948

Contribution of partner switching and SpoIIAA cycling to regulation of sigmaF activity in sporulating Bacillus subtilis.

PubMed

Magnin, T; Lord, M; Yudkin, M D

1997-06-01

sigmaF, the first compartment-specific transcription factor in sporulating Bacillus subtilis, is negatively regulated by an anti-sigma factor, SpoIIAB. SpoIIAB has an alternative binding partner, SpoIIAA. To see whether (as has been proposed) SpoIIAB's binding preference for SpoIIAA or sigmaF depends on the nature of the adenine nucleotide present, we used surface plasmon resonance to measure the dissociation constants of the three complexes SpoIIAA-SpoIIAB-ADP, sigmaF-SpoIIAB-ADP, and sigmaF-SpoIIAB-ATP. The results suggested that SpoIIAB's choice of binding partner is unlikely to depend on the ATP/ADP ratio in the cell. The intracellular concentrations of sigmaF, SpoIIAB, SpoIIAA, and SpoIIAA-phosphate (SpoIIAA-P) were measured by quantitative immunoblotting between 0 and 3 h after the beginning of sporulation (t0 to t3). sigmaF and SpoIIAB were barely detectable at t0, but their concentrations increased in parallel to reach maxima at about t1.5. SpoIIAA-P increased steadily to a maximum at t3, but nonphosphorylated SpoIIAA was detectable only from t1.5, reached a maximum at t2.5, and then declined. Kinetic studies of the phosphorylation of SpoIIAA catalyzed by SpoIIAB suggested that the reaction was limited by a very slow release of one of the products (SpoIIAA-P or ADP) from SpoIIAB, with a turnover of about once per 20 min. This remarkable kinetic property provides an unexpected mechanism for the regulation of sigmaF. We propose that when SpoIIE (which dephosphorylates SpoIIAA-P) is active at the same time as SpoIIAB, SpoIIAA cycles repeatedly between the phosphorylated and nonphosphorylated forms. This cycling sequesters SpoIIAB in a long-lived complex and prevents it from inhibiting sigmaF.

Self-Avoiding Walks on the Random Lattice and the Random Hopping Model on a Cayley Tree

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Yup

Using a field theoretic method based on the replica trick, it is proved that the three-parameter renormalization group for an n-vector model with quenched randomness reduces to a two-parameter one in the limit n (--->) 0 which corresponds to self-avoiding walks (SAWs). This is also shown by the explicit calculation of the renormalization group recursion relations to second order in (epsilon). From this reduction we find that SAWs on the random lattice are in the same universality class as SAWs on the regular lattice. By analogy with the case of the n-vector model with cubic anisotropy in the limit n (--->) 1, the fixed-point structure of the n-vector model with randomness is analyzed in the SAW limit, so that a physical interpretation of the unphysical fixed point is given. Corrections of the values of critical exponents of the unphysical fixed point published previously is also given. Next we formulate an integral equation and recursion relations for the configurationally averaged one particle Green's function of the random hopping model on a Cayley tree of coordination number ((sigma) + 1). This formalism is tested by applying it successfully to the nonrandom model. Using this scheme for 1 << (sigma) < (INFIN) we calculate the density of states of this model with a Gaussian distribution of hopping matrix elements in the range of energy E('2) > E(,c)('2), where E(,c) is a critical energy described below. The singularity in the Green's function which occurs at energy E(,1)('(0)) for (sigma) = (INFIN) is shifted to complex energy E(,1) (on the unphysical sheet of energy E) for small (sigma)('-1). This calculation shows that the density of states is smooth function of energy E around the critical energy E(,c) = Re E(,1) in accord with Wegner's theorem. In this formulation the density of states has no sharp phase transition on the real axis of E because E(,1) has developed an imaginary part. Using the Lifschitz argument, we calculate the density of states near the band edge for the model when the hopping matrix elements are governed by a bounded probability distribution. It is also shown within the dynamical system language that the density of states of the model with a bounded distribution never vanishes inside the band and we suggest a theoretical mechanism for the formation of energy bands.

Polarization Reversal Over Flooded Regions and Applications to Large-Scale Flood Mapping with Spaceborne Scatterometers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nghiem, Son V.; Liu, W. Timothy; Xie, Xiao-Su

1999-01-01

We present the polarization reversal in backscatter over flooded land regions, and demonstrate for the first time the utility of spaceborne Ku-band scatterometer for large-scale flood mapping. Scatterometer data were collected over the globe by the NASA Scatterometer (NSCAT) operated at 14 GHz on the Japanese ADEOS spacecraft from September 1996 to June 1997. During this time span, several severe floods occurred. Over most land surface, vertical polarization backscatter (Sigma(sub upsilon(upsilon)) is larger than horizontal polarization backscatter (sigma(sub hh)). Such polarization characteristics is reversed and sigma(sub upsilon(upsilon)) is smaller than sigma(sub hh) over flooded regions, except under a dense forest canopy. The total backscatter from the flooded landscape consists of direct backscatter and boundary-interaction backscatter. The direct term is contributed by direct backscattering from objects protruding above the water surface, and by backscattering from waves on the water surface. The boundary-interaction term is contributed by the forward scattering from the protruding objects and then reflected from the water surface, and also by the forward scattering from these objects after the water-surface reflection. Over flooded regions, the boundary-interaction term is dominant at large incidence angles and the strong water-surface reflection is much larger for horizontal polarization than the vertical one due to the Brewster effect in transverse-magnetic waves. These scattering mechanisms cause the polarization reversal over flooded regions. An example obtained with the Analytic Wave Theory is used to illustrate the scattering mechanisms leading to the polarization reversal. We then demonstrate the utility of spaceborne Ku-band scatterometer for large-scale flood mapping. We process NSCAT data to obtain the polarization ratio sigma(sub hh)/sigma(sub upsilon(upsilon)) with colocated data at incidence angles larger than 40 deg. The results over Asian summer monsoon regions in September-October 1996 indicate flooded areas in many countries such as Bangladesh, India, Lao, Vietnam, Cambodia, and China. Reports documented by the United Nation Department of Humanitarian Affairs (now called UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs) show loss of many lives and severe flood related damages which affected many million people in the corresponding flooded areas. We also map the NSCAT polarization ratio over the same regions in the "dry season" in January 1997 as a reference to confirm our results. Furthermore, we obtain concurrent ocean wind fields also derived from NSCAT data, and Asia topographic data (USGS GTOPO30) to investigate the flooded area. The results show that winds during summer monsoon season blowing inland, which perplex flood problems. Overlaying the topographic map over NSCAT results reveals an excellent correspondence between the confinement of flooded area within the relevant topographic features, which very well illustrates the value of topographic wetness index. Finally, we discuss the applications of future spaceborne scatterometers, including QuikSCAT and Seawinds, for flood mapping over the globe.

Investigation of Photographic Image Quality Estimators

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-04-01

WORDS (Conltnu* wi r« y «f •• »iä* ll n«c»*aarr «M läm’lly by ftloc* nuwWo Resolving Power Acutance SENTINEL SIGMA Math Model Modulation Transfer...Bibeman (1973) describes acutance as being "expressed in terms of the mean square of the gradient of . . . density (in a photographic image) with...the density difference AD. for each interval from the (smoothed) microdensitometer trace (calibrated in density units). 4. Compute the gradient -77

Gravitational star formation thresholds and gas density in three galaxies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Oey, M. S.; Kennicutt, R. C., Jr.

1990-01-01

It has long been held that the star formation rate (SFR) may be described as a power law of the gas density, p(exp n), as given by Schmidt (1959). However, this relation has as yet remained poorly defined and is likewise poorly understood. In particular, most studies have been investigations of global gas and star formation properties of galaxies, due to lack of adequate high-resolution data for detailed studies of individual galaxies. The three spiral galaxies in this study have published maps of both H2 (as traced by CO), and HI, thereby enabling the authors to investigate the relationship between total gas surface density and SFR. The purpose of the present investigation is the comparison of spatially-resolved total surface gas density in three galaxies (NGC 6946, M51, and M83) to sigma sub c as given by the above model. CO, HI and H alpha data for NGC 6946 were taken from Tacconi-Garman (1988), and for M51 and M83 from Lord (1987). The authors used a CO-H2 conversion of N(H2)/I sub CO(exp cos i = 2.8 x 10(exp 20) atoms cm(-2)/(K kms(-1), and summed the H2 and HI data for each galaxy to obtain the total hydrogen gas density. This total was then multiplied by a factor of 1.36 to include the contribution of helium to the total surface gas density. The authors assumed distances to NGC 6946, M51, and M83 to be 6.0, 9.6, and 8.9 Mpc respectively, with inclination angles of 30, 20, and 26 degrees. H alpha flux was used as the measure of SFR for NGC 6946, and SFR for the remaining two galaxies was taken directly from Lord as computed from H alpha measurements. The results of these full-disk studies thus show a remarkable correlation between the total gas density and the threshold densities given by the gravitational stability criterion. In particular, the threshold density appears to mark a lower boundary to the range of gas densities in these galaxies, which may have consequence in determining appropriate models for star formation and gas dynamics. More evidence is required to verify this result, and the authors are currently undertaking a high-resolution study of the nearby spiral M33 and other galaxies to further investigate this problem.

A finite-element analysis for steady and oscillatory supersonic flows around complex configurations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morino, L.; Chen, L. T.

1974-01-01

The problem of small perturbation potential supersonic flow around complex configurations is considered. This problem requires the solution of an integral equation relating the values of the potential on the surface of the body to the values of the normal derivative, which is known from the small perturbation boundary conditions. The surface of the body is divided into small (hyperboloidal quadrilateral) surface elements, sigma sub i, which are described in terms of the Cartesian components of the four corner points. The values of the potential (and its normal derivative) within each element is assumed to be constant and equal to its value at the centroid of the element, and this yields a set of linear algebraic equations. The coefficients of the equation are given by source and doublet integrals over the surface elements, sigma sub i. The results obtained using the above formulation are compared with existing analytical and experimental results.

Results of a study on polarization mix selection for the NSCAT scatterometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Long, David G.; Dunbar, R. Scott; Shaffer, Scott; Freilich, Michael H.; Hsiao, S. Vincent

1989-01-01

The NASA scatterometer (NSCAT) is an instrument designed to measure the radar backscatter of the ocean's surface for estimating the near-surface wind velocity. A given resolution element is observed from several different azimuth angles. From these measurements the near-surface vector wind over the ocean may be inferred using a geophysical model function relating the normalized radar backscatter coefficient (sigma0) to the near-surface wind. The results of a study to select a polarization mix for NSCAT using an end-to-end simulation of the NSCAT scatterometer and ground processing of the sigma0 measurements into unambiguous wind fields using a median-filter-based ambiguity-removal algorithm are presented. The system simulation was used to compare the wind measurement accuracy and ambiguity removal skill over a set of realistic mesoscale wind fields for various polarization mixes. Considerations in the analysis and simulation are discussed, and a recommended polarization mix is given.

Convective instability in a porous enclosure with a horizontal conducting baffle

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

Chen, F.; Wang, C.Y.

1993-08-01

The study of heat transfer in a fluid-saturated porous medium is essential in a variety of practical situations, including thermal insulation design and geothermal energy utilization. The present paper studies the convective instability in a two-dimensional porous enclosure with a horizontal baffle protruding from one of the side walls. The vertical side walls are insulated, while the top and bottom surfaces are maintained at lower and higher constant temperatures, respectively. The present work considers a baffle of high conductivity. We assume the baffle temperature can be considered constant throughout. We ask, for a given enclosure aspect ratio, is the additionmore » of another physical constraint (such as lengthening a baffle) always stabilizing Is there an optimum baffle location and length such that the critical Rayleigh number is maximized In summary, several concluding remarks can be drawn in the following: (1) Other dimensions being same, a centered baffle always results in a more stable state than an off-centered baffle. (2) A full-length baffle, i.e., [beta]/[sigma] = 1, does not necessarily lead to greater stability. Instead, the value of ([beta]/[sigma])[sub max] is usually less than unity. For a centered baffle, the maximum R[sup c] occurs for [beta]/[sigma] [ge] ([beta]/[sigma])[sub max]; while for an off-centered baffle, the maximum R[sup c] occurs at ([beta]/[sigma])[sub max]. (3) The value of ([beta]/[sigma])[sub max] increases with [sigma]. 6 refs., 4 figs., 1 tab.« less

Duplex stainless steel fracture surface analysis using X-ray fractography

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

Rajanna, K.; Pathiraj, B.; Kolster, B.H.

1997-02-01

The fatigue fracture surface of a duplex stainless steel was analyzed using x-ray fractography. A lower than average austenite content was observed at the fracture surface due to the transformation of austenite into deformation-induced martensite. The influence of fatigue cycling on the transformation was confined to a depth of about 30 {micro}m below the fracture surface. X-ray analyses of both the ferrite-martensite and the austenite phases indicated residual stresses ({sigma}{sub r}) increasing with depth from the fracture surface and reaching a maximum some tens of microns below the fracture surface. The lower {sigma}{sub r} observed at the fracture surface hasmore » been attributed to the stress relaxation effects caused by the new fracture surfaces created in the crack growth process. The observed decrease in full width at half maximum (FWHM) in the ferrite-martensite phase was presumed to be due to the dynamic recovery effect that was likely to occur within the material close to the crack tip as a consequence of fatigue cycling.« less

Microwave properties and characterization of co-evaporated BSCCO thin films

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miranda, F. A.; Chorey, C. M.; Stan, M. A.; Nordgren, C. E.; Kwor, R. Y.; Kalkur, T. S.

1993-01-01

An extensive characterization of Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O (BSCCO) thin films deposited by co-evaporation on LaAlO3 and SrTiO3 substrates was performed. The films had a T(sub c) (R = O) of approximately 78 K, and were predominantly c-axis oriented, with critical current densities (J(sub c)) at 4.5 K of 1.6 x 10(exp 6) and 1.1 x 10(exp 6) A cm(sup -2), for the samples on SrTiO3 and LaAlO3, respectively. The microwave properties of the films were examined by three techniques. The complex conductivity sigma(sub *) = sigma(sub 1) - j(sigma(sub 2)) and the magnetic penetration depth (A) were measured by power transmission at 30.6 GHz; the surface resistance (R(sub s)) was measured using a cavity resonator at 58.9 GHz, and the transmission line losses were determined by measuring the quality factor (Q) of a linear microstrip resonator at 10.4 and 20.2 GHz. The complex conductivity for the film on LaAlO3 was determined to be (2.0-j10) x 10(exp 5) S/m at 77 K. It was observed that in the superconducting state sigma(sub 1) deviates from both the Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer (BCS) theory and the two-fluid model. Values of lambda were found to be approximately 2.0 and 1.1 microns at 77 K and 20 K respectively, and were obtained for the film on LaAlO3. The value of lambda at 20 K was approximately three times larger than that of BSCCO single crystals. R(sub s) values of 865 and 1391 mOmega were obtained for the films on SrTiO3 and LaAlO3, respectively, at 77 K and 58.9 GHz. Unloaded Q factors at 20 K of approximately 1100 and 800 at 10.4 and 20.2 GHz respectively, were measured for the BSCCO resonator. Unloaded Q values of 290 and 405 at 20 K were obtained at 10.4 GHz and 20.2 GHz respectively, for an all gold (Au) resonator.

Sources of Sulfate Found in Mounds and Lakes at the Lewis Cliffs Ice Tongue, Transantarctic

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Socki, Richard; Sun, Tao; Harvey, Ralph P.; Bish, David L.; Tonui, Eric; Bao, Huiming; Niles, Paul B.

2012-01-01

Massive but highly localized Na-sulfate mounds (mirabilite, Na2SO4.10H2O) have been found at the terminal moraine of the Lewis Cliffs Ice Tongue (LCIT), Antarctica. (Sigma)34S and (Sigma)18O values of LCIT mirabilite range from +48.8 to +49.3% (CDT), and -16.6 to -17.1% (V-SMOW), respectively, while (Delta)17O average -0.37% (V-SMOW). LCIT mirabilite mounds are isotopically different from other mirabilite mounds found in coastal regions of Antarctica, which have isotope values close to seawater compositions. (Sigma)18O and (Delta)17O values suggest the incorporation of isotopically light glacial water. Data point to initial sulfate formation in an anoxic water body, either as a stratified anoxic deep lake on the surface, a sub-glacial water reservoir, or a sub-glacial lake. Several surface lakes of varying size are also present within this region of the LCIT, and in some cases are adjacent to the mirabilite mounds. O and D isotope compositions of surface lakes confirm they are derived from a mixture of glacial ice and snow that underwent moderate evaporation. (Sigma)18O and (Sigma)D (V-SMOW) values of snow, ice, and lake water range from -64.2 to -29.7%, and -456.0 to -231.7%, respectively. However, the isotope chemistry of these surface lakes is extremely different from the mounds. Dissolved SO4-2 (Sigma)34S and (Sigma)18O values range from +12.0 to +20.0% and -12.8 to -22.2% (the most negative (Sigma)18O of terrestrial sulfate ever reported), respectively, with sulfate (Delta)17O ranging from +0.93 to 2.24%. Ion chromatography data show that lake water is fresh to brackish in origin, with TDS less than 1500 ppm, and sulfate concentration less than 431 ppm. Isotope and chemical data suggest that these lakes are unlikely the source of the mirabilite mounds. We suggest that lake water sulfate is potentially composed of a mixture of atmospheric sulfate and minor components of sulfate of weathering origin, much like the sulfate in the polar plateau soils of the McMurdo Dry Valleys. A simple model explains mirabilite mound formation at the LCIT. Sulfur redox processes could occur sub-glacially as a result of liquid-water-based glacial conditions (Alpine style glacier), most likely formed by pressure melting of overlying ice (Aharon, GCA, 52, 2321-2331). We suggest that the aqueous base of the LCIT contains dissolved SO42- and is anoxic where sulfate reduction to H2S, HS-, or native sulfur takes place. Sulfide is removed by either precipitation as sulfide minerals or by escape of H2S (neither of which have been observed). Mirabilite precipitation is likely the result of evaporation or freezing of sulfate-rich brines as they reach the surface where they manifest themselves as mounds. Pressure from the overlying ice contributing to a pressure-melting scenario that creates the sub-glacial aqueous environment also contributes to the mechanism of upward transport of the sulfate-rich fluids. Further evidence to support this upward transport model comes from the nature of ice motion at the LCIT. Cassidy et al (Meteoritics, 27, 490-525, 1992) pointed out that it is the vertical ice motion in this area that creates the meteorite-stranding surface that could also account for upward transport of sulfate-rich fluids. Alternatively, mirabilite was deposited in a similar condition as present-day coastal Antarctica when the LCIT was wetter and warmer

A calibration of the stellar mass fundamental plane at z ∼ 0.5 using the micro-lensing-induced flux ratio anomalies of macro-lensed quasars {sup ,} {sup ,}

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

Schechter, Paul L.; Pooley, David; Blackburne, Jeffrey A.

2014-10-01

We measure the stellar mass surface densities of early-type galaxies by observing the micro-lensing of macro-lensed quasars caused by individual stars, including stellar remnants, brown dwarfs, and red dwarfs too faint to produce photometric or spectroscopic signatures. Instead of observing multiple micro-lensing events in a single system, we combine single-epoch X-ray snapshots of 10 quadruple systems, and compare the measured relative magnifications for the images with those computed from macro-models. We use these to normalize a stellar mass fundamental plane constructed using a Salpeter initial mass function with a low-mass cutoff of 0.1 M {sub ☉} and treat the zeropointmore » of the surface mass density as a free parameter. Our method measures the graininess of the gravitational potential produced by individual stars, in contrast to methods that decompose a smooth total gravitational potential into two smooth components, one stellar and one dark. We find the median likelihood value for the normalization factor F by which the Salpeter stellar masses must be multiplied is 1.23, with a one sigma confidence range, dominated by small number statistics, of 0.77« less

A NEW DENSITY VARIANCE-MACH NUMBER RELATION FOR SUBSONIC AND SUPERSONIC ISOTHERMAL TURBULENCE

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

Konstandin, L.; Girichidis, P.; Federrath, C.

The probability density function of the gas density in subsonic and supersonic, isothermal, driven turbulence is analyzed using a systematic set of hydrodynamical grid simulations with resolutions of up to 1024{sup 3} cells. We perform a series of numerical experiments with root-mean-square (rms) Mach number M ranging from the nearly incompressible, subsonic (M=0.1) to the highly compressible, supersonic (M=15) regime. We study the influence of two extreme cases for the driving mechanism by applying a purely solenoidal (divergence-free) and a purely compressive (curl-free) forcing field to drive the turbulence. We find that our measurements fit the linear relation between themore » rms Mach number and the standard deviation (std. dev.) of the density distribution in a wide range of Mach numbers, where the proportionality constant depends on the type of forcing. In addition, we propose a new linear relation between the std. dev. of the density distribution {sigma}{sub {rho}} and that of the velocity in compressible modes, i.e., the compressible component of the rms Mach number, M{sub comp}. In this relation the influence of the forcing is significantly reduced, suggesting a linear relation between {sigma}{sub {rho}} and M{sub comp}, independent of the forcing, and ranging from the subsonic to the supersonic regime.« less

Paramagnetic Liquid Bridge in a Gravity-Compensating Magnetic Field

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mahajan, Milind P.; Tsige, Mesfin; Taylor, P. L.; Rosenblatt, Charles

1999-01-01

Magnetic levitation was used to stabilize cylindrical columns of a paramagnetic liquid in air between two solid supports. The maximum achievable length to diameter ratio R(sub max) was approx. (3.10 +/- 0.07), very close to the Rayleigh-Plateau limit of pi. For smaller R, the stability of the column was measured as a function of the Bond number, which could be continuously varied by adjusting the strength of the magnetic field. Liquid bridges supported by two solid surfaces have been attracting scientific attention since the time of Rayleigh and Plateau. For a cylindrical bridge of length L and diameter d, it was shown theoretically that in zero gravity the maximum slenderness ratio R (identically = L/d) is pi. The stability and ultimate collapse of such bridges is of interest because of their importance in a number of industrial processes and their potential for low gravity applications. In the presence of gravity, however, the cylindrical shape of an axisymmetric bridge tends to deform, limiting its stability and decreasing the maximum achievable value of R. Theoretical studies have discussed the stability and possible shapes of axisymmetric bridges. Experiments typically are performed in either a Plateau tank, in which the bridge is surrounded by a density-matched immiscible fluid, or in a space-borne microgravity environment. It has been shown, for example, that the stability limit R can be pushed beyond pi by using flow stabilization, by acoustic radiation pressure, or by forming columns in the presence of an axial electric field. In this work, magnetic levitation was used to simulate a low gravity environment and create quasi-cylindrical liquid columns in air. Use of a magnetic field permits us to continuously vary the Bond number B identically equal to (g)(rho)d(exp 2)/4(sigma), where g is the gravitational acceleration, rho is the density of the liquid, and sigma is the surface tension of the liquid in air. The dimensionless Bond number represents the relative importance of external forces acting on the liquid column to those due to surface tension. Our central result is that in a large magnetic field gradient we could create and stabilize columns of mixtures of water and paramagnetic manganese chloride tetrahydrate (MnCl2.4H2O), achieving a length to diameter ratio very close to pi.

Equatorial Density Irregularity Structures at Intermediate Scales and Their Temporal Evolution

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kil, Hyosub; Heelis, R. A.

1998-01-01

We examine high resolution measurements of ion density in the equatorial ionosphere from the AE-E satellite during the years 1977-1981. Structure over spatial scales from 18 km to 200 m is characterized by the spectrum of irregularities at larger and smaller scales and at altitudes above 350 km and below 300 km. In the low-altitude region, only small amplitude large-scale (lambda greater than 5 km) density modulations are often observed, and thus the power spectrum of these density structures exhibits a steep spectral slope at kilometer scales. In the high-altitude region, sinusoidal density fluctuations, characterized by enhanced power near 1-km scale, are frequently observed during 2000-0200 LT. However, such fluctuations are confined to regions at the edges of larger bubble structures where the average background density is high. Small amplitude irregularity structures, observed at early local time hours, grow rapidly to high-intensity structures in about 90 min. Fully developed structures, which are observed at late local time hours, decay very slowly producing only-small differences in spectral characteristics even 4 hours later. The local time evolution of irregularity structure is investigated by using average statistics for low-(1% less than sigma less than 5%) and high-intensity (sigma greater than 10%) structures. At lower altitudes, little chance in the spectral slope is seen as a function of local time, while at higher attitudes the growth and maintenance of structures near 1 km scales dramatically affects the spectral slope.

New Constraints on Dark Energy from the ObservedGrowth of the Most X-ray Luminous Galaxy Clusters

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

Mantz, A.; Allen, S.W.; Ebeling, H.

We present constraints on the mean matter density, {Omega}{sub m}, normalization of the density fluctuation power spectrum, {sigma}{sub 8}, and dark energy equation of state parameter, w, obtained from the X-ray luminosity function of the Massive Cluster Survey (MACS) in combination with the local BCS and REFLEX galaxy cluster samples. Our analysis incorporates the mass function predictions of Jenkins et al. (2001), a mass-luminosity relation calibrated using the data of Reiprich and Bohringer (2002), and standard priors on the Hubble constant, H{sub 0}, and mean baryon density, {Omega}{sub b} h{sup 2}. We find {Omega}{sub m}=0.27 {sup +0.06} {sub -0.05} andmore » {sigma}{sub 8}=0.77 {sup +0.07} {sub -0.06} for a spatially flat, cosmological constant model, and {Omega}{sub m}=0.28 {sup +0.08} {sub -0.06}, {sigma}{sub 8}=0.75 {+-} 0.08 and w=-0.97 {sup +0.20} {sub -0.19} for a flat, constant-w model. Our findings constitute the first precise determination of the dark energy equation of state from measurements of the growth of cosmic structure in galaxy clusters. The consistency of our result with w=-1 lends strong additional support to the cosmological constant model. The constraints are insensitive to uncertainties at the 10-20 percent level in the mass function and in the redshift evolution o the mass-luminosity relation; the constraint on dark energy is additionally robust against our choice of priors and known X-ray observational biases affecting the mass-luminosity relation. Our results compare favorably with those from recent analyses of type Ia supernovae, cosmic microwave background anisotropies, the X-ray gas mass fraction of relaxed galaxy clusters and cosmic shear. A simplified combination of the luminosity function data with supernova, cosmic microwave background and cluster gas fraction data using importance sampling yields the improved constraints {Omega}{sub m}=0.263 {+-} 0.014, {sigma}{sub 8}=0.79 {+-} 0.02 and w=-1.00 +- 0.05.« less

Measurements of photorefractive and absorptive gratings in GaAs:EL2 and their use in extracting material parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rychnovsky, Steve; Gilbreath, G. C.; Zavriyev, A.

1996-10-01

Simultaneous measurements of the photorefractive and the absorptive grating gain components in GaAs:EL2 are made and are shown to display qualitative behavior consistent with linearized solutions of a two-carrier rate equation model. These two components, together with the linear absorption coefficient, permit determination of four independent material parameters, e.g., the ionized and the nonionized EL2 densities, the hole photoionization cross section ( sigma h), and the electro-optic coefficient (r41). Data obtained at optical wavelengths of 0.96 and 1.06 mu m indicate that sigma h and r41 are larger than published values. .

Numerical simulation of large-scale ocean-atmosphere coupling and the ocean's role in climate

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gates, W. L.

1983-01-01

The problem of reducing model generated sigma coordinate data to pressure levels is considered. A mass consistent scheme for performing budget analyses is proposed, wherein variables interpolated to a given pressure level are weighted according to the mass between a nominal pressure level above and either a nominal pressure level below or the Earth's surface, whichever is closer. The method is applied to the atmospheric energy cycle as simulated by the OSU two level atmospheric general circulation model. The results are more realistic than sigma coordinate analyses with respect to eddy decomposition, and are in agreement with the sigma coordinate evaluation of the numerical energy sink. Comparison with less sophisticated budget schemes indicates superiority locally, but not globally.

Quarter-BPS states in orbifold sigma models with ADE singularities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wong, Kenny

2017-06-01

We study the elliptic genera of two-dimensional orbifold CFTs, where the orbifolding procedure introduces du Val surface singularities on the target space. The N=4 characterdecompositionsoftheellipticgenuscontributionsfromthetwistedsectors at the singularities obey a consistent scaling property, and contain information about the arrangement of exceptional rational curves in the resolution. We also discuss how these twisted sector elliptic genera are related to twining genera and Hodge elliptic genera for sigma models with K3 target space.

The Spatially Resolved Star Formation Law From Integral Field Spectroscopy: VIRUS-P Observations of NGC 5194

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blanc, Guillermo A.; Heiderman, Amanda; Gebhardt, Karl; Evans, Neal J., II; Adams, Joshua

2009-10-01

We investigate the relation between the star formation rate (SFR) surface density (ΣSFR) and the mass surface density of gas (Σgas) in NGC 5194 (a.k.a. M51a, Whirlpool Galaxy). Visible Integral field Replicable Unit Spectrograph Prototype (VIRUS-P) integral field spectroscopy of the central 4.1 × 4.1 kpc2 of the galaxy is used to measure Hα, Hβ, [O III]λ5007, [N II]λλ6548,6584, and [S II]λλ6717,6731 emission line fluxes for 735 regions ~170 pc in diameter. We use the Balmer decrement to calculate nebular dust extinctions, and correct the observed fluxes in order to accurately measure ΣSFR in each region. Archival H I 21 cm and CO maps with spatial resolution similar to that of VIRUS-P are used to measure the atomic and molecular gas surface density for each region. We present a new method for fitting the star formation law (SFL), which includes the intrinsic scatter in the relation as a free parameter, allows the inclusion of non-detections in both Σgas and ΣSFR, and is free of the systematics involved in performing linear regressions over incomplete data in logarithmic space. After rejecting regions whose nebular spectrum is affected by the central active galactic nucleus in NGC 5194, we use the [S II]/Hα ratio to separate spectroscopically the contribution from the diffuse ionized gas (DIG) in the galaxy, which has a different temperature and ionization state from those of H II regions in the disk. The DIG only accounts for 11% of the total Hα luminosity integrated over the whole central region, but on local scales it can account for up to a 100% of the Hα emission, especially in the inter-arm regions. After removing the DIG contribution from the Hα fluxes, we measure a slope N = 0.82 ± 0.05, and an intrinsic scatter epsilon = 0.43 ± 0.02 dex for the molecular gas SFL. We also measure a typical depletion timescale \\tau =\\Sigma _H\\,{\\mathsc{i}+H_2}/\\Sigma _{SFR} \\approx 2 Gyr, in good agreement with recent measurements by Bigiel et al. The atomic gas density shows no correlation with the SFR, and the total gas SFL in the sampled density range closely follows the molecular gas SFL. Integral field spectroscopy allows a much cleaner measurement of Hα emission line fluxes than narrow-band imaging, since it is free of the systematics introduced by continuum subtraction, underlying photospheric absorption, and contamination by the [N II] doublet. We assess the validity of different corrections usually applied in narrow-band measurements to overcome these issues and find that while systematics are introduced by these corrections, they are only dominant in the low surface brightness regime. The disagreement with the previous measurement of a super-linear molecular SFL by Kennicutt et al. is most likely due to differences in the fitting method. Our results support the recent evidence for a low, and close to constant, star formation efficiency (SFE =τ-1) in the molecular component of the interstellar medium. The data show an excellent agreement with the recently proposed model of the SFL by Krumholz et al. The large intrinsic scatter observed may imply the existence of other parameters, beyond the availability of gas, which are important in setting the SFR.

Mutations in type 3 reovirus that determine binding to sialic acid are contained in the fibrous tail domain of viral attachment protein sigma1.

PubMed

Chappell, J D; Gunn, V L; Wetzel, J D; Baer, G S; Dermody, T S

1997-03-01

The reovirus attachment protein, sigma1, determines numerous aspects of reovirus-induced disease, including viral virulence, pathways of spread, and tropism for certain types of cells in the central nervous system. The sigma1 protein projects from the virion surface and consists of two distinct morphologic domains, a virion-distal globular domain known as the head and an elongated fibrous domain, termed the tail, which is anchored into the virion capsid. To better understand structure-function relationships of sigma1 protein, we conducted experiments to identify sequences in sigma1 important for viral binding to sialic acid, a component of the receptor for type 3 reovirus. Three serotype 3 reovirus strains incapable of binding sialylated receptors were adapted to growth in murine erythroleukemia (MEL) cells, in which sialic acid is essential for reovirus infectivity. MEL-adapted (MA) mutant viruses isolated by serial passage in MEL cells acquired the capacity to bind sialic acid-containing receptors and demonstrated a dependence on sialic acid for infection of MEL cells. Analysis of reassortant viruses isolated from crosses of an MA mutant virus and a reovirus strain that does not bind sialic acid indicated that the sigma1 protein is solely responsible for efficient growth of MA mutant viruses in MEL cells. The deduced sigma1 amino acid sequences of the MA mutant viruses revealed that each strain contains a substitution within a short region of sequence in the sigma1 tail predicted to form beta-sheet. These studies identify specific sequences that determine the capacity of reovirus to bind sialylated receptors and suggest a location for a sialic acid-binding domain. Furthermore, the results support a model in which type 3 sigma1 protein contains discrete receptor binding domains, one in the head and another in the tail that binds sialic acid.

Understanding the role of Ti in reversible hydrogen storage as sodium alanate: a combined experimental and density functional theoretical approach.

PubMed

Chaudhuri, Santanu; Graetz, Jason; Ignatov, Alex; Reilly, James J; Muckerman, James T

2006-09-06

We report the results of an experimental and theoretical study of hydrogen storage in sodium alanate (NaAlH(4)). Reversible hydrogen storage in this material is dependent on the presence of 2-4% Ti dopant. Our combined study shows that the role of Ti may be linked entirely to Ti-containing active catalytic sites in the metallic Al phase present in the dehydrogenated NaAlH(4). The EXAFS data presented here show that dehydrogenated samples contain a highly disordered distribution of Ti-Al distances with no long-range order beyond the second coordination sphere. We have used density functional theory techniques to calculate the chemical potential of possible Ti arrangements on an Al(001) surface for Ti coverages ranging from 0.125 to 0.5 monolayer (ML) and have identified those that can chemisorb molecular hydrogen via spontaneous or only moderately activated pathways. The chemisorption process exhibits a characteristic nodal symmetry property for the low-barrier sites: the incipient doped surface-H(2) adduct's highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) incorporates the sigma antibonding molecular orbital of hydrogen, allowing the transfer of charge density from the surface to dissociate the molecular hydrogen. This work also proposes a plausible mechanism for the transport of an aluminum hydride species back into the NaH lattice that is supported by Car-Parrinello molecular dynamics (CPMD) simulations of the stability and mobility of aluminum clusters (alanes) on Al(001). As an experimental validation of the proposed role of titanium and the subsequent diffusion of alanes, we demonstrate experimentally that AlH(3) reacts with NaH to form NaAlH(4) without any requirement of a catalyst or hydrogen overpressure.

Pencil beam scanning dosimetry for large animal irradiation.

PubMed

Lin, Liyong; Solberg, Timothy D; Carabe, Alexandro; Mcdonough, James E; Diffenderfer, Eric; Sanzari, Jenine K; Kennedy, Ann R; Cengel, Keith

2014-09-01

The space radiation environment imposes increased dangers of exposure to ionizing radiation, particularly during a solar particle event. These events consist primarily of low-energy protons that produce a highly inhomogeneous depth-dose distribution. Here we describe a novel technique that uses pencil beam scanning at extended source-to-surface distances and range shifter (RS) to provide robust but easily modifiable delivery of simulated solar particle event radiation to large animals. Thorough characterization of spot profiles as a function of energy, distance and RS position is critical to accurate treatment planning. At 105 MeV, the spot sigma is 234 mm at 4800 mm from the isocentre when the RS is installed at the nozzle. With the energy increased to 220 MeV, the spot sigma is 66 mm. At a distance of 1200 mm from the isocentre, the Gaussian sigma is 68 mm and 23 mm at 105 MeV and 220 MeV, respectively, when the RS is located on the nozzle. At lower energies, the spot sigma exhibits large differences as a function of distance and RS position. Scan areas of 1400 mm (superior-inferior) by 940 mm (anterior-posterior) and 580 mm by 320 mm are achieved at the extended distances of 4800 mm and 1200 mm, respectively, with dose inhomogeneity <2%. To treat large animals with a more sophisticated dose distribution, spot size can be reduced by placing the RS closer than 70 mm to the surface of the animals, producing spot sigmas below 6 mm. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Japan Radiation Research Society and Japanese Society for Radiation Oncology.

Differences in the capacity of reovirus strains to induce apoptosis are determined by the viral attachment protein sigma 1.

PubMed Central

Tyler, K L; Squier, M K; Rodgers, S E; Schneider, B E; Oberhaus, S M; Grdina, T A; Cohen, J J; Dermody, T S

1995-01-01

Reoviruses are important models for studies of viral pathogenesis; however, the mechanisms by which these viruses produce cytopathic effects in infected cells have not been defined. In this report, we show that murine L929 (L) cells infected with prototype reovirus strains type 1 Lang (TIL) and type 3 Dearing (T3D) undergo apoptosis and that T3D induces apoptosis to a substantially greater extent than T1L. Using T1L x T3D reassortant viruses, we found that differences in the capacity of T1L and T3D to induce apoptosis are determined by the viral S1 gene segment, which encodes the viral attachment protein sigma 1 and the non-virion-associated protein sigma 1s. Apoptosis was induced by UV-inactivated, replication-incompetent reovirus virions, which do not contain sigma 1s and do not mediate its synthesis in infected cells. Additionally, T3D-induced apoptosis was inhibited by anti-reovirus monoclonal antibodies that inhibit T3D cell attachment and disassembly. These results indicate that sigma 1, rather than sigma 1s, is required for induction of apoptosis by the reovirus and suggest that interaction of virions with cell surface receptors is an essential step in this mechanism of cell killing. PMID:7474116

Optical analysis of cylindrical-parabolic concentrators: validity limits for models of solar disk intensity.

PubMed

Nicolás, R O

1987-09-15

Different optical analysis of cylindrical-parabolic concentrators were made by utilizing four models of intensity distribution of the solar disk, i.e., square, uniform, real, and Gaussian. In this paper, the validity conditions using such distributions are determined by calculating each model of the intensity distribution on the receiver plane of perfect and nonperfect cylindrical-parabolic concentrators. We call nonperfect concentrators those in which the normal to each differential element of the specular surface departs from its correct position by an angle sigma(epsilon), the possible values of which follow a Gaussian distribution of mean value epsilon and standard deviation sigma(epsilon). In particular, the results obtained with the models considered for a concentrator with an aperture half-angle of 45 degrees are shown and compared. An important conclusion is that for sigma(epsilon) greater, similar 4 mrad, in some cases for sigma(epsilon) greater, similar 2 mrad, the results obtained are practically independent of the model used.

Clementine Observations of the Zodiacal Light and the Dust Content of the Inner Solar System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hahn, Joseph M.; Zook, Herbert A.; Cooper, Bonnie; Sunkara, Bhaskar

2002-01-01

Using the Moon to occult the Sun, the Clementine spacecraft used its navigation cameras to map the inner zodiacal light at optical wavelengths over elongations of 3 approx. less than epsilon approx. less than 30 deg from the Sun. This surface brightness map is then used to infer the spatial distribution of interplanetary dust over heliocentric distances of about 10 solar radii to the orbit of Venus. The averaged ecliptic surface brightness of the zodiacal light falls off as Z(epsilon) is a member of epsilon(sup -2.45 +/- 0.05), which suggests that the dust cross-sectional density nominally falls off as sigma(r) is a member of r(sup - 1.45 +/- 0.05). The interplanetary dust also has an albedo of alpha approx. = 0.1 that is uncertain by a factor of approx. 2. Asymmetries of approx. 10% are seen in directions east-west and north-south of the Sun, and these may be due the giant planets' secular gravitational perturbations. We apply a simple model that attributes the zodiacal light as due to three dust populations having distinct inclination distributions, namely, dust from asteroids and Jupiter-family comets (JFCs) having characteristic inclinations of i approx. 7 deg, dust from Halley-type comets having i approx. 33 deg, and an isotropic cloud of dust from Oort Cloud comets. The best-fitting scenario indicates that asteroids + JFCs are the source of about 45% of the optical dust cross section seen in the ecliptic at 1 AU but that at least 89% of the dust cross section enclosed by a 1-AU-radius sphere is of a cometary origin. Each population's radial density variations can also deviate somewhat from the nominal sigma(r) is a member of r(sup -1.45). When these results are extrapolated out to the asteroid belt, we find an upper limit on the mass of the light-reflecting asteroidal dust that is equivalent to a 12-km asteroid, and a similar extrapolation of the isotropic dust cloud out to Oort Cloud distances yields a mass equivalent to a 30-km comet, although the latter mass is uncertain by orders of magnitude.

Structure and dynamics in self-organized C60 fullerenes.

PubMed

Patnaik, Archita

2007-01-01

This manuscript on 'structure and dynamics in self-organized C60 fullerenes' has three sections dealing with: (A) pristine C60 aggregate structure and geometry in solvents of varying dielectric constant. Here, using positronium (Ps) as a fundamental probe which maps changes in the local electron density of the microenvironment, the onset concentration for stable C60 aggregate formation and its phase behavior is deduced from the specific interactions of the Ps atom with the surrounding. (B) A novel methanofullerene dyad, based on a hydrophobic (acceptor C60 moiety)-hydrophilic (bridge with benzene and ester functionalities)-hydrophobic (donor didodecyloxybenzene) network is chosen for investigation of characteristic self-assembly it undergoes leading to supramolecular aggregates. The pi-electronic amphiphile, necessitating a critical dielectric constant epsilon > or = 30 in binary THF-water mixtures, dictated the formation of bilayer vesicles as precursors for spherical fractal aggregates upon complete dyad extraction into a more polar water phase. (C) While the molecular orientation is dependent on the packing density, the ordering of the molecular arrangement, indispensable for self-assembly depends on the balance between the structures demanded by inter-molecular and molecule-substrate interactions. The molecular orientation in a monolayer affects the orientation in a multilayer, formed on the monolayer, suggesting the possibility of the latter to act as a template for controlling the structure of the three dimensionally grown self-assembled molecular aggregation. A systematic study on the electronic structure and orientation associated with C60 functionalized aminothiol self-assembled monolayers on Au(111) surface is presented using surface sensitive Ultra-Violet Photoelectron Spectroscopy (UPS) and C-K edge Near-Edge X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy. The results revealed drastic modifications to d-band structure of Au(111) and the electronic structure was found sensitive towards the S-Au interface and the C60 end functional moiety with formation of localized sigma-(S-Au) and sigma(N-C) bonds, respectively. Upon binding C60 to the amine-terminated alkanethiol SAM, a drastically reduced HOMO-LUMO gap of 2.7 eV as compared to a large electronic gap of approximately 8 eV in alkanethiols enables the SAM to be a potential electron transport medium.

Formation Of the Giant Planets By Concurrent Accretion Of Solids And Gas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pollack, James B.; Hubickyj, Olenka; Bodenheimer, Peter; Lissauer, Jack J.; Podolak, Morris; Greenzweig, Yuval; Cuzzi, Jeffery N. (Technical Monitor)

1995-01-01

New numerical simulations of the formation of the giant planets are presented, in which for the first time both the gas and planetesimal accretion rates are calculated in a self-consistent, interactive fashion. The simulations combine three elements: 1) three-body accretion cross-sections of solids onto an isolated planetary embryo, 2) a stellar evolution code for the planet's gaseous envelope, and 3) a planetesimal dissolution code within the envelope, used to evaluate the planet's effective capture radius and the energy deposition profile of accreted material. Major assumptions include: The planet is embedded in a disk of gas and small planetesimals with locally uniform initial surface mass density, and planetesimals are not allowed to migrate into or out of the planet's feeding zone. All simulations are characterized by three major phases. During the first phase, the planet's mass consists primarily of solid material. The planetesimal accretion rate, which dominates that of gas, rapidly increases owing to runaway accretion, then decreases as the planet's feeding zone is depleted. During the second phase, both solid and gas accretion rates are small and nearly independent of time. The third phase, marked by runaway gas accretion, starts when the solid and gas masses are about equal. It is engendered by a strong positive feedback on the gas accretion rates, driven by the rapid contraction of the gaseous envelope and the rapid expansion of the outer boundary, which depends on the planet's total mass. The overall evolutionary time scale is generally determined by the length of the second phase. The actual rates at which the giant planets accreted small planetesimals is probably intermediate between the constant rates assumed in most previous studies and the highly variable rates that we have used. Within the context, of the adopted model of planetesimal accretion, the joint constraints of the time scale for dissipation of the solar nebula and the current high-Z masses of the giant planets lead to estimates of the initial surface density (sigma(sub init)) of planetesimals in the outer region of the solar nebula. The results show sigma(sub init) approx. = 10 g/sq cm near Jupiter's orbit and that sigma(sub init) proportional to alpha(sup -2), where alpha is the distance from the Sun. These values are a factor of 3 - 4 times as high as that of the "minimum mass" solar nebula at Jupiter's distance and a factor of 2 - 3 times as high it Saturn's distance. Our estimates for the formation time of Jupiter and Saturn are 1 - 10 million years while those for Uranus fall in the range of 2 - 16 million years. These estimates follow from the properties of our Solar System and do not necessarily apply to giant planets in other planetary systems.

Selection bias in dynamically-measured super-massive black hole samples: its consequences and the quest for the most fundamental relation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shankar, Francesco; Bernardi, M.; Sheth, R. K.; Weinberg, D. H.; Miralda-Escudé, J.; Ferrarese, L.; Graham, A.; Sesana, A.; Lapi, A.; Marconi, A.; Allevato, V.; Savorgnan, G.; Laesker, R.

2016-08-01

We compare the set of local galaxies having dynamically measured black holes with a large, unbiased sample of galaxies extracted from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. We confirm earlier work showing that the majority of black hole hosts have significantly higher velocity dispersions sigma than local galaxies of similar stellar mass. We use Monte-Carlo simulations to illustrate the effect on black hole scaling relations if this bias arises from the requirement that the black hole sphere of influence must be resolved to measure black hole masses with spatially resolved kinematics. We find that this selection effect artificially increases the normalization of the Mbh-sigma relation by a factor of at least ~3; the bias for the Mbh-Mstar relation is even larger. Our Monte Carlo simulations and analysis of the residuals from scaling relations both indicate that sigma is more fundamental than Mstar or effective radius. In particular, the Mbh-Mstar relation is mostly a consequence of the Mbh-sigma and sigma-Mstar relations, and is heavily biased by up to a factor of 50 at small masses. This helps resolve the discrepancy between dynamically-based black hole-galaxy scaling relations versus those of active galaxies. Our simulations also disfavour broad distributions of black hole masses at fixed sigma. Correcting for this bias suggests that the calibration factor used to estimate black hole masses in active galaxies should be reduced to values of fvir~1. Black hole mass densities should also be proportionally smaller, perhaps implying significantly higher radiative efficiencies/black hole spins. Reducing black hole masses also reduces the gravitational wave signal expected from black hole mergers.

Two-dimensional Anderson-Hubbard model in the DMFT + {Sigma} approximation

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

Kuchinskii, E. Z., E-mail: kuchinsk@iep.uran.ru; Kuleeva, N. A.; Nekrasov, I. A.

The density of states, the dynamic (optical) conductivity, and the phase diagram of the paramagnetic two-dimensional Anderson-Hubbard model with strong correlations and disorder are analyzed within the generalized dynamical mean field theory (DMFT + {Sigma} approximation). Strong correlations are accounted by the DMFT, while disorder is taken into account via the appropriate generalization of the self-consistent theory of localization. We consider the two-dimensional system with the rectangular 'bare' density of states (DOS). The DMFT effective single-impurity problem is solved by numerical renormalization group (NRG). The 'correlated metal,' Mott insulator, and correlated Anderson insulator phases are identified from the evolution ofmore » the density of states, optical conductivity, and localization length, demonstrating both Mott-Hubbard and Anderson metal-insulator transitions in two-dimensional systems of finite size, allowing us to construct the complete zero-temperature phase diagram of the paramagnetic Anderson-Hubbard model. The localization length in our approximation is practically independent of the strength of Hubbard correlations. But the divergence of the localization length in a finite-size two-dimensional system at small disorder signifies the existence of an effective Anderson transition.« less

Improving furfural tolerance of Zymomonas mobilis by rewiring a sigma factor RpoD protein.

PubMed

Tan, Fu-Rong; Dai, Li-Chun; Wu, Bo; Qin, Han; Shui, Zong-Xia; Wang, Jing-Li; Zhu, Qi-Li; Hu, Qi-Chun; Ruan, Zhi-Yong; He, Ming-Xiong

2015-06-01

Furfural from lignocellulosic hydrolysates is the key inhibitor for bio-ethanol fermentation. In this study, we report a strategy of improving the furfural tolerance in Zymomonas mobilis on the transcriptional level by engineering its global transcription sigma factor (σ(70), RpoD) protein. Three furfural tolerance RpoD mutants (ZM4-MF1, ZM4-MF2, and ZM4-MF3) were identified from error-prone PCR libraries. The best furfural-tolerance strain ZM4-MF2 reached to the maximal cell density (OD600) about 2.0 after approximately 30 h, while control strain ZM4-rpoD reached its highest cell density of about 1.3 under the same conditions. ZM4-MF2 also consumed glucose faster and yield higher ethanol; expression levels and key Entner-Doudoroff (ED) pathway enzymatic activities were also compared to control strain under furfural stress condition. Our results suggest that global transcription machinery engineering could potentially be used to improve stress tolerance and ethanol production in Z. mobilis.

Spectrocopic measurements of water vapor plasmas at high resolution: The optical transition probabilities for OH (A 2 Sigma - X 2 Pi)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Klein, L.

1972-01-01

Emission and absorption spectra of water vapor plasmas generated in a wall-stabilized arc at atmospheric pressure and 4 current, and at 0.03 atm and 15 to 50 A, were measured at high spatial and spectral resolution. The gas temperature was determined from the shape of Doppler-broadened rotational lines of OH. The observed nonequilibrium population distributions over the energy levels of atoms are interpreted in terms of a theoretical state model for diffusion-controlled arc plasmas. Excellent correlation is achieved between measured and predicted occupation of hydrogen energy levels. It is shown that the population distribution over the nonpredissociating rotational-vibrational levels of the A 2 Sigma state of OH is close to an equilibrium distribution at the gas temperature, although the total density of this state is much higher than its equilibrium density. The reduced intensities of the rotational lines originating in these levels yielded Boltzmann plots that were strictly linear.

Search with COPERNICUS for interstellar N/sub 2/ in diffuse clouds

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

Lutz, B.L.; Owen, T.; Snow, T.P. Jr.

1979-01-01

Multiple Copernicus scans of the rho'/sup 1/..sigma../sub u//sup +/--X/sup 1/..sigma../sub g//sup +/(0--0) and l/sup 1/Pi/sub u/--X/sup 1/..sigma../sub g//sup +/(0--0) band regions of N/sub 2/ in the spectra of delta Sco and epsilon Per result in upper limits of N (N/sub 2/) < or =1.0--3.8 x 10/sup 12/ cm/sup -2/ and N (N/sub 2/) < or =1.2--4.4 x 10/sup 12/ cm/sup -2/, respectively, depending upon the cloud temperature. These limits are consistent with the column densities expected from current chemical models for diffuse interstellar clouds, representing relative abundances with respect to hydrogen nuclei of N (N/sub 2/)/2N (H/sub 2/)+N (H I)more » < or =0.69--2.6 x 10/sup -9/ for delta Sco and < or =0.31--1.1 x 10/sup -8/ for epsilon Per.« less

Critical review of electrical conductivity measurements and charge distribution analysis of magnesium oxide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Freund, Friedemann; Freund, Minoru M.; Batllo, Francois

1993-01-01

The electrical conductivity sigma of MgO single crystals shows a sharp increase at 500-800 C, in particular of sigma surface, generally attributed to surface contamination. Charge Distribution Analysis (CDA), a new technique providing information on fundamental properties that was previously unavailable, allows for the determination of surface charges, their sign and associated internal electric field. Data on 99.99% purity, arc-fusion grown MgO crystals show that mobile charge carriers start to appear in the bulk of the MgO crystals between 200 and 400 C when sigma (measured by conventional techniques) is in t he 10(exp -14) to 10(exp -16) /omega/cm range. Above 500 C, as sigma increases to 10(exp -6) to 10(exp -7)/omega/cm, more charges appear giving rise to a strong positive surface charge supported by a strong internal field. This indicates that charges are generated in the bulk and diffuse to the surface by an internally controlled process. On the basis of their positive sign they are identified as holes (defect electrons). Because of the low cation content of these very pure MgO crystals, theses holes cannnot be associated with transition metal impurties. Instead, they are associated with the O(2-) sublattice, e.g. consist of O(-) states or positive holes. This conclusion is supported by magnetic susceptibility data showing the appearance of 1000 +/- 500 ppm paramagnetic species between 200-500 C. The magnetic data are consistent with strongly coupled, diamagnetic O(-) pairs below 200-500 C, chemically equivalent to peroxy anions, O2(2-), and probably associated with cation vacancies in the MgO matrix. The formation of O2(2-) in arc-fusion grown MgO crystals is very unexpected because of the highly reducing growth conditions. Their presence implies an internal redox reaction involving dissolved 'water' by which OH(-) pairs convert to O2(2-) plus H2 molecules. This redox conversion is supported by mass spectroscopic measurements of the H2 release from highly OH(-)-doped, finely divided MgO and by wet-chemical analysis of its oxidant concentration.

New Insights into the Regulation of Cell-Surface Signaling Activity Acquired from a Mutagenesis Screen of the Pseudomonas putida IutY Sigma/Anti-Sigma Factor

PubMed Central

Bastiaansen, Karlijn C.; Civantos, Cristina; Bitter, Wilbert; Llamas, María A.

2017-01-01

Cell-surface signaling (CSS) is a signal transfer system that allows Gram-negative bacteria to detect environmental signals and generate a cytosolic response. These systems are composed of an outer membrane receptor that senses the inducing signal, an extracytoplasmic function sigma factor (σECF) that targets the cytosolic response by modifying gene expression and a cytoplasmic membrane anti-sigma factor that keeps the σECF in an inactive state in the absence of the signal and transduces its presence from the outer membrane to the cytosol. Although CSS systems regulate bacterial processes as crucial as stress response, iron scavenging and virulence, the exact mechanisms that drive CSS are still not completely understood. Binding of the signal to the CSS receptor is known to trigger a signaling cascade that results in the regulated proteolysis of the anti-sigma factor and the activation of the σECF in the cytosol. This study was carried out to generate new insights in the proteolytic activation of CSS σECF. We performed a random mutagenesis screen of the unique IutY protein of Pseudomonas putida, a protein that combines a cytosolic σECF domain and a periplasmic anti-sigma factor domain in a single polypeptide. In response to the presence of an iron carrier, the siderophore aerobactin, in the extracellular medium, IutY is processed by two different proteases, Prc and RseP, which results in the release and activation of the σIutY domain. Our experiments show that all IutY mutant proteins that contain periplasmic residues depend on RseP for activation. In contrast, Prc is only required for mutant variants with a periplasmic domain longer than 50 amino acids, which indicates that the periplasmic region of IutY is trimmed down to ~50 amino acids creating the RseP substrate. Moreover, we have identified several conserved residues in the CSS anti-sigma factor family of which mutation leads to constitutive activation of their cognate σECF. These findings advance our knowledge on how CSS activity is regulated by the consecutive action of two proteases. Elucidation of the exact mechanism behind CSS activation will enable the development of strategies to block CSS in pathogenic bacteria. PMID:28512454

Method of testing gear wheels in impact bending

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

Tikhonov, A.K.; Palagin, Y.M.

1995-05-01

Chemicothermal treatment processes are widely used in engineering to improve the working lives of important components, of which the most common is nitrocementation. That process has been applied at the Volga Automobile Plant mainly to sprockets in gear transmissions, which need high hardness and wear resistance in the surfaces with relatively ductile cores. Although various forms of chemicothermal treatment are widely used, there has been no universal method of evaluating the strengths of gear wheels. Standard methods of estimating strength ({sigma}{sub u}, {sigma}{sub t}, {sigma}{sub b}, and hardness) have a major shortcoming: They can determine only the characteristics of themore » cores for case-hardened materials. Here we consider a method of impact bending test, which enables one to evaluate the actual strength of gear teeth.« less

DFT STUDY OF CO AND NO ADSORPTION ON BORON NITRIDE (BN)n = 3 - 5 NANOCLUSTERS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zahedi, Ehsan; Pangh, Abdolhakim; Ghorbanpour, Hamed

2015-11-01

Interaction of CO and NO molecules by different orientations on (BN)n=3-5 clusters have been studied at the B3LYP/6-311+G* level of theory. Total electronic energies have been corrected for geometrical counterpoise (gCP) and dispersion (D3) energies at the B3LYP/6-31G* level. Formation of a new sigma bond between the gas and (BN)3 cluster, atom in molecules (AIM) results, density of states spectrums (DOS), molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) surfaces, and visualization of wave function of molecular orbitals in the nearest bonding regions to the Fermi level have confirmed that adsorption of CO by carbon end atom, and NO by nitrogen end atom is covalent in nature, so that the charge transfer is occurred from gas molecule to the cluster.

Umbral moonshine and K3 surfaces

DOE PAGES

Cheng, Miranda C. N.; Harrison, Sarah

2015-06-25

Recently, 23 cases of umbral moonshine, relating mock modular forms and finite groups, have been discovered in the context of the 23 even unimodular Niemeier lattices. One of the 23 cases in fact coincides with the so-called Mathieu moonshine, discovered in the context of K3 non-linear sigma models. In this paper we establish a uniform relation between all 23 cases of umbral moonshine and K3 sigma models, and thereby take a first step in placing umbral moonshine into a geometric and physical context. In addition, this is achieved by relating the ADE root systems of the Niemeier lattices to themore » ADE du Val singularities that a K3 surface can develop, and the configuration of smooth rational curves in their resolutions. A geometric interpretation of our results is given in terms of the marking of K3 surfaces by Niemeier lattices.« less

Kinetic Roughening Transition and Energetics of Tetragonal Lysozyme Crystal Growth

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gorti, Sridhar; Forsythe, Elizabeth L.; Pusey, Marc L.

2004-01-01

Interpretation of lysozyme crystal growth rates using well-established physical theories enabled the discovery of a phenomenon possibly indicative of kinetic roughening. For example, lysozyme crystals grown above a critical supersaturation sigma, (where supersaturation sigma = ln c/c(sub eq), c = the protein concentration and c(sub eq) = the solubility concentration) exhibit microscopically rough surfaces due to the continuous addition of growth units anywhere on the surface of a crystal. The rate of crystal growth, V(sub c), for the continuous growth process is determined by the continuous flux of macromolecules onto a unit area of the crystal surface, a, from a distance, xi, per unit time due to diffusion, and a probability of attachment onto the crystal surface, expressed. Based upon models applied, the energetics of lysozyme crystal growth was determined. The magnitudes of the energy barriers of crystal growth for both the (110) and (101) faces of tetragonal lysozyme crystals are compared. Finally, evidence supportive of the kinetic roughening hypothesis is presented.

Nonadiabatic dynamics of O({sup 1}D) + N{sub 2}(X{sup 1}{Sigma}{sub g}{sup +}){yields}O({sup 3}P) + N{sub 2}(X{sup 1}{Sigma}{sub g}{sup +}) on three coupled potential surfaces: Symmetry, Coriolis, spin-orbit, and Renner-Teller effects

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

Defazio, Paolo; Gamallo, Pablo; Petrongolo, Carlo

2012-02-07

We present the spin-orbit (SO) and Renner-Teller (RT) quantum dynamics of the spin-forbidden quenching O({sup 1}D) + N{sub 2}(X{sup 1}{Sigma}{sub g}{sup +}){yields}O({sup 3}P) + N{sub 2}(X{sup 1}{Sigma}{sub g}{sup +}) on the N{sub 2}O X-tilde{sup 1}A{sup '}, a-tilde{sup 3}A', and b-tilde{sup 3}A{sup '} coupled PESs. We use the permutation-inversion symmetry, propagate coupled-channel (CC) real wavepackets, and compute initial-state-resolved probabilities and cross sections {sigma}{sub j0} for the ground vibrational and the first two rotational states of N{sub 2}, j{sub 0}= 0 and 1. Labeling symmetry angular states by j and K, we report selection rules for j and for the minimum Kmore » value associated with any electronic state, showing that a-tilde{sup 3}A' is uncoupled in the centrifugal-sudden (CS) approximation at j{sub 0}= 0. The dynamics is resonance-dominated, the probabilities are larger at low K, {sigma}{sub j0} decrease with the collision energy and increase with j{sub 0}, and the CS {sigma}{sub 0} is lower than the CC one. The nonadiabatic interactions play different roles on the quenching dynamics, because the X-tilde{sup 1}A{sup '}-b-tilde{sup 3}A{sup '} SO effects are those most important while the a-tilde{sup 3}A'-b-tilde{sup 3}A{sup '} RT ones are negligible.« less

The effect of the arbitrary level assignment of satellite cloud motion wind vectors on wind analyses in the pre-thunderstorm environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Peslen, C. A.; Koch, S. E.; Uccellini, L. W.

1985-01-01

The impact of satellite-derived cloud motion vectors on SESAME rawinsonde wind fields was studied in two separate cases. The effect of wind and moisture gradients on the arbitrary assignment of the satellite data is assessed to coordinate surfaces in a severe storm environment marked by strong vertical wind shear. Objective analyses of SESAME rawinsonde winds and combined winds are produced and differences between these two analyzed fields are used to make an assessment of coordinate level choice. It is shown that the standard method of arbitrarily assigning wind vectors to a low level coordinate surface yields systematic differences between the rawinsonde and combined wind analyses. Arbitrary assignment of cloud motions to the 0.9 sigma surface produces smaller differences than assignment to the 825 mb pressure surface. Systematic differences occur near moisture discontinuities and in regions of horizontal and vertical wind shears. The differences between the combined and SESAME wind fields are made smallest by vertically interpolating cloud motions to either a pressure or sigma surface.

Near sulfur L-edge X-ray absorption spectra of methanethiol in isolation and adsorbed on a Au(111) surface: a theoretical study using the four-component static exchange approximation.

PubMed

Villaume, Sebastien; Ekström, Ulf; Ottosson, Henrik; Norman, Patrick

2010-06-07

The relativistic four-component static exchange approach for calculation of near-edge X-ray absorption spectra has been reviewed. Application of the method is made to the Au(111) interface and the adsorption of methanethiol by a study of the near sulfur L-edge spectrum. The binding energies of the sulfur 2p(1/2) and 2p(3/2) sublevels in methanethiol are determined to be split by 1.2 eV due to spin-orbit coupling, and the binding energy of the 2p(3/2) shell is lowered from 169.2 eV for the isolated system to 167.4 and 166.7-166.8 eV for methanethiol in mono- and di-coordinated adsorption sites, respectively (with reference to vacuum). In the near L-edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectrum only the sigma*(S-C) peak at 166 eV remains intact by surface adsorption, whereas transitions of predominantly Rydberg character are largely quenched in the surface spectra. The sigma*(S-H) peak of methanethiol is replaced by low-lying, isolated, sigma*(S-Au) peak(s), where the number of peaks in the latter category and their splittings are characteristic of the local bonding situation of the sulfur.

Engagement of Arginine Finger to ATP Triggers Large Conformational Changes in NtrC1 AAA+ ATPase for Remodeling Bacterial RNA Polymerase

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

Chen, Baoyu; Sysoeva, Tatyana A.; Chowdhury, Saikat

The NtrC-like AAA+ ATPases control virulence and other important bacterial activities through delivering mechanical work to {sigma}54-RNA polymerase to activate transcription from {sigma}54-dependent genes. We report the first crystal structure for such an ATPase, NtrC1 of Aquifex aeolicus, in which the catalytic arginine engages the {gamma}-phosphate of ATP. Comparing the new structure with those previously known for apo and ADP-bound states supports a rigid-body displacement model that is consistent with large-scale conformational changes observed by low-resolution methods. First, the arginine finger induces rigid-body roll, extending surface loops above the plane of the ATPase ring to bind {sigma}54. Second, ATP hydrolysismore » permits Pi release and retraction of the arginine with a reversed roll, remodeling {sigma}54-RNAP. This model provides a fresh perspective on how ATPase subunits interact within the ring-ensemble to promote transcription, directing attention to structural changes on the arginine-finger side of an ATP-bound interface.« less

Volcanic Signatures in Estimates of Stratospheric Aerosol Size, Distribution Width, Surface Area, and Volume Deduced from Global Satellite-Based Observations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bauman, J. J.; Russell, P. B.

2000-01-01

Volcanic signatures in the stratospheric aerosol layer are revealed by two independent techniques which retrieve aerosol information from global satellite-based observations of particulate extinction. Both techniques combine the 4-wavelength Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment (SAGE) II extinction measurements (0.385 <= lambda <= 1.02 microns) with the 7.96 micron and 12.82 micron extinction measurements from the Cryogenic Limb Array Etalon Spectrometer (CLAES) instrument. The algorithms use the SAGE II/CLAES composite extinction spectra in month-latitude-altitude bins to retrieve values and uncertainties of particle effective radius R(sub eff), surface area S, volume V and size distribution width sigma(sub R). The first technique is a multi-wavelength Look-Up-Table (LUT) algorithm which retrieves values and uncertainties of R(sub eff) by comparing ratios of extinctions from SAGE II and CLAES (e.g., E(sub lambda)/E(sub 1.02) to pre-computed extinction ratios which are based on a range of unimodal lognormal size distributions. The pre-computed ratios are presented as a function of R(sub eff) for a given sigma(sub g); thus the comparisons establish the range of R(sub eff) consistent with the measured spectra for that sigma(sub g). The fact that no solutions are found for certain sigma(sub g) values provides information on the acceptable range of sigma(sub g), which is found to evolve in response to volcanic injections and removal periods. Analogous comparisons using absolute extinction spectra and error bars establish the range of S and V. The second technique is a Parameter Search Technique (PST) which estimates R(sub eff) and sigma(sub g) within a month-latitude-altitude bin by minimizing the chi-squared values obtained by comparing the SAGE II/CLAES extinction spectra and error bars with spectra calculated by varying the lognormal fitting parameters: R(sub eff), sigma(sub g), and the total number of particles N(sub 0). For both techniques, possible biases in retrieved-parameters caused by assuming a unimodal functional form are removed using correction factors computed from representative in situ measurements of bimodal size distributions. Some interesting features revealed by the LUT and PST retrievals include: (1) Increases in S and V (but not R(sub eff)) after the Ruiz and Kelut injections, (2) Increases in S, V, R(sub eff) after Pinatubo, (3) Post-Pinatubo increases in S, V, and R(sub eff) that are more rapid in the tropics than elsewhere, (4) Mid-latitude post-Pinatubo increases in R(sub eff) that lag increases in S and V, (5) S and V returning to pre-Pinatubo values sooner than R(sub eff) does, (6) Sharp increases in sigma(sub g), after Pinatubo and slight increases in sigma(sub g) after Ruiz, Etna, Kelut, Spurr and Rabaul, and (7) Gradual declines in the heights at which R(sub eff), S and V peak after Pinatubo.

Soft X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy of High-Abrasion-Furnace Carbon Black

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

Muramatsu, Yasuji; Harada, Ryusuke; Gullikson, Eric M.

2007-02-02

The soft x-ray absorption spectra of high-abrasion-furnace carbon black were measured to obtain local-structure/chemical-states information of the primary particles and/or crystallites. The soft x-ray absorption spectral features of carbon black represent broader {pi}* and {sigma}* peak structures compared to highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG). The subtracted spectra between the carbon black and HOPG, (carbon black) - (HOPG), show double-peak structures on both sides of the {pi}* peak. The lower-energy peak, denoted as the 'pre-peak', in the subtracted spectra and the {pi}*/{sigma}* peak intensity ratio in the absorption spectra clearly depend on the specific surface area by nitrogen adsorption (NSA). Therefore,more » it is concluded that the pre-peak intensity and the {pi}*/{sigma}* ratio reflect the local graphitic structure of carbon black.« less

Influence of Ply Waviness on Fatigue Life of Tapered Composite Flexbeam Laminates

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Murri, Gretchen B.

1999-01-01

Nonlinear tapered flexbeam laminates, with significant ply waviness, were cut from a full-size composite rotor hub flexbeam. The specimens were tested under combined axial tension and cyclic bending loads. All of the specimens had wavy plies through the center and near the surfaces (termed marcelled areas), although for some of the specimens the surface marcels were very obvious, and for others they were much smaller. The specimens failed by first developing cracks through the marcels at the surfaces, and then delaminations grew from those cracks, in both directions. Delamination failure occurred in these specimens at significantly shorter fatigue lives than similar specimens without waviness, tested in ref. 2. A 2D finite element model was developed which closely approximated the flexbeam geometry, boundary conditions, and loading. In addition, the FE model duplicated the waviness observed in one of the test specimens. The model was analyzed using a geometrically nonlinear FE code. Modifications were made to the original model to reduce the amplitude of the marcels near the surfaces. The analysis was repeated for each modification. Comparisons of the interlaminar normal stresses, sigma(sub n), in the various models showed that under combined axial-tension and cyclic-bending loading, for marcels of the same aspect ratio, sigma(sub n) stresses increased as the distance along the taper, from thick to thin end, increased. For marcels of the same aspect ratio and at the same X-location along the taper, sigma(sub n) stresses decreased as the distance from the surface into the flexbeam interior increased. A technique was presented for determining the smallest acceptable marcel aspect ratio at various locations in the flexbeam.

Amplitude of primeval fluctuations from cosmological mass density reconstructions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Seljak, Uros; Bertschinger, Edmund

1994-01-01

We use the POTENT reconstruction of the mass density field in the nearby universe to estimate the amplitude of the density fluctuation power spectrum for various cosmological models. We find that sigma(sub 8) Omega(sub m sup 0.6) = 1.3(sub -0.3 sup +0.4), almost independently of the power spectrum. This value agrees well with the Cosmic Background Explorer (COBE) normalization for the standard cold dark matter model, while alternative models predict an excessive amplitude compared with COBE. Flat, low Omega(sub m) models and tilted models with spectral index n less than 0.8 are particularly discordant.

Use of ICP/MS with ultrasonic nebulizer for routine determination of uranium activity ratios in natural water

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kraemer, T.F.; Doughten, M.W.; Bullen, T.D.

2002-01-01

A method is described that allows precise determination of 234U/238U activity ratios (UAR) in most natural waters using commonly available inductively coupled plasma/mass spectrometry (ICP/MS) instrumentation and accessories. The precision achieved by this technique (??0.5% RSD, 1 sigma) is intermediate between thermal ionization mass spectrometry (??0.25% RSID, 1 sigma) and alpha particle spectrometry (??5% RSD, 1 sigma). It is precise and rapid enough to allow analysis of a large number of samples in a short period of time at low cost using standard, commercially available quadrupole instrumentation with ultrasonic nebulizer and desolvator accessories. UARs have been analyzed successfully in fresh to moderately saline waters with U concentrations of from less than 1 ??g/L to nearly 100 ??g/L. An example of the uses of these data is shown for a study of surface-water mixing in the North Platte River in western Nebraska. This rapid and easy technique should encourage the wider use of uranium isotopes in surface-water and groundwater investigations, both for qualitative (e.g. identifying sources of water) and quantitative (e.g. determining end-member mixing ratios purposes.

Power collection reduction by mirror surface nonflatness and tracking error for a central receiver solar power system.

PubMed

McFee, R H

1975-07-01

The effects of random waviness, curvature, and tracking error of plane-mirror heliostats in a rectangular array around a central-receiver solar power system are determined by subdividing each mirror into 484 elements, assuming the slope of each element to be representative of the surface slope average at its location, and summing the contributions of all elements and then of all mirrors in the array. Total received power and flux density distribution are computed for a given sun location and set of array parameter values. Effects of shading and blocking by adjacent mirrors are included in the calculation. Alt-azimuth mounting of the heliostats is assumed. Representative curves for two receiver diameters and two sun locations indicate a power loss of 20% for random waviness, curvature, and tracking error of 0.1 degrees rms, 0.002 m(-1), and 0.5 degrees , 3sigma, respectively, for an 18.2-m diam receiver and 0.3 degrees rms, 0.005 m(-1), and greater than 1 degrees , respectively, for a 30.4-m diam receiver.

Detecting surface roughness effects on the atmospheric boundary layer via AIRSAR data: A field experiment in Death Valley, California

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blumberg, Dan G.; Greeley, Ronald

1992-01-01

The part of the troposphere influenced by the surface of the earth is termed the atmospheric boundary layer. Flow within this layer is influenced by the roughness of the surface; rougher surfaces induce more turbulence than smoother surfaces and, hence, higher atmospheric transfer rates across the surface. Roughness elements also shield erodible particles, thus decreasing the transport of windblown particles. Therefore, the aerodynamic roughness length (z(sub 0)) is an important parameter in aeolian and atmospheric boundary layer processes as it describes the aerodynamic properties of the underlying surface. z(sub 0) is assumed to be independent of wind velocity or height, and dependent only on the surface topography. It is determined using in situ measurements of the wind speed distribution as a function of height. For dry, unvegetated soils the intensity of the radar backscatter (sigma(sup 0)) is affected primarily by surface roughness at a scale comparable with the radar wavelength. Thus, both wind and radar respond to surface roughness variations on a scale of a few meters or less. Greeley showed the existence of a correlation between z(sub 0) and sigma(sup 0). This correlation was based on measurements over lava flows, alluvial fans, and playas in the southwest deserts of the United States. It is shown that the two parameters behave similarly also when there are small changes over a relatively homogeneous surface.

Conversion of psychological stress into cellular stress response: roles of the sigma-1 receptor in the process.

PubMed

Hayashi, Teruo

2015-04-01

Psychiatrists empirically recognize that excessive or chronic psychological stress can result in long-lasting impairments of brain functions that partly involve neuronal cell damage. Recent studies begin to elucidate the molecular pathways activated/inhibited by psychological stress. Activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis under psychological stress causes inflammatory oxidative stresses in the brain, in part due to elevation of cytokines. Psychological stress or neuropathological conditions (e.g., accumulation of β-amyloids) trigger 'cellular stress responses', which promote upregulation of molecular chaperones to protect macromolecules from degradation. The unfolded protein response, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-specific cellular stress response, has been recently implicated in the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders and the pharmacology of certain clinically used drugs. The sigma-1 receptor is an ER protein whose ligands are shown to exert antidepressant-like and neuroprotective actions. Recent studies found that the sigma-1 receptor is a novel ligand-operated ER chaperone that regulates bioenergetics, free radical generation, oxidative stress, unfolded protein response and cytokine signaling. The sigma-1 receptor also regulates morphogenesis of neuronal cells, such as neurite outgrowth, synaptogenesis, and myelination, which can be perturbed by cellular stress. The sigma-1 receptor may thus contribute to a cellular defense system that protects nervous systems against chronic psychological stress. Findings from sigma receptor research imply that not only cell surface monoamine effectors but also intracellular molecules, especially those at the ER, may provide novel therapeutic targets for future drug developments. © 2014 The Author. Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences © 2014 Japanese Society of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Pair density waves in superconducting vortex halos

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yuxuan; Edkins, Stephen D.; Hamidian, Mohammad H.; Davis, J. C. Séamus; Fradkin, Eduardo; Kivelson, Steven A.

2018-05-01

We analyze the interplay between a d -wave uniform superconducting and a pair-density-wave (PDW) order parameter in the neighborhood of a vortex. We develop a phenomenological nonlinear sigma model, solve the saddle-point equation for the order-parameter configuration, and compute the resulting local density of states in the vortex halo. The intertwining of the two superconducting orders leads to a charge density modulation with the same periodicity as the PDW, which is twice the period of the charge density wave that arises as a second harmonic of the PDW itself. We discuss key features of the charge density modulation that can be directly compared with recent results from scanning tunneling microscopy and speculate on the role PDW order may play in the global phase diagram of the hole-doped cuprates.

Quark-hadron phase structure of QCD matter from SU(4) Polyakov linear sigma model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Diab, Abdel Magied Abdel Aal; Tawfik, Abdel Nasser

2018-04-01

The SU(4) Polyakov linear sigma model (PLSM) is extended towards characterizing the chiral condensates, σl, σs and σc of light, strange and charm quarks, respectively and the deconfinement order-parameters φ and φ at finite temperatures and densities (chemical potentials). The PLSM is considered to study the QCD equation of state in the presence of the chiral condensate of charm for different finite chemical potentials. The PLSM results are in a good agreement with the recent lattice QCD simulations. We conclude that, the charm condensate is likely not affected by the QCD phase-transition, where the corresponding critical temperature is greater than that of the light and strange quark condensates.

Can nature's design be improved upon? High strength, transparent nacre-like nanocomposites with double network of sacrificial cross links.

PubMed

Podsiadlo, Paul; Kaushik, Amit K; Shim, Bong Sup; Agarwal, Ashish; Tang, Zhiyong; Waas, Anthony M; Arruda, Ellen M; Kotov, Nicholas A

2008-11-20

The preparation of a high-strength and highly transparent nacre-like nanocomposite via layer-by-layer assembly technique from poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and Na+-montmorillonite clay nanosheets is reported in this article. We show that a high density of weak bonding interactions between the polymer and the clay particles: hydrogen, dipole-induced dipole, and van der Waals undergoing break-reform deformations, can lead to high strength nanocomposites: sigmaUTS approximately 150 MPa and E' approximately 13 GPa. Further introduction of ionic bonds into the polymeric matrix creates a double network of sacrificial bonds which dramatically increases the mechanical properties: sigmaUTS approximately 320 MPa and E' approximately 60 GPa.

Surface diffusivity measurements on 8mol.% yttrium oxide-zirconia bicrystals via grain boundary grooving experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nassirou, Maissarath

Thermal grooving at grain boundaries (GBs) is a capillary-driven evolution of surface topography in the region where the grain boundary emerges at a free surface. The study of these topographic changes can provide insight into surface energetics, and in our particular case, the measurement of surface diffusivity. We have measured the surface diffusion coefficient of 8mol% Y 2O3-ZrO2 by studying the formation of thermal grooves. We studied a total of five bicrystals, with well defined orientation relationships; random [110] -60°, random [001] -30°, Sigma13 [001]/{510}, Sigma13 [001]/{320}, Sigma5 [001]/{210}. Our calculations employed the Herring relation (1951), in which the variation in the chemical potential is related to changes in topography. The samples were annealed at 1300°C and 1400°C for various period of time. Atomic Force Microscopy was used to determine the exact geometry of the thermal grooves. A first approach consisted of estimating the diffusion coefficient by using Mullins' equation. yx=0= dsDs1/ 4gb2g s12G 5/4( WkTgs) 1/4t 1/4 Where y(x =0) is the groove depth at the GB triple junction, O is the atomic volume, gs is the surface tension, gb is the grain boundary surface energy, ds is the thickness of the diffusion layer, t is the annealing time, and Ds is the surface diffusion coefficient. In Mullins' derivation, the atomic structure of the surface was ignored and it was assumed that the surface energy is independent of crystallographic orientation. In the case of zirconia, the surface energy is anisotropic. We will describe in this work a new approach to measuring surface diffusivity which accounts for the surface energy anisotropy. The study of these bicrystals will emphasize the effect of grain boundary structure on the surface diffusion coefficient, and it is for that purpose that we selected bicrystals with different tilt axes and angles. The results obtained using the equation set we have developed will be compared to those obtained by Mullins, and we show that the anisotropic groove evolution, even when perfectly symmetrical, is much slower than the corresponding isotropic case.

Expected rates with mini-arrays for air showers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hazen, W. E.

1985-01-01

As a guide in the design of mini-arrays used to exploit the Linsley effect in the study of air showers, it is useful to calculate the expected rates. The results can aid in the choice of detectors and their placement or in predicting the utility of existing detector systems. Furthermore, the potential of the method can be appraised for the study of large showers. Specifically, we treat the case of a mini-array of dimensions small enough compared to the distance of axes of showers of interest so that it can be considered a point detector. The input information is taken from the many previous studies of air showers by other groups. The calculations will give: (1) the expected integral rate, F(sigma, rho), for disk thickness, sigma, or rise time, t sub 1/2, with local particle density, rho, as a parameter; (2) the effective detection area A(N) with sigma (min) and rho (min) and rho (min) as parameters; (3) the expected rate of collection of data F sub L (N) versus shower size, N.

DEVELOPMENT OF THE SIGMA-1 RECEPTOR IN C-TERMINALS OF MOTONEURONS AND COLOCALIZATION WITH THE N,N’-DIMETHYLTRYPTAMINE FORMING ENZYME, INDOLE-N-METHYL TRANSFERASE

PubMed Central

Mavlyutov, Timur A.; Epstein, Miles L.; Liu, Patricia; Verbny, Yakov I.; Ziskind-Conhaim, Lea; Ruoho, Arnold E.

2012-01-01

The function of the sigma-1 receptor (S1R) has been linked to modulating the activities of ion channels and G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR). In the CNS the S1R is expressed ubiquitously but is enriched in mouse motoneurons (MN), where it is localized to subsurface cisternae of cholinergic postsynaptic densities, also known as C-terminals. We found that S1R is enriched in mouse spinal MN at late stages of embryonic development when it is first visualized in the endoplasmic reticulum. S1Rs appear to concentrate at C-terminals of mouse MN only on the second week of postnatal development. We found that Indole-N-methyl transferase (INMT), an enzyme that converts tryptamine into the sigma-1 ligand dimethyltryptamine (DMT), is also localized to postsynaptic sites of C-terminals in close proximity to the S1R. This close association of INMT and SIRs suggest that DMT is synthesized locally to effectively activate S1R in MN. PMID:22265729

Development of the sigma-1 receptor in C-terminals of motoneurons and colocalization with the N,N'-dimethyltryptamine forming enzyme, indole-N-methyl transferase.

PubMed

Mavlyutov, T A; Epstein, M L; Liu, P; Verbny, Y I; Ziskind-Conhaim, L; Ruoho, A E

2012-03-29

The function of the sigma-1 receptor (S1R) has been linked to modulating the activities of ion channels and G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR). In the CNS, the S1R is expressed ubiquitously but is enriched in mouse motoneurons (MN), where it is localized to subsurface cisternae of cholinergic postsynaptic densities, also known as C-terminals. We found that S1R is enriched in mouse spinal MN at late stages of embryonic development when it is first visualized in the endoplasmic reticulum. S1Rs appear to concentrate at C-terminals of mouse MN only on the second week of postnatal development. We found that indole-N-methyl transferase (INMT), an enzyme that converts tryptamine into the sigma-1 ligand dimethyltryptamine (DMT), is also localized to postsynaptic sites of C-terminals in close proximity to the S1R. This close association of INMT and S1Rs suggest that DMT is synthesized locally to effectively activate S1R in MN. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

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

Chae, Kyu-Hyun; Kravtsov, Andrey V.; Frieman, Joshua A.

With SDSS galaxy data and halo data from up-to-date N-body simulations we construct a semi-empirical catalog (SEC) of early-type systems by making a self-consistent bivariate statistical match of stellar mass (M_star) and velocity dispersion (sigma) with halo virial mass (M_vir). We then assign stellar mass profile and velocity dispersion profile parameters to each system in the SEC using their observed correlations with M_star and sigma. Simultaneously, we solve for dark matter density profile of each halo using the spherical Jeans equation. The resulting dark matter density profiles deviate in general from the dissipationless profile of NFW or Einasto and theirmore » mean inner density slope and concentration vary systematically with M_vir. Statistical tests of the distribution of profiles at fixed M_vir rule out the null hypothesis that it follows the distribution predicted by N-body simulations for M_vir ~< 10^{13.5-14.5} M_solar. These dark matter profiles imply that dark matter density is, on average, enhanced significantly in the inner region of halos with M_vir ~< 10^{13.5-14.5} M_solar supporting halo contraction. The main characteristics of halo contraction are: (1) the mean dark matter density within the effective radius has increased by a factor varying systematically up to ~ 3-4 at M_vir = 10^{12} M_solar, and (2) the inner density slope has a mean of ~ 1.3 with rho(r) ~ r^{-alpha} and a halo-to-halo rms scatter of rms(alpha) ~ 0.4-0.5 for 10^{12} M_solar ~< M_vir ~< 10^{13-14} M_solar steeper than the NFW profile (alpha=1). Based on our results we predict that halos of nearby elliptical and lenticular galaxies can, in principle, be promising targets for gamma-ray emission from dark matter annihilation.« less

SWCX Emission from the Helium Focusing Cone - Preliminary Results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Snowden, S. L.; Kuntz, K. D.; Collier, M. R.

2008-01-01

Preliminary results from an XMM-Newton campaign to study solar wind charge exchange (SWCX) emission from the heliospheric focusing cone of interstellar helium are presented. The detections of enhanced O VII and O VIII emission from the cone are at the 2(sigma) and 4(sigma) levels. The solar wind charge exchange (SWCX) emission in the heliosphere not associated with distinct objects (e.g., comets and planets including exospheric material in and near Earth s magnetosheath) is proportional to the flux of the solar wind and the space density of neutral material. The neutral material originates in the interstellar medium (ISM) and passes through the solar system due to the relative motion of the Sun and the ISM. The flow of the neutral material through the solar system is strongly perturbed by the Sun both by gravity and by radiation pressure. Because of the relative radiative scattering cross sections and the effect of solar gravitation the density of interstellar hydrogen near the Sun is reduced while interstellar helium is gravitationally focused. This creates a helium focusing cone downstream of the Sun [e.g., 1, and references therein].

A General Theory of Unsteady Compressible Potential Aerodynamics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morino, L.

1974-01-01

The general theory of potential aerodynamic flow around a lifting body having arbitrary shape and motion is presented. By using the Green function method, an integral representation for the potential is obtained for both supersonic and subsonic flow. Under small perturbation assumption, the potential at any point, P, in the field depends only upon the values of the potential and its normal derivative on the surface, sigma, of the body. Hence, if the point P approaches the surface of the body, the representation reduces to an integro-differential equation relating the potential and its normal derivative (which is known from the boundary conditions) on the surface sigma. For the important practical case of small harmonic oscillation around a rest position, the equation reduces to a two-dimensional Fredholm integral equation of second-type. It is shown that this equation reduces properly to the lifting surface theories as well as other classical mathematical formulas. The question of uniqueness is examined and it is shown that, for thin wings, the operator becomes singular as the thickness approaches zero. This fact may yield numerical problems for very thin wings.

The Super-linear Slope of the Spatially Resolved Star Formation Law in NGC 3521 and NGC 5194 (M51a)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Guilin; Koda, Jin; Calzetti, Daniela; Fukuhara, Masayuki; Momose, Rieko

2011-07-01

We have conducted interferometric observations with the Combined Array for Research in Millimeter Astronomy (CARMA) and an on-the-fly mapping with the 45 m telescope at Nobeyama Radio Observatory (NRO45) in the CO (J = 1-0) emission line of the nearby spiral galaxy NGC 3521. Using the new combined CARMA + NRO45 data of NGC 3521, together with similar data for NGC 5194 (M51a) and archival SINGS Hα, 24 μm THINGS H I, and Galaxy Evolution Explorer/Far-UV (FUV) data for these two galaxies, we investigate the empirical scaling law that connects the surface density of star formation rate (SFR) and cold gas (known as the Schmidt-Kennicutt law or S-K law) on a spatially resolved basis and find a super-linear slope for the S-K law when carefully subtracting the background emissions in the SFR image. We argue that plausibly deriving SFR maps of nearby galaxies requires the diffuse stellar and dust background emission to be subtracted carefully (especially in the mid-infrared and to a lesser extent in the FUV). Applying this approach, we perform a pixel-by-pixel analysis on both galaxies and quantitatively show that the controversial result whether the molecular S-K law (expressed as \\Sigma _SFR\\propto \\Sigma _H_2^{\\gamma _H_2}) is super-linear or basically linear is a result of removing or preserving the local background. In both galaxies, the power index of the molecular S-K law is super-linear (\\gamma _H_2\\gtrsim 1.5) at the highest available resolution (~230 pc) and decreases monotonically for decreasing resolution. We also find in both galaxies that the scatter of the molecular S-K law (\\sigma _H_2) monotonically increases as the resolution becomes higher, indicating a trend for which the S-K law breaks down below some scale. Both \\gamma _H_2 and \\sigma _H_2 are systematically larger in M51a than in NGC 3521, but when plotted against the de-projected scale (δdp), both quantities become highly consistent for the two galaxies, tentatively suggesting that the sub-kpc molecular S-K law in spiral galaxies depends only on the scale being considered, without varying among spiral galaxies. A logarithmic function \\gamma _H_2=-1.1 log [\\delta _dp/kpc]+1.4 and a linear relation \\sigma _H_2=-0.2 [\\delta _dp/kpc]+0.7 are obtained through fitting to the M51a data, which describes both galaxies impressively well on sub-kpc scales. A larger sample of galaxies with better sensitivity, resolution, and broader field of view are required to test the general applicability of these relations.

Change of Precipitation Behavior and Impact Toughness with Depths in Quenched Thick SAF 2507 Super Duplex Stainless Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahiale, Godwin Kwame; Kim, Doo-Hyun; Yang, Won-Jon; Lee, Jong-Hoon; Oh, Yong-Jun

2018-03-01

We investigated the change of precipitation behavior and impact resistance as a function of depth from the surface of thick block of SAF 2507 super duplex stainless steel with the thickness (T) of 200 mm after water quenching from 1050 °C. The amount of detrimental sigma phase increased smoothly until the depth of 0.25T, followed by a rapid increase from 0.25T to the center. However, the impact strength decreased significantly with only 1.3% of area fraction of sigma phase as the depth increased past 0.1T. Based on fractography analysis for the samples at such small depth ranges, the distance between the sigma phase particles affected the relative amount of initiating brittle cracks in front of the notch and was one of the crucial factors that dramatically reduced impact resistance with depth.

Acceleration and collimation of relativistic plasmas ejected by fast rotators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bogovalov, S. V.

2001-06-01

A stationary self-consistent outflow of a magnetised relativistic plasma from a rotating object with an initially monopole-like magnetic field is investigated in the ideal MHD approximation under the condition sigma U02 > 1, where sigma is the ratio of the Poynting flux over the mass energy flux at the equator and the surface of the star, with U0=gamma 0v0/c and gamma0 the initial four-velocity and Lorentz factor of the plasma. The mechanism of the magnetocentrifugal acceleration and self-collimation of the relativistic plasma is investigated. A jet-like relativistic flow along the axis of rotation is found in the steady-state solution under the condition sigma U02 > 1 with properties predicted analytically. The amount of the collimated matter in the jet is rather small in comparison to the total mass flux in the wind. An explanation for the weak self-collimation of relativistic winds is given.

'Direct' Gas-Phase Metallicities, Stellar Properties, and Local Environments of Emission-Line Galaxies at Redshifts Below 0.90

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ly, Chun; Malkan, Matthew A.; Nagao, Tohru; Kashikawa, Nobunari; Shimasaku, Kazuhiro; Hayashi, Masao

2013-01-01

Using deep narrow-band (NB) imaging and optical spectroscopy from the Keck telescope and the Multi Mirror Telescope (MMT), we identify a sample of 20 emission-line galaxies (ELGs) at z = 0.065-0.90 where the weak auroral emission line, [O iii] lambda4363, is detected at >=3sigma. These detections allow us to determine the gas-phase metallicity using the "direct" method. With electron temperature measurements, and dust attenuation corrections from Balmer decrements, we find that 4 of these low-mass galaxies are extremely metal-poor with 12+log(O/H) <= 7.65 or one-tenth solar. Our most metal-deficient galaxy has 12+log(O/H)= 7.24(+0.45 / -0.30) (95% confidence), similar to some of the lowest metallicity galaxies identified in the local universe. We find that our galaxies are all undergoing significant star formation with average specific star formation rate (SFR) of (100 Myra)(exp -1), and that they have high central SFR surface densities (average of 0.5 Solar M / yr/ sq. kpc). In addition, more than two-thirds of our galaxies have between one and four nearby companions within a projected radius of 100 kpc, which we find is an excess among star-forming galaxies at z =0.4 -- 0.85. We also find that the gas-phase metallicities for a given stellar mass and SFR lie systematically lower than the local stellar M-Z-(SFR) relation by approx. = 0.2 dex (2 sigma significance). These results are partly due to selection effects, since galaxies with strong star formation and low metallicity are more likely to yield [O iii] lambda4363 detections. Finally, the observed higher ionization parameter and high electron density suggest that they are lower redshift analogs to typical z approx. > 1 galaxies.

Surface roughness in XeF{sub 2} etching of a-Si/c-Si(100)

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

Stevens, A.A.E.; Beijerinck, H.C.W.

2005-01-01

Single wavelength ellipsometry and atomic force microscopy (AFM) have been applied in a well-calibrated beam-etching experiment to characterize the dynamics of surface roughening induced by chemical etching of a {approx}12 nm amorphous silicon (a-Si) top layer and the underlying crystalline silicon (c-Si) bulk. In both the initial and final phase of etching, where either only a-Si or only c-Si is exposed to the XeF{sub 2} flux, we observe a similar evolution of the surface roughness as a function of the XeF{sub 2} dose proportional to D(XeF{sub 2}){sup {beta}} with {beta}{approx_equal}0.2. In the transition region from the pure amorphous to themore » pure crystalline silicon layer, we observe a strong anomalous increase of the surface roughness proportional to D(XeF{sub 2}){sup {beta}} with {beta}{approx_equal}1.5. Not only the growth rate of the roughness increases sharply in this phase, also the surface morphology temporarily changes to a structure that suggests a cusplike shape. Both features suggest that the remaining a-Si patches on the surface act effectively as a capping layer which causes the growth of deep trenches in the c-Si. The ellipsometry data on the roughness are corroborated by the AFM results, by equating the thickness of the rough layer to 6 {sigma}, with {sigma} the root-mean-square variation of the AFM's distribution function of height differences. In the AFM data, the anomalous behavior is reflected in a too small value of {sigma} which again suggests narrow and deep surface features that cannot be tracked by the AFM tip. The final phase morphology is characterized by an effective increase in surface area by a factor of two, as derived from a simple bilayer model of the reaction layer, using the experimental etch rate as input. We obtain a local reaction layer thickness of 1.5 monolayer consistent with the 1.7 ML value of Lo et al. [Lo et al., Phys. Rev. B 47, 648 (1993)] that is also independent of surface roughness.« less

Seasonal Variations of the Earth's Gravitational Field: An Analysis of Atmospheric Pressure, Ocean Tidal, and Surface Water Excitation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dong, D,; Gross, R.S.; Dickey, J.

1996-01-01

Monthly mean gravitational field parameters (denoted here as C(sub even)) that represent linear combinations of the primarily even degree zonal spherical harmonic coefficients of the Earth's gravitational field have been recovered using LAGEOS I data and are compared with those derived from gridded global surface pressure data of the National meteorological center (NMC) spanning 1983-1992. The effect of equilibrium ocean tides and surface water variations are also considered. Atmospheric pressure and surface water fluctuations are shown to be the dominant cause of observed annual C(sub even) variations. Closure with observations is seen at the 1sigma level when atmospheric pressure, ocean tide and surface water effects are include. Equilibrium ocean tides are shown to be the main source of excitation at the semiannual period with closure at the 1sigma level seen when both atmospheric pressure and ocean tide effects are included. The inverted barometer (IB) case is shown to give the best agreement with the observation series. The potential of the observed C(sub even) variations for monitoring mass variations in the polar regions of the Earth and the effect of the land-ocean mask in the IB calculation are discussed.

Kinetic temperature in the interior of the zeta Ophiuchi cloud from Copernicus observations of interstellar C/sub 2/

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

Snow, T.P. Jr.

1978-03-15

The Copernicus ultraviolet telescope-spectrometer has been used to carry out sensitive scans of the D/sup 1/..sigma../sub u//sup +/-X/sup 1/..sigma../sup +/ (0-0) transition of C/sub 2/ at 2312 A in the spectrum of zeta Ophiuchi. An absorption feature was detected at the 4sigma level of significance at the position of the R(0) line, implying a column density of 1.22 x 10/sup 12/ cm/sup -2/ for the J=0 level. An upper limit on the R(2) line of 2.6 mA, yielding N(J=2) < or =1.66 x 10/sup 12/ cm/sup -2/ implies a rotational temperature of at most 22 K, with a high probabilitymore » that T/sub rot/< or =16 K. This represents the limit on the kinetic temperature of the ambient gas because radiative transitions between the rotational levels of this homonuclear molecule are forbidden. The total column density of C/sub 2/ is estimated to be at most 3.2 x 10/sup 12/, a factor of approx.4 below the abundance expected from a recent model calculation for the zeta Oph cloud. The discrepancy may be due to an incorrect branching ratio for the reaction CH)..-->..CH/sub 2/+H ..-->..+H/sub 2/, to the presence of greater depletion of carbon in the cloud core than assumed, to an underestimate of the photodissociation rate for C/sub 2/, or to an incorrect oscillator strength.« less

STUDYING THE WHIM CONTENT OF LARGE-SCALE STRUCTURES ALONG THE LINE OF SIGHT TO H 2356-309

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

Zappacosta, L.; Nicastro, F.; Maiolino, R.

2010-07-01

We make use of a 500 ks Chandra HRC-S/LETG spectrum of the blazar H 2356-309, combined with a lower signal-to-noise ratio (S/N; 100 ks) pilot LETG spectrum of the same target, to search for the presence of warm-hot absorbing gas associated with two large-scale structures (LSSs) crossed by this sight line and to constrain its physical state and geometry. Strong (log N{sub O{sub VII}} {>=} 10{sup 16} cm{sup -2}) O VII K{alpha} absorption associated with a third LSS crossed by this line of sight (the Sculptor Wall (SW)), at z = 0.03, has already been detected in a previous work.more » Here, we focus on two additional prominent filamentary LSSs along the same line of sight, one at z = 0.062 (the Pisces-Cetus Supercluster (PCS)) and another at z = 0.128 (the 'Farther Sculptor Wall' (FSW)). The combined LETG spectrum has an S/N of {approx}11.6-12.6 per resolution element in the 20-25 A and an average 3{sigma} sensitivity to intervening O VII K{alpha} absorption line equivalent widths (EWs) of EW{sub O{sub VII}} {approx_gt} 14 mA in the available redshift range (z < 0.165). No statistically significant (i.e., {>=}3{sigma}) individual absorption is detected from any of the strong He- or H-like transitions of C, O, and Ne (the most abundant metals in gas with solar-like composition) at the redshifts of the PCS and FSW structures and down to the EW thresholds mentioned above. However, we are still able to constrain the physical and geometrical parameters of the putative absorbing gas associated with these structures, by performing a joint spectral fit of various marginal detections and upper limits of the strongest expected lines with our self-consistent hybrid-ionization WHIM spectral model. At the redshift of the PCS, we identify a warm phase with log T = 5.35{sup +0.07}{sub -0.13} K and log N{sub H} = (19.1 {+-} 0.2) cm{sup -2} possibly co-existing with a much hotter and statistically less significant phase with log T = 6.9{sup +0.1}{sub -0.8} K and log N{sub H} = 20.1{sup +0.3}{sub -1.7} cm{sup -2} (1{sigma} errors). These two separate physical phases are identified through, and mainly constrained by, C V K{alpha} (warm phase) and O VIII K{alpha} (hot phase) absorption, with single line significances of 1.5{sigma} each. For the second LSS, at z {approx_equal} 0.128, only one hot component is hinted in the data, through O VIII K{alpha} (1.6{sigma}) and Ne IX K{alpha} (1.2{sigma}). For this system, we estimate log T = 6.6{sup +0.1}{sub -0.2} K and log N{sub H} = 19.8{sup +0.4}{sub -0.8} cm{sup -2}. Our column density and temperature constraints on the warm-hot gaseous content of these two LSSs, combined with the measurements obtained for the hot gas permeating the SW, allow us to estimate the cumulative number density per unit redshifts of O VII WHIM absorbers at three different EW thresholds of 0.4 mA, 7 mA, and 25.8 mA. This is consistent with expectations only at the very low end of EW thresholds, but exceeds predictions at 7 mA and 25.8 mA (by more than 2{sigma}). We also estimate the cosmological mass density of the WHIM based on the four absorbers we tentatively detect along this line of sight, obtaining {Omega}{sup WHIM}{sub b} = (0.021{sup +0.031}{sub -0.018})(Z/Z{sub sun}){sup -1}, consistent with the cosmological mass density of the intergalactic 'missing baryons' only if we assume high metallicities (Z {approx} Z{sub sun}).« less

EXPLAINING THE [C II]157.7 {mu}m DEFICIT IN LUMINOUS INFRARED GALAXIES-FIRST RESULTS FROM A HERSCHEL/PACS STUDY OF THE GOALS SAMPLE

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

Diaz-Santos, T.; Armus, L.; Howell, J. H.

We present the first results of a survey of the [C II]157.7 {mu}m emission line in 241 luminous infrared galaxies (LIRGs) comprising the Great Observatories All-sky LIRG Survey (GOALS) sample, obtained with the PACS instrument on board the Herschel Space Observatory. The [C II] luminosities, L{sub [C{sub II]}}, of the LIRGs in GOALS range from {approx}10{sup 7} to 2 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 9} L{sub Sun }. We find that LIRGs show a tight correlation of [C II]/FIR with far-IR (FIR) flux density ratios, with a strong negative trend spanning from {approx}10{sup -2} to 10{sup -4}, as the average temperature of dustmore » increases. We find correlations between the [C II]/FIR ratio and the strength of the 9.7 {mu}m silicate absorption feature as well as with the luminosity surface density of the mid-IR emitting region ({Sigma}{sub MIR}), suggesting that warmer, more compact starbursts have substantially smaller [C II]/FIR ratios. Pure star-forming LIRGs have a mean [C II]/FIR {approx} 4 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup -3}, while galaxies with low polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) equivalent widths (EWs), indicative of the presence of active galactic nuclei (AGNs), span the full range in [C II]/FIR. However, we show that even when only pure star-forming galaxies are considered, the [C II]/FIR ratio still drops by an order of magnitude, from 10{sup -2} to 10{sup -3}, with {Sigma}{sub MIR} and {Sigma}{sub IR}, implying that the [C II]157.7 {mu}m luminosity is not a good indicator of the star formation rate (SFR) for most local LIRGs, for it does not scale linearly with the warm dust emission most likely associated to the youngest stars. Moreover, even in LIRGs in which we detect an AGN in the mid-IR, the majority (2/3) of galaxies show [C II]/FIR {>=} 10{sup -3} typical of high 6.2 {mu}m PAH EW sources, suggesting that most AGNs do not contribute significantly to the FIR emission. We provide an empirical relation between the [C II]/FIR and the specific SFR for star-forming LIRGs. Finally, we present predictions for the starburst size based on the observed [C II] and FIR luminosities which should be useful for comparing with results from future surveys of high-redshift galaxies with ALMA and CCAT.« less

A Consistent Treatment of Microwave Emissivity and Radar Backscatter for Retrieval of Precipitation over Water Surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Munchak, S. Joseph; Meneghini, Robert; Grecu, Mircea; Olson, William S.

2016-01-01

The Global Precipitation Measurement satellite's Microwave Imager (GMI) and Dual-frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) are designed to provide the most accurate instantaneous precipitation estimates currently available from space. The GPM Combined Algorithm (CORRA) plays a key role in this process by retrieving precipitation profiles that are consistent with GMI and DPR measurements; therefore, it is desirable that the forward models in CORRA use the same geophysical input parameters. This study explores the feasibility of using internally consistent emissivity and surface backscatter cross-sectional (sigma(sub 0)) models for water surfaces in CORRA. An empirical model for DPR Ku and Ka sigma(sub 0) as a function of 10m wind speed and incidence angle is derived from GMI-only wind retrievals under clear-sky conditions. This allows for the sigma(sub 0) measurements, which are also influenced by path-integrated attenuation (PIA) from precipitation, to be used as input to CORRA and for wind speed to be retrieved as output. Comparisons to buoy data give a wind rmse of 3.7 m/s for Ku+GMI and 3.2 m/s for Ku+Ka+GMI retrievals under precipitation (compared to 1.3 m/s for clear-sky GMI-only), and there is a reduction in bias from GANAL background data (-10%) to the Ku+GMI (-3%) and Ku+Ka+GMI (-5%) retrievals. Ku+GMI retrievals of precipitation increase slightly in light (less than 1 mm/h) and decrease in moderate to heavy precipitation (greater than 1 mm/h). The Ku+Ka+GMI retrievals, being additionally constrained by the Ka reflectivity, increase only slightly in moderate and heavy precipitation at low wind speeds (less than 5 m/s) relative to retrievals using the surface reference estimate of PIA as input.

Copolymer Synthesis and Characterization by Post-Polymerization Modification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Galvin, Casey James

This PhD thesis examines the physical behavior of surface-grafted polymer assemblies (SGPAs) derived from post-polymerization modification (PPM) reactions in aqueous and vapor enriched environments, and offers an alternative method of creating SGPAs using a PPM approach. SGPAs comprise typically polymer chains grafted covalently to solid substrates. These assemblies show promise in a number of applications and technologies due to the stability imparted by the covalent graft and ability to modify interfacial properties and stability. SGPAs also offer a set of rich physics to explore in fundamental investigations as a result of confining macromolecules to a solid substrate. PPM reactions (also called polymer analogous reactions) apply small molecule organic chemistry reactions to the repeat units of polymer chains in order to generate new chemistries. By applying a PPM strategy to SGPAs, a wide variety of functional groups can be introduced into a small number of well-studied and well-behaved model polymer systems. This approach offers the advantage of holding constant other properties of the SGPA (e.g., molecular weight, MW, and grafting density, sigma) to isolate the effect of chemistry on physical behavior. Using a combination of PPM and fabrication methods that facilitate the formation of SPGAs with position-dependent gradual variation of sigma on flat impenetrable substrate, the influence of polymer chemistry and sigma is examined on the stability of weak polyelectrolyte brushes in aqueous environments at different pH levels. Degrafting of polymer chains in SGPAs exhibits a complex dependence on side chain chemistry, sigma, pH and the charge fraction (alpha) within the brush. Results of these experiments support a proposed mechanism of degrafting, wherein extension of the grafted chains away from the substrate generates tension along the polymer backbone, which activates the grafting chemistry for hydrolysis. The implications of these findings are important in developing technologies that use SGPAs in aqueous environments, and point to a need for potential alternative grafting chemistries. The behavior of SGPAs in vapor environments remains an underexplored phenomenon. By changing systematically the chemistry of SGPAs derived from a parent sample, the influence of side chain functional groups on the swelling of weak and strong polyelectrolyte brushes in the presence of water, methanol and ethanol vapors is explored. The extent of swelling and solvent uptake depends strongly on the chemistry in the polymer side chain and of the solvent. Despite bearing a permanent electrostatic charge in the side chain, the strong polyelectrolyte brushes exhibit no behavior typical of polyelectrolytes in water due to no dissociation of the counterion. Of particular interest is the behavior in humid environments of an SGPA bearing a zwitterionic group in its side chain, which results in exposure of electrostatic charges without counterions. Using substrates bearing the aforementioned sigma gradient of polymeric grafts, evidence of inter- and intramolecular complex formation is presented. Finally, a method of developing SGPAs by polymerizing bulk polymer chains through surface-grafted monomers (SGMs) is described. The SGMs are incorporated onto a solid substrate using the same PPM reaction employed in the degrafting and vapor swelling experiments, highlighting the versatility of PPM. The thickness of these SGPAs is correlated to the bulk polymer chains MW, suggesting this technique can be used in existing industrial bulk polymerization processes.

Applying horizontal diffusion on pressure surface to mesoscale models on terrain-following coordinates

Treesearch

Hann-Ming Henry Juang; Ching-Teng Lee; Yongxin Zhang; Yucheng Song; Ming-Chin Wu; Yi-Leng Chen; Kevin Kodama; Shyh-Chin Chen

2005-01-01

The National Centers for Environmental Prediction regional spectral model and mesoscale spectral model (NCEP RSM/MSM) use a spectral computation on perturbation. The perturbation is defined as a deviation between RSM/MSM forecast value and their outer model or analysis value on model sigma-coordinate surfaces. The horizontal diffusion used in the models applies...

Areas of Weakly Anomalous to Anomalous Surface Temperature in Alamosa and Saguache Counties, Colorado, as Identified from ASTER Thermal Data

DOE Data Explorer

Khalid Hussein

2012-02-01

This "Weakly Anomalous to Anomalous Surface Temperature" dataset differs from the "Anomalous Surface Temperature" dataset for this county (another remotely sensed CIRES product) by showing areas of modeled temperatures between 1o and 2o above the mean, as opposed to the greater than 2o temperatures contained in the "Anomalous Surface Temperature" dataset. Note: 'o' is used in this description to represent lowercase sigma

Effect of patient setup errors on simultaneously integrated boost head and neck IMRT treatment plans

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

Siebers, Jeffrey V.; Keall, Paul J.; Wu Qiuwen

2005-10-01

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine dose delivery errors that could result from random and systematic setup errors for head-and-neck patients treated using the simultaneous integrated boost (SIB)-intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) technique. Methods and Materials: Twenty-four patients who participated in an intramural Phase I/II parotid-sparing IMRT dose-escalation protocol using the SIB treatment technique had their dose distributions reevaluated to assess the impact of random and systematic setup errors. The dosimetric effect of random setup error was simulated by convolving the two-dimensional fluence distribution of each beam with the random setup error probability density distribution. Random setup errorsmore » of {sigma} = 1, 3, and 5 mm were simulated. Systematic setup errors were simulated by randomly shifting the patient isocenter along each of the three Cartesian axes, with each shift selected from a normal distribution. Systematic setup error distributions with {sigma} = 1.5 and 3.0 mm along each axis were simulated. Combined systematic and random setup errors were simulated for {sigma} = {sigma} = 1.5 and 3.0 mm along each axis. For each dose calculation, the gross tumor volume (GTV) received by 98% of the volume (D{sub 98}), clinical target volume (CTV) D{sub 90}, nodes D{sub 90}, cord D{sub 2}, and parotid D{sub 50} and parotid mean dose were evaluated with respect to the plan used for treatment for the structure dose and for an effective planning target volume (PTV) with a 3-mm margin. Results: Simultaneous integrated boost-IMRT head-and-neck treatment plans were found to be less sensitive to random setup errors than to systematic setup errors. For random-only errors, errors exceeded 3% only when the random setup error {sigma} exceeded 3 mm. Simulated systematic setup errors with {sigma} = 1.5 mm resulted in approximately 10% of plan having more than a 3% dose error, whereas a {sigma} = 3.0 mm resulted in half of the plans having more than a 3% dose error and 28% with a 5% dose error. Combined random and systematic dose errors with {sigma} = {sigma} = 3.0 mm resulted in more than 50% of plans having at least a 3% dose error and 38% of the plans having at least a 5% dose error. Evaluation with respect to a 3-mm expanded PTV reduced the observed dose deviations greater than 5% for the {sigma} = {sigma} = 3.0 mm simulations to 5.4% of the plans simulated. Conclusions: Head-and-neck SIB-IMRT dosimetric accuracy would benefit from methods to reduce patient systematic setup errors. When GTV, CTV, or nodal volumes are used for dose evaluation, plans simulated including the effects of random and systematic errors deviate substantially from the nominal plan. The use of PTVs for dose evaluation in the nominal plan improves agreement with evaluated GTV, CTV, and nodal dose values under simulated setup errors. PTV concepts should be used for SIB-IMRT head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma patients, although the size of the margins may be less than those used with three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy.« less

Compact radio sources in the starburst galaxy M82 and the Sigma-D relation for supernova remnants

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huang, Z. P.; Thuan, T. X.; Chevalier, R. A.; Condon, J. J.; Yin, Q. F.

1994-01-01

We have obtained an 8.4 GHz Very Large Array (VLA) A-array map of the starburst galaxy M82 with a resolution Full Width at Half Maximum (FWHM) approximately 0.182 sec. About 50 compact radio sources in the central region of M82 were detected with a peak surface brightness approximately greater than 10(exp -17) W/Hz/sq m/sr. Comparison with previous observations shows that most sources are declining in flux. Three previously visible sources have faded into the background of our map (approximately less than 0.2 mJy/beam), while a few sources, including the second and third brightest radio sources in M82, may have increased slightly in flux over the last decade. No new radio supernova was found. The birth rate of the compact radio sources is estimated to be 0.11 + or - 0.05/yr. We attribute the population of such bright, small supernova remnants (SNRs) in M82 to the high pressure in the central region that can truncate the mass loss during a red supergiant phase or allow dense ionized clouds to be present. The compact radio sources obey a Sigma(radio surface brightness) - D(diameter) relation which is remarkably similar to that followed by supernova remnants in the Galaxy and the Magellanic Clouds and by two of the strongest known extragalactic radio supernovae: SN 1986J and SN 1979C. A least-squares fit to the SNR data gives: Sigma(sub 8.4 GHz) (W/Hz/sq m/sr) = 4.4 x 10(exp -16) D(sub pc)(exp -3.5 +/- 0.1) covering seven orders of magnitude in Sigma. Possible selection effects are discussed and a theoretical discussion of the correlation is presented.

MOIRCS Deep Survey. I: DRG Number Counts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kajisawa, Masaru; Konishi, Masahiro; Suzuki, Ryuji; Tokoku, Chihiro; Uchimoto, Yuka; Katsuno; Yoshikawa, Tomohiro; Akiyama, Masayuki; Ichikawa, Takashi; Ouchi, Masami; Omata, Koji; Tanaka, Ichi; Nishimura, Tetsuo; Yamada, Toru

2006-12-01

We use very deep near-infrared imaging data taken with Multi-Object InfraRed Camera and Spectrograph (MOIRCS) on the Subaru Telescope to investigate the number counts of Distant Red Galaxies (DRGs). We have observed a 4x7 arcmin^2 field in the Great Observatories Origins Deep Survey North (GOODS-N), and our data reach J=24.6 and K=23.2 (5sigma, Vega magnitude). The surface density of DRGs selected by J-K>2.3 is 2.35+-0.31 arcmin^-2 at K<22 and 3.54+-0.38 arcmin^-2 at K<23, respectively. These values are consistent with those in the GOODS-South and FIRES. Our deep and wide data suggest that the number counts of DRGs turn over at K~22, and the surface density of the faint DRGs with K>22 is smaller than that expected from the number counts at the brighter magnitude. The result indicates that while there are many bright galaxies at 222 suggest that the mass-dependent color distribution, where most of low-mass galaxies are blue while more massive galaxies tend to have redder colors, had already been established at that epoch.

Defect structures in ordered intermetallics; grain boundaries and surfaces in FeAl, NiAl, CoAl and TiAl

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mutasa, Batsirai Manyara

Ordered intermetallics based on transition metal aluminides have been proposed as structural materials for advanced aerospace applications. The development of these materials, which have the advantages of low density and high operating temperatures, have been focused on the aluminides of titanium, nickel and iron. Though these materials exhibit attractive properties at elevated temperatures, their utilization is limited due to their propensity for low temperature fracture and susceptibility to decreased ductility due to environmental effects. A major embrittlement mechanism at ambient temperatures in these aluminides has been by the loss of cohesive strength at the interfaces (intergranular failure). This study focuses on this mechanism of failure, by undertaking a systematic study of the energies and structures of specific grain boundaries in some of these compounds. The relaxed atomistic grain boundary structures in B2 aluminides, FeAl, NiAl and CoAl and L10 gamma-TiAl were investigated using molecular statics and embedded atom potentials in order to explore general trends for a series of B2 compounds as well as TiAl. The potentials used correctly predict the proper mechanism of compositional disorder of these compounds. Using these potentials, point defects, free surface energies and various grain boundary structures of similar energies in three B2 compounds, FeAl, NiAl and CoAl were studied. These B2 alloys exhibited increasing anti-phase boundary energies respectively. The misorientations chosen for detailed study correspond to the Sigma5(310) and Sigma5(210) boundaries. These boundaries were investigated with consideration given to possible variations in the local chemical composition. The effects of both boundary stoichiometry and bulk stoichiometry on grain boundary energetics were also considered. Defect energies were calculated for boundaries contained in both stoichiometric and off-stoichiometric bulk. The surface energies for these aluminides were also calculated so that trends concerning the cohesive energy of the boundaries could be studied. The implications of stoichiometry, the multiplicity of the boundary structures and possible transformations between them for grain boundary brittleness are also discussed.

Understanding Transient Forcing with Plasma Instability Model, Ionospheric Propagation Model and GNSS Observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deshpande, K.; Zettergren, M. D.; Datta-Barua, S.

2017-12-01

Fluctuations in the Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) signals observed as amplitude and phase scintillations are produced by plasma density structures in the ionosphere. Phase scintillation events in particular occur due to structures at Fresnel scales, typically about 250 meters at ionospheric heights and GNSS frequency. Likely processes contributing to small-scale density structuring in auroral and polar regions include ionospheric gradient-drift instability (GDI) and Kelvin-Helmholtz instability (KHI), which result, generally, from magnetosphere-ionosphere interactions (e.g. reconnection) associated with cusp and auroral zone regions. Scintillation signals, ostensibly from either GDI or KHI, are frequently observed in the high latitude ionosphere and are potentially useful diagnostics of how energy from the transient forcing in the cusp or polar cap region cascades, via instabilities, to small scales. However, extracting quantitative details of instabilities leading to scintillation using GNSS data drastically benefits from both a model of the irregularities and a model of GNSS signal propagation through irregular media. This work uses a physics-based model of the generation of plasma density irregularities (GEMINI - Geospace Environment Model of Ion-Neutral Interactions) coupled to an ionospheric radio wave propagation model (SIGMA - Satellite-beacon Ionospheric-scintillation Global Model of the upper Atmosphere) to explore the cascade of density structures from medium to small (sub-kilometer) scales. Specifically, GEMINI-SIGMA is used to simulate expected scintillation from different instabilities during various stages of evolution to determine features of the scintillation that may be useful to studying ionospheric density structures. Furthermore we relate the instabilities producing GNSS scintillations to the transient space and time-dependent magnetospheric phenomena and further predict characteristics of scintillation in different geophysical situations. Finally we present initial comparison of our modeling results with GNSS scintillation observed via an array of receivers at Poker Flat.

Virtual Ionosonde Construction by using ITS and IRI-2012 models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kabasakal, Mehmet; Toker, Cenk

2016-07-01

Ionosonde is a kind of radar which is used to examine several properties of the ionosphere, including the electron density and drift velocity. Ionosonde is an expensive device and its installation requires special expertise and a proper area clear of sources of radio interference. In order to overcome the difficulties of installing an ionosonde hardware, the target of this study is to construct a virtual ionosonde based on communication channel models where the model parameters are determined by ray tracing obtained by the PHaRLAP software and the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI-2012) model. Although narrowband high frequency (HF) communication models have been widely used to represent the behaviour of the radio channel, they are applicable to a limited set of actual propagation conditions and wideband models are needed to better understand the HF channel. In 1997, the Institute for Telecommunication Science (ITS) developed a wideband HF ionospheric model, the so-called ITS model, however, it has some restrictions in real life applications. The ITS model parameters are grouped into two parts; the deterministic and the stochastic parameters. The deterministic parameters are the delay time (tau _{c}) of each reflection path based on the penetration frequency (f _{p}), the height (h _{0}) of the maximum electron density and the half thickness (sigma) of the reflective layer. The stochastic parameters, delay spread (sigma _{tau}), delay rise time (sigma _{c}), Doppler spread (sigma _{D}), Doppler shift (f _{s}), are to calculate the impulse response of the channel. These parameters are generally difficult to obtain and are based on the measured data which may not be available in all cases. In order to obtain these parameters, we propose to integrate the PHaRLAP ray tracing toolbox and the IRI-2012 model. When Total Electron Content (TEC) estimates obtained from GNSS measurements are input to IRI-2012, the model generates electron density profiles close to the actual profiles, which are used for ray tracing between the user defined geographical coordinates. Then, ITS model parameters are obtained from both ray tracing and also the IRI-2012 model. Finally, an ionosonde signal waveform is transmitted through the channel obtained from the ITS model to generate the ionogram. As an application, oblique sounding between two points is simulated with ITS channel model. M-sequence, Barker sequence and complementary sequences are used as sounding waveforms. The effects of channel on the oblique ionogram and sounding waveform characteristics are also investigated.

Optical emission spectroscopic study of plasma plumes generated by IR CO2 pulsed laser on carbon targets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Camacho, J. J.; Díaz, L.; Santos, M.; Reyman, D.; Poyato, J. M. L.

2008-05-01

Optical emission spectroscopy studies, in the spectral range ultraviolet-visible-near infrared (UV-Vis-NIR), were performed to investigate thermal and dynamical properties of a plume produced by laser ablation of a graphite target. Ablation is carried out using a high-power IR CO2 pulsed laser at λ = 9.621 µm, power density ranging from 0.22 to 5.36 GW cm-2 and air pressures around 4 Pa. The strong emission observed in the plasma region is mainly due to electronic relaxation of excited C, ionic fragments C+, C2+ and C3+ and molecular features of C2(d 3Πg-a 3Πu Swan band system). The medium-weak emission is mainly due to excited atomic N, H, O, ionic fragment C4+ and molecular features of C2( E\\,^1\\Sigma _g^+\\--A\\,^{1}\\Pi _u ; Freymark system), C2( D\\,^1\\Sigma _u^+\\--X\\,^1\\Sigma _g^+ ; Mulliken system), CN(D 2Π-A 2Π), C2(e 3Πg-a 3Πu Fox-Herzberg system), C2(C 1Πg-A 1Πu Deslandres-d'Azambuja system), OH(A 2Σ+-X 2Π), CH(C 2Σ+-X 2Π), NH(A 3Π-X 3Σ-), CN(B 2Σ+-X 2Σ+ violet system), CH(B 2Σ+-X 2Π), CH(A 2Δ-X 2Π), C2( A\\,^{1}\\Pi_u\\--X\\,^{1}\\Sigma ^{+}_g ; Phillips system) and CN(A 2Π-X 2Σ+ red system). An excitation temperature Texc = 23 000 ± 1900 K and electron densities in the range (0.6-5.6) × 1016 cm-3 were estimated by means of C+ ionic lines. The characteristics of the spectral emission intensities from different species have been investigated as functions of the ambient pressure and laser irradiance. Estimates of vibrational temperatures of C2 and CN electronically excited species under various laser irradiance conditions are made.

Spray measurements of aerothermodynamic effect on disintegrating liquid jets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ingebo, Robert D.

1991-01-01

An experimental investigation was made to determine the effect of atomizing gas mass flux and temperature on liquid jet breakup in sonic velocity gas flow. Characteristic drop size data were obtained by using the following atomizing gases: nitrogen, argon, and helium to breakup water jets in high velocity gas flow. A scattered light scanning instrument developed at Lewis Research Center was used to measure Sauter mean diameter (SMD). The three gases gave a molecular weight range of 4 to 40 and atomizing gas mass flux and temperature were varied from 6 to 50 g/sq cm and 275-400 K, respectively. The ratio of liquid jet diameter to SMD, D(sub 0)/D(sub 32), was correlated with aerodynamic and liquid-surface force ratios, i.e., the product of the Weber and Reynolds number, We Re, the gas to liquid density ratio, rho(sub g)/rho(sub 1) g and also the molecular scale dimensionless group, rho(sub 1)(Vm exp 3)/ mu(sub 1) g, to give the following expression: D(sub 0)/D(sub 32) = 0.90 x 10(exp -8) x (We Re rho sub g/rho sub 1)exp 0.44 x (rho sub 1 Vm exp 3/mu sub 1 g)exp 0.67 where We Re = ((rho sub g)exp 2(D sub 0)exp 2(V sub C)exp3))/ mu sub 1 sigma, mu sub 1 is liquid viscosity, sigma is surface tension, V sub C is the acoustic gas velocity, V sub m is the RMS velocity of gas molecules, and g is the acceleration of gas molecules due to gravity. Good agreement was obtained with atomization theory for liquid-jet breakup in the regime of aerodynamic stripping. Also, due to its low molecular weight and high acoustic velocity, helium was considerably more effective than nitrogen or argon in producing small-droplet sprays with values of D(sub 32) on the order of 5 microns.

Nuclear physics and cosmology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schramm, David N.

1989-01-01

Nuclear physics has provided one of two critical observational tests of all Big Bang cosmology, namely Big Bang Nucleosynthesis. Furthermore, this same nuclear physics input enables a prediction to be made about one of the most fundamental physics questions of all, the number of elementary particle families. The standard Big Bang Nucleosynthesis arguments are reviewed. The primordial He abundance is inferred from He-C and He-N and He-O correlations. The strengthened Li constraint as well as D-2 plus He-3 are used to limit the baryon density. This limit is the key argument behind the need for non-baryonic dark matter. The allowed number of neutrino families, N(nu), is delineated using the new neutron lifetime value of tau(n) = 890 + or - 4s (tau(1/2) = 10.3 min). The formal statistical result is N(nu) = 2.6 + or - 0.3 (1 sigma), providing a reasonable fit (1.3 sigma) to three families but making a fourth light (m(nu) less than or equal to 10 MeV) neutrino family exceedly unlikely (approx. greater than 4.7 sigma). It is also shown that uncertainties induced by postulating a first-order quark-baryon phase transition do not seriously affect the conclusions.

Transcriptional organization and in vivo role of the Escherichia coli rsd gene, encoding the regulator of RNA polymerase sigma D.

PubMed

Jishage, M; Ishihama, A

1999-06-01

The regulator of sigma D (Rsd) was identified as an RNA polymerase sigma70-associated protein in stationary-phase Escherichia coli with the inhibitory activity of sigma70-dependent transcription in vitro (M. Jishage and A. Ishihama, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 95:4953-4958, 1998). Primer extension analysis of rsd mRNA indicated the presence of two promoters, sigmaS-dependent P1 and sigma70-dependent P2 with the gearbox sequence. To get insight into the in vivo role of Rsd, the expression of a reporter gene fused to either the sigma70- or sigmaS-dependent promoter was analyzed in the absence of Rsd or the presence of overexpressed Rsd. In the rsd null mutant, the sigma70- and sigmaS-dependent gene expression was increased or decreased, respectively. On the other hand, the sigma70- or sigmaS-dependent transcription was reduced or enhanced, respectively, after overexpression of Rsd. The repression of the sigmaS-dependent transcription in the rsd mutant is overcome by increased production of the sigmaS subunit. Together these observations support the prediction that Rsd is involved in replacement of the RNA polymerase sigma subunit from sigma70 to sigmaS during the transition from exponential growth to the stationary phase.

Comparison of direct and flow integration based charge density population analyses.

PubMed

Francisco, E; Martín Pendas, A; Blanco, M A; Costales, A

2007-12-06

Different exhaustive and fuzzy partitions of the molecular electron density (rho) into atomic densities (rho(A)) are used to compute the atomic charges (Q(A)) of a representative set of molecules. The Q(A)'s derived from a direct integration of rho(A) are compared to those obtained from integrating the deformation density rho(def) = rho - rho(0) within each atomic domain. Our analysis shows that the latter methods tend to give Q(A)'s similar to those of the (arbitrary) reference atomic densities rho(A)(0) used in the definition of the promolecular density, rho(0) = SigmaArho(A)(0). Moreover, we show that the basis set independence of these charges is a sign not of their intrinsic quality, as commonly stated, but of the practical insensitivity on the basis set of the atomic domains that are employed in this type of methods.

Evaluating the performance of the two-phase flow solver interFoam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deshpande, Suraj S.; Anumolu, Lakshman; Trujillo, Mario F.

2012-01-01

The performance of the open source multiphase flow solver, interFoam, is evaluated in this work. The solver is based on a modified volume of fluid (VoF) approach, which incorporates an interfacial compression flux term to mitigate the effects of numerical smearing of the interface. It forms a part of the C + + libraries and utilities of OpenFOAM and is gaining popularity in the multiphase flow research community. However, to the best of our knowledge, the evaluation of this solver is confined to the validation tests of specific interest to the users of the code and the extent of its applicability to a wide range of multiphase flow situations remains to be explored. In this work, we have performed a thorough investigation of the solver performance using a variety of verification and validation test cases, which include (i) verification tests for pure advection (kinematics), (ii) dynamics in the high Weber number limit and (iii) dynamics of surface tension-dominated flows. With respect to (i), the kinematics tests show that the performance of interFoam is generally comparable with the recent algebraic VoF algorithms; however, it is noticeably worse than the geometric reconstruction schemes. For (ii), the simulations of inertia-dominated flows with large density ratios {\\sim }\\mathscr {O}(10^3) yielded excellent agreement with analytical and experimental results. In regime (iii), where surface tension is important, consistency of pressure-surface tension formulation and accuracy of curvature are important, as established by Francois et al (2006 J. Comput. Phys. 213 141-73). Several verification tests were performed along these lines and the main findings are: (a) the algorithm of interFoam ensures a consistent formulation of pressure and surface tension; (b) the curvatures computed by the solver converge to a value slightly (10%) different from the analytical value and a scope for improvement exists in this respect. To reduce the disruptive effects of spurious currents, we followed the analysis of Galusinski and Vigneaux (2008 J. Comput. Phys. 227 6140-64) and arrived at the following criterion for stable capillary simulations for interFoam: \\Delta t\\leqslant \\max (10\\tau _\\mu , 0.1\\tau _\\rho) where \\tau _\\mu =\\mu \\Delta x/\\sigma ,~ {and}~\\tau _\\rho =\\sqrt {\\rho \\Delta x^3/\\sigma } . Finally, some capillary flows relevant to atomization were simulated, resulting in good agreement with the results from the literature.

Probabilities and statistics for backscatter estimates obtained by a scatterometer with applications to new scatterometer design data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pierson, Willard J., Jr.

1989-01-01

The values of the Normalized Radar Backscattering Cross Section (NRCS), sigma (o), obtained by a scatterometer are random variables whose variance is a known function of the expected value. The probability density function can be obtained from the normal distribution. Models for the expected value obtain it as a function of the properties of the waves on the ocean and the winds that generated the waves. Point estimates of the expected value were found from various statistics given the parameters that define the probability density function for each value. Random intervals were derived with a preassigned probability of containing that value. A statistical test to determine whether or not successive values of sigma (o) are truly independent was derived. The maximum likelihood estimates for wind speed and direction were found, given a model for backscatter as a function of the properties of the waves on the ocean. These estimates are biased as a result of the terms in the equation that involve natural logarithms, and calculations of the point estimates of the maximum likelihood values are used to show that the contributions of the logarithmic terms are negligible and that the terms can be omitted.

Optimized equation of the state of the square-well fluid of variable range based on a fourth-order free-energy expansion.

PubMed

Espíndola-Heredia, Rodolfo; del Río, Fernando; Malijevsky, Anatol

2009-01-14

The free energy of square-well (SW) systems of hard-core diameter sigma with ranges 1 < or = lambda < or = 3 is expanded in a perturbation series. This interval covers most ranges of interest, from short-ranged SW fluids (lambda approximately 1.2) used in modeling colloids to long ranges (lambda approximately 3) where the van der Waals classic approximation holds. The first four terms are evaluated by means of extensive Monte Carlo simulations. The calculations are corrected for the thermodynamic limit and care is taken to evaluate and to control the various sources of error. The results for the first two terms in the series confirm well-known independent results but have an increased estimated accuracy and cover a wider set of well ranges. The results for the third- and fourth-order terms are novel. The free-energy expansion for systems with short and intermediate ranges, 1 < or = lambda < or = 2, is seen to have properties similar to those of systems with longer ranges, 2 < or = lambda < or = 3. An equation of state (EOS) is built to represent the free-energy data. The thermodynamics given by this EOS, confronted against independent computer simulations, is shown to predict accurately the internal energy, pressure, specific heat, and chemical potential of the SW fluids considered and for densities 0 < or = rho sigma(3) < or = 0.9 including subcritical temperatures. This fourth-order theory is estimated to be accurate except for a small region at high density, rho sigma(3) approximately 0.9, and low temperature where terms of still higher order might be needed.

The local stellar velocity distribution of the Galaxy. Galactic structure and potential

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bienaymé, O.

1999-01-01

The velocity distribution of neighbouring stars is deduced from the Hipparcos proper motions. We have used a classical Schwarzschild decomposition and also developed a dynamical model for quasi-exponential stellar discs. This model is a 3-D derivation of Shu's model in the framework of Stäckel potentials with three integrals of motion. We determine the solar motion relative to the local standard of rest (LSR) (U_sun=9.7+/-0.3kms , V_sun=5.2+/-1.0kms and W_sun=6.7+/-0.2kms ), the density and kinematic radial gradients, as well as the local slope of the velocity curve. We find out that the scale density length of the Galaxy is 1.8+/-0.2kpc . We measure a large kinematic scale length for blue (young) stars, R_{sigma_r }=17+/-4kpc , while for red stars (predominantly old) we find R_{sigma_r }=9.7+/-0.8kpc (or R_{sigma_r (2}=4.8+/-0.4kpc ) ). From the stellar disc dynamical model, we determine explicitly the link between the tangential-vertical velocity (v_theta , v_z) coupling and the local shape of the potential. Using a restricted sample of 3-D velocity data, we measure z_o, the focus of the spheroidal coordinate system defining the best fitted Stäckel potential. The parameter z_o is related to the tilt of the velocity ellipsoid and more fundamentally to the mass gradient in the galactic disc. This parameter is found to be 5.7+/-1.4kpc . This implies that the galactic potential is not extremely flat and that the dark matter component is not confined in the galactic plane. Based on data from the Hipparcos astrometry satellite.

Detection of enhancement in number densities of background galaxies due to magnification by massive galaxy clusters

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

Chiu, I.; Dietrich, J. P.; Mohr, J.

2016-02-18

We present a detection of the enhancement in the number densities of background galaxies induced from lensing magnification and use it to test the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich effect (SZE-) inferred masses in a sample of 19 galaxy clusters with median redshift z similar or equal to 0.42 selected from the South Pole Telescope SPT-SZ survey. These clusters are observed by the Megacam on the Magellan Clay Telescope though gri filters. Two background galaxy populations are selected for this study through their photometric colours; they have median redshifts zmedian similar or equal to 0.9 (low-z background) and z(median) similar or equal to 1.8more » (high-z background). Stacking these populations, we detect the magnification bias effect at 3.3 sigma and 1.3 sigma for the low-and high-z backgrounds, respectively. We fit Navarro, Frenk and White models simultaneously to all observed magnification bias profiles to estimate the multiplicative factor. that describes the ratio of the weak lensing mass to the mass inferred from the SZE observable-mass relation. We further quantify systematic uncertainties in. resulting from the photometric noise and bias, the cluster galaxy contamination and the estimations of the background properties. The resulting. for the combined background populations with 1 sigma uncertainties is 0.83 +/- 0.24(stat) +/- 0.074(sys), indicating good consistency between the lensing and the SZE-inferred masses. We use our best-fitting eta to predict the weak lensing shear profiles and compare these predictions with observations, showing agreement between the magnification and shear mass constraints. This work demonstrates the promise of using the magnification as a complementary method to estimate cluster masses in large surveys.« less

Unambiguous determination of H-atom positions: comparing results from neutron and high-resolution X-ray crystallography.

PubMed

Gardberg, Anna S; Del Castillo, Alexis Rae; Weiss, Kevin L; Meilleur, Flora; Blakeley, Matthew P; Myles, Dean A A

2010-05-01

The locations of H atoms in biological structures can be difficult to determine using X-ray diffraction methods. Neutron diffraction offers a relatively greater scattering magnitude from H and D atoms. Here, 1.65 A resolution neutron diffraction studies of fully perdeuterated and selectively CH(3)-protonated perdeuterated crystals of Pyrococcus furiosus rubredoxin (D-rubredoxin and HD-rubredoxin, respectively) at room temperature (RT) are described, as well as 1.1 A resolution X-ray diffraction studies of the same protein at both RT and 100 K. The two techniques are quantitatively compared in terms of their power to directly provide atomic positions for D atoms and analyze the role played by atomic thermal motion by computing the sigma level at the D-atom coordinate in simulated-annealing composite D-OMIT maps. It is shown that 1.65 A resolution RT neutron data for perdeuterated rubredoxin are approximately 8 times more likely overall to provide high-confidence positions for D atoms than 1.1 A resolution X-ray data at 100 K or RT. At or above the 1.0sigma level, the joint X-ray/neutron (XN) structures define 342/378 (90%) and 291/365 (80%) of the D-atom positions for D-rubredoxin and HD-rubredoxin, respectively. The X-ray-only 1.1 A resolution 100 K structures determine only 19/388 (5%) and 8/388 (2%) of the D-atom positions above the 1.0sigma level for D-rubredoxin and HD-rubredoxin, respectively. Furthermore, the improved model obtained from joint XN refinement yielded improved electron-density maps, permitting the location of more D atoms than electron-density maps from models refined against X-ray data only.

Definition of a simple statistical parameter for the quantification of orientation in two dimensions: application to cells on grooves of nanometric depths.

PubMed

Davidson, P; Bigerelle, M; Bounichane, B; Giazzon, M; Anselme, K

2010-07-01

Contact guidance is generally evaluated by measuring the orientation angle of cells. However, statistical analyses are rarely performed on these parameters. Here we propose a statistical analysis based on a new parameter sigma, the orientation parameter, defined as the dispersion of the distribution of orientation angles. This parameter can be used to obtain a truncated Gaussian distribution that models the distribution of the data between -90 degrees and +90 degrees. We established a threshold value of the orientation parameter below which the data can be considered to be aligned within a 95% confidence interval. Applying our orientation parameter to cells on grooves and using a modelling approach, we established the relationship sigma=alpha(meas)+(52 degrees -alpha(meas))/(1+C(GDE)R) where the parameter C(GDE) represents the sensitivity of cells to groove depth, and R the groove depth. The values of C(GDE) obtained allowed us to compare the contact guidance of human osteoprogenitor (HOP) cells across experiments involving different groove depths, times in culture and inoculation densities. We demonstrate that HOP cells are able to identify and respond to the presence of grooves 30, 100, 200 and 500 nm deep and that the deeper the grooves, the higher the cell orientation. The evolution of the sensitivity (C(GDE)) with culture time is roughly sigmoidal with an asymptote, which is a function of inoculation density. The sigma parameter defined here is a universal parameter that can be applied to all orientation measurements and does not require a mathematical background or knowledge of directional statistics. Copyright 2010 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Galaxy bias from the Dark Energy Survey Science Verification data: combining galaxy density maps and weak lensing maps

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

Chang, C.; Pujol, A.; Gaztañaga, E.

We measure the redshift evolution of galaxy bias from a magnitude-limited galaxy sample by combining the galaxy density maps and weak lensing shear maps for amore » $$\\sim$$116 deg$$^{2}$$ area of the Dark Energy Survey (DES) Science Verification data. This method was first developed in Amara et al. (2012) and later re-examined in a companion paper (Pujol et al., in prep) with rigorous simulation tests and analytical treatment of tomographic measurements. In this work we apply this method to the DES SV data and measure the galaxy bias for a magnitude-limited galaxy sample. We find the galaxy bias and 1$$\\sigma$$ error bars in 4 photometric redshift bins to be 1.33$$\\pm$$0.18 (z=0.2-0.4), 1.19$$\\pm$$0.23 (z=0.4-0.6), 0.99$$\\pm$$0.36 ( z=0.6-0.8), and 1.66$$\\pm$$0.56 (z=0.8-1.0). These measurements are consistent at the 1-2$$\\sigma$$ level with mea- surements on the same dataset using galaxy clustering and cross-correlation of galaxies with CMB lensing. In addition, our method provides the only $$\\sigma_8$$-independent constraint among the three. We forward-model the main observational effects using mock galaxy catalogs by including shape noise, photo-z errors and masking effects. We show that our bias measurement from the data is consistent with that expected from simulations. With the forthcoming full DES data set, we expect this method to provide additional constraints on the galaxy bias measurement from more traditional methods. Furthermore, in the process of our measurement, we build up a 3D mass map that allows further exploration of the dark matter distribution and its relation to galaxy evolution.« less

Line Mixing in Parallel and Perpendicular Bands of CO2: A Further Test of the Refined Robert-Bonamy Formalism

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Boulet, C.; Ma, Qiancheng; Tipping, R. H.

2015-01-01

Starting from the refined Robert-Bonamy formalism [Q. Ma, C. Boulet, and R. H. Tipping, J. Chem. Phys. 139, 034305 (2013)], we propose here an extension of line mixing studies to infrared absorptions of linear polyatomic molecules having stretching and bending modes. The present formalism does not neglect the internal degrees of freedom of the perturbing molecules, contrary to the energy corrected sudden (ECS) modeling, and enables one to calculate the whole relaxation matrix starting from the potential energy surface. Meanwhile, similar to the ECS modeling, the present formalism properly accounts for roles played by all the internal angular momenta in the coupling process, including the vibrational angular momentum. The formalism has been applied to the important case of CO2 broadened by N2. Applications to two kinds of vibrational bands (sigma yields sigma and sigma yields pi) have shown that the present results are in good agreement with both experimental data and results derived from the ECS model.

Environmental effects on aluminum fracture

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schwartzberg, F. R.; Shepic, J. A.

1976-01-01

The sustained load stress corrosion cracking (SCC) threshold for aluminum alloy 214 was determined using smooth (sigma sub TH) and precracked (K sub ISCC) specimens, and cyclic load growth behavior in 3.5% NaCl salt solution was studied. The relationship between K sub ISCC and sigma sub TH was also studied. The work showed that 2124-T851 aluminum alloy in plate gage has a moderately high resistance to stress corrosion attack. Experimental results showed that no SCC occurred in the longitudinal and long transverse directions in any of the tests. Some SCC was found by smooth tests in the short transverse direction, and the data were confirmed by two test methods-sigma sub TH = 275 MN/sq m (40 ksi). No SCC was found from compact specimen tests in any direction: surface flaw and center notch specimens evaluated in the short transverse direction exhibited SCC. The data indicate that stress corrosion behavior is defect, size, and stress dependent, but not entirely in accordance with a stress intensity controlled mechanism.

Core-level spectra and molecular deformation in adsorption: V-shaped pentacene on Al(001)

PubMed Central

Lin, He; Brivio, Gian Paolo; Floreano, Luca; Fratesi, Guido

2015-01-01

Summary By first-principle simulations we study the effects of molecular deformation on the electronic and spectroscopic properties as it occurs for pentacene adsorbed on the most stable site of Al(001). The rationale for the particular V-shaped deformed structure is discussed and understood. The molecule–surface bond is made evident by mapping the charge redistribution. Upon X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) from the molecule, the bond with the surface is destabilized by the electron density rearrangement to screen the core hole. This destabilization depends on the ionized carbon atom, inducing a narrowing of the XPS spectrum with respect to the molecules adsorbed hypothetically undistorted, in full agreement to experiments. When looking instead at the near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectra, individual contributions from the non-equivalent C atoms provide evidence of the molecular orbital filling, hybridization, and interchange induced by distortion. The alteration of the C–C bond lengths due to the V-shaped bending decreases by a factor of two the azimuthal dichroism of NEXAFS spectra, i.e., the energy splitting of the sigma resonances measured along the two in-plane molecular axes. PMID:26734516

High-frequency response of subwavelength-structured metals in the petahertz domain.

PubMed

Weiner, J; Nunes, Frederico D

2008-12-22

Electromagnetic plane waves, incident on and reflecting from a dielectric-conductor interface, set up a standing wave in the dielectric with the B-field adjacent to the conductor. It is shown here how the harmonic time variation of this B-field induces an E-field and a conduction current J (c) within the skin depth of a real metal; and that at frequencies in the visible and near-infrared range, the imaginary term sigmai of the complex conductivity sigma = sigma(r) + isigma(i) dominates the optical response. Continuity conditions of the E-field through the surface together with the in-quadrature response of the conductivity determine the phase relation between the incident E-M field and J(c). If slits or grooves are milled into the metal surface, a displacement current in the dielectric gap and oscillating charge dipoles at the structure edges are established in quadrature phase with incident field. These dipoles radiate into the aperture and launch surface waves from the edges. They are the principle source of light transmission through the apertures.

How the early sporulation sigma factor sigmaF delays the switch to late development in Bacillus subtilis.

PubMed

Karmazyn-Campelli, Céline; Rhayat, Lamya; Carballido-López, Rut; Duperrier, Sandra; Frandsen, Niels; Stragier, Patrick

2008-03-01

Sporulation in Bacillus subtilis is a primitive differentiation process involving two cell types, the forespore and the mother cell. Each cell implements two successive transcription programmes controlled by specific sigma factors. We report that activity of sigma(G), the late forespore sigma factor, is kept in check by Gin, the product of csfB, a gene controlled by sigma(F), the early forespore sigma factor. Gin abolishes sigma(G) transcriptional activity when sigma(G) is artificially synthesized during growth, but has no effect on sigma(F). Gin interacts strongly with sigma(G) but not with sigma(F) in a yeast two-hybrid experiment. The absence of Gin allows sigma(G) to be active during sporulation independently of the mother-cell development to which it is normally coupled. Premature sigma(G) activity leads to the formation of slow-germinating spores, and complete deregulation of sigma(G) synthesis is lethal when combined with gin inactivation. Gin allows sigma(F) to delay the switch to the late forespore transcription programme by preventing sigma(G) to take over before the cell has reached a critical stage of development. A similar strategy, following a completely unrelated route, is used by the mother cell.

CHARGING AND COAGULATION OF DUST IN PROTOPLANETARY PLASMA ENVIRONMENTS

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

Matthews, L. S.; Land, V.; Hyde, T. W., E-mail: lorin_matthews@baylor.edu

2012-01-01

Combining a particle-particle, particle-cluster, and cluster-cluster agglomeration model with an aggregate charging model, the coagulation and charging of dust particles in plasma environments relevant for protoplanetary disks have been investigated, including the effect of electron depletion in high dust density environments. The results show that charged aggregates tend to grow by adding small particles and clusters to larger particles and clusters, and that cluster-cluster aggregation is significantly more effective than particle-cluster aggregation. Comparisons of the grain structure show that with increasing aggregate charge the compactness factor, {phi}{sub {sigma}}, decreases and has a narrower distribution, indicating a fluffier structure. Neutral aggregatesmore » are more compact, with larger {phi}{sub {sigma}}, and exhibit a larger variation in fluffiness. Overall, increased aggregate charge leads to larger, fluffier, and more massive aggregates.« less

Scaling of Magnetic Reconnection in Relativistic Collisionless Pair Plasmas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liu, Yi-Hsin; Guo, Fan; Daughton, William; Li, Hui; Hesse, Michael

2015-01-01

Using fully kinetic simulations, we study the scaling of the inflow speed of collisionless magnetic reconnection in electron-positron plasmas from the non-relativistic to ultra-relativistic limit. In the anti-parallel configuration, the inflow speed increases with the upstream magnetization parameter sigma and approaches the speed of light when sigma is greater than O(100), leading to an enhanced reconnection rate. In all regimes, the divergence of the pressure tensor is the dominant term responsible for breaking the frozen-in condition at the x-line. The observed scaling agrees well with a simple model that accounts for the Lorentz contraction of the plasma passing through the diffusion region. The results demonstrate that the aspect ratio of the diffusion region, modified by the compression factor of proper density, remains approximately 0.1 in both the non-relativistic and relativistic limits.

Investigating Summer Thermal Stratification in Lake Ontario

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

James, S. C.; Arifin, R. R.; Craig, P. M.; Hamlet, A. F.

2017-12-01

Seasonal temperature variations establish strong vertical density gradients (thermoclines) between the epilimnion and hypolimnion. Accurate simulation of vertical mixing and seasonal stratification of large lakes is a crucial element of the thermodynamic coupling between lakes and the atmosphere in integrated models. Time-varying thermal stratification patterns can be accurately simulated with the versatile Environmental Fluid Dynamics Code (EFDC). Lake Ontario bathymetry was interpolated onto a 2-km-resolution curvilinear grid with vertical layering using a new approach in EFDC+, the so-called "sigma-zed" coordinate system which allows the number of vertical layers to be varied based on water depth. Inflow from the Niagara River and outflow to the St. Lawrence River in conjunction with hourly meteorological data from seven local weather stations plus three-hourly data from the North American Regional Reanalysis govern the hydrodynamic and thermodynamic responses of the Lake. EFDC+'s evaporation algorithm was updated to more accurately simulate net surface heat fluxes. A new vertical mixing scheme from Vinçon-Leite that implements different eddy diffusivity formulations above and below the thermocline was compared to results from the original Mellor-Yamada vertical mixing scheme. The model was calibrated by adjusting solar-radiation absorption coefficients in addition to background horizontal and vertical mixing parameters. Model skill was evaluated by comparing measured and simulated vertical temperature profiles at shallow (20 m) and deep (180 m) locations on the Lake. These model improvements, especially the new sigma-zed vertical discretization, accurately capture thermal-stratification patterns with low root-mean-squared errors when using the Vinçon-Leite vertical mixing scheme.

ELECTRON IMPACT DISSOCIATION X {sup 1}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g} {yields} b {sup 3}{Sigma} {sub u} {sup +} AND EXCITATIONS X {sup 1}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g} {yields} a {sup 3}{Sigma} {sub g} {sup +} AND X {sup 1}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g} {yields} B {sup 1}{Sigma} {sub u} {sup +} OF MOLECULAR HYDROGEN IN NONTHERMAL ASTROPHYSICAL PLASMAS

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

Ki, Dae-Han; Jung, Young-Dae, E-mail: ydjung@hanyang.ac.kr

We investigate the electronic transitions X {sup 1}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g} {yields} b {sup 3}{Sigma} {sub u} {sup +}, X {sup 1}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g} {yields} a {sup 3}{Sigma} {sub g} {sup +}, and X {sup 1}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g} {yields} B {sup 1}{Sigma} {sub u} {sup +} of molecular hydrogen by studying electron impacts in astrophysical Lorentzian plasmas. Useful fitting formulae for the X {sup 1}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g} {yields} b {sup 3}{Sigma} {sub u} {sup +}, X {sup 1}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g} {yields} a {sup 3}{Sigma} {sub g} {sup +}, and X {sup 1}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g} {yields}more » B {sup 1}{Sigma} {sub u} {sup +} excitation cross sections are employed in order to obtain the electronic excitation rate coefficients of H{sub 2} as functions of the spectral index and temperature. In low-temperature regions, it is found that the excitation rate coefficients R{sub b{sup 3}{Sigma}{sub u{sup {sub +}}}}, R{sub a{sup 3}{Sigma}{sub g{sup {sub +}}}}, and R{sub B{sub {sup 1}{Sigma}{sub u{sup {sub +}}}}} of H{sub 2} in non-Maxwellian plasmas are smaller than those in Maxwellian plasmas. However, in high-temperature regions, the excitation rate coefficients of H{sub 2} in non-Maxwellian plasmas are greater than those in Maxwellian plasmas. It is also shown that the X {sup 1}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g} {yields} b {sup 3}{Sigma} {sub u} {sup +} excitation rate coefficient is the main contributor in low-temperature regions. In contrast, it is found that the X {sup 1}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g} {yields} B {sup 1}{Sigma} {sub u} {sup +} electronic excitation is dominant in high-temperature regions.« less

Impact of spot size on plan quality of spot scanning proton radiosurgery for peripheral brain lesions

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

Wang, Dongxu, E-mail: dongxu-wang@uiowa.edu; Dirksen, Blake; Hyer, Daniel E.

Purpose: To determine the plan quality of proton spot scanning (SS) radiosurgery as a function of spot size (in-air sigma) in comparison to x-ray radiosurgery for treating peripheral brain lesions. Methods: Single-field optimized (SFO) proton SS plans with sigma ranging from 1 to 8 mm, cone-based x-ray radiosurgery (Cone), and x-ray volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans were generated for 11 patients. Plans were evaluated using secondary cancer risk and brain necrosis normal tissue complication probability (NTCP). Results: For all patients, secondary cancer is a negligible risk compared to brain necrosis NTCP. Secondary cancer risk was lower in proton SSmore » plans than in photon plans regardless of spot size (p = 0.001). Brain necrosis NTCP increased monotonically from an average of 2.34/100 (range 0.42/100–4.49/100) to 6.05/100 (range 1.38/100–11.6/100) as sigma increased from 1 to 8 mm, compared to the average of 6.01/100 (range 0.82/100–11.5/100) for Cone and 5.22/100 (range 1.37/100–8.00/100) for VMAT. An in-air sigma less than 4.3 mm was required for proton SS plans to reduce NTCP over photon techniques for the cohort of patients studied with statistical significance (p = 0.0186). Proton SS plans with in-air sigma larger than 7.1 mm had significantly greater brain necrosis NTCP than photon techniques (p = 0.0322). Conclusions: For treating peripheral brain lesions—where proton therapy would be expected to have the greatest depth-dose advantage over photon therapy—the lateral penumbra strongly impacts the SS plan quality relative to photon techniques: proton beamlet sigma at patient surface must be small (<7.1 mm for three-beam single-field optimized SS plans) in order to achieve comparable or smaller brain necrosis NTCP relative to photon radiosurgery techniques. Achieving such small in-air sigma values at low energy (<70 MeV) is a major technological challenge in commercially available proton therapy systems.« less

Detection of a new carbon-chain molecule, CCO

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ohishi, Masatoshi; Ishikawa, Shin-Ichi; Yamada, Chikashi; Kanamori, Hideto; Irvine, William M.; Brown, Ronald D.; Godfrey, Peter D.; Kaifu, Norio; Suzuki, Hiroko

1991-01-01

A new carbon-chain molecule, CCO 3Sigma(-), has been detected in the cold dark molecular cloud TMC-1. The excitation temperature and the column density of CCO are, respectively, about 6 K and about 6 x 10 to the 11th/sq cm. This column density corresponds to a fractional abundance relative to H2 of about 6 x 10 to the -11th. This value is two orders of magnitude less than the abundance of the related carbon-chain molecule CCS, and about half that of C3O. The formation mechanism for CCO is discussed.

The sigma factors of Bacillus subtilis.

PubMed Central

Haldenwang, W G

1995-01-01

The specificity of DNA-dependent RNA polymerase for target promotes is largely due to the replaceable sigma subunit that it carries. Multiple sigma proteins, each conferring a unique promoter preference on RNA polymerase, are likely to be present in all bacteria; however, their abundance and diversity have been best characterized in Bacillus subtilis, the bacterium in which multiple sigma factors were first discovered. The 10 sigma factors thus far identified in B. subtilis directly contribute to the bacterium's ability to control gene expression. These proteins are not merely necessary for the expression of those operons whose promoters they recognize; in many instances, their appearance within the cell is sufficient to activate these operons. This review describes the discovery of each of the known B. subtilis sigma factors, their characteristics, the regulons they direct, and the complex restrictions placed on their synthesis and activities. These controls include the anticipated transcriptional regulation that modulates the expression of the sigma factor structural genes but, in the case of several of the B. subtilis sigma factors, go beyond this, adding novel posttranslational restraints on sigma factor activity. Two of the sigma factors (sigma E and sigma K) are, for example, synthesized as inactive precursor proteins. Their activities are kept in check by "pro-protein" sequences which are cleaved from the precursor molecules in response to intercellular cues. Other sigma factors (sigma B, sigma F, and sigma G) are inhibited by "anti-sigma factor" proteins that sequester them into complexes which block their ability to form RNA polymerase holoenzymes. The anti-sigma factors are, in turn, opposed by additional proteins which participate in the sigma factors' release. The devices used to control sigma factor activity in B, subtilis may prove to be as widespread as multiple sigma factors themselves, providing ways of coupling sigma factor activation to environmental or physiological signals that cannot be readily joined to other regulatory mechanisms. PMID:7708009

Processing of the mother-cell sigma factor, sigma K, may depend on events occurring in the forespore during Bacillus subtilis development.

PubMed Central

Lu, S; Halberg, R; Kroos, L

1990-01-01

During sporulation of the Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis, transcription of genes encoding spore coat proteins in the mother-cell compartment of the sporangium is controlled by RNA polymerase containing the sigma subunit called sigma K. Based on comparison of the N-terminal amino acid sequence of sigma K with the nucleotide sequence of the gene encoding sigma K (sigK), the primary product of sigK was inferred to be a pro-protein (pro-sigma K) with 20 extra amino acids at the N terminus. Using antibodies generated against pro-sigma K, we have detected pro-sigma K beginning at the third hour of sporulation and sigma K beginning about 1 hr later. Even when pro-sigma K is expressed artificially during growth and throughout sporulation, sigma K appears at the normal time and expression of a sigma K-controlled gene occurs normally. These results suggest that pro-sigma K is an inactive precursor that is proteolytically processed to active sigma K in a developmentally regulated fashion. Mutations that block forespore gene expression block accumulation of sigma K but not accumulation of pro-sigma K, suggesting that pro-sigma K processing is a regulatory device that couples the programs of gene expression in the two compartments of the sporangium. We propose that this regulatory device ensures completion of forespore morphogenesis prior to the synthesis in the mother-cell of spore coat proteins that will encase the forespore. Images PMID:2124700

Behavior of yeast cells in aqueous suspension affected by pulsed electric field.

PubMed

El Zakhem, H; Lanoisellé, J-L; Lebovka, N I; Nonus, M; Vorobiev, E

2006-08-15

This work discusses pulsed electric fields (PEF) induced effects in treatment of aqueous suspensions of concentrated yeast cells (S. cerevisiae). The PEF treatment was done using pulses of near-rectangular shape, electric field strength was within E=2-5 kV/cm and the total time of treatment was t(PEF)=10(-4)-0.1 s. The concentration of aqueous yeast suspensions was in the interval of C(Y)=0-22 (wt%), where 1% concentration corresponds to the cellular density of 2x10(8) cells/mL. Triton X-100 was used for studying non-ionic surfactant additive effects. The electric current peak value I was measured during each pulse application, and from these data the electrical conductivity sigma was estimated. The PEF-induced damage results in increase of sigma with t(PEF) increasing and attains its saturation level sigma approximately sigma(max) at long time of PEF treatment. The value of sigma(max) reflects the efficiency of damage. The reduced efficiency of damage at suspension volume concentration higher than phi(Y) approximately 32 vol% is explained by the percolation phenomenon in the randomly packed suspension of near-spherical cells. The higher cytoplasmic ions leakage was observed in presence of surfactant. Experiments were carried out in the static and continuous flow treatment chambers in order to reveal the effects of mixing in PEF-treatment efficiency. A noticeable aggregation of the yeast cells was observed in the static flow chamber during the PEF treatment, while aggregation was not so pronounced in the continuous flow chamber. The nature of the enhanced aggregation under the PEF treatment was revealed by the zeta-potential measurements: these data demonstrate different zeta-potential signs for alive and dead cells. The effect of the electric field strength on the PEF-induced extraction of the intracellular components of S. cerevisiae is discussed.

Clar's sextet rule is a consequence of the sigma-electron framework.

PubMed

Maksić, Zvonimir B; Barić, Danijela; Müller, Thomas

2006-08-24

A number of condensed PAHs are examined to identify the underlying reasons governing empirical Clar's rule taking benzene as a limiting case. It is found that the so-called Clar's structures are the only minima on the MP2(fc) potential energy hypersurfaces, meaning that other conceivable valence isomers are nonexistent. The influence of the electron correlation energies to the stability of Clar's structures is substantial with predominating influence of the sigma-electrons. However, the contributions arising from the sigma- and pi-electron correlation energies are approximately the same, if Clar's structures are compared with some artificial pi-electron localized or graphite-like delocalized planar systems. Analysis of the Hartree-Fock (HF) energies provides a compelling evidence that the origin of stability of Clar's structures lies in a decrease of the positive T, V(ee) and V(nn) energy terms relative to some characteristic virtual "delocalized" or "localized" model geometries. Partitioning of the mixed and terms in the sigma- and pi-type contributions, by using the stockholder (SHR), equipartitioning (EQP) and standard pi (SPI) schemes, unequivocally shows that the driving force leading to Clar's structures are more favorable sigma-type interactions. All these conclusions hold for the archetypal benzene too, which could be considered as a limiting Clar system. Finally, the boundaries of Clar's hypothesis and some common misconceptions are briefly discussed. Perusal of the geometric parameters and pi-bond orders reveals that there are no benzene rings completely "vacant" or "fully occupied" by the pi-electrons, envisaged by Clar in his picture of condensed benzenoid compounds. Instead, there are six-membered rings with higher and lower total pi-electron density. The bond length anisotropy of the former rings is smaller. It is concluded that Clar's proposition is a useful rule of thumb providing qualitative information on the stability of the PAH systems, which in turn should not be overinterpreted.

DISCOVERY AND ATMOSPHERIC CHARACTERIZATION OF GIANT PLANET KEPLER-12b: AN INFLATED RADIUS OUTLIER

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

Fortney, Jonathan J.; Nutzman, Philip; Demory, Brice-Olivier

We report the discovery of planet Kepler-12b (KOI-20), which at 1.695 {+-} 0.030 R{sub J} is among the handful of planets with super-inflated radii above 1.65 R{sub J}. Orbiting its slightly evolved G0 host with a 4.438 day period, this 0.431 {+-} 0.041 M{sub J} planet is the least irradiated within this largest-planet-radius group, which has important implications for planetary physics. The planet's inflated radius and low mass lead to a very low density of 0.111 {+-} 0.010 g cm{sup -3}. We detect the occultation of the planet at a significance of 3.7{sigma} in the Kepler bandpass. This yields amore » geometric albedo of 0.14 {+-} 0.04; the planetary flux is due to a combination of scattered light and emitted thermal flux. We use multiple observations with Warm Spitzer to detect the occultation at 7{sigma} and 4{sigma} in the 3.6 and 4.5 {mu}m bandpasses, respectively. The occultation photometry timing is consistent with a circular orbit at e < 0.01 (1{sigma}) and e < 0.09 (3{sigma}). The occultation detections across the three bands favor an atmospheric model with no dayside temperature inversion. The Kepler occultation detection provides significant leverage, but conclusions regarding temperature structure are preliminary, given our ignorance of opacity sources at optical wavelengths in hot Jupiter atmospheres. If Kepler-12b and HD 209458b, which intercept similar incident stellar fluxes, have the same heavy-element masses, the interior energy source needed to explain the large radius of Kepler-12b is three times larger than that of HD 209458b. This may suggest that more than one radius-inflation mechanism is at work for Kepler-12b or that it is less heavy-element rich than other transiting planets.« less

Dynamical systems approach to the study of a sociophysics agent-based model

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

Timpanaro, Andre M.; Prado, Carmen P. C.

2011-03-24

The Sznajd model is a Potts-like model that has been studied in the context of sociophysics [1,2](where spins are interpreted as opinions). In a recent work [3], we generalized the Sznajd model to include assymetric interactions between the spins (interpreted as biases towards opinions) and used dynamical systems techniques to tackle its mean-field version, given by the flow: {eta}{sub {sigma}} = {Sigma}{sub {sigma}}'{sup M} = 1{eta}{sub {sigma}}{eta}{sigma}'({eta}{sub {sigma}}{rho}{sigma}'{yields}{sigma}-{sigma}'{rho}{sigma}{yields}{sigma}').Where hs is the proportion of agents with opinion (spin){sigma}', M is the number of opinions and {sigma}'{yields}{sigma}' is the probability weight for an agent with opinion {sigma} being convinced by another agentmore » with opinion {sigma}'. We made Monte Carlo simulations of the model in a complex network (using Barabasi-Albert networks [4]) and they displayed the same attractors than the mean-field. Using linear stability analysis, we were able to determine the mean-field attractor structure analytically and to show that it has connections with well known graph theory problems (maximal independent sets and positive fluxes in directed graphs). Our dynamical systems approach is quite simple and can be used also in other models, like the voter model.« less

The role of pressure in rubber elasticity.

PubMed

Bower, A F; Weiner, J H

2004-06-22

We describe a series of molecular dynamics computations that reveal an intimate connection at the atomic scale between difference stress (which resists stretches) and pressure (which resists volume changes) in an idealized elastomer, in contrast to the classical theory of rubber elasticity. Our simulations idealize the elastomer as a "pearl necklace," in which the covalent bonds are stiff linear springs, while nonbonded atoms interact through a Lennard-Jones potential with energy epsilon(LJ) and radius sigma(LJ). We calculate the difference stress t(11)-(t(22)+t(33))/2 and mean stress (t(11)+t(22)+t(33))/3 induced by a constant volume extension in the x(1) direction, as a function of temperature T and reduced density rho(*)=Nsigma(IJ) (3)/nu. Here, N is the number of atoms in the simulation cell and nu is the cell volume. Results show that for rho(*)<1, the difference stress is purely entropic and is in good agreement with the classical affine network model of rubber elasticity, which neglects nonbonded interactions. However, data presented by van Krevelen [Properties of Polymers, 3rd ed. (Elsevier, Amsterdam, 1990), p. 79] indicate that rubber at standard conditions corresponds to rho(*)=1.2. For rho(*)>1, the system is entropic for kT/epsilon(LJ)>2, but at lower temperatures the difference stress contains an additional energy component, which increases as rho(*) increases and temperature decreases. Finally, the model exhibits a glass transition for rho(*)=1.2 and kT/epsilon(LJ) approximately 2. The atomic-scale processes responsible for generating stress are explored in detail. Simulations demonstrate that the repulsive portion of the Lennard-Jones potential provides a contribution sigma(nbr)>0 to the difference stress, the attractive portion provides sigma(nba) approximately 0, while the covalent bonds provide sigma(b)<0. In contrast, their respective contributions to the mean stress satisfy Pi(nbr)<0, Pi(nba)>0, and Pi(b)<0. Analytical calculations, together with simulations, demonstrate that mean and difference stresses are related by sigma(nbr)=-APi(nbr)P(2)(theta(b)), sigma(b)=BPi(b)P(2)(theta(b)), where P(2)(theta(b)) is a measure of the anisotropy of the orientation of the covalent bonds, and A and B are coefficients that depend weakly on rho(*) and temperature. For high values of rho(*), we find that [sigma(nbr)]>[sigma(b)], and in this regime our model predicts behavior that is in good agreement with experimental data of D.L. Quested et al. [J. Appl. Phys. 52, 5977 (1981)] for the influence of pressure on the difference stress induced by stretching solithane. (c) 2004 American Institute of Physics.

Inflation and bubbles in general relativity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laguna-Castillo, Pablo; Matzner, Richard A.

1986-11-01

Following Israel's study of singular hypersurfaces and thin shells in general relativity, the complete set of Einstein's field equations in the presence of a bubble boundary SIGMA is reviewed for all spherically symmetric embedding four-geometries M+/-. The mapping that identifies points between the boundaries Σ+ and Σ- is obtained explicitly when the regions M+ and M- are described by a de Sitter and a Minkowski metric, respectively. In addition, the evolution of a bubble with vanishing surface energy density is studied in a spatially flat Robertson-Walker space-time, for region M- radiation dominated with a vanishing cosmological constant, and an energy equation in M+ determined by the matching. It is found that this type of bubble leads to a ``worm-hole'' matching; that is, an infinite extent exterior of a sphere is joined across the wall to another infinite extent exterior of a sphere. Interior-interior matches are also possible. Under this model, solutions for a bubble following a Hubble law are analyzed. Numerical solutions for bubbles with constant tension are also obtained.

SU-F-BRCD-03: Dose Calculation of Electron Therapy Using Improved Lateral Buildup Ratio Method.

PubMed

Gebreamlak, W; Tedeschi, D; Alkhatib, H

2012-06-01

To calculate the percentage depth dose of any irregular shape electron beam using modified lateral build-up-ratio method. Percentage depth dose (PDD) curves were measured using 6, 9, 12, and 15MeV electron beam energies for applicator cone sizes of 6×6, 10×10, 14×14, and 14×14cm 2 . Circular cutouts for each cone were prepared from 2.0cm diameter to the maximum possible size for each cone. In addition, three irregular cutouts were prepared. The scanning was done using a water tank and two diodes - one for the signal and the other a stationary reference outside the tank. The water surface was determined by scanning the signal diode slowly from water to air and by noting the sharp change of the percentage depth dose curve at the water/air interface. The lateral build-up-ratio (LBR) for each circular cutout was calculated from the measured PDD curve using the open field of the 14×14 cm 2 cone as the reference field. Using the LBR values and the radius of the circular cutouts, the corresponding lateral spread parameter (sigma) of the electron shower was calculated. Unlike the commonly accepted assumption that sigma is independent of cutout size, it is shown that the sigma value increases linearly with circular cutout size. Using this characteristic of sigma, the PDD curves of irregularly shaped cutouts were calculated. Finally, the calculated PDD curves were compared with measured PDD curves. In this research, it is shown that sigma increases with cutout size. For radius of circular cutout sizes up to the equilibrium range of the electron beam, the increase of sigma with the cutout size is linear. The percentage difference of the calculated PDD from the measured PDD for irregularly shaped cutouts was under 1.0%. Similar Result was obtained for four electron beam energies (6, 9, 12, and 15MeV). © 2012 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Rsd family proteins make simultaneous interactions with regions 2 and 4 of the primary sigma factor.

PubMed

Yuan, Andy H; Gregory, Brian D; Sharp, Josh S; McCleary, Katherine D; Dove, Simon L; Hochschild, Ann

2008-12-01

Bacterial anti-sigma factors typically regulate sigma factor function by restricting the access of their cognate sigma factors to the RNA polymerase (RNAP) core enzyme. The Escherichia coli Rsd protein forms a complex with the primary sigma factor, sigma(70), inhibits sigma(70)-dependent transcription in vitro, and has been proposed to function as a sigma(70)-specific anti-sigma factor, thereby facilitating the utilization of alternative sigma factors. In prior work, Rsd has been shown to interact with conserved region 4 of sigma(70), but it is not known whether this interaction suffices to account for the regulatory functions of Rsd. Here we show that Rsd and the Rsd orthologue AlgQ, a global regulator of gene expression in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, interact with conserved region 2 of sigma(70). We show further that Rsd and AlgQ can interact simultaneously with regions 2 and 4 of sigma(70). Our findings establish that the abilities of Rsd and AlgQ to interact with sigma(70) region 2 are important determinants of their in vitro and in vivo activities.

On the atmospheric oxidation of liquid toluene.

PubMed

Pritchard, Huw O

2006-10-21

This communication presents preliminary computational results on the interaction between triplet (3Sigma) and singlet (1Sigma, 1Delta) oxygen molecules with toluene. All three oxygen species form very weak complexes with toluene and all also appear capable of abstracting a benzylic hydrogen atom to form the HO2 radical. Reaction with singlet molecular oxygen does not convincingly explain the formation of benzylhydroperoxide from toluene residues stored over a long time in brown glass bottles, and it is speculated that this may be a surface-catalysed photochemical reaction. The possible involvement of singlet oxygen molecules in the spontaneous ignition of tyre rubber and of soft coal is discussed briefly and the need for new experimental studies is stressed.

Transport coefficients of hard-sphere mixtures. II. Diameter ratio 0. 4 and mass ratio 0. 03 at low density

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

Erpenbeck, J.J.

1992-02-15

The transport coefficients of shear viscosity, thermal conductivity, thermal diffusion, and mutual diffusion are estimated for a binary, equimolar mixture of hard spheres having a diameter ratio of 0.4 and a mass ratio of 0.03 at volumes of 5{ital V}{sub 0}, 10{ital V}{sub 0}, and 20{ital V}{sub 0} (where {ital V}{sub 0}=1/2 {radical}2 {ital N} {ital tsum}{sub {ital a}} x{sub {ital a}}{sigma}{sub {ital a}}{sup 3}, {ital x}{sub {ital a}} are mole fractions, {sigma}{sub {ital a}} are diameters, and {ital N} is the number of particles) through Monte Carlo, molecular-dynamics calculations using the Green-Kubo formulas. Calculations are reported for as fewmore » as 108 and as many as 4000 particles, but not for each value of the volume. Both finite-system and long-time-tail corrections are applied to obtain estimates of the transport coefficients in the thermodynamic limit; corrections of both types are found to be small. The results are compared with the predictions of the revised Enskog theory and the linear density corrections to that theory are reported. The mean free time is also computed as a function of density and the linear and quadratic corrections to the Boltzmann theory are estimated. The mean free time is also compared with the expression from the Mansoori-Carnahan-Starling-Leland equation of state.« less

Introduction to Sigma Proteins: Evolution of the Concept of Sigma Receptors.

PubMed

Kim, Felix J

2017-01-01

For over 40 years, scientists have endeavored to understand the so-called sigma receptors. During this time, the concept of sigma receptors has continuously and significantly evolved. With thousands of publications on the subject, these proteins have been implicated in various diseases, disorders, and physiological processes. Nevertheless, we are just beginning to understand what sigma proteins do and how they work. Two subtypes have been identified, Sigma1 and Sigma2. Whereas Sigma1 (also known as sigma-1 receptor, Sig1R, σ1 receptor, and several other names) was cloned over 20 years ago, Sigma2 (sigma-2 receptor, σ2 receptor) was cloned very recently and had remained a pharmacologically defined entity. In this volume, we will focus primarily on Sigma1. We will highlight several key subject areas in which Sigma1 has been well characterized as well as (re)emerging areas of interest. Despite the large number of publications regarding Sigma1, several fundamental questions remain unanswered or only partially answered. Most of what we know about Sigma1 comes from pharmacological studies; however, a clearly defined molecular mechanism of action remains elusive. One concept has become clear; Sigma1 is not a traditional receptor. Sigma1 is now considered a unique pharmacologically regulated integral membrane chaperone or scaffolding protein. A number of landmark discoveries over the past decade have begun to reshape the concept of sigma receptors. With the rapid emergence of new information, development of new tools, and changing conceptual frameworks, the field is poised for a period of accelerated progress.

Incorporating Floating Surface Objects into a Fully Dispersive Surface Wave Model

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-04-19

surface objects Sigma -coordinate Navier-Stokes Finite volume Immersed boundary a b s t r a c t The shock-capturing, non-hydrostatic, three...ontaining object or fluid, respectively. A 3D object with geometry escribed in Cartesian coordinates ( x, y, z ) was first projected onto he NHWAVE...17) . Specifically, the mask values re assigned by ASK = 0 if object projection includes u , v point (i, j) and k = k b ∼ k t ASK = 1 otherwise

KINETIC ENERGY DISTRIBUTION OF H(1s) FROM H{sub 2} X {sup 1}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g}-a {sup 3}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g} EXCITATION AND LIFETIMES AND TRANSITION PROBABILITIES OF a {sup 3}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g}(v, J)

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

Liu Xianming; Johnson, Paul V.; Malone, Charles P.

Dissociative excitation of molecular hydrogen plays an important role in the heating of outer planet upper thermospheres. This paper addresses the role of one of the triplet states involved in the process. H{sub 2} excited to the a {sup 3}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g} state, or higher triplet-ungerade states, is dissociated via the a {sup 3}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g}-b {sup 3}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub u} continuum. The kinetic energy distribution of H(1s) produced from direct X {sup 1}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g}-a {sup 3}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g}(v, J) excitation by electrons is investigated by an accurate theoretical evaluation of spontaneous transition probabilities ofmore » the a {sup 3}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g}(v, J)-b {sup 3}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub u} continuum transition. It is shown that the X {sup 1}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g}(0)-a {sup 3}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g}(v, J) excitation primarily produces H(1s) atoms with kinetic energies lower than 2 eV. In addition to the continuum a {sup 3}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g}(v, J)-b {sup 3}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub u} transition probabilities, spontaneous emission lifetimes of the a {sup 3}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g}(v, J) (v = 0-20, J {<=} 14) levels have been calculated by considering both the a {sup 3}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g}-b {sup 3}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub u} and a {sup 3}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g}-c {sup 3}{Pi} {sub u} transitions. The calculated lifetimes show a moderately strong rotational dependence, and the lifetimes for the J = 0 rotational level of the low v levels agree well with previous calculations and experimental measurements. Calculations of the a {sup 3}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g}-b {sup 3}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub u} continuum emission spectra from electron impact X {sup 1}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g}-a {sup 3}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g} excitation are included.« less

Interactions of ion beams with surfaces: Dynamics of the reaction of N/sub 2//sup +/ with rhenium

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

Hu, H.; Fukuda, Y.; Baldwin, D.A.

1980-06-01

Reactions of N/sub 2//sup +/ ion beams with the surface of polycrystalline rhenium foil over the range 150--3 000 eV have been studied by the techniques of x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and thermal desorption spectrometry (TDS). The reactions produce a nitride layer of the type ReN/sub x/, 0.21< or =x< or =0.40, with x varying as a function of ion kinetic energy and depth into the surface. The nitride layer extends from the surface down to the penetration depth of the atoms, which varies from approx.15 A at 0.3 keV to approx.76 A at 2.5 keV ion energy. The productmore » nitride and chemisorbed nitrogen on Re are distinctly different, exhibiting N/sub 1s/ binding energies of 397.9 and 396.8 eV, respectively, and TDS maxima near 425 and 600 /sup 0/C, respectively. The value of x in ReN/sub x/ increases linearly with the nitrogen ion flux and reaches a steady state condition at a dose of 9.5 x 10/sup 16/ ions/cm/sup 2/ which is determined by the opposing rate of nitride formation and the sputtering rate by impinging N/sub 2//sup +/ ions. An expression describing the rate of nitration as a function of the reaction cross section sigma/sub r/ and the sputtering cross section sigma/sub s/ is derived. The simplified expressions for the limiting cases of initial rates (t..-->..0) and the steady state (t..-->..infinity) product concentration, which are used to interpret the experimental results, yield sigma/sub r/approx. =3 x 10/sup -18/ cm/sup 2/ for the N/sub 2//sup +/+Re(metal)..-->..ReN/sub x/ reaction at an ion impact energy of 500 eV.« less

Self-diffusion coefficients and shear viscosity of inverse power fluids: from hard- to soft-spheres.

PubMed

Heyes, D M; Brańka, A C

2008-07-21

Molecular dynamics computer simulation has been used to compute the self-diffusion coefficient, D, and shear viscosity, eta(s), of soft-sphere fluids, in which the particles interact through the soft-sphere or inverse power pair potential, phi(r) = epsilon(sigma/r)(n), where n measures the steepness or stiffness of the potential, and epsilon and sigma are a characteristic energy and distance, respectively. The simulations were carried out on monodisperse systems for a range of n values from the hard-sphere (n --> infinity) limit down to n = 4, and up to densities in excess of the fluid-solid co-existence value. A new analytical procedure is proposed which reproduces the transport coefficients at high densities, and can be used to extrapolate the data to densities higher than accurately accessible by simulation or experiment, and tending to the glass transition. This formula, DX(c-1) proportional, variant A/X + B, where c is an adjustable parameter, and X is either the packing fraction or the pressure, is a development of one proposed by Dymond. In the expression, -A/B is the value of X at the ideal glass transition (i.e., where D and eta(s)(-1) --> 0). Estimated values are presented for the packing fraction and the pressure at the glass transition for n values between the hard and soft particle limits. The above expression is also shown to reproduce the high density viscosity data of supercritical argon, krypton and nitrogen. Fits to the soft-sphere simulation transport coefficients close to solid-fluid co-existence are also made using the analytic form, ln(D) = alpha(X)X, and n-dependence of the alpha(X) is presented (X is either the packing fraction or the pressure).

Procedures for estimating confidence intervals for selected method performance parameters.

PubMed

McClure, F D; Lee, J K

2001-01-01

Procedures for estimating confidence intervals (CIs) for the repeatability variance (sigmar2), reproducibility variance (sigmaR2 = sigmaL2 + sigmar2), laboratory component (sigmaL2), and their corresponding standard deviations sigmar, sigmaR, and sigmaL, respectively, are presented. In addition, CIs for the ratio of the repeatability component to the reproducibility variance (sigmar2/sigmaR2) and the ratio of the laboratory component to the reproducibility variance (sigmaL2/sigmaR2) are also presented.

Gradient flow of O(N) nonlinear sigma model at large N

DOE PAGES

Aoki, Sinya; Kikuchi, Kengo; Onogi, Tetsuya

2015-04-28

Here, we study the gradient flow equation for the O(N) nonlinear sigma model in two dimensions at large N. We parameterize solution of the field at flow time t in powers of bare fields by introducing the coefficient function X n for the n-th power term (n = 1, 3, ··· ). Reducing the flow equation by keeping only the contributions at leading order in large N, we obtain a set of equations for X n ’s, which can be solved iteratively starting from n = 1. For n = 1 case, we find an explicit form of the exactmore » solution. Using this solution, we show that the two point function at finite flow time t is finite. As an application, we obtain the non-perturbative running coupling defined from the energy density. We also discuss the solution for n = 3 case.« less

The Sigma-2 (σ2) Receptor: A Novel Protein for the Imaging and Treatment of Cancer

PubMed Central

Mach, Robert H.; Zeng, Chenbo; Hawkins, William G.

2014-01-01

The sigma-2 (σ2) receptor is an important target for the development of molecular probes in oncology because of its 10-fold higher density in proliferating tumor cells than in quiescent tumor cells, and the observation that σ2 receptor agonists are able to kill tumor cells via apoptotic and non-apoptotic mechanisms. Although recent evidence indicates the σ2 receptor binding site is localized within the progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1), most information regarding this protein has been obtained using either radiolabeled or fluorescent receptor-based probes, and from biochemical analysis of the effect of σ2 selective ligands on cells grown in culture. This article reviews the development of σ2 receptor ligands, and presents an overview of how they have been used in vitro and in vivo to increase our understanding of the role of the σ2 receptor in cancer and proliferation. PMID:23734634

First Intrinsic Anisotropy Observations With the Cosmic Background Imager

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Padin, S.; Cartwright, J. K.; Mason, B. S.; Pearson, T. J.; Readhead, A. C. S.; Shepherd, M. C.; Sievers, J.; Udomprasert, P. S.; Holzapfel, W. L.; Myers, S. T.;

Electron heating at interplanetary shocks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Feldman, W. C.; Asbridge, J. R.; Bame, S. J.; Gosling, J. T.; Zwickl, R. D.

1982-01-01

Data for 41 forward interplanetary shocks show that the ratio of downstream to upstream electron temperatures, T/sub e/(d/u) is variable in the range between 1.0 (isothermal) and 3.0. On average, (T/sub e/(d/u) = 1.5 with a standard deviation, sigma e = 0.5. This ratio is less than the average ratio of proton temperatures across the same shocks, (T/sub p/(d/u)) = 3.3 with sigma p = 2.5 as well as the average ratio of electron temperatures across the Earth's bow shock. Individual samples of T/sub e/(d/u) and T/sub p/(d/u) appear to be weakly correlated with the number density ratio. However the amounts of electron and proton heating are well correlated with each other as well as with the bulk velocity difference across each shock. The stronger shocks appear to heat the protons relatively more efficiently than they heat the electrons.

An Analytic Solution for Surface Source Sigma Z Calculations.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-01-01

diabatic influence function , dimensionless temperature gradient 20. continued. - urbulence as a function of stability for inversion conditions. The...diabatic influence function (f). The unstable u = u,(In(z/zo) - )/k (4) regime diabatic influence function as defined by Paulson (1970) is presented in

Skylab S-193 radar altimeter experiment analyses and results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, G. S. (Editor)

1977-01-01

The design of optimum filtering procedures for geoid recovery is discussed. Statistical error bounds are obtained for pointing angle estimates using average waveform data. A correlation of tracking loop bandwidth with magnitude of pointing error is established. The impact of ocean currents and precipitation on the received power are shown to be measurable effects. For large sea state conditions, measurements of sigma 0 deg indicate a distinct saturation level of about 8 dB. Near-nadir less than 15 deg values of sigma 0 deg are also presented and compared with theoretical models. Examination of Great Salt Lake Desert scattering data leads to rejection of a previously hypothesized specularly reflecting surface. Pulse-to-pulse correlation results are in agreement with quasi-monochromatic optics theoretical predictions and indicate a means for estimating direction of pointing error. Pulse compression techniques for and results of estimating significant waveheight from waveform data are presented and are also shown to be in good agreement with surface truth data. A number of results pertaining to system performance are presented.

Effect of Gold Nanorod Surface Chemistry on Cellular Interactions In Vitro

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-09-01

properties of GNRs on cells. Previous studies on the cytotoxicity of various nanoparticles indicated that surface chemistry has a strong influence on cell...supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS, ATCC) and 1% penicillin/streptomycin (pen/strep, Sigma). For nanoparticle exposure, media was supplemented...reagent ( phenazine ethosulfate; PES). Metabolically active cells reduce the MTS compound into a colored formazan product that is soluble in tissue

Structural basis for the sequestration of the anti-σ(70) factor Rsd from σ(70) by the histidine-containing phosphocarrier protein HPr.

PubMed

Park, Young Ha; Um, Si Hyeon; Song, Saemee; Seok, Yeong Jae; Ha, Nam Chul

2015-10-01

Histidine-containing phosphocarrier protein (HPr) is a general component of the bacterial phosphoenolpyruvate:sugar phosphotransferase system (PTS) involved in the phosphorylation-coupled transport of numerous sugars called PTS sugars. HPr mainly exists in a dephosphorylated form in the presence of PTS sugars in the medium, while its phosphorylation increases in the absence of PTS sugars. A recent study revealed that the dephosphorylated form of HPr binds and antagonizes the function of the antisigma factor Rsd. This anti-sigma factor sequesters the housekeeping sigma factor σ(70) to facilitate switching of the sigma subunit on RNA polymerase from σ(70) to the stress-responsive sigma factor σ(S) in stationary-phase cells. In this study, the structure of the complex of Rsd and HPr was determined at 2.1 Å resolution and revealed that the binding site for HPr on the surface of Rsd partly overlaps with that for σ(70). The localization of the phosphorylation site on HPr at the binding interface for Rsd explains why phosphorylation of HPr abolishes its binding to Rsd. The mutation of crucial residues involved in the HPr-Rsd interaction significantly influenced the competition between HPr and σ(70) for binding to Rsd both in vitro and in vivo. The results provide a structural basis for the linkage of global gene regulation to nutrient availability in the external environment.

Monitoring of environmental conditions in taiga forests using ERS-1 SAR

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

Rignot, E.; Way, J.B.; McDonald, K.

1994-08-01

Synthetic-aperture radar images of forest site near Manley Hot Springs (64[degree]N, 151[degree]W), Alaska, were collected between August 1991 and December 1991, day and night, every 3 days, at C-band frequency ([lambda] = 5.7 cm), vertical receive and transmit polarization, by the European Space Agency First Remote Sensing Satellite, ERS-1. During the same period, air and soil temperatures and dielectric and gravimetric moisture properties of the forest canopy and forest floor were monitored in three forest stands dominated, respectively, by black spruce (Picea mariana), white spruce (Picea glauca), and balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera). The calibrated ERS-1 radar backscatter values, [sigma][degree], ofmore » the forest stands are shown to exhibit a pronounced temporal pattern, with little separability between tree species. The largest change in [sigma][degree], a 3-dB decrease almost independent of tree species, is observed in early winter when the soil and vegetation freeze. In the summer, temporal fluctuations in [sigma][degree] are about 1--2 dB in magnitude, depending on tree species. Diurnal variations in [sigma][degree] are as large as 2 dB during fall freeze-up, and less than 1 dB in summer and winter. These temporal variations in radar backscatter from the forest are interpreted using the MIMICS radar backscatter model and the in situ surface observations as due to changes in the dielectric properties of the forest floor and forest canopy induced by precipitation (summer), drought (fall), and freezing (fall-winter) events. In winter, [sigma][degree] increases across the entire landscape, probably because of volume scattering from large depth hoar ice crystals forming in the snow pack.« less

Microwave response of high transition temperature superconducting thin films

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miranda, Felix Antonio

1991-01-01

We have studied the microwave response of YBa2Cu3O(7 - delta), Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O, and Tl-Ba-Ca-Cu-O high transition temperature superconducting (HTS) thin films by performing power transmission measurements. These measurements were carried out in the temperature range of 300 K to 20 K and at frequencies within the range of 30 to 40 GHz. Through these measurements we have determined the magnetic penetration depth (lambda), the complex conductivity (sigma(sup *) = sigma(sub 1) - j sigma(sub 2)) and the surface resistance (R(sub s)). An estimate of the intrinsic penetration depth (lambda approx. 121 nm) for the YBa2Cu3O(7 - delta) HTS has been obtained from the film thickness dependence of lambda. This value compares favorably with the best values reported so far (approx. 140 nm) in single crystals and high quality c-axis oriented thin films. Furthermore, it was observed that our technique is sensitive to the intrinsic anisotropy of lambda in this superconductor. Values of lambda are also reported for Bi-based and Tl-based thin films. We observed that for the three types of superconductors, both sigma(sub 1) and sigma(sub 2) increased when cooling the films below their transition temperature. The measured R(sub s) are in good agreement with other R(sub S) values obtained using resonant activity techniques if we assume a quadratic frequency dependence. Our analysis shows that, of the three types of HTS films studied, the YBa2Cu3O(7 - delta) thin film, deposited by laser ablation and off-axis magnetron sputtering are the most promising for microwave applications.

Nonlinear sigma models with compact hyperbolic target spaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gubser, Steven; Saleem, Zain H.; Schoenholz, Samuel S.; Stoica, Bogdan; Stokes, James

2016-06-01

We explore the phase structure of nonlinear sigma models with target spaces corresponding to compact quotients of hyperbolic space, focusing on the case of a hyperbolic genus-2 Riemann surface. The continuum theory of these models can be approximated by a lattice spin system which we simulate using Monte Carlo methods. The target space possesses interesting geometric and topological properties which are reflected in novel features of the sigma model. In particular, we observe a topological phase transition at a critical temperature, above which vortices proliferate, reminiscent of the Kosterlitz-Thouless phase transition in the O(2) model [1, 2]. Unlike in the O(2) case, there are many different types of vortices, suggesting a possible analogy to the Hagedorn treatment of statistical mechanics of a proliferating number of hadron species. Below the critical temperature the spins cluster around six special points in the target space known as Weierstrass points. The diversity of compact hyperbolic manifolds suggests that our model is only the simplest example of a broad class of statistical mechanical models whose main features can be understood essentially in geometric terms.

Assignment of polarization-dependent peaks in carbon K-edge spectra from biogenic and geologic aragonite.

PubMed

Zhou, Dong; Metzler, Rebecca A; Tyliszczak, Tolek; Guo, Jinghua; Abrecht, Mike; Coppersmith, Susan N; Gilbert, P U P A

2008-10-16

Many biominerals, including mollusk and echinoderm shells, avian eggshells, modern and fossil bacterial sediments, planktonic coccolithophores, and foraminifera, contain carbonates in the form of biogenic aragonite or calcite. Here we analyze biogenic and geologic aragonite using different kinds of surface- and bulk-sensitive X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy at the carbon K-edge, as well as high-resolution scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM). Besides the well-known main pi* and sigma* carbonate peaks, we observed and fully characterized four minor peaks, at energies between the main pi* and sigma* peaks. As expected, the main peaks are similar in geologic and biogenic aragonite, while the minor peaks differ in relative intensity. In this and previous work, the minor peaks appear to be the ones most affected in biomineralization processes, hence the interest in characterizing them. Peak assignment was achieved by correlation of polarization-dependent behavior of the minor peaks with that of the main pi* and sigma* peaks. The present characterization provides the background for future studies of aragonitic biominerals.

Nonlinear sigma models with compact hyperbolic target spaces

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

Gubser, Steven; Saleem, Zain H.; Schoenholz, Samuel S.

We explore the phase structure of nonlinear sigma models with target spaces corresponding to compact quotients of hyperbolic space, focusing on the case of a hyperbolic genus-2 Riemann surface. The continuum theory of these models can be approximated by a lattice spin system which we simulate using Monte Carlo methods. The target space possesses interesting geometric and topological properties which are reflected in novel features of the sigma model. In particular, we observe a topological phase transition at a critical temperature, above which vortices proliferate, reminiscent of the Kosterlitz-Thouless phase transition in the O(2) model [1, 2]. Unlike in themore » O(2) case, there are many different types of vortices, suggesting a possible analogy to the Hagedorn treatment of statistical mechanics of a proliferating number of hadron species. Below the critical temperature the spins cluster around six special points in the target space known as Weierstrass points. In conclusion, the diversity of compact hyperbolic manifolds suggests that our model is only the simplest example of a broad class of statistical mechanical models whose main features can be understood essentially in geometric terms.« less

Nonlinear sigma models with compact hyperbolic target spaces

DOE PAGES

Gubser, Steven; Saleem, Zain H.; Schoenholz, Samuel S.; ...

2016-06-23

We explore the phase structure of nonlinear sigma models with target spaces corresponding to compact quotients of hyperbolic space, focusing on the case of a hyperbolic genus-2 Riemann surface. The continuum theory of these models can be approximated by a lattice spin system which we simulate using Monte Carlo methods. The target space possesses interesting geometric and topological properties which are reflected in novel features of the sigma model. In particular, we observe a topological phase transition at a critical temperature, above which vortices proliferate, reminiscent of the Kosterlitz-Thouless phase transition in the O(2) model [1, 2]. Unlike in themore » O(2) case, there are many different types of vortices, suggesting a possible analogy to the Hagedorn treatment of statistical mechanics of a proliferating number of hadron species. Below the critical temperature the spins cluster around six special points in the target space known as Weierstrass points. In conclusion, the diversity of compact hyperbolic manifolds suggests that our model is only the simplest example of a broad class of statistical mechanical models whose main features can be understood essentially in geometric terms.« less

The Burkholderia cepacia rpoE gene is not involved in exopolysaccharide production and onion pathogenicity.

PubMed

Devescovi, Giulia; Venturi, Vittorio

2006-03-01

Burkholderia cepacia was originally described as the causative agent of bacterial rot of onions, and it has now emerged as an important opportunistic pathogen causing severe chronic lung infections in patients having cystic fibrosis. Burkholderia cepacia is now classified into nine very closely related species (previously designated as genomovars), all of which have been isolated from both environmental and clinical sources and are collectively known as the B. cepacia complex. The alternative extracytoplasmic function sigma factor, sigmaE, has been determined in several bacterial species as making substantial contributions to bacterial survival under stress conditions. Here, we report the identification and characterization of the rpoE gene, encoding sigmaE, of B. cepacia. It is highly similar to sigmaE of other bacteria, including Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Studies using an rpoE knockout mutant of B. cepacia revealed that many stress adaptations, including osmotic, oxidative, desiccation, carbon, and nitrogen stress, were independent of sigmaE. Similarly, biofilm formation; production of exopolysaccharides, N-acyl homoserine lactones, and several exoenzymes; and onion pathogenicity were not affected by the absence of sigmaE. In contrast, sigmaE contributed to the adaptation to heat stress and phosphate starvation.

Practical recursive solution of degenerate Rayleigh-Schroedinger perturbation theory and application to high-order calculations of the Zeeman effect in hydrogen

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

Silverstone, H.J.; Moats, R.K.

1981-04-01

With the aim of high-order calculations, a new recursive solution for the degenerate Rayleigh-Schroedinger perturbation-theory wave function and energy has been derived. The final formulas, chi/sup (N/)/sub sigma/ = R/sup () -sigma/summation/sup N/-1/sub k/ = 0 H/sup (sigma+1+k/)/sub sigma+1/chi/sup (N/-1-k), E/sup (N/+sigma) = <0Vertical BarH/sup (N/+sigma)/sub sigma+1/Vertical Bar0> + < 0Vertical Barsummation/sup N/-2/sub k/ = 0H/sup (sigma+1+k/)/sub sigma+1/ Vertical Barchi/sup (N/-1-k)>,which involve new Hamiltonian-related operators H/sup (sigma+k/)/sub sigma/ and H/sup( sigma+k/)/sub sigma/, strongly resemble the standard nondegenerate recursive formulas. As an illustration, the perturbed energy coefficients for the 3s-3d/sub 0/ states of hydrogen in the Zeeman effect have been calculatedmore » recursively through 87th order in the square of the magnetic field. Our treatment is compared with that of Hirschfelder and Certain (J. Chem. Phys. 60, 1118 (1974)), and some relative advantages of each are pointed out.« less

Vector meson photoproduction with a linearly polarized beam

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

Mathieu, V.; Nys, J.; Fernendez-Ramirez, C.

Here, we propose a model based on Regge theory to describe photoproduction of light vector mesons. We fit the SLAC data and make predictions for the energy and momentum transfer dependence of the spin-density matrix elements in photoproduction of ω,more » $$\\rho^0$$ and $$\\sigma$$ mesons at Ε γ ~ 8.5 GeV, which are soon to be measured at Jefferson Lab.« less

Indentability of conventional and negative Poisson's ratio foams

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lakes, R. S.; Elms, K.

1992-01-01

The indentation resistance of foams, both of conventional structure and of re-entrant structure giving rise to negative Poisson's ratio, is studied using holographic interferometry. In holographic indentation tests, re-entrant foams had higher yield strengths sigma(sub y) and lower stiffness E than conventional foams of the same original relative density. Calculated energy absorption for dynamic impact is considerably higher for re-entrant foam than conventional foam.

Vector meson photoproduction with a linearly polarized beam

DOE PAGES

Mathieu, V.; Nys, J.; Fernendez-Ramirez, C.; ...

2018-05-09

Here, we propose a model based on Regge theory to describe photoproduction of light vector mesons. We fit the SLAC data and make predictions for the energy and momentum transfer dependence of the spin-density matrix elements in photoproduction of ω,more » $$\\rho^0$$ and $$\\sigma$$ mesons at Ε γ ~ 8.5 GeV, which are soon to be measured at Jefferson Lab.« less

Short communication; Formula for the calculation of ground temperature at 1 M depth in Turkey

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

Tezcan, A.K.

1992-06-01

This paper reports that the formula has been found by using the yearly averages of the temperatures at 1 m depth measured in 193 meteorological stations, distributed all over Turkey. It has thus become possible to determine the regional temperature value at 1 m depth at any point in Turkey, if the latitude, longitude and elevation are known. The values, calculated by the formula, can contribute to geothermal exploration in Turkey by providing values that can be compared with the observed ones, and, by becoming second values for the calculation of geothermal gradients where only single downhole temperatures are available.more » The formula has been evolved by expressing the temperatures as the linear function of latitude (La), longitude (Lo) and elevation (H): T = a + b [center dot] La + c [center dot] Lo + d [center dot] H. The derived four least square equations are a [center dot] n + b [center dot] [Sigma](La) + c [center dot] [Sigma](lo) + d [center dot] [Sigma]H = [Sigma]T a [center dot] [Sigma](La) + b [center dot] [Sigma](La)[sup 2] + c [center dot] [Sigma](La)(Lo) + d [center dot] [Sigma]H(La) =[Sigma]T(La) a [center dot] [Sigma](Lo) + b [center dot] [Sigma](La)(Lo) + c [center dot] [Sigma](Lo)[sup 2] + d [center dot] [Sigma]H(Lo) = [Sigma]T(Lo) a[center dot] [Sigma]H + b [center dot] [Sigma]H(La) + c [center dot] [Sigma](Lo) + d [center dot] [Sigma]H[sup 2] = [Sigma]TH where n is the number of data sets. The calculation of sigma values and the solution of the set of equations have been performed by means of a personal computer. The resulting formula is: T = 57.487 [minus] 1.078 La + 0.102 Lo [minus] 0.00488H where latitude and longitude are expressed in degrees, and elevation in meters. The regional value at Ankara (latitude 39.9[degrees], longitude 32.9[degrees], elevation 894 m) is calculated as 13.5[degrees]C (the measured value at 1 m depth is 14.6[degrees]C) and at Adana.« less

Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Hydrogen Trapping on Sigma 5 Tungsten Grain Boundaries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al-Shalash, Aws Mohammed Taha

Tungsten as a plasma facing material is the predominant contender for future Tokamak reactor environments. The interaction between the plasma particles and tungsten is crucial to be studied for successful usage and design of tungsten in the plasma facing components ensuring the reliability and longevity of the fusion reactors. The bombardment of the sigma 5 polycrystalline tungsten was modeled using the molecular dynamics simulation through the large-scale atomic/molecular massively parallel simulator (LAMMPS) code and Tersoff type interatomic potential. By simulating the operational conditions of the Tokamak reactors, the hydrogen trapping rate, implantation distribution, and bubble formation was investigated at various temperatures (300-1200 K) and various hydrogen incident energy (20-100 eV). The substrate's temperature increases the deflected H atoms, and increases the penetration depth for the ones that go through. As well, the lower temperature tungsten substrates retain more H atoms. Increasing the bombarded hydrogen's energy increases the trapping and retention rate and the depth of penetration. Another experiments were conducted to determine whether the Sigma5 grain boundary's (GB) location affects the trapping profiles in H. The findings are ranges from small effect on deflection rates at low H energies to no effect at high H energies. However, there is a considerable effect on shifting the trapping depth profile upward toward the surface when raising the GB closer to the surface. Hydrogen atoms are highly mobile on tungsten substrate, yet no bubble formation was witnessed.

Design of biomimetic fibrillar interfaces: 2. Mechanics of enhanced adhesion.

PubMed Central

Hui, C-Y; Glassmaker, N. J.; Tang, T.; Jagota, A.

2004-01-01

This study addresses the strength and toughness of generic fibrillar structures. We show that the stress sigmac required to pull a fibril out of adhesive contact with a substrate has the form sigma(c) = sigma(0)Phi(chi). In this equation, sigma(0) is the interfacial strength, Phi(chi) is a dimensionless function satisfying 0 > 1, but is flaw insensitive for chi < 1. The important parameter chi also controls the stability of a homogeneously deformed non-fibrillar (flat) interface. Using these results, we show that the work to fail a unit area of fibrillar surface can be much higher than the intrinsic work of adhesion for a flat interface of the same material. In addition, we show that cross-sectional fibril dimensions control the pull-off force, which increases with decreasing fibril radius. Finally, an increase in fibril length is shown to increase the work necessary to separate a fibrillar interface. Besides our calculations involving a single fibril, we study the concept of equal load sharing (ELS) for a perfect interface containing many fibrils. We obtain the practical work of adhesion for an idealized fibrillated interface under equal load sharing. We then analyse the peeling of a fibrillar surface from a rigid substrate and establish a criterion for ELS. PMID:16849151

Spin-driven structural effects in alkali doped (4)He clusters from quantum calculations.

PubMed

Bovino, S; Coccia, E; Bodo, E; Lopez-Durán, D; Gianturco, F A

2009-06-14

In this paper, we carry out variational Monte Carlo and diffusion Monte Carlo (DMC) calculations for Li(2)((1)Sigma(g) (+))((4)He)(N) and Li(2)((3)Sigma(u) (+))((4)He)(N) with N up to 30 and discuss in detail the results of our computations. After a comparison between our DMC energies with the "exact" discrete variable representation values for the species with one (4)He, in order to test the quality of our computations at 0 K, we analyze the structural features of the whole range of doped clusters. We find that both species reside on the droplet surface, but that their orientation is spin driven, i.e., the singlet molecule is perpendicular and the triplet one is parallel to the droplet's surface. We have also computed quantum vibrational relaxation rates for both dimers in collision with a single (4)He and we find them to differ by orders of magnitude at the estimated surface temperature. Our results therefore confirm the findings from a great number of experimental data present in the current literature and provide one of the first attempts at giving an accurate, fully quantum picture for the nanoscopic properties of alkali dimers in (4)He clusters.

Beta-decay rates of FP shell nuclei with A greater than 60 in massive stars at the presupernova stage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kar, K.; Ray, A.; Sarkar, S.

1994-10-01

Beta decay and electron capture on a number of neutron-rich nuclei with A greater than 60 at the presupernova stage may play an important role in determining the hydrostatic core structure of massive presupernova stars and, through this, affect the subsequent evolution during the gravitational collapse and supernova explosion phases. In particular, some isotopes of cobalt and copper can make a substantial contribution to the overall changes in the lepton fraction and entropy of the stellar core during its very late stage of evolution. In the stellar evolution calculations to date, many of these nuclei could not be appropriately tracked in the reaction network, since reliable rates for these have not been available so far. We describe a model to calculate the beta-decay rates using an average beta strength function and an electron phase-space factor evaluated for typical presupernova matter density (rho = 3 x 107-3 x 109 g/cu cm) and temperature (T = (2-5) x 109 K). For the Gamnow-Teller (GT) strength function we use a sum rule calculated by the spectral distribution theory, and the centroid of the distribution is obtained from experimental data on (p, n) reactions. The width sigma of the GT strength function has two parts (sigma2 = (sigmaN exp 2 + (sigmaC exp 2, with sigmaC = 0.157ZA-1/3). The parameter sigmaN is fixed by a best fit to the observed half-lives for the free decays of a number of A greater than 60 nuclei. In the calculation of rates we include contributions from the excited states of the mother nucleus wherever they are known experimentally. For the excited states one uses the same form of the GT strength function, but shifted in energy using the extended isobaric analog state argument. The method is particularly suited for calculating contributions from the excited states important at high temperatures relevant at the presupernova stellar evolution phase. We also include the contributions to the transition rates from the Gamow-Teller resonance states (e.g., the GTR+ state) in the mother nucleus, which may be thermally populated. The beta-decay rates for nuclei having A greater than 60 reported here can be inputs for presupernova stellar evolution and nucleosynthesis calculations employing detailed nuclear reaction networks relevant in the advanced phases of hydrostatic nuclear burning.

Application of Sigma Metrics Analysis for the Assessment and Modification of Quality Control Program in the Clinical Chemistry Laboratory of a Tertiary Care Hospital.

PubMed

Iqbal, Sahar; Mustansar, Tazeen

2017-03-01

Sigma is a metric that quantifies the performance of a process as a rate of Defects-Per-Million opportunities. In clinical laboratories, sigma metric analysis is used to assess the performance of laboratory process system. Sigma metric is also used as a quality management strategy for a laboratory process to improve the quality by addressing the errors after identification. The aim of this study is to evaluate the errors in quality control of analytical phase of laboratory system by sigma metric. For this purpose sigma metric analysis was done for analytes using the internal and external quality control as quality indicators. Results of sigma metric analysis were used to identify the gaps and need for modification in the strategy of laboratory quality control procedure. Sigma metric was calculated for quality control program of ten clinical chemistry analytes including glucose, chloride, cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL, albumin, direct bilirubin, total bilirubin, protein and creatinine, at two control levels. To calculate the sigma metric imprecision and bias was calculated with internal and external quality control data, respectively. The minimum acceptable performance was considered as 3 sigma. Westgard sigma rules were applied to customize the quality control procedure. Sigma level was found acceptable (≥3) for glucose (L2), cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL, direct bilirubin and creatinine at both levels of control. For rest of the analytes sigma metric was found <3. The lowest value for sigma was found for chloride (1.1) at L2. The highest value of sigma was found for creatinine (10.1) at L3. HDL was found with the highest sigma values at both control levels (8.8 and 8.0 at L2 and L3, respectively). We conclude that analytes with the sigma value <3 are required strict monitoring and modification in quality control procedure. In this study application of sigma rules provided us the practical solution for improved and focused design of QC procedure.

EEG sleep activities react topographically different to GABAergic sleep modulation by flunitrazepam: relationship to regional distribution of benzodiazepine receptor subtypes?

PubMed

Scheuler, W

Spectral analysis was performed to study the response of various EEG sleep activities to a modification of GABAergic sleep regulation by flunitrazepam. We observed sleep stage- and sleep cycle-dependent differences in the topographic distribution of the reactions. An increase in power density was found in the frontal regions for the alpha 2 and sigma 1 frequency band whereas a decrease in power density was emphasized in the posterior regions for the delta and alpha 1 frequency band. These topographic differences might be related to the regional distribution of benzodiazepine receptor subtypes.

Nonrelativistic approaches derived from point-coupling relativistic models

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

Lourenco, O.; Dutra, M.; Delfino, A.

2010-03-15

We construct nonrelativistic versions of relativistic nonlinear hadronic point-coupling models, based on new normalized spinor wave functions after small component reduction. These expansions give us energy density functionals that can be compared to their relativistic counterparts. We show that the agreement between the nonrelativistic limit approach and the Skyrme parametrizations becomes strongly dependent on the incompressibility of each model. We also show that the particular case A=B=0 (Walecka model) leads to the same energy density functional of the Skyrme parametrizations SV and ZR2, while the truncation scheme, up to order {rho}{sup 3}, leads to parametrizations for which {sigma}=1.

Bacterial Sigma Factors and Anti-Sigma Factors: Structure, Function and Distribution

PubMed Central

Paget, Mark S.

2015-01-01

Sigma factors are multi-domain subunits of bacterial RNA polymerase (RNAP) that play critical roles in transcription initiation, including the recognition and opening of promoters as well as the initial steps in RNA synthesis. This review focuses on the structure and function of the major sigma-70 class that includes the housekeeping sigma factor (Group 1) that directs the bulk of transcription during active growth, and structurally-related alternative sigma factors (Groups 2–4) that control a wide variety of adaptive responses such as morphological development and the management of stress. A recurring theme in sigma factor control is their sequestration by anti-sigma factors that occlude their RNAP-binding determinants. Sigma factors are then released through a wide variety of mechanisms, often involving branched signal transduction pathways that allow the integration of distinct signals. Three major strategies for sigma release are discussed: regulated proteolysis, partner-switching, and direct sensing by the anti-sigma factor. PMID:26131973

Positive and negative feedback regulatory loops of thiol-oxidative stress response mediated by an unstable isoform of sigmaR in actinomycetes.

PubMed

Kim, Min-Sik; Hahn, Mi-Young; Cho, Yoobok; Cho, Sang-Nae; Roe, Jung-Hye

2009-09-01

Alternate sigma factors provide an effective way of diversifying bacterial gene expression in response to environmental changes. In Streptomyces coelicolor where more than 65 sigma factors are predicted, sigma(R) is the major regulator for response to thiol-oxidative stresses. sigma(R) becomes available when its bound anti-sigma factor RsrA is oxidized at sensitive cysteine thiols to form disulphide bonds. sigma(R) regulon includes genes for itself and multiple thiol-reducing systems, which constitute positive and negative feedback loops respectively. We found that the positive amplification loop involves an isoform of sigma(R) (sigma(R')) with an N-terminal extension of 55 amino acids, produced from an upstream start codon. A major difference between constitutive sigma(R) and inducible sigma(R') is that the latter is markedly unstable (t(1/2) approximately 10 min) compared with the former (> 70 min). The rapid turnover of sigma(R') is partly due to induced ClpP1/P2 proteases from the sigma(R) regulon. This represents a novel way of elaborating positive and negative feedback loops in a control circuit. Similar phenomenon may occur in other actinomycetes that harbour multiple start codons in the sigR homologous gene. We observed that sigH gene, the sigR orthologue in Mycobacterium smegmatis, produces an unstable larger isoform of sigma(H) upon induction by thiol-oxidative stress.

Hemoglobin binding of aromatic amines: molecular dosimetry and quantitative structure-activity relationships for N-oxidation.

PubMed Central

Sabbioni, G

1993-01-01

Aromatic amines are important intermediates in industrial manufacturing. N-Oxidation to N-hydroxyarylamines is a key step in determining the genotoxic properties of aromatic amines. N-Hydroxyarylamines can form adducts with DNA, with tissue proteins, and with the blood proteins albumin and hemoglobin in a dose-dependent manner. The determination of hemoglobin adducts is a useful tool for biomonitoring exposed populations. We have established the hemoglobin binding index (HBI) [(mmole compound/mole hemoglobin)/(mmole compound/kg body weight)] of several aromatic amines in female Wistar rats. Including the values from other researchers obtained in the same rat strain, the logarithm of hemoglobin binding (logHBI) was plotted against the following parameters: the sum of the Hammett constants(sigma sigma = sigma p + sigma m), pKa, logP (octanol/water), the half-wave oxidation potential (E1/2), and the electronic descriptors of the amines and their corresponding nitrenium ions obtained by semi-empirical calculations (MNDO, AMI, and PM3), such as atomic charge densities, energies of the highest occupied molecular orbit and lowest occupied molecular orbit and their coefficients, the bond order of C-N, the dipole moments, and the reaction enthalpy [MNDOHF, AM1HF or PM3HF = Hf(nitrenium) - Hf(amine)]. The correlation coefficients were determined from the plots of all parameters against log HBI for all amines by means of linear regression analysis. The amines were classified in three groups: group 1, all parasubstituted amines (maximum, n = 9); group 2, all amines with halogens (maximun, n = 11); and group 3, all amines with alkyl groups (maximum, n = 13).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) PMID:8319626

Expression of sigma receptor 1 mRNA and protein in rat retina.

PubMed

Liu, L L; Wang, L; Zhong, Y M; Yang, X L

2010-06-02

Sigma receptor (sigmaR), known as a unique nonopiate, nonphencyclidine brain receptor, can bind diverse classes of psychotropic drugs, neurosteroids and other synthetic compounds, such as (+)pentazocine, etc. Two types of sigmaRs have been identified: sigmaR1 and sigmaR2. In this work, we examined the expression of sigmaR1 in rat retina by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reactive (RT-PCR) analysis and immunofluorescence double labeling. RT-PCR analysis showed that sigmaR1 mRNA was present in rat retina. Furthermore, labeling for sigmaR1 was diffusely distributed in the outer and inner plexiform layers. The sigmaR1-immunoreactivity (IR) was also observed in many cells in the inner nuclear layer and the ganglion cell layer. In the outer retina sigmaR1 was expressed in all horizontal cells labeled by calbindin. In contrast, no sigmaR1-IR was detected in several subtypes of bipolar cells, including rod-dominant ON-type bipolar cells, types 2, 3, 5 and 8 bipolar cells, labeled by protein kinase C (PKC), recoverin and hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated potassium channel 4 (HCN4) respectively. In the inner retina, most of GABAergic amacrine cells, including dopaminergic and cholinergic ones, stained by tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) respectively, expressed sigmaR1. Some glycinergic amacrine cells were also labeled by sigmaR1, but glycinergic AII amacrine cells were not labeled. In addition, sigmaR1-IR was seen in almost all somata of the ganglion cells retrogradely labeled by fluorogold. These results suggest that sigmaR1 may have neuromodulatory and neuroprotective roles in the retina. Copyright 2010 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

ASTER Thermal Anomalies in Western Colorado

DOE Data Explorer

Richard E. Zehner

2013-01-01

This layer contains the areas identified as areas of anomalous surface temperature from ASTER satellite imagery. The temperature is calculated using the Emissivity Normalization Algorithm that separate temperature from emissivity. Areas that had temperature greater than 2o, and areas with temperature equal to 1o to 2o, were considered ASTER modeled very warm and warm surface exposures (thermal anomalies), respectively Note: 'o' is used in place of lowercase sigma in this description.

Post-transcriptional regulation of the Streptomyces coelicolor stress responsive sigma factor, SigH, involves translational control, proteolytic processing, and an anti-sigma factor homolog.

PubMed

Viollier, Patrick H; Weihofen, Andreas; Folcher, Marc; Thompson, Charles J

2003-01-24

The sigH gene encodes a sigma factor whose transcription is controlled by stress regulatory systems and the developmental program in Streptomyces coelicolor. Here, we describe developmentally regulated post-transcriptional control systems for SigH. sigH is expressed as three primary translation products, SigH-sigma(37), SigH-sigma(51), and SigH-sigma(52). In vitro, SigH-sigma(52) was comparable to SigH-sigma(37) in its ability to associate with RNA polymerase core enzyme and specifically initiate transcription in vitro. While SigH-sigma(51/52) were the primary gene products observed throughout early phases of growth, their abundance decreased during later stages in liquid or solid phase cultures while levels of shorter, C-terminally encoded products increased. These included SigH-sigma(37), a product of the downstream translational initiation site, as well as two proteolytic derivatives of SigH-sigma(51/52) (34kDa and 38kDa). Accumulation of SigH-sigma(37) and processing of SigH-sigma(51/52) into these stable 34kDa and 38kDa derivatives correlated with morphological changes on solid medium and physiological maturation in liquid medium. SigH-sigma(51/52) processing did not occur on medium non-permissive for aerial mycelium formation or in one particular developmental mutant (brgA). The proteolytic activity could be detected in vitro using crude extracts of stationary phase cultures, but was absent from exponential phase cultures. prsH, the gene upstream of sigH having sequence similarity to known anti-sigma factors, was able to bind to, and thus presumably inactivate SigH-sigma(52), SigH-sigma(51), and SigH-sigma(37). We have shown elsewhere that prsH was conditionally required for colonial development. Thus, while at least one transcriptional regulator is known to bring about the accumulation of sigH mRNA at different times and different locations in colonies, the post-transcriptional processes described here regulate the activity of different SigH isoforms and program their temporal accumulation pattern, i.e. the elimination of SigH-sigma(51/52) and accumulation of SigH-sigma(37)-like proteins, as a function of development.

Expression, subcellular localization, and regulation of sigma receptor in retinal muller cells.

PubMed

Jiang, Guoliang; Mysona, Barbara; Dun, Ying; Gnana-Prakasam, Jaya P; Pabla, Navjotsin; Li, Weiguo; Dong, Zheng; Ganapathy, Vadivel; Smith, Sylvia B

2006-12-01

Sigma receptors (sigmaRs) are nonopioid, nonphencyclidine binding sites with robust neuroprotective properties. Type 1 sigmaR1 (sigmaR1) is expressed in brain oligodendrocytes, but its expression and binding capacity have not been analyzed in retinal glial cells. This study examined the expression, subcellular localization, binding activity, and regulation of sigmaR1 in retinal Müller cells. Primary mouse Müller cells (MCs) were analyzed by RT-PCR, immunoblotting, and immunocytochemistry for the expression of sigmaR1, and data were compared with those of the rat Müller cell line (rMC-1) and the rat ganglion cell line (RGC-5). Confocal microscopy was used to determine the subcellular sigmaR1 location in primary mouse MCs. Membranes prepared from these cells were used for binding assays with [3H]-pentazocine (PTZ). The kinetics of binding, the ability of various sigmaR1 ligands to compete with sigmaR1 binding, and the effects of donated nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) on binding were examined. sigmaR1 is expressed in primary mouse MCs and is localized to the nuclear and endoplasmic reticulum membranes. Binding assays showed that in primary mouse MCs, rMC-1, and RGC-5, the binding of PTZ was saturable. [3H]-PTZ bound with high affinity in RGC-5 and rMC-1 cells, and the binding was similarly robust in primary mouse MCs. Competition studies showed marked inhibition of [3H]-PTZ binding in the presence of sigmaR1-specific ligands. Incubation of cells with NO and ROS donors markedly increased sigmaR1 binding activity. MCs express sigmaR1 and demonstrate robust sigmaR1 binding activity, which is inhibited by sigmaR1 ligands and is stimulated during oxidative stress. The potential of Müller cells to bind sigmaR1 ligands may prove beneficial in retinal degenerative diseases such as diabetic retinopathy.

Mutational analysis of Escherichia coli heat shock transcription factor sigma 32 reveals similarities with sigma 70 in recognition of the -35 promoter element and differences in promoter DNA melting and -10 recognition.

PubMed

Kourennaia, Olga V; Tsujikawa, Laura; Dehaseth, Pieter L

2005-10-01

Upon the exposure of Escherichia coli to high temperature (heat shock), cellular levels of the transcription factor sigma32 rise greatly, resulting in the increased formation of the sigma32 holoenzyme, which is capable of transcription initiation at heat shock promoters. Higher levels of heat shock proteins render the cell better able to cope with the effects of higher temperatures. To conduct structure-function studies on sigma32 in vivo, we have carried out site-directed mutagenesis and employed a previously developed system involving sigma32 expression from one plasmid and a beta-galactosidase reporter gene driven by the sigma32-dependent groE promoter on another in order to monitor the effects of single amino acid substitutions on sigma32 activity. It was found that the recognition of the -35 region involves similar amino acid residues in regions 4.2 of E. coli sigma32 and sigma70. Three conserved amino acids in region 2.3 of sigma32 were found to be only marginally important in determining activity in vivo. Differences between sigma32 and sigma70 in the effects of mutation in region 2.4 on the activities of the two sigma factors are consistent with the pronounced differences between both the amino acid sequences in this region and the recognized promoter DNA sequences.

Calcul numérique des ondes de surface par une méthode de projection avec un maillage eulérien adaptatif

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guillou, Sylvain; Barbry, Nathaly; Nguyen, Kim Dan

A non hydrostatic vertical two-dimensional numerical model is proposed to calculate free-surface flows. This model is based on resolving the full Navier-Stokes equations by a finite-difference method coupled with Chorin's projection method. An adaptative-Eulerian grid in the sigma-coordinate system is used. The model permits the calculation of surface-waves in estuarine and coastal zones. A benchmark test relative to the soliton propagation is realised to validate the model.

Surface evaluation of the grazing incidence mirrors for the Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Green, James; Finley, David S.; Bowyer, Stuart; Malina, Roger F.

1987-01-01

The EUV scattering from the Wolter-Schwarzschild type I short wavelength scanner mirror aboard the Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer is measured, and the results are used to evaluate the surface microroughness of the mirror. It is found that the most likely values for the mirror surface are sigma = 20 A, and rho = 40 microns. These results are consistent with previous estimates, but with a higher degree of certainty. The full-scale simulation presented here allows over 99 percent of the light distribution to be reasonably modeled.

SigmaS controls multiple pathways associated with intracellular multiplication of Legionella pneumophila.

PubMed

Hovel-Miner, Galadriel; Pampou, Sergey; Faucher, Sebastien P; Clarke, Margaret; Morozova, Irina; Morozov, Pavel; Russo, James J; Shuman, Howard A; Kalachikov, Sergey

2009-04-01

Legionella pneumophila is the causative agent of the severe and potentially fatal pneumonia Legionnaires' disease. L. pneumophila is able to replicate within macrophages and protozoa by establishing a replicative compartment in a process that requires the Icm/Dot type IVB secretion system. The signals and regulatory pathways required for Legionella infection and intracellular replication are poorly understood. Mutation of the rpoS gene, which encodes sigma(S), does not affect growth in rich medium but severely decreases L. pneumophila intracellular multiplication within protozoan hosts. To gain insight into the intracellular multiplication defect of an rpoS mutant, we examined its pattern of gene expression during exponential and postexponential growth. We found that sigma(S) affects distinct groups of genes that contribute to Legionella intracellular multiplication. We demonstrate that rpoS mutants have a functional Icm/Dot system yet are defective for the expression of many genes encoding Icm/Dot-translocated substrates. We also show that sigma(S) affects the transcription of the cpxR and pmrA genes, which encode two-component response regulators that directly affect the transcription of Icm/Dot substrates. Our characterization of the L. pneumophila small RNA csrB homologs, rsmY and rsmZ, introduces a link between sigma(S) and the posttranscriptional regulator CsrA. We analyzed the network of sigma(S)-controlled genes by mutational analysis of transcriptional regulators affected by sigma(S). One of these, encoding the L. pneumophila arginine repressor homolog gene, argR, is required for maximal intracellular growth in amoebae. These data show that sigma(S) is a key regulator of multiple pathways required for L. pneumophila intracellular multiplication.

Grain boundary character, and carbide size and spatial distribution in a ternary nickel alloy

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

Liu, H.; Gao, M.; Harlow, D.G.

1995-06-01

A preliminary investigation of the grain boundary character and its relationship to carbide distribution in a Ni-18Cr-18Fe ternary alloy was conducted. The results showed that there was a strong preference for the formation of {Sigma}3 (44.6%) and twin-related {Sigma}9 and {Sigma}27 CSL boundaries. If the coherent {Sigma}3{sub c} twin and the twin-related boundaries are excluded, then the distribution would consist of nearly 80% random (high angle) boundaries and about 20% CSL (with {Sigma} {<=} 49) boundaries. The size and spacing of grain boundary carbides were influenced by grain boundary {Sigma}; the carbides being smaller and more closely spaced on themore » {Sigma}1, {Sigma}9 and {Sigma}27 boundaries, and none could be resolved on the coherent {Sigma}3 twin boundaries. The results could be understood, in part, in terms of the influence of grain boundary energy, but the understanding is incomplete. Further studies are in progress and will be reported.« less

Sigma1 Pharmacology in the Context of Cancer.

PubMed

Kim, Felix J; Maher, Christina M

2017-01-01

Sigma1 (also known as sigma-1 receptor, Sig1R, σ1 receptor) is a unique pharmacologically regulated integral membrane chaperone or scaffolding protein. The majority of publications on the subject have focused on the neuropharmacology of Sigma1. However, a number of publications have also suggested a role for Sigma1 in cancer. Although there is currently no clinically used anti-cancer drug that targets Sigma1, a growing body of evidence supports the potential of Sigma1 ligands as therapeutic agents to treat cancer. In preclinical models, compounds with affinity for Sigma1 have been reported to inhibit cancer cell proliferation and survival, cell adhesion and migration, tumor growth, to alleviate cancer-associated pain, and to have immunomodulatory properties. This review will highlight that although the literature supports a role for Sigma1 in cancer, several fundamental questions regarding drug mechanism of action and the physiological relevance of aberrant SIGMAR1 transcript and Sigma1 protein expression in certain cancers remain unanswered or only partially answered. However, emerging lines of evidence suggest that Sigma1 is a component of the cancer cell support machinery, that it facilitates protein interaction networks, that it allosterically modulates the activity of its associated proteins, and that Sigma1 is a selectively multifunctional drug target.

Evolutionary grinding model for nanometric control of surface roughness for aspheric optical surfaces.

PubMed

Han, Jeong-Yeol; Kim, Sug-Whan; Han, Inwoo; Kim, Geon-Hee

2008-03-17

A new evolutionary grinding process model has been developed for nanometric control of material removal from an aspheric surface of Zerodur substrate. The model incorporates novel control features such as i) a growing database; ii) an evolving, multi-variable regression equation; and iii) an adaptive correction factor for target surface roughness (Ra) for the next machine run. This process model demonstrated a unique evolutionary controllability of machining performance resulting in the final grinding accuracy (i.e. averaged difference between target and measured surface roughness) of -0.2+/-2.3(sigma) nm Ra over seven trial machine runs for the target surface roughness ranging from 115 nm to 64 nm Ra.

Development and initial test of the University of Wisconsin global isentropic-sigma model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zapotocny, Tom H.; Johnson, Donald R.; Reames, Fred M.

1994-01-01

The description of a global version of the University of Wisconsin (UW) hybrid isentropic-sigma (theta-sigma) model and the results from an initial numerical weather prediction experiment are presented in this paper. The main objectives of this initial test are to (1) discuss theta-sigma model development and computer requirements, (2) demonstrate the ability of the UW theta-sigma model for global numerical weather prediction using realistic orography and parameterized physical processes, and (3) compare the transport of an inert trace constituent against a nominally 'identical' sigma coordinate model. Initial and verifying data for the 5-day simulations presented in this work were supplied by the Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS-1) data assimilation system. The time period studied is 1-6 February 1985. This validation experiment demonstrates that the global UW theta-sigma model produces a realistic 5-day simulation of the mass and momentum distributions when compared to both the identical sigma model and GEOS-1 verification. Root-mean-square errors demonstrate that the theta-sigma model is slightly more accurate than the nominally identical sigma model with respect to standard synoptic variables. Of particular importance, the UW theta-sigma model displays a distinct advantage over the conventional sigma model with respect to the prognostic simulation of inert trace constituent transport in amplifying baroclinic waves of the extratropics. This is especially true in the upper troposphere and stratosphere where the spatial integrity and conservation of an inert trace constituent is severely compromised in the sigma model compared to the theta-sigma model.

THE L{proportional_to}{sigma}{sup 8} CORRELATION FOR ELLIPTICAL GALAXIES WITH CORES: RELATION WITH BLACK HOLE MASS

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

Kormendy, John; Bender, Ralf, E-mail: kormendy@astro.as.utexas.edu, E-mail: bender@mpe.mpg.de

We construct the Faber-Jackson correlation between velocity dispersion {sigma} and total galaxy luminosity L{sub V} separately for elliptical galaxies with and without cores. The coreless ellipticals show the well-known, steep relationship dlog {sigma}/dlog L{sub V} = 0.268 or L{sub V} {proportional_to}{sigma}{sup 3.74}. This corresponds to dlog {sigma}/dlog M = 0.203, where M is the stellar mass and we use M/L{proportional_to}L {sup 0.32}. In contrast, the velocity dispersions of core ellipticals increase much more slowly with L{sub V} and M: dlog {sigma}/dlog L{sub V} = 0.120, L{sub V} {proportional_to}{sigma}{sup 8.33}, and dlog {sigma}/dlog M = 0.091. Dissipationless major galaxy mergers aremore » expected to preserve {sigma} according to the simplest virial-theorem arguments. However, numerical simulations show that {sigma} increases slowly in dry major mergers, with dlog {sigma}/dlog M {approx_equal} +0.15. In contrast, minor mergers cause {sigma} to decrease, with dlog {sigma}/dlog M {approx_equal} -0.05. Thus, the observed relation argues for dry major mergers as the dominant growth mode of the most massive ellipticals. This is consistent with what we know about the formation of cores. We know no viable way to explain galaxy cores except through dissipationless mergers of approximately equal-mass galaxies followed by core scouring by binary supermassive black holes. The observed, shallow {sigma}{proportional_to}L{sub V}{sup +0.12} relation for core ellipticals provides further evidence that they formed in dissipationless and predominantly major mergers. Also, it explains the observation that the correlation of supermassive black hole mass with velocity dispersion, M{sub .}{proportional_to}{sigma}{sup 4}, ''saturates'' at high M{sub .} such that M{sub .} becomes almost independent of {sigma}.« less

The generalized Weierstrass system inducing surfaces of constant and nonconstant mean curvature in Euclidean three space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bracken, Paul

2007-05-01

The generalized Weierstrass (GW) system is introduced and its correspondence with the associated two-dimensional nonlinear sigma model is reviewed. The method of symmetry reduction is systematically applied to derive several classes of invariant solutions for the GW system. The solutions can be used to induce constant mean curvature surfaces in Euclidean three space. Some properties of the system for the case of nonconstant mean curvature are introduced as well.

Energy, entropy and mass scaling relations for elliptical galaxies. Towards a physical understanding of their photometric properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Márquez, I.; Lima Neto, G. B.; Capelato, H.; Durret, F.; Lanzoni, B.; Gerbal, D.

2001-12-01

In the present paper, we show that elliptical galaxies (Es) obey a scaling relation between potential energy and mass. Since they are relaxed systems in a post violent-relaxation stage, they are quasi-equilibrium gravitational systems and therefore they also have a quasi-constant specific entropy. Assuming that light traces mass, these two laws imply that in the space defined by the three Sérsic law parameters (intensity Sigma0 , scale a and shape nu ), elliptical galaxies are distributed on two intersecting 2-manifolds: the Entropic Surface and the Energy-Mass Surface. Using a sample of 132 galaxies belonging to three nearby clusters, we have verified that ellipticals indeed follow these laws. This also implies that they are distributed along the intersection line (the Energy-Entropy line), thus they constitute a one-parameter family. These two physical laws (separately or combined), allow to find the theoretical origin of several observed photometrical relations, such as the correlation between absolute magnitude and effective surface brightness, and the fact that ellipticals are located on a surface in the [log Reff, -2.5 log Sigma0, log nu ] space. The fact that elliptical galaxies are a one-parameter family has important implications for cosmology and galaxy formation and evolution models. Moreover, the Energy-Entropy line could be used as a distance indicator.

QSO Lyalpha Absorption Lines in Galaxy Superclusters and Voids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stocke, J. T.; Shull, J. M.; Penton, S.; Burks, G.; Donahue, M.

1993-12-01

We have used the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Goddard High Resolution Spectrograph (GHRS) to search for Lyalpha absorption clouds in nearby galaxy voids (cz <= 10,000 km s(-1) ). Thus far, we have obtained GHRS spectra (G160M, 1225 -- 1255 Angstroms, 0.25 Angstroms resolution) of three very bright Active Galactic Nuclei, Mrk 501, I Zw I, and Mrk 335, at V <= 14.5. We find 4 probable (4.0 sigma - 4.5 sigma ) and 4 definite (5 sigma - 16 sigma ) Lyalpha absorption lines, with equivalent widths W_λ = 50 - 200 m Angstroms, corresponding to column densities N(H I) = 10(13) -- 10(14) cm(-2) , assuming a typical Doppler parameter of b = 25 km s(-1) . Based on an updated version of the CfA redshift survey (Huchra and Clemens, private communication), most of these Lyalpha systems appear to be associated with supercluster - sized ``strings'' of galaxies similar to the ``Great Wall''. Toward Mrk 501, the nearest bright galaxy at the redshift of the strongest (200 m Angstroms) Lyalpha cloud lies 500 h75(-1) kpc off the line of sight. Models of H I disks exposed to the intergalactic ionizing radiation field (Dove & Shull 1994, ApJ, 423, in press) show that the N(H I) = 10(13) cm(-2) contour in a typical spiral galaxy is reached at 100 kpc radial extent. Thus, the Lyalpha absorbers associated with galaxy-string systems may be the result of H I in an extended halo, in dwarf satellite galaxies (M_B > -15), or in tidally-stripped gas. Most importantly for cosmological origins of baryons, one (4.3 sigma ) Lyalpha absorption line in the spectrum of Mrk 501 lies within the galaxy void in the foreground of the ``Great Wall''. The nearest bright galaxy, to a level M_B <= -18.5 for H_0 = 75 km s(-1) Mpc(-1) , is more than 5 Mpc away. A pencil-beam survey of faint galaxies to M_B = -16.0 finds no galaxy within 100 h75(-1) kpc of the line of sight, at or near the absorber redshift.

Sufficient and necessary condition of separability for generalized Werner states

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

Deng Dongling; Chen Jingling

2009-02-15

In a celebrated paper [Optics Communications 179, 447, 2000], A.O. Pittenger and M.H. Rubin presented for the first time a sufficient and necessary condition of separability for the generalized Werner states. Inspired by their ideas, we generalized their method to a more general case. We obtain a sufficient and necessary condition for the separability of a specific class of N d-dimensional system (qudits) states, namely special generalized Werner state (SGWS): W{sup [d{sup N}]}(v)=(1-v)(I{sup (N)})/(d{sup N}) +v|{psi}{sub d}{sup N}><{psi}{sub d}{sup N}|, where |{psi}{sub d}{sup N}>={sigma}{sub i=0}{sup d-1}{alpha}{sub i}|i...i> is an entangled pure state of N qudits system and {alpha}{sub i} satisfiesmore » two restrictions: (i) {sigma}{sub i=0}{sup d-1}{alpha}{sub i}{alpha}{sub i}*=1; (ii) Matrix 1/d (I{sup (1)}+T{sigma}{sub i{ne}}{sub j}{alpha}{sub i}|i>

A Compact and Low-Cost MEMS Loudspeaker for Digital Hearing Aids.

PubMed

Sang-Soo Je; Rivas, F; Diaz, R E; Jiuk Kwon; Jeonghwan Kim; Bakkaloglu, B; Kiaei, S; Junseok Chae

2009-10-01

A microelectromechanical-systems (MEMS)-based electromagnetically actuated loudspeaker to reduce form factor, cost, and power consumption, and increase energy efficiency in hearing-aid applications is presented. The MEMS loudspeaker has multilayer copper coils, an NiFe soft magnet on a thin polyimide diaphragm, and an NdFeB permanent magnet on the perimeter. The coil impedance is measured at 1.5 Omega, and the resonant frequency of the diaphragm is located far from the audio frequency range. The device is driven by a power-scalable, 0.25-mum complementary metal-oxide semiconductor class-D SigmaDelta amplifier stage. The class-D amplifier is formed by a differential H-bridge driven by a single bit, pulse-density-modulated SigmaDelta bitstream at a 1.2-MHz clock rate. The fabricated MEMS loudspeaker generates more than 0.8-mum displacement, equivalent to 106-dB sound pressure level (SPL), with 0.13-mW power consumption. Driven by the SigmaDelta class-D amplifier, the MEMS loudspeaker achieves measured 65-dB total harmonic distortion (THD) with a measurement uncertainty of less than 10%. Energy-efficient and cost-effective advanced hearing aids would benefit from further miniaturization via MEMS technology. The results from this study appear very promising for developing a compact, mass-producible, low-power loudspeaker with sufficient sound generation for hearing-aid applications.

Bioaccumulation of organochlorine contaminants in bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) from Barrow, Alaska.

PubMed

Hoekstra, P F; O'Hara, T M; Pallant, S J; Solomon, K R; Muir, D C G

2002-05-01

Bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus) blubber (n = 72) and liver (n = 23) samples were collected during seven consecutive subsistence harvests (1997-2000) at Barrow, Alaska, to investigate the bioaccumulation of organochlorine contaminants (OCs) by this long-lived mysticete. The rank order of OC group concentrations (geometric mean, wet weight) in bowhead blubber samples were toxaphene (TOX; 455 ng/g) > polychlorinated biphenyls (SigmaPCBs; 410 ng/g) > dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane-related compounds (SigmaDDT; 331 ng/g) >or= hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (SigmaHCHs; 203 ng/g) >or= chlordanes and related isomers (SigmaCHLOR; 183 ng/g) > chlorobenzenes (SigmaCIBz; 106 ng/g). In liver, SigmaHCH (9.5 ng/g; wet weight) was the most abundant SigmaOC group, followed by SigmaPCBs (9.1 ng/g) >or= TOX (8.8 ng/g) > SigmaCHLOR (5.5 ng/g) > SigmaCIBz (4.2 ng/g) >or= SigmaDDT (3.7 ng/g). The dominant analyte in blubber and liver was p,p'-DDE and alpha-HCH, respectively. Total TOX, SigmaPCBs, SigmaDDT, and SigmaCHLOR concentrations in blubber generally increased with age of male whales (as interpreted by body length), but this relationship was not significant for adult female whales. Biomagnification factor (BMF) values (0.1-45.5) for OCs from zooplankton (Calanus sp.) to bowhead whale were consistent with findings for other mysticetes. Tissue-specific differences in OC patterns in blubber and liver may be attributed to variation of tissue composition and the relatively low capacity of this species to biotransform various OCs. Principal component analysis of contaminants levels in bowhead blubber samples suggest that proportions of OCs, such as beta-HCH, fluctuate with seasonal migration of this species between the Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort Seas.

Characterization of 4-Nitrophenylpropyl-N-alkylamine Interactions with Sigma Receptors

PubMed Central

Chu, Uyen B.; Hajipour, Abdol R.; Ramachandran, Subramaniam; Ruoho, Arnold E.

2011-01-01

Sigma receptors are small membrane proteins implicated in a number of pathophysiological conditions including drug addiction, psychosis and cancer; thus, small molecule inhibitors of sigma receptors have been proposed as potential pharmacotherapeutics for these diseases. We previously discovered that endogenous monochain N-alkyl sphingolipids including D-erythro-sphingosine, sphinganine, and N,N-dimethyl sphingosine bind to the sigma-1 receptor at physiologically relevant concentrations [Ramachandran et al. 2009 Eur J Pharmacol. 609(1–3):19–26]. Here, we investigated several N-alkylamines of varying chain lengths as sigma receptor ligands. Although the KI values for N-alkylamines were found to be in the micromolar range, when N-3-phenylpropyl and N-3-(4-nitrophenyl)propyl derivatives of butyl- (1a and 1b), heptyl- (2a and 2b), dodecyl- (3a and 3b), and octadecyl-amine (4a and 4b) were evaluated as sigma receptor ligands we found that these compounds exhibited nanomolar affinities with both sigma-1 and sigma-2 receptors. A screen of the high affinity ligands 2a, 2b, 3a and 3b against a variety of other receptors/transporters confirmed these four compounds to be highly selective mixed sigma-1 and sigma-2 ligands. Additionally, in HEK293 cells reconstituted with Kv1.4 potassium channel and the sigma-1 receptor, these derivatives were able to inhibit the outward current from the channel – consistent with sigma receptor modulation. Finally, cytotoxicity assays showed that 2a, 2b, 3a and 3b were highly potent against a number of cancer cell lines, demonstrating their potential utility as mixed sigma-1 and sigma-2 receptor anti-cancer agents. PMID:21790129

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

Thilker, David A.; Bianchi, Luciana; Schiminovich, David

We have discovered recent star formation in the outermost portion ((1-4) x R {sub 25}) of the nearby lenticular (S0) galaxy NGC 404 using Galaxy Evolution Explorer UV imaging. FUV-bright sources are strongly concentrated within the galaxy's H I ring (formed by a merger event according to del RIo et al.), even though the average gas density is dynamically subcritical. Archival Hubble Space Telescope imaging reveals resolved upper main-sequence stars and conclusively demonstrates that the UV light originates from recent star formation activity. We present FUV, NUV radial surface brightness profiles, and integrated magnitudes for NGC 404. Within the ring,more » the average star formation rate (SFR) surface density ({Sigma}{sub SFR}) is {approx}2.2 x 10{sup -5} M {sub sun} yr{sup -1} kpc{sup -2}. Of the total FUV flux, 70% comes from the H I ring which is forming stars at a rate of 2.5 x 10{sup -3} M {sub sun} yr{sup -1}. The gas consumption timescale, assuming a constant SFR and no gas recycling, is several times the age of the universe. In the context of the UV-optical galaxy color-magnitude diagram, the presence of the star-forming H I ring places NGC 404 in the green valley separating the red and blue sequences. The rejuvenated lenticular galaxy has experienced a merger-induced, disk-building excursion away from the red sequence toward bluer colors, where it may evolve quiescently or (if appropriately triggered) experience a burst capable of placing it on the blue/star-forming sequence for up to {approx}1 Gyr. The green valley galaxy population is heterogeneous, with most systems transitioning from blue to red but others evolving in the opposite sense due to acquisition of fresh gas through various channels.« less

Studies of the Escherichia coli Rsd-sigma70 complex.

PubMed

Westblade, Lars F; Ilag, Leopold L; Powell, Andrew K; Kolb, Annie; Robinson, Carol V; Busby, Stephen J W

2004-01-16

Escherichia coli Rsd protein was previously identified on the basis of its binding to the RNA polymerase sigma(70) subunit. The Rsd-sigma(70) complex has been studied using different methods. Our data show that Rsd associates with sigma(70) to form a complex with a stoichiometry of 1:1. Alanine scanning and deletion mutagenesis were used to locate regions of sigma(70) that are required for the formation of the Rsd-sigma(70) complex.

Running Head: Implementing Six Sigma Efforts

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lindsay, Jamie Eleaitia Mae

2005-01-01

Six Sigma is an organization wide program that provides common set of goals, language, and methodology for improving the overall quality of the processes within the organization (Davis & Heineke 2004). Six Sigma main concern is for the customer. What will the customers want? Need? Six Sigma has a model that helps Sigma get implemented DMAIC model…

Regulation of antimicrobial resistance by extracytoplasmic function (ECF) sigma factors

PubMed Central

Woods, Emily C.; McBride, Shonna M.

2017-01-01

Extracytoplasmic function (ECF) sigma factors are a subfamily of σ70 sigma factors that activate genes involved in stress-response functions. In many bacteria, ECF sigma factors regulate resistance to antimicrobial compounds. This review will summarize the ECF sigma factors that regulate antimicrobial resistance in model organisms and clinically relevant pathogens. PMID:28153747

Radiometric errors in complex Fourier transform spectrometry.

PubMed

Sromovsky, Lawrence A

2003-04-01

A complex spectrum arises from the Fourier transform of an asymmetric interferogram. A rigorous derivation shows that the rms noise in the real part of that spectrum is indeed given by the commonly used relation sigmaR = 2X x NEP/(etaAomega square root(tauN)), where NEP is the delay-independent and uncorrelated detector noise-equivalent power per unit bandwidth, +/- X is the delay range measured with N samples averaging for a time tau per sample, eta is the system optical efficiency, and Aomega is the system throughput. A real spectrum produced by complex calibration with two complex reference spectra [Appl. Opt. 27, 3210 (1988)] has a variance sigmaL2 = sigmaR2 + sigma(c)2 (Lh - Ls)2/(Lh - Lc)2 + sigma(h)2 (Ls - Lc)2/(Lh - Lc)2, valid for sigmaR, sigma(c), and sigma(h) small compared with Lh - Lc, where Ls, Lh, and Lc are scene, hot reference, and cold reference spectra, respectively, and sigma(c) and sigma(h) are the respective combined uncertainties in knowledge and measurement of the hot and cold reference spectra.

Experimental and Coupled-channels Investigation of the Radiative Properties of the N2 c4 (sup 1)Sigma+(sub u) - X (sup 1)Sigma+(sub g) Band System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liu, Xianming; Shemansky, Donald E.; Malone, Charles P.; Johnson, Paul V.; Ajello, Joseph M.; Kanik, Isik; Heays, Alan N.; Lewis, Brenton R.; Gibson, Stephen T.; Stark, Glenn

2008-01-01

The emission properties of the N2 c(sup prime)(sub 4) (sup 1)Sigma+(sub u) - Chi (sup 1)Sigma+(sub g) band system have been investigated in a joint experimental and coupled-channels theoretical study. Relative intensities of the c(sup prime)(sub 4) (sup 1)Sigma+(sub u)(0) - Chi (sup 1)Sigma+(sub g)(v(sub i)) transitions, measured via electron-impact-induced emission spectroscopy, are combined with a coupled-channel Schroedinger equation (CSE) model of the N2 molecule, enabling determination of the diabatic electronic transition moment for the c(sup prime)(sub 4) (sup 1)Sigma+(sub u) - Chi (sup 1)Sigma+(sub g) system as a function of internuclear distance. The CSE probabilities are further verified by comparison with a high-resolution experimental spectrum. Spontaneous transition probabilities of the c(sup prime)(sub 4) (sup 1)Sigma+(sub u) - Chi (sup 1)Sigma+(sub g) modeling atmospheric emission, can now be calculated reliably.

Soil moisture retrieval in forest biomes: field experiment focus for SMAP 2018-2020 and beyond

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) project has made excellent progress in addressing the requirements and science goals of the primary mission. The primary mission baseline requirement is estimates of global surface soil moisture with an error of no greater than 4% volumetric (one sigma) exclud...

Close encounters of the third-body kind. [intruding bodies in binary star systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davies, M. B.; Benz, W.; Hills, J. G.

1994-01-01

We simulated encounters involving binaries of two eccentricities: e = 0 (i.e., circular binaries) and e = 0.5. In both cases the binary contained a point mass of 1.4 solar masses (i.e., a neutron star) and a 0.8 solar masses main-sequence star modeled as a polytrope. The semimajor axes of both binaries were set to 60 solar radii (0.28 AU). We considered intruders of three masses: 1.4 solar masses (a neutron star), 0.8 solar masses (a main-sequence star or a higher mass white dwarf), and 0.64 solar masses (a more typical mass white dwarf). Our strategy was to perform a large number (40,000) of encounters using a three-body code, then to rerun a small number of cases with a three-dimensional smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) code to determine the importance of hydrodynamical effects. Using the results of the three-body runs, we computed the exchange across sections, sigma(sub ex). From the results of the SPH runs, we computed the cross sections for clean exchange, denoted by sigma(sub cx); the formation of a triple system, denoted by sigma(sub trp); and the formation of a merged binary with an object formed from the merger of two of the stars left in orbit around the third star, denoted by sigma(sub mb). For encounters between either binary and a 1.4 solar masses neutron star, sigma(sub cx) approx. 0.7 sigma(sub ex) and sigma(sub mb) + sigma(sub trp) approx. 0.3 sigma(sub ex). For encounters between either binary and the 0.8 solar masses main-sequence star, sigma(sub cx) approx. 0.50 sigma(sub ex) and sigma(sub mb) + sigma(sub trp) approx. 1.0 sigma(sub ex). If the main sequence star is replaced by a main-sequence star of the same mass, we have sigma(sub cx) approx. 0.5 sigma(sub ex) and sigma(sub mb) + sigma(sub trp) approx. 1.6 sigma(sub ex). Although the exchange cross section is a sensitive function of intruder mass, we see that the cross section to produce merged binaries is roughly independent of intruder mass. The merged binaries produced have semi-major axes much larger than either those of the original binaries or those of binaries produced in clean exchanges. Coupled with their lower kick velocities, received from the encounters, their larger size will enhance their cross section, shortening the waiting time to a subsequent encounter with another single star.

Iron Redox Systematics of Shergottites and Martian Magmas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Righter, Kevin; Danielson, L. R.; Martin, A. M.; Newville, M.; Choi, Y.

2010-01-01

Martian meteorites record a range of oxygen fugacities from near the IW buffer to above FMQ buffer [1]. In terrestrial magmas, Fe(3+)/ SigmaFe for this fO2 range are between 0 and 0.25 [2]. Such variation will affect the stability of oxides, pyroxenes, and how the melt equilibrates with volatile species. An understanding of the variation of Fe(3+)/SigmaFe for martian magmas is lacking, and previous work has been on FeO-poor and Al2O3-rich terrestrial basalts. We have initiated a study of the iron redox systematics of martian magmas to better understand FeO and Fe2O3 stability, the stability of magnetite, and the low Ca/high Ca pyroxene [3] ratios observed at the surface.

The nature of the metal-CO interaction and bonding

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bagus, P. S.; Nelin, C. J.; Bauschlicher, C. W., Jr.

1984-01-01

The adsorption of CO on metal surfaces is represented by molecular orbital cluster models of CO at an on top site and adsorbed normal to the surface carbon end down. Ab initio SCF and MCSCF calculations are performed for several clusters. The new constrained space orbital variation CSOV approach is used to analyze the bonding and to compare CO adsorption on Al, representative of sp metals, with that on Cu, representative of transition metals. There is a large repulsion between the superposed free CO and metal charge distributions which is considerably smaller for Cu than for Al because there are fewer valence sigma electrons for Cu than for Al. The CSOV analysis shows that the metal to CO pi donation is much more important than the CO to metal sigma donation. It is also shown that for Cu, the d pi contribution to the metal pi donation is larger than the valence 4p pi contribution. The d pi donation is compared between Fe, Ni, and Cu and this donation and the metal-CO interaction are found to be different in the order Fe greater than Ni greater than Cu.

Influence of Iron Oxide Particles on the Strength of Ball-Milled Iron

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

Lesuer, D R; Syn, C K; Sherby, O D

2005-12-07

Detailed microstructural and mechanical property studies of ball-milled iron, in the powder and consolidated states, are reviewed and assessed. The analyses cover three and one-half orders of magnitude of grain size (from 6 nm to 20 mm) and focus on the influence of oxide particles on the strength. The study includes the early work of Koch and Yang, Kimura and Takaki and continues with the more recent work of Umemoto et al and Belyakov, Sakai et al. It is shown that the major contributors to strength are the nanooxide particles. These particles are created by adiabatic shear banding during ball-millingmore » leading to a bimodal distribution of particles. The predicted strength from particles, {sigma}{sub p}, is given by {sigma}{sub p} = B {center_dot} (D*{sub S}){sup -1/2} where D*{sub S} is the surface-to-surface interparticle spacing, and B = 395 MPa {center_dot} {micro}m{sup -1/2}. A model is proposed that accounts for the influence of the bimodal particle size distribution on strength.« less

Analysis of sigma receptor (sigmaR1) expression in retinal ganglion cells cultured under hyperglycemic conditions and in diabetic mice.

PubMed

Ola, M Shamsul; Moore, Pamela; Maddox, Dennis; El-Sherbeny, Amira; Huang, Wei; Roon, Penny; Agarwal, Neeraj; Ganapathy, Vadivel; Smith, Sylvia B

2002-11-15

The type 1 sigma receptor (sigmaR1) is a nonopiate and nonphencyclidine binding site that has numerous pharmacological and physiological functions. In some studies, agonists for sigmaR1 have been shown to afford neuroprotection against overstimulation of the NMDA receptor. sigmaR1 expression has been demonstrated recently in retinal ganglion cells (RGC). RGCs undergo apoptosis early in diabetic retinopathy via NMDA receptor overstimulation. In the present study we asked whether RGCs cultured under hyperglycemic conditions and RGCs of diabetic mice continue to express sigmaR1. RGCs were cultured 48 h in RPMI medium containing either 45 mM glucose or 11 mM glucose plus 34 mM mannitol (osmolar control). C57BL/6 mice were made diabetic using streptozotocin. The retina was dissected from normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice 3, 6 and 12 weeks post-onset of diabetes. sigmaR1 was analyzed in cells using semiquantitative RT-PCR and in tissues by semiquantitative RT-PCR, in situ hybridization, Western blot analysis and immunolocalization. The RT-PCR analysis of cultured RGCs showed that sigmaR1 mRNA is expressed under hyperglycemic conditions at levels similar to control cells. Similarly, analysis of retinas of diabetic mice showed no difference in levels of mRNA encoding sigmaR1 compared to retinas of control mice. In situ hybridization analysis showed that expression patterns of sigmaR1 mRNA in the ganglion cell layer were similar between diabetic and control mice. Western blot analysis suggested that levels of sigmaR1 in retina were similar between diabetic and control retinas. Immunohistochemical analysis of sigmaR1 showed a similar pattern of sigmaR1 protein expression between control and diabetic retina. These studies demonstrate that sigmaR1 is expressed under hyperglycemic conditions in vitro and in vivo.

17O NMR spectroscopy of substituted methyleneindanones: relationship between chemical shift and oxygen atom electron density

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Arvind; Boykin, David W.

1993-07-01

17O NMR spectroscopic data for eigth β-substituted methyleneindanones obtained at natural abundance in acetonitrile at 75°C are reported. 17O NMR data for ten para-substituted E-benzalindanones, enriched with 17O, were recorded in acetonitrile at 75°C. The 17O NMR data for the E-benzalindanones gave good correlations with sigma plus values, with literature carbonyl IR stretching frequencies, and with literature 17O NMR carbonyl data of chalcones and 5-aryl-2,3-furandiones. The carbonyl oxygen atom electron density (AM1) gave good correlation with the carbonyl 17O NMR chemical shift of both β-substituted methyleneindanones and the E-benzalindanones.

Mapping of the Rsd contact site on the sigma 70 subunit of Escherichia coli RNA polymerase.

PubMed

Jishage, M; Dasgupta, D; Ishihama, A

2001-05-01

Rsd (regulator of sigma D) is an anti-sigma factor for the Escherichia coli RNA polymerase sigma(70) subunit. The contact site of Rsd on sigma(70) was analyzed after mapping of the contact-dependent cleavage sites by Rsd-tethered iron-p-bromoacetamidobenzyl EDTA and by analysis of the complex formation between Ala-substituted sigma(70) and Rsd. Results indicate that the Rsd contact site is located downstream of the promoter -35 recognition helix-turn-helix motif within region 4, overlapping with the regions involved in interaction with both core enzyme and sigma(70) contact transcription factors.

LINE ABSORPTION OSCILLATOR STRENGTHS FOR THE c'{sub 4}{sup 1}{Sigma}{sup +}{sub u}(3)-X{sup 1}{Sigma}{sup +}{sub g}(0-5) BANDS IN N{sub 2}

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

Lavin, C.; Velasco, A. M., E-mail: clavin@qf.uva.es

Theoretical absorption oscillator strengths and emission branching ratios for rotational lines of the c'{sub 4}{sup 1}{Sigma}{sup +}{sub u}(3)-X{sup 1}{Sigma}{sup +}{sub g}(0-5) bands of molecular nitrogen are reported. The calculations have been performed with the molecular quantum defect orbital method, which has proved to be reliable in previous studies of rovibronic transitions in diatomic molecules. The strong interaction between c'{sub 4}{sup 1}{Sigma}{sup +}{sub u}(3) and b' {sup 1}{Sigma}{sup +}{sub u}(10) states has been analyzed through an interaction matrix that includes rotational terms. Owing to the perturbation, the c'{sub 4}{sup 1}{Sigma}{sup +}{sub u}(3)-X{sup 1}{Sigma}{sup +}{sub g}(0), c'{sub 4}{sup 1}{Sigma}{sup +}{sub u}(3)-X{sup 1}{Sigma}{supmore » +}{sub g}(1), and c'{sub 4}{sup 1}{Sigma}{sup +}{sub u}(3)-X{sup 1}{Sigma}{sup +}{sub g}(5) bands are not weak, in contrast to what would be expected on the basis of the Franck-Condon principle. Moreover, the intensity distribution of the rotational lines within each of the vibronic bands deviates from considerations based on Hoenl-London factors. In this work, we provide data that may be useful to interpret spectra from atmospheres of the Earth, Titan, and Triton, in which transitions from the c'{sub 4}{sup 1}{Sigma}{sup +}{sub u}(3) level have been detected.« less

Performance analysis of adaptive equalization for coherent acoustic communications in the time-varying ocean environment.

PubMed

Preisig, James C

2005-07-01

Equations are derived for analyzing the performance of channel estimate based equalizers. The performance is characterized in terms of the mean squared soft decision error (sigma2(s)) of each equalizer. This error is decomposed into two components. These are the minimum achievable error (sigma2(0)) and the excess error (sigma2(e)). The former is the soft decision error that would be realized by the equalizer if the filter coefficient calculation were based upon perfect knowledge of the channel impulse response and statistics of the interfering noise field. The latter is the additional soft decision error that is realized due to errors in the estimates of these channel parameters. These expressions accurately predict the equalizer errors observed in the processing of experimental data by a channel estimate based decision feedback equalizer (DFE) and a passive time-reversal equalizer. Further expressions are presented that allow equalizer performance to be predicted given the scattering function of the acoustic channel. The analysis using these expressions yields insights into the features of surface scattering that most significantly impact equalizer performance in shallow water environments and motivates the implementation of a DFE that is robust with respect to channel estimation errors.

Influence of ageing time on hardness, microstructure and wear behaviour of AISI2507 super duplex stainless steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davanageri, Mahesh; Narendranath, S.; Kadoli, Ravikiran

2017-08-01

The effect of ageing time on hardness, microstructure and wear behaviour of super duplex stainless AISI 2507 is examined. The material was solution treated at 1050 °C and water quenched, further the ageing has been carried out at 850 °C for 30 min, 60 min and 90 min. The chromium (Cr) and molybdenum (Mo) enriched intermetallic sigma phase (σ) were found to precipitate at the ferrite/austenite interface and within the ferrite region. The concentration of intermetallic sigma phase (σ), which was quantified by a combination of scanning electron microscopy and image analysis, increases with increasing ageing time, leading to significant increase in the hardness. The x-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) was employed to investigate the element distribution and phase identification. Wear characterstics of the aged super duplex stainless steel were measured by varying normal loads, sliding speeds, sliding distance and compared with solution treated (as-cast) specimens. Scanning electron microscopy was used to assist in analysis of worn out surfaces. The outcomes suggested that the increase in percentage of sigma phase increases hardness and wear resistance in heat-treated specimens compared to solution treated specimens (as-cast).

A Parameterized Inversion Model for Soil Moisture and Biomass from Polarimetric Backscattering Coefficients

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Truong-Loi, My-Linh; Saatchi, Sassan; Jaruwatanadilok, Sermsak

2012-01-01

A semi-empirical algorithm for the retrieval of soil moisture, root mean square (RMS) height and biomass from polarimetric SAR data is explained and analyzed in this paper. The algorithm is a simplification of the distorted Born model. It takes into account the physical scattering phenomenon and has three major components: volume, double-bounce and surface. This simplified model uses the three backscattering coefficients ( sigma HH, sigma HV and sigma vv) at low-frequency (P-band). The inversion process uses the Levenberg-Marquardt non-linear least-squares method to estimate the structural parameters. The estimation process is entirely explained in this paper, from initialization of the unknowns to retrievals. A sensitivity analysis is also done where the initial values in the inversion process are varying randomly. The results show that the inversion process is not really sensitive to initial values and a major part of the retrievals has a root-mean-square error lower than 5% for soil moisture, 24 Mg/ha for biomass and 0.49 cm for roughness, considering a soil moisture of 40%, roughness equal to 3cm and biomass varying from 0 to 500 Mg/ha with a mean of 161 Mg/ha

Evaluation of the new TAMZ titanium alloy for dental cast application.

PubMed

Zhang, Y M; Guo, T W; Li, Z C

2000-12-01

To reveal the potential of the new titanium alloy as dental prosthodontic materials. Dental castings of TAMZ alloy were investigated in the casting machine specially designed for titanium. A mesh pattern was used to count the castability value. The mechanical properties were measured by means of a universal testing machine. Optical micrography was done on the exposed cross-section of TAMZ alloy casting. From the surface to the inner part the Knoop hardness in reacted layer of TAMZ alloy casting was measured. The structure and elemental analyses of the reacted layer were made by SEM and element line scanning observation. The castability value (Cv = 98%) and the tensile test (sigma b = 850 Mpa, sigma 0.2 = 575 Mpa, delta = 7.33%) data were collected. The castings microstructure showed main alpha phase and small beta phase. Knoop hardness in the surface reacted layer was greater than that in the inner part. From the SEM and element line scanning observation, there are three different layers in the surface reacted layer of the TAMZ alloy castings, and higher level of element of O, Al, Si and Zr were found in the reacted layer while the Si permeated deeper than others. TAMZ alloy can be accepted as a material for dental alloy in prosthodontics.

The role of an alternative sigma factor in motility and pilus formation in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. strain PCC6803

PubMed Central

Bhaya, Devaki; Watanabe, Natsu; Ogawa, Teruo; Grossman, Arthur R.

1999-01-01

Disruption of a gene for an alternative sigma factor, designated sigF, in the freshwater, unicellular cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. strain PCC6803 resulted in a pleiotropic phenotype. Most notably, this mutant lost phototactic movement with a concomitant loss of pili, which are abundant on the surface of wild-type cells. The sigF mutant also secreted both high levels of yellow–brown and UV-absorbing pigments and a polypeptide that is similar to a large family of extracellular proteins that includes the hemolysins. Furthermore, the sigF mutant had a dramatically reduced level of the transcript from two tandemly arranged pilA genes (sll1694 and sll1695), which encode major structural components of type IV pili. Inactivation of these pilA genes eliminated phototactic movement, though some pili were still present in this strain. Together, these results demonstrate that SigF plays a critical role in motility via the control of pili formation and is also likely to regulate other features of the cell surface. Furthermore, the data provide evidence that type IV pili are required for phototactic movement in certain cyanobacteria and suggest that different populations of pili present on the Synechocystis cell surface may perform different functions. PMID:10077659

Quantitative application of sigma metrics in medical biochemistry.

PubMed

Nanda, Sunil Kumar; Ray, Lopamudra

2013-12-01

Laboratory errors are result of a poorly designed quality system in the laboratory. Six Sigma is an error reduction methodology that has been successfully applied at Motorola and General Electric. Sigma (σ) is the mathematical symbol for standard deviation (SD). Sigma methodology can be applied wherever an outcome of a process has to be measured. A poor outcome is counted as an error or defect. This is quantified as defects per million (DPM). A six sigma process is one in which 99.999666% of the products manufactured are statistically expected to be free of defects. Six sigma concentrates, on regulating a process to 6 SDs, represents 3.4 DPM (defects per million) opportunities. It can be inferred that as sigma increases, the consistency and steadiness of the test improves, thereby reducing the operating costs. We aimed to gauge performance of our laboratory parameters by sigma metrics. Evaluation of sigma metrics in interpretation of parameter performance in clinical biochemistry. The six month internal QC (October 2012 to march 2013) and EQAS (external quality assurance scheme) were extracted for the parameters-Glucose, Urea, Creatinine, Total Bilirubin, Total Protein, Albumin, Uric acid, Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides, Chloride, SGOT, SGPT and ALP. Coefficient of variance (CV) were calculated from internal QC for these parameters. Percentage bias for these parameters was calculated from the EQAS. Total allowable errors were followed as per Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) guidelines. Sigma metrics were calculated from CV, percentage bias and total allowable error for the above mentioned parameters. For parameters - Total bilirubin, uric acid, SGOT, SGPT and ALP, the sigma values were found to be more than 6. For parameters - glucose, Creatinine, triglycerides, urea, the sigma values were found to be between 3 to 6. For parameters - total protein, albumin, cholesterol and chloride, the sigma values were found to be less than 3. ALP was the best performer when it was gauzed on the sigma scale, with a sigma metrics value of 8.4 and chloride had the least sigma metrics value of 1.4.

The vanishing limit of the square-well fluid: the adhesive hard-sphere model as a reference system.

PubMed

Largo, J; Miller, M A; Sciortino, F

2008-04-07

We report a simulation study of the gas-liquid critical point for the square-well potential, for values of well width delta as small as 0.005 times the particle diameter sigma. For small delta, the reduced second virial coefficient at the critical point B2*c is found to depend linearly on delta. The observed weak linear dependence is not sufficient to produce any significant observable effect if the critical temperature Tc is estimated via a constant B2*c assumption, due to the highly nonlinear transformation between B2*c and Tc. This explains the previously observed validity of the law of corresponding states. The critical density rho c is also found to be constant when measured in units of the cube of the average distance between two bonded particles (1+0.5 delta)sigma. The possibility of describing the delta-->0 dependence with precise functional forms provides improved accurate estimates of the critical parameters of the adhesive hard-sphere model.

Stellar Mixing: I. Formalism

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Canuto, V .M.

2011-01-01

In this paper we use the Reynolds stress models (RSM) to derive algebraic expressions for the following variables: a) heat fluxes; b) J.l fluxes; and c) momentum fluxes. These relations, which are fully 3D, include: 1) stable and unstable stratification, represented by the Brunt-Vaislila frequency, N(exp 2) =-g/H(sub p_(del - del(sub ad))(1 - RI(sub mu)); 2) double diffusion, salt-fingers, and semi-convection, represented by the density ratio R(sub mu) = del(sub mu)/(del - del(sub ad)); 3) shear (differential rotation), represented by the mean squared shear Sigma(exp 2) or by the Richardson number, Ri =N(exp 2)Sigma(exp -2); 4) radiative losses represented by a Peclet number, Pe; 5) a complete analytical solution of the ID version of the model. In general, the model requires the solution of two differential equations for the eddy kinetic energy K and its rate of dissipation, epsilon. In the local and stationary cases, when production equals dissipation, the model equations are all algebraic.

Cooperative Metal+Ligand Oxidative Addition and Sigma-Bond Metathesis: A DFT Study

DOE PAGES

Lopez, Kent G.; Cundari, Thomas R.; Gary, J. Brannon

2018-01-17

A computational study of the experimentally proposed mechanism of alkyne diboration by a PDICo complex yielded two fundamental catalytic steps that undergo remarkable electronic changes, PDI = bis(imino)-pyridine. The reactions are envisaged via DFT (density functional theory) and MCSCF (multi-configuration self-consistent field) simulations as (i) a cooperative metal+ligand oxidative addition, and (ii) a sigma-bond metathesis induced ligand-to-metal charge transfer. Analysis of the bonding of pertinent intermediates/TSs also yielded important insight that may be illuminating with regards to the larger field of green catalysis that seeks to ennoble base metals through synergy with potentially redox non-innocent (RNI) ligands. For the presentmore » case, massive changes in electronic structure do not incur massive energetic penalties. Finally, in conjunction with previous research, one may postulate that structural and energetic “fluidity” among several electronic states of RNI-M 3d along the reaction coordinate is an essential signature of redox cooperativity and thus ennoblement.« less

Cooperative Metal+Ligand Oxidative Addition and Sigma-Bond Metathesis: A DFT Study

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

Lopez, Kent G.; Cundari, Thomas R.; Gary, J. Brannon

A computational study of the experimentally proposed mechanism of alkyne diboration by a PDICo complex yielded two fundamental catalytic steps that undergo remarkable electronic changes, PDI = bis(imino)-pyridine. The reactions are envisaged via DFT (density functional theory) and MCSCF (multi-configuration self-consistent field) simulations as (i) a cooperative metal+ligand oxidative addition, and (ii) a sigma-bond metathesis induced ligand-to-metal charge transfer. Analysis of the bonding of pertinent intermediates/TSs also yielded important insight that may be illuminating with regards to the larger field of green catalysis that seeks to ennoble base metals through synergy with potentially redox non-innocent (RNI) ligands. For the presentmore » case, massive changes in electronic structure do not incur massive energetic penalties. Finally, in conjunction with previous research, one may postulate that structural and energetic “fluidity” among several electronic states of RNI-M 3d along the reaction coordinate is an essential signature of redox cooperativity and thus ennoblement.« less

Quantum chemical study of the mechanism of reaction between NH (X 3sigma-) and H2, H2O, and CO2 under combustion conditions.

PubMed

Mackie, John C; Bacskay, George B

2005-12-29

Reactions of ground-state NH (3sigma-) radicals with H2, H2O, and CO2 have been investigated quantum chemically, whereby the stationary points of the appropriate reaction potential energy surfaces, that is, reactants, products, intermediates, and transition states, have been identified at the G3//B3LYP level of theory. Reaction between NH and H2 takes place via a simple abstraction transition state, and the rate coefficient for this reaction as derived from the quantum chemical calculations, k(NH + H2) = (1.1 x 10(14)) exp(-20.9 kcal mol(-1)/RT) cm3 mol(-1) s(-1) between 1000 and 2000 K, is found to be in good agreement with experiment. For reaction between triplet NH and H2O, no stable intermediates were located on the triplet reaction surface although several stable species were found on the singlet surface. No intersystem crossing seam between triplet NH + H2O and singlet HNO + H2 (the products of lowest energy) was found; hence there is no evidence to support the existence of a low-energy pathway to these products. A rate coefficient of k(NH + H2O) = (6.1 x 10(13)) exp(-32.8 kcal mol(-1)/RT) cm3 mol(-1) s(-1) between 1000 and 2000 K for the reaction NH (3sigma-) + H2O --> NH2 (2B) + OH (2pi) was derived from the quantum chemical results. The reverse rate coefficient, calculated via the equilibrium constant, is in agreement with values used in modeling the thermal de-NO(x) process. For the reaction between triplet NH and CO2, several stable intermediates on both triplet and singlet reaction surfaces were located. Although a pathway from triplet NH + CO2 to singlet HNO + CO involving intersystem crossing in an HN-CO2 adduct was discovered, no pathway of sufficiently low activation energy was discovered to compare with that found in an earlier experiment [Rohrig, M.; Wagner, H. G. Proc. Combust. Inst. 1994, 25, 993.].

Reconstruction and topological characterization of the sigma factor regulatory network of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

PubMed Central

Chauhan, Rinki; Ravi, Janani; Datta, Pratik; Chen, Tianlong; Schnappinger, Dirk; Bassler, Kevin E.; Balázsi, Gábor; Gennaro, Maria Laura

2016-01-01

Accessory sigma factors, which reprogram RNA polymerase to transcribe specific gene sets, activate bacterial adaptive responses to noxious environments. Here we reconstruct the complete sigma factor regulatory network of the human pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis by an integrated approach. The approach combines identification of direct regulatory interactions between M. tuberculosis sigma factors in an E. coli model system, validation of selected links in M. tuberculosis, and extensive literature review. The resulting network comprises 41 direct interactions among all 13 sigma factors. Analysis of network topology reveals (i) a three-tiered hierarchy initiating at master regulators, (ii) high connectivity and (iii) distinct communities containing multiple sigma factors. These topological features are likely associated with multi-layer signal processing and specialized stress responses involving multiple sigma factors. Moreover, the identification of overrepresented network motifs, such as autoregulation and coregulation of sigma and anti-sigma factor pairs, provides structural information that is relevant for studies of network dynamics. PMID:27029515

Mass spectrometry of Escherichia coli RNA polymerase: interactions of the core enzyme with sigma70 and Rsd protein.

PubMed

Ilag, Leopold L; Westblade, Lars F; Deshayes, Caroline; Kolb, Annie; Busby, Stephen J W; Robinson, Carol V

2004-02-01

The E. coli RNA polymerase core enzyme is a multisubunit complex of 388,981 Da. To initiate transcription at promoters, the core enzyme associates with a sigma subunit to form holo RNA polymerase. Here we have used nanoflow electrospray mass spectrometry, coupled with tandem mass spectrometry, to probe the interaction of the RNA polymerase core enzyme with the most abundant sigma factor, sigma70. The results show remarkably well-resolved spectra for both the core and holo RNA polymerases. The regulator of sigma70, Rsd protein, has previously been identified as a protein that binds to free sigma70. We show that Rsd also interacts with core enzyme. In addition, by adding increasing amounts of Rsd, we show that sigma70 is displaced from holo RNA polymerase, resulting in complexes of Rsd with core and sigma70. The results argue for a model in which Rsd not only sequesters sigma70, but is also an effector of core RNA polymerase.

Propylene oxidation mechanisms and intermediates using in situ soft X-ray fluorescence methods on the Pt(111) surface

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

Gabelnick, A.M.; Capitano, A.T.; Kane, S.M.

2000-01-12

The oxidation of propylene preabsorbed on the Pt(111) surface has been characterized in oxygen pressures up to 0.02 Torr using fluorescence yield near-edge spectroscopy (FYNES) and temperature-programmed fluorescence yield near-edge spectroscopy (TP-FYNES) above the carbon K edge. During oxidation of adsorbed propylene, a stable intermediate was observed and characterized using these soft X-ray methods. A general in situ method for determining the stoichiometry of carbon-containing reaction intermediate species has been developed and demonstrated for the first time. Total carbon concentration measured during temperature-programmed reaction studies clearly indicates a reaction intermediate is formed in the 300 K temperature range with amore » surface concentration of 0.55 x 10{sup 15} carbon atoms/cm{sup 2}. By comparing the intensity of the C-H {sigma}* resonance at the magic angle with the intensity in the carbon continuum, the stoichiometry of this intermediate can be determined unambiguously. Based on calibration with molecular propylene (C{sub 3}H{sub 6}) and propylidyne (C{sub 3}H{sub 5}), the intermediate has a C{sub 3}H{sub 5} stoichiometry for oxygen pressures up to 0.02 Torr. A set of normal and glancing angle FYNES spectra above the carbon K edge was used to characterize the bonding and structure of this intermediate. Spectra of known coverages of adsorbed propylene and propylidyne served as standards. The spectra of di-{sigma} propylene, propylidyne, and the intermediate were curve fit as a group with consistent energies and widths of all primary features. Based on this procedure, the intermediate is 1,1,2-tri-{sigma} 1-methylvinyl. The stoichiometry and temperature stability range of the 1-methylvinyl intermediate formed in oxygen pressures up to 0.02 Torr is identical with the stoichiometry and stability of the same intermediate formed during oxidation of preadsorbed propylene by excess coadsorbed atomic oxygen.« less

VizieR Online Data Catalog: H2 d3{Pi}u excitation by elec

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, X.; Shemansky, D. E.; Yoshii, J.; Johnson, P. V.; Malone, C. P.; Ajello, J. M.

2016-05-01

Electron-impact excitation of H2 triplet states plays an imp role in the heating of outer planet upper thermospheres. The d3{Pi}u state is the third ungerade triplet state, and the d3{Pi}u-a3{Sigma}g+ emission is the largest cascade channel for the a3{Sigma}g+ state. Accurate energies of the d3{Pi}u-(v, J) levels are calculated from an ab initio potential energy curve. Radiative lifetimes of the d3{Pi}u(v,J) levels are obtained by an accurate evaluation of the d3{Pi}u-a3{Sigma}g+ transition probabilities. The emission yields are determined from experimental lifetimes and calculated radiative lifetimes and are further verified by comparing experimental and synthetic d3{Pi}u-a3{Sigma}g+ spectra at 20eV impact energy. Spectral analysis revealed that multipolar components beyond the dipolar term are required to model the X1{Sigma}g+-d3{Pi}u excitation, and significant cascade excitation occurs at the d3{Pi}u (v=0,1) levels. Kinetic energy (Ek) distributions of H atoms produced via predissociation of the 3{Pi}u state and the d3{Pi}u-a3{Sigma}g+-b3{Sigma}u+ cascade dissociative emission are obtained. Predissociation of the d3{Pi}u state produces H atoms with an average Ek of 2.3+/-0.4 eV/atom, while the Ekdistribution of the d3{Pi}u-a3{Sigma}g+-b3{Sigma}u+ channel is similar to that of the X1{Sigma}g+-a3{Sigma}g+-b3{Sigma}u+ channel and produces H(1s) atoms with an average Ek of 1.15+/-0.05eV/atom. On average, each H2 excited to the d3{Pi}u state in an H2-dominated atmosphere deposits 3.3+/-0.4eV into the atmosphere, while each H2directly excited to the a3{Sigma}g+ state gives 2.2-2.3eV to the atmosphere. The spectral distribution of the calculated a3{Sigma}g+-b3{Sigma}u+ continuum emission due to the X1{Sigma}g+-d3{Pi}u excitation is significantly different from that of direct a3{Sigma}g+ excitation. (2 data files).

Calculation of low-Z impurity pellet induced fluxes of charge exchange neutral particles escaping from magnetically confined toroidal plasmas.

PubMed

Goncharov, P R; Ozaki, T; Sudo, S; Tamura, N; Tolstikhina, I Yu; Sergeev, V Yu

2008-10-01

Measurements of energy- and time-resolved neutral hydrogen and helium fluxes from an impurity pellet ablation cloud, referred to as pellet charge exchange or PCX experiments, can be used to study local fast ion energy distributions in fusion plasmas. The estimation of the local distribution function f(i)(E) of fast ions entering the cloud requires knowledge of both the fraction F(0)(E) of incident ions exiting the cloud as neutral atoms and the attenuation factor A(E,rho) describing the loss of fast atoms in the plasma. Determination of A(E,rho), in turn, requires the total stopping cross section sigma(loss) of neutral atoms in the plasma and the Jacobian reflecting the measurement geometry and the magnetic surface shape. The obtained functions F(0)(E) and A(E,rho) enter multiplicatively into the probability density for escaping neutral particle kinetic energy. A general calculation scheme has been developed and realized as a FORTRAN code, which is to be applied for the calculation of f(i)(E) from PCX experimental results obtained with low-Z impurity pellets.

Interstellar C2, CH, and CN in translucent molecular clouds

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Black, John H.; Van Dishoeck, Ewine F.

1989-01-01

Optical absorption-line techniques have been applied to the study of a number of translucent molecular clouds in which the total column densities are large enough that substantial molecular abundances can be maintained. Results are presented for a survey of absorption lines of interstellar C2, CH, and CN. Detections of CN through the A 2Pi-X 2Sigma(+) (1,O) and (2,O) bands of the red system are reported and compared with observations of the violet system for one line of sight. The population distributions in C2 provide diagnostic information on temperature and density. The measured column densities of the three species can be used to test details of the theory of molecule formation in clouds where photoprocesses still play a significant role. The C2 and CH column densities are strongly correlated with each other and probably also with the H2 column density. In contrast, the CN column densities are found to vary greatly from cloud to cloud. The observations are discussed with reference to detailed theoretical models.

Theoretical Study of the B(sup 3) Sigma(sup -, sub u) - X(sup3)Sigma(sub g, sup -) and B"(sup 3)Pi(sub u) - X(sup 3)Sigma(sub g, sup -) Band Systems of S(sub 2)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pradhan, Atul D.; Partridge, Harry; Langhoff, Stephen R. (Technical Monitor)

1995-01-01

Multireference configuration-interaction (MRCI) wavefunctions and potential energy curves have been calculated for the X(sup 3)Sigma(sub g,sup -), B(sup 3)Sigma(sub u, Sup -) and B"(sup 3)Pi((sub u) states of S(sub 2) using correlation consistent Gaussian basis sets. These wavefunctions are utilized to compute the the transition dipole moments of the B(sup 3)Sigma(sub g, sup -) - X(sup 3) Sigma(sub g, sup -) and B"(sup 3)Pi(sub u) - X(sup 3)Sigma(sub g, sup -) systems. Oscillator strengths, transition probabilities, and radiative lifetimes are computed for the X-B system and comparison is made with experimental data.

An evaluation of the rate of absorption of solar radiation in the O2(X3Sigma-g - b1Sigma-g) transition

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mlynczak, Martin G.

1993-01-01

The rate at which molecular oxygen absorbs radiation in the O2(X3Sigma-g - b1Sigma-g) transition is calculated using a line-by-line radiative transfer model. This rate is critical to the determination of the population of the O2(b1Sigma-g) state required for studies of the O2(b1Sigma-g - X3Sigma-g) dayglow, the O2(a1Delta-g - X3Sigma-g) dayglow, and possibly the rates of oxidation of H2 and N2O. Previous evaluations of this rate (which is sometimes called the g-factor) have significantly overestimated its value. The rate is tabulated as a function of altitude, pressure, and solar zenith angle.

The Hallucinogen N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) Is an Endogenous Sigma-1 Receptor Regulator

PubMed Central

Fontanilla, Dominique; Johannessen, Molly; Hajipour, Abdol R.; Cozzi, Nicholas V.; Jackson, Meyer B.; Ruoho, Arnold E.

2010-01-01

The sigma-1 receptor is widely distributed in the central nervous system and periphery. Originally mischaracterized as an opioid receptor, the sigma-1 receptor binds a vast number of synthetic compounds but does not bind opioid peptides; it is currently considered an orphan receptor. The sigma-1 receptor pharmacophore includes an alkylamine core, also found in the endogenous compound N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT). DMT acts as a hallucinogen, but its receptor target has been unclear. DMT bound to sigma-1 receptors and inhibited voltage-gated sodium ion (Na+) channels in both native cardiac myocytes and heterologous cells that express sigma-1 receptors. DMT induced hypermobility in wild-type mice but not in sigma-1 receptor knockout mice. These biochemical, physiological, and behavioral experiments indicate that DMT is an endogenous agonist for the sigma-1 receptor. PMID:19213917

The hallucinogen N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is an endogenous sigma-1 receptor regulator.

PubMed

Fontanilla, Dominique; Johannessen, Molly; Hajipour, Abdol R; Cozzi, Nicholas V; Jackson, Meyer B; Ruoho, Arnold E

2009-02-13

The sigma-1 receptor is widely distributed in the central nervous system and periphery. Originally mischaracterized as an opioid receptor, the sigma-1 receptor binds a vast number of synthetic compounds but does not bind opioid peptides; it is currently considered an orphan receptor. The sigma-1 receptor pharmacophore includes an alkylamine core, also found in the endogenous compound N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT). DMT acts as a hallucinogen, but its receptor target has been unclear. DMT bound to sigma-1 receptors and inhibited voltage-gated sodium ion (Na+) channels in both native cardiac myocytes and heterologous cells that express sigma-1 receptors. DMT induced hypermobility in wild-type mice but not in sigma-1 receptor knockout mice. These biochemical, physiological, and behavioral experiments indicate that DMT is an endogenous agonist for the sigma-1 receptor.

Acid-Base Behavior of Carboxylic Acid Groups Covalently Attached at the Surface of Polyethylene: The Usefulness of Contact Angle in Following the Ionization of Surface Functionality

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-08-01

1 -ethyl- 3 -( 3 - dimethylaminopropyl )car- bodiimide hydrochloride (Sigma) and glycine (2-3H) (New England Nuclear as a 15.0...of N-hydroxysuc- *cinimide and 0.5 g of 1 -ethyl- 3 -( 3 - dimethylaminopropyl )carbodiimide hydrochloride for 12 hours to produce PE-CO-N-hydroxysuccinimide...and/or Dist 1 Special I- S,N 0102- LF. 014.6601 SECURITY CLASSIFICATION Of THIS PAGIrm( en Date Entered) / . ~ * .! - 3 - Introduction. In

Global Ocean Forecast System 3.1 Validation Test

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-05-04

number. PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOUR FORM TO THE ABOVE ADDRESS. 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK...cycle with the Navy Coupled Ocean Data Assimilation. Additionally it uses Improved Synthetic Ocean Profiles to project surface information downward into...are retained, with the additional 9 layers all located near the surface such that at least the top 14 layers are always sigma -z levels so that water

Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons in the United Kingdom environment: a preliminary source inventory and budget.

PubMed

Wild, S R; Jones, K C

1995-01-01

This paper presents the first attempt to quantify the production, cycling, storage and loss of PAHs in the UK environment. Over 53 000 tonnes of sigmaPAHs (sum of 12 individual compounds) are estimated to reside in the contemporary UK environment, with soil being the major repository. If soils at contaminated sites are included, this estimate increases dramatically. Emission of PAHs to the UK atmosphere from primary combustion sources are estimated to be greater than 1000 tonnes sigmaPAHs per annum, with over 95% coming from domestic coal combustion, unregulated fires and vehicle emissions. It is estimated that approximately 210 tonnes of sigmaPAH are delivered to terrestrial surfaces each year via atmospheric deposition. Therefore, inputs of PAHs to the UK atmosphere outweigh the outputs by a factor of over 4. This may be explained by enhanced particulate deposition near point sources, PAH degradation in the atmosphere and transport away from the UK with prevailing winds. Disposal of waste residues is estimated to contribute a further 1000 tonnes of sigmaPAH per year to the terrestrial environment. It is illustrated that the use of creosote has the potential to release considerable quantities of PAHs to the UK environment. Temporal trends in PAH cycling are then considered. There is good evidence to suggest that air concentrations and fluxes to the UK surface are now lower than at any time throughout this century. Nonetheless, the UK sigmaPAH burden is still increasing at the present time, principally through retention by soils. However, there are marked differences in the behaviour of individual compounds: there is evidence, for example, that phenanthrene concentrations in soils have declined since the 1960s, although soil concentrations of benzo[a]pyrene and other heavier PAHs have continued to increase through this century. Volatilisation of low molecular weight PAHs accumulated in soils over previous decades may be making an important contribution to the current atmospheric burden. The major uncertainties identified by data on this budget are: (1) the lack of PAH concentrations in some environmental matrices; (2) the possible importance of contaminated soils as a major repository and source of PAHs; (3) the lack of emission data (especially vapour phase releases) for some PAH sources; (4) the importance of biodegradation and volatilisation as loss mechanisms for low molecular weight PAHs in soils; and (5) the importance of creosote use in the PAH cycle.

The nature of the bonding in XCO for X = Fe, Ni, and Cu

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bauschlicher, C. W., Jr.; Bagus, P. S.; Nelin, C. J.; Roos, B. O.

1986-01-01

The bonding in the (5,3)Sigma - and 3Delta states of FeCO, the (3,1)Sigma + , 3Delta, and 3Pi states of NiCO, and the 2Sigma + state of CuCO are analyzed using the constrained-space orbital-variation (CSOV) technique for both (CASSCF) and SCF wave functions. The bonding is discussed in terms of sigma repulsion between the metals 4s and the CO 5-sigma and CO-to-metal sigma donation when there is an empty or partly occupied d-sigma orbital and metal-to-CO 2pi(asterisk) backdonation. The bonding is compared for the different metals and between the different states.

Seeing in the Dark: Weak Lensing from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huff, Eric Michael

Statistical weak lensing by large-scale structure { cosmic shear { is a promising cosmological tool, which has motivated the design of several large upcoming astronomical surveys. This Thesis presents a measurement of cosmic shear using coadded Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) imaging in 168 square degrees of the equatorial region, with r < 23:5 and i < 22:5, a source number density of 2.2 per arcmin2 and median redshift of zmed = 0.52. These coadds were generated using a new rounding kernel method that was intended to minimize systematic errors in the lensing measurement due to coherent PSF anisotropies that are otherwise prevalent in the SDSS imaging data. Measurements of cosmic shear out to angular separations of 2 degrees are presented, along with systematics tests of the catalog generation and shear measurement steps that demonstrate that these results are dominated by statistical rather than systematic errors. Assuming a cosmological model corresponding to WMAP7 (Komatsu et al., 2011) and allowing only the amplitude of matter fluctuations sigma8 to vary, the best-t value of the amplitude of matter fluctuations is sigma 8=0.636+0.109-0.154 (1sigma); without systematic errors this would be sigma8=0.636+0.099 -0.137 (1sigma). Assuming a flat Λ CDM model, the combined constraints with WMAP7 are sigma8=0.784+0.028 -0.026 (1sigma). The 2sigma error range is 14 percent smaller than WMAP7 alone. Aside from the intrinsic value of such cosmological constraints from the growth of structure, some important lessons are identified for upcoming surveys that may face similar issues when combining multi-epoch data to measure cosmic shear. Motivated by the challenges faced in the cosmic shear measurement, two new lensing probes are suggested for increasing the available weak lensing signal. Both use galaxy scaling relations to control for scatter in lensing observables. The first employs a version of the well-known fundamental plane relation for early type galaxies. This modified "photometric fundamental plane" replaces velocity dispersions with photometric galaxy properties, thus obviating the need for spectroscopic data. We present the first detection of magnification using this method by applying it to photometric catalogs from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. This analysis shows that the derived magnification signal is comparable to that available from conventional methods using gravitational shear. We suppress the dominant sources of systematic error and discuss modest improvements that may allow this method to equal or even surpass the signal-to-noise achievable with shear. Moreover, some of the dominant sources of systematic error are substantially different from those of shear-based techniques. The second outlines an idea for using the optical Tully-Fisher relation to dramatically improve the signal-to-noise and systematic error control for shear measurements. The expected error properties and potential advantages of such a measurement are proposed, and a pilot study is suggested in order to test the viability of Tully-Fisher weak lensing in the context of the forthcoming generation of large spectroscopic surveys.

Integrating Six Sigma with total quality management: a case example for measuring medication errors.

PubMed

Revere, Lee; Black, Ken

2003-01-01

Six Sigma is a new management philosophy that seeks a nonexistent error rate. It is ripe for healthcare because many healthcare processes require a near-zero tolerance for mistakes. For most organizations, establishing a Six Sigma program requires significant resources and produces considerable stress. However, in healthcare, management can piggyback Six Sigma onto current total quality management (TQM) efforts so that minimal disruption occurs in the organization. Six Sigma is an extension of the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis that is required by JCAHO; it can easily be integrated into existing quality management efforts. Integrating Six Sigma into the existing TQM program facilitates process improvement through detailed data analysis. A drilled-down approach to root-cause analysis greatly enhances the existing TQM approach. Using the Six Sigma metrics, internal project comparisons facilitate resource allocation while external project comparisons allow for benchmarking. Thus, the application of Six Sigma makes TQM efforts more successful. This article presents a framework for including Six Sigma in an organization's TQM plan while providing a concrete example using medication errors. Using the process defined in this article, healthcare executives can integrate Six Sigma into all of their TQM projects.

Mucosal vaccination by adenoviruses displaying reovirus sigma 1

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

Weaver, Eric A.; Camacho, Zenaido T.; Hillestad, Matthew L.

We developed adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5) vectors displaying the sigma 1 protein from reovirus as mucosal vaccines. Ad5-sigma retargets to JAM-1 and sialic acid, but has 40-fold reduced gene delivery when compared to Ad5. While weaker at transduction, Ad5-sigma generates stronger T cell responses than Ad5 when used for mucosal immunization. In this work, new Ad5-fiber-sigma vectors were generated by varying the number of fiber β-spiral shaft repeats (R) between the fiber tail and sigma. Increasing chimera length led to decreasing insertion of these proteinsAd5 virions. Ad-R3 and R14 vectors effectively targeted JAM-1 in vitro while R20 did not. Whenmore » wereused to immunize mice by the intranasal route, Ad5-R3-sigma produced higher serum and vaginal antibody responses than Ad5. These data suggest optimized Ad-sigma vectors may be useful vectors for mucosal vaccination. - Highlights: • Constructed adenoviruses (Ads) displaying different reovirus sigma 1 fusion proteins. • Progressively longer chimeras were more poorly encapsidated onto Ad virions. • Ad5-R3-sigma mediated better systemic and mucosal immune responses than Ad5.« less

Molecular Beam Studies of the Dynamics of Reactions Involving the Azide Radical and Hydrazoic Acid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Jing

1992-01-01

Several elementary reactions of atoms with N _3, HN_3, or halogens have been studied by laser fluorescence detection in a molecular beam-gas scattering arrangement approaching single -collision conditions. In the H + N_3, NCO to NH(X^3Sigma^ {-}, a^1Delta, b^1Sigma^{+}) + N_2, CO reactions, the NH product was detected. It was found in the N_3 reaction that product NH(a^1Delta ) carries considerable amount of vibrational energy (35% of the total available energy) while the NH(X ^3Sigma^{-}) product was vibrationally cold. An electronic state branching ratio of 3.2 +/- 1.3 was obtained for the X^3Sigma^{-} to a^1Delta electronic states. Comparison was made to the HN_3 (X ^1rm A^' ) photodissociation experiments and to our expectations based on our fragmentary knowledge of HN_3 potential energy surfaces. The corresponding NCO reaction was found to produce almost exclusively NH(X ^3Sigma^{-}) product due to the slight endothermicity of the NH(a^1 Delta) + CO channel. The total reaction cross section for H + NCO vs that for H + N_3 was estimated to be 1.2 +/- 0.3: 1. In the system of Ca, Sr + HN_3 , emission from electronically excited M( ^1P, ^3P), the MH(A ^2Pi, B^2Sigma ^{+}), and MOH(A^2 Pi, B^2Sigma^ {+}) was observed. The formation of MOH* was found due to a secondary reaction involving O _2 impurity in the HN_3 samples. Ground state MOH and MN_3 were detected but the search for CaNH was unsuccessful. All of the observed emissions can be explained as arising from secondary reactions of the metal imide (MNH) forced in the M + HN_3 primary reaction. A kinetic model shows that the M + HN_3 reaction proceeds mainly by formation of MNH, rather than MN_3. In the reactions of Pb + F_2 and Cl_2, the PbX products were detected. The PbCl product was observed in 18 vibrational levels of the ground electronic state with an average vibrational excitation of 21% of the total available energy. The PbF product was found to be characterized by a 300 K Boltzmann distribution for all the detected rovibrational states and proven to be an artifact. The radiative lifetimes of the PbF(A,B) and PbCl(A) states were also measured.

Methionine-141 directly influences the binding of 4-methylpyrazole in human sigma sigma alcohol dehydrogenase.

PubMed Central

Xie, P. T.; Hurley, T. D.

1999-01-01

Pyrazole and its 4-alkyl substituted derivatives are potent inhibitors for many alcohol dehydrogenases. However, the human sigma sigma isoenzyme exhibits a 580-fold lower affinity for 4-methylpyrazole than does the human beta1beta1 isoenzyme, with which it shares 69% sequence identity. In this study, structural and kinetic studies were utilized in an effort to identify key structural features that affect the binding of 4-methylpyrazole in human alcohol dehydrogenase isoenzymes. We have extended the resolution of the human sigma sigma alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) isoenzyme to 2.5 A resolution. Comparison of this structure to the human beta1beta1 isoenzyme structure indicated that the side-chain position for Met141 in sigma sigma ADH might interfere with 4-methylpyrazole binding. Mutation of Met141 in sigma sigma ADH to Leu (sigma141L) lowers the Ki for 4-methylpyrazole from 350 to 10 microM, while having a much smaller effect on the Ki for pyrazole. Thus, the mutagenesis results show that the residue at position 141, which lines the substrate-binding pocket at a position close to the methyl group of 4-methylpyrazole, directly affects the binding of the inhibitor. To rule out nonspecific structural changes due to the mutation, the X-ray structure of the sigma141L mutant enzyme was determined to 2.4 A resolution. The three-dimensional structure of the mutant enzyme is identical to the wild-type enzyme, with the exception of the residue at position 141. Thus, the differences in 4-methylpyrazole binding between the mutant and wild-type sigma sigma ADH isoenzymes can be completely ascribed to the local changes in the topology of the substrate binding site, and provides an explanation for the class-specific differences in 4-methylpyrazole binding to the human ADH isoenzymes. PMID:10631979

Control of transcription of the Bacillus subtilis spoIIIG gene, which codes for the forespore-specific transcription factor sigma G.

PubMed

Sun, D X; Cabrera-Martinez, R M; Setlow, P

1991-05-01

The Bacillus subtilis spoIIIG gene codes for a sigma factor termed sigma G which directs transcription of genes expressed only in the forespore compartment of the sporulating cell. Use of spoIIIG-lacZ transcriptional fusions showed that spoIIIG is cotranscribed with the spoIIG operon beginning at t0.5-1 of sporulation. However, this large mRNA produced little if any sigma G, and transferring the spoIIIG gene without the spoIIG promoter into the amyE locus resulted in a Spo+ phenotype. Significant translation of spoIIIG began at t2.5-3 with use of an mRNA whose 5' end is just upstream of the spoIIIG coding sequence. Synthesis of this spoIIIG-specific mRNA was not abolished by a deletion in spoIIIG itself. Similar results were obtained when a spoIIIG-lacZ translational fusion lacking the spoIIG promoter was integrated at the amyE locus. These data suggest that synthesis of sigma G is dependent neither on transcription from the spoIIG promoter nor on sigma G itself but can be due to another transcription factor. This transcription factor may be sigma F, the product of the spoIIAC locus, since a spoIIAC mutation blocked spoIIIG expression, and sequences upstream of the 5' end of the spoIIIG-specific mRNA agree well with the recognition sequence for sigma F. RNA polymerase containing sigma F (E sigma F) initiated transcription in vitro on a spoIIIG template at the 5' end found in vivo, as did E sigma G. However, E sigma F showed a greater than 20-fold preference for spoIIIG over a known sigma G-dependent gene compared with the activity of E sigma G.

Ab initio calculation of the electronic structures of the (7)Sigma+ ground and A (7)Pi and a (5)Sigma+ excited states of MnH.

PubMed

Tomonari, Mutsumi; Nagashima, Umpei; Hirano, Tsuneo

2009-04-21

Electronic structures and molecular constants of the ground (7)Sigma(+) and low-lying A (7)Pi and a (5)Sigma(+) electronic excited states of the MnH molecule were studied by multireference single and double excitation configuration interaction (MR-SDCI) with Davidson's correction (+Q) calculations under exact C(infinity v) symmetry using Slater-type basis sets. To correctly describe the (7)Sigma(+) electronic ground state, X (7)Sigma(+), at the MR-SDCI+Q calculation, we employed a large number of reference configurations in terms of the state-averaged complete active space self-consistent field (CASSCF) orbitals, taking into account the contribution from the B (7)Sigma(+) excited state. The A (7)Pi and a (5)Sigma(+) states can well be described by the MR-SDCI wave functions based on the CASSCF orbitals obtained for the lowest state only. In the MR-SDCI+Q, calculations of the X (7)Sigma(+), A (7)Pi, and a (5)Sigma(+) states required 16, 7, and 17 reference configurations, respectively. Molecular constants, i.e., r(e) and omega(e) of these states and excitation energy from the X (7)Sigma(+) state, obtained at the MR-SDCI+Q level, showed a good agreement with experimental values. The small remaining differences may be accounted for by taking relativistic effects into account.

Rotationally resolved pulsed field ionization photoelectron study of CO{sup +}(X{sup 2}{Sigma}{sup +},v{sup +}=0{endash}42) in the energy range of 13.98{endash}21.92 eV

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

Evans, M.; Ng, C.Y.

1999-11-01

We have obtained rotationally resolved pulsed field ionization{endash}photoelectron (PFI-PE) spectra of CO in the energy range of 13.98{endash}21.92 eV, covering the ionization transitions CO{sup +}(X&hthinsp;{sup 2}{Sigma}{sup +},v{sup +}=0{endash}42,N{sup +}){l_arrow}CO(X&hthinsp;{sup 1}{Sigma}{sup +},v{sup {double_prime}}=0,N{sup {double_prime}}). The PFI-PE bands for CO{sup +}&hthinsp;(X&hthinsp;{sup 2}{Sigma}{sup +}, v{sup +}=8{endash}22, 24, and 28{endash}39) obtained here represent the first rotationally resolved spectroscopic data for these states. The high-resolution features observed in the PFI-PE spectra allow the identification of vibrational bands for the CO{sup +}&hthinsp;(X&hthinsp;{sup 2}{Sigma}{sup +}, v{sup +}=10, 14, 15, 17, 18, 21, 24, 25, 29{endash}31, 33, 35{endash}37, and 39) states, which strongly overlap with prominent vibrational bandsmore » of the CO{sup +}(A&hthinsp;{sup 2}{Pi}{sub 3/2,1/2},B&hthinsp;{sup 2}{Sigma}{sup +}) states. The simulation using the Buckingham{endash}Orr{endash}Sichel model has provided accurate molecular constants for CO{sup +}(X&hthinsp;{sup 2}{Sigma}{sup +},v{sup +}=0{endash}42), including ionization energies, vibrational constants ({omega}{sub e}{sup +}=2218.8{plus_minus}3.5&hthinsp;cm{sup {minus}1}, {omega}{sub e}{sup +}x{sub e}{sup +}=16.20{plus_minus}0.32&hthinsp;cm{sup {minus}1}, {omega}{sub e}{sup +}y{sub e}{sup +}=0.074{plus_minus}0.011&hthinsp;cm{sup {minus}1}, and {omega}{sub e}{sup +}z{sub e}{sup +}={minus}0.001&hthinsp;83{plus_minus}0.000&hthinsp;13&hthin p;cm{sup {minus}1}), and rotational constants [B{sub e}{sup +}=1.9797{plus_minus}0.0051&hthinsp;cm{sup {minus}1}, {alpha}{sub e}{sup +}=0.0201{plus_minus}0.0011thinspcm{sup {minus}1}, {gamma}{sub e}{sup +}=0.000&hthinsp;122{plus_minus}0.000&hthinsp;067&hthinsp;cm{sup {minus}1}, z{sub e}{sup +}={minus}(5.2{plus_minus}1.1){times}10{sup {minus}6}&hthinsp;cm{sup {minus}1}]. Enhancement of {Delta}N{lt}0 rotational branches, attributable to field-induced rotational autoionization, was clearly discernible in PFI-PE bands for CO{sup +}&hthinsp;(X&hthinsp;{sup 2}{Sigma}{sup +}, v{sup +}=0{endash}5, 11, and 12). Significant local enhancements due to near-resonance autoionization were observed for low v{sup +} ({lt}10) PFI-PE bands of CO{sup +}(X&hthinsp;{sup 2}{Sigma}{sup +}), where the density of interloper Rydberg states converging to higher ionic levels is high as manifested in the photoion spectrum. The observation of a long vibrational progression in the Franck{endash}Condon gap region, where strong autoionization states are absent, is consistent with the suggestion that high-{ital n} Rydberg states converging to highly excited vibrational levels of CO{sup +}(X&hthinsp;{sup 2}{Sigma}{sup +}) are partially populated via direct excitation to a repulsive neutral state. The relatively minor band intensity variation observed for high v{sup +} PFI-PE bands is also in accord with the direct excitation model. Since {Delta}N=0, {plus_minus}1, {plus_minus}2, and {plus_minus}3 rotational branches are observed in the PFI-PE spectra, we conclude that the ejected photoelectrons are restricted to angular momentum continuum states l=0{endash}4. {copyright} {ital 1999 American Institute of Physics.}« less

Reinforcing effects of sigma-receptor agonists in rats trained to self-administer cocaine.

PubMed

Hiranita, Takato; Soto, Paul L; Tanda, Gianluigi; Katz, Jonathan L

2010-02-01

sigma-Receptor (sigmaR) antagonists have been reported to block certain effects of psychostimulant drugs. The present study examined the effects of sigmaR ligands in rats trained to self-administer cocaine (0.032-1.0 mg/kg/inj i.v.) under fixed-ratio 5-response schedules of reinforcement. Maximal rates of responding were maintained by 0.32 mg/kg/inj cocaine, or by the sigmaR agonists, 1,3-di-(2-tolyl)guanidine (DTG; 1.0 mg/kg/inj) or 2-(4-morpholinethyl) 1-phenylcyclohexane-1-carboxylate hydrochloride (PRE-084; 0.32 mg/kg/inj), when substituted for cocaine. Lower response rates were maintained at higher and lower doses of the compounds. No dose of the sigmaR antagonists [N-[2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)ethyl]-N-methyl-2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)ethylamine (BD 1008), N-[2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)ethyl]-N-methyl-2-(dimethylamino)ethylamine (BD 1047), N-[2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)ethyl]-4-methylpiperazine (BD 1063)] maintained responding appreciably above levels obtained when responding had no consequences. Presession treatment with sigmaR agonists dose-dependently shifted the cocaine self-administration dose-effect curve leftward. The dopamine-uptake inhibitor, (-)-2beta-carbomethoxy-3beta-(4-fluorophenyl)tropane (WIN 35,428), dose-dependently shifted the DTG and PRE-084 self-administration dose-effect curves leftward. Treatment with the sigmaR antagonists dose-dependently decreased response rates maintained by DTG or PRE-084, but did not affect cocaine self-administration. Response rates maintained by maximally effective DTG or PRE-084 doses were decreased by sigmaR antagonists at lower doses than those that decreased response rates maintained by food reinforcement. Although sigmaR antagonists block some cocaine-induced effects, the lack of effect on cocaine self-administration suggests that the primary reinforcing effects of cocaine do not involve direct effects at sigmaRs. However, the self-administration of sigmaR agonists in cocaine-trained subjects, facilitation of cocaine self-administration by sigmaR-agonist pretreatment, and the facilitation of sigmaR-agonist self-administration by WIN 35,428, together suggest enhanced abuse-related effects resulting from concomitant dopaminergically mediated actions and sigmaR-mediated actions of the drugs.

High Resolution Topography of Age-Related Changes in Non-Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Electroencephalography

PubMed Central

Sprecher, Kate E.; Riedner, Brady A.; Smith, Richard F.; Tononi, Giulio; Davidson, Richard J.; Benca, Ruth M.

2016-01-01

Sleeping brain activity reflects brain anatomy and physiology. The aim of this study was to use high density (256 channel) electroencephalography (EEG) during sleep to characterize topographic changes in sleep EEG power across normal aging, with high spatial resolution. Sleep was evaluated in 92 healthy adults aged 18–65 years old using full polysomnography and high density EEG. After artifact removal, spectral power density was calculated for standard frequency bands for all channels, averaged across the NREM periods of the first 3 sleep cycles. To quantify topographic changes with age, maps were generated of the Pearson’s coefficient of the correlation between power and age at each electrode. Significant correlations were determined by statistical non-parametric mapping. Absolute slow wave power declined significantly with increasing age across the entire scalp, whereas declines in theta and sigma power were significant only in frontal regions. Power in fast spindle frequencies declined significantly with increasing age frontally, whereas absolute power of slow spindle frequencies showed no significant change with age. When EEG power was normalized across the scalp, a left centro-parietal region showed significantly less age-related decline in power than the rest of the scalp. This partial preservation was particularly significant in the slow wave and sigma bands. The effect of age on sleep EEG varies substantially by region and frequency band. This non-uniformity should inform the design of future investigations of aging and sleep. This study provides normative data on the effect of age on sleep EEG topography, and provides a basis from which to explore the mechanisms of normal aging as well as neurodegenerative disorders for which age is a risk factor. PMID:26901503

Coulomb Scattering in the Massless Nelson Model III: Ground State Wave Functions and Non-commutative Recurrence Relations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dybalski, Wojciech; Pizzo, Alessandro

2018-02-01

Let $H_{P,\\sigma}$ be the single-electron fiber Hamiltonians of the massless Nelson model at total momentum $P$ and infrared cut-off $\\sigma>0$. We establish detailed regularity properties of the corresponding $n$-particle ground state wave functions $f^n_{P,\\sigma}$ as functions of $P$ and $\\sigma$. In particular, we show that \\[ |\\partial_{P^j}f^{n}_{P,\\sigma}(k_1,\\ldots, k_n)|, \\ \\ |\\partial_{P^j} \\partial_{P^{j'}} f^{n}_{P,\\sigma}(k_1,\\ldots, k_n)| \\leq \\frac{1}{\\sqrt{n!}} \\frac{(c\\lambda_0)^n}{\\sigma^{\\delta_{\\lambda_0}}} \\prod_{i=1}^n\\frac{ \\chi_{[\\sigma,\\kappa)}(k_i)}{|k_i|^{3/2}}, \\] where $c$ is a numerical constant, $\\lambda_0\\mapsto \\delta_{\\lambda_0}$ is a positive function of the maximal admissible coupling constant which satisfies $\\lim_{\\lambda_0\\to 0}\\delta_{\\lambda_0}=0$ and $\\chi_{[\\sigma,\\kappa)}$ is the (approximate) characteristic function of the energy region between the infrared cut-off $\\sigma$ and the ultraviolet cut-off $\\kappa$. While the analysis of the first derivative is relatively straightforward, the second derivative requires a new strategy. By solving a non-commutative recurrence relation we derive a novel formula for $f^n_{P,\\sigma}$ with improved infrared properties. In this representation $\\partial_{P^{j'}}\\partial_{P^{j}}f^n_{P,\\sigma}$ is amenable to sharp estimates obtained by iterative analytic perturbation theory in part II of this series of papers. The bounds stated above are instrumental for scattering theory of two electrons in the Nelson model, as explained in part I of this series.

Nonadiabatic couplings in the collisional removal of O(2)(b (1)Sigma(g) (+),v) by O(2).

PubMed

Dayou, F; Hernández, M I; Campos-Martínez, J; Hernández-Lamoneda, R

2010-01-28

The effect of nonadiabatic couplings on the collisional removal of O(2)(b (1)Sigma(g) (+),v) by O(2)(X (3)Sigma(g) (-), v=0) is investigated. Two-dimensional adiabatic and quasidiabatic potential energy surfaces for the excited dimer states and the corresponding nonadiabatic radial couplings have been computed by means of ab initio calculations. Alternately, a two-state theoretical model, based on the Landau-Zener and Rosen-Zener-Demkov assumptions, has been employed to derive analytical forms for the nonadiabatic couplings and an adiabatic-to-diabatic transformation only depending on a reduced set of adiabatic energy terms. Compared to the ab initio results, the predictions of the model are found to be highly accurate. Quantum dynamics calculations for the removal of the first ten vibrational states of O(2)(b (1)Sigma(g) (+),v) indicate a clear dominant contribution of the vibration-electronic relaxation mechanism relative to the vibration-translation energy transfer. Although the present reduced-dimensionality model precludes any quantitative comparison with experiments, it is found that the removal probabilities for v=1-3 are qualitatively consistent with the experimental observations, once the vibrational structure of the fragments is corrected with spectroscopical terms. Besides, the model served to show how the computation of the adiabatic PESs just at the crossing seam was sufficient to describe the nonadiabatic dynamics related to a given geometrical arrangement. This implies considerable savings in the calculations which will eventually allow for larger accuracy in the ab initio calculations as well as higher dimensional treatments.

Distant intense starbursts: evidence for self-regulated star formation?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lehnert, M. D.

From an analysis of the Halpha and [NII]∼λ6583 rest-frame optical emission lines in a large sample of intensely star forming galaxies at z=1.3 to 2.7 observed with SINFONI on the ESO-VLT, we have reached a number of conclusions. The galaxies all have broad optical emission lines (sigma ˜50-250 km s-1) which are a function of the underlying star formation intensity as determined from the Halpha surface brightness. These broad lines are intrinsic to the galaxies and not due to beam smearing. The velocity dispersions appear to be related to the star formation intensity (Sigma SFR, star formation rate per unit area) of the form, sigma ˜ epsilon Sigma SFR1/2. This is a simple and direct relationship between the energy injection rate and the kinetic energy of the emission line gas with a coupling efficiency of epsilon . In this contribution, we outline a simple model whereby the energy output of massive stars, both mechanical and radiative, feeds a mass and energy cycle within the interstellar media of these distant galaxies. The mass and energy cycle pushes the global ISM towards the line of stability, Toomre parameter Q˜1, but only if the molecular gas captures, to some extent, the kinematics of the warm ionized gas as probed by the optical emission lines. In such a picture, the star formation intensity is self-regulating.} This work and many of the ideas presented here were developed in collaboration with L. Le Tiran, W. van Driel, P. Di Matteo (GEPI), N. Nesvadba, and F. Boulanger (IAS, Orsay, France).

Observation of the Heavy Baryons Sigma b and Sigma b*.

PubMed

Aaltonen, T; Abulencia, A; Adelman, J; Affolder, T; Akimoto, T; Albrow, M G; Amerio, S; Amidei, D; Anastassov, A; Anikeev, K; Annovi, A; Antos, J; Aoki, M; Apollinari, G; Arisawa, T; Artikov, A; Ashmanskas, W; Attal, A; Aurisano, A; Azfar, F; Azzi-Bacchetta, P; Azzurri, P; Bacchetta, N; Badgett, W; Barbaro-Galtieri, A; Barnes, V E; Barnett, B A; Baroiant, S; Bartsch, V; Bauer, G; Beauchemin, P-H; Bedeschi, F; Behari, S; Bellettini, G; Bellinger, J; Belloni, A; Benjamin, D; Beretvas, A; Beringer, J; Berry, T; Bhatti, A; Binkley, M; Bisello, D; Bizjak, I; Blair, R E; Blocker, C; Blumenfeld, B; Bocci, A; Bodek, A; Boisvert, V; Bolla, G; Bolshov, A; Bortoletto, D; Boudreau, J; Boveia, A; Brau, B; Brigliadori, L; Bromberg, C; Brubaker, E; Budagov, J; Budd, H S; Budd, S; Burkett, K; Busetto, G; Bussey, P; Buzatu, A; Byrum, K L; Cabrera, S; Campanelli, M; Campbell, M; Canelli, F; Canepa, A; Carillo, S; Carlsmith, D; Carosi, R; Carron, S; Casal, B; Casarsa, M; Castro, A; Catastini, P; Cauz, D; Cavalli-Sforza, M; Cerri, A; Cerrito, L; Chang, S H; Chen, Y C; Chertok, M; Chiarelli, G; Chlachidze, G; Chlebana, F; Cho, I; Cho, K; Chokheli, D; Chou, J P; Choudalakis, G; Chuang, S H; Chung, K; Chung, W H; Chung, Y S; Cilijak, M; Ciobanu, C I; Ciocci, M A; Clark, A; Clark, D; Coca, M; Compostella, G; Convery, M E; Conway, J; Cooper, B; Copic, K; Cordelli, M; Cortiana, G; Crescioli, F; Cuenca Almenar, C; Cuevas, J; Culbertson, R; Cully, J C; DaRonco, S; Datta, M; D'Auria, S; Davies, T; Dagenhart, D; de Barbaro, P; De Cecco, S; Deisher, A; De Lentdecker, G; De Lorenzo, G; Dell'Orso, M; Delli Paoli, F; Demortier, L; Deng, J; Deninno, M; De Pedis, D; Derwent, P F; Di Giovanni, G P; Dionisi, C; Di Ruzza, B; Dittmann, J R; D'Onofrio, M; Dörr, C; Donati, S; Dong, P; Donini, J; Dorigo, T; Dube, S; Efron, J; Erbacher, R; Errede, D; Errede, S; Eusebi, R; Fang, H C; Farrington, S; Fedorko, I; Fedorko, W T; Feild, R G; Feindt, M; Fernandez, J P; Field, R; Flanagan, G; Forrest, R; Forrester, S; Franklin, M; Freeman, J C; Furic, I; Gallinaro, M; Galyardt, J; Garcia, J E; Garberson, F; Garfinkel, A F; Gay, C; Gerberich, H; Gerdes, D; Giagu, S; Giannetti, P; Gibson, K; Gimmell, J L; Ginsburg, C; Giokaris, N; Giordani, M; Giromini, P; Giunta, M; Giurgiu, G; Glagolev, V; Glenzinski, D; Gold, M; Goldschmidt, N; Goldstein, J; Golossanov, A; Gomez, G; Gomez-Ceballos, G; Goncharov, M; González, O; Gorelov, I; Goshaw, A T; Goulianos, K; Gresele, A; Grinstein, S; Grosso-Pilcher, C; Grundler, U; Guimaraes da Costa, J; Gunay-Unalan, Z; Haber, C; Hahn, K; Hahn, S R; Halkiadakis, E; Hamilton, A; Han, B-Y; Han, J Y; Handler, R; Happacher, F; Hara, K; Hare, D; Hare, M; Harper, S; Harr, R F; Harris, R M; Hartz, M; Hatakeyama, K; Hauser, J; Hays, C; Heck, M; Heijboer, A; Heinemann, B; Heinrich, J; Henderson, C; Herndon, M; Heuser, J; Hidas, D; Hill, C S; Hirschbuehl, D; Hocker, A; Holloway, A; Hou, S; Houlden, M; Hsu, S-C; Huffman, B T; Hughes, R E; Husemann, U; Huston, J; Incandela, J; Introzzi, G; Iori, M; Ivanov, A; Iyutin, B; James, E; Jang, D; Jayatilaka, B; Jeans, D; Jeon, E J; Jindariani, S; Johnson, W; Jones, M; Joo, K K; Jun, S Y; Jung, J E; Junk, T R; Kamon, T; Karchin, P E; Kato, Y; Kemp, Y; Kephart, R; Kerzel, U; Khotilovich, V; Kilminster, B; Kim, D H; Kim, H S; Kim, J E; Kim, M J; Kim, S B; Kim, S H; Kim, Y K; Kimura, N; Kirsch, L; Klimenko, S; Klute, M; Knuteson, B; Ko, B R; Kondo, K; Kong, D J; Konigsberg, J; Korytov, A; Kotwal, A V; Kraan, A C; Kraus, J; Kreps, M; Kroll, J; Krumnack, N; Kruse, M; Krutelyov, V; Kubo, T; Kuhlmann, S E; Kuhr, T; Kulkarni, N P; Kusakabe, Y; Kwang, S; Laasanen, A T; Lai, S; Lami, S; Lammel, S; Lancaster, M; Lander, R L; Lannon, K; Lath, A; Latino, G; Lazzizzera, I; LeCompte, T; Lee, J; Lee, J; Lee, Y J; Lee, S W; Lefèvre, R; Leonardo, N; Leone, S; Levy, S; Lewis, J D; Lin, C; Lin, C S; Lindgren, M; Lipeles, E; Lister, A; Litvintsev, D O; Liu, T; Lockyer, N S; Loginov, A; Loreti, M; Lu, R-S; Lucchesi, D; Lujan, P; Lukens, P; Lungu, G; Lyons, L; Lys, J; Lysak, R; Lytken, E; Mack, P; MacQueen, D; Madrak, R; Maeshima, K; Makhoul, K; Maki, T; Maksimovic, P; Malde, S; Malik, S; Manca, G; Manousakis, A; Margaroli, F; Marginean, R; Marino, C; Marino, C P; Martin, A; Martin, M; Martin, V; Martínez, M; Martínez-Ballarín, R; Maruyama, T; Mastrandrea, P; Masubuchi, T; Matsunaga, H; Mattson, M E; Mazini, R; Mazzanti, P; McFarland, K S; McIntyre, P; McNulty, R; Mehta, A; Mehtala, P; Menzemer, S; Menzione, A; Merkel, P; Mesropian, C; Messina, A; Miao, T; Miladinovic, N; Miles, J; Miller, R; Mills, C; Milnik, M; Mitra, A; Mitselmakher, G; Miyamoto, A; Moed, S; Moggi, N; Mohr, B; Moon, C S; Moore, R; Morello, M; Movilla Fernandez, P; Mülmenstädt, J; Mukherjee, A; Muller, Th; Mumford, R; Murat, P; Mussini, M; Nachtman, J; Nagano, A; Naganoma, J; Nakamura, K; Nakano, I; Napier, A; Necula, V; Neu, C; Neubauer, M S; Nielsen, J; Nodulman, L; Norniella, O; Nurse, E; Oh, S H; Oh, Y D; Oksuzian, I; Okusawa, T; Oldeman, R; Orava, R; Osterberg, K; Pagliarone, C; Palencia, E; Papadimitriou, V; Papaikonomou, A; Paramonov, A A; Parks, B; Pashapour, S; Patrick, J; Pauletta, G; Paulini, M; Paus, C; Pellett, D E; Penzo, A; Phillips, T J; Piacentino, G; Piedra, J; Pinera, L; Pitts, K; Plager, C; Pondrom, L; Portell, X; Poukhov, O; Pounder, N; Prakoshyn, F; Pronko, A; Proudfoot, J; Ptohos, F; Punzi, G; Pursley, J; Rademacker, J; Rahaman, A; Ramakrishnan, V; Ranjan, N; Redondo, I; Reisert, B; Rekovic, V; Renton, P; Rescigno, M; Richter, S; Rimondi, F; Ristori, L; Robson, A; Rodrigo, T; Rogers, E; Rolli, S; Roser, R; Rossi, M; Rossin, R; Roy, P; Ruiz, A; Russ, J; Rusu, V; Saarikko, H; Safonov, A; Sakumoto, W K; Salamanna, G; Saltó, O; Santi, L; Sarkar, S; Sartori, L; Sato, K; Savard, P; Savoy-Navarro, A; Scheidle, T; Schlabach, P; Schmidt, E E; Schmidt, M A; Schmidt, M P; Schmitt, M; Schwarz, T; Scodellaro, L; Scott, A L; Scribano, A; Scuri, F; Sedov, A; Seidel, S; Seiya, Y; Semenov, A; Sexton-Kennedy, L; Sfyrla, A; Shalhout, S Z; Shapiro, M D; Shears, T; Shepard, P F; Sherman, D; Shimojima, M; Shochet, M; Shon, Y; Shreyber, I; Sidoti, A; Sinervo, P; Sisakyan, A; Slaughter, A J; Slaunwhite, J; Sliwa, K; Smith, J R; Snider, F D; Snihur, R; Soderberg, M; Soha, A; Somalwar, S; Sorin, V; Spalding, J; Spinella, F; Spreitzer, T; Squillacioti, P; Stanitzki, M; Staveris-Polykalas, A; St Denis, R; Stelzer, B; Stelzer-Chilton, O; Stentz, D; Strologas, J; Stuart, D; Suh, J S; Sukhanov, A; Sun, H; Suslov, I; Suzuki, T; Taffard, A; Takashima, R; Takeuchi, Y; Tanaka, R; Tecchio, M; Teng, P K; Terashi, K; Tesarek, R J; Thom, J; Thompson, A S; Thomson, E; Tipton, P; Tiwari, V; Tkaczyk, S; Toback, D; Tokar, S; Tollefson, K; Tomura, T; Tonelli, D; Torre, S; Torretta, D; Tourneur, S; Trischuk, W; Tsuno, S; Tu, Y; Turini, N; Ukegawa, F; Uozumi, S; Vallecorsa, S; van Remortel, N; Varganov, A; Vataga, E; Vazquez, F; Velev, G; Vellidis, C; Veramendi, G; Veszpremi, V; Vidal, M; Vidal, R; Vila, I; Vilar, R; Vine, T; Vogel, M; Vollrath, I; Volobouev, I; Volpi, G; Würthwein, F; Wagner, P; Wagner, R G; Wagner, R L; Wagner, J; Wagner, W; Wallny, R; Wang, S M; Warburton, A; Waters, D; Weinberger, M; Wester, W C; Whitehouse, B; Whiteson, D; Wicklund, A B; Wicklund, E; Williams, G; Williams, H H; Wilson, P; Winer, B L; Wittich, P; Wolbers, S; Wolfe, C; Wright, T; Wu, X; Wynne, S M; Yagil, A; Yamamoto, K; Yamaoka, J; Yamashita, T; Yang, C; Yang, U K; Yang, Y C; Yao, W M; Yeh, G P; Yoh, J; Yorita, K; Yoshida, T; Yu, G B; Yu, I; Yu, S S; Yun, J C; Zanello, L; Zanetti, A; Zaw, I; Zhang, X; Zhou, J; Zucchelli, S

2007-11-16

We report an observation of new bottom baryons produced in pp collisions at the Tevatron. Using 1.1 fb(-1) of data collected by the CDF II detector, we observe four Lambda b 0 pi+/- resonances in the fully reconstructed decay mode Lambda b 0-->Lambda c + pi-, where Lambda c+-->pK* pi+. We interpret these states as the Sigma b(*)+/- baryons and measure the following masses: m Sigma b+=5807.8 -2.2 +2.0(stat.)+/-1.7(syst.) MeV/c2, m Sigma b- =5815.2+/-1.0(stat.)+/-1.7(syst.) MeV/c2, and m(Sigma b*)-m(Sigma b)=21.2-1.9 +2.0(stat.)-0.3+0.4(syst.) MeV/c2.

Mended chiral symmetry and the linear sigma model in one-loop order

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

Scadron, M.D.

1992-02-28

In this paper it is shown that the linear {sigma}-model in one loop order in the chiral limit recovers meson masses m{sub {pi}} = 0, m{sub {sigma}} = 2m{sub qk} (NJL), m {sub {rho}} = {radical}2 g{sub {rho}}f{pi} (KSRF), along with couplings g{sigma}{pi}{pi} = m{sup 2}{sub {sigma}}/2f{pi}, g{rho}{pi}{pi} = g{sub {rho}} (VMD universality) and Weinberg's mended chiral symmetry decay width relation {Gamma}{sub {sigma}} = (9/2){Gamma}{sub {rho}}. The linear {sigma}-model combined quark and meson loops also properly predict the radiative decays {pi}{sup 0} {yields} 2{gamma} {yields} e{nu}{gamma} and {delta}{sup 0} (983) {yields} 2{gamma}.

Effects of sigma-phase formation on some mechanical properties of a wrought nickel-base superalloy (IN-100)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dreshfield, R. L.; Ashbrook, R. L.

1974-01-01

The effect of sigma phase formation on an extruded and forged nickel base superalloy with the composition of the casting alloy IN-100 was studied. By adding only aluminum and titanium to remelt stock, three compositions were produced which had varying propensities for sigma formation. These compositions were given a four step heat treatment and were stress-ruptured or tensile tested. The very sigma prone composition had a shorter rupture life than the sigma-free or moderately sigma prone compositions when tested at 843 and 885 C. Elongation in room temperature tensile tests was considerably lower for the very sigma prone composition than for the other two wrought compositions after prolonged exposure at 732 or 843 C.

Organohalogen concentrations in blood and adipose tissue of Southern Beaufort Sea polar bears.

PubMed

Bentzen, T W; Muir, D C G; Amstrup, S C; O'Hara, T M

2008-11-15

We analyzed 151 organohalogen chemicals (OHCs) in whole blood and subcutaneous fat of 57 polar bears sampled along the Alaskan Beaufort Sea coast in spring, 2003. All major organochlorine pesticides, PCBs, PBDEs and their congeners were assessed. Concentrations of most OHCs continue to be lower among Southern Beaufort Sea polar bears than reported for other populations. Additionally, toxaphenes and related compounds were assessed in adipose tissue, and 8 perflourinated compounds (PFCs) were examined in blood. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) concentrations exceeded those of any other contaminant measured in blood. SigmaChlordane concentrations were higher in females, and both SigmaPCBs and SigmaChlordane concentrations in adipose tissue decreased significantly with age. The rank order of OHC mean concentrations; SigmaPCB>Sigma10PCB>PCB153>SigmaChlordane>Oxychlordane>PCB180>SigmaHCH>beta-HCH>SigmaDDT>p,p-DDE>SigmaPBDE>HCB>Toxaphene was similar for compounds above detection limits in both fat and blood. Although correlation between OHC concentrations in blood and adipose tissue was examined, the predictability of concentrations in one matrix for the other was limited.

Under the knife: a national survey of six sigma programs in US healthcare organizations.

PubMed

Feng, Qianmei; Manuel, Chris M

2008-01-01

Medical and policy literature reports many six sigma applications at specific healthcare organizations. However, there is a lack of studies that investigate the broader status of six sigma in US healthcare systems. The purpose of this paper is to present the results from a national survey of six sigma programs in US healthcare organizations. Through the design, distribution, and analysis of a nationwide survey, this paper assesses the implementation of six sigma in healthcare facilities. Two sets of surveys were designed based on whether an organization has adopted six sigma or not. Findings from this paper indicate the common six sigma projects implemented in healthcare organizations, typical implementation durations, cost benefits, and major barriers in implementation, and so on. This paper is limited by the low-response rate owing to time and budget constraints. Through the dissemination of this paper, it is hoped that more organizations will become interested in this subject and participate in future studies. This work is the first study to investigate the implementation status of six sigma in US healthcare systems. It will share experiences amongst six sigma institutions and promote its application in many institutions. The findings will provide instructive information to six sigma practitioners and researchers, and particularly to health care management.

Effect of tree structure on X-band microwave signature of conifers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mougin, Eric; Lopes, Armand; Karam, Mostafa A.; Fung, Adrian K.

1993-01-01

Experimental studies are performed on some coniferous trees (Austrian pine, Nordmann spruce, and Norway spruce) to investigate the relation between the tree architecture and radar signal at X-band. For a single tree, the RCS is measured as a function of the scatterer location at 90 deg incidence. It is found that the main scatterers are the leafy branches and the difference between sigma(vv) and sigma(hh) is significant at the upper portion of the tree. At the lower portion of the tree, sigma(vv) and sigma(hh) have almost the same level. For a group of trees the angular trends of sigma(vv) and sigma(hh) are measured. It is found that the levels of sigma(vv) and sigma(hh) are of the same order, but their angular trends vary from one tree species to the other depending on the tree species structure. The interpretation of these experimental results is carried out with the help of a theoretical model which accounts for the structure of the tree. According to this theoretical study, the major scattering trend is due to the leaves, while the perturbation to the angular trend and the level difference between sigma(vv) and sigma(hh) are due to the branch orientation distributions (i.e., the tree architecture).

Aβ mediates Sigma receptor degradation via CaN/NFAT pathway

PubMed Central

Fang, Min; Zhang, Pei; Zhao, Yanxin; Jin, Aiping; Liu, Xueyuan

2016-01-01

Sigma receptor is an endoplasmic reticulum protein and belongs to non-opioid receptor. Increasing evidence shows that Sigma receptor activation can significantly attenuate AD induced neurological dysfunction and the functional deficiency of Sigma receptor plays an important role in the Aβ induced neuronal loss. This study aimed to investigate the influence of extracellular accumulation of Aβ on the Sigma receptor expression. Our results showed the increase in extracellular Aβ had little influence on the mRNA expression of Sigma receptor, but gradually reduced its protein expression. Co-immunoprecipitation was employed to evaluate the interaction of Sigma receptor with other proteins. Results showed BIP could bind to Sigma receptor to affect the ubiquitination of Sigma receptor. Further investigation showed there was a NFAT binding site at the promoter of BIP. Then, Western blot assay was performed to detect NFAT expression. Results showed extracellular Aβ affected the nuclear translocation of NFAT and the CaN activity of NFAT also increased with the accumulation of extracellular Aβ. In this study, NFAT-BIP luciferase reporter gene system was constructed. Results showed NFAT was able to regulate the transcription of BIP. Thus, we speculate that extracellular Aβ accumulation may activate CaN/NFAT signaling pathway to induce chaperone BIP expression, which results in Sigma receptor ubiquitination and its degradation. PMID:27648137

An Initial Assessment of the Surface Reference Technique Applied to Data from the Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) on the GPM Satellite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meneghini, Robert; Kim, Hyokyung; Liao, Liang; Jones, Jeffrey A.; Kwiatkowski, John M.

2015-01-01

It has long been recognized that path-integrated attenuation (PIA) can be used to improve precipitation estimates from high-frequency weather radar data. One approach that provides an estimate of this quantity from airborne or spaceborne radar data is the surface reference technique (SRT), which uses measurements of the surface cross section in the presence and absence of precipitation. Measurements from the dual-frequency precipitation radar (DPR) on the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) satellite afford the first opportunity to test the method for spaceborne radar data at Ka band as well as for the Ku-band-Ka-band combination. The study begins by reviewing the basis of the single- and dual-frequency SRT. As the performance of the method is closely tied to the behavior of the normalized radar cross section (NRCS or sigma(0)) of the surface, the statistics of sigma(0) derived from DPR measurements are given as a function of incidence angle and frequency for ocean and land backgrounds over a 1-month period. Several independent estimates of the PIA, formed by means of different surface reference datasets, can be used to test the consistency of the method since, in the absence of error, the estimates should be identical. Along with theoretical considerations, the comparisons provide an initial assessment of the performance of the single- and dual-frequency SRT for the DPR. The study finds that the dual-frequency SRT can provide improvement in the accuracy of path attenuation estimates relative to the single-frequency method, particularly at Ku band.

Triptolide Attenuates Endotoxin- and Staphylococcal Exotoxin-Induced T-Cell Proliferation and Production of Cytokines and Chemokines

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-02-01

were from Sigma (St. Louis, MO, USA). Cell Culture Human PBMC were isolated by Ficoll-Hypaque density gradient centri- fugation of heparinized blood...Cytotoxicity was measured by the uptake of trypan blue . T-cell proliferation was assayed with PBMC (105 cells/well) that were plated in triplicate with...concentration range used in these studies (1–30 nM), as confirmed by trypan blue dye exclusion test. However, at 100 nM triptolide, 20% of PBMC took up

Electronic structure and magneto-optical effects in CeSb

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

Liechtenstein, A.I.; Antropov, V.P.; Harmon, B.N.

1994-04-15

The electronic structure and magneto-optical spectra of CeSb have been calculated using the self-consistent local-density approximation with explicit on-site Coulomb parameters for the correlated [ital f] state of cerium. The essential electronic structure of cerium antimonide consists of one occupied [ital f] band, predominantly with orbital [ital m]=[minus]3 character and spin [sigma]=1 located 2 eV below the Fermi level and interacting with broad Sb [ital p] bands crossing [ital E][sub [ital F

The Escherichia coli regulator of sigma 70 protein, Rsd, can up-regulate some stress-dependent promoters by sequestering sigma 70.

PubMed

Mitchell, Jennie E; Oshima, Taku; Piper, Sarah E; Webster, Christine L; Westblade, Lars F; Karimova, Gouzel; Ladant, Daniel; Kolb, Annie; Hobman, Jon L; Busby, Stephen J W; Lee, David J

2007-05-01

The Escherichia coli Rsd protein forms complexes with the RNA polymerase sigma(70) factor, but its biological role is not understood. Transcriptome analysis shows that overexpression of Rsd causes increased expression from some promoters whose expression depends on the alternative sigma(38) factor, and this was confirmed by experiments with lac fusions at selected promoters. The LP18 substitution in Rsd increases the Rsd-dependent stimulation of these promoter-lac fusions. Analysis with a bacterial two-hybrid system shows that the LP18 substitution in Rsd increases its interaction with sigma(70). Our experiments support a model in which the role of Rsd is primarily to sequester sigma(70), thereby increasing the levels of RNA polymerase containing the alternative sigma(38) factor.

Decay of the electron number density in the nitrogen afterglow using a hairpin resonator probe

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

Siefert, Nicholas S.; Ganguly, Biswa N.; Sands, Brian L.

A hairpin resonator was used to measure the electron number density in the afterglow of a nitrogen glow discharge (p=0.25-0.75 Torr). Electron number densities were measured using a time-dependent approach similar to the approach used by Spencer et al. [J. Phys. D 20, 923 (1987)]. The decay time of the electron number density was used to determine the electron temperature in the afterglow, assuming a loss of electrons via ambipolar diffusion to the walls. The electron temperature in the near afterglow remained between 0.4 and 0.6 eV, depending on pressure. This confirms the work by Guerra et al. [IEEE Trans.more » Plasma. Sci. 31, 542 (2003)], who demonstrated experimentally and numerically that the electron temperature stays significantly above room temperature via superelastic collisions with highly vibrationally excited ground state molecules and metastables, such as A {sup 3}{sigma}{sub u}{sup +}.« less

Active participation of Hsp90 in the biogenesis of the trimeric reovirus cell attachment protein sigma1.

PubMed

Gilmore, R; Coffey, M C; Lee, P W

1998-06-12

The reovirus cell attachment protein, sigma1, is a lollipop-shaped homotrimer with an N-terminal fibrous tail and a C-terminal globular head. Biogenesis of this protein involves two trimerization events: N-terminal trimerization, which occurs cotranslationally and is Hsp70/ATP-independent, and C-terminal trimerization, which occurs posttranslationally and is Hsp70/ATP-dependent. To determine if Hsp90 also plays a role in sigma1 biogenesis, we analyzed sigma1 synthesized in rabbit reticulocyte lysate. Coprecipitation experiments using anti-Hsp90 antibodies revealed that Hsp90 was associated with immature sigma1 trimers (hydra-like intermediates with assembled N termini and unassembled C termini) but not with mature trimers. The use of truncated sigma1 further demonstrated that only the C-terminal half of sigma1 associated with Hsp90. In the presence of the Hsp90 binding drug geldanamycin, N-terminal trimerization proceeded normally, but C-terminal trimerization was blocked. Geldanamycin did not inhibit the association of Hsp90 with sigma 1 but prevented the subsequent release of Hsp90 from the immature sigma1 complex. We also examined the status of p23, an Hsp90-associated cochaperone. Like Hsp90, p23 only associated with immature sigma1 trimers, and this association was mapped to the C-terminal half of sigma1. However, unlike Hsp90, p23 was released from the sigma1 complex upon the addition of geldanamycin. These results highlight an all-or-none concept of chaperone involvement in different oligomerization domains within a single protein and suggest a possible common usage of chaperones in the regulation of general protein folding and of steroid receptor activation.

Defining the disulphide stress response in Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2): identification of the sigmaR regulon.

PubMed

Paget, M S; Molle, V; Cohen, G; Aharonowitz, Y; Buttner, M J

2001-11-01

In the Gram-positive, antibiotic-producing bacterium Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2), the thiol-disulphide status of the hyphae is controlled by a novel regulatory system consisting of a sigma factor, sigmaR, and its cognate anti-sigma factor, RsrA. Oxidative stress induces intramolecular disulphide bond formation in RsrA, which causes it to lose affinity for sigmaR, thereby releasing sigmaR to activate transcription of the thioredoxin operon, trxBA. Here, we exploit a preliminary consensus sequence for sigmaR target promoters to identify 27 new sigmaR target genes and operons, thereby defining the global response to disulphide stress in this organism. Target genes related to thiol metabolism encode a second thioredoxin (TrxC), a glutaredoxin-like protein and enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of the low-molecular-weight thiol-containing compounds cysteine and molybdopterin. In addition, the level of the major actinomycete thiol buffer, mycothiol, was fourfold lower in a sigR null mutant, although no candidate mycothiol biosynthetic genes were identified among the sigmaR targets. Three sigmaR target genes encode ribosome-associated products (ribosomal subunit L31, ppGpp synthetase and tmRNA), suggesting that the translational machinery is modified by disulphide stress. The product of another sigmaR target gene was found to be a novel RNA polymerase-associated protein, RbpA, suggesting that the transcriptional machinery may also be modified in response to disulphide stress. We present DNA sequence evidence that many of the targets identified in S. coelicolor are also under the control of the sigmaR homologue in the actinomycete pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Collection and analysis of samples for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in dust and other solids related to sealed and unsealed pavement from 10 cities across the United States, 2005-07

USGS Publications Warehouse

Van Metre, Peter C.; Mahler, Barbara J.; Wilson, Jennifer T.; Burbank, Teresa L.

2008-01-01

Parking lots and driveways are dominant features of the modern urban landscape, and in the United States, sealcoat is widely used on these surfaces. One of the most widely used types of sealcoat contains refined coal tar; coal-tar-based sealcoat products have a mean polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentration of about 5 percent. A previous study reported that parking lots in Austin, Texas, treated with coal-tar sealcoat were a major source of PAH compounds in streams. This report presents methods for and data from the analysis of concentrations of PAH compounds in dust from sealed and unsealed pavement from nine U.S. cities, and concentrations of PAH compounds in other related solid materials (sealcoat surface scrapings, nearby street dust, and nearby soil) from three of those same cities and a 10th city. Dust samples were collected by sweeping dust from areas of several square meters with a soft nylon brush into a dustpan. Some samples were from individual lots or driveways, and some samples consisted of approximately equal amounts of material from three lots. Samples were sieved to remove coarse sand and gravel and analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Concentrations of PAHs vary greatly among samples with total PAH (sigmaPAH), the sum of 12 unsubstituted parent PAHs, ranging from nondetection for all 12 PAHs (several samples from Portland, Oregon, and Seattle, Washington; sigmaPAH of less than 36,000 micrograms per kilogram) to 19,000,000 micrograms per kilogram for a sealcoat scraping sample (Milwaukee, Wisconsin). The largest PAH concentrations in dust are from a driveway sample from suburban Chicago, Illinois (sigmaPAH of 9,600,000 micrograms per kilogram).

Theoretical investigation of intersystem crossing in the cyanonitrene molecule, 1NCN → 3NCN

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

Pfeifle, Mark; Georgievskii, Yuri; Jasper, Ahren W.

The NCN diradical is an important intermediate of prompt nitric oxide formation in flames. The mechanism of intersystem crossing (ISC) in the NCN molecule formed via pyrolysis or photolysis of NCN 3 is of relevance to the interpretation of experiments that utilize NCN 3 as a precursor for laboratory studies of NCN kinetics. This mechanism has been investigated by means of multi-reference configuration interaction calculations. From the potential energy surfaces for NCN 3 dissociation, it was inferred that both thermal and photo-chemical decomposition initially lead to NCN in its lowest singlet state,more » $$\\tilde{a}^{-1}$$$Δ_g$$, with a possible contribution from the $$\\tilde{b}^{-1}\\Sigma_g^+$$ state at low photolysis wavelengths. Direct formation of the triplet ground state $$\\tilde{X}^{-3}\\Sigma_g^-$$ is also feasible for the photolytic pathway. Ananalysis of surface crossings between $$\\tilde{a}$$ or $$\\tilde{b}$$ and the triplet ground state $$\\tilde{X}^{-3}\\Sigma_g^-$$ in the absence and presence of a helium atom revealed an ISC channel 1NCN ($$\\tilde{a}$$) → 3NCN($$\\tilde{X}$$) via a strongly bent structure. However, its barrier of 38 kcal mol -1 relative to the singlet minimum turned out to be much too high to explain the fast ISC observed in experiments. A rigid-bender model including Renner-Teller interactions was used to examine the occurrence of mixed-multiplicity rovibrational states-so-called gateway states-that could enhance collision-induced ISC. The results of this study indicate that a gateway mechanism is probably not operative in the case of the $$\\tilde{a}$$/$$\\tilde{X}$$pair of states in NCN.« less

Theoretical investigation of intersystem crossing in the cyanonitrene molecule, 1NCN → 3NCN

DOE PAGES

Pfeifle, Mark; Georgievskii, Yuri; Jasper, Ahren W.; ...

2017-08-28

The NCN diradical is an important intermediate of prompt nitric oxide formation in flames. The mechanism of intersystem crossing (ISC) in the NCN molecule formed via pyrolysis or photolysis of NCN 3 is of relevance to the interpretation of experiments that utilize NCN 3 as a precursor for laboratory studies of NCN kinetics. This mechanism has been investigated by means of multi-reference configuration interaction calculations. From the potential energy surfaces for NCN 3 dissociation, it was inferred that both thermal and photo-chemical decomposition initially lead to NCN in its lowest singlet state,more » $$\\tilde{a}^{-1}$$$Δ_g$$, with a possible contribution from the $$\\tilde{b}^{-1}\\Sigma_g^+$$ state at low photolysis wavelengths. Direct formation of the triplet ground state $$\\tilde{X}^{-3}\\Sigma_g^-$$ is also feasible for the photolytic pathway. Ananalysis of surface crossings between $$\\tilde{a}$$ or $$\\tilde{b}$$ and the triplet ground state $$\\tilde{X}^{-3}\\Sigma_g^-$$ in the absence and presence of a helium atom revealed an ISC channel 1NCN ($$\\tilde{a}$$) → 3NCN($$\\tilde{X}$$) via a strongly bent structure. However, its barrier of 38 kcal mol -1 relative to the singlet minimum turned out to be much too high to explain the fast ISC observed in experiments. A rigid-bender model including Renner-Teller interactions was used to examine the occurrence of mixed-multiplicity rovibrational states-so-called gateway states-that could enhance collision-induced ISC. The results of this study indicate that a gateway mechanism is probably not operative in the case of the $$\\tilde{a}$$/$$\\tilde{X}$$pair of states in NCN.« less

Modulation of serotonergic neurotransmission by short- and long-term treatments with sigma ligands

PubMed Central

Bermack, J E; Debonnel, G

2001-01-01

Sigma receptors were first described in 1976 as opiate receptors but were later determined to be a distinct class of receptors with two subtypes, sigma1 and sigma2. Although the endogenous ligand is yet to be elucidated, the sigma1 receptor has recently been cloned. Behavioural models used to test potential antidepressants have shown sigma ligands to produce antidepressant effects but their mechanism of action is unknown. The goal of the present study was to assess the effects of various sigma1 ligands on the firing activity of serotonin (5-HT) neurons of the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) using extracellular in vivo recordings in anaesthetized rats. The sigma1 ligands (+)-pentazocine and 4-(N-benzylpiperidin-4-yl)-4-iodobenzamide (4-IBP) (2 mg kg−1 day−1) increased markedly 5-HT firing activity after 2 days of treatment and maintained the same increased firing rate after long-term (21 days) treatments. Furthermore, the increased firing rate produced by 2 and 21 day treatments with (+)-pentazocine was prevented by the co-administration of N,N-dipropyl-2-(4-methoxy-3-(2-phenylethoxy)phenyl)-thylamine (NE-100) (10 mg kg−1 day−1) a selective sigma1 antagonist, confirming the sigma1 receptor's modulation of these effects. In contrast, the sigma1 ligands (+)-N-cyclopropylmethyl-N-methyl-1,4-diphenyl-1-1-ethyl-but-3-en-1-ylamine hydrochloride (JO-1784) and 2-(4-morpholinoethyl 1-phenyl-cyclohexane-1-carboxylate hydrochloride (PRE-084) had no effect. Following a 21-day treatment with (+)-pentazocine there was a marked reduction in the number of neurons found per track. This decrease was not seen after chronic treatment with 4-IBP and may represent a depolarization block. These results suggest a modulation of serotonergic neurotransmission by some sigma receptors and provide a potential mechanism for the ‘antidepressant effects' reported and provide evidence toward sigma1 ligands as potential antidepressants with a rapid onset of action. PMID:11588125

Modulation of serotonergic neurotransmission by short- and long-term treatments with sigma ligands.

PubMed

Bermack, J E; Debonnel, G

2001-10-01

1. Sigma receptors were first described in 1976 as opiate receptors but were later determined to be a distinct class of receptors with two subtypes, sigma(1) and sigma(2). Although the endogenous ligand is yet to be elucidated, the sigma(1) receptor has recently been cloned. 2. Behavioural models used to test potential antidepressants have shown sigma ligands to produce antidepressant effects but their mechanism of action is unknown. 3. The goal of the present study was to assess the effects of various sigma(1) ligands on the firing activity of serotonin (5-HT) neurons of the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) using extracellular in vivo recordings in anaesthetized rats. 4. The sigma(1) ligands (+)-pentazocine and 4-(N-benzylpiperidin-4-yl)-4-iodobenzamide (4-IBP) (2 mg kg(-1) day(-1)) increased markedly 5-HT firing activity after 2 days of treatment and maintained the same increased firing rate after long-term (21 days) treatments. Furthermore, the increased firing rate produced by 2 and 21 day treatments with (+)-pentazocine was prevented by the co-administration of N,N-dipropyl-2-(4-methoxy-3-(2-phenylethoxy)phenyl)-thylamine (NE-100) (10 mg kg(-1) day(-1)) a selective sigma(1) antagonist, confirming the sigma(1) receptor's modulation of these effects. In contrast, the sigma(1) ligands (+)-N-cyclopropylmethyl-N-methyl-1,4-diphenyl-1-1-ethyl-but-3-en-1-ylamine hydrochloride (JO-1784) and 2-(4-morpholinoethyl 1-phenyl-cyclohexane-1-carboxylate hydrochloride (PRE-084) had no effect. 5. Following a 21-day treatment with (+)-pentazocine there was a marked reduction in the number of neurons found per track. This decrease was not seen after chronic treatment with 4-IBP and may represent a depolarization block. 6. These results suggest a modulation of serotonergic neurotransmission by some sigma receptors and provide a potential mechanism for the 'antidepressant effects' reported and provide evidence toward sigma(1) ligands as potential antidepressants with a rapid onset of action.

76 FR 13515 - Medicare Program; Revisions to the Reductions and Increases to Hospitals' FTE Resident Caps for...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-03-14

..., [Sigma] line 3.08 minus [Sigma] (lines 3.04 + 3.05-applicable section 422 reduction amount). For direct GME, [Sigma] line 3.05 minus [Sigma] (lines 3.01 + 3.02-applicable section 422 reduction amount). (5...

The alternative sigma factor, sigmaS, affects polyhydroxyalkanoate metabolism in Pseudomonas putida.

PubMed

Raiger-Iustman, Laura J; Ruiz, Jimena A

2008-07-01

To determine whether the stationary sigma factor, sigma(S), influences polyhydroxyalkanoate metabolism in Pseudomonas putida KT2440, an rpoS-negative mutant was constructed to evaluate polyhydroxyalkanoate accumulation and expression of a translational fusion to the promoter region of the genes that code for polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase 1 (phaC1) and polyhydroxyalkanoate depolymerase (phaZ). By comparison with the wild-type, the rpoS mutant showed a higher polyhydroxyalkanoate degradation rate and increased expression of the translational fusion during the stationary growth phase. These results suggest that sigma(S) might control the genes involved in polyhydroxyalkanoate metabolism, possibly in an indirect manner. In addition, survival and oxidative stress assays performed under polyhydroxyalkanoate- and nonpolyhydroxyalkanoate- accumulating conditions demonstrated that the accumulated polyhydroxyalkanoate increased the survival and stress tolerance of the rpoS mutant. According to this, polyhydroxyalkanoate accumulation would help cells to overcome the adverse conditions encountered during the stationary phase in the strain that lacks RpoS.

Sigma receptors as potential therapeutic targets for neuroprotection.

PubMed

Nguyen, Linda; Kaushal, Nidhi; Robson, Matthew J; Matsumoto, Rae R

2014-11-15

Sigma receptors comprise a unique family of proteins that have been implicated in the pathophysiology and treatment of many central nervous system disorders, consistent with their high level of expression in the brain and spinal cord. Mounting evidence indicate that targeting sigma receptors may be particularly beneficial in a number of neurodegenerative conditions including Alzheimer׳s disease, Parkinson׳s disease, stroke, methamphetamine neurotoxicity, Huntington׳s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and retinal degeneration. In this perspective, a brief overview is given on sigma receptors, followed by a focus on common mechanisms of neurodegeneration that appear amenable to modulation by sigma receptor ligands to convey neuroprotective effects and/or restorative functions. Within each of the major mechanisms discussed herein, the neuroprotective effects of sigma ligands are summarized, and when known, the specific sigma receptor subtype(s) involved are identified. Together, the literature suggests sigma receptors may provide a novel target for combatting neurodegenerative diseases through both neuronal and glial mechanisms. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Sigma: Strain-level inference of genomes from metagenomic analysis for biosurveillance

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

Ahn, Tae-Hyuk; Chai, Juanjuan; Pan, Chongle

Motivation: Metagenomic sequencing of clinical samples provides a promising technique for direct pathogen detection and characterization in biosurveillance. Taxonomic analysis at the strain level can be used to resolve serotypes of a pathogen in biosurveillance. Sigma was developed for strain-level identification and quantification of pathogens using their reference genomes based on metagenomic analysis. Results: Sigma provides not only accurate strain-level inferences, but also three unique capabilities: (i) Sigma quantifies the statistical uncertainty of its inferences, which includes hypothesis testing of identified genomes and confidence interval estimation of their relative abundances; (ii) Sigma enables strain variant calling by assigning metagenomic readsmore » to their most likely reference genomes; and (iii) Sigma supports parallel computing for fast analysis of large datasets. In conclusion, the algorithm performance was evaluated using simulated mock communities and fecal samples with spike-in pathogen strains. Availability and Implementation: Sigma was implemented in C++ with source codes and binaries freely available at http://sigma.omicsbio.org.« less

Sigma: Strain-level inference of genomes from metagenomic analysis for biosurveillance

DOE PAGES

Ahn, Tae-Hyuk; Chai, Juanjuan; Pan, Chongle

2014-09-29

Motivation: Metagenomic sequencing of clinical samples provides a promising technique for direct pathogen detection and characterization in biosurveillance. Taxonomic analysis at the strain level can be used to resolve serotypes of a pathogen in biosurveillance. Sigma was developed for strain-level identification and quantification of pathogens using their reference genomes based on metagenomic analysis. Results: Sigma provides not only accurate strain-level inferences, but also three unique capabilities: (i) Sigma quantifies the statistical uncertainty of its inferences, which includes hypothesis testing of identified genomes and confidence interval estimation of their relative abundances; (ii) Sigma enables strain variant calling by assigning metagenomic readsmore » to their most likely reference genomes; and (iii) Sigma supports parallel computing for fast analysis of large datasets. In conclusion, the algorithm performance was evaluated using simulated mock communities and fecal samples with spike-in pathogen strains. Availability and Implementation: Sigma was implemented in C++ with source codes and binaries freely available at http://sigma.omicsbio.org.« less

Relationship between anisotropies of permeability, electrical conductivity, and dielectric permittivity, with application to the Ellenburger dolomite reservoir analog

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kutemi, Titilope F.

The steady-state flow technique was employed to measure the flow rate of clean dry air through thirty core plugs (approximately 1" diameter) of the Ellenburger dolomite, drilled normal and parallel to the dominant fractures. Porosity was estimated by the method of imbibition. Electrical parameters (electrical conductivity and dielectric permittivity) were calculated from electrical resistance and capacitance measured as a function of frequency (100 Hz, 120 Hz, 1 KHz, and 10 KHz) and saturation (dry/ambient and brine saturated conditions). Another set of permeability data obtained by the method of pressure decay on similar samples was used for correlation. Anisotropies of permeability and electromagnetic parameters were established. Empirical relations between porosity (phi), permeability (k), electrical conductivity (sigma), and dielectric permittivity (epsilon) were defined via cross-plots and linear regressions. Prediction of k from sigma and epsilon was attempted; k from sigma was modeled from a combination of the Archie's relation and the Carman-Kozeny relation. Anisotropic EM responses are sensitive to saturation. Anisotropies of conductivity and permeability were observed to be controlled by the pore micro-structure. Although the rock is fractured, the fracture density appears insufficient to dominate the effects of primary structures in these samples of the Ellenburger dolomite. Model-based prediction of permeability from conductivity is generally unreliable, and is attributed to the underlying assumptions of the models, which are not consistent with the properties of the samples used for this study. Permeability was not predictable from dielectric permittivity.

OBSERVATION OF TeV GAMMA RAYS FROM THE FERMI BRIGHT GALACTIC SOURCES WITH THE TIBET AIR SHOWER ARRAY

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

Amenomori, M.; Bi, X. J.; Ding, L. K.

2010-01-20

Using the Tibet-III air shower array, we search for TeV {gamma}-rays from 27 potential Galactic sources in the early list of bright sources obtained by the Fermi Large Area Telescope at energies above 100 MeV. Among them, we observe seven sources instead of the expected 0.61 sources at a significance of 2{sigma} or more excess. The chance probability from Poisson statistics would be estimated to be 3.8 x 10{sup -6}. If the excess distribution observed by the Tibet-III array has a density gradient toward the Galactic plane, the expected number of sources may be enhanced in chance association. Then, themore » chance probability rises slightly, to 1.2 x 10{sup -5}, based on a simple Monte Carlo simulation. These low chance probabilities clearly show that the Fermi bright Galactic sources have statistically significant correlations with TeV {gamma}-ray excesses. We also find that all seven sources are associated with pulsars, and six of them are coincident with sources detected by the Milagro experiment at a significance of 3{sigma} or more at the representative energy of 35 TeV. The significance maps observed by the Tibet-III air shower array around the Fermi sources, which are coincident with the Milagro {>=}3{sigma} sources, are consistent with the Milagro observations. This is the first result of the northern sky survey of the Fermi bright Galactic sources in the TeV region.« less

A study of overflow simulations using MPAS-Ocean: Vertical grids, resolution, and viscosity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reckinger, Shanon M.; Petersen, Mark R.; Reckinger, Scott J.

2015-12-01

MPAS-Ocean is used to simulate an idealized, density-driven overflow using the dynamics of overflow mixing and entrainment (DOME) setup. Numerical simulations are carried out using three of the vertical coordinate types available in MPAS-Ocean, including z-star with partial bottom cells, z-star with full cells, and sigma coordinates. The results are first benchmarked against other models, including the MITgcm's z-coordinate model and HIM's isopycnal coordinate model, which are used to set the base case used for this work. A full parameter study is presented that looks at how sensitive overflow simulations are to vertical grid type, resolution, and viscosity. Horizontal resolutions with 50 km grid cells are under-resolved and produce poor results, regardless of other parameter settings. Vertical grids ranging in thickness from 15 m to 120 m were tested. A horizontal resolution of 10 km and a vertical resolution of 60 m are sufficient to resolve the mesoscale dynamics of the DOME configuration, which mimics real-world overflow parameters. Mixing and final buoyancy are least sensitive to horizontal viscosity, but strongly sensitive to vertical viscosity. This suggests that vertical viscosity could be adjusted in overflow water formation regions to influence mixing and product water characteristics. Lastly, the study shows that sigma coordinates produce much less mixing than z-type coordinates, resulting in heavier plumes that go further down slope. Sigma coordinates are less sensitive to changes in resolution but as sensitive to vertical viscosity compared to z-coordinates.

Interstellar Deuterium, Nitrogen and Oxygen Abundances Toward BD+28(deg) 4211: Results from the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sonneborn, George; Andre, Martial; Oliveira, Cristina; Hebrard, Guillaume; Howk, J. Christopher; Tripp, Todd M.; Chayer, Pierre; Friedman, Scott D.; Kruk, Jeffery W.; Jenkins, Edward B.;

The sigma-2 receptor as a therapeutic target for drug delivery in triple negative breast cancer

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

Makvandi, Mehran; Tilahun, Estifanos D.; Lieberman, Brian P.

Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is associated with high relapse rates and increased mortality when compared with other breast cancer subtypes. In contrast to receptor positive breast cancers, there are no approved targeted therapies for TNBC. Identifying biomarkers for TNBC is of high importance for the advancement of patient care. The sigma-2 receptor has been shown to be overexpressed in triple negative breast cancer in vivo and has been characterized as a marker of proliferation. The aim of the present study was to define the sigma-2 receptor as a target for therapeutic drug delivery and biomarker in TNBC. Methods: Three TNBCmore » cell lines were evaluated: MDA-MB-231, HCC1937 and HCC1806. Sigma-2 compounds were tested for pharmacological properties specific to the sigma-2 receptor through competitive inhibition assays. Sigma-2 receptor expression was measured through radioligand receptor saturation studies. Drug sensitivity for taxol was compared to a sigma-2 targeting compound conjugated to a cytotoxic payload, SW IV-134. Cell viability was assessed after treatments for 2 or 48 h. Sigma-2 blockade was assessed to define sigma-2 mediated cytotoxicity of SW IV-134. Caspase 3/7 activation induced by SW IV-134 was measured at corresponding treatment time points. Results: SW IV-134 was the most potent compound tested in two of the three cell lines and was similarly effective in all three. MDA-MB-231 displayed a statistically significant higher sigma-2 receptor expression and also was the most sensitive cell line evaluated to SW IV-134. Conclusion: Targeting the sigma-2 receptor with a cytotoxic payload was effective in all the three cell lines evaluated and provides the proof of concept for future development of a therapeutic platform for the treatment of TNBC. - Highlights: • TNBC cells are sensitive to sigma-2 receptor targeted drug conjugate SW IV-134. • MDA-MB-231 displayed the highest amount of sigma-2 receptors and corresponded well with sensitivity. • The sigma-2 receptor is a potential biomarker in TNBC for prognosis and therapy.« less

A three-compartment model of osmotic water exchange in the lung microvasculature.

PubMed

Seale, K T; Harris, T R

2000-08-01

A bolus injection of hypertonic NaCl into the pulmonary arterial circulation of an isolated perfused dog lung causes the osmotic movement of water first into, and then out of the capillary. The associated changes in blood constituent concentrations and density are referred to as the osmotic transient (OT). Measurement of the sound conduction velocity of effluent blood during an OT is a highly sensitive way to monitor water movement between the vascular and extravascular spaces. It was our objective to develop a mathematical model that adequately describes this transient change in the sound conduction velocity and evaluate its application under conditions of homogeneous and heterogeneous capillary flow distributions. The model accounts for osmotic water exchange between the capillary and two parallel extravascular compartments, and includes as parameters the osmotic conductances (sigmaK1 ,sigmaK2) of the two compartments. The osmotic conductance parameters incorporate the filtration coefficient for water and reflection coefficient for salt for the two pathways of water exchange. The partition of total extravascular lung water (EVLW) between the two extravascular compartments is a third parameter of the model. The homogeneous model parameter estimates (per gram wet lung weight +/-95% confidence limits) from the best-fit analysis of a typical curve were sigmaK1=2.15 +/-0.07, sigmaK2 = 0.03 + 0.00 [ml h(-1) (mosmol/liter)(-1) g(-1)] and V1 = 23.83+/-0.12 ml, with a coefficient of variation (CV) of 0.08. The heterogeneous parameter estimates for a capillary transit time distribution with mean transit time (MTTc) = 1.72 s, and relative dispersion (RDc) = 0.35 were KI = 2.38+/-0.05, or K2 = 0.03+/-0.00 [ml h(-1) (mosmol/liter)(-1) g(-1)], V1 = 23.91+/-0.08 ml, and CV=0.05. EVLW was 42.1 ml for both models. We conclude that the three-compartment mathematical model adequately describes a typical OT under both homogeneous and heterogeneous blood flow assumptions.

Sigma-1 receptor: the novel intracellular target of neuropsychotherapeutic drugs.

PubMed

Hayashi, Teruo

2015-01-01

Sigma-1 receptor ligands have been long expected to serve as drugs for treatment of human diseases such as neurodegenerative disorders, depression, idiopathic pain, drug abuse, and cancer. Recent research exploring the molecular function of the sigma-1 receptor started unveiling underlying mechanisms of the therapeutic activity of those ligands. Via the molecular chaperone activity, the sigma-1 receptor regulates protein folding/degradation, ER/oxidative stress, and cell survival. The chaperone activity is activated or inhibited by synthetic sigma-1 receptor ligands in an agonist-antagonist manner. Sigma-1 receptors are localized at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membranes that are physically associated with the mitochondria (MAM: mitochondria-associated ER membrane). In specific types of neurons (e.g., those at the spinal cord), sigma-1 receptors are also clustered at ER membranes that juxtapose postsynaptic plasma membranes. Recent studies indicate that sigma-1 receptors, partly in sake of its unique subcellular localization, regulate the mitochondria function that involves bioenergetics and free radical generation. The sigma-1 receptor may thus provide an intracellular drug target that enables controlling ER stress and free radical generation under pathological conditions. Copyright © 2014 Japanese Pharmacological Society. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A GAS-PHASE FORMATION ROUTE TO INTERSTELLAR TRANS-METHYL FORMATE

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

Cole, Callie A.; Wehres, Nadine; Yang Zhibo

2012-07-20

The abundance of methyl formate in the interstellar medium has previously been underpredicted by chemical models. Additionally, grain surface chemistry cannot account for the relative abundance of the cis- and trans-conformers of methyl formate, and the trans-conformer is not even formed at detectable abundance on these surfaces. This highlights the importance of studying formation pathways to methyl formate in the gas phase. The rate constant and branching fractions are reported for the gas-phase reaction between protonated methanol and formic acid to form protonated trans-methyl formate and water as well as adduct ion: Rate constants were experimentally determined using a flowingmore » afterglow-selected ion flow tube apparatus at 300 K and a pressure of 530 mTorr helium. The results indicate a moderate overall rate constant of (3.19 {+-} 0.39) Multiplication-Sign 10{sup -10} cm{sup 3} s{sup -1} ({+-} 1{sigma}) and an average branching fraction of 0.05 {+-} 0.04 for protonated trans-methyl formate and 0.95 {+-} 0.04 for the adduct ion. These experimental results are reinforced by ab initio calculations at the MP2(full)/aug-cc-pVTZ level of theory to examine the reaction coordinate and complement previous density functional theory calculations. This study underscores the need for continued observational studies of trans-methyl formate and for the exploration of other gas-phase formation routes to complex organic molecules.« less

Variance and covariance estimates for weaning weight of Senepol cattle.

PubMed

Wright, D W; Johnson, Z B; Brown, C J; Wildeus, S

1991-10-01

Variance and covariance components were estimated for weaning weight from Senepol field data for use in the reduced animal model for a maternally influenced trait. The 4,634 weaning records were used to evaluate 113 sires and 1,406 dams on the island of St. Croix. Estimates of direct additive genetic variance (sigma 2A), maternal additive genetic variance (sigma 2M), covariance between direct and maternal additive genetic effects (sigma AM), permanent maternal environmental variance (sigma 2PE), and residual variance (sigma 2 epsilon) were calculated by equating variances estimated from a sire-dam model and a sire-maternal grandsire model, with and without the inverse of the numerator relationship matrix (A-1), to their expectations. Estimates were sigma 2A, 139.05 and 138.14 kg2; sigma 2M, 307.04 and 288.90 kg2; sigma AM, -117.57 and -103.76 kg2; sigma 2PE, -258.35 and -243.40 kg2; and sigma 2 epsilon, 588.18 and 577.72 kg2 with and without A-1, respectively. Heritability estimates for direct additive (h2A) were .211 and .210 with and without A-1, respectively. Heritability estimates for maternal additive (h2M) were .47 and .44 with and without A-1, respectively. Correlations between direct and maternal (IAM) effects were -.57 and -.52 with and without A-1, respectively.

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

Widesott, Lamberto; Lomax, Antony J.; Schwarz, Marco

Purpose: To assess the quality of dose distributions in real clinical cases for different dimensions of scanned proton pencil beams. The distance between spots (i.e., the grid of delivery) is optimized for each dimension of the pencil beam. Methods: The authors vary the {sigma} of the initial Gaussian size of the spot, from {sigma}{sub x} = {sigma}{sub y} = 3 mm to {sigma}{sub x} = {sigma}{sub y} = 8 mm, to evaluate the impact of the proton beam size on the quality of intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) plans. The distance between spots, {Delta}x and {Delta}y, is optimized on themore » spot plane, ranging from 4 to 12 mm (i.e., each spot size is coupled with the best spot grid resolution). In our Hyperion treatment planning system (TPS), constrained optimization is applied with respect to the organs at risk (OARs), i.e., the optimization tries to satisfy the dose objectives in the planning target volume (PTV) as long as all planning objectives for the OARs are met. Three-field plans for a nasopharynx case, two-field plans for a prostate case, and two-field plans for a malignant pleural mesothelioma case are considered in our analysis. Results: For the head and neck tumor, the best grids (i.e., distance between spots) are 5, 4, 6, 6, and 8 mm for {sigma} = 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 mm, respectively. {sigma} {<=} 5 mm is required for tumor volumes with low dose and {sigma}{<=} 4 mm for tumor volumes with high dose. For the prostate patient, the best grid is 4, 4, 5, 5, and 5 mm for {sigma} = 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 mm, respectively. Beams with {sigma} > 3 mm did not satisfy our first clinical requirement that 95% of the prescribed dose is delivered to more than 95% of prostate and proximal seminal vesicles PTV. Our second clinical requirement, to cover the distal seminal vesicles PTV, is satisfied for beams as wide as {sigma} = 6 mm. For the mesothelioma case, the low dose PTV prescription is well respected for all values of {sigma}, while there is loss of high dose PTV coverage for {sigma} > 5 mm. The best grids have a spacing of 6, 7, 8, 9, and 12 mm for {sigma} = 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 mm, respectively. Conclusions: The maximum acceptable proton pencil beam {sigma} depends on the volume treated, the protocol of delivery, and optimization of the plan. For the clinical cases, protocol and optimization used in this analysis, acceptable {sigma}s are {<=} 4 mm for the head and neck tumor, {<=} 3 mm for the prostate tumor and {<=} 6 mm for the malignant pleural mesothelioma. One can apply the same procedure used in this analysis when given a ''class'' of patients, a {sigma} and a clinical protocol to determine the optimal grid spacing.« less

Sigma metrics used to assess analytical quality of clinical chemistry assays: importance of the allowable total error (TEa) target.

PubMed

Hens, Koen; Berth, Mario; Armbruster, Dave; Westgard, Sten

2014-07-01

Six Sigma metrics were used to assess the analytical quality of automated clinical chemistry and immunoassay tests in a large Belgian clinical laboratory and to explore the importance of the source used for estimation of the allowable total error. Clinical laboratories are continually challenged to maintain analytical quality. However, it is difficult to measure assay quality objectively and quantitatively. The Sigma metric is a single number that estimates quality based on the traditional parameters used in the clinical laboratory: allowable total error (TEa), precision and bias. In this study, Sigma metrics were calculated for 41 clinical chemistry assays for serum and urine on five ARCHITECT c16000 chemistry analyzers. Controls at two analyte concentrations were tested and Sigma metrics were calculated using three different TEa targets (Ricos biological variability, CLIA, and RiliBÄK). Sigma metrics varied with analyte concentration, the TEa target, and between/among analyzers. Sigma values identified those assays that are analytically robust and require minimal quality control rules and those that exhibit more variability and require more complex rules. The analyzer to analyzer variability was assessed on the basis of Sigma metrics. Six Sigma is a more efficient way to control quality, but the lack of TEa targets for many analytes and the sometimes inconsistent TEa targets from different sources are important variables for the interpretation and the application of Sigma metrics in a routine clinical laboratory. Sigma metrics are a valuable means of comparing the analytical quality of two or more analyzers to ensure the comparability of patient test results.

Efficiencies of Rotational Raman, and Rayleigh Techniques for Laser Remote Sensing of the Atmospheric Temperature

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ivanova, I. D.; Gurdev, L. L.; Mitev, V. M.

1992-01-01

Various lidar methods have been developed for measuring the atmospheric temperature, making use of the temperature dependant characteristics of rotational Raman scattering (RRS) from nitrogen and oxygen, and Rayleigh or Rayleigh-Brillowin scattering (RS or RBS). These methods have various advantages and disadvantages as compared to each other but their potential accuracies are principal characteristics of their efficiency. No systematic attempt has been undertaken so far to compare the efficiences, in the above meaning, of different temperature lidar methods. Two RRS techniques have been compared. Here, we do such a comparison using two methods based on the detection and analysis of RS (RBS) spectra. Four methods are considered here for measuring the atmospheric temperature. One of them (Schwiesow and Lading, 1981) is based on an analysis of the RS linewidth with two Michelson interferometers (MI) in parallel. The second method (Shimisu et al., 1986) employs a high-resolution analysis of the RBS line shape. The third method (Cooney, 1972) employs the temperature dependance of the RRS spectrum envelope. The fourth method (Armstrong, 1974) makes use of a scanning Fabry-Perot interferometer (FPI) as a comb filter for processing the periodic RRS spectrum of the nitrogen. Let us denote the corresponding errors in measuring the temperature by sigma(sub MI), sigma(sub HR), sigma(sub ENV), and sigma(sub FPI). Let us also define the ratios chi(sub 1) = sigma(sub MI)/sigma(sub ENV), chi(sub 2) = sigma(sub HR)/sigma(sub ENV), and chi(sub 3) = sigma(sub FPI)/sigma(sub ENV) interpreted as relative errors with respect to sigma(sub ENV).

Mutational analysis of RsrA, a zinc-binding anti-sigma factor with a thiol-disulphide redox switch.

PubMed

Paget, M S; Bae, J B; Hahn, M Y; Li, W; Kleanthous, C; Roe, J H; Buttner, M J

2001-02-01

In the Gram-positive bacterium, Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2), expression of the thioredoxin system is modulated by a sigma factor called sigmaR in response to changes in the cytoplasmic thiol-disulphide status, and the activity of sigmaR is controlled post-translationally by an anti-sigma factor, RsrA. In vitro, the anti-sigma factor activity of RsrA, which contains seven cysteines, correlates with its thiol-disulphide redox status. Here, we investigate the function of RsrA in vivo. A constructed rsrA null mutant had very high constitutive levels of disulphide reductase activity and sigmaR-dependent transcription, confirming that RsrA is a negative regulator of sigmaR and a key sensor of thiol-disulphide status. Targeted mutagenesis revealed that three of the seven cysteines in RsrA (C11, C41 and C44) were essential for anti-sigma factor activity and that a mutant RsrA protein containing only these three cysteines was active and still redox sensitive in vivo. We also show that RsrA is a metalloprotein, containing near-stoichiometric amounts of zinc. On the basis of these data, we propose that a thiol-disulphide redox switch is formed between two of C11, C41 and C44, and that all three residues play an essential role in anti-sigma factor activity in their reduced state, perhaps by acting as ligands for zinc. Unexpectedly, rsrA null mutants were blocked in sporulation, probably as a consequence of an increase in the level of free sigmaR.

Incorporating Six Sigma Methodology Training into Chemical Engineering Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dai, Lenore L.

2007-01-01

Six Sigma is a buzz term in today's technology and business world and there has been increasing interest to initiate Six Sigma training in college education. We have successfully incorporated Six Sigma methodology training into a traditional chemical engineering course, Engineering Experimentation, at Texas Tech University. The students have…

An Extracytoplasmic Function Sigma Factor-Mediated Cell Surface Signaling System in Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 Regulates Gene Expression in Response to Heterologous Siderophores ▿ †

PubMed Central

Markel, Eric; Maciak, Charlene; Butcher, Bronwyn G.; Myers, Christopher R.; Stodghill, Paul; Bao, Zhongmeng; Cartinhour, Sam; Swingle, Bryan

2011-01-01

The diversity of regulatory systems encoded by bacteria provides an indication of the variety of stresses and interactions that these organisms encounter in nature. We have been investigating how the plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 responds to iron limitation and have focused on the iron starvation (IS) sigma factors to identify regulon members and to explore the mechanistic details of genetic control for this class of regulators. In the study described in this report, we used chromatin immunoprecipitation paired with high-throughput sequencing (ChIP-Seq) to screen the genome for locations associated with binding of the P. syringae IS sigma factor PSPTO_1203. We used multiple methods to demonstrate differential regulation of two genes identified in the ChIP-Seq screen and characterize the promoter elements that facilitate PSPTO_1203-dependent regulation. The genes regulated by PSPTO_1203 encode a TonB-dependent transducer (PSPTO_1206) and a cytoplasmic membrane protein (PSPTO_2145), which is located in the P. syringae pyoverdine cluster. Additionally, we identified siderophores that induce the activity of PSPTO_1203 and used this information to investigate the functional components of the signal transduction cascade. PMID:21840980

Switches from pi- to sigma-bonding complexes controlled by gate voltages.

PubMed

Matsui, Eriko; Harnack, Oliver; Matsuzawa, Nobuyuki N; Yasuda, Akio

2005-10-01

A conjugated polymer/metal ion/liquid-crystal molecular system was set between source and drain electrodes with a 100 nm gap. When gate voltage (Vg) increases, the current between source and drain electrodes increases. Infrared spectra show this system to be composed of pi and sigma complexes. At Vg = 0, the pi complex dominates the sigma complex, whereas the sigma complex becomes dominant when Vg is switched on. Calculations found that the pi complex has lower conductivity than the sigma complex.

The Infrared Properties of Sources Matched in the Wise All-Sky and Herschel ATLAS Surveys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bond, Nicholas A.; Benford, Dominic J.; Gardner, Jonathan P.; Amblard, Alexandre; Fleuren, Simone; Blain, Andrew W.; Dunne, Loretta; Smith, Daniel J. B.; Maddox, Steve J.; Hoyos, Carlos;

The Infrared Properties of Sources Matched in the WISE All-Sky and Herschel Atlas Surveys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bond, Nicholas A.; Benford, Dominic J.; Gardner, Jonathan P.; Eisenhardt, Peter; Amblard, Alexandre; Temi, Pasquale; Fleuren, Simone; Blain, Andrew W.; Dunne, Loretta; Smith, Daniel J.;

Chiral interface at the finite temperature transition point of QCD

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frei, Z.; Patkos, A.

1990-01-01

The domain wall between coexisting chirally symmetric and broken symmetry regions is studied in a saddle point approximation to the effective three-flavor sigma model. In the chiral limit the surface tension varies in the range ((40 to -50)MeV)(exp 3). The width of the domain wall is estimated to be approximately or equal to 4.5 fm.

Fiber Laser Weldability of Austenitic Nickel Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Watson, Jonathan

Recent developments of fiber lasers allow for easier beam delivery facilitating greater applications for laser welding in industry. Welding with high energy density heat sources allows for faster travel speeds, faster cooling rates, and smaller heat affected zones. However, there is a still a lack of knowledge base on how laser welding process parameters affect the weldability of austenitic nickel alloys. In this work, laser welds were made on several austenitic nickel alloys from different alloy families: HAYNESRTM 214RTM alloy, HAYNESRTM 282RTM alloy, HAYNESRTM 230RTM alloy, HAYNESRTM HR-120RTM alloy, HAYNESRTM HR-160 RTM alloy, HAYNESRTM 188 alloy, HAYNESRTM 718 alloy. Welds were made at 25 mm/s at laser powers ranging from 400 to 600 Watts. Solidification cracking was observed in cross-sections of the fusion zone of HR-160RTM alloy and HR-120RTM alloy. Dendritic solidification was found in all alloys, and partitioning within the dendritic structure compared well with Scheil calculations performed using ThermoCalc software. A eutectic liquid rich in carbide forming elements was found at the interdendritic regions in 188, 230RTM, 282 RTM, and 718 alloys and was quantified by processing backscatter electron images of the fusion zone. This interdendritic liquid was found to back fill solidification cracks that formed in the fusion zone during weldability testing. Transverse Varestraint and Sigma-Jig testing were performed to rank the weldability of alloys. During Transvarestraint testing, the ram drop timing was recorded in relation to the laser output, and a type R thermocouple was also placed in the laser path, and the approximate cooling rate of the fusion zone was recorded and used to calculate the solidification cracking temperature range. Rankings of the weldability compared well between Sigma-Jig and Transvarestraint testing, with the exception of 214 alloy and HR-120 alloy, which ranked much better and worse, respectively in Sigma-Jig tests. A possible explanation for this difference is the higher thermal conductivity and lower yields strength of 214 alloy and high temperatures, allowing it to accommodate more stress in the Sigma-Jig test. The final ranking of alloys from more weldable to less weldable by Sigma-Jig testing is 188, 214, 282, 718, 230, HR-120, and HR-160. The final ranking by maximum crack length in Transvarestraint specimens listed from more weldable to less weldable is: 188, 282, HR-120, 718, 230, 214, and HR-160.

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

None

Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU), under the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) contract, collected split surface water samples with Nuclear Fuel Services (NFS) representatives on November 15, 2012. Representatives from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation were also in attendance. Samples were collected at four surface water stations, as required in the approved Request for Technical Assistance number 11-018. These stations included Nolichucky River upstream (NRU), Nolichucky River downstream (NRD), Martin Creek upstream (MCU), and Martin Creek downstream (MCD). Both ORAU and NFS performed gross alpha and gross beta analyses, andmore » the results are compared using the duplicate error ratio (DER), also known as the normalized absolute difference. A DER {<=} 3 indicates that, at a 99% confidence interval, split sample results do not differ significantly when compared to their respective one standard deviation (sigma) uncertainty (ANSI N42.22). The NFS split sample report does not specify the confidence level of reported uncertainties (NFS 2012). Therefore, standard two sigma reporting is assumed and uncertainty values were divided by 1.96. In conclusion, all DER values were less than 3 and results are consistent with low (e.g., background) concentrations.« less

Analysis of the intrinsic and forced variability of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current south of Australia and New Zealand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Ruggiero, Paola; Celeste, Antonio; Pierini, Stefano; Sgubin, Giovanni

2017-04-01

A modelling study of the intrinsic and forced variability of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current in a wide sector of the Southern Ocean (SO) in summer conditions is presented. A sigma-coordinate ocean general circulation model with a spatial resolution of 0.18° and 12 vertical sigma levels is implemented in a domain extending from 30°S to 80°S and from 90°E to 110°W (thus including the SO sector south of Australia and New Zealand as well as the Ross Sea). Periodic conditions are imposed along the two meridional boundaries. Realistic bathymetry and coastlines and relatively idealized latitude-dependent stratification and surface momentum and heat fluxes are used. The Southern Ocean Database (SODB) for the initialization and the ERA-Interim ECMWF modelling data for the atmospheric forcing are used. Steady climatological surface fluxes are imposed to identify intrinsic low- and high-frequency fluctuations, whose analysis suggests possible mechanisms of mutual interactions. This work was carried out in the framework of the ACCUA and MOMA projects of the Italian "Programma Nazionale di Ricerche in Antartide" (PNRA).

Why CO bonds side-on at low coverage and both side-on and upright at high coverage on the Cr(110) surface

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mehandru, S. P.; Anderson, A. B.

1985-01-01

An atom superposition and electron delocalization molecular orbital study of CO adsorption on the Cr(110) surface shows a high coordinate lying down orientation is favored. This is a result of the large number of empty d-band energy levels in chromium, which allows the antibonding counterparts to sigma and pi donation bonds to the surface to be empty. When lying down, backbonding to CO pi sup * orbitals is enhanced. Repulsive interactions cause additional CO to stand upright at 1/4 monolyer coverage. The results confirm the recent experimental study of Shinn and Madey.

First measurements of J/{psi} decays into {sigma}{sup +}{sigma}{sup -} and {xi}{sup 0}{xi}{sup 0}

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

Ablikim, M.; Bai, J. Z.; Bai, Y.

Based on 58x10{sup 6} J/{psi} events collected with the BESII detector at the Beijing Electron-Positron Collider, the baryon pair processes J/{psi}{yields}{sigma}{sup +}{sigma}{sup -} and J/{psi}{yields}{xi}{sup 0}{xi}{sup 0} are observed for the first time. The branching fractions are measured to be B(J/{psi}{yields}{sigma}{sup +}{sigma}{sup -})=(1.50{+-}0.10{+-}0.22)x10{sup -3} and B(J/{psi}{yields}{xi}{sup 0}{xi}{sup 0})=(1.20{+-}0.12{+-}0.21)x10{sup -3}, where the first errors are statistical and the second ones are systematic.

The sigma-1 receptor modulates NMDA receptor synaptic transmission and plasticity via SK channels in rat hippocampus.

PubMed

Martina, Marzia; Turcotte, Marie-Eve B; Halman, Samantha; Bergeron, Richard

2007-01-01

The sigma receptor (sigmaR), once considered a subtype of the opioid receptor, is now described as a distinct pharmacological entity. Modulation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) functions by sigmaR-1 ligands is well documented; however, its mechanism is not fully understood. Using patch-clamp whole-cell recordings in CA1 pyramidal cells of rat hippocampus and (+)pentazocine, a high-affinity sigmaR-1 agonist, we found that sigmaR-1 activation potentiates NMDAR responses and long-term potentiation (LTP) by preventing a small conductance Ca2+-activated K+ current (SK channels), known to shunt NMDAR responses, to open. Therefore, the block of SK channels and the resulting increased Ca2+ influx through the NMDAR enhances NMDAR responses and LTP. These results emphasize the importance of the sigmaR-1 as postsynaptic regulator of synaptic transmission.

Regions of attraction and ultimate boundedness for linear quadratic regulators with nonlinearities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Joshi, S. M.

1984-01-01

The closed-loop stability of multivariable linear time-invariant systems controlled by optimal linear quadratic (LQ) regulators is investigated for the case when the feedback loops have nonlinearities N(sigma) that violate the standard stability condition, sigma N(sigma) or = 0.5 sigma(2). The violations of the condition are assumed to occur either (1) for values of sigma away from the origin (sigma = 0) or (2) for values of sigma in a neighborhood of the origin. It is proved that there exists a region of attraction for case (1) and a region of ultimate boundedness for case (2), and estimates are obtained for these regions. The results provide methods for selecting the performance function parameters to design LQ regulators with better tolerance to nonlinearities. The results are demonstrated by application to the problem of attitude and vibration control of a large, flexible space antenna in the presence of actuator nonlinearities.

The Role of Carbon in Core Formation Under Highly Reducing Conditions With Implications for the Planet Mercury

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vander Kaaden, Kathleen E..; McCubbin, Francis M.; Ross, D. Kent; Draper, David S.

2017-01-01

Results from the MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft have shown elevated abundances of carbon on the surface of Mercury. Furthermore, the X-Ray Spectrometer on board MESSENGER measured elevated abundances of sulfur and low abundances of iron, suggesting the planet's oxygen fugacity (fO2) is several log10 units below the Iron-Wüstite (IW) buffer. Similar to the role of other volatiles (e.g. sulfur) on highly reducing planetary bodies, carbon is expected to behave differently than it would under higher fO2. As discussed by Nittler et al. and Hauck et al., under such highly reducing conditions, the majority of the iron partitions into the core. On Mercury, this resulted in a relatively large core and a thin mantle. Using a composition similar to the largest volcanic field on the planet (the northern volcanic plains), Vander Kaaden and McCubbin conducted sink-float experiments to determine the density of melts and minerals on Mercury. They showed that graphite would be the only buoyant mineral in a mercurian magma ocean. Therefore, Vander Kaaden and McCubbin proposed a possible primary flotation crust on the planet composed of graphite. Concurrently, Peplowski et al. used GRS data from MESSENGER to show an average northern hemisphere abundance of C on the planet of 1.4 +/- 0.9 wt%. However, as this result was only at the one-sigma detection limit, possible carbon abundances at the three-sigma detection limit for Mercury range from 0 to 4.1 wt% carbon. Additionally, Murchie et al. investigated the possible darkening agent on Mercury and concluded that coarse-grained graphite could darken high reflectance plains to the low reflectance material. To further test the possibility of elevated abundances of carbon in Mercury's crust, Peplowski et al. used the low-altitude MESSENGER data to show that carbon is the only material consistent with both the visible to near-infrared spectra and the neutron measurements of low reflectance material on Mercury, confirming that C is the primary darkening agent on Mercury. Confirmation of carbon on the planet prompts many questions regarding the role of carbon during the differentiation and evolution of Mercury. Given the elevated abundances of both S and C on Mercury's surface, it begs the question, what is the core composition of the planet? This study seeks to understand the impact of C as a light element on potential core compositions on Mercury.

Relative intensity calculations for nitrous oxide.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Young, L. D. G.

1972-01-01

A tabulation of calculated rotational line intensities, relative to the integrated intensity of a vibration-rotation band, is given for Sigma-Sigma, Pi-Sigma, Sigma-Pi, Pi-Pi, and Delta-Pi transitions of nitrous oxide. These calculations were made for temperatures of 250 K and 300 K. A summary of band-intensity measurements is also presented.

77 FR 1491 - Sigma Corporation; Analysis of Proposed Consent Order To Aid Public Comment

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-01-10

... FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION [File No. 101 0080] Sigma Corporation; Analysis of Proposed Consent Order... instructions in the Request for Comment part of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below. Write ``Sigma.... Write ``Sigma, File No. 101 0080'' on your comment. Your comment--including your name and your state...

Use of In Vitro Transcription System for Analysis of Corynebacterium glutamicum Promoters Recognized by Two Sigma Factors.

PubMed

Šilar, Radoslav; Holátko, Jiří; Rucká, Lenka; Rapoport, Andrey; Dostálová, Hana; Kadeřábková, Pavla; Nešvera, Jan; Pátek, Miroslav

2016-09-01

Promoter activities in Corynebacterium glutamicum strains with deletions of genes encoding sigma factors of RNA polymerase suggested that transcription from some promoters is controlled by two sigma factors. To prove that different sigma factors are involved in the recognition of selected Corynebacterium glutamicum promoters, in vitro transcription system was applied. It was found that a typical housekeeping promoter Pper interacts with the alternative sigma factor σ(B) in addition to the primary sigma factor σ(A). On the other way round, the σ(B)-dependent promoter of the pqo gene that is expressed mainly in the stationary growth phase was active also with σ(A). Some promoters of genes involved in stress responses (P1clgR, P2dnaK, and P2dnaJ2) were found to be recognized by two stress-responding sigma factors, σ(H) and σ(E). In vitro transcription system thus proved to be a useful direct technique for demonstrating the overlap of different sigma factors in recognition of individual promoters in C. glutamicum.

Reflection coefficients of permeant molecules in human red cell suspensions.

PubMed

Owen, J D; Eyring, E M

1975-08-01

The Staverman reflection coefficient, sigma for several permeant molecules was determined in human red cell suspensions with a Durrum stopped-flow spectrophotometer. This procedure was first used with dog, cat, and beef red cells and with human red cells. The stopped-flow technique used was similar to the rapid-flow method used by those who originally reported sigma measurements in human red cells for molecules which rapidly penetrate the red cell membrane. The sigma values we obtained agreed with those previously reported for most of the slow penetrants, except malonamide, but disagreed with all the sigma values previously reported for the rapid penetrants. We were unable to calculate an "equivalent pore radius" with our sigma data. The advantages of our equipment and our experimental procedure are discussed. Our sigma data suggest that sigma is indirectly proportional to the log of the nonelectrolyte permeability coefficient, omega. Since a similar trend has been previously shown for log omega and molar volume of the permeant molecules, a correlatioo was shown between sigma and molar volume suggesting the membrane acts as a sieve.

An exploratory analysis for Lean and Six Sigma implementation in hospitals: Together is better?

PubMed

Lee, Jung Young; McFadden, Kathleen L; Gowen, Charles R

Despite the increasing interest for Lean and Six Sigma implementations in hospitals, there has been little empirical evidence that goes beyond descriptive case studies to address the current status and the effectiveness of the implementations. The aim of this study was to explore existing patterns of Lean and Six Sigma implementation in U.S. hospitals and compare the performance of the different patterns. We collected data from 215 U.S. hospitals via a survey that includes measurement items developed from related literature. Using the cross-sectional data, we conducted a cluster analysis, followed by t tests, chi-square tests, and regression analyses for cluster verification. The cluster analysis identifies two clusters, a Moderate Six Sigma group and a Lean Six Sigma group. Results show that the Lean Six Sigma group outperforms the Moderate Six Sigma group across many performance dimensions: responsiveness capability, patient safety, and possibly cost saving. In addition, the Lean Six Sigma group tends to be composed of larger, private teaching hospitals located in more urban areas, and they employ more resources for quality improvement. Our research contributes to the quality management literature by supporting the possible complementary relationship between Lean and Six Sigma in hospitals. Our study encourages practitioners and managers to pay more attention to Lean implementation. Although Lean seems to be conducted in a limited fashion in many hospitals, it should be expanded and combined with Six Sigma for better results.

Host control of plasmid replication: requirement for the sigma factor sigma 32 in transcription of mini-F replication initiator gene.

PubMed Central

Wada, C; Imai, M; Yura, T

1987-01-01

Replication of F factor or mini-F plasmid is strongly inhibited in the rpoH (htpR) mutants of Escherichia coli deficient in the sigma factor (sigma 32) known to be required for heat shock gene expression. Transcription of the mini-F repE gene encoding a replication initiator protein (E protein) was examined by operon fusion and by direct determination of repE mRNA. The synthesis rate and the level of repE mRNA were found to increase transiently upon temperature upshift (30 degrees C to 42 degrees C) in wild-type cells but to decrease rapidly in the rpoH mutants. Thus sigma 32 appeared to be directly involved in transcription of repE whose product, E protein, in turn activates DNA replication from the mini-F ori2 region. This scheme of host-controlled plasmid replication is further supported by the analysis of transcription in vitro: RNA synthesis can be initiated from the repE promoter by a minor form of RNA polymerase containing sigma 32 but not by the major polymerase containing the normal sigma factor sigma 70. The sigma 32-mediated transcription from the repE promoter is strongly inhibited by the E protein. We conclude that transcription of the mini-F repE gene is mediated by the host transcription factor sigma 32 and is negatively controlled by its own product. Images PMID:2447584

Inverse regulatory coordination of motility and curli-mediated adhesion in Escherichia coli.

PubMed

Pesavento, Christina; Becker, Gisela; Sommerfeldt, Nicole; Possling, Alexandra; Tschowri, Natalia; Mehlis, Anika; Hengge, Regine

2008-09-01

During the transition from post-exponential to stationary phase, Escherichia coli changes from the motile-planktonic to the adhesive-sedentary "lifestyle." We demonstrate this transition to be controlled by mutual inhibition of the FlhDC/motility and sigma(S)/adhesion control cascades at two distinct hierarchical levels. At the top level, motility gene expression and the general stress response are inversely coordinated by sigma(70)/sigma(FliA)/sigma(S) competition for core RNA polymerase and the FlhDC-controlled FliZ protein acting as a sigma(S) inhibitor. At a lower level, the signaling molecule bis-(3'-5')-cyclic-diguanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP) reduces flagellar activity and stimulates transcription of csgD, which encodes an essential activator of adhesive curli fimbriae expression. This c-di-GMP is antagonistically controlled by sigma(S)-regulated GGDEF proteins (mainly YegE) and YhjH, an EAL protein and c-di-GMP phosphodiesterase under FlhDC/FliA control. The switch from motility-based foraging to the general stress response and curli expression requires sigma(S)-modulated down-regulation of expression of the flagellar regulatory cascade as well as proteolysis of the flagellar master regulator FlhDC. Control of YhjH by FlhDC and of YegE by sigma(S) produces a fine-tuned checkpoint system that "unlocks" curli expression only after down-regulation of flagellar gene expression. In summary, these data reveal the logic and sequence of molecular events underlying the motile-to-adhesive "lifestyle" switch in E. coli.

Testing higher-order Lagrangian perturbation theory against numerical simulation. 1: Pancake models

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Buchert, T.; Melott, A. L.; Weiss, A. G.

1993-01-01

We present results showing an improvement of the accuracy of perturbation theory as applied to cosmological structure formation for a useful range of quasi-linear scales. The Lagrangian theory of gravitational instability of an Einstein-de Sitter dust cosmogony investigated and solved up to the third order is compared with numerical simulations. In this paper we study the dynamics of pancake models as a first step. In previous work the accuracy of several analytical approximations for the modeling of large-scale structure in the mildly non-linear regime was analyzed in the same way, allowing for direct comparison of the accuracy of various approximations. In particular, the Zel'dovich approximation (hereafter ZA) as a subclass of the first-order Lagrangian perturbation solutions was found to provide an excellent approximation to the density field in the mildly non-linear regime (i.e. up to a linear r.m.s. density contrast of sigma is approximately 2). The performance of ZA in hierarchical clustering models can be greatly improved by truncating the initial power spectrum (smoothing the initial data). We here explore whether this approximation can be further improved with higher-order corrections in the displacement mapping from homogeneity. We study a single pancake model (truncated power-spectrum with power-spectrum with power-index n = -1) using cross-correlation statistics employed in previous work. We found that for all statistical methods used the higher-order corrections improve the results obtained for the first-order solution up to the stage when sigma (linear theory) is approximately 1. While this improvement can be seen for all spatial scales, later stages retain this feature only above a certain scale which is increasing with time. However, third-order is not much improvement over second-order at any stage. The total breakdown of the perturbation approach is observed at the stage, where sigma (linear theory) is approximately 2, which corresponds to the onset of hierarchical clustering. This success is found at a considerable higher non-linearity than is usual for perturbation theory. Whether a truncation of the initial power-spectrum in hierarchical models retains this improvement will be analyzed in a forthcoming work.

A Direct Interaction between the Sigma-1 Receptor and the hERG Voltage-gated K+ Channel Revealed by Atomic Force Microscopy and Homogeneous Time-resolved Fluorescence (HTRF®)*

PubMed Central

Balasuriya, Dilshan; D'Sa, Lauren; Talker, Ronel; Dupuis, Elodie; Maurin, Fabrice; Martin, Patrick; Borgese, Franck; Soriani, Olivier; Edwardson, J. Michael

2014-01-01

The sigma-1 receptor is an endoplasmic reticulum chaperone protein, widely expressed in central and peripheral tissues, which can translocate to the plasma membrane and modulate the function of various ion channels. The human ether-à-go-go-related gene encodes hERG, a cardiac voltage-gated K+ channel that is abnormally expressed in many human cancers and is known to interact functionally with the sigma-1 receptor. Our aim was to investigate the nature of the interaction between the sigma-1 receptor and hERG. We show that the two proteins can be co-isolated from a detergent extract of stably transfected HEK-293 cells, consistent with a direct interaction between them. Atomic force microscopy imaging of the isolated protein confirmed the direct binding of the sigma-1 receptor to hERG monomers, dimers, and tetramers. hERG dimers and tetramers became both singly and doubly decorated by sigma-1 receptors; however, hERG monomers were only singly decorated. The distribution of angles between pairs of sigma-1 receptors bound to hERG tetramers had two peaks, at ∼90 and ∼180° in a ratio of ∼2:1, indicating that the sigma-1 receptor interacts with hERG with 4-fold symmetry. Homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence (HTRF®) allowed the detection of the interaction between the sigma-1 receptor and hERG within the plane of the plasma membrane. This interaction was resistant to sigma ligands, but was decreased in response to cholesterol depletion of the membrane. We suggest that the sigma-1 receptor may bind to hERG in the endoplasmic reticulum, aiding its assembly and trafficking to the plasma membrane. PMID:25266722

Organochlorine contaminant and stable isotope profiles in Arctic fox (Alopex lagopus) from the Alaskan and Canadian Arctic.

PubMed

Hoekstra, P F; Braune, B M; O'Hara, T M; Elkin, B; Solomon, K R; Muir, D C G

2003-01-01

Arctic fox (Alopex lagopus) is a circumpolar species distributed across northern Canada and Alaska. Arctic fox muscle and liver were collected at Barrow, AK, USA (n=18), Holman, NT, Canada (n=20), and Arviat, NU, Canada (n=20) to elucidate the feeding ecology of this species and relate these findings to body residue patterns of organochlorine contaminants (OCs). Stable carbon (delta 13C) and nitrogen (delta 15N) isotope analyses of Arctic fox muscle indicated that trophic position (estimated by delta 15N) is positively correlated with increasing delta 13C values, suggesting that Arctic fox with a predominantly marine-based foraging strategy occupy a higher trophic level than individuals mostly feeding from a terrestrial-based carbon source. At all sites, the rank order for OC groups in muscle was polychlorinated biphenyls (Sigma PCB) > chlordane-related compounds (Sigma CHLOR) > hexachlorocyclohexane (Sigma HCH) > total toxaphene (TOX) > or = chlorobenzenes (Sigma ClBz) > DDT-related isomers (Sigma DDT). In liver, Sigma CHLOR was the most abundant OC group, followed by Sigma PCB > TOX > Sigma HCH > Sigma ClBz > Sigma DDT. The most abundant OC analytes detected from Arctic fox muscle and liver were oxychlordane, PCB-153, and PCB-180. The comparison of delta 15N with OC concentrations indicated that relative trophic position might not accurately predict OC bioaccumulation in Arctic fox. The bioaccumulation pattern of OCs in the Arctic fox is similar to the polar bear. While Sigma PCB concentrations were highly variable, concentrations in the Arctic fox were generally below those associated with the toxicological endpoints for adverse effects on mammalian reproduction. Further research is required to properly elucidate the potential health impacts to this species from exposure to OCs.

Interaction of sigma factor sigmaN with Escherichia coli RNA polymerase core enzyme.

PubMed

Scott, D J; Ferguson, A L; Gallegos, M T; Pitt, M; Buck, M; Hoggett, J G

2000-12-01

The equilibrium binding and kinetics of assembly of the DNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RNAP) sigma(N)-holoenzyme has been investigated using biosynthetically labelled 7-azatryptophyl- (7AW)sigma(N). The spectroscopic properties of such 7AW proteins allows their absorbance and fluorescence to be monitored selectively, even in the presence of high concentrations of other tryptophan-containing proteins. The 7AWsigma(N) retained its biological activity in stimulating transcription from sigma(N)-specific promoters, and in in vitro gel electrophoresis assays of binding to core RNAP from Escherichia coli. Furthermore, five Trp-->Ala single mutants of sigma(N) were shown to support growth under conditions of nitrogen limitation, and showed comparable efficiency in activating the sigma(N)-dependent nifH promoter in vivo, indicating that none of the tryptophan residues were essential for activity. The equilibrium binding of 7AWsigma(N) to core RNAP was examined by analytical ultracentrifugation. In sedimentation equilibrium experiments, absorbance data at 315 nm (which reports selectively on the distribution of free and bound 7AWsigma(N)) established that a 1:1 complex was formed, with a dissociation constant lower than 2 microM. The kinetics of the interaction between 7AWsigma(N) and core RNAP was investigated using stopped-flow spectrofluorimetry. A biphasic decrease in fluorescence intensity was observed when samples were excited at 280 nm, whereas only the slower of the two phases was observed at 315 nm. The kinetic data were analysed in terms of a mechanism in which a fast bimolecular association of sigma(N) with core RNAP is followed by a relatively slow isomerization step. The consequences of these findings on the competition between sigma(N) and the major sigma factor, sigma(70), in Escherichia coli are discussed.

Interaction of sigma factor sigmaN with Escherichia coli RNA polymerase core enzyme.

PubMed Central

Scott, D J; Ferguson, A L; Gallegos, M T; Pitt, M; Buck, M; Hoggett, J G

2000-01-01

The equilibrium binding and kinetics of assembly of the DNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RNAP) sigma(N)-holoenzyme has been investigated using biosynthetically labelled 7-azatryptophyl- (7AW)sigma(N). The spectroscopic properties of such 7AW proteins allows their absorbance and fluorescence to be monitored selectively, even in the presence of high concentrations of other tryptophan-containing proteins. The 7AWsigma(N) retained its biological activity in stimulating transcription from sigma(N)-specific promoters, and in in vitro gel electrophoresis assays of binding to core RNAP from Escherichia coli. Furthermore, five Trp-->Ala single mutants of sigma(N) were shown to support growth under conditions of nitrogen limitation, and showed comparable efficiency in activating the sigma(N)-dependent nifH promoter in vivo, indicating that none of the tryptophan residues were essential for activity. The equilibrium binding of 7AWsigma(N) to core RNAP was examined by analytical ultracentrifugation. In sedimentation equilibrium experiments, absorbance data at 315 nm (which reports selectively on the distribution of free and bound 7AWsigma(N)) established that a 1:1 complex was formed, with a dissociation constant lower than 2 microM. The kinetics of the interaction between 7AWsigma(N) and core RNAP was investigated using stopped-flow spectrofluorimetry. A biphasic decrease in fluorescence intensity was observed when samples were excited at 280 nm, whereas only the slower of the two phases was observed at 315 nm. The kinetic data were analysed in terms of a mechanism in which a fast bimolecular association of sigma(N) with core RNAP is followed by a relatively slow isomerization step. The consequences of these findings on the competition between sigma(N) and the major sigma factor, sigma(70), in Escherichia coli are discussed. PMID:11085949

High occupancy of sigma-1 receptors in the human brain after single oral administration of fluvoxamine: a positron emission tomography study using [11C]SA4503.

PubMed

Ishikawa, Masatomo; Ishiwata, Kiichi; Ishii, Kenji; Kimura, Yuichi; Sakata, Muneyuki; Naganawa, Mika; Oda, Keiichi; Miyatake, Ryousuke; Fujisaki, Mihisa; Shimizu, Eiji; Shirayama, Yukihiko; Iyo, Masaomi; Hashimoto, Kenji

2007-10-15

Sigma-1 receptors might be implicated in the pathophysiology of psychiatric diseases, as well as in the mechanisms of action of some selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Among the several SSRIs, fluvoxamine has the highest affinity for sigma-1 receptors (Ki = 36 nM), whereas paroxetine shows low affinity (Ki = 1893 nM). The present study was undertaken to examine whether fluvoxamine binds to sigma-1 receptors in living human brain. A dynamic positron emission tomography (PET) data acquisition using the selective sigma-1 receptor ligand [(11)C]SA4503 was performed with arterial blood sampling to evaluate quantitatively the binding of [(11)C]SA4503 to sigma-1 receptors in 15 healthy male volunteers. Each subject had two PET scans before and after randomly receiving a single dose of either fluvoxamine (50, 100, 150, or 200 mg) or paroxetine (20 mg). The binding potential of [(11)C]SA4503 in 9 regions of the brain was calculated by a 2-tissue 3-compartment model. In addition, we examined the effects of functional polymorphisms of the sigma-1 receptor (SIGMAR1) gene on the binding potential of [(11)C]SA4503. Fluvoxamine bound to sigma-1 receptors in all brain regions in a dose-dependent manner, whereas paroxetine did not bind to sigma-1 receptors. However, there was no association between the SIGMAR1 gene polymorphism GC-241-240TT and binding potential. The study demonstrated that fluvoxamine bound to sigma-1 receptors in living human brain at therapeutic doses. These findings suggest that sigma-1 receptors may play an important role in the mechanism of action of fluvoxamine.

Guiding inpatient quality improvement: a systematic review of Lean and Six Sigma.

PubMed

Glasgow, Justin M; Scott-Caziewell, Jill R; Kaboli, Peter J

2010-12-01

Two popular quality improvement (QI) approaches in health care are Lean and Six Sigma. Hospitals continue to adopt these QI approaches-or the hybrid Lean Sigma approach-with little knowledge on how well they produce sustainable improvements. A systematic literature review was conducted to determine whether Lean, Six Sigma, or Lean Sigma have been effectively used to create and sustain improvements in the acute care setting. Databases were searched for articles published in the health care, business, and engineering literatures. Study inclusion criteria required identification of a Six Sigma, Lean, or Lean Sigma project; QI efforts focused on hospitalized patients; descriptions of project improvements; and reported results. Depending on the quality of data reported, articles were classified as summary reports, pre-post observational studies, or time-series reports. Database searches identified 539 potential articles. After review of titles, abstracts, and full text, 47 articles met inclusion criteria--10 articles summarized multiple projects, 12 reported Lean projects, 20 reported Six Sigma projects, and 5 reported Lean Sigma projects. Generally, the studies provided limited data, with only 15 articles providing any sort of follow-up data; of the 15, only 3 report a follow-up period greater than two years. Lean, Six Sigma, and Lean Sigma as QI approaches can aid institutions in tackling a wide variety of problems encountered in acute care. However, the true impact of these approaches is difficult to judge, given that the lack of rigorous evaluation or clearly sustained improvements provides little evidence supporting broad adoption. There is still a need for future work that will improve the evidence base for understanding more about QI approaches and how to achieve sustainable improvement.

Looking for a precursor of spontaneous Sleep Slow Oscillations in human sleep: The role of the sigma activity

PubMed Central

Allegrini, Paolo; Bedini, Remo; Bergamasco, Massimo; Laurino, Marco; Sebastiani, Laura; Gemignani, Angelo

2016-01-01

Sleep Slow Oscillations (SSOs), paradigmatic EEG markers of cortical bistability (alternation between cellular downstates and upstates), and sleep spindles, paradigmatic EEG markers of thalamic rhythm, are two hallmarks of sleeping brain. Selective thalamic lesions are reportedly associated to reductions of spindle activity and its spectrum ~14 Hz (sigma), and to alterations of SSO features. This apparent, parallel behavior suggests that thalamo-cortical entrainment favors cortical bistability. Here we investigate temporally-causal associations between thalamic sigma activity and shape, topology, and dynamics of SSOs. We recorded sleep EEG and studied whether spatio-temporal variability of SSO amplitude, negative slope (synchronization in downstate falling) and detection rate are driven by cortical-sigma-activity expression (12–18 Hz), in 3 consecutive 1 s-EEG-epochs preceding each SSO event (Baselines). We analyzed: (i) spatial variability, comparing maps of baseline sigma power and of SSO features, averaged over the first sleep cycle; (ii) event-by-event shape variability, computing for each electrode correlations between baseline sigma power and amplitude/slope of related SSOs; (iii) event-by-event spreading variability, comparing baseline sigma power in electrodes showing an SSO event with the homologous ones, spared by the event. The scalp distribution of baseline sigma power mirrored those of SSO amplitude and slope; event-by-event variability in baseline sigma power was associated with that in SSO amplitude in fronto-central areas; within each SSO event, electrodes involved in cortical bistability presented higher baseline sigma activity than those free of SSO. In conclusion, spatio-temporal variability of thalamocortical entrainment, measured by background sigma activity, is a reliable estimate of the cortical proneness to bistability. PMID:26003553

sigmaR, an RNA polymerase sigma factor that modulates expression of the thioredoxin system in response to oxidative stress in Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2).

PubMed Central

Paget, M S; Kang, J G; Roe, J H; Buttner, M J

1998-01-01

We have identified an RNA polymerase sigma factor, sigmaR, that is part of a system that senses and responds to thiol oxidation in the Gram-positive, antibiotic-producing bacterium Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2). Deletion of the gene (sigR) encoding sigmaR caused sensitivity to the thiol-specific oxidant diamide and to the redox cycling compounds menadione and plumbagin. This correlated with reduced levels of disulfide reductase activity and an inability to induce this activity on exposure to diamide. The trxBA operon, encoding thioredoxin reductase and thioredoxin, was found to be under the direct control of sigmaR. trxBA is transcribed from two promoters, trxBp1 and trxBp2, separated by 5-6 bp. trxBp1 is transiently induced at least 50-fold in response to diamide treatment in a sigR-dependent manner. Purified sigmaR directed transcription from trxBp1 in vitro, indicating that trxBp1 is a target for sigmaR. Transcription of sigR itself initiates at two promoters, sigRp1 and sigRp2, which are separated by 173 bp. The sigRp2 transcript was undetectable in a sigR-null mutant, and purified sigmaR could direct transcription from sigRp2 in vitro, indicating that sigR is positively autoregulated. Transcription from sigRp2 was also transiently induced (70-fold) following treatment with diamide. We propose a model in which sigmaR induces expression of the thioredoxin system in response to cytoplasmic disulfide bond formation. Upon reestablishment of normal thiol levels, sigmaR activity is switched off, resulting in down-regulation of trxBA and sigR. We present evidence that the sigmaR system also functions in the actinomycete pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis. PMID:9755177

sigmaR, an RNA polymerase sigma factor that modulates expression of the thioredoxin system in response to oxidative stress in Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2).

PubMed

Paget, M S; Kang, J G; Roe, J H; Buttner, M J

1998-10-01

We have identified an RNA polymerase sigma factor, sigmaR, that is part of a system that senses and responds to thiol oxidation in the Gram-positive, antibiotic-producing bacterium Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2). Deletion of the gene (sigR) encoding sigmaR caused sensitivity to the thiol-specific oxidant diamide and to the redox cycling compounds menadione and plumbagin. This correlated with reduced levels of disulfide reductase activity and an inability to induce this activity on exposure to diamide. The trxBA operon, encoding thioredoxin reductase and thioredoxin, was found to be under the direct control of sigmaR. trxBA is transcribed from two promoters, trxBp1 and trxBp2, separated by 5-6 bp. trxBp1 is transiently induced at least 50-fold in response to diamide treatment in a sigR-dependent manner. Purified sigmaR directed transcription from trxBp1 in vitro, indicating that trxBp1 is a target for sigmaR. Transcription of sigR itself initiates at two promoters, sigRp1 and sigRp2, which are separated by 173 bp. The sigRp2 transcript was undetectable in a sigR-null mutant, and purified sigmaR could direct transcription from sigRp2 in vitro, indicating that sigR is positively autoregulated. Transcription from sigRp2 was also transiently induced (70-fold) following treatment with diamide. We propose a model in which sigmaR induces expression of the thioredoxin system in response to cytoplasmic disulfide bond formation. Upon reestablishment of normal thiol levels, sigmaR activity is switched off, resulting in down-regulation of trxBA and sigR. We present evidence that the sigmaR system also functions in the actinomycete pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Differential Mechanisms of Binding of Anti-Sigma Factors Escherichia coli Rsd and Bacteriophage T4 AsiA to E. coli RNA Polymerase Lead to Diverse Physiological Consequences▿

PubMed Central

Sharma, Umender K.; Chatterji, Dipankar

2008-01-01

Anti-sigma factors Escherichia coli Rsd and bacteriophage T4 AsiA bind to the essential housekeeping sigma factor, σ70, of E. coli. Though both factors are known to interact with the C-terminal region of σ70, the physiological consequences of these interactions are very different. This study was undertaken for the purpose of deciphering the mechanisms by which E. coli Rsd and bacteriophage T4 AsiA inhibit or modulate the activity of E. coli RNA polymerase, which leads to the inhibition of E. coli cell growth to different amounts. It was found that AsiA is the more potent inhibitor of in vivo transcription and thus causes higher inhibition of E. coli cell growth. Measurements of affinity constants by surface plasmon resonance experiments showed that Rsd and AsiA bind to σ70 with similar affinity. Data obtained from in vivo and in vitro binding experiments clearly demonstrated that the major difference between AsiA and Rsd is the ability of AsiA to form a stable ternary complex with RNA polymerase. The binding patterns of AsiA and Rsd with σ70 studied by using the yeast two-hybrid system revealed that region 4 of σ70 is involved in binding to both of these anti-sigma factors; however, Rsd interacts with other regions of σ70 as well. Taken together, these results suggest that the higher inhibition of E. coli growth by AsiA expression is probably due to the ability of the AsiA protein to trap the holoenzyme RNA polymerase rather than its higher binding affinity to σ70. PMID:18359804

Determination of fluid extraction and osmotic conductance sigma K in the lung with hypertonic NaCl infusion. I. Theory.

PubMed

Hunter, M; Lee, J

1992-11-01

A dispersion and extraction model of the lung is developed to assess how the infusion of hypertonic saline into the pulmonary artery changes the gravimetric density of pulmonary venous blood. The dispersion analysis is built on the indicator dilution curve measured for the pulmonary circulation. The extraction model consists of microvascular and interstitial compartments separated by a permeable pulmonary endothelium. Because the density of fluid extracted by the hypertonic disturbance is lower than the blood density, the extraction leads to a decrease in blood density. Two cases of fluid extraction are analyzed, a hypertonic infusion to elevate the osmotic pressure in the pulmonary arterial blood in the form of a step function and an infusion performed over a period of 1 sec. Both cases show that the dispersion significantly attenuates the changes in osmotic pressure and density as they are transported by the blood along the pulmonary vasculature. Because the model has taken into account the effect of dispersion and pulmonary blood flow, the equations developed here provide the basis to calculate from the density change in pulmonary venous blood the characteristics of osmotic extraction intrinsic to the lung.

Chlorinated hydrocarbon contaminants in polar bears from eastern Russia, North America, Greenland, and Svalbard: Biomonitoring of Arctic pollution

USGS Publications Warehouse

Norstrom, R.J.; Belikov, Stanislav; Born, E.W.; Garner, G.W.; Malone, B.; Olpinski, S.; Ramsay, M.A.; Schliebe, S.; Stirling, I.; Sitshov, M.S.; Taylor, M.K.; Wiig, Øystein

1998-01-01

Adipose tissue samples from polar bears (Ursus maritimus) were obtained by necropsy or biopsy between the spring of 1989 to the spring of 1993 from Wrangel Island in Russia, most of the range of the bear in North America, eastern Greenland, and Svalbard. Samples were divided into 16 regions corresponding as much as possible to known stocks or management zones. Concentrations of dieldrin (DIEL), 4,4'-DDE (DDE), sum of 16 polychlorinated biphenyl congeners (sigma PCB), and sum of 11 chlordane-related compounds and metabolites (sigma CHL) were determined. In order to minimize the effect of age, only data for adults (320 bears age 5 years and older) was used to compare concentrations among regions. Concentrations of sigma PCB were 46% higher in adult males than females, and there was no significant trend with age. Concentrations of sigma CHL were 30% lower in adult males than females. Concentrations of sigma PCB, sigma CHL, and DDE in individual adult female bears were standardized to adult males using factors derived from the least-square means of each sex category, and geometric means of the standardized concentrations on a lipid weight basis were compared among regions. Median geometric mean standardized concentrations (lipid weight basis) and ranges among regions were as follows: sigma PCB, 5,942 (2,763-24,316) micrograms/kg; sigma CHL, 1,952 (727-4,632) micrograms/kg; DDE, 219 (52-560) micrograms/kg; DIEL, 157 (31-335) micrograms/kg. Geometric mean sigma PCB concentrations in bears from Svalbard, East Greenland, and the Arctic Ocean near Prince Patrick Island in Canada were similar (20,256-24,316 micrograms/kg) and significantly higher than most other areas. Atmospheric, oceanic, and ice transport, as well as ecological factors may contribute to these high concentrations of sigma PCB. sigma CHL was more uniformly distributed among regions than the other CHCs. Highest sigma CHL concentrations were found in southeastern Hudson Bay, which also had the highest DDE and DIEL concentrations. In general, concentrations of sigma CHL, DDE, and DIEL were higher in eastern than western regions, suggesting an influence of North American sources. Average sigma PCB concentrations in bears from the Canadian Arctic were similar to those in 1982-84, while average sigma CHL and DDE concentrations were 35-44% lower and DIEL was 90% lower. However, the significance of these temporal trends during the 1980s is not conclusive because of the problems of comparability of data.

Crossed beam studies of elementary reactions of N and C atoms and CN radicals of importance in combustion.

PubMed

Casavecchia, P; Balucani, N; Cartechini, L; Capozza, G; Bergeat, A; Volpi, G G

2001-01-01

The dynamics of some elementary reactions of N(2D), C(3P,1D) and CN(X2 sigma +) of importance in combustion have been investigated by using the crossed molecular beam scattering method with mass spectrometric detection. The novel capability of producing intense, continuous beams of the radical reagents by a radio-frequency discharge beam source was exploited. From angular and velocity distribution measurements obtained in the laboratory frame, primary reaction products have been identified and their angular and translational energy distributions in the center-of-mass system, as well as branching ratios, have been derived. The dominant N/H exchange channel has been examined in the reaction N(2D) + CH4, which is found to lead to H + CH2NH (methylenimine) and H + CH3N (methylnitrene); no H2 elimination is observed. In the reaction N(2D) + H2O the N/H exchange channel has been found to occur via two competing pathways leading to HNO + H and HON + H, while formation of NO + H2 is negligible. Formation of H + H2CCCH (propargyl) is the dominant pathway, at low collision energy (Ec), of the C(3P) + C2H4 reaction, while at high Ec formation of the less stable C3H3 isomers (cyclopropenyl and/or propyn-1-yl) also occurs; the H2 elimination channel is negligible. The H elimination channel has also been found to be the dominant pathway in the C(3P,1D) + CH3CCH reaction leading to C4H3 isomers and, again, no H2 elimination has been observed to occur. In contrast, both H and H2 elimination, leading in comparable ratio to C3H + H and C3(X1 sigma g+) + H2(X1 sigma g+), respectively, have been observed in the reaction C(3P) + C2H2(X1 sigma g+). The occurrence of the spin-forbidden molecular pathway in this reaction, never detected before, has been rationalized by invoking the occurrence of intersystem crossing between triplet and singlet manifolds of the C3H2 potential energy surfaces. The reaction CN(X2 sigma +) + C2H2 has been found to lead to internally excited HCCCN (cyanoacetylene) + H. For all the reactions the dynamics have been discussed in the light of recent theoretical calculations on the relevant potential energy surfaces. Previous, lower resolution studies on C and CN reactions carried out using pulsed beams are noted. Finally, throughout the paper the relevance of these results to combustion chemistry is considered.

Operational excellence (six sigma) philosophy: Application to software quality assurance

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

Lackner, M.

1997-11-01

This report contains viewgraphs on operational excellence philosophy of six sigma applied to software quality assurance. This report outlines the following: goal of six sigma; six sigma tools; manufacturing vs administrative processes; Software quality assurance document inspections; map software quality assurance requirements document; failure mode effects analysis for requirements document; measuring the right response variables; and questions.

Applying Sigma Metrics to Reduce Outliers.

PubMed

Litten, Joseph

2017-03-01

Sigma metrics can be used to predict assay quality, allowing easy comparison of instrument quality and predicting which tests will require minimal quality control (QC) rules to monitor the performance of the method. A Six Sigma QC program can result in fewer controls and fewer QC failures for methods with a sigma metric of 5 or better. The higher the number of methods with a sigma metric of 5 or better, the lower the costs for reagents, supplies, and control material required to monitor the performance of the methods. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Cesium frequency standard for lasers at. Sigma. = 1. 06. mu. m

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

Wallmeroth, K.; Letterer, R.

1990-07-15

High-resolution spectra of the {ital X}{sup 1}{Sigma}{sup +}{sub {ital g}}--{ital A}{sup 1}{Sigma}{sup +}{sub {ital u}} band of molecular cesium at {lambda}=1.06 {mu}m have been measured. An absolute wave-number reference table for lasers emitting at {Sigma} = 1.06 {mu}m has been established. The cesium resonances are calibrated with respect to the well-known molecular-iodine absorption lines at {Sigma} = 0.53 {mu}m. An accuracy of 10{sup {minus}7} has been achieved.

Organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls levels in human milk from Chelem, Yucatán, México.

PubMed

Rodas-Ortíz, Juan Pablo; Ceja-Moreno, Victor; González-Navarrete, R L; Alvarado-Mejía, Jorge; Rodríguez-Hernández, Marissa E; Gold-Bouchot, Gerardo

2008-03-01

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in human milk from Chelem, Yucatan, Mexico were analyzed. Relatively high levels of p,p'-DDE, gamma-chlordane, beta-hexacyclohexane (beta-HCH) and PCB congeners 170, 28, and 44 were found. Concentration profiles by OCP groups followed the next order: SigmaDDTs > SigmaChlordanes > SigmaHCHs > SigmaChlorobenzenes > SigmaDrins. Total OCPs showed a decreasing tendency with number of births (primipara and multipara and age ranks) but these differences were not significant. SigmaDDT levels were lower than in other studies in Mexico, but 36% of the samples exceeded the JMPR-FAO/WHO acceptable daily intake (ADI). About 60.53% of samples exceeded the ADI value for heptachlors.

Dipole moments and transition probabilities of the a 3Sigma(+)g - b 3Sigma(+)u system of molecular hydrogen

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Guberman, S.; Dalgarno, A.; Posen, A.; Kwok, T. L.

1986-01-01

Multiconfiguration variational calculations of the electronic wave functions of the a 3Sigma(+)g and b 3Sigma(+)u states of molecular hydrogen are presented, and the electric dipole transition moment between them (of interest in connection with stellar atmospheres and the UV spectrum of the Jovian planets) is obtained. The dipole moment is used to calculate the probabilities of radiative transitions from the discrete vibrational levels of the a 3Sigma(+)g state to the vibrational continuum of the repulsive b 3Sigma(+)u state as functions of the wavelength of the emitted photons. The total transition probabilities and radiative lifetimes of the levels v prime = 0-20 are presented.

Two-Season Atacama Cosmology Telescope Polarimeter Lensing Power Spectrum

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shewin, Blake D.; van Engelen, Alexander; Sehgal, Neelima; Madhavacheril, Mathew; Addison, Graeme E.; Aiola, Simone; Allison, Rupert; Battaglia, Nicholas; Becker, Daniel T.; Beall, James A.;

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

Argence, B.; Halloin, H.; Jeannin, O.

We have developed a 532 nm iodine stabilized laser system that may be suitable for the LISA mission (Laser Interferometer Space Antenna) or other future spaceborne missions. This system is based on an externally frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser source and uses the molecular transfer spectroscopy technique for the frequency stabilization. This technique has been optimized for LISA: compactness (less than 1.1x1.1 m{sup 2}), vacuum compatibility, ease of use and initialization, minimization of the number of active components (acousto-optic modulators are both used for frequency shifting and phase modulating the pump beam). By locking on the a{sub 10} hyperfine component of themore » R(56)32-0 transition, we find an Allan standard deviation ({sigma}) of 3x10{sup -14} at 1 s and {sigma}<2x10{sup -14} for 20 s{<=}{tau}{<=}10{sup 3} s. In terms of linear spectral density, this roughly corresponds to a stability better than 30 Hz/{radical}(Hz) between 10{sup -2} and 1 Hz with a stability decrease close to 1/f below 10 mHz.« less

Directly Imaging Damped Ly-Alpha Galaxies at Redshifts Greater Than 2. III: The Star Formation Rates of Neutral Gas Reservoirs at Redshifts of Approximately 2.7

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fumagalli, Michele; OMeara, John M.; Prochaska, J. Xavier; Rafelski, Marc; Kanekar, Nissim

2014-01-01

We present results from a survey designed to probe the star formation properties of 32 damped Ly alpha systems (DLAs) at redshifts of approximately 2.7. By using the "double-DLA" technique that eliminates the glare of the bright background quasars, we directly measure the rest-frame FUV flux from DLAs and their neighbouring galaxies. At the position of the absorbing gas, we place stringent constraints on the unobscured star formation rates (SFRs) of DLAs to 2 sigma limits of psi less than 0.09-0.27 solar mass yr(exp -1), corresponding to SFR surface densities sigma(sub sfr) less than 10(exp -2.6)-10(exp -1.5) solar mass yr(exp -1) kpc(exp -2). The implications of these limits for the star formation law, metal enrichment, and cooling rates of DLAs are examined. By studying the distribution of impact parameters as a function of SFRs for all the galaxies detected around these DLAs, we place new direct constraints on the bright end of the UV luminosity function of DLA hosts. We find that less than or equal to 13% of the hosts have psi greater than or equal to 2 solar mass yr(exp -1) at impact parameters b(sub dla) less than or equal to (psi/solar mass yr(exp -1))(exp 0.8) + 6 kpc, differently from current samples of confirmed DLA galaxies. Our observations also disfavor a scenario in which the majority of DLAs arise from bright LBGs at distances 20 less than or equal to b(sub dla) less than 100 kpc. These new findings corroborate a picture in which DLAs do not originate from highly star forming systems that are coincident with the absorbers, and instead suggest that DLAs are associated with faint, possibly isolated, star-forming galaxies. Potential shortcomings of this scenario and future strategies for further investigation are discussed.

The sigmaR regulon of Streptomyces coelicolor A32 reveals a key role in protein quality control during disulphide stress.

PubMed

Kallifidas, Dimitris; Thomas, Derek; Doughty, Phillip; Paget, Mark S B

2010-06-01

Diamide is an artificial disulphide-generating electrophile that mimics an oxidative shift in the cellular thiol-disulphide redox state (disulphide stress). The Gram-positive bacterium Streptomyces coelicolor senses and responds to disulphide stress through the sigma(R)-RsrA system, which comprises an extracytoplasmic function (ECF) sigma factor and a redox-active anti-sigma factor. Known targets that aid in the protection and recovery from disulphide stress include the thioredoxin system and genes involved in producing the major thiol buffer mycothiol. Here we determine the global response to diamide in wild-type and sigR mutant backgrounds to understand the role of sigma(R) in this response and to reveal additional regulatory pathways that allow cells to cope with disulphide stress. In addition to thiol oxidation, diamide was found to cause protein misfolding and aggregation, which elicited the induction of the HspR heat-shock regulon. Although this response is sigma(R)-independent, sigma(R) does directly control Clp and Lon ATP-dependent AAA(+) proteases, which may partly explain the reduced ability of a sigR mutant to resolubilize protein aggregates. sigma(R) also controls msrA and msrB methionine sulphoxide reductase genes, implying that sigma(R)-RsrA is responsible for the maintenance of both cysteine and methionine residues during oxidative stress. This work shows that the sigma(R)-RsrA system plays a more significant role in protein quality control than previously realized, and emphasizes the importance of controlling the cellular thiol-disulphide redox balance.

The SigmaR1 chaperone drives breast and colorectal cancer cell migration by tuning SK3-dependent Ca2+ homeostasis.

PubMed

Gueguinou, M; Crottès, D; Chantôme, A; Rapetti-Mauss, R; Potier-Cartereau, M; Clarysse, L; Girault, A; Fourbon, Y; Jézéquel, P; Guérin-Charbonnel, C; Fromont, G; Martin, P; Pellissier, B; Schiappa, R; Chamorey, E; Mignen, O; Uguen, A; Borgese, F; Vandier, C; Soriani, O

2017-06-22

The remodeling of calcium homeostasis contributes to the cancer hallmarks and the molecular mechanisms involved in calcium channel regulation in tumors remain to be characterized. Here, we report that SigmaR1, a stress-activated chaperone, is required to increase calcium influx by triggering the coupling between SK3, a Ca 2+ -activated K + channel (KCNN3) and the voltage-independent calcium channel Orai1. We show that SigmaR1 physically binds SK3 in BC cells. Inhibition of SigmaR1 activity, either by molecular silencing or by the use of sigma ligand (igmesine), decreased SK3 current and Ca 2+ entry in breast cancer (BC) and colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. Interestingly, SigmaR1 inhibition diminished SK3 and/or Orai1 levels in lipid nanodomains isolated from BC cells. Analyses of tissue microarray from CRC patients showed higher SigmaR1 expression levels in cancer samples and a correlation with tumor grade. Moreover, the exploration of a cohort of 4937 BC patients indicated that high expression of SigmaR1 and Orai1 channels was significantly correlated to a lower overall survival. As the SK3/Orai1 tandem drives invasive process in CRC and bone metastasis progression in BC, our results may inaugurate innovative therapeutic approaches targeting SigmaR1 to control the remodeling of Ca 2+ homeostasis in epithelial cancers.

Lean Six Sigma implementation and organizational culture.

PubMed

Knapp, Susan

2015-01-01

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between four organizational cultural types defined by the Competing Values Framework and three Lean Six Sigma implementation components - management involvement, use of Lean Six Sigma methods and Lean Six Sigma infrastructure. The study involved surveying 446 human resource and quality managers from 223 hospitals located in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts and Rhode Island using the Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument. Findings - In total, 104 completed responses were received and analyzed using multivariate analysis of variance. Follow-up analysis of variances showed management support was significant, F(3, 100)=4.89, p < 0.01, η2=1.28; infrastructure was not significant, F(3, 100)=1.55, p=0.21, η2=0.05; and using Lean Six Sigma methods was also not significant, F(3, 100)=1.34, p=0.26, η2=0.04. Post hoc analysis identified group and development cultures having significant interactions with management support. The relationship between organizational culture and Lean Six Sigma in hospitals provides information on how specific cultural characteristics impact the Lean Six Sigma initiative key components. This information assists hospital staff who are considering implementing quality initiatives by providing an understanding of what cultural values correspond to effective Lean Six Sigma implementation. Managers understanding the quality initiative cultural underpinnings, are attentive to the culture-shared values and norm's influence can utilize strategies to better implement Lean Six Sigma.

Starspot evolution, differential rotation, and magnetic cycles in the chromospherically active binaries lambda andromedae, sigma Geminorum, II Pegasi, and V711 Tauri

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Henry, Gregory W.; Eaton, Joel A.; Hamer, Jamesia; Hall, Douglas S.

1995-01-01

We have analyzed 15-19 yr of photoelectric photometry, obtained manually and with automated telescopes, of the chromospherically active binaries lambda And, sigma Gem, II Peg, and V711 Tau. These observations let us identify individual dark starspots on the stellar surfaces from periodic dimming of the starlight, follow the evolution of these spots, and search for long-term cyclic changes in the properties of these starspots that might reveal magnetic cycles analogous to the Sun's 11 yr sunspot cycle. We developed a computer code to fit a simple two-spot model to our observed light curves that allows us to extract the most easily determinable and most reliable spot parameters from the light curves, i.e., spot longitudes and radii. We then used these measured properties to identify individual spots and to chart their life histories by constructing migration and amplitude curves. We identified and followed 11 spots in lambda And, 16 in sigma Gem, 12 in II Peg, and 15 in V711 Tau. Lifetimes of individual spots ranged from a few months to longer than 6 yr. Differential rotation coefficients, estimated from the observed range of spot rotation periods for each star and defined by equation (2), were 0.04 for lambda And, 0.038 for sigma Gem, 0.005 for II Peg, and 0.006 for V711 Tau, versus 0.19 for the Sun. We searched for cyclic changes in mean brightness, B-V color index, and spot rotation period as evidence for long-term cycles. Of these, long-term variability in mean brightness appears to offer the best evidence for such cycles in these four stars. Cycles of 11.1 yr for lambda And, 8.5 yr for sigma Gem, 11 yr for II Peg, and 16 yr V711 Tau are implied by these mean brightness changes. Cyclic changes in spot rotation period were found in lambda And and possibly II Peg. Errors in B-V were too large for any long-term changes to be detectable.

A Framework for Six Sigma Project Selection in Higher Educational Institutions, Using a Weighted Scorecard Approach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Holmes, Monica C.; Jenicke, Lawrence O.; Hempel, Jessica L.

2015-01-01

Purpose: This paper discusses the importance of the Six Sigma selection process, describes a Six Sigma project in a higher educational institution and presents a weighted scorecard approach for project selection. Design/Methodology/Approach: A case study of the Six Sigma approach being used to improve student support at a university computer help…

[Determination of electric field distribution in dielectric barrier surface glow discharge by spectroscopic method].

PubMed

Li, Xue-chen; Jia, Peng-ying; Liu, Zhi-hui; Li, Li-chun; Dong, Li-fang

2008-12-01

In the present paper, stable glow discharges were obtained in air at low pressure with a dielectric barrier surface discharge device. Light emission from the discharge was detected by photomultiplier tubes and the research results show that the light signal exhibited one discharge pulse per half cycle of the applied voltage. The light pulses were asymmetric between the positive half cycle and the negative one of the applied voltage. The images of the glow surface discharge were processed by Photoshop software and the results indicate that the emission intensity remained almost constant for different places with the same distance from the powered electrode, while the emission intensity decreased with the distance from the powered electrode increasing. In dielectric barrier discharge, net electric field is determined by the applied voltage and the wall charges accumulated on the dielectric layer during the discharge, and consequently, it is important to obtain information about the net electric field distribution. For this purpose, optical emission spectroscopy method was used. The distribution of the net electric field can be deduced from the intensity ratio of spectral line 391.4 nm emitted from the first negative system of N2+ (B 2sigma u+ -->X 2sigma g+) to 337.1 nm emitted from the second positive system of N2 (C 3IIu-B 3IIg). The research results show that the electric field near the powered electric field is higher than at the edge of the discharge. These experimental results are very important for numerical study and industrial application of the surface discharge.

An Application of Six Sigma to Reduce Supplier Quality Cost

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaikwad, Lokpriya Mohanrao; Teli, Shivagond Nagappa; Majali, Vijay Shashikant; Bhushi, Umesh Mahadevappa

2016-01-01

This article presents an application of Six Sigma to reduce supplier quality cost in manufacturing industry. Although there is a wider acceptance of Six Sigma in many organizations today, there is still a lack of in-depth case study of Six Sigma. For the present research the case study methodology was used. The company decided to reduce quality cost and improve selected processes using Six Sigma methodologies. Regarding the fact that there is a lack of case studies dealing with Six Sigma especially in individual manufacturing organization this article could be of great importance also for the practitioners. This paper discusses the quality and productivity improvement in a supplier enterprise through a case study. The paper deals with an application of Six Sigma define-measure-analyze-improve-control methodology in an industry which provides a framework to identify, quantify and eliminate sources of variation in an operational process in question, to optimize the operation variables, improve and sustain performance viz. process yield with well-executed control plans. Six Sigma improves the process performance (process yield) of the critical operational process, leading to better utilization of resources, decreases variations and maintains consistent quality of the process output.

Application of Six Sigma towards improving surgical outcomes.

PubMed

Shukla, P J; Barreto, S G; Nadkarni, M S

2008-01-01

Six Sigma is a 'process excellence' tool targeting continuous improvement achieved by providing a methodology for improving key steps of a process. It is ripe for application into health care since almost all health care processes require a near-zero tolerance for mistakes. The aim of this study is to apply the Six Sigma methodology into a clinical surgical process and to assess the improvement (if any) in the outcomes and patient care. The guiding principles of Six Sigma, namely DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control), were used to analyze the impact of double stapling technique (DST) towards improving sphincter preservation rates for rectal cancer. The analysis using the Six Sigma methodology revealed a Sigma score of 2.10 in relation to successful sphincter preservation. This score demonstrates an improvement over the previous technique (73% over previous 54%). This study represents one of the first clinical applications of Six Sigma in the surgical field. By understanding, accepting, and applying the principles of Six Sigma, we have an opportunity to transfer a very successful management philosophy to facilitate the identification of key steps that can improve outcomes and ultimately patient safety and the quality of surgical care provided.

State selected ion--molecule reactions by a TESICO technique. IV. Relative importance of the two spin-orbit states of Ar/sup +/ in the charge transfer reactions with N/sub 2/ and CO

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

Kato, T.; Tanaka, K.; Koyano, I.

1982-07-01

Charge transfer reactions Ar/sup +/ (/sup 2/P/sub J/)+N/sub 2/..-->..N/sup +//sub 2/+Ar (1) and Ar/sup +/(/sup 2/P/sub J/)+CO..-->..CO/sup +/+Ar (2) have been studied for the two spin-orbit states (J = 3/2 and 1/2) separately using the threshold electron-secondary ion coincidence (TESICO) technique. Relative cross sections for the two states sigma(3/2) and sigma(1/2) have been determined at three collision energies 0.2, 1.4, and 5.8 eV. It has been found that in Reaction (1), sigma(3/2) is larger than sigma (1/2) with ratio sigma(1/2)/sigma(3/2) ranging from 0.5 to 0.8 depending on the collision energy, whereas in Reaction (2), sigma(1/2) is larger than sigma(3/2) withmore » the ratio ranging from 1.2 to 1.6. The implications of these results are discussed with regard to the roles of energy resonance and Franck--Condon factors in charge transfer processes.« less

MACSIGMA0 - MACINTOSH TOOL FOR ANALYZING JPL AIRSAR, ERS-1, JERS-1, AND MAGELLAN MIDR DATA

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Norikane, L.

1994-01-01

MacSigma0 is an interactive tool for the Macintosh which allows you to display and make computations from radar data collected by the following sensors: the JPL AIRSAR, ERS-1, JERS-1, and Magellan. The JPL AIRSAR system is a multi-polarimetric airborne synthetic aperture radar developed and operated by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. It includes the single-frequency L-band sensor mounted on the NASA CV990 aircraft and its replacement, the multi-frequency P-, L-, and C-band sensors mounted on the NASA DC-8. MacSigma0 works with data in the standard JPL AIRSAR output product format, the compressed Stokes matrix format. ERS-1 and JERS-1 are single-frequency, single-polarization spaceborne synthetic aperture radars launched by the European Space Agency and NASDA respectively. To be usable by MacSigma0, The data must have been processed at the Alaska SAR Facility and must be in the "low-resolution" format. Magellan is a spacecraft mission to map the surface of Venus with imaging radar. The project is managed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The spacecraft carries a single-frequency, single-polarization synthetic aperture radar. MacSigma0 works with framelets of the standard MIDR CD-ROM data products. MacSigma0 provides four basic functions: synthesis of images (if necessary), statistical analysis of selected areas, analysis of corner reflectors as a calibration measure (if appropriate and possible), and informative mouse tracking. For instance, the JPL AIRSAR data can be used to synthesize a variety of images such as a total power image. The total power image displays the sum of the polarized and unpolarized components of the backscatter for each pixel. Other images which can be synthesized are HH, HV, VV, RL, RR, HHVV*, HHHV*, HVVV*, HHVV* phase and correlation coefficient images. For the complex and phase images, phase is displayed using color and magnitude is displayed using intensity. MacSigma0 can also be used to compute statistics from within a selected area. The statistics computed depend on the image type. For JPL AIRSAR data, the HH, HV, VV, HHVV* phase, and correlation coefficient means and standard deviation measures are calculated. The mean, relative standard deviation, minimum, and maximum values are calculated for all other data types. A histogram of the selected area is also calculated and displayed. The selected area can be rectangular, linear, or polygonal in shape. The user is allowed to select multiple rectangular areas, but not multiple linear or polygonal areas. The statistics and histogram are displayed to the user and can either be printed or saved as a text file. MacSigma0 can also be used to analyze corner reflectors as a measure of the calibration for JPL AIRSAR, ERS-1, and JERS-1 data types. It computes a theoretical radar cross section and the actual radar cross section for a selected trihedral corner reflector. The theoretical cross section, measured cross section, their ratio in dBs, and other information are displayed to the user and can be saved into a text file. For ERS-1, JERS-1, and Magellan data, MacSigma0 simultaneously displays pixel location in data coordinates and in latitude, longitude coordinates. It also displays sigma0, the incidence angle (for Magellan data), the original pixel value (for Magellan data), and the noise power value (for ERS-1 and JERS-1 data). Grey scale computed images can be saved in a byte format (a headerless format which saves the image as a string of byte values) or a PICT format (a standard format readable by other image processing programs for the Macintosh). Images can also be printed. MacSigma0 is written in C-language for use on Macintosh series computers. The minimum configuration requirements for MacSigma0 are System 6.0, Finder 6.1, 1Mb of RAM, and at least a 4-bit color or grey-scale graphics display. MacSigma0 is also System 7 compatible. To compile the source code, Apple's Macintosh Programmers Workbench (MPW) 3.2 and the MPW C language compiler version 3.2 are required. The source code will not compile with a later version of the compiler; however, the compiled application which will run under the minimum hardware configuration is provided on the distribution medium. In addition, the distribution media includes an executable which runs significantly faster but requires a 68881 compatible math coprocessor and a 68020 compatible CPU. Since JPL AIRSAR data files can be very large, it is often desirable to reduce the size of a data file before transferring it to the Macintosh for use in MacSigma0. A small FORTRAN program which can be used for this purpose is included on the distribution media. MacSigma0 will print statistics on any output device which supports QuickDraw, and it will print images on any device which supports QuickDraw or PostScript. The standard distribution medium for MacSigma0 is a set of five 1.4Mb Macintosh format diskettes. This program was developed in 1992 and is a copyrighted work with all copyright vested in NASA. Version 4.2 of MacSigma0 was released in 1993.

Observation of Bs production at the Y(5S) resonance.

PubMed

Bonvicini, G; Cinabro, D; Dubrovin, M; Lincoln, A; Bornheim, A; Pappas, S P; Weinstein, A J; Asner, D M; Edwards, K W; Briere, R A; Chen, G P; Chen, J; Ferguson, T; Tatishvili, G; Vogel, H; Watkins, M E; Rosner, J L; Adam, N E; Alexander, J P; Berkelman, K; Cassel, D G; Crede, V; Duboscq, J E; Ecklund, K M; Ehrlich, R; Fields, L; Gibbons, L; Gittelman, B; Gray, R; Gray, S W; Hartill, D L; Heltsley, B K; Hertz, D; Jones, C D; Kandaswamy, J; Kreinick, D L; Kuznetsov, V E; Mahlke-Krüger, H; Meyer, T O; Onyisi, P U E; Patterson, J R; Peterson, D; Phillips, E A; Pivarski, J; Riley, D; Ryd, A; Sadoff, A J; Schwarthoff, H; Shi, X; Shepherd, M R; Stroiney, S; Sun, W M; Urner, D; Wilksen, T; Weaver, K M; Weinberger, M; Athar, S B; Avery, P; Breva-Newell, L; Patel, R; Potlia, V; Stoeck, H; Yelton, J; Rubin, P; Cawlfield, C; Eisenstein, B I; Gollin, G D; Karliner, I; Kim, D; Lowrey, N; Naik, P; Sedlack, C; Selen, M; White, E J; Williams, J; Wiss, J; Besson, D; Pedlar, T K; Cronin-Hennessy, D; Gao, K Y; Gong, D T; Hietala, J; Kubota, Y; Klein, T; Lang, B W; Li, S Z; Poling, R; Scott, A W; Smith, A; Dobbs, S; Metreveli, Z; Seth, K K; Tomaradze, A; Zweber, P; Ernst, J; Arms, K; Severini, H; Dytman, S A; Love, W; Mehrabyan, S; Mueller, J A; Savinov, V; Li, Z; Lopez, A; Mendez, H; Ramirez, J; Huang, G S; Miller, D H; Pavlunin, V; Sanghi, B; Shipsey, I P J; Adams, G S; Anderson, M; Cummings, J P; Danko, I; Napolitano, J; He, Q; Muramatsu, H; Park, C S; Thorndike, E H; Coan, T E; Gao, Y S; Liu, F; Maravin, Y; Artuso, M; Boulahouache, C; Blusk, S; Butt, J; Dorjkhaidav, O; Li, J; Menaa, N; Mountain, R; Nandakumar, R; Randrianarivony, K; Redjimi, R; Sia, R; Skwarnicki, T; Stone, S; Wang, J C; Zhang, K; Csorna, S E

2006-01-20

Using the CLEO detector at the Cornell Electron Storage Ring, we have observed the Bs meson in e+e- annihilation at the Y(5S) resonance. We find 14 candidates consistent with Bs decays into final states with a J/psi or a Ds(*)- . The probability that we have observed a background fluctuation is less than 8 x 10(-10) . We have established that at the energy of the Y(5S) resonance Bs production proceeds predominantly through the creation of Bs*Bs* pairs. We find sigma(e+e- --> Bs*Bs*) = [0.11(-0.03))(+0.04)(stat) +/- 0.02(syst)]nb , and set the following limits: sigma(e+e- --> BsBs)/ sigma(e+ e- --> Bs*Bs*) <0.16 and [sigma(e+e- --> BsBs*) + sigma(e+e- --> Bs*Bs)]/sigma(e+e- -->Bs*Bs*) < 0.16 (90% C.L.). The mass of the Bs* meson is measured to be M(Bs*) = [5.414+/- 0.001(stat) +/- 0.003(syst)] GeV/c2 .

A clinical and radiostereometric study of the cemented PFC-sigma prosthesis: a 5-year study of 29 cases with a fixed bearing.

PubMed

von Schewelov, Thord; Besjakov, Jack; Sanzén, Lennart; Carlsson, Ake

2009-07-01

The press-fit condylar (PFC) cruciate-retaining total knee prosthesis is well documented in the literature. In 1997, a modification of the femoral component was introduced, and the prosthesis was renamed PFC-Sigma. The alteration may influence the migratory and rotational pattern of the tibial component and thus long-time survival rate. In this radiostereometric analysis, we found that the micromotion of the PFC-Sigma prosthesis differs slightly from the original PFC design, an advantage of the PFC-Sigma prosthesis. The median maximum total point motion at 5 years was 0.64 mm for the PFC-Sigma design and 0.79 mm for the previous version of PFC (P = .9). However, the PFC-Sigma rotated less around the transverse (x) axis than did the PFC (medians, 0.22 mm and 0.48 mm, respectively; P = .04). From the radiostereometric, radiographic, and clinical data, we conclude that the PFC-Sigma knee prosthesis can be used with confidence.

A numerical procedure for recovering true scattering coefficients from measurements with wide-beam antennas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wang, Qinglin; Gogineni, S. P.

1991-01-01

A numerical procedure for estimating the true scattering coefficient, sigma(sup 0), from measurements made using wide-beam antennas. The use of wide-beam antennas results in an inaccurate estimate of sigma(sup 0) if the narrow-beam approximation is used in the retrieval process for sigma(sup 0). To reduce this error, a correction procedure was proposed that estimates the error resulting from the narrow-beam approximation and uses the error to obtain a more accurate estimate of sigma(sup 0). An exponential model was assumed to take into account the variation of sigma(sup 0) with incidence angles, and the model parameters are estimated from measured data. Based on the model and knowledge of the antenna pattern, the procedure calculates the error due to the narrow-beam approximation. The procedure is shown to provide a significant improvement in estimation of sigma(sup 0) obtained with wide-beam antennas. The proposed procedure is also shown insensitive to the assumed sigma(sup 0) model.

Lean sigma--will it work for healthcare?

PubMed

Bahensky, James A; Roe, Janet; Bolton, Romy

2005-01-01

The manufacturing industry has been using Lean Sigma for years in pursuit of continuous improvement to obtain a competitive advantage. The objectives of these efforts are to use the Lean techniques for reducing cycle times and the Six Sigma concepts for reducing product defects. The Iowa Business Council with several advocates worked with the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics (UIHC) and two other Iowa hospitals to determine whether Lean Sigma is adaptable in healthcare. A team of 15 people at UIHC used the Kaizen Breakthrough Methodology over a five-day period in an aggressive identification and elimination of non-value added activities in Radiology CT scanning. The results exceeded the initial project objectives and indicated that Lean Sigma is applicable in healthcare. Overall, the Lean Sigma project increased revenue by approximately $750,000 per year. The Kaizen process proved to be successful and interesting. Within three days, the team installed new work flow processes. This implementation-oriented approach is what differentiates Lean Sigma from other quality improvement processes.

Induction of a robust immunity response against novel duck reovirus in ducklings using a subunit vaccine of sigma C protein

PubMed Central

Bi, Zhuangli; Zhu, Yingqi; Chen, Zongyan; Li, Chuanfeng; Wang, Yong; Wang, Guijun; Liu, Guangqing

2016-01-01

Novel duck reovirus (NDRV) disease emerged in China in 2011 and continues to cause high morbidity and about 5.0 to 50% mortality in ducklings. Currently there are no approved vaccines for the virus. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a new vaccine created from the baculovirus and sigma C gene against NDRV. In this study, a recombinant baculovirus containing the sigma C gene was constructed, and the purified protein was used as a vaccine candidate in ducklings. The efficacy of sigma C vaccine was estimated according to humoral immune responses, cellular immune response and protection against NDRV challenge. The results showed that sigma C was highly expressed in Sf9 cells. Robust humoral and cellular immune responses were induced in all ducklings immunized with the recombinant sigma C protein. Moreover, 100% protection against lethal challenge with NDRV TH11 strain was observed. Summary, the recombinant sigma C protein could be utilized as a good candidate against NDRV infection. PMID:27974824

Different intracellular distribution of avian reovirus core protein sigmaA in cells of avian and mammalian origin

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

Vazquez-Iglesias, Lorena; Lostale-Seijo, Irene; Martinez-Costas, Jose

2012-10-25

A comparative analysis of the intracellular distribution of avian reovirus (ARV) core protein sigmaA in cells of avian and mammalian origin revealed that, whereas the viral protein accumulates in the cytoplasm and nucleolus of avian cells, most sigmaA concentrates in the nucleoplasm of mammalian cells in tight association with the insoluble nuclear matrix fraction. Our results further showed that sigmaA becomes arrested in the nucleoplasm of mammalian cells via association with mammalian cell-specific factors and that this association prevents nucleolar targeting. Inhibition of RNA polymerase II activity, but not of RNA polymerase I activity, in infected mammalian cells induces nucleus-to-cytoplasmmore » sigmaA translocation through a CRM1- and RanGTP-dependent mechanism, yet a heterokaryon assay suggests that sigmaA does not shuttle between the nucleus and cytoplasm. The scarcity of sigmaA in cytoplasmic viral factories of infected mammalian cells could be one of the factors contributing to limited ARV replication in mammalian cells.« less

Kinetics of O{sub 2}({sup 1{Sigma}}) formation in the reaction O{sub 2}({sup 1{Delta}}) + O{sub 2}({sup 1{Delta}}) {yields} O{sub 2}({sup 1{Sigma}}) + O{sub 2}({sup 3{Sigma}})

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

Zagidullin, M V; Khvatov, N A; Nyagashkin, A Yu

2011-02-28

The dependence of the ratio of specific powers of dimole radiation of singlet oxygen in the 634 nm band and in the b - X band of the O{sub 2}({sup 1{Sigma}}) molecule in the O{sub 2}(X) - O{sub 2}({sup 1{Delta}}) - O{sub 2}({sup 1{Sigma}}) - H{sub 2}O - CO{sub 2} mixture on the CO{sub 2} concentration is measured. As a result, the rate constant of the reaction O{sub 2}({sup 1{Delta}}) + O{sub 2}({sup 1{Delta}}) {yields} O{sub 2}({sup 1{Sigma}}) + O{sub 2}({sup 3{Sigma}}) at the temperature {approx}330 K is found to equal (4.5 {+-} 1.1) 10{sup -17} cm{sup 3} s{sup -1}.more » (active media)« less

Doublet-spacing enhancement caused by {Lambda}N-{Sigma}N coupling in {sub {Lambda}L}i hypernuclear isotopes

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

Umeya, Atsushi; Harada, Toru; Research Center for Physics and Mathematics, Osaka Electro-Communication University, Neyagawa, Osaka 572-8530

2011-03-15

We theoretically investigate energy spacings of doublets in {sub {Lambda}L}i hypernuclear isotopes with A=7-10 in shell-model calculations with a {Lambda}N-{Sigma}N coupling effect. The calculated results show that the energy shifts are {Delta}{epsilon}=0.09-0.28 MeV and the {Sigma}-mixing probabilities are P{sub {Sigma}}=0.10%-0.34% in {Lambda} ground states for the isotopes because of the {Lambda}N-{Sigma}N coupling in the first-order perturbation. It is found that the energy spacing of the doublet is enhanced as a neutron number N increases; the contribution of the {Lambda}N-{Sigma}N coupling interaction is comparable to that of the {Lambda}N interaction in the neutron-rich {Lambda} hypernuclei. The coherent mechanism of this doublet-spacingmore » enhancement is also discussed in terms of Fermi-type and Gamow-Teller-type {Lambda}N-{Sigma}N couplings.« less

Comparative Proteomics of Tandem Mass Spectrometry Analyses for Bacterial Strains Identification and Differentiation

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-02-01

risk, bio -terrorism utility, Homeland Security, agricultural monitoring, quality of foodstuffs, environmental monitoring, and biological warfare agents...CAL19717 Putative surface antigen CAL21872 Putative sigma 54 modulation protein NP_395233 Plasminogen activator protease precursor CAL19882 OMP...S. (2005). Chemical and biological weapons : current concepts for future defenses. Johns Hopkins APL Tech. Digest, 26, 321-333. Dworzanski, J.P

The influence of grain boundary geometry on intergranular crack propagation in Ni[sub 3]Al

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

Hui Lin; Pope, D.P.

1993-02-01

The distribution of grain boundary types along intergranular cracks in Ni[sub 3]Al was measured, by [Sigma] value, and compared to the distribution in the bulk, using statistically significant sample sizes. It was found that low angle ([Sigma] 1) and symmetrical [Sigma]3 boundaries (twins) are particularly strong, and all high angle boundaries, independent of their [Sigma] values are weak. In particular, low [Sigma], high angle boundaries, as a group, are also weak. These results are in qualitative agreement with predictions based on the structural unit model and imply that the fracture strength of an intergranularly brittle polycrystalline aggregate can be increasedmore » only by increasing the fraction of low angle and symmetrical [Sigma]3 boundaries.« less

An ISEE/Whistler model of equatorial electron density in the magnetosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carpenter, D. L.; Anderson, R. R.

1992-01-01

Attention is given to an empirical model of equatorial electron density in the magnetosphere covering the L range 2.25-8. Although the model is primarily intended for application to the local time interval 00-15 MLT, a way to extend the model to the 15-24-MLT period is presented. The model describes, in piecewise fashion, the 'saturated' plasmasphere, the region of steep plasmapause gradients, and the plasma trough. Within the plasmasphere the model profile can be expressed as logne - Sigma-xi, where x1 = -0.3145L + 3.9043 is the principal or 'reference' term, and additional terms account for: a solar cycle variation with a peak at solar maximum; an annual variation with a December maximum; and a semiannual variation with equinoctial maxima.

Linear free-energy relationships and the density functional theory: an analog of the hammett equation.

PubMed

Simón-Manso, Yamil

2005-03-10

Density functional theory has been applied to describe electronic substituent effects, especially in the pursuit of linear relationships similar to those observed from physical organic chemistry experiments. In particular, analogues for the Hammett equation parameters (sigma, rho) have been developed. Theoretical calculations were performed on several series of organic molecules in order to validate our model and for comparison with experimental results. The trends obtained by Hammett-like relations predicted by the model were found to be in qualitative agreement with the experimental data. The results obtained in this study suggest the applicability of similar correlation analysis based on theoretical methodologies that do not make use of empirical fits to experimental data can be useful in the study of substituent effects in organic chemistry.

Mapping the Extent and Magnitude of Severe Flooding Induced by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria with Sentinel-1 SAR and InSAR Observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, B.; Koirala, R.; Oliver-Cabrera, T.; Wdowinski, S.; Osmanoglu, B.

2017-12-01

Hurricanes can cause winds, rainfall and storm surge, all of which could result in flooding. Between August and September 2017, Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria made landfall over Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico causing destruction and damages. Flood mapping is important for water management and to estimate risks and property damage. Though water gauges are able to monitor water levels, they are normally distributed sparsely. To map flooding products of these extreme events, we use Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) observations acquired by the European satellite constellation Sentinel-1. We obtained two acquisitions from before each flooding event, a single acquisition during the hurricane, and two after each event, a total of five acquisitions. We use both amplitude and phase observations to map extent and magnitude of flooding respectively. To map flooding extents, we use amplitude images from before, after and if possible during the hurricane pass. A calibration is used to convert the image raw data to backscatter coefficient, termed sigma nought. We generate a composite of the two image layers using red and green bands to show the change of sigma nought between acquisitions, which directly reflects the extent of flooding. Because inundation can result with either an increase or decrease of sigma nought values depending on the surface scattering characteristics, we map flooded areas in location where sigma nought changes were above a detection threshold. To study magnitude of flooding we study Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) phase changes. Changes in the water level can be detected by the radar when the signal is reflected away from water surface and bounces again by another object (e.g. trees and/or buildings) known as double bounce phase. To generate meaningful interferograms, we compare phase information with the nearest water gauge records to verify our results. Preliminary results show that the three hurricanes caused flooding condition over wide area including both rural and urban areas. The flooding in Everglades National Park in Florida following hurricane Irma covered area 1087.35 km2. Flooding in Puerto Rico main island was limited to low flat areas covering 287.84 km2. Preliminary results of the InSAR analysis shows that flooding magnitude reached in some location level of 1 m.

Etude hyperfrequence et ultrasonore des supraconducteurs organiques kappa-(ET)(2)X (X = copper(thiocyanogen), copper[N(CN)(2)]bromine)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frikach, Kamal

2001-09-01

Dans ce travail je presente une etude de l'impedance de surface, ainsi que de l'attenuation et la variation de la vitesse ultrasonores dans les etats normal et supraconducteur sur les composes organiques k-(ET)2X (X = Cu(SCN) 2, Cu[N(CN)2]Br). A partir des mesures d'impedance de surface, les deux composantes sigma 1 et sigma2 de la conductivite complexe sont extraites en utilisant le modele de Drude. Ces mesures montrent que la symetrie du parametre d'ordre dans ces composes est differente de celle du cas BCS. Afin de comprendre le profil de sigma1 (T) nous avons etudie les fluctuations supraconductrices a partir de la paraconductivite sigma'( T). Cette etude est rendue possible grace a la structure quasi-2D des composes k-(ET)2X dans lesquelles les fluctuations supraconductrices sont fortes. Ces dernieres sont observees sur deux decades de temperatures dans le Cu(SCN)2. L'application du modele de Aslamazov-Larkin 2D et 3D montre la possibilite du passage du regime 2D a haute temperature au regime 3D au voisinage de Tc. En se basant sur ce resultat, nous avons calcule la paraconductivite en utilisant une approche a l'ordre d'une boucle a partir du modele de Lawrence-Doniach. En tenant compte de la correction par la self energie dans la limite dynamique (17 GHz), l'ajustement de la paraconductivite calculee est en bon accord avec les donnees experimentales. Le couplage interplan obtenu est compatible avec le caractere quasi-2D des composes organiques. Le temps de relaxation des quasi-particules dans l'etat supraconducteur est ensuite extrait pour la premiere fois dans ces composes dont le comportement en fonction de la temperature est compatible avec la presence des noeuds dans le gap. Dans l'etat normal, la variation de la vitesse ultrasonore presente un comportement anormal caracterise par un fort ramollissement a T = 38 K et 50 K dans k-(ET) 2Cu(SCN)2 et k-(ET)2Cu[N(CN) 2]Br respectivement dont l'amplitude est independante du champ magnetique jusqu'a H = Hc 2. Cette anomalie semble exister seulement dans les modes qui sondent le couplage interplan. Ce comportement est attribue au couplage entre les fluctuations antiferromagnetiques et les phonons acoustiques.

Health effects from long-range transported contaminants in Arctic top predators: An integrated review based on studies of polar bears and relevant model species.

PubMed

Sonne, Christian

2010-07-01

The aim of this review is to provide a thorough overview of the health effects from the complexed biomagnified mixture of long-range transported industrial organochlorines (OCs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) and mercury (Hg) on polar bear (Ursus maritimus) health. Multiple scientific studies of polar bears indicate negative relationships between exposure to these contaminants and health parameters; however, these are all of a correlative nature and do not represent true cause-and-effects. Therefore, information from controlled studies of farmed Norwegian Arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus) and housed East and West Greenland sledge dogs (Canis familiaris) were included as supportive weight of evidence in the clarification of contaminant exposure and health effects in polar bears. The review showed that hormone and vitamin concentrations, liver, kidney and thyroid gland morphology as well as reproductive and immune systems of polar bears are likely to be influenced by contaminant exposure. Furthermore, exclusively based on polar bear contaminant studies, bone density reduction and neurochemical disruption and DNA hypomethylation of the brain stem seemed to occur. The range of tissue concentration, at which these alterations were observed in polar bears, were ca. 1-70,000 ng/g lw for OCs (blood plasma concentrations of some PCB metabolites even higher), ca. 1-1000 ng/g lw for PBDEs and for PFCs and Hg 114-3052 ng/g ww and 0.1-50 microg/g ww, respectively. Similar concentrations were found in farmed foxes and housed sledge dogs while the lack of dose response designs did not allow an estimation of threshold levels for oral exposure and accumulated tissue concentrations. Nor was it possible to pinpoint a specific group of contaminants being more important than others nor analyze their interactions. For East Greenland polar bears the corresponding daily SigmaOC and SigmaPBDE oral exposure was estimated to be 35 and 0.34 microg/kg body weight, respectively. Furthermore, PFC concentrations, at which population effect levels could occur, are likely to be reached around year 2012 for the East Greenland polar bear subpopulation if current increasing temporal trends continue. Such proposed reproductive population effects were supported by physiological based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modelling of critical body residues (CBR) with risk quotients >or=1 for SigmaPCB, dieldrin, SigmaPFC and SigmaOHC (organohalogen contaminant). The estimated daily TEQ for East Greenland polar bears and East Greenland sledge dogs were 32-281-folds above WHO SigmaTEQ guidelines for humans. Compared to human tolerable daily intake (TDI), these were exceeded for PCBs, dieldrin, chlordanes and SigmaHCH in East Greenland polar bears. Comparisons like these should be done with caution, but together with the CBR modelling and T-score estimations, these were the only available tools for polar bear risk evaluation. In conclusion, polar bears seem to be susceptible to contaminant induced stress that may have an overall sub-clinical impact on their health and population status via impacts on their immune and reproductive systems. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Radio Observations of Type Ia SN2006X

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soderberg, Alicia

2006-02-01

Alicia Soderberg (Caltech) reports: I observed the Type Ia supernova 2006X in NGC 4321 (IAUC 8667, CBET 393) with the Very Large Array on 2006 February 9.34 UT (approximately 2 days after optical discovery). The 2.5 hour observation at 8.46 GHz reveals no radio source coincident with the optical SN position. I place a limit on the radio flux density of 45 microJy (3 sigma). At a distance of 16 Mpc this limit corresponds to a luminosity of 1.4 x 10^25 erg/s/Hz.

Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of indole-based sigma receptor ligands

PubMed Central

Mésangeau, Christophe; Amata, Emanuele; Alsharif, Walid; Seminerio, Michael J.; Robson, Matthew J.; Matsumoto, Rae R.; Poupaert, Jacques H.; McCurdy, Christopher R.

2011-01-01

A series of novel indole-based analogues were prepared and their affinities for sigma receptors were determined using in vitro radioligand binding assays. The results of this study identified several compounds with nanomolar sigma-2 affinity and significant selectivity over sigma-1 receptors. In particular, 2-(4-(3-(4-fluorophenyl)indol-1-yl)butyl)-6,7-dimethoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (9f) was found to display high affinity at sigma-2 receptors with good selectivity (σ-1/σ-2 = 395). The pharmacological binding profile for this compound was established with other relevant nonsigma sites. PMID:21899931

Sigma Metrics Across the Total Testing Process.

PubMed

Charuruks, Navapun

2017-03-01

Laboratory quality control has been developed for several decades to ensure patients' safety, from a statistical quality control focus on the analytical phase to total laboratory processes. The sigma concept provides a convenient way to quantify the number of errors in extra-analytical and analytical phases through the defect per million and sigma metric equation. Participation in a sigma verification program can be a convenient way to monitor analytical performance continuous quality improvement. Improvement of sigma-scale performance has been shown from our data. New tools and techniques for integration are needed. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Analysis of p21-Activated Kinase Function in Neurofibromatosis Type 2

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-01

6,6′-dithiobis) for 10 min, before stimulation with 10% FCS (PAA, Pasching, Austria), 0.5 μM forskolin (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, USA), 10 nM β1...0.5 μM forskolin (Sigma-Aldrich), 10 nM β1- heregulin144–244 (Genentech), 0.5 mM 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthin (IBMX, Sigma-Aldrich) and 2.5 μg/ml...0.5 μM forskolin (Sigma-Aldrich), 10 nM β1-heregulin144–244 (Genentech), 0.5 mM 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthin and 2.5 μg/ml insulin (both from Sigma

Ground state of excitonic molecules by the Green's-function Monte Carlo method

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

Lee, M.A.; Vashishta, P.; Kalia, R.K.

1983-12-26

The ground-state energy of excitonic molecules is evaluated as a function of the ratio of electron and hole masses, sigma, with use of the Green's-function Monte Carlo method. For all sigma, the Green's-function Monte Carlo energies are significantly lower than the variational estimates and in favorable agreement with experiments. In excitonic rydbergs, the binding energy of the positronium molecule (sigma = 1) is predicted to be -0.06 and for sigma<<1, the Green's-function Monte Carlo energies agree with the ''exact'' limiting behavior, E = -2.346+0.764sigma.

ROVIBRATIONALLY RESOLVED DIRECT PHOTODISSOCIATION THROUGH THE LYMAN AND WERNER TRANSITIONS OF H{sub 2} FOR FUV/X-RAY-IRRADIATED ENVIRONMENTS

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

Gay, C. D.; Porter, R. L.; Stancil, P. C.

Using ab initio potential curves and dipole transition moments, cross-section calculations were performed for the direct continuum photodissociation of H{sub 2} through the B{sup 1}{Sigma}{sup +}{sub u} <- X{sup 1}{Sigma}{sup +}{sub g} (Lyman) and C{sup 1}{Pi}{sub u} <- X{sup 1}{Sigma}{sup +}{sub g} (Werner) transitions. Partial cross-sections were obtained for wavelengths from 100 A to the dissociation threshold between the upper electronic state and each of the 301 bound rovibrational levels v''J'' within the ground electronic state. The resulting cross-sections are incorporated into three representative classes of interstellar gas models: diffuse clouds, photon-dominated regions, and X-ray-dominated regions (XDRs). The models, whichmore » used the CLOUDY plasma/molecular spectra simulation code, demonstrate that direct photodissociation is comparable to fluorescent dissociation (or spontaneous radiative dissociation, the Solomon process) as an H{sub 2} destruction mechanism in intense far-ultraviolet or X-ray-irradiated gas. In particular, changes in H{sub 2} rotational column densities are found to be as large as 20% in the XDR model with the inclusion of direct photodissociation. The photodestruction rate from some high-lying rovibrational levels can be enhanced by pumping from H Ly{beta} due to a wavelength coincidence with cross-section resonances resulting from quasi-bound levels of the upper electronic states. Given the relatively large size of the photodissociation data set, a strategy is described to create truncated, but reliable, cross-section data consistent with the wavelength resolving power of typical observations.« less

Searching for Decaying Dark Matter in Deep XMM-Newton Observation of the Draco Dwarf Spheroidal

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ruchayskiy, Oleg; Boyardsky, Alex; Iakbovskyi, Dmytro; Bulbul, Esra; Eckert, Domique; Franse, Jeron; Malyshev, Denys; Markevitch, Maxim; Neronov, Andrii

2016-01-01

We present results of a search for the 3.5 keV emission line in our recent very long (approx. 1.4 Ms) XMM-Newton observation of the Draco dwarf spheroidal galaxy. The astrophysical X-ray emission from such dark matter-dominated galaxies is faint, thus they provide a test for the dark matter origin of the 3.5 keV line previously detected in other massive, but X-ray bright objects, such as galaxies and galaxy clusters. We do not detect a statistically significant emission line from Draco; this constrains the lifetime of a decaying dark matter particle to tau >(7-9) × 10(exp 27) s at 95% CL (combining all three XMM-Newton cameras; the interval corresponds to the uncertainty of the dark matter column density in the direction of Draco). The PN camera, which has the highest sensitivity of the three, does show a positive spectral residual (above the carefully modeled continuum) at E = 3.54 +/- 0.06 keV with a 2.3(sigma) significance. The two MOS cameras show less-significant or no positive deviations, consistently within 1(sigma) with PN. Our Draco limit on tau is consistent with previous detections in the stacked galaxy clusters, M31 and the Galactic Centre within their 1 - 2(sigma) uncertainties, but is inconsistent with the high signal from the core of the Perseus cluster (which has itself been inconsistent with the rest of the detections). We conclude that this Draco observation does not exclude the dark matter interpretation of the 3.5 keV line in those objects.

Automated system for measurement, collection and processing of hydrometeorological data aboard scientific research vessels of the GUGMS (SIGMA-s)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Borisenkov, Y. P.; Fedorov, O. M.

1974-01-01

A report is made on the automated system known as SIGMA-s for the measurement, collection, and processing of hydrometeorological data aboard scientific research vessels of the Hydrometeorological Service. The various components of the system and the interfacing between them are described, as well as the projects that the system is equipped to handle.

Assessing precision, bias and sigma-metrics of 53 measurands of the Alinity ci system.

PubMed

Westgard, Sten; Petrides, Victoria; Schneider, Sharon; Berman, Marvin; Herzogenrath, Jörg; Orzechowski, Anthony

2017-12-01

Assay performance is dependent on the accuracy and precision of a given method. These attributes can be combined into an analytical Sigma-metric, providing a simple value for laboratorians to use in evaluating a test method's capability to meet its analytical quality requirements. Sigma-metrics were determined for 37 clinical chemistry assays, 13 immunoassays, and 3 ICT methods on the Alinity ci system. Analytical Performance Specifications were defined for the assays, following a rationale of using CLIA goals first, then Ricos Desirable goals when CLIA did not regulate the method, and then other sources if the Ricos Desirable goal was unrealistic. A precision study was conducted at Abbott on each assay using the Alinity ci system following the CLSI EP05-A2 protocol. Bias was estimated following the CLSI EP09-A3 protocol using samples with concentrations spanning the assay's measuring interval tested in duplicate on the Alinity ci system and ARCHITECT c8000 and i2000 SR systems, where testing was also performed at Abbott. Using the regression model, the %bias was estimated at an important medical decisions point. Then the Sigma-metric was estimated for each assay and was plotted on a method decision chart. The Sigma-metric was calculated using the equation: Sigma-metric=(%TEa-|%bias|)/%CV. The Sigma-metrics and Normalized Method Decision charts demonstrate that a majority of the Alinity assays perform at least at five Sigma or higher, at or near critical medical decision levels. More than 90% of the assays performed at Five and Six Sigma. None performed below Three Sigma. Sigma-metrics plotted on Normalized Method Decision charts provide useful evaluations of performance. The majority of Alinity ci system assays had sigma values >5 and thus laboratories can expect excellent or world class performance. Laboratorians can use these tools as aids in choosing high-quality products, further contributing to the delivery of excellent quality healthcare for patients. Copyright © 2017 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Expression pattern of the type 1 sigma receptor in the brain and identity of critical anionic amino acid residues in the ligand-binding domain of the receptor.

PubMed

Seth, P; Ganapathy, M E; Conway, S J; Bridges, C D; Smith, S B; Casellas, P; Ganapathy, V

2001-07-25

The type 1 sigma receptor (sigmaR1) has been shown to participate in a variety of functions in the central nervous system. To identify the specific regions of the brain that are involved in sigmaR1 function, we analyzed the expression pattern of the receptor mRNA in the mouse brain by in situ hybridization. SigmaR1 mRNA was detectable primarily in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and Purkinje cells of cerebellum. To identify the critical anionic amino acid residues in the ligand-binding domain of sigmaR1, we employed two different approaches: chemical modification of anionic amino acid residues and site-directed mutagenesis. Chemical modification of anionic amino acids in sigmaR1 with 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide reduced the ligand-binding activity markedly. Since it is known that a splice variant of this receptor which lacks exon 3 does not have the ability to bind sigma ligands, the ligand-binding domain with its critical anionic amino acid residues is likely to be present in or around the region coded by exon 3. Therefore, each of the anionic amino acids in this region was mutated individually and the influence of each mutation on ligand binding was assessed. These studies have identified two anionic amino acids, D126 and E172, that are obligatory for ligand binding. Even though the ligand-binding function was abolished by these two mutations, the expression of these mutants was normal at the protein level. These results show that sigmaR1 is expressed at high levels in specific areas of the brain that are involved in memory, emotion and motor functions. The results also provide important information on the chemical nature of the ligand-binding site of sigmaR1 that may be of use in the design of sigmaR1-specific ligands with potential for modulation of sigmaR1-related brain functions.

AtSIG6 and other members of the sigma gene family jointly but differentially determine plastid target gene expression in Arabidopsis thaliana

PubMed Central

Bock, Sylvia; Ortelt, Jennifer; Link, Gerhard

2014-01-01

Plants contain a nuclear gene family for plastid sigma factors, i.e., proteins that associate with the “bacterial-type” organellar RNA polymerase and confer the ability for correct promoter binding and transcription initiation. Questions that are still unresolved relate to the “division of labor” among members of the sigma family, both in terms of their range of target genes and their temporal and spatial activity during development. Clues to the in vivo role of individual sigma genes have mainly come from studies of sigma knockout lines. Despite its obvious strengths, however, this strategy does not necessarily trace-down causal relationships between mutant phenotype and a single sigma gene, if other family members act in a redundant and/or compensatory manner. We made efforts to reduce the complexity by genetic crosses of Arabidopsis single mutants (with focus on a chlorophyll-deficient sig6 line) to generate double knockout lines. The latter typically had a similar visible phenotype as the parental lines, but tended to be more strongly affected in the transcript patterns of both plastid and sigma genes. Because triple mutants were lethal under our growth conditions, we exploited a strategy of transformation of single and double mutants with RNAi constructs that contained sequences from the unconserved sigma region (UCR). These RNAi/knockout lines phenotypically resembled their parental lines, but were even more strongly affected in their plastid transcript patterns. Expression patterns of sigma genes revealed both similarities and differences compared to the parental lines, with transcripts at reduced or unchanged amounts and others that were found to be present in higher (perhaps compensatory) amounts. Together, our results reveal considerable flexibility of gene activity at the levels of both sigma and plastid gene expression. A (still viable) “basal state” seems to be reached, if 2–3 of the 6 Arabidopsis sigma genes are functionally compromised. PMID:25505479

The effect of the sigma-1 receptor selective compound LS-1-137 on the DOI-induced head twitch response in mice.

PubMed

Malik, Maninder; Rangel-Barajas, Claudia; Mach, Robert H; Luedtke, Robert R

2016-09-01

Several receptor mediated pathways have been shown to modulate the murine head twitch response (HTR). However, the role of sigma receptors in the murine (±)-2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (DOI)-induced HTR has not been previously investigated. We examined the ability of LS-1-137, a novel sigma-1 vs. sigma-2 receptor selective phenylacetamide, to modulate the DOI-induced HTR in DBA/2J mice. We also assessed the in vivo efficacy of reference sigma-1 receptor antagonists and agonists PRE-084 and PPCC. The effect of the sigma-2 receptor selective antagonist RHM-1-86 was also examined. Rotarod analysis was performed to monitor motor coordination after LS-1-137 administration. Radioligand binding techniques were used to determine the affinity of LS-1-137 at 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors. LS-1-137 and the sigma-1 receptor antagonists haloperidol and BD 1047 were able to attenuate a DOI-induced HTR, indicating that LS-1-137 was acting in vivo as a sigma-1 receptor antagonist. LS-1-137 did not compromise rotarod performance within a dose range capable of attenuating the effects of DOI. Radioligand binding studies indicate that LS-1-137 exhibits low affinity binding at both 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors. Based upon the results from these and our previous studies, LS-1-137 is a neuroprotective agent that attenuates the murine DOI-induced HTR independent of activity at 5-HT2 receptor subtypes, D2-like dopamine receptors, sigma-2 receptors and NMDA receptors. LS-1-137 appears to act as a sigma-1 receptor antagonist to inhibit the DOI-induced HTR. Therefore, the DOI-induced HTR can be used to assess the in vivo efficacy of sigma-1 receptor selective compounds. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Bacillus subtilis sporulation: regulation of gene expression and control of morphogenesis.

PubMed Central

Errington, J

1993-01-01

Bacillus subtilis sporulation is an adaptive response to nutritional stress and involves the differential development of two cells. In the last 10 years or so, virtually all of the regulatory genes controlling sporulation, and many genes directing the structural and morphological changes that accompany sporulation, have been cloned and characterized. This review describes our current knowledge of the program of gene expression during sporulation and summarizes what is known about the functions of the genes that determine the specialized biochemical and morphological properties of sporulating cells. Most steps in the genetic program are controlled by transcription factors that have been characterized in vitro. Two sporulation-specific sigma factors, sigma E and sigma F, appear to segregate at septation, effectively determining the differential development of the mother cell and prespore. Later, each sigma is replaced by a second cell-specific sigma factor, sigma K in the mother cell and sigma G in the prespore. The synthesis of each sigma factor is tightly regulated at both the transcriptional and posttranslational levels. Usually this regulation involves an intercellular interaction that coordinates the developmental programmes of the two cells. At least two other transcription factors fine tune the timing and levels of expression of genes in the sigma E and sigma K regulons. The controlled synthesis of the sigma factors and other transcription factors leads to a spatially and temporally ordered program of gene expression. The gene products made during each successive stage of sporulation help to bring about a sequence of gross morphological changes and biochemical adaptations. The formation of the asymmetric spore septum, engulfment of the prespore by the mother cell, and formation of the spore core, cortex, and coat are described. The importance of these structures in the development of the resistance, dormancy, and germination properties of the spore is assessed. Images PMID:8464402

A contrast between DEMATEL-ANP and ANP methods for six sigma project selection: a case study in healthcare industry.

PubMed

Ortíz, Miguel A; Felizzola, Heriberto A; Nieto Isaza, Santiago

2015-01-01

The project selection process is a crucial step for healthcare organizations at the moment of implementing six sigma programs in both administrative and caring processes. However, six-sigma project selection is often defined as a decision making process with interaction and feedback between criteria; so that it is necessary to explore different methods to help healthcare companies to determine the Six-sigma projects that provide the maximum benefits. This paper describes the application of both ANP (Analytic Network process) and DEMATEL (Decision Making trial and evaluation laboratory)-ANP in a public medical centre to establish the most suitable six sigma project and finally, these methods were compared to evaluate their performance in the decision making process. ANP and DEMATEL-ANP were used to evaluate 6 six sigma project alternatives under an evaluation model composed by 3 strategies, 4 criteria and 15 sub-criteria. Judgement matrixes were completed by the six sigma team whose participants worked in different departments of the medical centre. The improving of care opportunity in obstetric outpatients was elected as the most suitable six sigma project with a score of 0,117 as contribution to the organization goals. DEMATEL-ANP performed better at decision making process since it reduced the error probability due to interactions and feedback. ANP and DEMATEL-ANP effectively supported six sigma project selection processes, helping to create a complete framework that guarantees the prioritization of projects that provide maximum benefits to healthcare organizations. As DEMATEL- ANP performed better, it should be used by practitioners involved in decisions related to the implementation of six sigma programs in healthcare sector accompanied by the adequate identification of the evaluation criteria that support the decision making model. Thus, this comparative study contributes to choosing more effective approaches in this field. Suggestions of further work are also proposed so that these methods can be applied more adequate in six sigma project selection processes in healthcare.

A contrast between DEMATEL-ANP and ANP methods for six sigma project selection: a case study in healthcare industry

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

Background The project selection process is a crucial step for healthcare organizations at the moment of implementing six sigma programs in both administrative and caring processes. However, six-sigma project selection is often defined as a decision making process with interaction and feedback between criteria; so that it is necessary to explore different methods to help healthcare companies to determine the Six-sigma projects that provide the maximum benefits. This paper describes the application of both ANP (Analytic Network process) and DEMATEL (Decision Making trial and evaluation laboratory)-ANP in a public medical centre to establish the most suitable six sigma project and finally, these methods were compared to evaluate their performance in the decision making process. Methods ANP and DEMATEL-ANP were used to evaluate 6 six sigma project alternatives under an evaluation model composed by 3 strategies, 4 criteria and 15 sub-criteria. Judgement matrixes were completed by the six sigma team whose participants worked in different departments of the medical centre. Results The improving of care opportunity in obstetric outpatients was elected as the most suitable six sigma project with a score of 0,117 as contribution to the organization goals. DEMATEL-ANP performed better at decision making process since it reduced the error probability due to interactions and feedback. Conclusions ANP and DEMATEL-ANP effectively supported six sigma project selection processes, helping to create a complete framework that guarantees the prioritization of projects that provide maximum benefits to healthcare organizations. As DEMATEL- ANP performed better, it should be used by practitioners involved in decisions related to the implementation of six sigma programs in healthcare sector accompanied by the adequate identification of the evaluation criteria that support the decision making model. Thus, this comparative study contributes to choosing more effective approaches in this field. Suggestions of further work are also proposed so that these methods can be applied more adequate in six sigma project selection processes in healthcare. PMID:26391445

Thermo-labile stability of sigmaH (Spo0H) in temperature-sensitive spo0H mutants of Bacillus subtilis can be suppressed by mutations in RNA polymerase beta subunit.

PubMed

Ohashi, Y; Sugimaru, K; Nanamiya, H; Sebata, T; Asai, K; Yoshikawa, H; Kawamura, F

1999-03-18

We isolated novel temperature-sensitive mutants of spo0H, spo0H1 and spo0H5, having E61K and G30E amino-acid substitutions within the sigmaH protein, respectively, and located in the highly conserved region, "2", among prokaryotic sigma factors that participates in binding to core enzyme of RNA polymerase. These mutants showed a sporulation-deficient phenotype at 43 degrees C. Moreover, we successfully isolated suppressor mutants that were spontaneously generated from the spo0H mutants. Our genetic analysis of these suppressor mutations revealed that the suppressor mutations are within the rpoB gene coding for the beta subunit of RNA polymerase. The mutations caused single amino-acid substitutions, E857A and P1055S, in rpoB18 and rpoB532 mutants that were generated from spo0H1 and spo0H5, respectively. Whereas the sigmaH-dependent expression of a spo0A-bgaB fusion was greatly reduced in both spo0H mutants, their expression was partially restored in the suppressor mutants at 43 degrees C. Western blot analysis showed that the level of sigmaH protein in the wild type increased between T0 and T2 and decreased after T3, while the level of sigmaH protein in spo0H mutants was greatly reduced throughout growth, indicating that the mutant sigmaH proteins were rapidly degraded by some unknown proteolytic enzyme(s). The analysis of the half-life of sigmaH protein showed that the short life of sigmaH in spo0H mutants is prolonged in the suppressor mutants. These findings suggest that, at least to some extent, the process of E-sigmaH formation may be involved in stabilization of sigmaH at the onset of sporulation.