Spatial variation of stratospheric aerosol acidity and model refractive index - Implications of recent results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Russell, P. B.; Hamill, P.

1984-01-01

Recent experimental results indicate that little or no solid ammonium sulfate is present in background stratospheric aerosols. Other results allow straightforward calculation of sulfuric acid/water droplet properties (acidity, specific gravity, refractive index) as functions of stratospheric temperature and humidity. These results are combined with a variety of latitudinal and seasonal temperature and humidity profiles to obtain corresponding profiles of droplet properties. These profiles are used to update a previous model of stratospheric aerosol refractive index. The new model retains the simplifying approximation of vertically constant refractive index in the inner stratosphere, but has sulfuric acid/water refractive index values that significantly exceed the previously used room temperature values. Mean conversion ratios (e.g., extinction-to-number, backscatter-to-volume) obtained using Mie scattering calculations with the new refractive indices are very similar to those obtained for the old indices, because the effects of deleting ammonium sulfate and increasing acid indices tend to cancel each other.

Reliability and validity of quantifying absolute muscle hardness using ultrasound elastography.

PubMed

Chino, Kentaro; Akagi, Ryota; Dohi, Michiko; Fukashiro, Senshi; Takahashi, Hideyuki

2012-01-01

Muscle hardness is a mechanical property that represents transverse muscle stiffness. A quantitative method that uses ultrasound elastography for quantifying absolute human muscle hardness has been previously devised; however, its reliability and validity have not been completely verified. This study aimed to verify the reliability and validity of this quantitative method. The Young's moduli of seven tissue-mimicking materials (in vitro; Young's modulus range, 20-80 kPa; increments of 10 kPa) and the human medial gastrocnemius muscle (in vivo) were quantified using ultrasound elastography. On the basis of the strain/Young's modulus ratio of two reference materials, one hard and one soft (Young's moduli of 7 and 30 kPa, respectively), the Young's moduli of the tissue-mimicking materials and medial gastrocnemius muscle were calculated. The intra- and inter-investigator reliability of the method was confirmed on the basis of acceptably low coefficient of variations (≤6.9%) and substantially high intraclass correlation coefficients (≥0.77) obtained from all measurements. The correlation coefficient between the Young's moduli of the tissue-mimicking materials obtained using a mechanical method and ultrasound elastography was 0.996, which was equivalent to values previously obtained using magnetic resonance elastography. The Young's moduli of the medial gastrocnemius muscle obtained using ultrasound elastography were within the range of values previously obtained using magnetic resonance elastography. The reliability and validity of the quantitative method for measuring absolute muscle hardness using ultrasound elastography were thus verified.

Reliability and Validity of Quantifying Absolute Muscle Hardness Using Ultrasound Elastography

PubMed Central

Chino, Kentaro; Akagi, Ryota; Dohi, Michiko; Fukashiro, Senshi; Takahashi, Hideyuki

2012-01-01

Muscle hardness is a mechanical property that represents transverse muscle stiffness. A quantitative method that uses ultrasound elastography for quantifying absolute human muscle hardness has been previously devised; however, its reliability and validity have not been completely verified. This study aimed to verify the reliability and validity of this quantitative method. The Young’s moduli of seven tissue-mimicking materials (in vitro; Young’s modulus range, 20–80 kPa; increments of 10 kPa) and the human medial gastrocnemius muscle (in vivo) were quantified using ultrasound elastography. On the basis of the strain/Young’s modulus ratio of two reference materials, one hard and one soft (Young’s moduli of 7 and 30 kPa, respectively), the Young’s moduli of the tissue-mimicking materials and medial gastrocnemius muscle were calculated. The intra- and inter-investigator reliability of the method was confirmed on the basis of acceptably low coefficient of variations (≤6.9%) and substantially high intraclass correlation coefficients (≥0.77) obtained from all measurements. The correlation coefficient between the Young’s moduli of the tissue-mimicking materials obtained using a mechanical method and ultrasound elastography was 0.996, which was equivalent to values previously obtained using magnetic resonance elastography. The Young’s moduli of the medial gastrocnemius muscle obtained using ultrasound elastography were within the range of values previously obtained using magnetic resonance elastography. The reliability and validity of the quantitative method for measuring absolute muscle hardness using ultrasound elastography were thus verified. PMID:23029231

Inventory and vertical migration of 90Sr fallout and 137Cs/90Sr ratio in Spanish mainland soils.

PubMed

Herranz, M; Romero, L M; Idoeta, R; Olondo, C; Valiño, F; Legarda, F

2011-11-01

In this paper the inventory of (90)Sr in 34 points distributed along the Spanish peninsular territory is presented. Obtained values range between 173 Bq/m(2) and 2047 Bq/m(2). From these data set and those (137)Cs data obtained in a previous work the (137)Cs/(90)Sr activity ratio has been established, laying this value between 0.9 and 3.6. Also the migration depth of both radionuclides has been analysed obtaining for (137)Cs an average value 57% lower than that obtained for (90)Sr. Additionally, this paper presents the results obtained in 11 sampling points in which the activity vertical profile has been measured. These profiles have been analysed to state the behaviour of strontium in soils and after, by using a convective-diffusive model, the parameters of the model which governs the vertical migration of (90)Sr in the soil, v (apparent convection velocity) and D (apparent diffusion coefficient) have been evaluated. Mean values obtained are 0.20 cm/year and 3.67 cm(2)/year, respectively. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Phase portraits analysis of a barothropic system: The initial value problem

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

Kuetche, Victor Kamgang, E-mail: vkuetche@yahoo.fr; Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde I, P.O. Box 812, Yaounde; The Abdus Salam International Center for Theoretical Physics, Strada Costiera 11, 34014 Trieste

2014-05-15

In this paper, we investigate the phase portraits features of a barothropic relaxing medium under pressure perturbations. In the starting point, we show within a third-order of accuracy that the previous system is modeled by a “dissipative” cubic nonlinear evolution equation. Paying particular attention to high-frequency perturbations of the system, we solve the initial value problem of the system both analytically and numerically while unveiling the existence of localized multivalued waveguide channels. Accordingly, we find that the “dissipative” term with a “dissipative” parameter less than some limit value does not destroy the ambiguous solutions. We address some physical implications ofmore » the results obtained previously.« less

Scalar discrete nonlinear multipoint boundary value problems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodriguez, Jesus; Taylor, Padraic

2007-06-01

In this paper we provide sufficient conditions for the existence of solutions to scalar discrete nonlinear multipoint boundary value problems. By allowing more general boundary conditions and by imposing less restrictions on the nonlinearities, we obtain results that extend previous work in the area of discrete boundary value problems [Debra L. Etheridge, Jesus Rodriguez, Periodic solutions of nonlinear discrete-time systems, Appl. Anal. 62 (1996) 119-137; Debra L. Etheridge, Jesus Rodriguez, Scalar discrete nonlinear two-point boundary value problems, J. Difference Equ. Appl. 4 (1998) 127-144].

Response to "Comment on `Water-processed carbon nanotube/graphene hybrids with enhanced field emission properties'" [AIP Advances 8, 039101 (2018)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Meng; Xu, Peng; Song, Yenan; Wang, Xu; Li, Zhenhua; Shang, Xuefu; Wu, Huizhen; Zhao, Pei; Wang, Miao

2018-03-01

In this response, we explain the points mentioned by R. Rani and R. Bhatia in their Comment for our previous paper [AIP Advances 5, 097130 (2015)], that the high value of β obtained in Song et al. [AIP Advances 5, 097130 (2015)] is misleading because it does not corroborate with the obtained Jmax, and the obtained value of Jmax is "low" in the mentioned study as compared to the reported values [J. Appl. Phys. 111, 044307 (2012) & Appl. Phys. Lett. 102, 033102 (2013)]. For the high value of β, the obtained current Jmax is corroborated but such high value is mainly due to the multistage effect when CNTs are deposited on the rough surface of reduced graphene. For the "low" Jmax, although this is true when compared with Sameera et al. [J. Appl. Phys. 111, 044307 (2012) and Appl. Phys. Lett. 102, 033102 (2013)], but we believe that our value is a generally common value when compared with other reports [Diam. Relat. Mater. 47, 1 (2014); J. Alloys Compd. 610, 659 (2014); J. Nanomater. 2013, 5239 (2013)] using the similar method as described in our paper. Therefore, the conclusions from the experimental results on field emission performance of CNT/graphene composite materials in our paper are reliable.

Modern reindeer and mice: revised phosphate-water isotope equations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Longinelli, Antonio; Iacumin, Paola; Davanzo, Silvana; Nikolaev, Vladimir

2003-09-01

The oxygen isotope composition of bone and tooth phosphate of 34 mice specimens ( Pitymus sp., Microtus arvalis and Arvicola terrestris) coming from seven different locations in Italy, Germany and Switzerland was measured by means of well-established techniques. These measurements were carried out with the purpose of establishing quantitative relationships between the δ 18O p from different mice genera and the mean δ 18O w values and to compare these data to previous measurements carried out on various specimens belonging to the genus Apodemus. The three genera studied showed a similar behaviour when compared to the mean δ 18O w values. The slope of the equation calculated for these three genera is significantly different from the slope obtained from Apodemus specimens. Reconsidering the δ 18O w values suggested in the case of Apodemus due to the small number of data available at that time, it seems that these values are too negative by 0.5 to about 1.5‰. If so, the Apodemus equation becomes almost identical to the equation calculated for the new mice values and, consequently, one could conclude that several micromammal genera and species might behave in the same way and obey the same relationship with the mean δ 18O w values. A set of 25 samples of modern reindeer skeletal material from Spitzbergen, Russia and Siberia was also studied with the aim of improving the reindeer isotope equation obtained from a previous study. In fact, the slope of that equation was somehow uncertain due to a rather large range of isotope values obtained from each group of reindeers coming from the same location. The new results confirm such 'anomalous' behaviour already shown by other mammals and probably related to dietary behaviours, water fluxes with the environment and isotopic composition of ingested food and water rather than to imperfect equilibrium conditions with environmental water. However, the equation calculated from both the old and new, statistically more significant, isotope results is not far from the previous one.

Evaluation and validation of the diagnostic value of the apparent diffusion coefficient for differentiating early-stage endometrial carcinomas from benign mimickers at 3T MRI.

PubMed

Wang, Xue; Zhao, Yu; Hu, Yumin; Zhou, Yongjin; Ye, Xinjian; Liu, Kun; Bai, Guanghui; Guo, Anna; Du, Meimei; Jiang, Lezhen; Wang, Jinhong; Yan, Zhihan

2017-07-11

Previous researchers obtained various apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) cutoff values to differentiate endometrial carcinoma from benign mimickers with 1.5T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Few studies have used 3T MRI or validated the effectiveness of these cutoff ADC values prospectively. This study was designed in two stages to obtain a cutoff ADC value at 3T MRI and to validate prospectively the role of the ADC value. First, we conducted a retrospective study of 60 patients to evaluate the diagnostic value of ADC by obtain a theoretical cutoff ADC value for differentiating between benign and malignant endometrial lesions. Student's t test revealed that ADC values for stage I endometrial carcinomas were significantly lower than those for benign lesions. The area under the curve value of the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.993, and the cutoff ADC value was 0.98 × 10-3 mm2/s. The sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy of diagnosing stage I endometrial carcinoma were 100%, 97.1%, and 98.3%, respectively. Second, we conducted a prospective study of 26 patients to validate the use of the cutoff ADC value obtained in the study's first stage. The sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy for differentiating malignant from benign endometrial lesions based on the cutoff ADC value obtained earlier were as follows: radiologist 1 attained 86.67%, 100.0%, and 92.31%, respectively; radiologist 2 attained 86.67%, 91.0%, and 88.5%, respectively. Our results suggest that ADC values could be a potential biomarker for use as a quantitative and qualitative tool for differentiating between early-stage endometrial carcinomas and benign mimickers.

Evaluation and validation of the diagnostic value of the apparent diffusion coefficient for differentiating early-stage endometrial carcinomas from benign mimickers at 3T MRI

PubMed Central

Hu, Yumin; Zhou, Yongjin; Ye, Xinjian; Liu, Kun; Bai, Guanghui; Guo, Anna; Du, Meimei; Jiang, Lezhen

2017-01-01

Previous researchers obtained various apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) cutoff values to differentiate endometrial carcinoma from benign mimickers with 1.5T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Few studies have used 3T MRI or validated the effectiveness of these cutoff ADC values prospectively. This study was designed in two stages to obtain a cutoff ADC value at 3T MRI and to validate prospectively the role of the ADC value. First, we conducted a retrospective study of 60 patients to evaluate the diagnostic value of ADC by obtain a theoretical cutoff ADC value for differentiating between benign and malignant endometrial lesions. Student's t test revealed that ADC values for stage I endometrial carcinomas were significantly lower than those for benign lesions. The area under the curve value of the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.993, and the cutoff ADC value was 0.98 × 10−3 mm2/s. The sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy of diagnosing stage I endometrial carcinoma were 100%, 97.1%, and 98.3%, respectively. Second, we conducted a prospective study of 26 patients to validate the use of the cutoff ADC value obtained in the study's first stage. The sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy for differentiating malignant from benign endometrial lesions based on the cutoff ADC value obtained earlier were as follows: radiologist 1 attained 86.67%, 100.0%, and 92.31%, respectively; radiologist 2 attained 86.67%, 91.0%, and 88.5%, respectively. Our results suggest that ADC values could be a potential biomarker for use as a quantitative and qualitative tool for differentiating between early-stage endometrial carcinomas and benign mimickers. PMID:28634318

Stress concentration in a cylindrical shell containing a circular hole.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adams, N. J. I.

1971-01-01

The state of stress in a cylindrical shell containing a circular cutout was determined for axial tension, torsion, and internal pressure loading. The solution was obtained for the shallow shell equations by a variational method. The results were expressed in terms of a nondimensional curvature parameter which was a function of shell radius, shell thickness, and hole radius. The function chosen for the solution was such that when the radius of the cylindrical shell approaches infinity, the flat-plate solution was obtained. The results are compared with solutions obtained by more rigorous analytical methods, and with some experimental results. For small values of the curvature parameter, the agreement is good. For higher values of the curvature parameter, the present solutions indicate a limiting value of stress concentration, which is in contrast to previous results.

A new registration method with voxel-matching technique for temporal subtraction images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Itai, Yoshinori; Kim, Hyoungseop; Ishikawa, Seiji; Katsuragawa, Shigehiko; Doi, Kunio

2008-03-01

A temporal subtraction image, which is obtained by subtraction of a previous image from a current one, can be used for enhancing interval changes on medical images by removing most of normal structures. One of the important problems in temporal subtraction is that subtraction images commonly include artifacts created by slight differences in the size, shape, and/or location of anatomical structures. In this paper, we developed a new registration method with voxel-matching technique for substantially removing the subtraction artifacts on the temporal subtraction image obtained from multiple-detector computed tomography (MDCT). With this technique, the voxel value in a warped (or non-warped) previous image is replaced by a voxel value within a kernel, such as a small cube centered at a given location, which would be closest (identical or nearly equal) to the voxel value in the corresponding location in the current image. Our new method was examined on 16 clinical cases with MDCT images. Preliminary results indicated that interval changes on the subtraction images were enhanced considerably, with a substantial reduction of misregistration artifacts. The temporal subtraction images obtained by use of the voxel-matching technique would be very useful for radiologists in the detection of interval changes on MDCT images.

Orbital elements of Charon from speckle interferometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beletic, J. W.; Goody, R. M.; Tholen, D. J.

1989-01-01

The semimajor axis and the inclination are the two most important quantities presently determined from 56 well-calibrated speckle-interferometric observations of the position of Charon, which are presented in conjunction with an orbit solution that incorporates them. Both values in the best solution obtained are noted to significantly differ from earlier determinations. The new value for the semimajor axis represents a 2.7 percent increase over the previously accepted value; the mean density of the system, however, remains unaltered.

Strong electromagnetic pulses generated in high-intensity laser-matter interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rączka, P.; Dubois, J.-L.; Hulin, S.; Rosiński, M.; Zaraś-Szydłowska, A.; Badziak, J.

2018-01-01

Results are reported of an experiment performed at the Eclipse laser facility in CELIA, Bordeaux, on the generation of strong electromagnetic pulses. Measurements were performed of the target neutralization current, the total target charge and the tangential component of the magnetic field for the laser energies ranging from 45 mJ to 92 mJ with the pulse duration approximately 40 fs, and for the pulse durations ranging from 39 fs to 1000 fs, with the laser energy approximately 90 mJ. It was found that the values obtained for thick (mm scale) Cu targets are visibly higher than values reported in previous experiments, which is argued to be a manifestation of a strong dependence of the target electric polarization process on the laser contrast and hence on the amount of preplasma. It was also found that values obtained for thin (μm scale) Al foils were visibly higher than values for thick Cu targets, especially for pulse durations longer than 100 fs. The correlations between the total target charge versus the maximum value of the target neutralization current, and the maximum value of the tangential component of the magnetic field versus the total target charge were analysed. They were found to be in very good agreement with correlations seen in data from previous experiments, which provides a good consistency check on our experimental procedures.

Extended Le Chatelier's formula for carbon dioxide dilution effect on flammability limits.

PubMed

Kondo, Shigeo; Takizawa, Kenji; Takahashi, Akifumi; Tokuhashi, Kazuaki

2006-11-02

Carbon dioxide dilution effect on the flammability limits was measured for various flammable gases. The obtained values were analyzed using the extended Le Chatelier's formula developed in a previous study. As a result, it has been found that the flammability limits of methane, propane, propylene, methyl formate, and 1,1-difluoroethane are adequately explained by the extended Le Chatelier's formula using a common set of parameter values. Ethylene, dimethyl ether, and ammonia behave differently from these compounds. The present result is very consistent with what was obtained in the case of nitrogen dilution.

Measurement of the π 0 → e + e - γ Dalitz decay at the Mainz Microtron

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

Adlarson, P.; Afzal, F.; Aguar-Bartolomé, P.

The Dalitz decay π 0 → e +e -γ has been measured in the γp → π 0p reaction with the A2 tagged-photon facility at the Mainz Microtron, MAMI. The value obtained for the slope parameter of the π 0 electromagnetic transition form factor, a π= 0.030 ± 0.010 tot, is in agreement with existing measurements of this decay and with recent theoretical calculations. The uncertainty obtained in the value of a π is lower than in previous results based on the π 0 → e +e -γ decay.

Measurement of the π 0 → e + e - γ Dalitz decay at the Mainz Microtron

DOE PAGES

Adlarson, P.; Afzal, F.; Aguar-Bartolomé, P.; ...

2017-02-09

The Dalitz decay π 0 → e +e -γ has been measured in the γp → π 0p reaction with the A2 tagged-photon facility at the Mainz Microtron, MAMI. The value obtained for the slope parameter of the π 0 electromagnetic transition form factor, a π= 0.030 ± 0.010 tot, is in agreement with existing measurements of this decay and with recent theoretical calculations. The uncertainty obtained in the value of a π is lower than in previous results based on the π 0 → e +e -γ decay.

Electron electric dipole moment and hyperfine interaction constants for ThO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fleig, Timo; Nayak, Malaya K.

2014-06-01

A recently implemented relativistic four-component configuration interaction approach to study P- and T-odd interaction constants in atoms and molecules is employed to determine the electron electric dipole moment effective electric field in the Ω=1 first excited state of the ThO molecule. We obtain a value of Eeff=75.2GV/cm with an estimated error bar of 3% and 10% smaller than a previously reported result (Skripnikov et al., 2013). Using the same wavefunction model we obtain an excitation energy of TvΩ=1=5410 (cm), in accord with the experimental value within 2%. In addition, we report the implementation of the magnetic hyperfine interaction constant A|| as an expectation value, resulting in A||=-1339 (MHz) for the Ω=1 state in ThO. The smaller effective electric field increases the previously determined upper bound (Baron et al., 2014) on the electron electric dipole moment to |de|<9.7×10-29e cm and thus mildly mitigates constraints to possible extensions of the Standard Model of particle physics.

An algorithm to count the number of repeated patient data entries with B tree.

PubMed

Okada, M; Okada, M

1985-04-01

An algorithm to obtain the number of different values that appear a specified number of times in a given data field of a given data file is presented. Basically, a well-known B-tree structure is employed in this study. Some modifications were made to the basic B-tree algorithm. The first step of the modifications is to allow a data item whose values are not necessary distinct from one record to another to be used as a primary key. When a key value is inserted, the number of previous appearances is counted. At the end of all the insertions, the number of key values which are unique in the tree, the number of key values which appear twice, three times, and so forth are obtained. This algorithm is especially powerful for a large size file in disk storage.

Brain Tissue Compartment Density Estimated Using Diffusion-Weighted MRI Yields Tissue Parameters Consistent With Histology

PubMed Central

Sepehrband, Farshid; Clark, Kristi A.; Ullmann, Jeremy F.P.; Kurniawan, Nyoman D.; Leanage, Gayeshika; Reutens, David C.; Yang, Zhengyi

2015-01-01

We examined whether quantitative density measures of cerebral tissue consistent with histology can be obtained from diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). By incorporating prior knowledge of myelin and cell membrane densities, absolute tissue density values were estimated from relative intra-cellular and intra-neurite density values obtained from diffusion MRI. The NODDI (neurite orientation distribution and density imaging) technique, which can be applied clinically, was used. Myelin density estimates were compared with the results of electron and light microscopy in ex vivo mouse brain and with published density estimates in a healthy human brain. In ex vivo mouse brain, estimated myelin densities in different sub-regions of the mouse corpus callosum were almost identical to values obtained from electron microscopy (Diffusion MRI: 42±6%, 36±4% and 43±5%; electron microscopy: 41±10%, 36±8% and 44±12% in genu, body and splenium, respectively). In the human brain, good agreement was observed between estimated fiber density measurements and previously reported values based on electron microscopy. Estimated density values were unaffected by crossing fibers. PMID:26096639

Gradient retention prediction of acid-base analytes in reversed phase liquid chromatography: a simplified approach for acetonitrile-water mobile phases.

PubMed

Andrés, Axel; Rosés, Martí; Bosch, Elisabeth

2014-11-28

In previous work, a two-parameter model to predict chromatographic retention of ionizable analytes in gradient mode was proposed. However, the procedure required some previous experimental work to get a suitable description of the pKa change with the mobile phase composition. In the present study this previous experimental work has been simplified. The analyte pKa values have been calculated through equations whose coefficients vary depending on their functional group. Forced by this new approach, other simplifications regarding the retention of the totally neutral and totally ionized species also had to be performed. After the simplifications were applied, new prediction values were obtained and compared with the previously acquired experimental data. The simplified model gave pretty good predictions while saving a significant amount of time and resources. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

An iterative procedure for obtaining maximum-likelihood estimates of the parameters for a mixture of normal distributions, Addendum

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Peters, B. C., Jr.; Walker, H. F.

1975-01-01

New results and insights concerning a previously published iterative procedure for obtaining maximum-likelihood estimates of the parameters for a mixture of normal distributions were discussed. It was shown that the procedure converges locally to the consistent maximum likelihood estimate as long as a specified parameter is bounded between two limits. Bound values were given to yield optimal local convergence.

Plasma Glucose Levels for Red Drum Sciaenops Ocellatus in a Florida Estuarine Fisheries Reserve

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bourtis, Carla M.; Francis-Floyd, Ruth; Boggs, Ashley S P.; Reyier, Eric A.; Stolen, Eric D.; Yanong, Roy P.; Guillette, Louis J., Jr.

2015-01-01

Despite the significant value of the southeastern United States' red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) fishery, there is a lack of clinical blood chemistry data. This was the first study to assess plasma glucose values as an indicator of stress response to evaluate variation and the effect of reproductive activity for wild adult red drum in Florida. Red drum (n=126) were collected from NASA's Kennedy Space Center waters during three reproductive periods in 2011. Samples were obtained from the branchial vessels of the gill arch. Plasma glucose levels were significantly different among reproductive periods, with the highest mean values recorded during the spawning period, September- October (38.23 mg / dL +/- 10.0). The glucose range was 17 - 69 mg / dL. Glucose values were lower during all three periods than previous values recorded for cultured or captive red drum studies. This may indicate that fish from this population were under less stress than other populations previously sampled.

Pavlovian reward learning underlies value driven attentional capture.

PubMed

Bucker, Berno; Theeuwes, Jan

2017-02-01

Recent evidence shows that distractors that signal high compared to low reward availability elicit stronger attentional capture, even when this is detrimental for task-performance. This suggests that simply correlating stimuli with reward administration, rather than their instrumental relationship with obtaining reward, produces value-driven attentional capture. However, in previous studies, reward delivery was never response independent, as only correct responses were rewarded, nor was it completely task-irrelevant, as the distractor signaled the magnitude of reward that could be earned on that trial. In two experiments, we ensured that associative reward learning was completely response independent by letting participants perform a task at fixation, while high and low rewards were automatically administered following the presentation of task-irrelevant colored stimuli in the periphery (Experiment 1) or at fixation (Experiment 2). In a following non-reward test phase, using the additional singleton paradigm, the previously reward signaling stimuli were presented as distractors to assess truly task-irrelevant value driven attentional capture. The results showed that high compared to low reward-value associated distractors impaired performance, and thus captured attention more strongly. This suggests that genuine Pavlovian conditioning of stimulus-reward contingencies is sufficient to obtain value-driven attentional capture. Furthermore, value-driven attentional capture can occur following associative reward learning of temporally and spatially task-irrelevant distractors that signal the magnitude of available reward (Experiment 1), and is independent of training spatial shifts of attention towards the reward signaling stimuli (Experiment 2). This confirms and strengthens the idea that Pavlovian reward learning underlies value driven attentional capture.

Denoising by coupled partial differential equations and extracting phase by backpropagation neural networks for electronic speckle pattern interferometry.

PubMed

Tang, Chen; Lu, Wenjing; Chen, Song; Zhang, Zhen; Li, Botao; Wang, Wenping; Han, Lin

2007-10-20

We extend and refine previous work [Appl. Opt. 46, 2907 (2007)]. Combining the coupled nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs) denoising model with the ordinary differential equations enhancement method, we propose the new denoising and enhancing model for electronic speckle pattern interferometry (ESPI) fringe patterns. Meanwhile, we propose the backpropagation neural networks (BPNN) method to obtain unwrapped phase values based on a skeleton map instead of traditional interpolations. We test the introduced methods on the computer-simulated speckle ESPI fringe patterns and experimentally obtained fringe pattern, respectively. The experimental results show that the coupled nonlinear PDEs denoising model is capable of effectively removing noise, and the unwrapped phase values obtained by the BPNN method are much more accurate than those obtained by the well-known traditional interpolation. In addition, the accuracy of the BPNN method is adjustable by changing the parameters of networks such as the number of neurons.

Effect of blockage ratio on drag and pressure distributions for bodies of revolution at transonic speeds

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Couch, L. M.; Brooks, C. W., Jr.

1973-01-01

Experimental data were obtained in two wind tunnels for 13 models over a Mach number range from 0.70 to 1.02. Effects of increasing test-section blockage ratio in the transonic region near a Mach number of 1.0 included change in the shape of the drag curves, premature drag creep, delayed drag divergence, and a positive increment of pressures on the model afterbodies. Effects of wall interference were apparent in the data even for a change in blockage ratio from a very low 0.000343 to an even lower 0.000170. Therefore, models having values of blockage ratio of 0.0003 - an order of magnitude below the previously considered safe value of 0.0050 - had significant errors in the drag-coefficient values obtained at speeds near a Mach number of 1.0. Furthermore, the flow relief afforded by slots or perforations in test-section walls - designed according to previously accepted criteria for interference-free subsonic flow - does not appear to be sufficient to avoid significant interference of the walls with the model flow field for Mach numbers very close to 1.0.

Decree-Law No. 199/88, 31 May 1988.

PubMed

1988-01-01

This Decree-Law establishes criteria for the determination of final compensation for expropriation or nationalization of land or agricultural capital. The lack of legal definition of criteria for the determination of such final compensation was a gap in recent Portuguese legislation on land reform. Although the holdings of many landlords and farmers had been nationalized or expropriated after 11 March 1975, the compensation obtained prior to the enactment of this Decree-Law was provisional and reflected outdated values. This Decree-Law closes this gap by establishing the criteria for the determination of final compensation with adjusted value. Under it, any farmer whose land or capital has been nationalized or expropriated since March 1975 may apply for final compensation, from which shall be deducted the value of any provisional compensation previously obtained and any property previously devolved as a "right of reserve" pursuant to pertinent legislation (see Law No. 109/88 of 26 September 1988 and Decree No. 44/88 of 14 December 1988). The final compensation shall be determined by administrative procedure in which the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food; the Ministry of Finance; and the applicant are represented. full text

Attempt to model laboratory-scale diffusion and retardation data.

PubMed

Hölttä, P; Siitari-Kauppi, M; Hakanen, M; Tukiainen, V

2001-02-01

Different approaches for measuring the interaction between radionuclides and rock matrix are needed to test the compatibility of experimental retardation parameters and transport models used in assessing the safety of the underground repositories for the spent nuclear fuel. In this work, the retardation of sodium, calcium and strontium was studied on mica gneiss, unaltered, moderately altered and strongly altered tonalite using dynamic fracture column method. In-diffusion of calcium into rock cubes was determined to predict retardation in columns. In-diffusion of calcium into moderately and strongly altered tonalite was interpreted using a numerical code FTRANS. The code was able to interprete in-diffusion of weakly sorbing calcium into the saturated porous matrix. Elution curves of calcium for the moderately and strongly altered tonalite fracture columns were explained adequately using FTRANS code and parameters obtained from in-diffusion calculations. In this paper, mass distribution ratio values of sodium, calcium and strontium for intact rock are compared to values, previously obtained for crushed rock from batch and crushed rock column experiments. Kd values obtained from fracture column experiments were one order of magnitude lower than Kd values from batch experiments.

The Easy Way of Finding Parameters in IBM (EWofFP-IBM)

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

Turkan, Nureddin

E2/M1 multipole mixing ratios of even-even nuclei in transitional region can be calculated as soon as B(E2) and B(M1) values by using the PHINT and/or NP-BOS codes. The correct calculations of energies must be obtained to produce such calculations. Also, the correct parameter values are needed to calculate the energies. The logic of the codes is based on the mathematical and physical Statements describing interacting boson model (IBM) which is one of the model of nuclear structure physics. Here, the big problem is to find the best fitted parameters values of the model. So, by using the Easy Way ofmore » Finding Parameters in IBM (EWofFP-IBM), the best parameter values of IBM Hamiltonian for {sup 102-110}Pd and {sup 102-110}Ru isotopes were firstly obtained and then the energies were calculated. At the end, it was seen that the calculated results are in good agreement with the experimental ones. In addition, it was carried out that the presented energy values obtained by using the EWofFP-IBM are dominantly better than the previous theoretical data.« less

The Hubbard Model and Piezoresistivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Celebonovic, V.; Nikolic, M. G.

2018-02-01

Piezoresistivity was discovered in the nineteenth century. Numerous applications of this phenomenon exist nowadays. The aim of the present paper is to explore the possibility of applying the Hubbard model to theoretical work on piezoresistivity. Results are encouraging, in the sense that numerical values of the strain gauge obtained by using the Hubbard model agree with results obtained by other methods. The calculation is simplified by the fact that it uses results for the electrical conductivity of 1D systems previously obtained within the Hubbard model by one of the present authors.

Photocurrent Cancellation Due to Barrier Asymmetry in GaAs/AlGaAs Heterostructure Infrared Detectors

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-05-01

with previous work published on QWIP current mechanisms. The Barrier Workfunction and Collection Efficiency give the relevant values obtained by using...infrared photodetectors ( QWIPs ,) multiple quantum well (MQW,) and superlattice structures. 15 2.5.1 Heterojunction Interfacial Workfunction Internal...for aluminum fractions of x = 0.28, 0.37, and 0.57, respectively. Similar results were found previously14 by Tsai et. al. in GaAs/AlGaAs QWIPs

Celestial mechanics experiment.

PubMed

Anderson, J D; Pease, G E; Efron, L; Tausworthe, R C

1967-12-29

Equipment on Mariner V has yielded values for the masses of Moon and Venus more accurate than any previously reported. Range and Doppler radio tracking data necessary for precise space navigation of the spacecraft from Earth to Venus can also be used to obtain data on the orbits of Earth and Venus.

Henry's law constants of polyols

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Compernolle, S.; Müller, J.-F.

2014-12-01

Henry's law constants (HLC) are derived for several polyols bearing between 2 and 6 hydroxyl groups, based on literature data for water activity, vapour pressure and/or solubility. While deriving HLC and depending on the case, also infinite dilution activity coefficients (IDACs), solid state vapour pressures or activity coefficient ratios are obtained as intermediate results. An error analysis on the intermediate quantities and the obtained HLC is included. For most compounds, these are the first values reported, while others compare favourably with literature data in most cases. Using these values and those from a previous work (Compernolle and Müller, 2014), an assessment is made on the partitioning of polyols, diacids and hydroxy acids to droplet and aqueous aerosol.

Air Pollution Potential from Electroplating Operations.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Diamond, Philip

Measurements were made of emission rates from electroplating operations considered to have maximum air pollution potential. Sampling was performed at McClellan and additional data from a previous survey at Hill Air Force Base was used. Values obtained were extremely low. Based on existing Federal standards, no collectors are specifically required…

Ion chromatography separation of cotton surface melezitose and raffinose: entomological vs. plant sugars

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

According to previous studies, certain levels of the carbohydrates melezitose and trehalulose deposited on the surface of cotton are indicative of either whitefly or aphid contamination, which may cause problems during cotton processing. Obtaining reliable IC values for those surface sugars is para...

Recovery of singularities from a backscattering Born approximation for a biharmonic operator in 3D

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tyni, Teemu

2018-04-01

We consider a backscattering Born approximation for a perturbed biharmonic operator in three space dimensions. Previous results on this approach for biharmonic operator use the fact that the coefficients are real-valued to obtain the reconstruction of singularities in the coefficients. In this text we drop the assumption about real-valued coefficients and also establish the recovery of singularities for complex coefficients. The proof uses mapping properties of the Radon transform.

Olfactory Threshold of Chlorine in Oxygen.

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-09-01

The odor threshold of chlorine in oxygen was determined. Measurements were conducted in an altitude chamber, which provided an odor-free and noise...free background. Human male volunteers, with no previous olfactory acuity testing experience, served as panelists. Threshold values were affected by...time intervals between trials and by age differences. The mean threshold value for 11 subjects was 0.08 ppm obtained by positive responses to the lowest detectable level of chlorine in oxygen, 50% of the time. (Author)

VHDL-AMS modelling and simulation of a planar electrostatic micromotor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Endemaño, A.; Fourniols, J. Y.; Camon, H.; Marchese, A.; Muratet, S.; Bony, F.; Dunnigan, M.; Desmulliez, M. P. Y.; Overton, G.

2003-09-01

System level simulation results of a planar electrostatic micromotor, based on analytical models of the static and dynamic torque behaviours, are presented. A planar variable capacitance (VC) electrostatic micromotor designed, fabricated and tested at LAAS (Toulouse) in 1995 is simulated using the high level language VHDL-AMS (VHSIC (very high speed integrated circuits) hardware description language-analog mixed signal). The analytical torque model is obtained by first calculating the overlaps and capacitances between different electrodes based on a conformal mapping transformation. Capacitance values in the order of 10-16 F and torque values in the order of 10-11 N m have been calculated in agreement with previous measurements and simulations from this type of motor. A dynamic model has been developed for the motor by calculating the inertia coefficient and estimating the friction-coefficient-based values calculated previously for other similar devices. Starting voltage results obtained from experimental measurement are in good agreement with our proposed simulation model. Simulation results of starting voltage values, step response, switching response and continuous operation of the micromotor, based on the dynamic model of the torque, are also presented. Four VHDL-AMS blocks were created, validated and simulated for power supply, excitation control, micromotor torque creation and micromotor dynamics. These blocks can be considered as the initial phase towards the creation of intellectual property (IP) blocks for microsystems in general and electrostatic micromotors in particular.

Estimation of skin entrance doses (SEDs) for common medical X-ray diagnostic examinations in India and proposed diagnostic reference levels (DRLs).

PubMed

Sonawane, A U; Shirva, V K; Pradhan, A S

2010-02-01

Skin entrance doses (SEDs) were estimated by carrying out measurements of air kerma from 101 X-ray machines installed in 45 major and selected hospitals in the country by using a silicon detector-based dose Test-O-Meter. 1209 number of air kerma measurements of diagnostic projections for adults have been analysed for seven types of common diagnostic examinations, viz. chest (AP, PA, LAT), lumbar spine (AP, LAT), thoracic spine (AP, LAT), abdomen (AP), pelvis (AP), hip joints (AP) and skull (PA, LAT) for different film-screen combinations. The values of estimated diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) (third quartile values of SEDs) were compared with guidance levels/DRLs of doses published by the IAEA-BSS-Safety Series No. 115, 1996; HPA (NRPB) (2000 and 2005), UK; CRCPD/CDRH (USA), European Commission and other national values. The values of DRLs obtained in this study are comparable with the values published by the IAEA-BSS-115 (1996); HPA (NRPB) (2000 and 2005) UK; EC and CRCPD/CDRH, USA including values obtained in previous studies in India.

Grunwald-Winstein Analysis - Isopropyl Chloroformate Solvolysis Revisited

PubMed Central

D’Souza, Malcolm J.; Reed, Darneisha N.; Erdman, Kevin J.; Kyong, Jin Burm; Kevill, Dennis N.

2009-01-01

Specific rates of solvolysis at 25 °C for isopropyl chloroformate (1) in 24 solvents of widely varying nucleophilicity and ionizing power, plus literature values for studies in water and formic acid, are reported. Previously published solvolytic rate constants at 40.0 °C are supplemented with two additional values in the highly ionizing fluoroalcohols. These rates are now are analyzed using the one and two-term Grunwald-Winstein Equations. In the more ionizing solvents including ten fluoroalcohols negligible sensitivities towards changes in solvent nucleophilicity (l) and very low sensitivities towards changes in solvent ionizing power (m) values are obtained, evocative to those previously observed for 1-adamantyl and 2-adamantyl chloroformates 2 and 3. These observations are rationalized in terms of a dominant solvolysis-decomposition with loss of the CO2 molecule. In nine of the more nucleophilic pure alchohols and aqueous solutions an association-dissociation mechanism is believed to be operative. Deficiencies in the acid production indicate 2-33% isopropyl chloride formation, with the higher values in less nucleophilic solvents. PMID:19399225

Sensitivity of solar-cell performance to atmospheric variables. 1: Single cell

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Klucher, T. M.

1976-01-01

The short circuit current of a typical silicon solar cell under direct solar radiation was measured for a range of turbidity, water vapor content, and air mass to determine the relation of the solar cell calibration value (current-to-intensity ratio) to those atmospheric variables. A previously developed regression equation was modified to describe the relation between calibration value, turbidity, water vapor content, and air mass. Based on the value of the constants obtained by a least squares fit of the data to the equation, it was found that turbidity lowers the value, while increase in water vapor increases the calibration value. Cell calibration values exhibited a change of about 6% over the range of atmospheric conditions experienced.

Scalability of a Methodology for Generating Technical Trading Rules with GAPs Based on Risk-Return Adjustment and Incremental Training

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de La Cal, E. A.; Fernández, E. M.; Quiroga, R.; Villar, J. R.; Sedano, J.

In previous works a methodology was defined, based on the design of a genetic algorithm GAP and an incremental training technique adapted to the learning of series of stock market values. The GAP technique consists in a fusion of GP and GA. The GAP algorithm implements the automatic search for crisp trading rules taking as objectives of the training both the optimization of the return obtained and the minimization of the assumed risk. Applying the proposed methodology, rules have been obtained for a period of eight years of the S&P500 index. The achieved adjustment of the relation return-risk has generated rules with returns very superior in the testing period to those obtained applying habitual methodologies and even clearly superior to Buy&Hold. This work probes that the proposed methodology is valid for different assets in a different market than previous work.

Absolute 1* quantum yields for the ICN A state by diode laser gain versus absorption spectroscopy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hess, Wayne P.; Leone, Stephen R.

1987-01-01

Absolute I* quantum yields were measured as a function of wavelength for room temperature photodissociation of the ICN A state continuum. The temperature yields are obtained by the technique of time-resolved diode laser gain-versus-absorption spectroscopy. Quantum yields are evaluated at seven wavelengths from 248 to 284 nm. The yield at 266 nm is 66.0 +/- 2% and it falls off to 53.4 +/- 2% and 44.0 +/- 4% at 284 and 248 respectively. The latter values are significantly higher than those obtained by previous workers using infrared fluorescence. Estimates of I* quantum yields obtained from analysis of CN photofragment rotational distributions, as discussed by other workers, are in good agreement with the I* yields. The results are considered in conjunction with recent theoretical and experimental work on the CN rotational distributions and with previous I* yield results.

Electrical properties of lunar soil dependence on frequency, temperature and moisture.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Strangway, D. W.; Chapman, W. B.; Olhoeft, G. R.; Carnes, J.

1972-01-01

It was found that the dielectric constant and loss tangent of lunar soil samples in the range from 100 Hz to 1 MHz are not strongly dependent on frequency provided care is taken to avoid exposure of the sample to atmospheric air containing moisture. The loss tangent value obtained is lower by nearly a factor 10 than any previously reported value. The measurement data imply that the surface layers of the moon are probably extremely transparent to radiowaves.

Sensitivity and specificity of blood leukocyte counts as an indicator of mortality in horses after colic surgery.

PubMed

Salciccia, A; Sandersen, C; Grulke, S; de la Rebière de Pouyade, G; Caudron, I; Serteyn, D; Detilleux, J

2013-09-21

The objectives of this study were to describe and relate perioperative changes in blood leukocyte counts to the outcome of surgical colic horses, determine a cut-off value in the early postoperative period to obtain an indicator of the outcome, and compare the obtained value to a validation population of horses. Fifty-three horses undergoing colic surgery were included in the descriptive part of the study. Total leukocyte counts were performed before, during and serially after surgery. A receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed on the leukocyte counts of 45 of these horses to determine a cut-off value for the outcome. The results obtained were validated on a second set of 50 horses that underwent colic surgery in similar conditions. The kinetics of blood leukocytes in survivors was higher than in non-survivors during the first days. Non-survivor horses were more likely to have at least one blood leukocyte count ≤ 3.9 × 10(3)/mm(3) between 28 and 60 hours after surgery than survivor horses. This cut-off value was confirmed in the validation population. These results suggest that routine values of blood leukocyte counts can be used as an additional prognostic indicator after colic surgery alongside other predictors previously associated with the outcome.

Kinetic measurement of 2-aminopurine X cytosine and 2-aminopurine X thymine base pairs as a test of DNA polymerase fidelity mechanisms.

PubMed Central

Watanabe, S M; Goodman, M F

1982-01-01

Enzyme kinetic measurements are presented showing that Km rather than maximum velocity (Vmax) discrimination governs the frequency of forming 2-aminopurine X cytosine base mispairs by DNA polymerase alpha. An in vitro system is used in which incorporation of dTMP or dCMP occurs opposite a template 2-aminopurine, and values for Km and Vmax are obtained. Results from a previous study in which dTTP and dCTP were competing simultaneously for insertion opposite 2-aminopurine indicated that dTMP is inserted 22 times more frequently than dCMP. We now report that the ratio of Km values KCm/KTm = 25 +/- 6, which agrees quantitatively with the dTMP/dCMP incorporation ratio obtained previously. We also report that VCmax is indistinguishable from VTmax. These Km and Vmax data are consistent with predictions from a model, the Km discrimination model, in which replication fidelity is determined by free energy differences between matched and mismatched base pairs. Central to this model is the prediction that the ratio of Km values for insertion of correct and incorrect nucleotides specifies the insertion fidelity, and the maximum velocities of insertion are the same for both nucleotides. PMID:6959128

Computer-aided interpretation approach for optical tomographic images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klose, Christian D.; Klose, Alexander D.; Netz, Uwe J.; Scheel, Alexander K.; Beuthan, Jürgen; Hielscher, Andreas H.

2010-11-01

A computer-aided interpretation approach is proposed to detect rheumatic arthritis (RA) in human finger joints using optical tomographic images. The image interpretation method employs a classification algorithm that makes use of a so-called self-organizing mapping scheme to classify fingers as either affected or unaffected by RA. Unlike in previous studies, this allows for combining multiple image features, such as minimum and maximum values of the absorption coefficient for identifying affected and not affected joints. Classification performances obtained by the proposed method were evaluated in terms of sensitivity, specificity, Youden index, and mutual information. Different methods (i.e., clinical diagnostics, ultrasound imaging, magnet resonance imaging, and inspection of optical tomographic images), were used to produce ground truth benchmarks to determine the performance of image interpretations. Using data from 100 finger joints, findings suggest that some parameter combinations lead to higher sensitivities, while others to higher specificities when compared to single parameter classifications employed in previous studies. Maximum performances are reached when combining the minimum/maximum ratio of the absorption coefficient and image variance. In this case, sensitivities and specificities over 0.9 can be achieved. These values are much higher than values obtained when only single parameter classifications were used, where sensitivities and specificities remained well below 0.8.

Experimental Investigations of the Internal Energy of Molecules Evaporated via Laser-induced Acoustic Desorption into a Fourier-transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometer (LIAD/FT-ICR)

PubMed Central

Shea, Ryan C.; Petzold, Christopher J.; Liu, Ji-ang; Kenttämaa, Hilkka I.

2008-01-01

The internal energy of neutral gas-phase organic and biomolecules, evaporated by means of laser-induced acoustic desorption (LIAD) into a Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer (FT-ICR), was investigated through several experimental approaches. The desorbed molecules were demonstrated not to undergo degradation during the desorption process by collecting LIAD-evaporated molecules and subjecting them to analysis by electrospray ionization/quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometry. Previously established gas-phase basicity (GB) values were remeasured for LIAD-evaporated organic molecules and biomolecules with the use of the bracketing method. No endothermic reactions were observed. The remeasured basicity values are in close agreement with the values reported in the literature. The amount of internal energy deposited during LIAD is concluded to be less than a few kcal/mol. Chemical ionization with a series of proton transfer reagents was employed to obtain a breakdown curve for a protonated dipeptide, val-pro, evaporated by LIAD. Comparison of this breakdown curve with a previously published analogous curve obtained by using substrate-assisted laser desorption (SALD) to evaporate the peptide suggests that the molecules evaporated via LIAD have less internal energy than those evaporated via SALD. PMID:17263513

Status of linear boundary-layer stability and the e to the nth method, with emphasis on swept-wing applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hefner, J. N.; Bushnell, D. M.

1980-01-01

The-state-of-the-art for the application of linear stability theory and the e to the nth power method for transition prediction and laminar flow control design are summarized, with analyses of previously published low disturbance, swept wing data presented. For any set of transition data with similar stream distrubance levels and spectra, the e to the nth power method for estimating the beginning of transition works reasonably well; however, the value of n can vary significantly, depending upon variations in disturbance field or receptivity. Where disturbance levels are high, the values of n are appreciably below the usual average value of 9 to 10 obtained for relatively low disturbance levels. It is recommended that the design of laminar flow control systems be based on conservative estimates of n and that, in considering the values of n obtained from different analytical approaches or investigations, the designer explore the various assumptions which entered into the analyses.

Why I Believe I Achieve Determines Whether I Achieve

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Siegle, Del; McCoach, D. Betsy; Roberts, Anne

2017-01-01

The beliefs and values students hold toward themselves, given tasks, and achievement itself can influence what tasks students seek, and whether they are able to obtain them. On the basis of previous research on underachievement and motivation, we developed the Achievement Orientation Model (AOM) to explore the issue of student achievement. The…

RESPIRATION AND GEOTROPISM IN VICIA FABA. I

PubMed Central

Navez, A. E.

1929-01-01

In this paper there are given the results of a study of the relation of respiration to temperature, in seedlings of Vicia faba, and of the onset of geotropic response. It is shown that with due care and very accurate control of temperature constancy, one can get constant excretion of CO2 even over fairly long periods. The treatment of the experimental data shows that the Q 10 ratio is of course a valueless "constant," as it is variable; but that the figure obtained for µ, the temperature characteristic (critical thermal increment), 16,250, is perfectly consistent with the values previously obtained for µ in respiratory oxidative processes in similar material. New data on the reaction time for the root of Vicia faba seedlings excited geotropically are given also. The study of the dependence of this time relation on temperature shows µ = 16,110, agreeing quantitatively with the value deduced previously from the relevant data of earlier investigators (Crozier, 1924). This points to the importance of some respiratory oxidative process as the agency controlling the onset of geotropic curvature. PMID:19872489

Determination of the Boltzmann constant with cylindrical acoustic gas thermometry: new and previous results combined

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, X. J.; Zhang, J. T.; Lin, H.; Gillis, K. A.; Mehl, J. B.; Moldover, M. R.; Zhang, K.; Duan, Y. N.

2017-10-01

We report a new determination of the Boltzmann constant k B using a cylindrical acoustic gas thermometer. We determined the length of the copper cavity from measurements of its microwave resonance frequencies. This contrasts with our previous work (Zhang et al 2011 Int. J. Thermophys. 32 1297, Lin et al 2013 Metrologia 50 417, Feng et al 2015 Metrologia 52 S343) that determined the length of a different cavity using two-color optical interferometry. In this new study, the half-widths of the acoustic resonances are closer to their theoretical values than in our previous work. Despite significant changes in resonator design and the way in which the cylinder length is determined, the value of k B is substantially unchanged. We combined this result with our four previous results to calculate a global weighted mean of our k B determinations. The calculation follows CODATA’s method (Mohr and Taylor 2000 Rev. Mod. Phys. 72 351) for obtaining the weighted mean value of k B that accounts for the correlations among the measured quantities in this work and in our four previous determinations of k B. The weighted mean {{\\boldsymbol{\\hat{k}}}{B}} is 1.380 6484(28)  ×  10-23 J K-1 with the relative standard uncertainty of 2.0  ×  10-6. The corresponding value of the universal gas constant is 8.314 459(17) J K-1 mol-1 with the relative standard uncertainty of 2.0  ×  10-6.

Preprocessing with image denoising and histogram equalization for endoscopy image analysis using texture analysis.

PubMed

Hiroyasu, Tomoyuki; Hayashinuma, Katsutoshi; Ichikawa, Hiroshi; Yagi, Nobuaki

2015-08-01

A preprocessing method for endoscopy image analysis using texture analysis is proposed. In a previous study, we proposed a feature value that combines a co-occurrence matrix and a run-length matrix to analyze the extent of early gastric cancer from images taken with narrow-band imaging endoscopy. However, the obtained feature value does not identify lesion zones correctly due to the influence of noise and halation. Therefore, we propose a new preprocessing method with a non-local means filter for de-noising and contrast limited adaptive histogram equalization. We have confirmed that the pattern of gastric mucosa in images can be improved by the proposed method. Furthermore, the lesion zone is shown more correctly by the obtained color map.

Summary and evaluation of hydraulic property data available for the Hanford Site upper basalt confined aquifer system

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

Spane, F.A. Jr.; Vermeul, V.R.

Pacific Northwest Laboratory, as part of the Hanford Site Ground-Water Surveillance Project, examines the potential for offsite migration of contamination within the upper basalt confined aquifer system. For the past 40 years, hydrologic testing of the upper basalt confined aquifer has been conducted by a number of Hanford Site programs. Hydraulic property estimates are important for evaluating aquifer flow characteristics (i.e., ground-water flow patterns, flow velocity, transport travel time). Presented are the first comprehensive Hanford Site-wide summary of hydraulic properties for the upper basalt confined aquifer system (i.e., the upper Saddle Mountains Basalt). Available hydrologic test data were reevaluated usingmore » recently developed diagnostic test analysis methods. A comparison of calculated transmissivity estimates indicates that, for most test results, a general correspondence within a factor of two between reanalysis and previously reported test values was obtained. For a majority of the tests, previously reported values are greater than reanalysis estimates. This overestimation is attributed to a number of factors, including, in many cases, a misapplication of nonleaky confined aquifer analysis methods in previous analysis reports to tests that exhibit leaky confined aquifer response behavior. Results of the test analyses indicate a similar range for transmissivity values for the various hydro-geologic units making up the upper basalt confined aquifer. Approximately 90% of the calculated transmissivity values for upper basalt confined aquifer hydrogeologic units occur within the range of 10{sup 0} to 10{sup 2} m{sup 2}/d, with 65% of the calculated estimate values occurring between 10{sup 1} to 10{sup 2} m{sup 2}d. These summary findings are consistent with the general range of values previously reported for basalt interflow contact zones and sedimentary interbeds within the Saddle Mountains Basalt.« less

Interaction of evaporating and condensing particles in the free-molecular regime

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kogan, M. N.; Bobrov, I. N.; Cercignani, C.; Frezzotti, A.

1995-07-01

In a previous paper it was shown that repulsive/attractive forces arise between evaporating/ condensing particles in the free-molecular regime. Here we obtain explicit expressions for these forces in the case of spherical particles with equal temperatures. The temperature of the surrounding vapor is, generally speaking, different from that of the particles. Numerical results are obtained for different values of the ratios between particle and vapor temperatures and pressures, of the particles radii and of the evaporation coefficients. In the case when the evaporation coefficient equals unity, an exact expression is obtained for the force between particles of different radii. A simple model describing coagulation processes and taking the above-mentioned forces into account is proposed. It is shown that for large values of the vapor supersaturation, the influence of these forces on the coagulation rate may be very pronounced.

Analysis of Meteorological Data Obtained During Flight in a Supercooled Stratiform Cloud of High Liquid-Water Content

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Perkins, Porter J.; Kline, Dwight B.

1951-01-01

Flight icing-rate data obtained in a dense and. abnormally deep supercooled stratiform cloud system indicated the existence of liquid-water contents generally exceeding values in amount and extent previously reported over the midwestern sections of the United States. Additional information obtained during descent through a part of the cloud system indicated liquid-water contents that significantly exceeded theoretical values, especially near the middle of the cloud layer.. The growth of cloud droplets to sizes that resulted in sedimentation from the upper portions of the cloud is considered to be a possible cause of the high water contents near the center of the cloud layer. Flight measurements of the vertical temperature distribution in the cloud layer indicated a rate of change of temperature with altitude exceeding that of the moist adiabatic lapse rate. This excessive rate of change is considered to have contributed to the severity of the condition.

Long Chain Saturated and Unsaturated Carboxylic Acids: Filling a Large Gap of Knowledge in Their Enthalpies of Formation.

PubMed

Rogers, Donald W; Zavitsas, Andreas A

2017-01-06

Despite their abundance in nature and their importance in biology, medicine, nutrition, and in industry, gas phase enthalpies of formation of many long chain saturated and unsaturated fatty acids and of dicarboxylic acids are either unavailable or have been estimated with large uncertainties. Available experimental values for stearic acid show a spread of 68 kJ mol -1 . This work fills the knowledge gap by obtaining reliable values by quantum theoretical calculations using G4 model chemistry. Compounds with up to 20 carbon atoms are treated. The theoretical results are in excellent agreement with well established experimental values when such values exist, and they provide a large number of previously unavailable values.

Synchronization stability of memristor-based complex-valued neural networks with time delays.

PubMed

Liu, Dan; Zhu, Song; Ye, Er

2017-12-01

This paper focuses on the dynamical property of a class of memristor-based complex-valued neural networks (MCVNNs) with time delays. By constructing the appropriate Lyapunov functional and utilizing the inequality technique, sufficient conditions are proposed to guarantee exponential synchronization of the coupled systems based on drive-response concept. The proposed results are very easy to verify, and they also extend some previous related works on memristor-based real-valued neural networks. Meanwhile, the obtained sufficient conditions of this paper may be conducive to qualitative analysis of some complex-valued nonlinear delayed systems. A numerical example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of our theoretical results. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Adaptive exponential synchronization of complex-valued Cohen-Grossberg neural networks with known and unknown parameters.

PubMed

Hu, Jin; Zeng, Chunna

2017-02-01

The complex-valued Cohen-Grossberg neural network is a special kind of complex-valued neural network. In this paper, the synchronization problem of a class of complex-valued Cohen-Grossberg neural networks with known and unknown parameters is investigated. By using Lyapunov functionals and the adaptive control method based on parameter identification, some adaptive feedback schemes are proposed to achieve synchronization exponentially between the drive and response systems. The results obtained in this paper have extended and improved some previous works on adaptive synchronization of Cohen-Grossberg neural networks. Finally, two numerical examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the theoretical results. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of the 1077 keV γ-ray emission probability from 68Ga decay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Xiao-Long; Jiang, Li-Yang; Chen, Xiong-Jun; Chen, Guo-Chang

2014-04-01

68Ga decays to the excited states of 68Zn through the electron capture decay mode. New recommended values for the emission probability of 1077 keV γ-ray given by the ENSDF and DDEP databases all use data from absolute measurements. In 2011, JIANG Li-Yang deduced a new value for 1077 keV γ-ray emission probability by measuring the 69Ga(n,2n) 68Ga reaction cross section. The new value is about 20% lower than values obtained from previous absolute measurements and evaluations. In this paper, the discrepancies among the measurements and evaluations are analyzed carefully and the new values are re-recommended. Our recommended value for the emission probability of 1077 keV γ-ray is (2.72±0.16)%.

Metastable equilibria among dicarboxylic acids and the oxidation state during aqueous alteration on the CM2 chondrite parent body

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McAlister, Jason A.; Kettler, Richard M.

2008-01-01

Linear saturated dicarboxylic acids are present in carbonaceous chondrite samples at concentrations that suggest aqueous alteration under conditions of metastable equilibrium. In this study, previously published values of dicarboxylic acid concentrations measured in Murchison, Yamato-791198, and Tagish Lake carbonaceous chondrites are converted to aqueous activities during aqueous alteration assuming water:rock ratios that range from 1:10 to 10:1. Logarithmic plots of the aqueous activities of any two dicarboxylic acids are proximal to lines whose slope is fixed by the stoichiometry of reactions describing the oxidation-reduction equilibrium between the two species. The precise position of any line is controlled by the equilibrium constant of the reaction relating the species and the hydrogen fugacity for the reaction of interest. Reactions among succinic (C4), glutaric (C5), and adipic (C6) acids obtained from CM2 chondrites show evidence of metastable equilibrium and yield logf values that agree to within 0.3 log units at 298.15 K and 0.6 log units at 473.15 K. At a water:rock ratio of 1:1, metastable equilibrium among succinic, glutaric, and adipic acids results in calculated logf values during aqueous alteration that range from -6.2 at 298.15 K to -3.3 at 373.15 K. These values are consistent with those obtained in previous work on carbonaceous chondrites and with metastable equilibrium at temperatures ranging from 300 to 355 K in contact with cronstedtite + magnetite.

Efficacy of dialysis in peritoneal dialysis: utility of bioimpedance to calculate Kt/V and the search for a target Kt.

PubMed

Martínez Fernández, G; Ortega Cerrato, A; Masiá Mondéjar, J; Pérez Rodríguez, A; Llamas Fuentes, F; Gómez Roldán, C; Pérez-Martínez, Juan

2013-04-01

To calculate Kt/V, volume (V) is usually obtained by Watson formula, but bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) is a simple and applicable technique to determinate V, along with other hydration and nutrition parameters, in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Dialysis efficacy can also be measured with Kt, but no experience exists in PD, so there is no reference/target value for Kt that must be achieved in these patients to be considered adequately dialyzed. We evaluated the efficacy of PD with Kt/V using Watson formula and BIS for V calculation, assessed hydration status in a PD unit by data obtained by BIS, and attempted to find a reference Kt from the Kt/V previously obtained by BIS. In this observational prospective study of 78 PD patients, we measured V using BIS (V bis) and Watson formula (V w) and calculated weekly Kt/V using both volumes (Kt/V bis/V bis and Kt/V w). With the BIS technique, we obtained and subsequently analyzed other hydration status parameters. We achieved a reference Kt, extrapolating the value desired (weekly Kt/V 1.7) to the target Kt using the simple linear regression statistical technique, basing it on the results of the previously calculated Pearson's linear correlation coefficient. Volume was 1.8 l higher by Watson formula than with BIS (p < 0.001). Weekly Kt/V bis was 2.33 ± 0.68, and mean weekly Kt/V w was 2.20 ± 0.63 (p < 0.0001); 60.25 % of patients presented overhydration according to the BIS study (OH >1.1 l). The target value of Kt for the reference weekly Kt/V bis (1.7) was 64.87 l. BIS is a simple, applicable technique for calculating V in dialysis that can be especially useful in PD patients compared with the anthropometric formulas, by the abnormally distributed body water in these patients. Other parameters obtained by BIS will serve to assess both the distribution of body volume and nutritional status in the clinical setting. The target Kt value obtained from Kt/V bis allowed us to measure the efficacy of PD in a practical way, omitting V measurement.

Support vector machines for TEC seismo-ionospheric anomalies detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akhoondzadeh, M.

2013-02-01

Using time series prediction methods, it is possible to pursue the behaviors of earthquake precursors in the future and to announce early warnings when the differences between the predicted value and the observed value exceed the predefined threshold value. Support Vector Machines (SVMs) are widely used due to their many advantages for classification and regression tasks. This study is concerned with investigating the Total Electron Content (TEC) time series by using a SVM to detect seismo-ionospheric anomalous variations induced by the three powerful earthquakes of Tohoku (11 March 2011), Haiti (12 January 2010) and Samoa (29 September 2009). The duration of TEC time series dataset is 49, 46 and 71 days, for Tohoku, Haiti and Samoa earthquakes, respectively, with each at time resolution of 2 h. In the case of Tohoku earthquake, the results show that the difference between the predicted value obtained from the SVM method and the observed value reaches the maximum value (i.e., 129.31 TECU) at earthquake time in a period of high geomagnetic activities. The SVM method detected a considerable number of anomalous occurrences 1 and 2 days prior to the Haiti earthquake and also 1 and 5 days before the Samoa earthquake in a period of low geomagnetic activities. In order to show that the method is acting sensibly with regard to the results extracted during nonevent and event TEC data, i.e., to perform some null-hypothesis tests in which the methods would also be calibrated, the same period of data from the previous year of the Samoa earthquake date has been taken into the account. Further to this, in this study, the detected TEC anomalies using the SVM method were compared to the previous results (Akhoondzadeh and Saradjian, 2011; Akhoondzadeh, 2012) obtained from the mean, median, wavelet and Kalman filter methods. The SVM detected anomalies are similar to those detected using the previous methods. It can be concluded that SVM can be a suitable learning method to detect the novelty changes of a nonlinear time series such as variations of earthquake precursors.

Numerical analysis of the asymptotic two-point boundary value solution for N-body trajectories.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lancaster, J. E.; Allemann, R. A.

1972-01-01

Previously published asymptotic solutions for lunar and interplanetary trajectories have been modified and combined to formulate a general analytical boundary value solution applicable to a broad class of trajectory problems. In addition, the earlier first-order solutions have been extended to second-order to determine if improved accuracy is possible. Comparisons between the asymptotic solution and numerical integration for several lunar and interplanetary trajectories show that the asymptotic solution is generally quite accurate. Also, since no iterations are required, a solution to the boundary value problem is obtained in a fraction of the time required for numerically integrated solutions.

Vertical profiles of CO and CH4 in the lower and middle troposphere over the Eastern United States January 1978

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reichle, H. G., Jr.; Condon, E. P.

1979-01-01

Samples of tropospheric air were obtained over the Eastern United States during January of 1978. These samples were analyzed by gas chromatography using flame ionization detection to produce vertical profiles of carbon monoxide and methane from the surface to 8 km. The carbon monoxide mixing ratios at 35 deg N and 45 deg N agree with previously published values; however, the mixing ratio at 25 deg N was significantly lower than most published values. The methane mixing ratio was weakly dependent on latitude and has an average value of 1.64 ppm.

Reward Size Informs Repeat-Switch Decisions and Strongly Modulates the Activity of Neurons in Parietal Cortex

PubMed Central

Kubanek, Jan; Snyder, Lawrence H.

2017-01-01

Abstract Behavior is guided by previous experience. Good, positive outcomes drive a repetition of a previous behavior or choice, whereas poor or bad outcomes lead to an avoidance. How these basic drives are implemented by the brain has been of primary interest to psychology and neuroscience. We engaged animals in a choice task in which the size of a reward outcome strongly governed the animals' subsequent decision whether to repeat or switch the previous choice. We recorded the discharge activity of neurons implicated in reward-based choice in 2 regions of parietal cortex. We found that the tendency to retain previous choice following a large (small) reward was paralleled by a marked decrease (increase) in the activity of parietal neurons. This neural effect is independent of, and of sign opposite to, value-based modulations reported in parietal cortex previously. This effect shares the same basic properties with signals previously reported in the limbic system that detect the size of the recently obtained reward to mediate proper repeat-switch decisions. We conclude that the size of the obtained reward is a decision variable that guides the decision between retaining a choice or switching, and neurons in parietal cortex strongly respond to this novel decision variable. PMID:26491065

Determination of kinetic parameters for 123-I thyroid uptake in healthy Japanese

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kusuhara, Hiroyuki; Maeda, Kazuya

2017-09-01

The purpose of this study was to compare the kinetic parameters for iodide thyroid accumulation in Japanese today with previously reported values. We determined the thyroid uptake of 123-I at 24 hours after the oral administration in healthy male Japanese without any diet restriction. The mean value was 16.1±5.4%, which was similar or rather lower than those previously reported in Japan (1958-1972). Kinetic model analysis was conducted to obtain the clearance for thyroid uptake from the blood circulation. The thyroid uptake clearance of 123-I was 0.540±0.073 ml/min, which was almost similar to those reported previously. There is no obvious difference in the thyroid uptake for 24 hours, and kinetic parameters in healthy Japanese for these 50 years. The fraction of distributed to the thyroid gland is lower than the ICRP reference man, and such difference must be taken into consideration to estimate the radiation exposure upon Fukushima accident in Japan.

Application of simple mathematical expressions to relate the half-lives of xenobiotics in rats to values in humans.

PubMed

Ward, Keith W; Erhardt, Paul; Bachmann, Kenneth

2005-01-01

Previous publications from GlaxoSmithKline and University of Toledo laboratories convey our independent attempts to predict the half-lives of xenobiotics in humans using data obtained from rats. The present investigation was conducted to compare the performance of our published models against a common dataset obtained by merging the two sets of rat versus human half-life (hHL) data previously used by each laboratory. After combining data, mathematical analyses were undertaken by deploying both of our previous models, namely the use of an empirical algorithm based on a best-fit model and the use of rat-to-human liver blood flow ratios as a half-life correction factor. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed, as well as evaluation of the impact of molecular properties on predictability. The merged dataset was remarkably diverse with respect to physiochemical and pharmacokinetic (PK) properties. Application of both models revealed similar predictability, depending upon the measure of stipulated accuracy. Certain molecular features, particularly rotatable bond count and pK(a), appeared to influence the accuracy of prediction. This collaborative effort has resulted in an improved understanding and appreciation of the value of rats to serve as a surrogate for the prediction of xenobiotic half-lives in humans when clinical pharmacokinetic studies are not possible or practicable.

Evaluation of Computational Fluid Dynamics and Coupled Fluid-Solid Modeling for a Direct Transfer Preswirl System.

PubMed

Javiya, Umesh; Chew, John; Hills, Nick; Dullenkopf, Klaus; Scanlon, Timothy

2013-05-01

The prediction of the preswirl cooling air delivery and disk metal temperature are important for the cooling system performance and the rotor disk thermal stresses and life assessment. In this paper, standalone 3D steady and unsteady computation fluid dynamics (CFD), and coupled FE-CFD calculations are presented for prediction of these temperatures. CFD results are compared with previous measurements from a direct transfer preswirl test rig. The predicted cooling air temperatures agree well with the measurement, but the nozzle discharge coefficients are under predicted. Results from the coupled FE-CFD analyses are compared directly with thermocouple temperature measurements and with heat transfer coefficients on the rotor disk previously obtained from a rotor disk heat conduction solution. Considering the modeling limitations, the coupled approach predicted the solid metal temperatures well. Heat transfer coefficients on the rotor disk from CFD show some effect of the temperature variations on the heat transfer coefficients. Reasonable agreement is obtained with values deduced from the previous heat conduction solution.

Measuring surface topography with scanning electron microscopy. I. EZEImage: a program to obtain 3D surface data.

PubMed

Ponz, Ezequiel; Ladaga, Juan Luis; Bonetto, Rita Dominga

2006-04-01

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is widely used in the science of materials and different parameters were developed to characterize the surface roughness. In a previous work, we studied the surface topography with fractal dimension at low scale and two parameters at high scale by using the variogram, that is, variance vs. step log-log graph, of a SEM image. Those studies were carried out with the FERImage program, previously developed by us. To verify the previously accepted hypothesis by working with only an image, it is indispensable to have reliable three-dimensional (3D) surface data. In this work, a new program (EZEImage) to characterize 3D surface topography in SEM has been developed. It uses fast cross correlation and dynamic programming to obtain reliable dense height maps in a few seconds which can be displayed as an image where each gray level represents a height value. This image can be used for the FERImage program or any other software to obtain surface topography characteristics. EZEImage also generates anaglyph images as well as characterizes 3D surface topography by means of a parameter set to describe amplitude properties and three functional indices for characterizing bearing and fluid properties.

The application of the statistical theory of extreme values to gust-load problems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Press, Harry

1950-01-01

An analysis is presented which indicates that the statistical theory of extreme values is applicable to the problems of predicting the frequency of encountering the larger gust loads and gust velocities for both specific test conditions as well as commercial transport operations. The extreme-value theory provides an analytic form for the distributions of maximum values of gust load and velocity. Methods of fitting the distribution are given along with a method of estimating the reliability of the predictions. The theory of extreme values is applied to available load data from commercial transport operations. The results indicate that the estimates of the frequency of encountering the larger loads are more consistent with the data and more reliable than those obtained in previous analyses. (author)

Determination of the Gravitational Constant with a Beam Balance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schlamminger, St.; Holzschuh, E.; Kündig, W.

2002-09-01

The Newtonian gravitational constant G was determined by means of a novel beam-balance experiment with an accuracy comparable to that of the most precise torsion-balance experiments. The gravitational force of two stainless steel tanks filled with 13 521kg mercury on 1.1kg test masses was measured using a commercial mass comparator. A careful analysis of the data and the experimental error yields G=6.674 07(22)×10-11 m3 kg-1 s-2. This value is in excellent agreement with most values previously obtained with different methods.

Packing Fraction of a Two-dimensional Eden Model with Random-Sized Particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kobayashi, Naoki; Yamazaki, Hiroshi

2018-01-01

We have performed a numerical simulation of a two-dimensional Eden model with random-size particles. In the present model, the particle radii are generated from a Gaussian distribution with mean μ and standard deviation σ. First, we have examined the bulk packing fraction for the Eden cluster and investigated the effects of the standard deviation and the total number of particles NT. We show that the bulk packing fraction depends on the number of particles and the standard deviation. In particular, for the dependence on the standard deviation, we have determined the asymptotic value of the bulk packing fraction in the limit of the dimensionless standard deviation. This value is larger than the packing fraction obtained in a previous study of the Eden model with uniform-size particles. Secondly, we have investigated the packing fraction of the entire Eden cluster including the effect of the interface fluctuation. We find that the entire packing fraction depends on the number of particles while it is independent of the standard deviation, in contrast to the bulk packing fraction. In a similar way to the bulk packing fraction, we have obtained the asymptotic value of the entire packing fraction in the limit NT → ∞. The obtained value of the entire packing fraction is smaller than that of the bulk value. This fact suggests that the interface fluctuation of the Eden cluster influences the packing fraction.

2H NMR and 13C-IRMS analyses of acetic acid from vinegar, 18O-IRMS analysis of water in vinegar: international collaborative study report.

PubMed

Thomas, Freddy; Jamin, Eric

2009-09-01

An international collaborative study of isotopic methods applied to control the authenticity of vinegar was organized in order to support the recognition of these procedures as official methods. The determination of the 2H/1H ratio of the methyl site of acetic acid by SNIF-NMR (site-specific natural isotopic fractionation-nuclear magnetic resonance) and the determination of the 13C/12C ratio, by IRMS (isotope ratio mass spectrometry) provide complementary information to characterize the botanical origin of acetic acid and to detect adulterations of vinegar using synthetic acetic acid. Both methods use the same initial steps to recover pure acetic acid from vinegar. In the case of wine vinegar, the determination of the 18O/16O ratio of water by IRMS allows to differentiate wine vinegar from vinegars made from dried grapes. The same set of vinegar samples was used to validate these three determinations. The precision parameters of the method for measuring delta13C (carbon isotopic deviation) were found to be similar to the values previously obtained for similar methods applied to wine ethanol or sugars extracted from fruit juices: the average repeatability (r) was 0.45 per thousand, and the average reproducibility (R) was 0.91 per thousand. As expected from previous in-house study of the uncertainties, the precision parameters of the method for measuring the 2H/1H ratio of the methyl site were found to be slightly higher than the values previously obtained for similar methods applied to wine ethanol or fermentation ethanol in fruit juices: the average repeatability was 1.34 ppm, and the average reproducibility was 1.62 ppm. This precision is still significantly smaller than the differences between various acetic acid sources (delta13C and delta18O) and allows a satisfactory discrimination of vinegar types. The precision parameters of the method for measuring delta18O were found to be similar to the values previously obtained for other methods applied to wine and fruit juices: the average repeatability was 0.15 per thousand, and the average reproducibility was 0.59 per thousand. The above values are proposed as repeatability and reproducibility limits in the current state of the art. On the basis of this satisfactory inter-laboratory precision and on the accuracy demonstrated by a spiking experiment, the authors recommend the adoption of the three isotopic determinations included in this study as official methods for controlling the authenticity of vinegar.

Linear instability of plane Couette and Poiseuille flows

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

Chefranov, S. G., E-mail: schefranov@mail.ru; Chefranov, A. G., E-mail: Alexander.chefranov@emu.edu.tr

2016-05-15

It is shown that linear instability of plane Couette flow can take place even at finite Reynolds numbers Re > Re{sub th} ≈ 139, which agrees with the experimental value of Re{sub th} ≈ 150 ± 5 [16, 17]. This new result of the linear theory of hydrodynamic stability is obtained by abandoning traditional assumption of the longitudinal periodicity of disturbances in the flow direction. It is established that previous notions about linear stability of this flow at arbitrarily large Reynolds numbers relied directly upon the assumed separation of spatial variables of the field of disturbances and their longitudinal periodicitymore » in the linear theory. By also abandoning these assumptions for plane Poiseuille flow, a new threshold Reynolds number Re{sub th} ≈ 1035 is obtained, which agrees to within 4% with experiment—in contrast to 500% discrepancy for the previous estimate of Re{sub th} ≈ 5772 obtained in the framework of the linear theory under assumption of the “normal” shape of disturbances [2].« less

Absolute I(asterisk) quantum yields for the ICN A state by diode laser gain-vs-absorption spectroscopy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hess, Wayne P.; Leone, Stephen R.

1987-01-01

Absolute I(asterisk) quantum yields have been measured as a function of wavelength for room temperature photodissociation of the ICN A state continuum. The yields are obtained by the technique of time-resolved diode laser gain-vs-absorption spectroscopy. Quantum yields are evaluated at seven wavelengths from 248 to 284 nm. The yield at 266 nm is 66.0 + or - 2 percent and it falls off to 53.4 + or - 2 percent and 44.0 + or - 4 percent at 284 and 248 nm, respectively. The latter values are significantly higher than those obtained by previous workers using infrared fluorescence. Estimates of I(asterisk) quantum yields obtained from analysis of CN photofragment rotational distributions, as discussed by other workers, are in good agreement with the I(asterisk) yields reported here. The results are considered in conjunction with recent theoretical and experimental work on the CN rotational distributions and with previous I(asterisk) quantum yield results.

A fully automated system for quantification of background parenchymal enhancement in breast DCE-MRI

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ufuk Dalmiş, Mehmet; Gubern-Mérida, Albert; Borelli, Cristina; Vreemann, Suzan; Mann, Ritse M.; Karssemeijer, Nico

2016-03-01

Background parenchymal enhancement (BPE) observed in breast dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) has been identified as an important biomarker associated with risk for developing breast cancer. In this study, we present a fully automated framework for quantification of BPE. We initially segmented fibroglandular tissue (FGT) of the breasts using an improved version of an existing method. Subsequently, we computed BPEabs (volume of the enhancing tissue), BPErf (BPEabs divided by FGT volume) and BPErb (BPEabs divided by breast volume), using different relative enhancement threshold values between 1% and 100%. To evaluate and compare the previous and improved FGT segmentation methods, we used 20 breast DCE-MRI scans and we computed Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) values with respect to manual segmentations. For evaluation of the BPE quantification, we used a dataset of 95 breast DCE-MRI scans. Two radiologists, in individual reading sessions, visually analyzed the dataset and categorized each breast into minimal, mild, moderate and marked BPE. To measure the correlation between automated BPE values to the radiologists' assessments, we converted these values into ordinal categories and we used Spearman's rho as a measure of correlation. According to our results, the new segmentation method obtained an average DSC of 0.81 0.09, which was significantly higher (p<0.001) compared to the previous method (0.76 0.10). The highest correlation values between automated BPE categories and radiologists' assessments were obtained with the BPErf measurement (r=0.55, r=0.49, p<0.001 for both), while the correlation between the scores given by the two radiologists was 0.82 (p<0.001). The presented framework can be used to systematically investigate the correlation between BPE and risk in large screening cohorts.

Study on the Rationality and Validity of Probit Models of Domino Effect to Chemical Process Equipment caused by Overpressure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Dongliang; Huang, Guangtuan; Jiang, Juncheng; Zhang, Mingguang; Wang, Zhirong

2013-04-01

Overpressure is one important cause of domino effect in accidents of chemical process equipments. Some models considering propagation probability and threshold values of the domino effect caused by overpressure have been proposed in previous study. In order to prove the rationality and validity of the models reported in the reference, two boundary values of three damage degrees reported were considered as random variables respectively in the interval [0, 100%]. Based on the overpressure data for damage to the equipment and the damage state, and the calculation method reported in the references, the mean square errors of the four categories of damage probability models of overpressure were calculated with random boundary values, and then a relationship of mean square error vs. the two boundary value was obtained, the minimum of mean square error was obtained, compared with the result of the present work, mean square error decreases by about 3%. Therefore, the error was in the acceptable range of engineering applications, the models reported can be considered reasonable and valid.

Ten years of measured UV Index from the Spanish UVB Radiometric Network.

PubMed

Utrillas, M P; Marín, M J; Esteve, A R; Estellés, V; Gandía, S; Núnez, J A; Martínez-Lozano, J A

2013-08-05

An analysis is made of the UV Index (UVI) obtained from the ultraviolet erythemal solar radiation (UVER) data measured by the Spanish UVB Radiometric Network between the years 2000 and 2009. Previously, the daily UVI has been evaluated using two different criteria: (a) the value corresponding to solar noon; and (b) the daily maximum value. The mean percentage of agreement is 92% if we consider the cases for which the difference is zero or one UVI unit. These results are similar to those obtained in a previous work where only 2 years were analyzed. In all the stations the UVI reaches very high values (8-10) in spring-summer, and the very high and extreme (≥ 11) UVI values are more dependent on the continental effect than on the latitude effect. From the UVI values it is possible to classify the stations into four groups: Coastal stations, Continental stations (more than 200 km from the coast), Southern stations (Coastal stations but with similar values of UVI as the Continental ones due to their low latitude) and Canary Islands stations (1400 km southwest from the Iberian Peninsula thus lower latitude). The monthly mean maximum of UVI is reached in July due to the annual evolution of the total ozone column. This value corresponds, for a skin phototype II, to three times the minimal erythemal dose (MED) in an hour in a Coastal station, 3.5 MEDs in an hour measured in a Continental or Southern station and up five MEDs in an hour in the Izaña station (Canary Islands). The cumulative dose on a horizontal plane over an average year has been calculated for each station. More than 40% of the annual dose is received in summer, about 35% in spring, more than 11% in autumn and less than 10% in winter except for the stations in the Canary Islands where the difference between seasons is less significant. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

CFD determination of flow perturbation boundary conditions for seal rotordynamic modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Venkatesan, Ganesh

2002-09-01

A new approach has been developed and utilized to determine the flow field perturbations (i.e. disturbance due to rotor eccentricity and/or motion) upstream of and within a non-contacting seal. The results are proposed for use with bulk-flow perturbation and CFD-perturbation seal rotordynamic models, as well as in fully 3-D CFD models, to specify approximate boundary conditions for the first-order variables at the computational domain inlet. The perturbation quantities were evaluated by subtracting the numerical flow field solutions corresponding to the concentric rotor position from that for an eccentric rotor position. The disturbance pressure quantities predicted from the numerical solutions were validated by comparing with previous pressure measurements. A parametric study was performed to understand the influence of upstream chamber height, seal clearance, shaft speed, whirl speed, zeroth-order streamwise and swirl velocities, and downstream pressure on the distribution of the first-order quantities in the upstream chamber, seal inlet and seal exit regions. Radially bulk-averaged first-order quantities were evaluated in the upstream chamber, as well as at the seal inlet and exit. The results were finally presented in the form of generalized dimensionless boundary condition correlations so that they can be applied to seal rotordynamic models over a wide range of operating conditions and geometries. To examine the effect of the proposed, approximate first-order boundary conditions on the solutions of the fully 3-D CFD rotordynamic models, the first-order boundary condition correlations for the upstream chamber were used to adjust the circumferential distribution of domain inlet values. The benefit of the boundary condition expressions was assessed for two previously measured test cases, one for a gas seal and the other for a liquid seal. For the gas seal case, a significant improvement in the prediction of the cross-coupled stiffness, when including the proposed first-order inlet boundary values, was found. In the case of liquid seals the tangential impedance values obtained with boundary condition adjustments showed a very slight improvement for a range of whirl speeds over those obtained without them. The radial impedance values obtained with the new adjustments showed a significant improvement over those obtained without them.

Investigation of noise in gear transmissions by the method of mathematical smoothing of experiments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sheftel, B. T.; Lipskiy, G. K.; Ananov, P. P.; Chernenko, I. K.

1973-01-01

A rotatable central component smoothing method is used to analyze rotating gear noise spectra. A matrix is formulated in which the randomized rows correspond to various tests and the columns to factor values. Canonical analysis of the obtained regression equation permits the calculation of optimal speed and load at a previous assigned noise level.

Antecedents of narcotic use and addiction. A study of 898 Vietnam veterans.

PubMed

Helzer, J E; Robins, L N; Davis, D H

1976-02-01

Previous studies of predictors of narcotic abuse have been retrospective and based on samples of long-term addicts obtained from legal or medical channels. There are several methodological problems in this approach. The present study is an attempt to test certain alleged predictors of narcotic use in a cohort of 898 Vietnam veterans. The design overcomes several of the methodological weaknesses of previous studies. Eight variables which have been reported as predictors of drug use or addiction in the drug literature were inquired about during a personal interview which included the premilitary life of each subject. The antecedent variables were socioeconomic background, inner city residence, psychiatric illness, broken home, race, employment history, education and antisocial history. Using information obtained from interviews and military records, we then tested the predictive value of each of these antecedents by comparing narcotic used and addiction in Vietman and use after Vietnam in men differing with respect to each antecedent. Results indicate that some of the variables were very poor, and others very good predictors of the various levels of narcotic involvement. The predictive value and overall importance of each of the variables we tested are discussed.

Calculation of Thermal Conductivity Coefficients of Electrons in Magnetized Dense Matter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bisnovatyi-Kogan, G. S.; Glushikhina, M. V.

2018-04-01

The solution of Boltzmann equation for plasma in magnetic field with arbitrarily degenerate electrons and nondegenerate nuclei is obtained by Chapman-Enskog method. Functions generalizing Sonine polynomials are used for obtaining an approximate solution. Fully ionized plasma is considered. The tensor of the heat conductivity coefficients in nonquantized magnetic field is calculated. For nondegenerate and strongly degenerate plasma the asymptotic analytic formulas are obtained and compared with results of previous authors. The Lorentz approximation with neglecting of electron-electron encounters is asymptotically exact for strongly degenerate plasma. For the first time, analytical expressions for the heat conductivity tensor for nondegenerate electrons in the presence of a magnetic field are obtained in the three-polynomial approximation with account of electron-electron collisions. Account of the third polynomial improved substantially the precision of results. In the two-polynomial approximation, the obtained solution coincides with the published results. For strongly degenerate electrons, an asymptotically exact analytical solution for the heat conductivity tensor in the presence of a magnetic field is obtained for the first time. This solution has a considerably more complicated dependence on the magnetic field than those in previous publications and gives a several times smaller relative value of the thermal conductivity across the magnetic field at ωτ * 0.8.

[Effect of home-processing in the preparation of pinto beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) on the tannin content and nutritive value of proteins].

PubMed

Goycoolea, F; González de Mejía, E; Barrón, J M; Valencia, M E

1990-06-01

A 3(2) factor design was carried out in order to investigate the different home-cooking treatments applied in the preparation of pinto beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) on the nutritive value of their protein. The factors studied were previous soaking, type of cooking and addition of cooking broth. Biological evaluation of the protein was performed, and the protein efficiency ratio (PER) and apparent digestibility of the protein (DAP) values were obtained. The tannin content was measured in hulls, cotyledons and in the cooking broths of each experimental treatment. The most significant effect of the PER value was the type of cooking (P less than 0.0001), followed by the addition of cooking broth (P less than 0.05) as well as a significant interaction between cooking method and addition of broth (P less than 0.025). Soaking did not have significant effects per se or through its interactions in relation to PER. The highest values for PER and DAP were obtained with the boiling treatment without broth. The detrimental effect of the cooking broth can be explained by its tannin content (108.5-272.25 mg Eq. catechin/100g).

13C and (15)N chemical shift tensors in adenosine, guanosine dihydrate, 2'-deoxythymidine, and cytidine.

PubMed

Stueber, Dirk; Grant, David M

2002-09-04

The (13)C and (15)N chemical shift tensor principal values for adenosine, guanosine dihydrate, 2'-deoxythymidine, and cytidine are measured on natural abundance samples. Additionally, the (13)C and (15)N chemical shielding tensor principal values in these four nucleosides are calculated utilizing various theoretical approaches. Embedded ion method (EIM) calculations improve significantly the precision with which the experimental principal values are reproduced over calculations on the corresponding isolated molecules with proton-optimized geometries. The (13)C and (15)N chemical shift tensor orientations are reliably assigned in the molecular frames of the nucleosides based upon chemical shielding tensor calculations employing the EIM. The differences between principal values obtained in EIM calculations and in calculations on isolated molecules with proton positions optimized inside a point charge array are used to estimate the contributions to chemical shielding arising from intermolecular interactions. Moreover, the (13)C and (15)N chemical shift tensor orientations and principal values correlate with the molecular structure and the crystallographic environment for the nucleosides and agree with data obtained previously for related compounds. The effects of variations in certain EIM parameters on the accuracy of the shielding tensor calculations are investigated.

Alkylsulfonic acid phenylesters (ASEs, Mesamoll®) in dust samples of German residences and daycare centers (LUPE 3).

PubMed

Fromme, Hermann; Schwarzbauer, Jan; Lahrz, Thomas; Kraft, Martin; Fembacher, Ludwig

2017-04-01

For decades, plasticizers have been produced in high quantities to improve the flexibility and durability of products. One possible replacement product is alkylsulfonic acid phenylesters (ASEs), marketed as Mesamoll ® . This study aimed to quantify the ASE dust contamination of residences and daycare centers to obtain insight into the recent exposure situation. ASEs were quantified in dust samples collected from 25 residences and 25 daycare centers using GC/MS measurements. Median (95th percentile) values of the sum of tetra- to heptadecylphenylesters are higher in daycare centers, with a value of 19.6mg/kg (216mg/kg), compared to residences, with a value of 7.6mg/kg (171mg/kg). A daily non-dietary intake of 0.08 and 0.86μg/kg b.w., respectively, was observed using the median and 95th percentile values obtained from dust samples. These levels are 1250 and 115 times below a previously set temporary tolerable daily intake value. Nevertheless, the fact that basic data on toxicity and exposure via other pathways are limited or unavailable at present has to be considered. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Determination of the fundamental properties of an M31 globular cluster from main-sequence photometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Jun

2013-02-01

We determined the age of the M31 globular cluster B379 using isochrones of the Padova stellar evolutionary models. At the same time, the cluster's metal abundance, its distance modulus, and reddening value were also obtained. The results obtained in this paper are consistent with previous determinations, including the age. Brown et al. constrained the age of B379 by comparing its color-magnitude diagram with isochrones of the 2006 VandenBerg models. Therefore, this paper confirms the consistency of the age scale of B379 between the Padova isochrones and the 2006 VandenBerg isochrones. The results of B379 obtained in this paper are: metallicity [M/H] = log(Z/Z⊙) = -0.325 dex, age τ = 11.0 +/- 1.5 Gyr, reddening E(B - V) = 0.08 mag, and distance modulus (m - M)0 = 24.44 +/- 0.10 mag. Using the metallicity, the reddening value and the distance modulus obtained in this paper, we constrained the age of B379 by comparing its multicolor photometry with theoretical stellar population synthesis models. The age of B379 obtained is 10.6-0.76 +0.92 Gyr, which is in very good agreement with the determination from main-sequence photometry.

Radiotracer properties determined by high performance liquid chromatography: a potential tool for brain radiotracer discovery.

PubMed

Tavares, Adriana Alexandre S; Lewsey, James; Dewar, Deborah; Pimlott, Sally L

2012-01-01

Previously, development of novel brain radiotracers has largely relied on simple screening tools. Improved selection methods at the early stages of radiotracer discovery and an increased understanding of the relationships between in vitro physicochemical and in vivo radiotracer properties are needed. We investigated if high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methodologies could provide criteria for lead candidate selection by comparing HPLC measurements with radiotracer properties in humans. Ten molecules, previously used as radiotracers in humans, were analysed to obtain the following measures: partition coefficient (Log P); permeability (P(m)); percentage of plasma protein binding (%PPB); and membrane partition coefficient (K(m)). Relationships between brain entry measurements (Log P, P(m) and %PPB) and in vivo brain percentage injected dose (%ID); and K(m) and specific binding in vivo (BP(ND)) were investigated. Log P values obtained using in silico packages and flask methods were compared with Log P values obtained using HPLC. The modelled associations with %ID were stronger for %PPB (r(2)=0.65) and P(m) (r(2)=0.77) than for Log P (r(2)=0.47) while 86% of BP(ND) variance was explained by K(m). Log P values were variable dependant on the methodology used. Log P should not be relied upon as a predictor of blood-brain barrier penetration during brain radiotracer discovery. HPLC measurements of permeability, %PPB and membrane interactions may be potentially useful in predicting in vivo performance and hence allow evaluation and ranking of compound libraries for the selection of lead radiotracer candidates at early stages of radiotracer discovery. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Multi-stage methodology to detect health insurance claim fraud.

PubMed

Johnson, Marina Evrim; Nagarur, Nagen

2016-09-01

Healthcare costs in the US, as well as in other countries, increase rapidly due to demographic, economic, social, and legal changes. This increase in healthcare costs impacts both government and private health insurance systems. Fraudulent behaviors of healthcare providers and patients have become a serious burden to insurance systems by bringing unnecessary costs. Insurance companies thus develop methods to identify fraud. This paper proposes a new multistage methodology for insurance companies to detect fraud committed by providers and patients. The first three stages aim at detecting abnormalities among providers, services, and claim amounts. Stage four then integrates the information obtained in the previous three stages into an overall risk measure. Subsequently, a decision tree based method in stage five computes risk threshold values. The final decision stating whether the claim is fraudulent is made by comparing the risk value obtained in stage four with the risk threshold value from stage five. The research methodology performs well on real-world insurance data.

Classification of materials using nuclear magnetic resonance dispersion and/or x-ray absorption

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

Espy, Michelle A.; Matlashov, Andrei N.; Schultz, Larry J.

Methods for determining the identity of a substance are provided. A classification parameter set is defined to allow identification of substances that previously could not be identified or to allow identification of substances with a higher degree of confidence. The classification parameter set may include at least one of relative nuclear susceptibility (RNS) or an x-ray linear attenuation coefficient (LAC). RNS represents the density of hydrogen nuclei present in a substance relative to the density of hydrogen nuclei present in water. The extended classification parameter set may include T.sub.1, T.sub.2, and/or T.sub.1.rho. as well as at least one additional classificationmore » parameter comprising one of RNS or LAC. Values obtained for additional classification parameters as well as values obtained for T.sub.1, T.sub.2, and T.sub.1.rho. can be compared to known classification parameter values to determine whether a particular substance is a known material.« less

Correlation of the rates of solvolysis of α-bromoisobutyrophenone using both simple and extended forms of the Grunwald-Winstein equation and the application of correlation analysis to related studies.

PubMed

Kevill, Dennis Neil; Kim, Chang-Bae; D'Souza, Malcolm John

2018-03-01

A Grunwald-Winstein treatment of the specific rates of solvolysis of α-bromoisobutyrophenone in 100% methanol and in several aqueous ethanol, methanol, acetone, 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (TFE), and 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol (HFIP) mixtures gives a good logarithmic correlation against a linear combination of N T (solvent nucleophilicity) and Y Br (solvent ionizing power) values. The l and m sensitivity values are compared to those previously reported for α-bromoacetophenone and to those obtained from parallel treatments of literature specific rate values for the solvolyses of several tertiary mesylates containing a C(=O)R group attached at the α-carbon. Kinetic data obtained earlier by Pasto and Sevenair for the solvolyses of the same substrate in 75% aqueous ethanol (by weight) in the presence of silver perchlorate and perchloric acid are analyzed using multiple regression analysis.

Energy metabolism of Macaca mulatta during spaceflight

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoban-Higgins, T. M.; Stein, T. P.; Dotsenko, M. A.; Korolkov, V. I.; Fuller, C. A.

2000-01-01

The mean daily energy expenditure rates of two rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) were determined during spaceflight on the joint U.S./Russian Bion 11 mission by the doubly labeled water (DLW, 2H218O) method. Control values were obtained from two studies performed under flight-like conditions (n = 4). The mean inflight energy expenditure for the two Bion 11 monkeys was 81.3 kcal/kg/day, which was higher than that seen previously. The average energy expenditure (77.6 +/- 4.4 kcal/kg/day) for the four ground control monkeys was slightly lower than had been measured previously.

Glandular radiation dose in tomosynthesis of the breast using tungsten targets.

PubMed

Sechopoulos, Ioannis; D'Orsi, Carl J

2008-10-24

With the advent of new detector technology, digital tomosynthesis imaging of the breast has, in the past few years, become a technique intensely investigated as a replacement for planar mammography. As with all other x-ray-based imaging methods, radiation dose is of utmost concern in the development of this new imaging technology. For virtually all development and optimization studies, knowledge of the radiation dose involved in an imaging protocol is necessary. A previous study characterized the normalized glandular dose in tomosynthesis imaging and its variation with various breast and imaging system parameters. This characterization was performed with x-ray spectra generated by molybdenum and rhodium targets. In the recent past, many preliminary patient studies of tomosynthesis imaging have been reported in which the x-ray spectra were generated with x-ray tubes with tungsten targets. The differences in x-ray distribution among spectra from these target materials make the computation of new normalized glandular dose values for tungsten target spectra necessary. In this study we used previously obtained monochromatic normalized glandular dose results to obtain spectral results for twelve different tungsten target x-ray spectra. For each imaging condition, two separate values were computed: the normalized glandular dose for the zero degree projection angle (DgN0), and the ratio of the glandular dose for non-zero projection angles to the glandular dose for the zero degree projection (the relative glandular dose, RGD(alpha)). It was found that DgN0 is higher for tungsten target x-ray spectra when compared with DgN0 values for molybdenum and rhodium target spectra of both equivalent tube voltage and first half value layer. Therefore, the DgN0 for the twelve tungsten target x-ray spectra and different breast compositions and compressed breast thicknesses simulated are reported. The RGD(alpha) values for the tungsten spectra vary with the parameters studied in a similar manner to that found for the molybdenum and rhodium target spectra. The surface fit equations and the fit coefficients for RGD(alpha) included in the previous study were also found to be appropriate for the tungsten spectra.

Displacement prediction of Baijiabao landslide based on empirical mode decomposition and long short-term memory neural network in Three Gorges area, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Shiluo; Niu, Ruiqing

2018-02-01

Every year, landslides pose huge threats to thousands of people in China, especially those in the Three Gorges area. It is thus necessary to establish an early warning system to help prevent property damage and save peoples' lives. Most of the landslide displacement prediction models that have been proposed are static models. However, landslides are dynamic systems. In this paper, the total accumulative displacement of the Baijiabao landslide is divided into trend and periodic components using empirical mode decomposition. The trend component is predicted using an S-curve estimation, and the total periodic component is predicted using a long short-term memory neural network (LSTM). LSTM is a dynamic model that can remember historical information and apply it to the current output. Six triggering factors are chosen to predict the periodic term using the Pearson cross-correlation coefficient and mutual information. These factors include the cumulative precipitation during the previous month, the cumulative precipitation during a two-month period, the reservoir level during the current month, the change in the reservoir level during the previous month, the cumulative increment of the reservoir level during the current month, and the cumulative displacement during the previous month. When using one-step-ahead prediction, LSTM yields a root mean squared error (RMSE) value of 6.112 mm, while the support vector machine for regression (SVR) and the back-propagation neural network (BP) yield values of 10.686 mm and 8.237 mm, respectively. Meanwhile, the Elman network (Elman) yields an RMSE value of 6.579 mm. In addition, when using multi-step-ahead prediction, LSTM obtains an RMSE value of 8.648 mm, while SVR, BP and the Elman network obtains RSME values of 13.418 mm, 13.014 mm, and 13.370 mm. The predicted results indicate that, to some extent, the dynamic model (LSTM) achieves results that are more accurate than those of the static models (i.e., SVR and BP). LSTM even displays better performance than the Elman network, which is also a dynamic method.

Polarizability calculations on water, hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nir, S.; Adams, S.; Rein, R.

1973-01-01

A semiclassical model of damped oscillators is used as a basis for the calculation of the dispersion of the refractive index, polarizability, and dielectric permeability in water, hydrogen, and oxygen in liquid and gaseous states, and in gaseous carbon dioxide. The absorption coefficient and the imaginary part of the refractive index are also calculated at corresponding wavelengths. A good agreement is obtained between the observed and calculated values of refractive indices, and between those of absorption coefficients in the region of absorption bands. The calculated values of oscillator strengths and damping factors are also discussed. The value of the polarizability of liquid water was about 2.8 times that of previous calculations.

Combined Use of Satellite and Surface Observations to Infer the Imaginary Part of Refractive Index of Saharan Dust

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sinyuk, Alexander; Torres, Omar; Dubovik, Oleg; Bhartia, P. K. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

We present a method for retrieval of the imaginary part of refractive index of desert dust aerosol in the near UV part of spectrum. The method uses Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) measurements of the top of the atmosphere radiances at 331 and 360 run and aerosol optical depth provided by the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET). Obtained values of imaginary part of refractive index retrieved for Saharan dust aerosol at 360 nm are significantly lower than previously reported values. The average retrieved values vary between 0.0054 and 0.0066 for different geographical locations. Our findings are in good agreement with the results of several recent investigations.

Optimizing the parameters of the Lyman-Kutcher-Burman, Källman, and Logit+EUD models for the rectum - a comparison between normal tissue complication probability and clinical data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trojková, Darina; Judas, Libor; Trojek, Tomáš

2014-11-01

Minimizing the late rectal toxicity of prostate cancer patients is a very important and widely-discussed topic. Normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) models can be used to evaluate competing treatment plans. In our work, the parameters of the Lyman-Kutcher-Burman (LKB), Källman, and Logit+EUD models are optimized by minimizing the Brier score for a group of 302 prostate cancer patients. The NTCP values are calculated and are compared with the values obtained using previously published values for the parameters. χ2 Statistics were calculated as a check of goodness of optimization.

Single measure and gated screening approaches for identifying students at-risk for academic problems: Implications for sensitivity and specificity.

PubMed

Van Norman, Ethan R; Nelson, Peter M; Klingbeil, David A

2017-09-01

Educators need recommendations to improve screening practices without limiting students' instructional opportunities. Repurposing previous years' state test scores has shown promise in identifying at-risk students within multitiered systems of support. However, researchers have not directly compared the diagnostic accuracy of previous years' state test scores with data collected during fall screening periods to identify at-risk students. In addition, the benefit of using previous state test scores in conjunction with data from a separate measure to identify at-risk students has not been explored. The diagnostic accuracy of 3 types of screening approaches were tested to predict proficiency on end-of-year high-stakes assessments: state test data obtained during the previous year, data from a different measure administered in the fall, and both measures combined (i.e., a gated model). Extant reading and math data (N = 2,996) from 10 schools in the Midwest were analyzed. When used alone, both measures yielded similar sensitivity and specificity values. The gated model yielded superior specificity values compared with using either measure alone, at the expense of sensitivity. Implications, limitations, and ideas for future research are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved).

Amplitude variations in the sdBV star PG 1605+072: Another beating time scale?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pereira, T. M. D.; Lopes, I. P.

2004-10-01

PG 1605+072 has an unique and complex oscillation spectrum amongst the pulsating members of the EC 14026 stars. It has the longest periods and the richest, most puzzling frequency spectrum. We present a quantitative analysis of the photometric time-series obtained at 1-m telescope of the South African Astronomical Observatory. Thirteen oscillation parameters, frequencies, amplitudes and initial phases were determined from a 45 h time-series. Our work confirm previous observational results. The observed frequencies are within a difference smaller than 2.7% of the theoretical values, and less than 0.1% of other previous studies. We also infer the existence of variation of a periodicity of 4-5 days on the amplitude of the observed modes, similar to the yearly time-scale variation found by previous studies. Furthermore, we found a new frequency of 2133 μ Hz which has not been previously reported, its origin being yet unclear. Based on observations obtained at the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO). This research was supported by a grant from Fundação da Ciência e Tecnologia, grant No. PESO/P/PRO/40142/2000.

Measurement of Γee(J /ψ) with KEDR detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anashin, V. V.; Aulchenko, V. M.; Baldin, E. M.; Barladyan, A. K.; Barnyakov, A. Y.; Barnyakov, M. Y.; Baru, S. E.; Bedny, I. V.; Blinov, A. E.; Blinov, V. E.; Bobrov, A. V.; Bobrovnikov, V. S.; Bogomyagkov, A. V.; Bondar, A. E.; Bondarev, D. V.; Buzykaev, A. R.; Eidelman, S. I.; Glukhovchenko, Y. M.; Gulevich, V. V.; Gusev, D. V.; Karnaev, S. E.; Karpov, G. V.; Karpov, S. V.; Kharlamova, T. A.; Kiselev, V. A.; Kononov, S. A.; Kotov, K. Y.; Kravchenko, E. A.; Kulikov, V. F.; Kurkin, G. Y.; Kuper, E. A.; Levichev, E. B.; Maksimov, D. A.; Malyshev, V. M.; Maslennikov, A. L.; Medvedko, A. S.; Meshkov, O. I.; Mishnev, S. I.; Morozov, I. I.; Muchnoi, N. Y.; Neufeld, V. V.; Nikitin, S. A.; Nikolaev, I. B.; Okunev, I. N.; Onuchin, A. P.; Oreshkin, S. B.; Orlov, I. O.; Osipov, A. A.; Peleganchuk, S. V.; Pivovarov, S. G.; Piminov, P. A.; Petrov, V. V.; Poluektov, A. O.; Popkov, I. N.; Prisekin, V. G.; Rezanova, O. L.; Ruban, A. A.; Sandyrev, V. K.; Savinov, G. A.; Shamov, A. G.; Shatilov, D. N.; Shwartz, B. A.; Simonov, E. A.; Sinyatkin, S. V.; Skovpen, Y. I.; Skrinsky, A. N.; Smaluk, V. V.; Sokolov, A. V.; Sukharev, A. M.; Starostina, E. V.; Talyshev, A. A.; Tayursky, V. A.; Telnov, V. I.; Tikhonov, Y. A.; Todyshev, K. Y.; Tumaikin, G. M.; Usov, Y. V.; Vorobiov, A. I.; Yushkov, A. N.; Zhilich, V. N.; Zhulanov, V. V.; Zhuravlev, A. N.

2018-05-01

The product of the electronic width of the J/ψ meson and the branching fractions of its decay to hadrons and electrons has been measured using the KEDR detector at the VEPP-4M e + e - collider. The obtained values are Γ_{ee}(J/ψ )=5.550± 0.056± 0.089 Γ_{ee}(J/ψ )\\cdotp B_{hadrons}(J/ψ )=4.884± 0.048± 0.078 keV Γ_{ee}(J/ψ )\\cdotp B_{ee}(J/ψ )=0.3331± 0.0066± 0.0040 keV. The uncertainties shown are statistical and systematic, respectively. Using the result presented and the world-average value of the electronic branching fraction, one obtains the total width of the J/ψ meson: Γ =92.94± 1.83keV. These results are consistent with the previous experiments.

Maximizing Total QoS-Provisioning of Image Streams with Limited Energy Budget

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Wan Yeon; Kim, Kyong Hoon; Ko, Young Woong

To fully utilize the limited battery energy of mobile electronic devices, we propose an adaptive adjustment method of processing quality for multiple image stream tasks running with widely varying execution times. This adjustment method completes the worst-case executions of the tasks with a given budget of energy, and maximizes the total reward value of processing quality obtained during their executions by exploiting the probability distribution of task execution times. The proposed method derives the maximum reward value for the tasks being executable with arbitrary processing quality, and near maximum value for the tasks being executable with a finite number of processing qualities. Our evaluation on a prototype system shows that the proposed method achieves larger reward values, by up to 57%, than the previous method.

Factors influencing the robustness of P-value measurements in CT texture prognosis studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McQuaid, Sarah; Scuffham, James; Alobaidli, Sheaka; Prakash, Vineet; Ezhil, Veni; Nisbet, Andrew; South, Christopher; Evans, Philip

2017-07-01

Several studies have recently reported on the value of CT texture analysis in predicting survival, although the topic remains controversial, with further validation needed in order to consolidate the evidence base. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of varying the input parameters in the Kaplan-Meier analysis, to determine whether the resulting P-value can be considered to be a robust indicator of the parameter’s prognostic potential. A retrospective analysis of the CT-based normalised entropy of 51 patients with lung cancer was performed and overall survival data for these patients were collected. A normalised entropy cut-off was chosen to split the patient cohort into two groups and log-rank testing was performed to assess the survival difference of the two groups. This was repeated for varying normalised entropy cut-offs and varying follow-up periods. Our findings were also compared with previously published results to assess robustness of this parameter in a multi-centre patient cohort. The P-value was found to be highly sensitive to the choice of cut-off value, with small changes in cut-off producing substantial changes in P. The P-value was also sensitive to follow-up period, with particularly noisy results at short follow-up periods. Using matched conditions to previously published results, a P-value of 0.162 was obtained. Survival analysis results can be highly sensitive to the choice in texture cut-off value in dichotomising patients, which should be taken into account when performing such studies to avoid reporting false positive results. Short follow-up periods also produce unstable results and should therefore be avoided to ensure the results produced are reproducible. Previously published findings that indicated the prognostic value of normalised entropy were not replicated here, but further studies with larger patient numbers would be required to determine the cause of the different outcomes.

Evidence for Collective Multiparticle Correlations in p -Pb Collisions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khachatryan, V.; Sirunyan, A. M.; Tumasyan, A.; Adam, W.; Bergauer, T.; Dragicevic, M.; Erö, J.; Friedl, M.; Frühwirth, R.; Ghete, V. M.; Hartl, C.; Hörmann, N.; Hrubec, J.; Jeitler, M.; Kiesenhofer, W.; Knünz, V.; Krammer, M.; Krätschmer, I.; Liko, D.; Mikulec, I.; Rabady, D.; Rahbaran, B.; Rohringer, H.; Schöfbeck, R.; Strauss, J.; Treberer-Treberspurg, W.; Waltenberger, W.; Wulz, C.-E.; Mossolov, V.; Shumeiko, N.; Suarez Gonzalez, J.; Alderweireldt, S.; Bansal, S.; Cornelis, T.; De Wolf, E. A.; Janssen, X.; Knutsson, A.; Lauwers, J.; Luyckx, S.; Ochesanu, S.; Rougny, R.; Van De Klundert, M.; Van Haevermaet, H.; Van Mechelen, P.; Van Remortel, N.; Van Spilbeeck, A.; Blekman, F.; Blyweert, S.; D'Hondt, J.; Daci, N.; Heracleous, N.; Keaveney, J.; Lowette, S.; Maes, M.; Olbrechts, A.; Python, Q.; Strom, D.; Tavernier, S.; Van Doninck, W.; Van Mulders, P.; Van Onsem, G. P.; Villella, I.; Caillol, C.; Clerbaux, B.; De Lentdecker, G.; Dobur, D.; Favart, L.; Gay, A. P. R.; Grebenyuk, A.; Léonard, A.; Mohammadi, A.; Perniè, L.; Randle-conde, A.; Reis, T.; Seva, T.; Thomas, L.; Vander Velde, C.; Vanlaer, P.; Wang, J.; Zenoni, F.; Adler, V.; Beernaert, K.; Benucci, L.; Cimmino, A.; Costantini, S.; Crucy, S.; Fagot, A.; Garcia, G.; Mccartin, J.; Ocampo Rios, A. A.; Poyraz, D.; Ryckbosch, D.; Salva Diblen, S.; Sigamani, M.; Strobbe, N.; Thyssen, F.; Tytgat, M.; Yazgan, E.; Zaganidis, N.; Basegmez, S.; Beluffi, C.; Bruno, G.; Castello, R.; Caudron, A.; Ceard, L.; Da Silveira, G. G.; Delaere, C.; du Pree, T.; Favart, D.; Forthomme, L.; Giammanco, A.; Hollar, J.; Jafari, A.; Jez, P.; Komm, M.; Lemaitre, V.; Nuttens, C.; Pagano, D.; Perrini, L.; Pin, A.; Piotrzkowski, K.; Popov, A.; Quertenmont, L.; Selvaggi, M.; Vidal Marono, M.; Vizan Garcia, J. M.; Beliy, N.; Caebergs, T.; Daubie, E.; Hammad, G. H.; Aldá Júnior, W. L.; Alves, G. A.; Brito, L.; Correa Martins Junior, M.; Dos Reis Martins, T.; Molina, J.; Mora Herrera, C.; Pol, M. E.; Rebello Teles, P.; Carvalho, W.; Chinellato, J.; Custódio, A.; Da Costa, E. M.; De Jesus Damiao, D.; De Oliveira Martins, C.; Fonseca De Souza, S.; Malbouisson, H.; Matos Figueiredo, D.; Mundim, L.; Nogima, H.; Prado Da Silva, W. L.; Santaolalla, J.; Santoro, A.; Sznajder, A.; Tonelli Manganote, E. J.; Vilela Pereira, A.; Bernardes, C. A.; Dogra, S.; Tomei, T. R. Fernandez Perez; Gregores, E. M.; Mercadante, P. G.; Novaes, S. F.; Padula, Sandra S.; Aleksandrov, A.; Genchev, V.; Hadjiiska, R.; Iaydjiev, P.; Marinov, A.; Piperov, S.; Rodozov, M.; Stoykova, S.; Sultanov, G.; Vutova, M.; Dimitrov, A.; Glushkov, I.; Litov, L.; Pavlov, B.; Petkov, P.; Bian, J. G.; Chen, G. M.; Chen, H. S.; Chen, M.; Cheng, T.; Du, R.; Jiang, C. H.; Plestina, R.; Romeo, F.; Tao, J.; Wang, Z.; Asawatangtrakuldee, C.; Ban, Y.; Liu, S.; Mao, Y.; Qian, S. J.; Wang, D.; Xu, Z.; Zhang, F.; Zhang, L.; Zou, W.; Avila, C.; Cabrera, A.; Chaparro Sierra, L. F.; Florez, C.; Gomez, J. P.; Gomez Moreno, B.; Sanabria, J. C.; Godinovic, N.; Lelas, D.; Polic, D.; Puljak, I.; Antunovic, Z.; Kovac, M.; Brigljevic, V.; Kadija, K.; Luetic, J.; Mekterovic, D.; Sudic, L.; Attikis, A.; Mavromanolakis, G.; Mousa, J.; Nicolaou, C.; Ptochos, F.; Razis, P. A.; Rykaczewski, H.; Bodlak, M.; Finger, M.; Finger, M.; Assran, Y.; Ellithi Kamel, A.; Mahmoud, M. A.; Radi, A.; Kadastik, M.; Murumaa, M.; Raidal, M.; Tiko, A.; Eerola, P.; Voutilainen, M.; Härkönen, J.; Karimäki, V.; Kinnunen, R.; Kortelainen, M. J.; Lampén, T.; Lassila-Perini, K.; Lehti, S.; Lindén, T.; Luukka, P.; Mäenpää, T.; Peltola, T.; Tuominen, E.; Tuominiemi, J.; Tuovinen, E.; Wendland, L.; Talvitie, J.; Tuuva, T.; Besancon, M.; Couderc, F.; Dejardin, M.; Denegri, D.; Fabbro, B.; Faure, J. L.; Favaro, C.; Ferri, F.; Ganjour, S.; Givernaud, A.; Gras, P.; Hamel de Monchenault, G.; Jarry, P.; Locci, E.; Malcles, J.; Rander, J.; Rosowsky, A.; Titov, M.; Baffioni, S.; Beaudette, F.; Busson, P.; Chapon, E.; Charlot, C.; Dahms, T.; Dobrzynski, L.; Filipovic, N.; Florent, A.; Granier de Cassagnac, R.; Mastrolorenzo, L.; Miné, P.; Naranjo, I. N.; Nguyen, M.; Ochando, C.; Ortona, G.; Paganini, P.; Regnard, S.; Salerno, R.; Sauvan, J. B.; Sirois, Y.; Veelken, C.; Yilmaz, Y.; Zabi, A.; Agram, J.-L.; Andrea, J.; Aubin, A.; Bloch, D.; Brom, J.-M.; Chabert, E. C.; Collard, C.; Conte, E.; Fontaine, J.-C.; Gelé, D.; Goerlach, U.; Goetzmann, C.; Le Bihan, A.-C.; Skovpen, K.; Van Hove, P.; Gadrat, S.; Beauceron, S.; Beaupere, N.; Bernet, C.; Boudoul, G.; Bouvier, E.; Brochet, S.; Carrillo Montoya, C. A.; Chasserat, J.; Chierici, R.; Contardo, D.; Courbon, B.; Depasse, P.; El Mamouni, H.; Fan, J.; Fay, J.; Gascon, S.; Gouzevitch, M.; Ille, B.; Kurca, T.; Lethuillier, M.; Mirabito, L.; Pequegnot, A. L.; Perries, S.; Ruiz Alvarez, J. D.; Sabes, D.; Sgandurra, L.; Sordini, V.; Vander Donckt, M.; Verdier, P.; Viret, S.; Xiao, H.; Tsamalaidze, Z.; Autermann, C.; Beranek, S.; Bontenackels, M.; Edelhoff, M.; Feld, L.; Heister, A.; Klein, K.; Lipinski, M.; Ostapchuk, A.; Preuten, M.; Raupach, F.; Sammet, J.; Schael, S.; Schulte, J. F.; Weber, H.; Wittmer, B.; Zhukov, V.; Ata, M.; Brodski, M.; Dietz-Laursonn, E.; Duchardt, D.; Erdmann, M.; Fischer, R.; Güth, A.; Hebbeker, T.; Heidemann, C.; Hoepfner, K.; Klingebiel, D.; Knutzen, S.; Kreuzer, P.; Merschmeyer, M.; Meyer, A.; Millet, P.; Olschewski, M.; Padeken, K.; Papacz, P.; Reithler, H.; Schmitz, S. 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T.; Erbacher, R.; Gardner, M.; Ko, W.; Lander, R.; Mulhearn, M.; Pellett, D.; Pilot, J.; Ricci-Tam, F.; Shalhout, S.; Smith, J.; Squires, M.; Stolp, D.; Tripathi, M.; Wilbur, S.; Yohay, R.; Cousins, R.; Everaerts, P.; Farrell, C.; Hauser, J.; Ignatenko, M.; Rakness, G.; Takasugi, E.; Valuev, V.; Weber, M.; Burt, K.; Clare, R.; Ellison, J.; Gary, J. W.; Hanson, G.; Heilman, J.; Ivova Rikova, M.; Jandir, P.; Kennedy, E.; Lacroix, F.; Long, O. R.; Luthra, A.; Malberti, M.; Olmedo Negrete, M.; Shrinivas, A.; Sumowidagdo, S.; Wimpenny, S.; Branson, J. G.; Cerati, G. B.; Cittolin, S.; D'Agnolo, R. T.; Holzner, A.; Kelley, R.; Klein, D.; Letts, J.; Macneill, I.; Olivito, D.; Padhi, S.; Palmer, C.; Pieri, M.; Sani, M.; Sharma, V.; Simon, S.; Tadel, M.; Tu, Y.; Vartak, A.; Welke, C.; Würthwein, F.; Yagil, A.; Zevi Della Porta, G.; Barge, D.; Bradmiller-Feld, J.; Campagnari, C.; Danielson, T.; Dishaw, A.; Dutta, V.; Flowers, K.; Franco Sevilla, M.; Geffert, P.; George, C.; Golf, F.; Gouskos, L.; Incandela, J.; Justus, C.; Mccoll, N.; Mullin, S. D.; Richman, J.; Stuart, D.; To, W.; West, C.; Yoo, J.; Apresyan, A.; Bornheim, A.; Bunn, J.; Chen, Y.; Duarte, J.; Mott, A.; Newman, H. B.; Pena, C.; Pierini, M.; Spiropulu, M.; Vlimant, J. R.; Wilkinson, R.; Xie, S.; Zhu, R. Y.; Azzolini, V.; Calamba, A.; Carlson, B.; Ferguson, T.; Iiyama, Y.; Paulini, M.; Russ, J.; Vogel, H.; Vorobiev, I.; Cumalat, J. P.; Ford, W. T.; Gaz, A.; Krohn, M.; Luiggi Lopez, E.; Nauenberg, U.; Smith, J. G.; Stenson, K.; Wagner, S. R.; Alexander, J.; Chatterjee, A.; Chaves, J.; Chu, J.; Dittmer, S.; Eggert, N.; Mirman, N.; Nicolas Kaufman, G.; Patterson, J. R.; Ryd, A.; Salvati, E.; Skinnari, L.; Sun, W.; Teo, W. D.; Thom, J.; Thompson, J.; Tucker, J.; Weng, Y.; Winstrom, L.; Wittich, P.; Winn, D.; Abdullin, S.; Albrow, M.; Anderson, J.; Apollinari, G.; Bauerdick, L. A. T.; Beretvas, A.; Berryhill, J.; Bhat, P. C.; Bolla, G.; Burkett, K.; Butler, J. N.; Cheung, H. W. K.; Chlebana, F.; Cihangir, S.; Elvira, V. D.; Fisk, I.; Freeman, J.; Gottschalk, E.; Gray, L.; Green, D.; Grünendahl, S.; Gutsche, O.; Hanlon, J.; Hare, D.; Harris, R. M.; Hirschauer, J.; Hooberman, B.; Jindariani, S.; Johnson, M.; Joshi, U.; Klima, B.; Kreis, B.; Kwan, S.; Linacre, J.; Lincoln, D.; Lipton, R.; Liu, T.; Lopes De Sá, R.; Lykken, J.; Maeshima, K.; Marraffino, J. M.; Martinez Outschoorn, V. I.; Maruyama, S.; Mason, D.; McBride, P.; Merkel, P.; Mishra, K.; Mrenna, S.; Nahn, S.; Newman-Holmes, C.; O'Dell, V.; Prokofyev, O.; Sexton-Kennedy, E.; Soha, A.; Spalding, W. J.; Spiegel, L.; Taylor, L.; Tkaczyk, S.; Tran, N. V.; Uplegger, L.; Vaandering, E. W.; Vidal, R.; Whitbeck, A.; Whitmore, J.; Yang, F.; Acosta, D.; Avery, P.; Bortignon, P.; Bourilkov, D.; Carver, M.; Curry, D.; Das, S.; De Gruttola, M.; Di Giovanni, G. P.; Field, R. D.; Fisher, M.; Furic, I. K.; Hugon, J.; Konigsberg, J.; Korytov, A.; Kypreos, T.; Low, J. F.; Matchev, K.; Mei, H.; Milenovic, P.; Mitselmakher, G.; Muniz, L.; Rinkevicius, A.; Shchutska, L.; Snowball, M.; Sperka, D.; Yelton, J.; Zakaria, M.; Hewamanage, S.; Linn, S.; Markowitz, P.; Martinez, G.; Rodriguez, J. L.; Adams, J. R.; Adams, T.; Askew, A.; Bochenek, J.; Diamond, B.; Haas, J.; Hagopian, S.; Hagopian, V.; Johnson, K. F.; Prosper, H.; Veeraraghavan, V.; Weinberg, M.; Baarmand, M. M.; Hohlmann, M.; Kalakhety, H.; Yumiceva, F.; Adams, M. R.; Apanasevich, L.; Berry, D.; Betts, R. R.; Bucinskaite, I.; Cavanaugh, R.; Evdokimov, O.; Gauthier, L.; Gerber, C. E.; Hofman, D. J.; Kurt, P.; O'Brien, C.; Sandoval Gonzalez, I. D.; Silkworth, C.; Turner, P.; Varelas, N.; Bilki, B.; Clarida, W.; Dilsiz, K.; Haytmyradov, M.; Khristenko, V.; Merlo, J.-P.; Mermerkaya, H.; Mestvirishvili, A.; Moeller, A.; Nachtman, J.; Ogul, H.; Onel, Y.; Ozok, F.; Penzo, A.; Rahmat, R.; Sen, S.; Tan, P.; Tiras, E.; Wetzel, J.; Yi, K.; Anderson, I.; Barnett, B. A.; Blumenfeld, B.; Bolognesi, S.; Fehling, D.; Gritsan, A. V.; Maksimovic, P.; Martin, C.; Swartz, M.; Xiao, M.; Baringer, P.; Bean, A.; Benelli, G.; Bruner, C.; Gray, J.; Kenny, R. P.; Majumder, D.; Malek, M.; Murray, M.; Noonan, D.; Sanders, S.; Sekaric, J.; Stringer, R.; Wang, Q.; Wood, J. S.; Chakaberia, I.; Ivanov, A.; Kaadze, K.; Khalil, S.; Makouski, M.; Maravin, Y.; Saini, L. K.; Skhirtladze, N.; Svintradze, I.; Gronberg, J.; Lange, D.; Rebassoo, F.; Wright, D.; Anelli, C.; Baden, A.; Belloni, A.; Calvert, B.; Eno, S. C.; Gomez, J. A.; Hadley, N. J.; Jabeen, S.; Kellogg, R. G.; Kolberg, T.; Lu, Y.; Mignerey, A. C.; Pedro, K.; Shin, Y. H.; Skuja, A.; Tonjes, M. B.; Tonwar, S. C.; Apyan, A.; Barbieri, R.; Bierwagen, K.; Busza, W.; Cali, I. A.; Di Matteo, L.; Gomez Ceballos, G.; Goncharov, M.; Gulhan, D.; Klute, M.; Lai, Y. S.; Lee, Y.-J.; Levin, A.; Luckey, P. D.; Paus, C.; Ralph, D.; Roland, C.; Roland, G.; Stephans, G. S. F.; Sumorok, K.; Velicanu, D.; Veverka, J.; Wyslouch, B.; Yang, M.; Zanetti, M.; Zhukova, V.; Dahmes, B.; Gude, A.; Kao, S. C.; Klapoetke, K.; Kubota, Y.; Mans, J.; Nourbakhsh, S.; Rusack, R.; Singovsky, A.; Tambe, N.; Turkewitz, J.; Acosta, J. G.; Oliveros, S.; Avdeeva, E.; Bloom, K.; Bose, S.; Claes, D. R.; Dominguez, A.; Gonzalez Suarez, R.; Keller, J.; Knowlton, D.; Kravchenko, I.; Lazo-Flores, J.; Meier, F.; Ratnikov, F.; Snow, G. R.; Zvada, M.; Dolen, J.; Godshalk, A.; Iashvili, I.; Kharchilava, A.; Kumar, A.; Rappoccio, S.; Alverson, G.; Barberis, E.; Baumgartel, D.; Chasco, M.; Massironi, A.; Morse, D. M.; Nash, D.; Orimoto, T.; Trocino, D.; Wang, R.-J.; Wood, D.; Zhang, J.; Hahn, K. A.; Kubik, A.; Mucia, N.; Odell, N.; Pollack, B.; Pozdnyakov, A.; Schmitt, M.; Stoynev, S.; Sung, K.; Trovato, M.; Velasco, M.; Won, S.; Brinkerhoff, A.; Chan, K. M.; Drozdetskiy, A.; Hildreth, M.; Jessop, C.; Karmgard, D. J.; Kellams, N.; Lannon, K.; Lynch, S.; Marinelli, N.; Musienko, Y.; Pearson, T.; Planer, M.; Ruchti, R.; Smith, G.; Valls, N.; Wayne, M.; Wolf, M.; Woodard, A.; Antonelli, L.; Brinson, J.; Bylsma, B.; Durkin, L. S.; Flowers, S.; Hart, A.; Hill, C.; Hughes, R.; Kotov, K.; Ling, T. Y.; Luo, W.; Puigh, D.; Rodenburg, M.; Winer, B. L.; Wolfe, H.; Wulsin, H. W.; Driga, O.; Elmer, P.; Hardenbrook, J.; Hebda, P.; Koay, S. A.; Lujan, P.; Marlow, D.; Medvedeva, T.; Mooney, M.; Olsen, J.; Piroué, P.; Quan, X.; Saka, H.; Stickland, D.; Tully, C.; Werner, J. S.; Zuranski, A.; Brownson, E.; Malik, S.; Mendez, H.; Ramirez Vargas, J. E.; Barnes, V. E.; Benedetti, D.; Bortoletto, D.; Gutay, L.; Hu, Z.; Jha, M. K.; Jones, M.; Jung, K.; Kress, M.; Leonardo, N.; Miller, D. H.; Neumeister, N.; Primavera, F.; Radburn-Smith, B. C.; Shi, X.; Shipsey, I.; Silvers, D.; Svyatkovskiy, A.; Wang, F.; Xie, W.; Xu, L.; Zablocki, J.; Parashar, N.; Stupak, J.; Adair, A.; Akgun, B.; Ecklund, K. M.; Geurts, F. J. M.; Li, W.; Michlin, B.; Padley, B. P.; Redjimi, R.; Roberts, J.; Zabel, J.; Betchart, B.; Bodek, A.; de Barbaro, P.; Demina, R.; Eshaq, Y.; Ferbel, T.; Galanti, M.; Garcia-Bellido, A.; Goldenzweig, P.; Han, J.; Harel, A.; Hindrichs, O.; Khukhunaishvili, A.; Korjenevski, S.; Petrillo, G.; Verzetti, M.; Vishnevskiy, D.; Ciesielski, R.; Demortier, L.; Goulianos, K.; Mesropian, C.; Arora, S.; Barker, A.; Chou, J. P.; Contreras-Campana, C.; Contreras-Campana, E.; Duggan, D.; Ferencek, D.; Gershtein, Y.; Gray, R.; Halkiadakis, E.; Hidas, D.; Hughes, E.; Kaplan, S.; Lath, A.; Panwalkar, S.; Park, M.; Salur, S.; Schnetzer, S.; Sheffield, D.; Somalwar, S.; Stone, R.; Thomas, S.; Thomassen, P.; Walker, M.; Rose, K.; Spanier, S.; York, A.; Bouhali, O.; Castaneda Hernandez, A.; Dalchenko, M.; De Mattia, M.; Dildick, S.; Eusebi, R.; Flanagan, W.; Gilmore, J.; Kamon, T.; Khotilovich, V.; Krutelyov, V.; Montalvo, R.; Osipenkov, I.; Pakhotin, Y.; Patel, R.; Perloff, A.; Roe, J.; Rose, A.; Safonov, A.; Suarez, I.; Tatarinov, A.; Ulmer, K. A.; Akchurin, N.; Cowden, C.; Damgov, J.; Dragoiu, C.; Dudero, P. R.; Faulkner, J.; Kovitanggoon, K.; Kunori, S.; Lee, S. W.; Libeiro, T.; Volobouev, I.; Appelt, E.; Delannoy, A. G.; Greene, S.; Gurrola, A.; Johns, W.; Maguire, C.; Mao, Y.; Melo, A.; Sharma, M.; Sheldon, P.; Snook, B.; Tuo, S.; Velkovska, J.; Arenton, M. W.; Boutle, S.; Cox, B.; Francis, B.; Goodell, J.; Hirosky, R.; Ledovskoy, A.; Li, H.; Lin, C.; Neu, C.; Wolfe, E.; Wood, J.; Clarke, C.; Harr, R.; Karchin, P. E.; Kottachchi Kankanamge Don, C.; Lamichhane, P.; Sturdy, J.; Belknap, D. A.; Carlsmith, D.; Cepeda, M.; Dasu, S.; Dodd, L.; Duric, S.; Friis, E.; Hall-Wilton, R.; Herndon, M.; Hervé, A.; Klabbers, P.; Lanaro, A.; Lazaridis, C.; Levine, A.; Loveless, R.; Mohapatra, A.; Ojalvo, I.; Perry, T.; Pierro, G. A.; Polese, G.; Ross, I.; Sarangi, T.; Savin, A.; Smith, W. H.; Taylor, D.; Vuosalo, C.; Woods, N.; CMS Collaboration

2015-07-01

The second-order azimuthal anisotropy Fourier harmonics, v2 , are obtained in p -Pb and PbPb collisions over a wide pseudorapidity (η ) range based on correlations among six or more charged particles. The p -Pb data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 35 nb-1 , were collected during the 2013 LHC p -Pb run at a nucleon-nucleon center-of-mass energy of 5.02 TeV by the CMS experiment. A sample of semiperipheral PbPb collision data at √{sNN }=2.76 TeV , corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.5 μ b-1 and covering a similar range of particle multiplicities as the p -Pb data, is also analyzed for comparison. The six- and eight-particle cumulant and the Lee-Yang zeros methods are used to extract the v2 coefficients, extending previous studies of two- and four-particle correlations. For both the p -Pb and PbPb systems, the v2 values obtained with correlations among more than four particles are consistent with previously published four-particle results. These data support the interpretation of a collective origin for the previously observed long-range (large Δ η ) correlations in both systems. The ratios of v2 values corresponding to correlations including different numbers of particles are compared to theoretical predictions that assume a hydrodynamic behavior of a p -Pb system dominated by fluctuations in the positions of participant nucleons. These results provide new insights into the multiparticle dynamics of collision systems with a very small overlapping region.

Ground cloud effluent measurements during the May 30, 1974, Titan 3 launch at the Air Force eastern test range

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bendura, R. J.; Crumbly, K. H.

1977-01-01

Surface-level exhaust effluent measurements of HCl, CO, and particulates, ground-cloud behavior, and some comparisons with model predictions for the launch of a Titan 3 rocket are presented along with a limited amount of airborne sampling measurements of other cloud species (O3, NO, NOX). Values above background levels for these effluents were obtained at 20 of the 30 instrument sites; these values were lower than model predictions and did not exceed public health standards. Cloud rise rate, stabilization altitude, and volume are compared with results from previous launches.

Measuring Distance of Fuzzy Numbers by Trapezoidal Fuzzy Numbers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hajjari, Tayebeh

2010-11-01

Fuzzy numbers and more generally linguistic values are approximate assessments, given by experts and accepted by decision-makers when obtaining value that is more accurate is impossible or unnecessary. Distance between two fuzzy numbers plays an important role in linguistic decision-making. It is reasonable to define a fuzzy distance between fuzzy objects. To achieve this aim, the researcher presents a new distance measure for fuzzy numbers by means of improved centroid distance method. The metric properties are also studied. The advantage is the calculation of the proposed method is far simple than previous approaches.

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

Hayashinaka, Takahiro; Department of Physics, Graduate School of Science,The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-0033; Yokoyama, Jun’ichi

The covariant and gauge invariant calculation of the current expectation value in the homogeneous electric field in 1+3 dimensional de Sitter spacetime is shown. The result accords with previous work obtained by using adiabatic subtraction scheme. We therefore conclude the counterintuitive behaviors of the current in the infrared (IR) regime such as IR hyperconductivity and negative current are not artifacts of the renormalization scheme, but are real IR effects of the spacetime.

Field observations of the electrostatic charges of blowing snow in Hokkaido, Japan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Omiya, S.; Sato, A.

2011-12-01

An electrostatic charge of blowing snow may be a contributing factor in the formation of a snow drift and a snow cornice, and changing of the trajectory of own motion. However, detailed electrification characteristics of blowing snow are not known as there are few reports of charge measurements. We carried out field observations of the electrostatic charges of blowing snow in Tobetsu, Hokkaido, Japan in the mid winter of 2011. An anemovane and a thermohygrometer were used for the meteorological observation. Charge-to-mass ratios of blowing snow were obtained by a Faraday-cage, an electrometer and an electric balance. In this observation period, the air temperature during the blowing snow event was -6.5 to -0.5 degree Celsius. The measured charges in this observation were consistent with the previous studies in sign, which is negative, but they were smaller than the previous one. In most cases, the measured values increased with the temperature decrease, which corresponds with previous studies. However, some results contradicted the tendency, and the maximum value was obtained on the day of the highest air temperature of -0.5 degree Celsius. This discrepancy may be explained from the difference of the snow surface condition on observation day. The day when the maximum value was obtained, the snow surface was covered with old snow, and hard. On the other hand, in many other cases, the snow surface was covered with the fresh snow, and soft. Blowing snow particles on the hard surface can travel longer distance than on the soft one. Therefore, it can be surmised that the hard surface makes the blowing snow particles accumulate a lot of negative charges due to a large number of collisions to the surface. This can be supported by the results of the wind tunnel experiments by Omiya and Sato (2011). By this field observation, it was newly suggested that the electrostatic charge of blowing snow are influenced greatly by the difference of the snow surface condition. REFERENCE: Omiya and Sato,(2010):An electrostatic charge measurement of blowing snow particles focusing on collision frequency to the snow surface. AGU Abstract Database, 2010 Fall Meeting.

Spectral flux from low-density photospheres - Numerical results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hershkowitz, S.; Linder, E.; Wagoner, R. V.

1986-01-01

Radiative transfer through sharp, quasi-static atmospheres whose opacity is dominated by hydrogen is considered at densities low enough that scattering usually dominates absorption and radiative excitations usually dominate collisional excitations. Numerical results for the continuum spectral flux are obtained for effective temperatures T(e) = 6000-16,000 K and scale heights Delta-R = 10 to the 10th - 10 to the 14th cm. Spectra are significantly different than if LTE level populations were assumed. Comparison with observations of the Type II supernova 1980k tends to increase the value of the Hubble constant previously obtained by the Baade (1926) method.

Large predispersion for reduction of intrachannel nonlinear impairments in strongly dispersion-managed transmissions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Wenhua

2016-05-01

Predispersion for reduction of intrachannel nonlinear impairments in quasi-linear strongly dispersion-managed transmission system is analyzed in detail by numerical simulations. We show that for moderate amount of predispersion there is an optimal value at which reduction of the nonlinear impairments can be obtained, which is consistent with previous well-known predictions. However, we found that much better transmission performance than that of the previous predictions can be obtained if predispersion is increased to some extent. For large predispersion, the nonlinear impairments reduce monotonically with increasing predispersion and then they tend to be stabilized when predispersion is further increased. Thus, transmission performance can be efficiently improved by inserting a high-dispersive element, such as a chirped fiber bragg grating (CFBG), at the input end of the transmission link to broaden the signal pulses while, at the output end, using another CFBG with the opposite dispersion to recompress the signal.

Optical phonon behavior of columbite MgNb2O6 single crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Dapeng; Liu, Wenqiang; Zhou, Qiang; Cui, Tian; Yuan, Hongming; Wang, Wenquan; Liu, Ying; Shi, Zhan; Li, Liang

2014-08-01

To explore potential applications, MgNb2O6 single crystal grown previously by optical floating zone method was used as a prototype for optical phonon behavior investigation. Polarized Raman spectra obtained in adequate parallel and crossed polarization were presented. All the obtained Raman modes were identified for the MgNb2O6, in good agreement with previous theory analysis. The selection rules of Raman for the columbite group were validated. Additionally, in-site temperature-dependent Raman spectra of MgNb2O6 were also investigated in the range from 83 to 803 K. The strong four Ag phonon modes all exhibits red shift with the temperature increasing. But thermal expansion of spectra is sectional linear with inflection points at about 373 K. And the absolute value of dω/dT at high temperature is higher than the one at lower temperature.

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.

Inflationary spectra with inverse-volume corrections in loop quantum cosmology and their observational constraints from Planck 2015 data

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

Zhu, Tao; Wang, Anzhong; Wu, Qiang

We first derive the primordial power spectra, spectral indices and runnings of both scalar and tensor perturbations of a flat inflationary universe to the second-order approximations of the slow-roll parameters, in the framework of loop quantum cosmology with the inverse-volume quantum corrections. This represents an extension of our previous work in which the parameter σ was assumed to be an integer, where σ characterizes the quantum corrections and in general can take any of values from the range σ  element of  (0, 6]. Restricting to the first-order approximations of the slow-roll parameters, we find corrections to the results obtained previously inmore » the literature, and point out the causes for such errors. To our best knowledge, these represent the most accurate calculations of scalar and tensor perturbations given so far in the literature. Then, fitting the perturbations to the recently released data by Planck (2015), we obtain the most severe constraints for various values of σ. Using these constraints as our referring point, we discuss whether these quantum gravitational corrections can lead to measurable signatures in the future cosmological observations. We show that, depending on the value of σ, the scale-dependent contributions to the relativistic inflationary spectra due to the inverse-volume corrections could be well within the range of the detectability of the forthcoming generations of experiments, such as the Stage IV experiments.« less

Revised and improved value of the QED tenth-order electron anomalous magnetic moment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aoyama, Tatsumi; Kinoshita, Toichiro; Nio, Makiko

2018-02-01

In order to improve the theoretical prediction of the electron anomalous magnetic moment ae we have carried out a new numerical evaluation of the 389 integrals of Set V, which represent 6,354 Feynman vertex diagrams without lepton loops. During this work, we found that one of the integrals, called X 024 , was given a wrong value in the previous calculation due to an incorrect assignment of integration variables. The correction of this error causes a shift of -1.26 to the Set V contribution, and hence to the tenth-order universal (i.e., mass-independent) term A1(10 ). The previous evaluation of all other 388 integrals is free from errors and consistent with the new evaluation. Combining the new and the old (excluding X 024 ) calculations statistically, we obtain 7.606 (192 )(α /π )5 as the best estimate of the Set V contribution. Including the contribution of the diagrams with fermion loops, the improved tenth-order universal term becomes A1(10 )=6.675 (192 ) . Adding hadronic and electroweak contributions leads to the theoretical prediction ae(theory)=1 159 652 182.032 (720 )×10-12 . From this and the best measurement of ae, we obtain the inverse fine-structure constant α-1(ae)=137.035 999 1491 (331 ) . The theoretical prediction of the muon anomalous magnetic moment is also affected by the update of QED contribution and the new value of α , but the shift is much smaller than the theoretical uncertainty.

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

Neeway, James J.; Rieke, Peter C.; Parruzot, Benjamin P.

In far-from-equilibrium conditions, the dissolution of borosilicate glasses used to immobilize nuclear waste is known to be a function of both temperature and pH. The aim of this paper is to study effects of these variables on three model waste glasses (SON68, ISG, AFCI). To do this, experiments were conducted at temperatures of 23, 40, 70, and 90 °C and pH(RT) values of 9, 10, 11, and 12 with the single-pass flow-through (SPFT) test method. The results from these tests were then used to parameterize a kinetic rate model based on transition state theory. Both the absolute dissolution rates andmore » the rate model parameters are compared with previous results. Discrepancies in the absolute dissolution rates as compared to those obtained using other test methods are discussed. Rate model parameters for the three glasses studied here are nearly equivalent within error and in relative agreement with previous studies. The results were analyzed with a linear multivariate regression (LMR) and a nonlinear multivariate regression performed with the use of the Glass Corrosion Modeling Tool (GCMT), which is capable of providing a robust uncertainty analysis. This robust analysis highlights the high degree of correlation of various parameters in the kinetic rate model. As more data are obtained on borosilicate glasses with varying compositions, the effect of glass composition on the rate parameter values could possibly be obtained. This would allow for the possibility of predicting the forward dissolution rate of glass based solely on composition« less

Efficacy ranking of triterpenoids as inducers of a cytoprotective enzyme and as inhibitors of a cellular inflammatory response via their electron affinity and their electrophilicity index

PubMed Central

Bensasson, René V.; Zoete, Vincent; Berthier, Gaston; Talalay, Paul; Dinkova-Kostova, Albena T.

2010-01-01

Electron affinity (EA) and electrophilicity index (ω) of 16 synthetic triterpenoids (TP), previously identified as inducers of cytoprotective enzymes and as inhibitors of cellular inflammatory responses, have been calculated by the molecular orbital method. Linear correlations were obtained by plotting the values of EA, as well as those of ω versus (i) the potencies of induction of NAD(P)H quinone reductase (NQO1, EC 1.6.99.2), a cytoprotective enzyme, expressed via the concentration of TP required to double the specific activity of NQO1 (CD value) and (ii) the values of their anti-inflammatory activity expressed via the IC-50 of TP for suppression of upregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS, EC 1.14.13.39), both previously experimentally determined. The observed correlations demonstrate quantitatively for a series of triterpenoids that their electrophilicity is a major factor determining their potency as inducers of the cytoprotective phase 2 response and as inhibitors of inflammatory processes. PMID:20433811

On the ab initio evaluation of Hubbard parameters. II. The κ-(BEDT-TTF)2Cu[N(CN)2]Br crystal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fortunelli, Alessandro; Painelli, Anna

1997-05-01

A previously proposed approach for the ab initio evaluation of Hubbard parameters is applied to BEDT-TTF dimers. The dimers are positioned according to four geometries taken as the first neighbors from the experimental data on the κ-(BEDT-TTF)2Cu[N(CN)2]Br crystal. RHF-SCF, CAS-SCF and frozen-orbital calculations using the 6-31G** basis set are performed with different values of the total charge, allowing us to derive all the relevant parameters. It is found that the electronic structure of the BEDT-TTF planes is adequately described by the standard Extended Hubbard Model, with the off-diagonal electron-electron interaction terms (X and W) of negligible size. The derived parameters are in good agreement with available experimental data. Comparison with previous theoretical estimates shows that the t values compare well with those obtained from Extended Hückel Theory (whereas the minimal basis set estimates are completely unreliable). On the other hand, the Uaeff values exhibit an appreciable dependence on the chemical environment.

Large scale magnetic fields from torsion modes and massive photon inflation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garcia de Andrade, L. C.

2017-10-01

Previously, Barrow and Tsagas (2008 Phys. Rev. D 77 107302) showed that a slower decay of magnetic fields are present in open Friedmann universes, with traditional Maxwell equations. In their paper magnetic fields of the order of B˜ 10-33~G , which are far below the value required to seed galactic dynamos, were obtained. In this paper, galactic dynamo seeds of the order of B˜ 10-23~G are obtained from massive electrodynamics in an Einstein-Cartan-Proca expanding universe of de Sitter type. Slow decay of magnetic fields in photon-torsion coupling in quantum electrodynamics (Garcia de Andrade 2011 Phys. Lett. B 468 28) have been recently shown by the author Garcia de Andrade (2012 Phys. Lett. B 711 143) to also not be able to seed galactic dynamos. Torsion modes are constrained by the field equations. Spacetime torsion is shown to be explicitly responsible for the slow decay of a cosmic magnetic field. In the absence of massive photon torsion coupling the magnetic field decay is of the order B˜ t-\\frac{3{2}} , when torsion turns on B˜ t-1.2 . The pure massive-photon-torsion contribution amplifies the magnetic field by B_torsion˜ t0.1 which characterizes an extremely slow magnetic dynamo action due to purely torsion gravitational effects. Recently Barrow, Tsagas and Yamamoto (2012 Phys. Rev. D 86 023535) have obtained superadiabatic amplification of B-fields in Friedmann open cosmology which lies within {10-20~G} and 10-12~G which falls very comfortably within the limits to seed galactic dynamos. The are other simple solutions where a B-field decays as B˜ a-1 , a relatively weak photon-torsion coupling approximation. These solutions are obtained for de Sitter and Friedmann metrics. Numerical values as displayed in this new version of the paper specifically for GUT phases of inflation with and without massive photons; without photons we obtain the well known value of GR which is B_GUT˜ 1048~G while for the values with massive photons one obtains B_GUT/γ˜ 10-3.5Gauss . At the present time one obtains B_today≤slant{10-21.6~G} and with massive photons one obtains B_today/γ˜ 10-1.8~G , which is unfortunately much stronger than the value obtained by astronomical observations of 10-9~G .

Accurate oscillator strengths for interstellar ultraviolet lines of Cl I

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schectman, R. M.; Federman, S. R.; Beideck, D. J.; Ellis, D. J.

1993-01-01

Analyses on the abundance of interstellar chlorine rely on accurate oscillator strengths for ultraviolet transitions. Beam-foil spectroscopy was used to obtain f-values for the astrophysically important lines of Cl I at 1088, 1097, and 1347 A. In addition, the line at 1363 A was studied. Our f-values for 1088, 1097 A represent the first laboratory measurements for these lines; the values are f(1088)=0.081 +/- 0.007 (1 sigma) and f(1097) = 0.0088 +/- 0.0013 (1 sigma). These results resolve the issue regarding the relative strengths for 1088, 1097 A in favor of those suggested by astronomical measurements. For the other lines, our results of f(1347) = 0.153 +/- 0.011 (1 sigma) and f(1363) = 0.055 +/- 0.004 (1 sigma) are the most precisely measured values available. The f-values are somewhat greater than previous experimental and theoretical determinations.

The Br+HO 2 reaction revisited: Absolute determination of the rate constant at 298 K

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laverdet, G.; Le Bras, G.; Mellouki, A.; Poulet, G.

1990-09-01

The absolute determination of the rate constant for the reaction Br+HO 2→HBr+O 2 has been done at 298 K using the discharge-flor EPR method. The value k1 = (1.5±0.2) × 10 -12 cm 3 molecule -1 s -1 was obtained. Previous indirect measurements of k1 from a discharge-flow, LIF/mass spectrometric study of the Br/H 2CO/O 2 system have been reinterpreted, leading to values for k1 ranging from 1.0 × 10 -12 to 2.2 × 10 -12 cm 3 molecule -1 s -1 at 298 K. These results are discussed and compared with other literature values.

Nuclear composition and energy spectra in the 1969 April 12 solar-particle event.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bertsch, D. L.; Fichtel, C. E.; Reames, D. V.

1972-01-01

Measurement of the charge composition for several of the multicharged nuclei and the energy spectra for hydrogen, helium, and medium (6 less than or equal to Z less than or equal to 9) nuclei in the Apr. 12, 1969, solar-particle event. The energy/nucleon spectral shape of the medium nuclei was again the same as that of the helium nuclei, and the ratio of these two species was consistent with the present best average of 58 plus or minus 5. By combining the results obtained here with previous work, improved estimates of the Ne/O and Mg/O values of 0.16 plus or minus 0.03 and 0.056 plus or minus 0.014, respectively, were obtained. Silicon and sulfur abundances relative to O were determined to be 0.208 plus or minus 0.008 plus or minus 0.006, respectively, and 85% confidence upper limits for Ar and Ca relative to O of 0.017 and 0.010 were obtained. Previously, these last four nuclei had only been listed as a group.

Thermoelectric properties of heavily GaP- and P-doped Si0.95Ge0.05

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamashita, Osamu

2001-06-01

The Seebeck coefficient S, the electrical resistivity ρ and the thermal conductivity κ of Si0.95Ge0.05 samples doped with 0.4 at. % P and/or 0.5-2.0 mol % GaP, which were prepared by a conventional arc melting method, were measured as functions of GaP content and temperature T in the range from 323 to 1208 K. When multidoped with P and GaP, Ga tends to segregate more strongly with Ge to the grain boundaries than P, while when doped with GaP alone, both P and Ga segregate equally strongly with Ge. For multidoped samples, the S values at 323 K have a minimum at 1.0 mol % GaP and then increase with additional GaP, while the values of ρ and κ decrease monotonically with increasing GaP content. The optimum additional content of GaP that gives the largest thermoelectric figures of merit (ZT=S2T/κρ) for multidoped n-type Si0.95Ge0.05 samples was 1.5 mol %, which is slightly less than the 2.0 mol % of GaP added to Si0.8Ge0.2 alloy by hot pressing. The ZT value for multidoped Si0.95Ge0.05 with an optimum content of GaP increases linearly with temperature, and at 1073 K is 18% higher than that obtained previously for Si0.95Ge0.05 doped with only 0.4 at. % P. At 1173 K the ZT value is 1.16, which corresponds to 95% of that obtained previously at the corresponding temperature for Si0.8Ge0.2 alloy doped with 2.0 mol % GaP.

Rate constant for the reaction of atomic chlorine with methane

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lin, C. L.; Leu, M. T.; Demore, W. B.

1978-01-01

The rate constant and temperature dependence of the Cl + CH4 reaction have been investigated by the techniques of competitive chlorination of CH4/C2H6 mixtures and by discharge-flow/mass spectroscopy. The objectives were to determine an accurate value for the rate constant for use in stratospheric modeling, and to clarify discrepancies in results previously obtained by different techniques. The results deduced from the competitive chlorination study are in good agreement with the absolute values measured by the mass spectrometric method, and at temperatures above 300 K are in good agreement with measurements by other techniques based on resonance fluorescence detection of atomic chlorine. However, in the 220-300 K region, the competitive experiments indicate lower rate constants than those obtained by resonance fluorescence methods, and do not reproduce the curved Arrhenius plots seen in some of those studies.

A comparative study of the adsorption equilibrium of progesterone by a carbon black and a commercial activated carbon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Valenzuela-Calahorro, Cristóbal; Navarrete-Guijosa, Antonio; Stitou, Mostafa; Cuerda-Correa, Eduardo M.

2007-04-01

In this paper the adsorption process of a natural steroid hormone (progesterone) by a carbon black and a commercial activated carbon has been studied. The corresponding equilibrium isotherms have been analyzed according to a previously proposed model which establishes a kinetic law satisfactorily fitting the C versus t isotherms. The analysis of the experimental data points out the existence of two well-defined sections in the equilibrium isotherms. A general equation including these two processes has been proposed, the global adsorption process being fitted to such equation. From the values of the kinetic equilibrium constant so obtained, values of standard average adsorption enthalpy ( ΔH°) and entropy ( ΔS°) have been calculated. Finally, information related to variations of differential adsorption enthalpy ( ΔH) and entropy ( ΔS) with the surface coverage fraction ( θ) was obtained by using the corresponding Clausius-Clapeyron equations.

A discharge flow-photoionization mass spectrometric study of the FO(X 2 Pi i) radical. Photoionization efficiency spectrum and ionization energy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zhang, Zhengyu; Kuo, Szu-Cherng; Klemm, R. Bruce; Monks, Paul S.; Stief, Louis J.

1994-01-01

Photoionization efficiency spectra of FO were measured over the wavelength range 80.0-100.0 nm and in the ionization threshold region, 94.0-100.0 nm, using a discharge flow-photoionization mass spectrometer apparatus coupled to a synchrotron radiation source. FO was generated by the reaction of F2P atoms with NO3 and via a F2O2 discharge. A value of 12.78 +/- 0.03 eV was obtained for the adiabatic ionization energy of FO from photoion thresholds which corresponds to FO(+)(X 3 Sigma -) from FO(X 2 Pi i). These results, which are the first to be obtained by direct Photo-ionization mass spectrometry (PIMS) measurements, corroborate those of a photoelectron spectroscopy (PES) study; however, the ionization energy determined here is free from interferences due to other species which complicated the PES measurement. A value of 109.5 +/- 8.0 kJ/mol for Delta f H 0 298(FO) is computed from the present value of IE(FO) and a previous appearance energy measurement, and a value for the proton affinity of FO is calculated to be 511.5 +/- 10.0 kJ/mol.

DSS 13 frequency stability tests

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Otoshi, T. Y.; Franco, M. M.

1987-01-01

In a previous article, the results of frequency stability tests at DSS 13 were presented in table form for tau = 1000 s for the test period May 1985 through March 1986. This article is a continuation of that initial report and presents specially selected Allan sigma (square root of variance) plots of each of the subsystem test previously reported. An additional result obtained from tests performed during July 1986 was included for completeness. The Allan sigma plots are useful in that frequency stability information is not only given for tau = 1000 s, but for tau values in the regions of 1, 100, 500, and 2000 s as well.

a Theoretical Analysis of Physical Properties of Aqueous Trehalose with Borax

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sahara; Aniya, Masaru

2013-07-01

The temperature and composition dependence of the viscosity of aqueous trehalose and aqueous trehalose-borax mixtures has been investigated by means of the Bond Strength-Coordination Number Fluctuation (BSCNF) model. The result indicates that the variation in the fragility of the system is very small in the composition range analyzed. The values of the materials parameters determined are consistent with those of the trehalose-water-lithium iodide system which were analyzed in a previous study. Based on the analysis of the obtained parameters of the BSCNF model, the physical interpretation of the WLF parameters reported in a previous study is reconfirmed.

Evaluation of the ²³⁹Pu prompt fission neutron spectrum induced by neutrons of 500 keV and associated covariances

DOE PAGES

Neudecker, D.; Talou, P.; Kawano, T.; ...

2015-08-01

We present evaluations of the prompt fission neutron spectrum (PFNS) of ²³⁹Pu induced by 500 keV neutrons, and associated covariances. In a previous evaluation by Talou et al. 2010, surprisingly low evaluated uncertainties were obtained, partly due to simplifying assumptions in the quantification of uncertainties from experiment and model. Therefore, special emphasis is placed here on a thorough uncertainty quantification of experimental data and of the Los Alamos model predicted values entering the evaluation. In addition, the Los Alamos model was extended and an evaluation technique was employed that takes into account the qualitative differences between normalized model predicted valuesmore » and experimental shape data. These improvements lead to changes in the evaluated PFNS and overall larger evaluated uncertainties than in the previous work. However, these evaluated uncertainties are still smaller than those obtained in a statistical analysis using experimental information only, due to strong model correlations. Hence, suggestions to estimate model defect uncertainties are presented, which lead to more reasonable evaluated uncertainties. The calculated k eff of selected criticality benchmarks obtained with these new evaluations agree with each other within their uncertainties despite the different approaches to estimate model defect uncertainties. The k eff one standard deviations overlap with some of those obtained using ENDF/B-VII.1, albeit their mean values are further away from unity. Spectral indexes for the Jezebel critical assembly calculated with the newly evaluated PFNS agree with the experimental data for selected (n,γ) and (n,f) reactions, and show improvements for high-energy threshold (n,2n) reactions compared to ENDF/B-VII.1.« less

Evaluation of the 239 Pu prompt fission neutron spectrum induced by neutrons of 500 keV and associated covariances

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

Neudecker, D.; Talou, P.; Kawano, T.

2015-08-01

We present evaluations of the prompt fission neutron spectrum (PFNS) of (PU)-P-239 induced by 500 keV neutrons, and associated covariances. In a previous evaluation by Talon et al. (2010), surprisingly low evaluated uncertainties were obtained, partly due to simplifying assumptions in the quantification of uncertainties from experiment and model. Therefore, special emphasis is placed here on a thorough uncertainty quantification of experimental data and of the Los Alamos model predicted values entering the evaluation. In addition, the Los Alamos model was extended and an evaluation technique was employed that takes into account the qualitative differences between normalized model predicted valuesmore » and experimental shape data These improvements lead to changes in the evaluated PENS and overall larger evaluated uncertainties than in the previous work. However, these evaluated uncertainties are still smaller than those obtained in a statistical analysis using experimental information only, due to strong model correlations. Hence, suggestions to estimate model defect uncertainties are presented. which lead to more reasonable evaluated uncertainties. The calculated k(eff) of selected criticality benchmarks obtained with these new evaluations agree with each other within their uncertainties despite the different approaches to estimate model defect uncertainties. The k(eff) one standard deviations overlap with some of those obtained using ENDF/B-VILl, albeit their mean values are further away from unity. Spectral indexes for the Jezebel critical assembly calculated with the newly evaluated PFNS agree with the experimental data for selected (n,) and (n,f) reactions, and show improvements for highenergy threshold (n,2n) reactions compared to ENDF/B-VII.l. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.« less

Reference-free error estimation for multiple measurement methods.

PubMed

Madan, Hennadii; Pernuš, Franjo; Špiclin, Žiga

2018-01-01

We present a computational framework to select the most accurate and precise method of measurement of a certain quantity, when there is no access to the true value of the measurand. A typical use case is when several image analysis methods are applied to measure the value of a particular quantitative imaging biomarker from the same images. The accuracy of each measurement method is characterized by systematic error (bias), which is modeled as a polynomial in true values of measurand, and the precision as random error modeled with a Gaussian random variable. In contrast to previous works, the random errors are modeled jointly across all methods, thereby enabling the framework to analyze measurement methods based on similar principles, which may have correlated random errors. Furthermore, the posterior distribution of the error model parameters is estimated from samples obtained by Markov chain Monte-Carlo and analyzed to estimate the parameter values and the unknown true values of the measurand. The framework was validated on six synthetic and one clinical dataset containing measurements of total lesion load, a biomarker of neurodegenerative diseases, which was obtained with four automatic methods by analyzing brain magnetic resonance images. The estimates of bias and random error were in a good agreement with the corresponding least squares regression estimates against a reference.

IUE observations of solar-type stars in the Pleiades and the Hyades

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Caillault, Jean-Pierre; Vilhu, Osmi; Linsky, Jeffrey L.

1991-01-01

An extensive set of IUE observations of solar-type stars (spectral types F5-G5) in the Pleiades is presented. Spectra were obtained in January and August 1988 for both the transition region and chromospheric emission wavelength regions, respectively. Mg II fluxes were detected for two out of three Pleiades stars and C IV upper limits for two of these stars. Long-wavelength high-resolution spectra were also obtained for previously unobserved solar-type stars in the Hyades. With the inclusion of spectra of additional Hyades stars obtained from the IUE archives, surface fluxes and fractional luminosities for both clusters' solar-type stars are calculated; these values provide a better estimate for the Mg II saturation line for single stars.

Absolute continuity for operator valued completely positive maps on C∗-algebras

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gheondea, Aurelian; Kavruk, Ali Şamil

2009-02-01

Motivated by applicability to quantum operations, quantum information, and quantum probability, we investigate the notion of absolute continuity for operator valued completely positive maps on C∗-algebras, previously introduced by Parthasarathy [in Athens Conference on Applied Probability and Time Series Analysis I (Springer-Verlag, Berlin, 1996), pp. 34-54]. We obtain an intrinsic definition of absolute continuity, we show that the Lebesgue decomposition defined by Parthasarathy is the maximal one among all other Lebesgue-type decompositions and that this maximal Lebesgue decomposition does not depend on the jointly dominating completely positive map, we obtain more flexible formulas for calculating the maximal Lebesgue decomposition, and we point out the nonuniqueness of the Lebesgue decomposition as well as a sufficient condition for uniqueness. In addition, we consider Radon-Nikodym derivatives for absolutely continuous completely positive maps that, in general, are unbounded positive self-adjoint operators affiliated to a certain von Neumann algebra, and we obtain a spectral approximation by bounded Radon-Nikodym derivatives. An application to the existence of the infimum of two completely positive maps is indicated, and formulas in terms of Choi's matrices for the Lebesgue decomposition of completely positive maps in matrix algebras are obtained.

Direct measurement of the initial proton extrusion to oxygen uptake ratio accompanying succinate oxidation by rat liver mitochondria.

PubMed Central

Setty, O H; Shrager, R I; Bunow, B; Reynafarje, B; Lehninger, A L; Hendler, R W

1986-01-01

The problem of obtaining very early ratios for the H+/O stoichiometry accompanying succinate oxidation by rat liver mitochondria was attacked using new techniques for direct measurement rather than extrapolations based on data obtained after mixing and the recovery of the electrode from initial injection of O2. Respiration was quickly initiated in a thoroughly mixed O2-containing suspension of mitochondria under a CO atmosphere by photolysis of the CO-cytochrome c oxidase complex-. Fast responding O2 and pH electrodes were used to collect data every 10 ms. The response time for each electrode was experimentally measured in each experiment and suitable corrections for electrode relaxations were made. With uncorrected data obtained after 0.8 s, the extrapolation back to zero time on the basis of single-exponential curve fitting confirmed values close to 8.0 as previously reported (Costa et al., 1984). The data directly obtained, however, indicate an initial burst in H+/O ratio that peaked to values of approximately 20 to 30 prior to 50 ms and which was no longer evident after 0.3 s. Newer information and considerations that place all extrapolation methods in question are discussed. PMID:3019443

Electron Impact Ionization and Dissociative Ionization of C2H2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Srivastava, S. K.

1995-01-01

By utilizing a crossed electron beam collision geometry, a combination of time-of-flight (TOF) and quadrupole mass spectrometers, and the relative flow technique1 normalized values of cross sections and appearance energies (AP) were obtained for the formation of singly and multiply ionized species resulting from the ionization and dissociation of C2H2. Details ont he apparatus and technique have been published previously.2,3.

Transition from Terrorist Event Management to Consequence Management, Executive Summary

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-03-31

8217 "This report has been reviewed in the Federal Emergency Management Agency and approved for puLlication. Approval does not signify that the contents...acts. It describes in general terms what mechanism is in place today. This description is derived from documentation reviewed and information obtained...probabilities was employed in the development of the- values expressed in the matrices. Probabilities were established by a review of several previous

Less approach, more avoidance: Response inhibition has motivational consequences for sexual stimuli that reflect changes in affective value not a lingering global brake on behavior.

PubMed

Driscoll, Rachel L; de Launay, Keelia Quinn; Fenske, Mark J

2018-02-01

Response inhibition negatively impacts subsequent hedonic evaluations of motivationally relevant stimuli and reduces the behavioral incentive to seek and obtain such items. Here we expand the investigation of the motivational consequences of inhibition by presenting sexually appealing and nonappealing images in a go/no-go task and a subsequent image-viewing task. Each initially obscured image in the viewing task could either be made more visible or less visible by repeatedly pressing different keys. Fewer key presses were made to obtain better views of preferred-sex images when such images had previously been inhibited as no-go items than when previously encountered as noninhibited go items. This finding replicates prior results and is consistent with the possibility that motor-response suppression has lingering effects that include global reductions in all behavioral expression. However, for nonpreferred images, prior inhibition resulted in more key presses to obscure their visibility than when such images had not been inhibited. This novel finding suggests that the motivational consequences of response inhibition are not due to a global brake on action but are instead linked to negative changes in stimulus value that induce corresponding increases in avoidance and decreases in approach.

Optimal back-extrapolation method for estimating plasma volume in humans using the indocyanine green dilution method.

PubMed

Polidori, David; Rowley, Clarence

2014-07-22

The indocyanine green dilution method is one of the methods available to estimate plasma volume, although some researchers have questioned the accuracy of this method. We developed a new, physiologically based mathematical model of indocyanine green kinetics that more accurately represents indocyanine green kinetics during the first few minutes postinjection than what is assumed when using the traditional mono-exponential back-extrapolation method. The mathematical model is used to develop an optimal back-extrapolation method for estimating plasma volume based on simulated indocyanine green kinetics obtained from the physiological model. Results from a clinical study using the indocyanine green dilution method in 36 subjects with type 2 diabetes indicate that the estimated plasma volumes are considerably lower when using the traditional back-extrapolation method than when using the proposed back-extrapolation method (mean (standard deviation) plasma volume = 26.8 (5.4) mL/kg for the traditional method vs 35.1 (7.0) mL/kg for the proposed method). The results obtained using the proposed method are more consistent with previously reported plasma volume values. Based on the more physiological representation of indocyanine green kinetics and greater consistency with previously reported plasma volume values, the new back-extrapolation method is proposed for use when estimating plasma volume using the indocyanine green dilution method.

Tribological characterization of TiCN coatings deposited by two crossed laser ablation plasma beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Camps, Enrique; Escobar-Alarcón, L.; Camps, Iván; Muhl, Stephen; Flores, Martín

2013-03-01

The simultaneous laser ablation of two targets (graphite and titanium) in an Ar-N2 gas mixture was carried out to deposit thin films of the ternary compound TiCN at room temperature. The base conditions used to produce the TiN without carbon were taken from our previous studies. The experimental conditions for the ablation of the carbon target were varied so that the carbon content in the films could be changed depending on the carbon ion energy. The control of the experimental conditions was carried out using a Langmuir planar probe which permitted the determination of the mean kinetic ion energy. The maximum hardness value of 35 GPa, was obtained with a carbon ion energy of about 250 eV, which corresponds to a film with 5 at% carbon content. In order to perform tribological and scratch tests, two types of substrate were used: nitrided AISI 316 stainless steel and AISI 316 stainless steel previously coated with a thin titanium layer (˜50 nm). Values of the wear rate in the range of 1.39×10-6 to 7.45×10-5 mm3 N-1 m-1, friction coefficient from 0.21 to 0.28 and adhesion from scratch test measurements up to 80 N for final critical load, were obtained.

Combined use of Satellite and Surface Observations to Infer the Imaginary Part of Refractive Index of Saharan Dust

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sinyuk, Alexander; Torres, Omar; Dubovik, Oleg; Bhartia, P. K. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

We present a method for retrieval of imaginary part of refractive index of desert dust aerosol in UV part of spectrum along with aerosol layer height above the ground. The method uses Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer' (TOMS) measurements of the top of atmosphere radiances (331 nm, 360 nm) and aerosol optical depth provided by Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) (440 nm). Obtained values of imaginary part of refractive index retrieved for Saharan dust aerosol at 360 nm are significantly lower than previously reported values. The average retrieved values vary between 0.0054 and 0.0066 for different geographical locations. Our findings are in good agreement with the results of several recent investigations. The time variability of retrieved values for aerosol layer height is consistent with the predictions of dust transport model.

Carbon and nitrogen abundances in metal-poor dwarfs of the solar neighborhood

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carbon, Duane F.; Barbuy, Beatrice; Kraft, Robert P.; Friel, Eileen D.; Suntzeff, Nicholas B.

1987-01-01

Intermediate-resolution C, N, and Fe abundance spectra for 83 subdwarfs in the lowest metallicity range (-1.5 to -3.2), obtained with the Lick Observatory 3.1-m Shane telescope, are analyzed. The effects of subgiants and binaries on the sample are examined. The relation between (B-V) and (V-K) and effective temperature is studied. C/Fe, N/Fe, and Fe/H abundances were determined using the model-atmosphere technique of spectrum synthesis. The derived abundance values are compared with data from previous investigations. It is observed that there is good correlation between the Fe/H abundance values derived from the intermediate-resolution spectra and those based on high-resolution spectra; C/Fe abundance values are constant; and there is an upturn in the C/Fe abundance values at the very lowest metallicities.

Prediction of wastewater quality indicators at the inflow to the wastewater treatment plant using data mining methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szeląg, Bartosz; Barbusiński, Krzysztof; Studziński, Jan; Bartkiewicz, Lidia

2017-11-01

In the study, models developed using data mining methods are proposed for predicting wastewater quality indicators: biochemical and chemical oxygen demand, total suspended solids, total nitrogen and total phosphorus at the inflow to wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). The models are based on values measured in previous time steps and daily wastewater inflows. Also, independent prediction systems that can be used in case of monitoring devices malfunction are provided. Models of wastewater quality indicators were developed using MARS (multivariate adaptive regression spline) method, artificial neural networks (ANN) of the multilayer perceptron type combined with the classification model (SOM) and cascade neural networks (CNN). The lowest values of absolute and relative errors were obtained using ANN+SOM, whereas the MARS method produced the highest error values. It was shown that for the analysed WWTP it is possible to obtain continuous prediction of selected wastewater quality indicators using the two developed independent prediction systems. Such models can ensure reliable WWTP work when wastewater quality monitoring systems become inoperable, or are under maintenance.

Prediction of quantitative intrathoracic fluid volume to diagnose pulmonary oedema using LabVIEW.

PubMed

Urooj, Shabana; Khan, M; Ansari, A Q; Lay-Ekuakille, Aimé; Salhan, Ashok K

2012-01-01

Pulmonary oedema is a life-threatening disease that requires special attention in the area of research and clinical diagnosis. Computer-based techniques are rarely used to quantify the intrathoracic fluid volume (IFV) for diagnostic purposes. This paper discusses a software program developed to detect and diagnose pulmonary oedema using LabVIEW. The software runs on anthropometric dimensions and physiological parameters, mainly transthoracic electrical impedance (TEI). This technique is accurate and faster than existing manual techniques. The LabVIEW software was used to compute the parameters required to quantify IFV. An equation relating per cent control and IFV was obtained. The results of predicted TEI and measured TEI were compared with previously reported data to validate the developed program. It was found that the predicted values of TEI obtained from the computer-based technique were much closer to the measured values of TEI. Six new subjects were enrolled to measure and predict transthoracic impedance and hence to quantify IFV. A similar difference was also observed in the measured and predicted values of TEI for the new subjects.

A new approach of the surface temperature measurement for a preventive conservation of the work of arts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Di Tuccio, Maria Concetta; De Grandi, Sandro; Vivarelli, Arianna; Becherini, Francesca; Pockelé, Luc; Bernardi, Adriana

2015-04-01

To conserve the work of arts (paintings, sculptures, etc..) in a preventive mode, a careful monitoring of the environment around these artifacts, as well as of their surface temperature, is necessary. The latter is the only physical variable which can be measured in a non-invasive way, following directly the thermal conditions and variations of the work of arts due to the dynamics of the microclimate. Considering that the works of art are often untouchable, an automated and accurate remote sensing could be very useful to prevent dangerous processes of deterioration. For these reasons a new sensor has been developed by a spin-off of the ISAC - CNR. This sensor allows to check in real-time the surface temperature changes of the artifacts both over time and at different predefined points. This automated sensor is a radiometer sensible to wavelengths ranging from 7,5 µm to 13,4 µm. A system rotating over three dimension "pan and tilt" allows to make multiple measures on a grid of points previously defined on the surface of the work of arts. The accuracy, obtained by means of a carefull calibration process, is  0,5 °C, more precise than the usual remote sensing (thermal camera and commercial radiometers), characterized by an accuracy value of  2°C. In order to obtain accurate measures of the surface temperature for a real body, the correct emissivity values need to be integrated in the calculation. Hence, an easy to use management software has been developed allowing to set the emissivity value in each point of the grid. For rejoinable points of the surface, the exact emissivity value could be determined comparing the measurements recorded by the new infrared sensor with the ones obtained by a very sensitive sensor (0,02 - 0,03)°C manually placed on the surface for a short time. In case of work of arts placed at great distance from the sersor, the emissivity values must be determined previously. The emissivity depends on a lot of variables and one of them is the surface roughness. Since the artifacts are often charaterized by a high surface roughness, such dependence has been studied in order to obtain accurate temperature measurements. The results obtained indicate an increase of the emissivity with increasing surface roughness. In conclusion, this study has allowed to develop a reliable, accurate and automatic control system, as well as a low cost sensor that, unlike the thermal camera, can also be used by less experienced operators. Besides, in order to support the museums managers in the preventive conservation of the artifacts, an alarm system is automatically activated when dangerously large thermal variations on the surface are detected.

Evaluation of chemical parameters in soft mold-ripened cheese during ripening by mid-infrared spectroscopy.

PubMed

Martín-del-Campo, S T; Picque, D; Cosío-Ramírez, R; Corrieu, G

2007-06-01

The suitability of mid-infrared spectroscopy (MIR) to follow the evolution throughout ripening of specific physicochemical parameters in Camembert-type cheeses was evaluated. The infrared spectra were obtained directly from raw cheese samples deposited on an attenuated total reflectance crystal. Significant correlations were observed between physicochemical data, pH, acid-soluble nitrogen, nonprotein nitrogen, ammonia (NH4+), lactose, and lactic acid. Dry matter showed significant correlation only with lactose and nonprotein nitrogen. Principal components analysis factorial maps of physicochemical data showed a ripening evolution in 2 steps, from d 1 to d 7 and from d 8 to d 27, similar to that observed previously from infrared spectral data. Partial least squares regressions made it possible to obtain good prediction models for dry matter, acid-soluble nitrogen, nonprotein nitrogen, lactose, lactic acid, and NH4+ values from spectral data of raw cheese. The values of 3 statistical parameters (coefficient of determination, root mean square error of cross validation, and ratio prediction deviation) are satisfactory. Less precise models were obtained for pH.

A viscometric approach of pH effect on hydrodynamic properties of human serum albumin in the normal form.

PubMed

Monkos, Karol

2013-03-01

The paper presents the results of viscosity determinations on aqueous solutions of human serum albumin (HSA) at isoelectric point over a wide range of concentrations and at temperatures ranging from 5°C to 45°C. On the basis of a modified Arrhenius equation and Mooney's formula some hydrodynamic parameters were obtained. They are compared with those previously obtained for HSA in solutions at neutral pH. The activation energy and entropy of viscous flow and the intrinsic viscosity reach a maximum value, and the effective specific volume, the self-crowding factor and the Huggins coefficient a minimum value in solutions at isoelectric point. Using the dimensionless parameter [η]c, the existence of three ranges of concentrations: diluted, semi-diluted and concentrated, was shown. By applying Lefebvre's relation for the relative viscosity in the semi-dilute regime, the Mark-Houvink-Kuhn-Sakurada (MHKS) exponent was established. The analysis of the results obtained from the three ranges of concentrations showed that both conformation and stiffness of HSA molecules in solutions at isoelectric point and at neutral pH are the same.

Measurement of the infrared optical constants for spectral modeling: n and k values for (NH4)2SO4 via single-angle reflectance and ellipsometric methods

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

Blake, Thomas A.; Brauer, Carolyn S.; Kelly-Gorham, Molly Rose K.

The optical constants n and k can be used to model infrared spectra, including refraction, absorption, reflectance, and emissivity, but obtaining reliable values for solid materials (pure or otherwise) presents a challenge: In the past, the best results for n and k have been obtained from bulk, homogeneous materials, free of defects. That is, materials where the Fresnel equations are operant since there is no light scattering. Since it is often not possible to obtain a pure macroscopic (crystalline) material, it may be possible to press the material into a (uniform, void-free) disk. We have recently been able to domore » this with ammonium sulfate powder and then measured the n & k values via two independent methods: 1) Ellipsometry - which measures the changes in amplitude and phase of light reflected from the material of interest as a function of wavelength and angle of incidence, and 2) Single angle specular reflectance with an FT spectrometer using a specular reflectance device within an FT instrument which measures the change in amplitude of light reflected from the material of interest as a function of wavelength and angle of incidence over a wide wavelength range. The quality of the derived n & k values was tested by generating the reflectance spectra of the pellet and comparing to the calculated to measured reflectance spectra of the pure material which has been previously published. The comparison to literature values showed good accuracy and good agreement, indicating promise to measure other materials by such methods.« less

Limit case analysis of the "stable indenter velocity" method for obtaining creep stress exponents from constant load indentation creep tests

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Campbell, J.; Dean, J.; Clyne, T. W.

2017-02-01

This study concerns a commonly-used procedure for evaluating the steady state creep stress exponent, n, from indentation data. The procedure involves monitoring the indenter displacement history under constant load and making the assumption that, once its velocity has stabilised, the system is in a quasi-steady state, with stage II creep dominating the behaviour. The stress and strain fields under the indenter are represented by "equivalent stress" and "equivalent strain rate" values. The estimate of n is then obtained as the gradient of a plot of the logarithm of the equivalent strain rate against the logarithm of the equivalent stress. Concerns have, however, been expressed about the reliability of this procedure, and indeed it has already been shown to be fundamentally flawed. In the present paper, it is demonstrated, using a very simple analysis, that, for a genuinely stable velocity, the procedure always leads to the same, constant value for n (either 1.0 or 0.5, depending on whether the tip shape is spherical or self-similar). This occurs irrespective of the value of the measured velocity, or indeed of any creep characteristic of the material. It is now clear that previously-measured values of n, obtained using this procedure, have varied in a more or less random fashion, depending on the functional form chosen to represent the displacement-time history and the experimental variables (tip shape and size, penetration depth, etc.), with little or no sensitivity to the true value of n.

Spurious symptom reduction in fault monitoring

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shontz, William D.; Records, Roger M.; Choi, Jai J.

1993-01-01

Previous work accomplished on NASA's Faultfinder concept suggested that the concept was jeopardized by spurious symptoms generated in the monitoring phase. The purpose of the present research was to investigate methods of reducing the generation of spurious symptoms during in-flight engine monitoring. Two approaches for reducing spurious symptoms were investigated. A knowledge base of rules was constructed to filter known spurious symptoms and a neural net was developed to improve the expectation values used in the monitoring process. Both approaches were effective in reducing spurious symptoms individually. However, the best results were obtained using a hybrid system combining the neural net capability to improve expectation values with the rule-based logic filter.

Angular distributions and polarization fractions of helium resonance radiation (n 1P - 1 1S) in the extreme ultraviolet

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mumma, M. J.; Misakian, M.; Jackson, W. M.; Faris, J. L.

1973-01-01

Angular intensity distributions of helium (n 1P - 1 1S) resonance photons with respect to the exciting electron beam are presented. The angular intensity distributions were measured at selected electron impact energies from 25 eV (near threshold) to 150 eV. Polarization fractions (Pi) were obtained by analyzing the data in terms of the theoretical relation between angular intensity distribution and Pi, i.e. Iota (theta) = Iota (90) (1 - Pi sq cos theta). The experimental values for Pi are compared with recent theoretical results and with previous experimental values for the (3 1P - 2 1S) transition.

[Reference values in the usual laboratory data for sub-Saharan immigrants. Importance in the management of infectious diseases].

PubMed

Sanz-Peláez, O; Angel-Moreno, A; Tapia-Martín, M; Conde-Martel, A; Carranza-Rodríguez, C; Carballo-Rastrilla, S; Soria-López, A; Pérez-Arellano, J L

2008-09-01

The progressive increase in the number of immigrants to Spain in recent years has made it necessary for health-care professionals to be aware about the specific characteristics of this population. An attempt is made in this study to define the normal range of common laboratory values in healthy sub-Saharan adults. Common laboratory values were studied (blood cell counts, clotting tests and blood biochemistry values) and were measured in 150 sub-Saharan immigrants previously defined as healthy according to a complete health evaluation that included a clinical history, physical examination, serologic tests and study of stool parasites. These results were compared to those from a control group consisting of 81 age-and-sex matched healthy blood donors taken from the Spanish native population. Statistically significant differences were obtained in the following values. Mean corpuscular volume (MCV), red cell distribution width (RDW), total leukocytes, and serum levels of creatinine, uric acid, total protein content, creatin-kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase (GGT), Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and M (IgM). If evaluated according to the normal values in native people, a considerable percentage of healthy sub-Saharan immigrants would present values (with potential clinical relevance) in the following parameters. MCV, RDW, total leukocyte counts and serum levels of CK, IgG and IgM. A proper interpretation of the common laboratory values in sub-Saharan immigrants, and probably in other foreign collectives, requires a previously-established range of normality in these parameters for those populations in order to avoid diagnostic mistakes and inadequate work-up and management.

Evidence for Collective Multiparticle Correlations in p-Pb Collisions.

PubMed

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2015-07-03

The second-order azimuthal anisotropy Fourier harmonics, v2, are obtained in p-Pb and PbPb collisions over a wide pseudorapidity (η) range based on correlations among six or more charged particles. The p-Pb data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 35  nb-1, were collected during the 2013 LHC p-Pb run at a nucleon-nucleon center-of-mass energy of 5.02  TeV by the CMS experiment. A sample of semiperipheral PbPb collision data at √sNN=2.76  TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.5  μb-1 and covering a similar range of particle multiplicities as the p-Pb data, is also analyzed for comparison. The six- and eight-particle cumulant and the Lee-Yang zeros methods are used to extract the v2 coefficients, extending previous studies of two- and four-particle correlations. For both the p-Pb and PbPb systems, the v2 values obtained with correlations among more than four particles are consistent with previously published four-particle results. These data support the interpretation of a collective origin for the previously observed long-range (large Δη) correlations in both systems. The ratios of v2 values corresponding to correlations including different numbers of particles are compared to theoretical predictions that assume a hydrodynamic behavior of a p-Pb system dominated by fluctuations in the positions of participant nucleons. These results provide new insights into the multiparticle dynamics of collision systems with a very small overlapping region.

Evidence for Collective Multiparticle Correlations in p-Pb Collisions

DOE PAGES

Khachatryan, Vardan

2015-06-29

The second-order azimuthal anisotropy Fourier harmonics, v 2, are obtained in p-Pb and PbPb collisions over a wide pseudorapidity (η) range based on correlations among six or more charged particles. The p-Pb data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 35 nb -1, were collected during the 2013 LHC p-Pb run at a nucleon-nucleon center-of-mass energy of 5.02 TeV by the CMS experiment. A sample of semiperipheral PbPb collision data at √ sNN=2.76 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.5 μb -1 and covering a similar range of particle multiplicities as the p-Pb data, is also analyzed for comparison. Themore » six- and eight-particle cumulant and the Lee-Yang zeros methods are used to extract the v 2 coefficients, extending previous studies of two- and four-particle correlations. For both the p-Pb and PbPb systems, the v 2 values obtained with correlations among more than four particles are consistent with previously published four-particle results. These data support the interpretation of a collective origin for the previously observed long-range (large Δη) correlations in both systems. The ratios of v 2 values corresponding to correlations including different numbers of particles are compared to theoretical predictions that assume a hydrodynamic behavior of a p-Pb system dominated by fluctuations in the positions of participant nucleons. These results provide new insights into the multiparticle dynamics of collision systems with a very small overlapping region.« less

Early-type galaxies in the Antlia cluster: catalogue and isophotal analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Calderón, Juan P.; Bassino, Lilia P.; Cellone, Sergio A.; Gómez, Matías

2018-06-01

We present a statistical isophotal analysis of 138 early-type galaxies in the Antlia cluster, located at a distance of ˜ 35 Mpc. The observational material consists of CCD images of four 36 × 36 arcmin2 fields obtained with the MOSAIC II camera at the Blanco 4-m telescope at Cerro Tololo Interamerican Observatory. Our present work supersedes previous Antlia studies in the sense that the covered area is four times larger, the limiting magnitude is MB ˜ -9.6 mag, and the surface photometry parameters of each galaxy are derived from Sérsic model fits extrapolated to infinity. In a companion previous study we focused on the scaling relations obtained by means of surface photometry, and now we present the data, on which the previous paper is based, the parameters of the isophotal fits as well as an isophotal analysis. For each galaxy, we derive isophotal shape parameters along the semimajor axis and search for correlations within different radial bins. Through extensive statistical tests, we also analyse the behaviour of these values against photometric and global parameters of the galaxies themselves. While some galaxies do display radial gradients in their ellipticity (ɛ) and/or their Fourier coefficients, differences in mean values between adjacent regions are not statistically significant. Regarding Fourier coefficients, dwarf galaxies usually display gradients between all adjacent regions, while non-dwarfs tend to show this behaviour just between the two outermost regions. Globally, there is no obvious correlation between Fourier coefficients and luminosity for the whole magnitude range (-12 ≳ MV ≳ -22); however, dwarfs display much higher dispersions at all radii.

Predissociation linewidths of the (3,0)-(11,0) Schumann-Runge absorption bands of (O-18)2 and O-16O-18 in the wavelength region 180-196 nm

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chiu, S. S.-L.; Cheung, A. S.-C.; Yoshino, K.; Esmond, J. R.; Freeman, D. E.

1990-01-01

The Yoshino et al. (1988) measurements of absolute cross sections and those of Cheung et al. (1988) for spectroscopic constants are presently used to derive the predissociation linewidths of the (3,0)-(11,0) Schumman-Runge bands of (O-18)2 and O-16O-18, in the 180-196 nm wavelength region. Linewidths are determined as parameters in the nonlinear, least-squares fitting of calculated cross-sections to measured ones. The predissociation linewidths obtained are noted to often be greater than previously obtained experimental values for both isotopic molecules.

Quantifying risks with exact analytical solutions of derivative pricing distribution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Kun; Liu, Jing; Wang, Erkang; Wang, Jin

2017-04-01

Derivative (i.e. option) pricing is essential for modern financial instrumentations. Despite of the previous efforts, the exact analytical forms of the derivative pricing distributions are still challenging to obtain. In this study, we established a quantitative framework using path integrals to obtain the exact analytical solutions of the statistical distribution for bond and bond option pricing for the Vasicek model. We discuss the importance of statistical fluctuations away from the expected option pricing characterized by the distribution tail and their associations to value at risk (VaR). The framework established here is general and can be applied to other financial derivatives for quantifying the underlying statistical distributions.

A Permeability Study of O2 and the Trace Amine p-Tyramine through Model Phosphatidylcholine Bilayers

PubMed Central

Holland, Bryan W.; Berry, Mark D.; Gray, C. G.; Tomberli, Bruno

2015-01-01

We study here the permeability of the hydrophobic O2 molecule through a model DPPC bilayer at 323K and 350K, and of the trace amine p-tyramine through PC bilayers at 310K. The tyramine results are compared to previous experimental work at 298K. Nonequilibrium work methods were used in conjunction to simultaneously obtain both the potential of mean force (PMF) and the position dependent transmembrane diffusion coefficient, D(z), from the simulations. These in turn were used to calculate the permeability coefficient, P, through the inhomogeneous solubility-diffusion model. The results for O2 are consistent with previous simulations, and agree with experimentally measured P values for PC bilayers. A temperature dependence in the permeability of O2 through DPPC was obtained, with P decreasing at higher temperatures. Two relevant species of p-tyramine were simulated, from which the PMF and D(z) were calculated. The charged species had a large energetic barrier to crossing the bilayer of ~ 21 kcal/mol, while the uncharged, deprotonated species had a much lower barrier of ~ 7 kcal/mol. The effective in silico permeability for p-tyramine was calculated by applying three approximations, all of which gave nearly identical results (presented here as a function of the pKa). As the permeability value calculated from simulation was highly dependent on the pKa of the amine group, a further pKa study was performed that also varied the fraction of the uncharged and zwitterionic p-tyramine species. Using the experimental P value together with the simulated results, we were able to label the phenolic group as responsible for the pKa1 and the amine for the pKa2, that together represent all of the experimentally measured pKa values for p-tyramine. This agrees with older experimental results, in contrast to more recent work that has suggested there is a strong ambiguity in the pKa values. PMID:26086933

A means to estimate thermal and kinetic parameters of coal dust layer from hot surface ignition tests.

PubMed

Park, Haejun; Rangwala, Ali S; Dembsey, Nicholas A

2009-08-30

A method to estimate thermal and kinetic parameters of Pittsburgh seam coal subject to thermal runaway is presented using the standard ASTM E 2021 hot surface ignition test apparatus. Parameters include thermal conductivity (k), activation energy (E), coupled term (QA) of heat of reaction (Q) and pre-exponential factor (A) which are required, but rarely known input values to determine the thermal runaway propensity of a dust material. Four different dust layer thicknesses: 6.4, 12.7, 19.1 and 25.4mm, are tested, and among them, a single steady state dust layer temperature profile of 12.7 mm thick dust layer is used to estimate k, E and QA. k is calculated by equating heat flux from the hot surface layer and heat loss rate on the boundary assuming negligible heat generation in the coal dust layer at a low hot surface temperature. E and QA are calculated by optimizing a numerically estimated steady state dust layer temperature distribution to the experimentally obtained temperature profile of a 12.7 mm thick dust layer. Two unknowns, E and QA, are reduced to one from the correlation of E and QA obtained at criticality of thermal runaway. The estimated k is 0.1 W/mK matching the previously reported value. E ranges from 61.7 to 83.1 kJ/mol, and the corresponding QA ranges from 1.7 x 10(9) to 4.8 x 10(11)J/kg s. The mean values of E (72.4 kJ/mol) and QA (2.8 x 10(10)J/kg s) are used to predict the critical hot surface temperatures for other thicknesses, and good agreement is observed between measured and experimental values. Also, the estimated E and QA ranges match the corresponding ranges calculated from the multiple tests method and values reported in previous research.

High variation of individual soluble serum CD30 levels of pre-transplantation patients: sCD30 a feasible marker for prediction of kidney allograft rejection?

PubMed

Altermann, Wolfgang; Schlaf, Gerald; Rothhoff, Anita; Seliger, Barbara

2007-10-01

Previous studies have suggested that the pre-transplant levels of the soluble CD30 molecule (sCD30) represent a non-invasive tool which can be used as a biomarker for the prediction of kidney allograft rejections. In order to evaluate the feasibility of sCD30 for pre-transplantation monitoring the sera of potential kidney recipients (n = 652) were collected four times in a 3 months interval. Serum from healthy blood donors (n = 203) served as controls. The sCD30 concentrations of all samples were determined using a commercially available ELISA. This strategy allowed the detection of possible variations of individual sCD30 levels over time. Heterogeneous sCD30 concentrations were found in the samples obtained from individual putative kidney transplant recipients when quarterly measured over 1 year. Total 95% of serum samples obtained from healthy controls exhibited sCD30 values <30 U/ml, whereas most recipients displayed higher serum levels (>30 U/ml). Total 524 patients (80.4%) constantly exhibited serum concentrations of <100 U/ml during the period investigated, whereas 109 patients (16.7%) showed variations by exceeding the proposed 'cut off' of 100 U/ml for one to three times. The frequency of samples exhibiting sCD30 values >100 U/ml was significantly lower than that previously reported. The high degree of variation does not allow the stratification of patients into high and low immunological risk groups based on a single sCD30 value > 100 U/ml. Due to the heterogeneity of sCD30 levels during time course and the high values of SD, its implementation as a pre-transplant marker cannot be justified to generate special provisions for the organ allocation to patients with single sCD30 values > 100 U/ml.

Polarographic determination of lead hydroxide formation constants at low ionic strength

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lind, Carol J.

1978-01-01

Values of formation constants for lead hydroxide at 25 ??C were calculated from normal pulse polarographic measurements of 10-6 M lead in 0.01 M sodium perchlorate. The low concentrations simulate those found in many freshwaters, permitting direct application of the values when considering distributions of lead species. The precise evaluation of species distribution in waters at other ionic strengths requires activity coefficient corrections. As opposed to much of the previously published work done at high ionic strength, the values reported here were obtained at low ionic strength, permitting use of smaller and better defined activity coefficient corrections. These values were further confirmed by differential-pulse polarography and differential-pulse anodic stripping voltammetry data. The logs of the values for ??1??? ??2???, and ??3??? were calculated to be 6.59, 10.80, and 13.63, respectively. When corrected to zero ionic strength these values were calculated to be 6.77, 11.07, and 13.89, respectively.

MRI measurements of intracranial pressure in the upright posture: The effect of the hydrostatic pressure gradient.

PubMed

Alperin, Noam; Lee, Sang H; Bagci, Ahmet M

2015-10-01

To add the hydrostatic component of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-derived intracranial pressure (ICP) measurements in the upright posture for derivation of pressure value in a central cranial location often used in invasive ICP measurements. Additional analyses were performed using data previously collected from 10 healthy subjects scanned in supine and sitting positions with a 0.5T vertical gap MRI scanner (GE Medical). Pulsatile blood and CSF flows to and from the brain were quantified using cine phase-contrast. Intracranial compliance and pressure were calculated using a previously described method. The vertical distance between the location of the CSF flow measurement and a central cranial location was measured manually in the mid-sagittal T1 -weighted image obtained in the upright posture. The hydrostatic pressure gradient of a CSF column with similar height was then added to the MR-ICP value. After adjustment for the hydrostatic component, the mean ICP value was reduced by 7.6 mmHg. Mean ICP referenced to the central cranial level was -3.4 ± 1.7 mmHg compared to the unadjusted value of +4.3 ± 1.8 mmHg. In the upright posture, the hydrostatic pressure component needs to be added to the MRI-derived ICP values for compatibility with invasive ICP at a central cranial location. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A new threshold of apparent diffusion coefficient values in white matter after successful tissue plasminogen activator treatment for acute brain ischemia.

PubMed

Sato, Atsushi; Shimizu, Yusaku; Koyama, Junichi; Hongo, Kazuhiro

2017-06-01

Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is effective for the treatment of acute brain ischemia, but may trigger fatal brain edema or hemorrhage if the brain ischemia results in a large infarct. Herein, we attempted to predict the extent of infarcts by determining the optimal threshold of ADC values on DWI that predictively distinguishes between infarct and reversible areas, and by reconstructing color-coded images based on this threshold. The study subjects consisted of 36 patients with acute brain ischemia in whom MRA had confirmed reopening of the occluded arteries in a short time (mean: 99min) after tPA treatment. We measured the apparetnt diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in several small regions of interest over the white matter within high-intensity areas on the initial diffusion weighted image (DWI); then, by comparing the findings to the follow-up images, we obtained the optimal threshold of ADC values using receiver-operating characteristic analysis. The threshold obtained (583×10 -6 m 2 /s) was lower than those previously reported; this threshold could distinguish between infarct and reversible areas with considerable accuracy (sensitivity: 0.87, specificity: 0.94). The threshold obtained and the reconstructed images were predictive of the final radiological result of tPA treatment, and this threshold may be helpful in determining the appropriate management of patients with acute brain ischemia. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Extending unified-theory-of-reinforcement neural networks to steady-state operant behavior.

PubMed

Calvin, Olivia L; McDowell, J J

2016-06-01

The unified theory of reinforcement has been used to develop models of behavior over the last 20 years (Donahoe et al., 1993). Previous research has focused on the theory's concordance with the respondent behavior of humans and animals. In this experiment, neural networks were developed from the theory to extend the unified theory of reinforcement to operant behavior on single-alternative variable-interval schedules. This area of operant research was selected because previously developed neural networks could be applied to it without significant alteration. Previous research with humans and animals indicates that the pattern of their steady-state behavior is hyperbolic when plotted against the obtained rate of reinforcement (Herrnstein, 1970). A genetic algorithm was used in the first part of the experiment to determine parameter values for the neural networks, because values that were used in previous research did not result in a hyperbolic pattern of behavior. After finding these parameters, hyperbolic and other similar functions were fitted to the behavior produced by the neural networks. The form of the neural network's behavior was best described by an exponentiated hyperbola (McDowell, 1986; McLean and White, 1983; Wearden, 1981), which was derived from the generalized matching law (Baum, 1974). In post-hoc analyses the addition of a baseline rate of behavior significantly improved the fit of the exponentiated hyperbola and removed systematic residuals. The form of this function was consistent with human and animal behavior, but the estimated parameter values were not. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The effect of changing gravity and weightlessness of vasopressin control systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moran, W. H.

1972-01-01

An immunoassay to determine the effects of changing gravity and weightlessness on vasopressin control system is discussed. Seven extracts from persons known to have inappropriate ADH syndrome secondary to pulmonary oat cell cancer were examined. The extracts had previously been subject to bioassay in rats. The intent of the examination was to determine if the vasopressin content could be confirmed immunologically. The results compared favorably with the values obtained by biological assay.

Terminological reaction.

PubMed

Baorto, David; Tran, Tru V; Lorenzi, Virginia; Dong, David; Oral, Bulent; Forman, Bruce; Cheriff, Adam D; Cole, Curtis L

2008-11-06

When the terminology services at our institution encountered the installation of a new multi-site laboratory information system (LIS), we pursued obtaining a regular dictionary feed to keep the central terminology up-to-date. What we didn't predict was the value added to the LIS implementation effort by a cooperative vocabulary strategy. In this report, we describe how preexisting terminology services were leveraged to facilitate the integration of 2 previously independent laboratories into a new cross-campus LIS.

Comparative optical analysis of cylindrical solar concentrators.

PubMed

Durán, J C; Nicolás, R O

1987-02-01

A comparison of the intensity distribution in the receiver plane for five different types of cylindrical concentrators is made. To this end, our previous 2-D optical analysis for nonperfect concentrators with plane receivers is used. Values of the local and mean concentration factors for a characteristic set of parameters of each concentrator are obtained and compared. The results show that the cylindrical-parabolic concentrator attains the highest concentration factors among the concentrators considered.

An echocardiographic study of healthy Border Collies with normal reference ranges for the breed.

PubMed

Jacobson, Jake H; Boon, June A; Bright, Janice M

2013-06-01

The objectives of this study were to obtain standard echocardiographic measurements from healthy Border Collies and to compare these measurements to those previously reported for a general population of dogs. Standard echocardiographic data were obtained from twenty apparently healthy Border Collie dogs. These data (n = 20) were compared to data obtained from a general population of healthy dogs (n = 69). Border Collies were deemed healthy based on normal history, physical examination, complete blood count, serum biochemical profile, electrocardiogram, and blood pressure, with no evidence of congenital or acquired heart disease on echocardiographic examination. Standard two dimensional, M-mode, and Doppler echocardiographic measurements were obtained and normal ranges determined. The data were compared to data previously obtained at our hospital from a general population of normal dogs. Two dimensional, M-mode, and Doppler reference ranges for healthy Border Collies are presented in tabular form. Comparison of the weight adjusted M-mode echocardiographic means from Border Collies to those from the general population of dogs showed Border Collies to have larger left ventricular systolic and diastolic dimensions, smaller interventricular septal thickness, and lower fractional shortening. There are differences in some echocardiographic parameters between healthy Border Collies and the general dog population, and the echocardiographic reference ranges provided in this study should be used as breed specific reference values for Border Collies. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

New dielectric elastomers with improved properties for energy harvesting and actuation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stiubianu, George; Bele, Adrian; Tugui, Codrin; Musteata, Valentina

2015-02-01

New materials with large value for dielectric constant were obtained by using siloxane and chemically modified lignin. The modified lignin does not act as a stiffening filler material for the siloxane but acts as bulk filler, preserving the softness and low value of Young's modulus specific for silicones. The measured values for dielectric constant compare positively with the ones for previously tested dielectric elastomers based on siloxane rubber or acrylic rubber loaded with ceramic nanoparticles. The new materials use the well-known silicone chemistry and lignin which is available worldwide in large amounts as a by-product of pulp and paper industry, making its manufacturing affordable. The prepared dielectric elastomers were tested for possible applications for wave, wind and kinetic body motion energy harvesting. Siloxane, lignin, dielectric

Weak-value amplification as an optimal metrological protocol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alves, G. Bié; Escher, B. M.; de Matos Filho, R. L.; Zagury, N.; Davidovich, L.

2015-06-01

The implementation of weak-value amplification requires the pre- and postselection of states of a quantum system, followed by the observation of the response of the meter, which interacts weakly with the system. Data acquisition from the meter is conditioned to successful postselection events. Here we derive an optimal postselection procedure for estimating the coupling constant between system and meter and show that it leads both to weak-value amplification and to the saturation of the quantum Fisher information, under conditions fulfilled by all previously reported experiments on the amplification of weak signals. For most of the preselected states, full information on the coupling constant can be extracted from the meter data set alone, while for a small fraction of the space of preselected states, it must be obtained from the postselection statistics.

A probability index for surface zonda wind occurrence at Mendoza city through vertical sounding principal components analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Otero, Federico; Norte, Federico; Araneo, Diego

2018-01-01

The aim of this work is to obtain an index for predicting the probability of occurrence of zonda event at surface level from sounding data at Mendoza city, Argentine. To accomplish this goal, surface zonda wind events were previously found with an objective classification method (OCM) only considering the surface station values. Once obtained the dates and the onset time of each event, the prior closest sounding for each event was taken to realize a principal component analysis (PCA) that is used to identify the leading patterns of the vertical structure of the atmosphere previously to a zonda wind event. These components were used to construct the index model. For the PCA an entry matrix of temperature ( T) and dew point temperature (Td) anomalies for the standard levels between 850 and 300 hPa was build. The analysis yielded six significant components with a 94 % of the variance explained and the leading patterns of favorable weather conditions for the development of the phenomenon were obtained. A zonda/non-zonda indicator c can be estimated by a logistic multiple regressions depending on the PCA component loadings, determining a zonda probability index \\widehat{c} calculable from T and Td profiles and it depends on the climatological features of the region. The index showed 74.7 % efficiency. The same analysis was performed by adding surface values of T and Td from Mendoza Aero station increasing the index efficiency to 87.8 %. The results revealed four significantly correlated PCs with a major improvement in differentiating zonda cases and a reducing of the uncertainty interval.

Measurement Uncertainty of Dew-Point Temperature in a Two-Pressure Humidity Generator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martins, L. Lages; Ribeiro, A. Silva; Alves e Sousa, J.; Forbes, Alistair B.

2012-09-01

This article describes the measurement uncertainty evaluation of the dew-point temperature when using a two-pressure humidity generator as a reference standard. The estimation of the dew-point temperature involves the solution of a non-linear equation for which iterative solution techniques, such as the Newton-Raphson method, are required. Previous studies have already been carried out using the GUM method and the Monte Carlo method but have not discussed the impact of the approximate numerical method used to provide the temperature estimation. One of the aims of this article is to take this approximation into account. Following the guidelines presented in the GUM Supplement 1, two alternative approaches can be developed: the forward measurement uncertainty propagation by the Monte Carlo method when using the Newton-Raphson numerical procedure; and the inverse measurement uncertainty propagation by Bayesian inference, based on prior available information regarding the usual dispersion of values obtained by the calibration process. The measurement uncertainties obtained using these two methods can be compared with previous results. Other relevant issues concerning this research are the broad application to measurements that require hygrometric conditions obtained from two-pressure humidity generators and, also, the ability to provide a solution that can be applied to similar iterative models. The research also studied the factors influencing both the use of the Monte Carlo method (such as the seed value and the convergence parameter) and the inverse uncertainty propagation using Bayesian inference (such as the pre-assigned tolerance, prior estimate, and standard deviation) in terms of their accuracy and adequacy.

Breast elastography: Identification of benign and malignant cancer based on absolute elastic modulus measurement using vibro-elastography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arroyo, Junior; Saavedra, Ana Cecilia; Guerrero, Jorge; Montenegro, Pilar; Aguilar, Jorge; Pinto, Joseph A.; Lobo, Julio; Salcudean, Tim; Lavarello, Roberto; Castañeda, Benjamín.

2018-03-01

Breast cancer is a public health problem with 1.7 million new cases per year worldwide and with several limitations in the state-of-art screening techniques. Ultrasound elastography involves a set of techniques intended to facilitate the noninvasive diagnosis of cancer. Among these, Vibro-elastography is an ultrasound-based technique that employs external mechanical excitation to infer the elastic properties of soft tissue. In this paper, we evaluate the Vibro-elastography performance in the differentiation of benign and malignant breast lesions. For this study, a group of 18 women with clinically confirmed tumors or suspected malignant breast lesions were invited to participate. For each volunteer, an elastogram was obtained, and the mean elasticity of the lesion and the adjacent healthy tissue were calculated. After the acquisition, the volunteers underwent core-needle biopsy. The histopathological results allowed to validate the Vibro-elastography diagnosis, which ranged from benign to malignant lesions. Results indicate that the mean elasticity value of the benign lesions, malignant lesions and healthy breast tissue were 39.4 +/- 12 KPa, 55.4 +/- 7.02 KPa and 23.91 +/- 4.57 kPa, respectively. The classification between benign and malignant breast cancer was performed using Support Vector Machine based on the measured lesion stiffness. A ROC curve permitted to quantify the accuracy of the differentiation and to define a suitable cutoff value of stiffness, obtaining an AUC of 0.90 and a cutoff value of 44.75 KPa. The results obtained suggest that Vibro-elastography allows differentiating between benign and malignant lesions. Furthermore, the elasticity values obtained for benign, malignant and healthy tissue are consistent with previous reports.

The production and escape of nitrogen atoms on Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fox, J. L.

1992-01-01

The lack of agreement between our previously computed values and those measured by Viking of the N-15:N-14 isotope enhancement ratio has led us to reevaluate our model of the Martian ionosphere. In previous models, we were unable to reproduce the ion profiles measured by the RPA on Viking using electron temperatures that were higher that the ion temperatures. When we increased the electron temperatures to 2500-3000 K and with a zero flux upper boundary condition, the ion densities at high altitudes exceeded the measured values by a large factor. We found that we can better fit the observed profiles if we impose a loss process at the upper boundary of our model. If the horizontal fluxes of ions do not constitute a net loss of ions, then the escape of N due to dissociative recombination is also inhibited and better agreement with the measured isotope ratio is found. The production of escaping nitrogen atoms is closely related to the production of thermospheric odd nitrogen; therefore, the densities of NO measured by Viking provide a convenient check on our nitrogen escape model. Our standard model NO densities are less that the measured values by a factor of 2-3, as are those of previous models. We find that reasonable agreement can be obtained by assuming that the rate coefficient for loss of odd nitrogen in the reaction of N with NO is smaller at temperatures that prevail in the lower Martian thermosphere than the standard value, which applies to temperatures of 200-400 K. Other aspects of this investigation are presented.

Evaluation of questionnaire-based information on previous physical work loads. Stockholm MUSIC 1 Study Group. Musculoskeletal Intervention Center.

PubMed

Torgén, M; Winkel, J; Alfredsson, L; Kilbom, A

1999-06-01

The principal aim of the present study was to evaluate questionnaire-based information on past physical work loads (6-year recall). Effects of memory difficulties on reproducibility were evaluated for 82 subjects by comparing previously reported results on current work loads (test-retest procedure) with the same items recalled 6 years later. Validity was assessed by comparing self-reports in 1995, regarding work loads in 1989, with worksite measurements performed in 1989. Six-year reproducibility, calculated as weighted kappa coefficients (k(w)), varied between 0.36 and 0.86, with the highest values for proportion of the workday spent sitting and for perceived general exertion and the lowest values for trunk and neck flexion. The six-year reproducibility results were similar to previously reported test-retest results for these items; this finding indicates that memory difficulties was a minor problem. The validity of the questionnaire responses, expressed as rank correlations (r(s)) between the questionnaire responses and workplace measurements, varied between -0.16 and 0.78. The highest values were obtained for the items sitting and repetitive work, and the lowest and "unacceptable" values were for head rotation and neck flexion. Misclassification of exposure did not appear to be differential with regard to musculoskeletal symptom status, as judged by the calculated risk estimates. The validity of some of these self-administered questionnaire items appears sufficient for a crude assessment of physical work loads in the past in epidemiologic studies of the general population with predominantly low levels of exposure.

Neighborhood disorder and telomeres: Connecting children’s exposure to community level stress and cellular response

PubMed Central

Theall, Katherine P.; Brett, Zoë H.; Shirtcliff, Elizabeth A.; Dunn, Erin C.; Drury, Stacy S.

2013-01-01

Our objective was to explore the utility of salivary telomere length (sTL) as an early indicator of neighborhood level social environmental risk during child development. We therefore tested the hypothesis that sTL would be associated with markers of social stress exposure in children. Children age 4–14 from 87 neighborhoods were recruited through five urban schools in New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. Data were collected at the level of the child, family/household, and neighborhood. DNA was obtained from saliva using commercially available kits and sTL was determined for 104 children using quantitative PCR. Analysis was performed on 99 children who had complete data including sTL, social environmental stress, and additional covariates. The mean sTL value was 7.4 T/S (telomere signal/single copy signal) ratio units (± 2.4, range=2.5–18.0), and 4.7% of the variance in sTL was attributed to differences across neighborhoods. Children living in neighborhoods characterized by high disorder had an sTL value 3.2 units lower than children not living in high disordered environments (p<0.05) and their odds of having low relative sTL (defined as < 1 standard deviation below standardized z score mean) values was 3.43 times that of children not living in high disorder environments (adjusted OR=3.43, 95% CI=1.22, 9.62). Our findings are consistent with previous studies in adults demonstrating a strong link between psychosocial stress and sTL obtained from peripheral blood, consistent with previous studies in youth demonstrating an association between early life stress and sTL obtained from buccal cell DNA and offer increased support for the hypothesis that sTL represents a non-invasive biological indicator of psychosocial stress exposure (i.e., neighborhood disorder) able to reflect differences in stress exposure levels even in young children. PMID:23540366

Deep Atmosphere Ammonia Mixing Ratio at Jupiter from the Galileo Probe Mass Spectrometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mahaffy, P. R.; Niemann, H. B.; Demick, J. E.

1999-01-01

New laboratory studies employing the Engineering Unit (EU) of the Galileo Probe Mass Spectrometer (GPMS) have resulted in a substantial reduction in the previously reported upper limit on the ammonia mixing ratio derived from the GPMS experiment at Jupiter. This measurement is complicated by background ammonia contributions in the GPMS during direct atmospheric sampling produced from the preceding gas enrichment experiments. These backgrounds can be quantified with the data from the EU studies when they are carried out in a manner that duplicates the descent profile of pressure and enrichment cell loading. This background is due to the tendency of ammonia to interact strongly with the walls of the mass spectrometer and on release to contribute to the gas being directly directed into the ion source from the atmosphere through a capillary pressure reduction leak. It is evident from the GPMS and other observations that the mixing ratio of ammonia at Jupiter reaches the deep atmosphere value at substantially higher pressures than previously assumed. This is a likely explanation for the previously perceived discrepancy between ammonia values derived from ground based microwave observations and those obtained from attenuation of the Galileo Probe radio signal.

Investigation of two-stage air-cooled turbine suitable for flight at Mach number of 2.5 II : blade design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miser, James W; Stewart, Warner L

1957-01-01

A blade design study is presented for a two-stage air-cooled turbine suitable for flight at a Mach number of 2.5 for which velocity diagrams have been previously obtained. The detailed procedure used in the design of the blades is given. In addition, the design blade shapes, surface velocity distributions, inner and outer wall contours, and other design data are presented. Of all the blade rows, the first-stage rotor has the highest solidity, with a value of 2.289 at the mean section. The second-stage stator also had a high mean-section solidity of 1.927, mainly because of its high inlet whirl. The second-stage rotor has the highest value of the suction-surface diffusion parameter, with a value of 0.151. All other blade rows have values for this parameter under 0.100.

Unraveling the Determinants of Protrusion Formation

PubMed Central

Varghese, Mita; Gorsevski, Peter; Cayer, Marilyn L.; Boudreau, Nancy S.; Heckman, Carol A.

2012-01-01

A computerized morphometric classification technique based on latent factors reveals major protrusion classes: factors 4, 5, and 7. Previous work showed that factor 4 represented filopodia, 5 the distribution of lamellar cytoplasm, and 7 a blunt protrusion. We explore the relationship of focal contact (FC) characteristics and their integrated actin cables to factors values. The results show that FC maturation/cytoskeletal integration affects factor 5, because FC elongation/integration was correlated with its values. On the contrary, 7 values decreased with maturation, so cable or FC size or their integration must be restricted to form these protrusions. Where integration did occur, the cables showed distinctive size and orientation, as indicated by correlation of 7 values with FC shape. Results obtained with myosin inhibitors support the interpretation that a central, isometric, contractile network puts constraints on both factor 5 and 7 protrusions. We conclude that cells establish functional domains by rearranging the cytoskeleton. PMID:22500172

Level of endogenous formaldehyde in maple syrup as determined by spectrofluorimetry.

PubMed

Lagacé, Luc; Guay, Stéphane; Martin, Nathalie

2003-01-01

The level of endogenous formaldehyde in maple syrup was established from a large number (n = 300) of authentic maple syrup samples collected during 2000 and 2001 in the province of Quebec, Canada. The average level of formaldehyde from these authentic samples was measured at 0.18 mg/kg in 2000 and 0.28 mg/kg in 2001, which is lower than previously published. These average values can be attributed to the improved spectrofluorimetric method used for the determination. However, the formaldehyde values obtained demonstrate a relatively large distribution with maximums observed at 1.04 and 1.54 mg/kg. These values are still under the maximum tolerance level of 2.0 mg/kg paraformaldehyde pesticide residue. Extensive heat treatment of maple syrup samples greatly enhanced the formaldehyde concentration of the samples, suggesting that extensive heat degradation of the sap constituents during evaporation could be responsible for the highest formaldehyde values in maple syrup.

Bulk modulus of two-dimensional liquid dusty plasmas and its application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Wei; Lin, Wei; Feng, Yan

2017-04-01

From the recently obtained equation of state [Feng et al., J. Phys. D: Appl. Phys. 49, 235203 (2016) and Feng et al., Phys. Plasmas 23, 093705 (2016); Erratum 23, 119904 (2016)], the bulk modulus of elasticity K of 2D liquid dusty plasmas is analytically derived as the expression of the temperature and the screening parameter. Exact values of the obtained bulk modulus of elasticity K are reported and also plotted in the 2D plane of the temperature and the screening parameter. As the temperature and the screening parameter change, the variation trend of K is reported and the corresponding interpretation is suggested. It has been demonstrated that the obtained bulk modulus of elasticity K can be used to predict the longitudinal sound speed, which agrees well with previous studies.

A new analysis of the effects of the Asian crisis of 1997 on emergent markets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mariani, M. C.; Liu, Y.

2007-07-01

This work is devoted to the study of the Asian crisis of 1997, and its consequences on emerging markets. We have done so by means of a phase transition model. We have analyzed the crashes on leading indices of Hong Kong (HSI), Turkey (XU100), Mexico (MMX), Brazil (BOVESPA) and Argentina (MERVAL). We were able to obtain optimum values for the critical date, corresponding to the most probable date of the crash. The estimation of the critical date was excellent except for the MERVAL index; this improvement is due to a previous analysis of the parameters involved. We only used data from before the true crash date in order to obtain the predicted critical date. This article's conclusions are largely obtained via ad hoc empirical methods.

A new method for recognizing hand configurations of Brazilian gesture language.

PubMed

Costa Filho, C F F; Dos Santos, B L; de Souza, R S; Dos Santos, J R; Costa, M G F

2016-08-01

This paper describes a new method for recognizing hand configurations of the Brazilian Gesture Language - LIBRAS - using depth maps obtained with a Kinect® camera. The proposed method comprised three phases: hand segmentation, feature extraction, and classification. The segmentation phase is independent from the background and depends only on pixel depth information. Using geometric operations and numerical normalization, the feature extraction process was done independent from rotation and translation. The features are extracted employing two techniques: (2D)2LDA and (2D)2PCA. The classification is made with a novelty classifier. A robust database was constructed for classifier evaluation, with 12,200 images of LIBRAS and 200 gestures of each hand configuration. The best accuracy obtained was 95.41%, which was greater than previous values obtained in the literature.

Grand European and Asian-Pacific multi-model seasonal forecasts: maximization of skill and of potential economical value to end-users

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alessandri, Andrea; Felice, Matteo De; Catalano, Franco; Lee, June-Yi; Wang, Bin; Lee, Doo Young; Yoo, Jin-Ho; Weisheimer, Antije

2018-04-01

Multi-model ensembles (MMEs) are powerful tools in dynamical climate prediction as they account for the overconfidence and the uncertainties related to single-model ensembles. Previous works suggested that the potential benefit that can be expected by using a MME amplifies with the increase of the independence of the contributing Seasonal Prediction Systems. In this work we combine the two MME Seasonal Prediction Systems (SPSs) independently developed by the European (ENSEMBLES) and by the Asian-Pacific (APCC/CliPAS) communities. To this aim, all the possible multi-model combinations obtained by putting together the 5 models from ENSEMBLES and the 11 models from APCC/CliPAS have been evaluated. The grand ENSEMBLES-APCC/CliPAS MME enhances significantly the skill in predicting 2m temperature and precipitation compared to previous estimates from the contributing MMEs. Our results show that, in general, the better combinations of SPSs are obtained by mixing ENSEMBLES and APCC/CliPAS models and that only a limited number of SPSs is required to obtain the maximum performance. The number and selection of models that perform better is usually different depending on the region/phenomenon under consideration so that all models are useful in some cases. It is shown that the incremental performance contribution tends to be higher when adding one model from ENSEMBLES to APCC/CliPAS MMEs and vice versa, confirming that the benefit of using MMEs amplifies with the increase of the independence the contributing models. To verify the above results for a real world application, the Grand ENSEMBLES-APCC/CliPAS MME is used to predict retrospective energy demand over Italy as provided by TERNA (Italian Transmission System Operator) for the period 1990-2007. The results demonstrate the useful application of MME seasonal predictions for energy demand forecasting over Italy. It is shown a significant enhancement of the potential economic value of forecasting energy demand when using the better combinations from the Grand MME by comparison to the maximum value obtained from the better combinations of each of the two contributing MMEs. The above results demonstrate for the first time the potential of the Grand MME to significantly contribute in obtaining useful predictions at the seasonal time-scale.

THE SPIN OF THE BLACK HOLE 4U 1543-47

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

Morningstar, Warren R.; Miller, Jon M., E-mail: wmorning@umich.edu, E-mail: jonmm@umich.edu

2014-10-01

We present a new analysis of Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer observations of the 2002 outburst of the transient X-ray nova 4U 1543-47. We focus on observations in the high/soft state, and attempt to measure the ''spin'' of the black hole by simultaneously fitting the thermal disk continuum and by modeling the broadened iron k-shell emission lines and additional blurred reflection features. Previous works have found that use of these methods individually returns contradictory values for the dimensionless spin parameter a {sub *} = cJ/GM {sup 2}. We find that when used in conjunction with each other, a moderate spin ismore » obtained (a{sub ∗}=0.43{sub −0.31}{sup +0.22}) that is actually consistent with both other values within errors. We discuss limitations of our analysis, systematic uncertainties, and implications of this measurement, and compare our result to those previously claimed for 4U 1543-47.« less

Ventilation-perfusion distribution in normal subjects.

PubMed

Beck, Kenneth C; Johnson, Bruce D; Olson, Thomas P; Wilson, Theodore A

2012-09-01

Functional values of LogSD of the ventilation distribution (σ(V)) have been reported previously, but functional values of LogSD of the perfusion distribution (σ(q)) and the coefficient of correlation between ventilation and perfusion (ρ) have not been measured in humans. Here, we report values for σ(V), σ(q), and ρ obtained from wash-in data for three gases, helium and two soluble gases, acetylene and dimethyl ether. Normal subjects inspired gas containing the test gases, and the concentrations of the gases at end-expiration during the first 10 breaths were measured with the subjects at rest and at increasing levels of exercise. The regional distribution of ventilation and perfusion was described by a bivariate log-normal distribution with parameters σ(V), σ(q), and ρ, and these parameters were evaluated by matching the values of expired gas concentrations calculated for this distribution to the measured values. Values of cardiac output and LogSD ventilation/perfusion (Va/Q) were obtained. At rest, σ(q) is high (1.08 ± 0.12). With the onset of ventilation, σ(q) decreases to 0.85 ± 0.09 but remains higher than σ(V) (0.43 ± 0.09) at all exercise levels. Rho increases to 0.87 ± 0.07, and the value of LogSD Va/Q for light and moderate exercise is primarily the result of the difference between the magnitudes of σ(q) and σ(V). With known values for the parameters, the bivariate distribution describes the comprehensive distribution of ventilation and perfusion that underlies the distribution of the Va/Q ratio.

The study of topics of Astronomy in Physics teaching that addresses the significant learning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Santos Neta, M. L.; Voelzke, M. R.

2017-12-01

In this work are discussed the results of the case study on the oceanic tides for which it was used didactic sequences, based on the Cycle of Experience of George Kelly (Kelly 1963), applied in four groups of the first year of the integral medium teaching. The data obtained in two same tests - Pre and Post-Test - before and after the application of the didactic sequences, as well as the verification of the significant learning analysed as for the conditions of the previous knowledge considering authors Boczko (1984), Horvath (2008) and Kepler & Saraiva (2013). Also the values were analysed obtained the Post-Test II applied to the long period. The results reveal that the worked groups presented previous knowledge in conditions adapted for the understanding of the event, as well as, for they be used in the situation-problem resolution that demands the understanding. Verify also that the idea of the didactic sequence can be used as tool in the relationship teaching-learning addressed to the significant learning.

Monthly prediction of air temperature in Australia and New Zealand with machine learning algorithms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salcedo-Sanz, S.; Deo, R. C.; Carro-Calvo, L.; Saavedra-Moreno, B.

2016-07-01

Long-term air temperature prediction is of major importance in a large number of applications, including climate-related studies, energy, agricultural, or medical. This paper examines the performance of two Machine Learning algorithms (Support Vector Regression (SVR) and Multi-layer Perceptron (MLP)) in a problem of monthly mean air temperature prediction, from the previous measured values in observational stations of Australia and New Zealand, and climate indices of importance in the region. The performance of the two considered algorithms is discussed in the paper and compared to alternative approaches. The results indicate that the SVR algorithm is able to obtain the best prediction performance among all the algorithms compared in the paper. Moreover, the results obtained have shown that the mean absolute error made by the two algorithms considered is significantly larger for the last 20 years than in the previous decades, in what can be interpreted as a change in the relationship among the prediction variables involved in the training of the algorithms.

Single-layer model to predict the source/sink behavior of diffusion-controlled building materials.

PubMed

Kumar, Deept; Little, John C

2003-09-01

Building materials may act as both sources of and sinks forvolatile organic compounds (VOCs) in indoor air. A strategy to characterize the rate of absorption and desorption of VOCs by diffusion-controlled building materials is validated. A previously developed model that predicts mass transfer between a flat slab of material and the well-mixed air within a chamber or room is extended. The generalized model allows a nonuniform initial material-phase concentration and a transient influent gas-phase concentration to be simultaneously considered. An analytical solution to the more general model is developed. Experimental data are obtained by placing samples of vinyl flooring inside a small stainless steel chamber and exposing them to absorption/desorption cycles of n-dodecane and phenol. Measured values for the material-air partition coefficient and the material-phase diffusion coefficient were obtained previously in a series of completely independent experiments. The a priori model predictions are in close agreement with the observed experimental data.

Formal Definition of Measures for BPMN Models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reynoso, Luis; Rolón, Elvira; Genero, Marcela; García, Félix; Ruiz, Francisco; Piattini, Mario

Business process models are currently attaining more relevance, and more attention is therefore being paid to their quality. This situation led us to define a set of measures for the understandability of BPMN models, which is shown in a previous work. We focus on understandability since a model must be well understood before any changes are made to it. These measures were originally informally defined in natural language. As is well known, natural language is ambiguous and may lead to misunderstandings and a misinterpretation of the concepts captured by a measure and the way in which the measure value is obtained. This has motivated us to provide the formal definition of the proposed measures using OCL (Object Constraint Language) upon the BPMN (Business Process Modeling Notation) metamodel presented in this paper. The main advantages and lessons learned (which were obtained both from the current work and from previous works carried out in relation to the formal definition of other measures) are also summarized.

Variations of the relative abundances of He, (C,N,O) and Fe-group nuclei in solar cosmic rays and their relationship to solar particle acceleration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bertsch, D. L.; Biswas, S.; Fichtel, C. E.; Pellerin, C. J.; Reames, D. V.

1973-01-01

Measurements of the flux of helium nuclei in the 24 January 1971 event and of helium and (C,N,O) nuclei in the 1 September 1971 event are combined with previous measurements to obtain the relative abundances of helium, (C,N,O), and Fe-group nuclei in these events. These data are then summarized together with previously reported results to show that, even when the same detector system using a dE/dx plus range technique is used, differences in the He/(C,N,O) value in the same energy/nucleon interval are observed in solar cosmic ray events. Further, when the He/(C,N,O) value is lower the He/(Fe-group nuclei) value is also systematically lower in these large events. When solar particle acceleration theory is analyzed, it is seen that the results suggest that, for large events, Coulomb energy loss probably does not play a major role in determining solar particle composition at higher energies (10 MeV). The variations in multicharged nuclei composition are more likely due to partial ionization during the acceleration phase.

Lipophilicity assessment of basic drugs (log P(o/w) determination) by a chromatographic method.

PubMed

Pallicer, Juan M; Sales, Joaquim; Rosés, Martí; Ràfols, Clara; Bosch, Elisabeth

2011-09-16

A previously reported chromatographic method to determine the 1-octanol/water partition coefficient (log P(o/w)) of organic compounds is used to estimate the hydrophobicity of bases, mainly commercial drugs with diverse chemical nature and pK(a) values higher than 9. For that reason, mobile phases buffered at high pH to avoid the ionization of the solutes and three different columns (Phenomenex Gemini NX, Waters XTerra RP-18 and Waters XTerra MS C(18)) with appropriate alkaline-resistant stationary phases have been used. Non-ionizable substances studied in previous works were also included in the set of compounds to evaluate the consistency of the method. The results showed that all the columns provide good estimations of the log P(o/w) for most of the compounds included in this study. The Gemini NX column has been selected to calculate log P(o/w) values of the set of studied drugs, and really good correlations between the determined log P(o/w) values and those considered as reference were obtained, proving the ability of the procedure for the lipophilicity assessment of bioactive compounds with very different structures and functionalities. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Dimensionless number is central to stress relaxation and expansive growth of the cell wall.

PubMed

Ortega, Joseph K E

2017-06-07

Experiments demonstrate that both plastic and elastic deformation of the cell wall are necessary for wall stress relaxation and expansive growth of walled cells. A biophysical equation (Augmented Growth Equation) was previously shown to accurately model the experimentally observed wall stress relaxation and expansive growth rate. Here, dimensional analysis is used to obtain a dimensionless Augmented Growth Equation with dimensionless coefficients (groups of variables, or Π parameters). It is shown that a single Π parameter controls the wall stress relaxation rate. The Π parameter represents the ratio of plastic and elastic deformation rates, and provides an explicit relationship between expansive growth rate and the wall's mechanical properties. Values for Π are calculated for plant, algal, and fungal cells from previously reported experimental results. It is found that the Π values for each cell species are large and very different from each other. Expansive growth rates are calculated using the calculated Π values and are compared to those measured for plant and fungal cells during different growth conditions, after treatment with IAA, and in different developmental stages. The comparison shows good agreement and supports the claim that the Π parameter is central to expansive growth rate of walled cells.

Feasibility study of parallel optical correlation-decoding analysis of lightning

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

Descour, M.R.; Sweatt, W.C.; Elliott, G.R.

The optical correlator described in this report is intended to serve as an attention-focusing processor. The objective is to narrowly bracket the range of a parameter value that characterizes the correlator input. The input is a waveform collected by a satellite-borne receiver. In the correlator, this waveform is simultaneously correlated with an ensemble of ionosphere impulse-response functions, each corresponding to a different total-electron-count (TEC) value. We have found that correlation is an effective method of bracketing the range of TEC values likely to be represented by the input waveform. High accuracy in a computational sense is not required of themore » correlator. Binarization of the impulse-response functions and the input waveforms prior to correlation results in a lower correlation-peak-to-background-fluctuation (signal-to-noise) ratio than the peak that is obtained when all waveforms retain their grayscale values. The results presented in this report were obtained by means of an acousto-optic correlator previously developed at SNL as well as by simulation. An optical-processor architecture optimized for 1D correlation of long waveforms characteristic of this application is described. Discussions of correlator components, such as optics, acousto-optic cells, digital micromirror devices, laser diodes, and VCSELs are included.« less

Estimating SPT-N Value Based on Soil Resistivity using Hybrid ANN-PSO Algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nur Asmawisham Alel, Mohd; Ruben Anak Upom, Mark; Asnida Abdullah, Rini; Hazreek Zainal Abidin, Mohd

2018-04-01

Standard Penetration Resistance (N value) is used in many empirical geotechnical engineering formulas. Meanwhile, soil resistivity is a measure of soil’s resistance to electrical flow. For a particular site, usually, only a limited N value data are available. In contrast, resistivity data can be obtained extensively. Moreover, previous studies showed evidence of a correlation between N value and resistivity value. Yet, no existing method is able to interpret resistivity data for estimation of N value. Thus, the aim is to develop a method for estimating N-value using resistivity data. This study proposes a hybrid Artificial Neural Network-Particle Swarm Optimization (ANN-PSO) method to estimate N value using resistivity data. Five different ANN-PSO models based on five boreholes were developed and analyzed. The performance metrics used were the coefficient of determination, R2 and mean absolute error, MAE. Analysis of result found that this method can estimate N value (R2 best=0.85 and MAEbest=0.54) given that the constraint, Δ {\\bar{l}}ref, is satisfied. The results suggest that ANN-PSO method can be used to estimate N value with good accuracy.

Universality and diversity of folding mechanics for three-helix bundle proteins.

PubMed

Yang, Jae Shick; Wallin, Stefan; Shakhnovich, Eugene I

2008-01-22

In this study we evaluate, at full atomic detail, the folding processes of two small helical proteins, the B domain of protein A and the Villin headpiece. Folding kinetics are studied by performing a large number of ab initio Monte Carlo folding simulations using a single transferable all-atom potential. Using these trajectories, we examine the relaxation behavior, secondary structure formation, and transition-state ensembles (TSEs) of the two proteins and compare our results with experimental data and previous computational studies. To obtain a detailed structural information on the folding dynamics viewed as an ensemble process, we perform a clustering analysis procedure based on graph theory. Moreover, rigorous p(fold) analysis is used to obtain representative samples of the TSEs and a good quantitative agreement between experimental and simulated Phi values is obtained for protein A. Phi values for Villin also are obtained and left as predictions to be tested by future experiments. Our analysis shows that the two-helix hairpin is a common partially stable structural motif that gets formed before entering the TSE in the studied proteins. These results together with our earlier study of Engrailed Homeodomain and recent experimental studies provide a comprehensive, atomic-level picture of folding mechanics of three-helix bundle proteins.

Department of Defense Annual Report on Sexual Assault in the Military, Fiscal Year 2014

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-04-22

focused on the following objectives: • Determine whether club culture promotes or resists adherence to Army and USMA values, and why. • Obtain... firing range. The Subject would tell certain female trainees to spread their legs, and he would use the metal detector to touch the females in their...after she "gave up" attempting to resist after repeatedly telling him to stop during the previous progression of sexual contacts. Sexual Assault

VUV spectroscopic study of the ? state of H2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dickenson, G. D.; Ubachs, W.

2014-04-01

Spectral lines, probing rotational quantum states J‧ = 0, 1, 2 of the inner well vibrations (υ‧ ≤ 8) in the ? state of molecular hydrogen, were recorded in high resolution using a vacuum ultraviolet Fourier transform absorption spectrometer in the wavelength range 73-86 nm. Accurate line positions and predissociation widths are determined from a fit to the absorption spectra. Improved values for the line positions are obtained, while the predissociation widths agree well with previous investigations.

Quantum corrections to newtonian potential and generalized uncertainty principle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scardigli, Fabio; Lambiase, Gaetano; Vagenas, Elias

2017-08-01

We use the leading quantum corrections to the newtonian potential to compute the deformation parameter of the generalized uncertainty principle. By assuming just only General Relativity as theory of Gravitation, and the thermal nature of the GUP corrections to the Hawking spectrum, our calculation gives, to first order, a specific numerical result. We briefly discuss the physical meaning of this value, and compare it with the previously obtained bounds on the generalized uncertainty principle deformation parameter.

The general solution to the classical problem of finite Euler Bernoulli beam

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hussaini, M. Y.; Amba-Rao, C. L.

1977-01-01

An analytical solution is obtained for the problem of free and forced vibrations of a finite Euler Bernoulli beam with arbitrary (partially fixed) boundary conditions. The effects of linear viscous damping, Winkler foundation, constant axial tension, a concentrated mass, and an arbitrary forcing function are included in the analysis. No restriction is placed on the values of the parameters involved, and the solution presented here contains all cited previous solutions as special cases.

Modeling the Thermoelectric Properties of Ti5O9 Magneli Phase Ceramics

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-07-14

these ceramics were investigated from room temperature to 1076 K. We show that the experimental variation of the electrical conduc- tivity with...figure-of-merit ZT of this nanoceramic material reaches 0.3 K at 1076 K. Key words: Thermoelectrics, nanoceramics, magnéli phase, small polaron...be obtained from the previous data. Thermal conductivity values were extrapolated for 876 K, 975 K, and 1076 K to match the range of thermopower and

Thermochemistry of the gaseous fluorides of samarium, europium, and thulium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kleinschmidt, P. D.; Lau, K. H.; Hildenbrand, D. L.

1981-01-01

The gaseous mono-, di-, and trifluorides of the lanthanide metals samarium, europium, and thulium were characterized thermochemically from high temperature equilibrium studies carried out by mass spectrometry. Reaction enthalpies and entropies were derived using second-law analysis throughout, and the results were used to evaluate the enthalpies of formation and bond dissociation energies (BDE) of the gaseous fluorides, and to obtain approximate values for the electronic entropies of the MF and MF2 species. The dissociation energies of the monofluorides D°0(SmF)=134 kcal/mole, D°0(EuF)=129 kcal/mole, and D°0(TmF)=121 kcal/mole, all ±2 kcal/mole, are in good agreement with values predicted by the Rittner electrostatic model, whereas values in the polyatomic fluorides show considerable variation and do not seem to follow any clear trends. Although the BDE values in some instances differ from previous estimates, their sums yield trifluoride heats of atomization that are in close accord with values derived from the vaporization thermodynamics of the solid trifluorides.

Risk assessment of antibiotic residues in different water matrices in India: key issues and challenges.

PubMed

Mutiyar, Pravin K; Mittal, Atul K

2014-06-01

Global detection of antibiotic substances in water matrices has considerably increased in the recent past. However, in India research on this issue is limited or generalised in the literature. Risks associated with the presence of antibiotics in the environment can be quantified using a hazard quotient (HQ) approach. Here, HQs were developed using the measured environmental concentration (MEC) approach for antibiotic residues in Indian water matrices previously reported in the literature. In the present study, environmental risk assessment, using the HQ index [HQ = measured environmental concentration (MEC)/predicted no effect concentration (PNEC)] for different antibiotics, was performed according to the guidelines of European Medicine Evaluation Agency (EMEA). MEC and PNEC levels were obtained from the literature. PNEC values were also calculated from EC50 using a safety factor when no PNECs were reported in the literature. HQs were obtained for industrial effluents (HQ = 10(4)) that were greater than any previously reported values. Ciprofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, seemed to present the greatest risk in India. The HQ indices for Indian water matrices were in the following order: industrial effluents > lake water > river water > hospital effluents > treated sewage ≃ groundwater. A very high HQ represents a potential environmental concern for aquatic environments in India and demands that immediate attention be devoted to regulating these compounds, especially in pharmaceutical industrial wastewater.

Optimal back-extrapolation method for estimating plasma volume in humans using the indocyanine green dilution method

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background The indocyanine green dilution method is one of the methods available to estimate plasma volume, although some researchers have questioned the accuracy of this method. Methods We developed a new, physiologically based mathematical model of indocyanine green kinetics that more accurately represents indocyanine green kinetics during the first few minutes postinjection than what is assumed when using the traditional mono-exponential back-extrapolation method. The mathematical model is used to develop an optimal back-extrapolation method for estimating plasma volume based on simulated indocyanine green kinetics obtained from the physiological model. Results Results from a clinical study using the indocyanine green dilution method in 36 subjects with type 2 diabetes indicate that the estimated plasma volumes are considerably lower when using the traditional back-extrapolation method than when using the proposed back-extrapolation method (mean (standard deviation) plasma volume = 26.8 (5.4) mL/kg for the traditional method vs 35.1 (7.0) mL/kg for the proposed method). The results obtained using the proposed method are more consistent with previously reported plasma volume values. Conclusions Based on the more physiological representation of indocyanine green kinetics and greater consistency with previously reported plasma volume values, the new back-extrapolation method is proposed for use when estimating plasma volume using the indocyanine green dilution method. PMID:25052018

Assessment of natural radioactivity in various commercial tiles used for building purposes in Nigeria.

PubMed

Joel, E S; Maxwell, O; Adewoyin, O O; Ehi-Eromosele, C O; Embong, Z; Oyawoye, F

2018-01-01

In this study, we evaluated the activity concentration of natural radionuclides ( 226 Ra, 232 Th and 40 K) for fifteen (15) different brands of tile samples used for building purposes in Nigeria. The tile samples were analyzed using High purity Germanium gamma detector. The mean activity concentrations of 226 Ra, 232 Th, and 40 K were observed to be 61.1 ± 5.5 Bq/kg, 70.2 ± 6.08 Bq/kg and 514.7 ± 59.8 Bq/kg respectively. Various hazard indices such as absorbed dose rate, external and internal hazard index, annual effective dose rate, Gamma activity Index (Iγ) and Alpha Index (Iα) were calculated. The obtained results showed that the mean radium equivalent activity (Raeq), the absorbed dose rate (D), external and internal hazard index, the annual effective dose (AEDR) equivalent, Gamma activity Index (Iγ) and Alpha Index (Iα) were: 204.42 Bq/kg, 177.61 nGyh -1 , 0.55, 0.77, 0.96 mSvyr -1 , 0.74 and 0.32 respectively. The average value of radium equivalent obtained in this study is less than that of the recommended value of 370 Bq/kg but the average values of the other radiological hazards for some samples are found to be slightly above international recommended values except H ex , H in and AEDE which are within the international reference value of unity. The measured concentrations of these radioactive materials were correlated with other previous result obtained from similar tile materials used in other countries and found to be in good agreement with the international standard, however, the tiles are recommended for decoration purposes in Nigeria.

Simplified quantification and whole-body distribution of [18F]FE-PE2I in nonhuman primates: prediction for human studies.

PubMed

Varrone, Andrea; Gulyás, Balázs; Takano, Akihiro; Stabin, Michael G; Jonsson, Cathrine; Halldin, Christer

2012-02-01

[(18)F]FE-PE2I is a promising dopamine transporter (DAT) radioligand. In nonhuman primates, we examined the accuracy of simplified quantification methods and the estimates of radiation dose of [(18)F]FE-PE2I. In the quantification study, binding potential (BP(ND)) values previously reported in three rhesus monkeys using kinetic and graphical analyses of [(18)F]FE-PE2I were used for comparison. BP(ND) using the cerebellum as reference region was obtained with four reference tissue methods applied to the [(18)F]FE-PE2I data that were compared with the kinetic and graphical analyses. In the whole-body study, estimates of adsorbed radiation were obtained in two cynomolgus monkeys. All reference tissue methods provided BP(ND) values within 5% of the values obtained with the kinetic and graphical analyses. The shortest imaging time for stable BP(ND) estimation was 54 min. The average effective dose of [(18)F]FE-PE2I was 0.021 mSv/MBq, similar to 2-deoxy-2-[(18)F]fluoro-d-glucose. The results in nonhuman primates suggest that [(18)F]FE-PE2I is suitable for accurate and stable DAT quantification, and its radiation dose estimates would allow for a maximal administered radioactivity of 476 MBq in human subjects. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Calibrating the Planck Cluster Mass Scale with Cluster Velocity Dispersions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amodeo, Stefania; Mei, Simona; Stanford, Spencer A.; Bartlett, James G.; Melin, Jean-Baptiste; Lawrence, Charles R.; Chary, Ranga-Ram; Shim, Hyunjin; Marleau, Francine; Stern, Daniel

2017-08-01

We measure the Planck cluster mass bias using dynamical mass measurements based on velocity dispersions of a subsample of 17 Planck-detected clusters. The velocity dispersions were calculated using redshifts determined from spectra that were obtained at the Gemini observatory with the GMOS multi-object spectrograph. We correct our estimates for effects due to finite aperture, Eddington bias, and correlated scatter between velocity dispersion and the Planck mass proxy. The result for the mass bias parameter, (1-b), depends on the value of the galaxy velocity bias, {b}{{v}}, adopted from simulations: (1-b)=(0.51+/- 0.09){b}{{v}}3. Using a velocity bias of {b}{{v}}=1.08 from Munari et al., we obtain (1-b)=0.64+/- 0.11, I.e., an error of 17% on the mass bias measurement with 17 clusters. This mass bias value is consistent with most previous weak-lensing determinations. It lies within 1σ of the value that is needed to reconcile the Planck cluster counts with the Planck primary cosmic microwave background constraints. We emphasize that uncertainty in the velocity bias severely hampers the precision of the measurements of the mass bias using velocity dispersions. On the other hand, when we fix the Planck mass bias using the constraints from Penna-Lima et al., based on weak-lensing measurements, we obtain a positive velocity bias of {b}{{v}}≳ 0.9 at 3σ .

Raman spectroscopy of gold chloro-hydroxy speciation in fluids at ambient temperature and pressure: a re-evaluation of the effects of pH and chloride concentration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murphy, P. J.; LaGrange, M. S.

1998-11-01

Previous work on gold chloride and hydroxide speciation in fluids has shown differences in opinion as to the relative importance of gold (I) and gold (III) species, as well as for the Raman peak assignments for the various species. In addition, previous experimental work has not been consistent with theoretical predictions either of the number or of the frequencies of the peaks in the Raman spectrum. In order to re-evaluate the effect of pH on Raman spectra and speciation, solutions containing gold (III) chloride were analysed by Raman spectroscopy at ambient temperature and pressure, over a range of pH from 1 to 11. Total gold concentrations were from 0.001 to 0.02 M, with total chloride concentrations of 0.004-0.5 M. The spectra obtained are consistent with the hydrolysis sequence of square-planar Au(III) complex ions [AuCl x(OH) 4-x] -, where x = 0-4. The Au-Cl stretching peaks obtained were 348/325 Rcm -1 for [AuCl 4] -, 348/335/325 Rcm -1 for [AuCl 3(OH)] -, 337/355 Rcm -1 for [AuCl 2(OH) 2] -, and 355 Rcm -1 for [AuCl(OH) 3] -. [Au(OH) 4] - probably occurred, alongside [AuCl(OH) 3] - at pH values above 11. A dark purplish-grey precipitate (Au(I)OH) formed at high pH values. No evidence for Au(I) species was found. The spectra are more consistent with theory than previous data and show the predicted number of peaks for Au-Cl and Au-OH stretches for each species. However, the peak frequencies do not fit precisely with the predictions of Tossell (1996), particularly for Au-OH stretches. Hydrolysis of the simple chloride species occurs at lower pH values than found previously, and both gold and chloride concentration were found to affect the pH ranges of stability for the various chloro-hydroxy species. Decreasing gold concentration resulted in hydrolysis occurring at lower pH values. This is especially important in the absence of excess chloride (ΣCl = 4ΣAu). Substantial hydrolysis occurred below pH = 4 for 0.02 M Au /0.08 M Cl -, and below pH = 2 for 0.001 M Au / 0.004 M Cl -. Addition of excess chloride (as NaCl) increases the pH of hydrolysis at a given gold concentration.

VizieR Online Data Catalog: Abundance of nine beta Cephei stars (Morel+, 2006)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morel, T.; Butler, K.; Aerts, C.; Neiner, C.; Briquet, M.

2006-07-01

The equivalent widths (EWs) were measured on high-resolution spectra obtained with various echelle spectrographs (see Table 2 of paper for further details). Our EWs are systematically larger than the values quoted by Gies & Lambert (1992ApJ...387..673G) for the seven stars in common, but a similar trend is evident when comparing their values with previous measurements in the literature (see their Fig.4). This is likely to result from their use of Gaussian fitting instead of the direct integration used in our case. The same conclusion holds for the EWs of xi1 CMa presented by Hambly et al. (1996MNRAS.278..811H). (1 data file).

Half-value-layer increase owing to tungsten buildup in the x-ray tube: fact or fiction.

PubMed

Stears, J G; Felmlee, J P; Gray, J E

1986-09-01

The half-value layer (HVL) of an x-ray beam is generally believed to increase with x-ray tube use. This increase in HVL has previously been attributed to the hardening of the x-ray beam as a result of a buildup of tungsten on the x-ray tube glass window. Radiographs and HVL measurements were obtained to determine the effect of tungsten deposited on the x-ray tube windows. This work, along with the HVL data from approximately 200 functioning x-ray tubes used for all applications that were monitored for more than 8 years, indicated there is no significant increase in HVL with diagnostic x-ray tube use.

A review of reaction rates in high temperature air

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Park, Chul

1989-01-01

The existing experimental data on the rate coefficients for the chemical reactions in nonequilibrium high temperature air are reviewed and collated, and a selected set of such values is recommended for use in hypersonic flow calculations. For the reactions of neutral species, the recommended values are chosen from the experimental data that existed mostly prior to 1970, and are slightly different from those used previously. For the reactions involving ions, the recommended rate coefficients are newly chosen from the experimental data obtained more recently. The reacting environment is assumed to lack thermal equilibrium, and the rate coefficients are expressed as a function of the controlling temperature, incorporating the recent multitemperature reaction concept.

Determining Hβ Color Indices for 23 δ Scuti Variable Stars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bush, Tabitha C.; Hintz, E. G.; Shreeve, D. K.; Jorgenson, K.

2010-01-01

Color index is a fundamental characteristic in the study of δ Scuti variable stars. The then comprehensive catalog of δ Scutis compiled by Rodriguez et al. (Rodriguez, E. Lopez Gonzalez, M. J., & Lopez de Coca, P. 2000, A&AS, 144, 469) contains 636 δ Scuti stars and several characteristics of these stars, including Hβ color index. Of the 417 stars in this catalog brighter than 13th magnitude, about 20% of them are missing Hβ color index values. We present 23 of these previously unpublished values, calculated from a calibration relation using spectroscopic observations obtained at the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory of 167 δ Scuti stars north of -01 degrees declination and brighter than 13th magnitude.

Partitioning of fluorotelomer alcohols to octanol and different sources of dissolved organic carbon.

PubMed

Carmosini, Nadia; Lee, Linda S

2008-09-01

Interest in the environmental fate of fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) has spurred efforts to understand their equilibrium partitioning behavior. Experimentally determined partition coefficients for FTOHs between soil/water and air/water have been reported, but direct measurements of partition coefficients for dissolved organic carbon (DOC)/water (K(doc)) and octanol/ water(K(ow)) have been lacking. Here we measured the partitioning of 8:2 and 6:2 FTOH between one or more types of DOC and water using enhanced solubility or dialysis bag techniques, and also quantified K(ow) values for 4:2 to 8:2 FTOH using a batch equilibration method. The range in measured log K(doc) values for 8:2 FTOH using the enhanced solubility technique with DOC derived from two soils, two biosolids, and three reference humic acids is 2.00-3.97 with the lowest values obtained for the biosolids and an average across all other DOC sources (biosolid DOC excluded) of 3.54 +/- 0.29. For 6:2 FTOH and Aldrich humic acid, a log K(doc) value of 1.96 +/- 0.45 was measured using the dialysis technique. These average values are approximately 1 to 2 log units lower than previously indirectly estimated K(doc) values. Overall, the affinity for DOC tends to be slightly lower than that for particulate soil organic carbon. Measured log K(ow) values for 4:2 (3.30 +/- 0.04), 6:2 (4.54 +/- 0.01), and 8:2 FTOH (5.58 +/- 0.06) were in good agreement with previously reported estimates. Using relationships between experimentally measured partition coefficients and C-atom chain length, we estimated K(doc) and K(ow) values for shorter and longer chain FTOHs, respectively, that we were unable to measure experimentally.

Analysis of 4He+40Ca and 4He+44Ti scattering using different optical model potentials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ibraheem, Awad A.

2016-09-01

Elastic scattering of 4He+40Ca and 4He+44Ti reactions at backward angles has been analyzed using two differentmodels, microscopic and semimicroscopic folding potentials. The derived real potentials supplemented with phenomenological Woods-Saxon imaginary potentials, provide good agreement with the experimental data at energy E c.m. = 21.8 MeV without need to renormalize the potentials. Coupledchannels calculations are used to extract the inelastic scattering cross section to the low-lying state 2+ (1.083 MeV) of 44Ti. The deformation length is obtained and compared with the electromagnetic measurement values as well as those obtained from previous studies.

Efecto de la difusión y la velocidad en la ionización del átomo de Carbono

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rovira, M. G.; Fontenla, J. M.

The equations of statistical equilibrium for all ionization states of the atom are solved. The effects of diffusion and center of mass velocity are included. In order to estimate the modifications of the ionization curves, they were applied to the Carbon atom. To solve these equations, solar prominences' models obtained in a previous paper were adopted. They were extended to reach a temperature of 1.5 × 106 K and the complete model of the prominence was calculated. Ionization curves for different values of velocity, diffusion and medium models were obtained. The different models represent structures with different densities. Considerable modifications due to these effects are found.

Ab initio calculation of the shear viscosity of neon in the liquid and hypercritical state over a wide pressure and temperature range

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eggenberger, Rolf; Gerber, Stefan; Huber, Hanspeter; Searles, Debra; Welker, Marc

1992-08-01

The shear viscosity is calculated ab initio for the liquid and hypercritical state, i.e. a previously published potential for Ne 2, obtained from ab initio calculations including electron correlation, is used in classical equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations to obtain the shear viscosity from a Green-Kubo integral. The quality of the results is quite uniform over a large pressure range up to 1000 MPa and a wide temperature range from 26 to 600 K. In most cases the calculated shear viscosity deviates by less than 10% from the experimental value, in general the error being only a few percent.

An Upper Bound on High Speed Satellite Collision Probability When Only One Object has Position Uncertainty Information

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frisbee, Joseph H., Jr.

2015-01-01

Upper bounds on high speed satellite collision probability, PC †, have been investigated. Previous methods assume an individual position error covariance matrix is available for each object. The two matrices being combined into a single, relative position error covariance matrix. Components of the combined error covariance are then varied to obtain a maximum PC. If error covariance information for only one of the two objects was available, either some default shape has been used or nothing could be done. An alternative is presented that uses the known covariance information along with a critical value of the missing covariance to obtain an approximate but potentially useful Pc upper bound.

Enhanced thermoelectric properties of n-type NbCoSn half-Heusler by improving phase purity

DOE PAGES

He, Ran; Huang, Lihong; Wang, Yumei; ...

2016-06-01

In this paper, we report the thermoelectric properties of NbCoSn-based n-type half-Heuslers (HHs) that were obtained through arc melting, ball milling, and hot pressing process. With 10% Sb substitution at the Sn site, we obtained enhanced n-type properties with a maximum power factor reaching ~35 μW cm -1 K -2 and figure of merit (ZT) value ~0.6 in NbCoSn 0.9Sb 0.1. The ZT is doubled compared to the previous report. In addition, the specific power cost ($ W -1) is decreased by ~68% comparing to HfNiSn-based n-type HH because of the elimination of Hf.

The aerodynamic characteristics of eight very thick airfoils from tests in the variable density wind tunnel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jacobs, Eastman N

1932-01-01

Report presents the results of wind tunnel tests on a group of eight very thick airfoils having sections of the same thickness as those used near the roots of tapered airfoils. The tests were made to study certain discontinuities in the characteristic curves that have been obtained from previous tests of these airfoils, and to compare the characteristics of the different sections at values of the Reynolds number comparable with those attained in flight. The discontinuities were found to disappear as the Reynolds number was increased. The results obtained from the large-scale airfoil, a symmetrical airfoil having a thickness ratio of 21 per cent, has the best general characteristics.

First archeointensity results from Portuguese potteries (1550-1750 AD)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hartmann, Gelvam A.; Trindade, Ricardo I. F.; Goguitchaichvili, Avto; Etchevarne, Carlos; Morales, Juan; Afonso, Marisa C.

2009-01-01

Geomagnetic field variations at archeomagnetic timescales can be obtained from well-dated heated structures and archeological potsherds. Here, we present the first archeointensity results obtained on Portuguese ceramics (1550 to 1750 AD) collected at Brazilian archeological sites. The results are compared to those obtained from Western Europe and currently available geomagnetic field models. Continuous thermomagnetic and IRM acquisitions curves indicate that Ti-poor titanomagnetite is responsible for the remanence in these ceramic fragments. Five fragments (24 samples) out of twelve analyzed yielded reliable intensity estimates. The row archeointensity data were corrected for TRM anisotropy and cooling rate effect. The mean dipole moments are obtained for three different age intervals: 1550±30 AD, 1600±30 AD and 1750±50 AD. Mean intensities vary from 37.9±4.2 μT to 54.8±7.6 μT in agreement with the previously reported data for 1550 AD and 1750 AD. Relatively weaker, but still highly dispersed, values were obtained for 1600 AD ceramics.

Determination of mouse skeletal muscle architecture using three-dimensional diffusion tensor imaging.

PubMed

Heemskerk, Anneriet M; Strijkers, Gustav J; Vilanova, Anna; Drost, Maarten R; Nicolay, Klaas

2005-06-01

Muscle architecture is the main determinant of the mechanical behavior of skeletal muscles. This study explored the feasibility of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and fiber tracking to noninvasively determine the in vivo three-dimensional (3D) architecture of skeletal muscle in mouse hind leg. In six mice, the hindlimb was imaged with a diffusion-weighted (DW) 3D fast spin-echo (FSE) sequence followed by the acquisition of an exercise-induced, T(2)-enhanced data set. The data showed the expected fiber organization, from which the physiological cross-sectional area (PCSA), fiber length, and pennation angle for the tibialis anterior (TA) were obtained. The values of these parameters ranged from 5.4-9.1 mm(2), 5.8-7.8 mm, and 21-24 degrees , respectively, which is in agreement with values obtained previously with the use of invasive methods. This study shows that 3D DT acquisition and fiber tracking is feasible for the skeletal muscle of mice, and thus enables the quantitative determination of muscle architecture.

Effectiveness of commercial inhibitors against subtype F HIV-1 protease.

PubMed

Krauchenco, Sandra; Martins, Nadia H; Sanches, Mario; Polikarpov, Igor

2009-06-01

Subtype F wild type HIV protease has been kinetically characterized using six commercial inhibitors (amprenavir, indinavir, lopinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir and saquinavir) commonly used for HIV/AIDS treatment, as well as inhibitor TL-3 and acetyl-pepstatin. We also obtained kinetic parameters for two multi-resistant proteases (one of subtype B and one of subtype F) harboring primary and secondary mutations selected by intensive treatment with ritonavir/nelfinavir. This newly obtained biochemical data shows that all six studied commercially available protease inhibitors are significantly less effective against subtype F HIV proteases than against HIV proteases of subtype B, as judged by increased K(i) and biochemical fitness (vitality) values. Comparison with previously reported kinetic values for subtype A and C HIV proteases show that subtype F wild type proteases are significantly less susceptible to inhibition. These results demonstrate that the accumulation of natural polymorphisms in subtype F proteases yields catalytically more active enzymes with a large degree of cross-resistance, which thus results in strong virus viability.

Determination of the critical surface tension of wetting of minerals treated with surfactants by shear flocculation approach.

PubMed

Ozkan, A

2004-09-15

This paper contributes the shear flocculation method as a new approach to determine the critical surface tension of wetting of minerals treated with surfactants. This newly developed approach is based on the decrease of the shear flocculation of the mineral suspension, with decreasing of the surface tension of the liquids used. The solution surface tension value at which shear flocculation does not occur can be defined as the critical surface tension of wetting (gamma c) of the mineral. By using the shear flocculation method, the critical surface tensions of wetting (gamma c) for calcite and barite minerals, treated with surfactants, were obtained as 30.9 and 35.0 mN/m, respectively. These values are in good agreement with data reported previously on the same minerals obtained by the contact angle measurement and flotation methods. The chemical agents used for the treatment of calcite and barite particles were sodium oleate and sodium dodecyl sulfate, respectively.

Anisotropic elliptic optical fibers. Ph.D. Thesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kang, Soon Ahm

1991-01-01

The exact characteristic equation for an anisotropic elliptic optical fiber is obtained for odd and even hybrid modes in terms of infinite determinants utilizing Mathieu and modified Mathieu functions. A simplified characteristic equation is obtained by applying the weakly guiding approximation such that the difference in the refractive indices of the core and the cladding is small. The simplified characteristic equation is used to compute the normalized guide wavelength for an elliptical fiber. When the anisotropic parameter is equal to unity, the results are compared with the previous research and they are in close agreement. For a fixed value normalized cross-section area or major axis, the normalized guide wavelength lambda/lambda(sub 0) for an anisotropic elliptic fiber is small for the larger value of anisotropy. This condition indicates that more energy is carried inside of the fiber. However, the geometry and anisotropy of the fiber have a smaller effect when the normalized cross-section area is very small or very large.

Nonstationary multivariate modeling of cerebral autoregulation during hypercapnia.

PubMed

Kostoglou, Kyriaki; Debert, Chantel T; Poulin, Marc J; Mitsis, Georgios D

2014-05-01

We examined the time-varying characteristics of cerebral autoregulation and hemodynamics during a step hypercapnic stimulus by using recursively estimated multivariate (two-input) models which quantify the dynamic effects of mean arterial blood pressure (ABP) and end-tidal CO2 tension (PETCO2) on middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity (CBFV). Beat-to-beat values of ABP and CBFV, as well as breath-to-breath values of PETCO2 during baseline and sustained euoxic hypercapnia were obtained in 8 female subjects. The multiple-input, single-output models used were based on the Laguerre expansion technique, and their parameters were updated using recursive least squares with multiple forgetting factors. The results reveal the presence of nonstationarities that confirm previously reported effects of hypercapnia on autoregulation, i.e. a decrease in the MABP phase lead, and suggest that the incorporation of PETCO2 as an additional model input yields less time-varying estimates of dynamic pressure autoregulation obtained from single-input (ABP-CBFV) models. Copyright © 2013 IPEM. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

WTP for a QALY and health states: More money for severer health states?

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background In economic evaluation, cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) is generally used as an indicator for cost-effectiveness. Although JPY 5 million to 6 million (USD 60, 000 to 75,000) per QALY is frequently referred to as a threshold in Japan, do all QALYs have the same monetary value? Methods To examine the relationship between severity of health status and monetary value of a QALY, we obtained willingness to pay (WTP) values for one additional QALY in eight patterns of health states. We randomly sampled approximately 2,400 respondents from an online panel. To avoid misunderstanding, we randomly allocated respondents to one of 16 questionnaires, with 250 responses expected for each pattern. After respondents were asked whether they wanted to purchase the treatment, double-bounded dichotomous choice method was used to obtain WTP values. Results The results clearly show that the WTP per QALY is higher for worse health states than for better health states. The slope was about JPY −1 million per 0.1 utility score increase. The mean and median WTP values per QALY for 16 health states were JPY 5 million, consistent with our previous survey. For respondents who wanted to purchase the treatment, WTP values were significantly correlated with household income. Conclusion This survey shows that QALY based on the EQ-5D does not necessarily have the same monetary value. The WTP per QALY should range from JPY 2 million (USD 20,000) to JPY 8 million (USD 80,000), corresponding to the severity of health states. PMID:24128004

WTP for a QALY and health states: More money for severer health states?

PubMed

Shiroiwa, Takeru; Igarashi, Ataru; Fukuda, Takashi; Ikeda, Shunya

2013-01-01

In economic evaluation, cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) is generally used as an indicator for cost-effectiveness. Although JPY 5 million to 6 million (USD 60, 000 to 75,000) per QALY is frequently referred to as a threshold in Japan, do all QALYs have the same monetary value? To examine the relationship between severity of health status and monetary value of a QALY, we obtained willingness to pay (WTP) values for one additional QALY in eight patterns of health states. We randomly sampled approximately 2,400 respondents from an online panel. To avoid misunderstanding, we randomly allocated respondents to one of 16 questionnaires, with 250 responses expected for each pattern. After respondents were asked whether they wanted to purchase the treatment, double-bounded dichotomous choice method was used to obtain WTP values. The results clearly show that the WTP per QALY is higher for worse health states than for better health states. The slope was about JPY -1 million per 0.1 utility score increase. The mean and median WTP values per QALY for 16 health states were JPY 5 million, consistent with our previous survey. For respondents who wanted to purchase the treatment, WTP values were significantly correlated with household income. This survey shows that QALY based on the EQ-5D does not necessarily have the same monetary value. The WTP per QALY should range from JPY 2 million (USD 20,000) to JPY 8 million (USD 80,000), corresponding to the severity of health states.

Paleointensity determination on Neoarchaean dikes within the Vodlozerskii terrane of the Karelian craton

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shcherbakova, V. V.; Lubnina, N. V.; Shcherbakov, V. P.; Zhidkov, G. V.; Tsel'movich, V. A.

2017-09-01

The results of paleomagnetic studies and paleointensity determinations from two Neoarchaean Shala dikes with an age of 2504 Ma, located within the Vodlozerskii terrane of the Karelian craton, are presented. The characteristic components of primary magnetization with shallow inclinations I = -5.7 and 1.9 are revealed; the reliability of the determinations is supported by two contact tests. High paleointensity values are obtained by the Thellier-Coe and Wilson techniques. The calculated values of the virtual dipole moment (11.5 and 13.8) × 1022 A m2 are noticeably higher than the present value of 7.8 × 1022 A m2. Our results, in combination with the previous data presented in the world database, support the hypothesized existence of a period of high paleointensity in the Late Archaean-Early Proterozoic.

On piecewise interpolation techniques for estimating solar radiation missing values in Kedah

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

Saaban, Azizan; Zainudin, Lutfi; Bakar, Mohd Nazari Abu

2014-12-04

This paper discusses the use of piecewise interpolation method based on cubic Ball and Bézier curves representation to estimate the missing value of solar radiation in Kedah. An hourly solar radiation dataset is collected at Alor Setar Meteorology Station that is taken from Malaysian Meteorology Deparment. The piecewise cubic Ball and Bézier functions that interpolate the data points are defined on each hourly intervals of solar radiation measurement and is obtained by prescribing first order derivatives at the starts and ends of the intervals. We compare the performance of our proposed method with existing methods using Root Mean Squared Errormore » (RMSE) and Coefficient of Detemination (CoD) which is based on missing values simulation datasets. The results show that our method is outperformed the other previous methods.« less

Fabrication and ferroelectric properties of highly dense lead-free piezoelectric (K0.5Na0.5)NbO3 thick films by aerosol deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ryu, Jungho; Choi, Jong-Jin; Hahn, Byung-Dong; Park, Dong-Soo; Yoon, Woon-Ha; Kim, Ki-Hoon

2007-04-01

Lead-free piezoelectric thick films of (K0.5Na0.5)NbO3 were fabricated by aerosol-deposition method. The thickness of KNN film was 7.1μm and fully dense films were obtained. The dielectric constants ɛ3T/ɛ0 of the as-deposited and annealed films at 1kHz were 116 and 545, respectively, which are higher than any previously reported values for lead-free piezoelectric thin/thick films, either without or with heat treatment. The ferroelectric properties were improved after annealing and the maximum values of Pr=8.1μC/cm3 and Ec=100kV/cm were achieved. These values are markedly superior to those of sintered KNN ceramic counterparts.

Anodonta imbecillis copper sulfate reference toxicant test, Clinch River - Environmental Restoration Program (CR-ERP)

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

Simbeck, D.J.

1997-06-01

Reference toxicant testing using juvenile freshwater mussels was conducted as part of the CR-ERP biomonitoring study of Clinch River sediments to assess the sensitivity of test organisms and the overall performance of the test. Tests were conducted using moderately hard synthetic water spiked with known concentrations of copper as copper sulfate. Toxicity testing of copper sulfate reference toxicant was conducted from May 12-21, 1993. The organisms used for testing were juvenile fresh-water mussels (Anodonta imbecillis). Results from this test showed an LC{sub 50} value of 1.12 mg Cu/L which is lower than the value of 2.02 mg Cu/L obtained inmore » a previous test. Too few tests have been conducted with copper as the toxicant to determine a normal range of values.« less

Projecting crop yield in northern high latitude area.

PubMed

Matsumura, Kanichiro

2014-01-01

Changing climatic conditions on seasonal and longer time scales influence agricultural production. Improvement of soil and fertilizer is a strong factor in agricultural production, but agricultural production is influenced by climate conditions even in highly developed countries. It is valuable if fewer predictors make it possible to conduct future projections. Monthly temperature and precipitation, wintertime 500hPa geopotential height, and the previous year's yield are used as predictors to forecast spring wheat yield in advance. Canadian small agricultural divisions (SAD) are used for analysis. Each SAD is composed of a collection of Canadian Agricultural Regions (CAR) of similar weather and growing conditions. Spring wheat yields in each CAR are forecast from the following variables: (a) the previous year's yield, (b) earlier stages of the growing season's climate conditions and, (c) the previous year's wintertime northern hemisphere 500hPa geopotential height field. Arctic outflow events in the Okanagan Valley in Canada are associated with episodes of extremely low temperatures during wintertime. Principal component analysis (PCA) is applied for wintertime northern hemisphere 500hPa geopotential height anomalies. The spatial PCA mode1 is defined as Arctic Oscillation and it influences prevailing westerlies. The prevailing westerlies meanders and influences climatic conditions. The spatial similarity between wintertime top 5 Arctic outflow event year's composites of 500hPa geopotential height anomalies and mode 3's spatial pattern is found. Mode 3's spatial pattern looks like the Pacific/North American (PNA) pattern which describes the variation of atmospheric circulation pattern over the Pacific Ocean and North America. Climate conditions from April to June, May to July, mode 3's time coefficients, and previous year's yield are used for forecasting spring wheat yield in each SAD. Cross-validation procedure which generates eight sets of models for the eight validation periods is used. To show the reproducing projection between observed and calculated values, the root mean squared error for skill score (RMSE SS) with the persistence model serving as the reference model is used. The persistence model is used as a benchmark. The results show that SADs near USA border show better RMSE SS values and mode 3's time coefficients can be a useful predictor especially for inland province such as Manitoba. Among 27 Canadian Prairie's SADs with perfect yield data, 67% of Alberta's SADs, 86% of Manitoba's SADs, and 77% of Saskatchewan's SADs can get positive skill scores. In each SAD, future yield projection is calculated applying predictors in 2013 for the obtained eight sets of models and eight sets of forecasted values in 2013 are averaged and a near future projection result is obtained. Series of outputs including calculated forecasted yield value in each SAD is provided by smart phone application. A system for providing climatic condition for a point with a permission of Climatic Research Unit - University of East Anglia and for obtaining patent is proposed. There are several patented systems similar to the system proposed in this paper. However, these patents are different in essence. The system proposed in this paper consists of two parts. First part is to estimate equations using time series data. The second part is to acquire and apply latest climatic conditions for obtained equations and calculate future projection. If the procedure is refined and devices are originally developed, series of idea can be patented. For future work, crop index, Hokkaido is also introduced.

On the dynamic rounding-off in analogue and RF optimal circuit sizing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kotti, Mouna; Fakhfakh, Mourad; Fino, Maria Helena

2014-04-01

Frequently used approaches to solve discrete multivariable optimisation problems consist of computing solutions using a continuous optimisation technique. Then, using heuristics, the variables are rounded-off to their nearest available discrete values to obtain a discrete solution. Indeed, in many engineering problems, and particularly in analogue circuit design, component values, such as the geometric dimensions of the transistors, the number of fingers in an integrated capacitor or the number of turns in an integrated inductor, cannot be chosen arbitrarily since they have to obey to some technology sizing constraints. However, rounding-off the variables values a posteriori and can lead to infeasible solutions (solutions that are located too close to the feasible solution frontier) or degradation of the obtained results (expulsion from the neighbourhood of a 'sharp' optimum) depending on how the added perturbation affects the solution. Discrete optimisation techniques, such as the dynamic rounding-off technique (DRO) are, therefore, needed to overcome the previously mentioned situation. In this paper, we deal with an improvement of the DRO technique. We propose a particle swarm optimisation (PSO)-based DRO technique, and we show, via some analog and RF-examples, the necessity to implement such a routine into continuous optimisation algorithms.

Molecular-dynamics simulation of mutual diffusion in nonideal liquid mixtures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rowley, R. L.; Stoker, J. M.; Giles, N. F.

1991-05-01

The mutual-diffusion coefficients, D 12, of n-hexane, n-heptane, and n-octane in chloroform were modeled using equilibrium molecular-dynamics (MD) simulations of simple Lennard-Jones (LJ) fluids. Pure-component LJ parameters were obtained by comparison of simulations to experimental self-diffusion coefficients. While values of “effective” LJ parameters are not expected to simulate accurately diverse thermophysical properties over a wide range of conditions, it was recently shown that effective parameters obtained from pure self-diffusion coefficients can accurately model mutual diffusion in ideal, liquid mixtures. In this work, similar simulations are used to model diffusion in nonideal mixtures. The same combining rules used in the previous study for the cross-interaction parameters were found to be adequate to represent the composition dependence of D 12. The effect of alkane chain length on D 12 is also correctly predicted by the simulations. A commonly used assumption in empirical correlations of D 12, that its kinetic portion is a simple, compositional average of the intradiffusion coefficients, is inconsistent with the simulation results. In fact, the value of the kinetic portion of D 12 was often outside the range of values bracketed by the two intradiffusion coefficients for the nonideal system modeled here.

Vocal release time: a quantification of vocal offset.

PubMed

Watson, Ben C; Roark, Rick M; Baken, R J

2012-11-01

To determine the vocal release time (VRT) for linguistically unconstrained voice offsets in a healthy young adult population. Sound pressure (SP) and electroglottographic (EGG) recordings were obtained for 57 female and 55 male subjects while producing multiple tokens of three tasks (sustained /ɑ:/, "always," and "hallways") at comfortable pitch and loudness. SP and EGG signals were digitally time reversed and generalized sinusoidal models of the SP and EGG signals were obtained to compare rates of amplitude change. VRT was computed from the time lag of the cross-correlation function. Adjusted mean VRT values were significantly greater for females than for males. There was no systematic effect of age on VRT. However, 25-29-year old and >40 year old females showed shorter VRT values than the youngest female age group. Normative data are presented for a new measure of the duration of vocal offset, VRT. Acquisition of this measure requires little user intervention, thereby minimizing effects of subjective decision making. Comparison with previously reported vocal attack time (VAT) values for the same population suggests phenomenological differences between linguistically and physiologically constrained voice onsets and unconstrained voice offsets. Copyright © 2012 The Voice Foundation. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Complete analysis of ensemble inequivalence in the Blume-Emery-Griffiths model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hovhannisyan, V. V.; Ananikian, N. S.; Campa, A.; Ruffo, S.

2017-12-01

We study inequivalence of canonical and microcanonical ensembles in the mean-field Blume-Emery-Griffiths model. This generalizes previous results obtained for the Blume-Capel model. The phase diagram strongly depends on the value of the biquadratic exchange interaction K , the additional feature present in the Blume-Emery-Griffiths model. At small values of K , as for the Blume-Capel model, lines of first- and second-order phase transitions between a ferromagnetic and a paramagnetic phase are present, separated by a tricritical point whose location is different in the two ensembles. At higher values of K the phase diagram changes substantially, with the appearance of a triple point in the canonical ensemble, which does not find any correspondence in the microcanonical ensemble. Moreover, one of the first-order lines that starts from the triple point ends in a critical point, whose position in the phase diagram is different in the two ensembles. This line separates two paramagnetic phases characterized by a different value of the quadrupole moment. These features were not previously studied for other models and substantially enrich the landscape of ensemble inequivalence, identifying new aspects that had been discussed in a classification of phase transitions based on singularity theory. Finally, we discuss ergodicity breaking, which is highlighted by the presence of gaps in the accessible values of magnetization at low energies: it also displays new interesting patterns that are not present in the Blume-Capel model.

Comparison of non-invasive MRI measurements of cerebral blood flow in a large multisite cohort.

PubMed

Dolui, Sudipto; Wang, Ze; Wang, Danny Jj; Mattay, Raghav; Finkel, Mack; Elliott, Mark; Desiderio, Lisa; Inglis, Ben; Mueller, Bryon; Stafford, Randall B; Launer, Lenore J; Jacobs, David R; Bryan, R Nick; Detre, John A

2016-07-01

Arterial spin labeling and phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging provide independent non-invasive methods for measuring cerebral blood flow. We compared global cerebral blood flow measurements obtained using pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling and phase contrast in 436 middle-aged subjects acquired at two sites in the NHLBI CARDIA multisite study. Cerebral blood flow measured by phase contrast (CBFPC: 55.76 ± 12.05 ml/100 g/min) was systematically higher (p < 0.001) and more variable than cerebral blood flow measured by pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling (CBFPCASL: 47.70 ± 9.75). The correlation between global cerebral blood flow values obtained from the two modalities was 0.59 (p < 0.001), explaining less than half of the observed variance in cerebral blood flow estimates. Well-established correlations of global cerebral blood flow with age and sex were similarly observed in both CBFPCASL and CBFPC CBFPC also demonstrated statistically significant site differences, whereas no such differences were observed in CBFPCASL No consistent velocity-dependent effects on pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling were observed, suggesting that pseudo-continuous labeling efficiency does not vary substantially across typical adult carotid and vertebral velocities, as has previously been suggested. Although CBFPCASL and CBFPC values show substantial similarity across the entire cohort, these data do not support calibration of CBFPCASL using CBFPC in individual subjects. The wide-ranging cerebral blood flow values obtained by both methods suggest that cerebral blood flow values are highly variable in the general population. © The Author(s) 2016.

Derivation of Hamaker Dispersion Energy of Amorphous Carbon Surfaces in Contact with Liquids Using Photoelectron Energy-Loss Spectra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Godet, Christian; David, Denis

2017-12-01

Hamaker interaction energies and cutoff distances have been calculated for disordered carbon films, in contact with purely dispersive (diiodomethane) or polar (water) liquids, using their experimental dielectric functions ɛ ( q, ω) obtained over a broad energy range. In contrast with previous works, a q-averaged < ɛ ( q, ω) > q is derived from photoelectron energy-loss spectroscopy (XPS-PEELS) where the energy loss function (ELF) < Im[-1/ ɛ ( q, ω)] > q is a weighted average over allowed transferred wave vector values, q, given by the physics of bulk plasmon excitation. For microcrystalline diamond and amorphous carbon films with a wide range of (sp3/sp2 + sp3) hybridization, non-retarded Hamaker energies, A 132 ( L < 1 nm), were calculated in several configurations, and distance and wavenumber cutoff values were then calculated based on A 132 and the dispersive work of adhesion obtained from contact angles. A geometric average approximation, H 0 CVL = ( H 0 CVC H 0 LVL )1/2, holds for the cutoff separation distances obtained for carbon-vacuum-liquid (CVL), carbon-vacuum-carbon (CVC) and liquid-vacuum-liquid (LVL) equilibrium configurations. The linear dependence found for A CVL, A CLC and A CLV values as a function of A CVC, for each liquid, allows predictive relationships for Hamaker energies (in any configuration) using experimental determination of the dispersive component of the surface tension, {γ}_{CV}^d , and a guess value of the cutoff distance H 0 CVC of the solid. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

The Epidemiology of Anti-Sperm Antibodies Among Couples with Unexplained Infertility in North West Bank, Palestine.

PubMed

Yasin, Anas Lotfi; Yasin, Ahmad Lotfi; Basha, Walid Salim

2016-03-01

Anti sperm antibodies (ASA) can present in serum and semen and they may lead to impair the sperms function leading to infertility. The precise mechanism of generation of these antibodies is yet to be discovered. This study was performed to determine the prevalence of anti-sperm antibodies (ASA) in patients with unexplained infertility. The study was initiated also to explore the possible factors that may associate with ASA formation and how ASA status is associated with pregnancy rates after going with in vitro fertilization - intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF-ICSI). A cross-sectional study was conducted on 42 normal infertile couples consulting Razan Medical Center for Infertility & I.V.F. in Nablus, Palestine, from December 2012 - March 2013. Serum levels of immunoglobulins G (IgG) ASA were measured in participants (males and females) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, participants also filled a questionnaire about the presence of previous varicocele repair, inguinal hernia repair, orchitis, testicular trauma and vasectomy reversal among males and severe coitus bleeding and coitus during menses or puerperium among females. Couples were also asked about previous IVF-ICSI procedures and the outcome of the procedure in terms of either they got pregnant or not. Data was analysed using SPSS software. The prevalence of ASA was 14.3% (6/42) among all couples, 9.5% (4/42) among males and 4.8% (2/42) among females. There was no significant relationship between previous varicocele repair, previous inguinal hernia repair, or orchitis and formation of ASA (p value =0.64, 0.56, and 0.26 respectively). Previous trauma, vasovasostomy, severe coitus bleeding and coitus during menses or puerperium were not observed in any of the study sample. ASA did not seem to affect the outcome of IVF-ICSI (p-value =0.54). Prevalence of ASA in infertile couples in the north part of Palestine is similar to that obtained worldwide. ASA formation does not relate to any of the studied risk factors and does not seem to associate with pregnancy rate after IVF-ICSI. We recommend further studies using a larger sample size and including all parts of Palestine in order to generalize the obtained results.

Use of differential scanning calorimetry to detect canola oil (Brassica napus L.) adulterated with lard stearin.

PubMed

Marikkar, Jalaldeen Mohammed Nazrim; Rana, Sohel

2014-01-01

A study was conducted to detect and quantify lard stearin (LS) content in canola oil (CaO) using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Authentic samples of CaO were obtained from a reliable supplier and the adulterant LS were obtained through a fractional crystallization procedure as reported previously. Pure CaO samples spiked with LS in levels ranging from 5 to 15% (w/w) were analyzed using DSC to obtain their cooling and heating profiles. The results showed that samples contaminated with LS at 5% (w/w) level can be detected using characteristic contaminant peaks appearing in the higher temperature regions (0 to 70°C) of the cooling and heating curves. Pearson correlation analysis of LS content against individual DSC parameters of the adulterant peak namely peak temperature, peak area, peak onset temperature indicated that there were strong correlations between these with the LS content of the CaO admixtures. When these three parameters were engaged as variables in the execution of the stepwise regression procedure, predictive models for determination of LS content in CaO were obtained. The predictive models obtained with single DSC parameter had relatively lower coefficient of determination (R(2) value) and higher standard error than the models obtained using two DSC parameters in combination. This study concluded that the predictive models obtained with peak area and peak onset temperature of the adulteration peak would be more accurate for prediction of LS content in CaO based on the highest coefficient of determination (R(2) value) and smallest standard error.

Obtaining molecular and structural information from 13C-14N systems with 13C FIREMAT experiments.

PubMed

Strohmeier, Mark; Alderman, D W; Grant, David M

2002-04-01

The effect of dipolar coupling to 14N on 13C FIREMAT (five pi replicated magic angle turning) experiments is investigated. A method is developed for fitting the 13C FIREMAT FID employing the full theory to extract the 13C-14N dipolar and 13C chemical shift tensor information. The analysis requires prior knowledge of the electric field gradient (EFG) tensor at the 14N nucleus. In order to validate the method the analysis is done for the amino acids alpha-glycine, gamma-glycine, l-alanine, l-asparagine, and l-histidine on FIREMAT FIDs recorded at 13C frequencies of 50 and 100 MHz. The dipolar and chemical shift data obtained with this analysis are in very good agreement with the previous single-crystal 13C NMR results and neutron diffraction data on alpha-glycine, l-alanine, and l-asparagine. The values for gamma-glycine and l-histidine obtained with this new method are reported for the first time. The uncertainties in the EFG tensor on the resultant 13C chemical shift and dipolar tensor values are assessed. (c) 2002 Elsevier Science (USA).

Determination of Earth rotation by the combination of data from different space geodetic systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Archinal, Brent Allen

1987-01-01

Formerly, Earth Rotation Parameters (ERP), i.e., polar motion and UTI-UTC values, have been determined using data from only one observational system at a time, or by the combination of parameters previously obtained in such determinations. The question arises as to whether a simultaneous solution using data from several sources would provide an improved determination of such parameters. To pursue this reasoning, fifteen days of observations have been simulated using realistic networks of Lunar Laser Ranging (LLR), Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) to Lageos, and Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) stations. A comparison has been done of the accuracy and precision of the ERP obtained from: (1) the individual system solutions, (2) the weighted means of those values, (3) all of the data by means of the combination of the normal equations obtained in 1, and (4) a grand solution with all the data. These simulations show that solutions done by the normal equation combination and grand solution methods provide the best or nearly the best ERP for all the periods considered, but that weighted mean solutions provide nearly the same accuracy and precision. VLBI solutions also provide similar accuracies.

Turbulent heat fluxes by profile and inertial dissipation methods: analysis of the atmospheric surface layer from shipboard measurements during the SOFIA/ASTEX and SEMAPHORE experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dupuis, Hélène; Weill, Alain; Katsaros, Kristina; Taylor, Peter K.

1995-10-01

Heat flux estimates obtained using the inertial dissipation method, and the profile method applied to radiosonde soundings, are assessed with emphasis on the parameterization of the roughness lengths for temperature and specific humidity. Results from the inertial dissipation method show a decrease of the temperature and humidity roughness lengths for increasing neutral wind speed, in agreement with previous studies. The sensible heat flux estimates were obtained using the temperature estimated from the speed of sound determined by a sonic anemometer. This method seems very attractive for estimating heat fluxes over the ocean. However allowance must be made in the inertial dissipation method for non-neutral stratification. The SOFIA/ASTEX and SEMAPHORE results show that, in unstable stratification, a term due to the transport terms in the turbulent kinetic energy budget, has to be included in order to determine the friction velocity with better accuracy. Using the profile method with radiosonde data, the roughness length values showed large scatter. A reliable estimate of the temperature roughness length could not be obtained. The humidity roughness length values were compatible with those found using the inertial dissipation method.

Transient Nonequilibrium Molecular Dynamic Simulations of Thermal Conductivity: 1. Simple Fluids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hulse, R. J.; Rowley, R. L.; Wilding, W. V.

2005-01-01

Thermal conductivity has been previously obtained from molecular dynamics (MD) simulations using either equilibrium (EMD) simulations (from Green--Kubo equations) or from steady-state nonequilibrium (NEMD) simulations. In the case of NEMD, either boundary-driven steady states are simulated or constrained equations of motion are used to obtain steady-state heat transfer rates. Like their experimental counterparts, these nonequilibrium steady-state methods are time consuming and may have convection problems. Here we report a new transient method developed to provide accurate thermal conductivity predictions from MD simulations. In the proposed MD method, molecules that lie within a specified volume are instantaneously heated. The temperature decay of the system of molecules inside the heated volume is compared to the solution of the transient energy equation, and the thermal diffusivity is regressed. Since the density of the fluid is set in the simulation, only the isochoric heat capacity is needed in order to obtain the thermal conductivity. In this study the isochoric heat capacity is determined from energy fluctuations within the simulated fluid. The method is valid in the liquid, vapor, and critical regions. Simulated values for the thermal conductivity of a Lennard-Jones (LJ) fluid were obtained using this new method over a temperature range of 90 to 900 K and a density range of 1-35 kmol · m-3. These values compare favorably with experimental values for argon. The new method has a precision of ±10%. Compared to other methods, the algorithm is quick, easy to code, and applicable to small systems, making the simulations very efficient.

Comparison study of two procedures for the determination of emamectin benzoate in medicated fish feed.

PubMed

Farer, Leslie J; Hayes, John M

2005-01-01

A new method has been developed for the determination of emamectin benzoate in fish feed. The method uses a wet extraction, cleanup by solid-phase extraction, and quantitation and separation by liquid chromatography (LC). In this paper, we compare the performance of this method with that of a previously reported LC assay for the determination of emamectin benzoate in fish feed. Although similar to the previous method, the new procedure uses a different sample pretreatment, wet extraction, and quantitation method. The performance of the new method was compared with that of the previously reported method by analyses of 22 medicated feed samples from various commercial sources. A comparison of the results presented here reveals slightly lower assay values obtained with the new method. Although a paired sample t-test indicates the difference in results is significant, this difference is within the method precision of either procedure.

14CO2 processing using an improved and robust molecular sieve cartridge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wotte, Anja; Wordell-Dietrich, Patrick; Wacker, Lukas; Don, Axel; Rethemeyer, Janet

2017-06-01

Radiocarbon (14C) analysis on CO2 can provide valuable information on the carbon cycle as different carbon pools differ in their 14C signature. While fresh, biogenic carbon shows atmospheric 14C concentrations, fossil carbon is 14C free. As shown in previous studies, CO2 can be collected for 14C analysis using molecular sieve cartridges (MSC). These devices have previously been made of plastic and glass, which can easily be damaged during transport. We thus constructed a robust MSC suitable for field application under tough conditions or in remote areas, which is entirely made of stainless steel. The new MSC should also be tight over several months to allow long sampling campaigns and transport times, which was proven by a one year storage test. The reliability of the 14CO2 results obtained with the MSC was evaluated by detailed tests of different procedures to clean the molecular sieve (zeolite type 13X) and for the adsorption and desorption of CO2 from the zeolite using a vacuum rig. We show that the 14CO2 results are not affected by any contamination of modern or fossil origin, cross contamination from previous samples, and by carbon isotopic fractionation. In addition, we evaluated the direct CO2 transfer from the MSC into the automatic graphitization equipment AGE with the subsequent 14C AMS analysis as graphite. This semi-automatic approach can be fully automated in the future, which would allow a high sample throughput. We obtained very promising, low blank values between 0.0018 and 0.0028 F14C (equivalent to 50,800 and 47,200 yrs BP), which are within the analytical background and lower than results obtained in previous studies.

Phylogenetic relationships of the dwarf boas and a comparison of Bayesian and bootstrap measures of phylogenetic support.

PubMed

Wilcox, Thomas P; Zwickl, Derrick J; Heath, Tracy A; Hillis, David M

2002-11-01

Four New World genera of dwarf boas (Exiliboa, Trachyboa, Tropidophis, and Ungaliophis) have been placed by many systematists in a single group (traditionally called Tropidophiidae). However, the monophyly of this group has been questioned in several studies. Moreover, the overall relationships among basal snake lineages, including the placement of the dwarf boas, are poorly understood. We obtained mtDNA sequence data for 12S, 16S, and intervening tRNA-val genes from 23 species of snakes representing most major snake lineages, including all four genera of New World dwarf boas. We then examined the phylogenetic position of these species by estimating the phylogeny of the basal snakes. Our phylogenetic analysis suggests that New World dwarf boas are not monophyletic. Instead, we find Exiliboa and Ungaliophis to be most closely related to sand boas (Erycinae), boas (Boinae), and advanced snakes (Caenophidea), whereas Tropidophis and Trachyboa form an independent clade that separated relatively early in snake radiation. Our estimate of snake phylogeny differs significantly in other ways from some previous estimates of snake phylogeny. For instance, pythons do not cluster with boas and sand boas, but instead show a strong relationship with Loxocemus and Xenopeltis. Additionally, uropeltids cluster strongly with Cylindrophis, and together are embedded in what has previously been considered the macrostomatan radiation. These relationships are supported by both bootstrapping (parametric and nonparametric approaches) and Bayesian analysis, although Bayesian support values are consistently higher than those obtained from nonparametric bootstrapping. Simulations show that Bayesian support values represent much better estimates of phylogenetic accuracy than do nonparametric bootstrap support values, at least under the conditions of our study. Copyright 2002 Elsevier Science (USA)

Full-vector geomagnetic field records from the East Eifel, Germany

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Monster, Marilyn W. L.; Langemeijer, Jaap; Wiarda, Laura R.; Dekkers, Mark J.; Biggin, Andy J.; Hurst, Elliot A.; Groot, Lennart V. de

2018-01-01

To create meaningful models of the geomagnetic field, high-quality directional and intensity input data are needed. However, while it is fairly straightforward to obtain directional data, intensity data are much scarcer, especially for periods before the Holocene. Here, we present data from twelve flows (age range ∼ 200 to ∼ 470 ka) in the East Eifel volcanic field (Germany). These sites had been previously studied and are resampled to further test the recently proposed multi-method palaeointensity approach. Samples are first subjected to classic palaeomagnetic and rock magnetic analyses to optimise the subsequent palaeointensity experiments. Four different palaeointensity methods - IZZI-Thellier, the multispecimen method, calibrated pseudo-Thellier, and microwave-Thellier - are being used in the present study. The latter should be considered as supportive because only one or two specimens per site could be processed. Palaeointensities obtained for ten sites pass our selection criteria: two sites are successful with a single approach, four sites with two approaches, three more sites work with three approaches, and one site with all four approaches. Site-averaged intensity values typically range between 30 and 35 μT. No typically low palaeointensity values are found, in line with paleodirectional results which are compatible with regular palaeosecular variation of the Earth's magnetic field. Results from different methods are remarkably consistent and generally agree well with the values previously reported. They appear to be below the average for the Brunhes chron; there are no indications for relatively higher palaeointensities for units younger than 300 ka. However, our young sites could be close in age, and therefore may not represent the average intensity of the paleofield. Three of our sites are even considered coeval; encouragingly, these do yield the same palaeointensity within uncertainty bounds.

In vitro assessment of competitive and time-dependent inhibition of the nevirapine metabolism by nortriptyline in rats.

PubMed

Usach, Iris; Ferrer, José-Maria; Peris, José-Esteban

2018-04-17

Nevirapine (NVP) is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) widely used as a component of High Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) since it is inexpensive, readily absorbed after oral administration and non-teratogenic. In the present work, the mechanism of a previously described pharmacokinetic interaction between NVP and the antidepressant drug nortriptyline (NT) was studied using rat hepatic microsomes. The obtained results showed a competitive inhibition of the NVP metabolism by NT. The three main NVP metabolites (2-OH-NVP, 3-OH-NVP and 12-OH-NVP) where competitively inhibited with similar inhibitory constant values (K i  = 4.01, 3.97 and 4.40 μM, respectively). Time-dependent inhibition of the NVP metabolism was also detected, with a 2.5-fold reduction in the IC 50 values of NT for 2-, 3-, and 12-OH-NVP formation when NT was preincubated with the microsomal suspension in the presence of an NADPH-generating system. A concentration-dependent inhibition of the formation of NVP metabolites by the main NT metabolite (10-OH-NT) was also observed, however, the inhibitory potency of 10-OH-NT was much lower than that of the parent drug. The apparent hepatic intrinsic clearance of NVP determined in these in vitro experiments was used to predict the in vivo clearance of NVP using the "well-stirred" and the "parallel-tube" models, resulting in values close to those previously observed in vivo clearance. Finally, a good prediction of the increase in the plasma concentrations of NVP when co-administered with NT was obtained employing the inhibitory constant of NT determined in vitro and the estimated plasma concentration of NT entering the liver. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Predicting the Performance of Chain Saw Machines Based on Shore Scleroscope Hardness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tumac, Deniz

2014-03-01

Shore hardness has been used to estimate several physical and mechanical properties of rocks over the last few decades. However, the number of researches correlating Shore hardness with rock cutting performance is quite limited. Also, rather limited researches have been carried out on predicting the performance of chain saw machines. This study differs from the previous investigations in the way that Shore hardness values (SH1, SH2, and deformation coefficient) are used to determine the field performance of chain saw machines. The measured Shore hardness values are correlated with the physical and mechanical properties of natural stone samples, cutting parameters (normal force, cutting force, and specific energy) obtained from linear cutting tests in unrelieved cutting mode, and areal net cutting rate of chain saw machines. Two empirical models developed previously are improved for the prediction of the areal net cutting rate of chain saw machines. The first model is based on a revised chain saw penetration index, which uses SH1, machine weight, and useful arm cutting depth as predictors. The second model is based on the power consumed for only cutting the stone, arm thickness, and specific energy as a function of the deformation coefficient. While cutting force has a strong relationship with Shore hardness values, the normal force has a weak or moderate correlation. Uniaxial compressive strength, Cerchar abrasivity index, and density can also be predicted by Shore hardness values.

QED test and nuclear radius determination of helium atom by laser spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pavone, F. S.

1995-01-01

The 23S1-33P0 4He transition at λ = 389 nm is measured with respect to a previously frequency calibrated 87Rb two-photon transition at 2λ = 778 nm. The 4He absolute frequency is 770 732 839 058 (190) kHz, with an accuracy of 2.4 parts in 1010. A Lamb shift value of + 4057.61 (79) MHz, with 600 kHz uncertainty arising from the theoretical position of the 33P0 energy level, is extracted for the 23S1. This value is more than two orders of magnitude more accurate than the current best theoretical predictions. By means of a novel heterodyne spectrometer using only one laser tuned at the atomic frequency, we have measured for the first time the 3He-4He isotope separation for the 23S1-33P0 transition at 389 nm. Our experimental result of 45 394 425 (140) kHz, for the F = 1/2-1/2 3He component, is compared with the theoretical prediction which has similar accuracy and depends also on the rms nuclear radius of 3He. For this we determine a preliminary value of 1.923 (37) fm which shows a slight discrepancy with previous values obtained by extrapolation to zero momentum transfer from high energy scattering measurements.

Biochemical characterization of a new nicotinamidase from an unclassified bacterium thriving in a geothermal water stream microbial mat community

PubMed Central

Zapata-Pérez, Rubén; Martínez-Moñino, Ana-Belén; García-Saura, Antonio-Ginés; Cabanes, Juana; Takami, Hideto

2017-01-01

Nicotinamidases are amidohydrolases that convert nicotinamide into nicotinic acid, contributing to NAD+ homeostasis in most organisms. In order to increase the number of nicotinamidases described to date, this manuscript characterizes a nicotinamidase obtained from a metagenomic library fosmid clone (JFF054_F02) obtained from a geothermal water stream microbial mat community in a Japanese epithermal mine. The enzyme showed an optimum temperature of 90°C, making it the first hyperthermophilic bacterial nicotinamidase to be characterized, since the phylogenetic analysis of this fosmid clone placed it in a clade of uncultured geothermal bacteria. The enzyme, named as UbNic, not only showed an alkaline optimum pH, but also a biphasic pH dependence of its kcat, with a maximum at pH 9.5–10.0. The two pKa values obtained were 4.2 and 8.6 for pKes1 and pKes2, respectively. These results suggest a possible flexible catalytic mechanism for nicotinamidases, which reconciles the two previously proposed mechanisms. In addition, the enzyme showed a high catalytic efficiency, not only toward nicotinamide, but also toward other nicotinamide analogs. Its mutational analysis showed that a tryptophan (W83) is needed in one of the faces of the active site to maintain low Km values toward all the substrates tested. Furthermore, UbNic proved to contain a Fe2+ ion in its metal binding site, and was revealed to belong to a new nicotinamidase subgroup. All these characteristics, together with its high pH- and thermal stability, distinguish UbNic from previously described nicotinamidases, and suggest that a wide diversity of enzymes remains to be discovered in extreme environments. PMID:28750065

Biochemical characterization of a new nicotinamidase from an unclassified bacterium thriving in a geothermal water stream microbial mat community.

PubMed

Zapata-Pérez, Rubén; Martínez-Moñino, Ana-Belén; García-Saura, Antonio-Ginés; Cabanes, Juana; Takami, Hideto; Sánchez-Ferrer, Álvaro

2017-01-01

Nicotinamidases are amidohydrolases that convert nicotinamide into nicotinic acid, contributing to NAD+ homeostasis in most organisms. In order to increase the number of nicotinamidases described to date, this manuscript characterizes a nicotinamidase obtained from a metagenomic library fosmid clone (JFF054_F02) obtained from a geothermal water stream microbial mat community in a Japanese epithermal mine. The enzyme showed an optimum temperature of 90°C, making it the first hyperthermophilic bacterial nicotinamidase to be characterized, since the phylogenetic analysis of this fosmid clone placed it in a clade of uncultured geothermal bacteria. The enzyme, named as UbNic, not only showed an alkaline optimum pH, but also a biphasic pH dependence of its kcat, with a maximum at pH 9.5-10.0. The two pKa values obtained were 4.2 and 8.6 for pKes1 and pKes2, respectively. These results suggest a possible flexible catalytic mechanism for nicotinamidases, which reconciles the two previously proposed mechanisms. In addition, the enzyme showed a high catalytic efficiency, not only toward nicotinamide, but also toward other nicotinamide analogs. Its mutational analysis showed that a tryptophan (W83) is needed in one of the faces of the active site to maintain low Km values toward all the substrates tested. Furthermore, UbNic proved to contain a Fe2+ ion in its metal binding site, and was revealed to belong to a new nicotinamidase subgroup. All these characteristics, together with its high pH- and thermal stability, distinguish UbNic from previously described nicotinamidases, and suggest that a wide diversity of enzymes remains to be discovered in extreme environments.

Equation of state and thermodynamic Gruneisen parameter of monoclinic 1,1-diamino-2,2-dinitroethylene

DOE PAGES

Zhang, Jianzhong; Velisavljevic, Nenad; Zhu, Jinlong; ...

2016-08-05

In situ synchrotron x-ray diffraction experiments were conducted on 1,1-diamino-2,2 dinitroethylene (FOX-7) at pressures up to 6.8 GPa and temperatures up to 485 K. Within th resolution of the present diffraction data, our results do not reveal evidence for a pressureinduce structural phase transition near 2 GPa, previously observed in several vibrationa spectroscopy experiments. Based on unit-cell volume measurements, the least-squares fi using the third-order Birch–Murnaghan equation of state (EOS) yields K 0 = 12.6 ± 1.4 GP and K 0 = 11.3 ± 2.1 for the α-phase of FOX-7, which are in good agreement with recentl reported values formore » the deuterated sample, indicating that the effect of hydrogen–deuteriu substitution on the compressibility of FOX-7 is negligibly small. A thermal EOS is als obtained for the α-phase of FOX-7, including pressure dependence of thermal expansivity (∂α/∂P) T = -7.0 ± 2.0 × 10 -5 K -1 GPa -1, and temperature derivative of the bulk modulus (∂K T/∂T) P = -1.1 × 10 -2 GPa K -1. From these EOS parameters, we calculate heat capacit at constant volume (C V) and thermodynamic Grüneisen parameter (γ TH) as a function o temperature. At ambient conditions, the calculated γTH is 1.055, which is in good agreemen with the value (1.09) previously obtained from density functional theory (DFT). The obtaine C V, however, is 13% larger than that calculated from the first-principles calculations indicating that the dispersion correction in the DFT calculations may need to be furthe improved for describing intermolecular interactions of molecular crystals.« less

Equation of state and thermodynamic Gruneisen parameter of monoclinic 1,1-diamino-2,2-dinitroethylene

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

Zhang, Jianzhong; Velisavljevic, Nenad; Zhu, Jinlong

In situ synchrotron x-ray diffraction experiments were conducted on 1,1-diamino-2,2 dinitroethylene (FOX-7) at pressures up to 6.8 GPa and temperatures up to 485 K. Within th resolution of the present diffraction data, our results do not reveal evidence for a pressureinduce structural phase transition near 2 GPa, previously observed in several vibrationa spectroscopy experiments. Based on unit-cell volume measurements, the least-squares fi using the third-order Birch–Murnaghan equation of state (EOS) yields K 0 = 12.6 ± 1.4 GP and K 0 = 11.3 ± 2.1 for the α-phase of FOX-7, which are in good agreement with recentl reported values formore » the deuterated sample, indicating that the effect of hydrogen–deuteriu substitution on the compressibility of FOX-7 is negligibly small. A thermal EOS is als obtained for the α-phase of FOX-7, including pressure dependence of thermal expansivity (∂α/∂P) T = -7.0 ± 2.0 × 10 -5 K -1 GPa -1, and temperature derivative of the bulk modulus (∂K T/∂T) P = -1.1 × 10 -2 GPa K -1. From these EOS parameters, we calculate heat capacit at constant volume (C V) and thermodynamic Grüneisen parameter (γ TH) as a function o temperature. At ambient conditions, the calculated γTH is 1.055, which is in good agreemen with the value (1.09) previously obtained from density functional theory (DFT). The obtaine C V, however, is 13% larger than that calculated from the first-principles calculations indicating that the dispersion correction in the DFT calculations may need to be furthe improved for describing intermolecular interactions of molecular crystals.« less

Validating proposed migration equation and parameters' values as a tool to reproduce and predict 137Cs vertical migration activity in Spanish soils.

PubMed

Olondo, C; Legarda, F; Herranz, M; Idoeta, R

2017-04-01

This paper shows the procedure performed to validate the migration equation and the migration parameters' values presented in a previous paper (Legarda et al., 2011) regarding the migration of 137 Cs in Spanish mainland soils. In this paper, this model validation has been carried out checking experimentally obtained activity concentration values against those predicted by the model. This experimental data come from the measured vertical activity profiles of 8 new sampling points which are located in northern Spain. Before testing predicted values of the model, the uncertainty of those values has been assessed with the appropriate uncertainty analysis. Once establishing the uncertainty of the model, both activity concentration values, experimental versus model predicted ones, have been compared. Model validation has been performed analyzing its accuracy, studying it as a whole and also at different depth intervals. As a result, this model has been validated as a tool to predict 137 Cs behaviour in a Mediterranean environment. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

ISC-GEM: Global Instrumental Earthquake Catalogue (1900-2009), III. Re-computed MS and mb, proxy MW, final magnitude composition and completeness assessment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Di Giacomo, Domenico; Bondár, István; Storchak, Dmitry A.; Engdahl, E. Robert; Bormann, Peter; Harris, James

2015-02-01

This paper outlines the re-computation and compilation of the magnitudes now contained in the final ISC-GEM Reference Global Instrumental Earthquake Catalogue (1900-2009). The catalogue is available via the ISC website (http://www.isc.ac.uk/iscgem/). The available re-computed MS and mb provided an ideal basis for deriving new conversion relationships to moment magnitude MW. Therefore, rather than using previously published regression models, we derived new empirical relationships using both generalized orthogonal linear and exponential non-linear models to obtain MW proxies from MS and mb. The new models were tested against true values of MW, and the newly derived exponential models were then preferred to the linear ones in computing MW proxies. For the final magnitude composition of the ISC-GEM catalogue, we preferred directly measured MW values as published by the Global CMT project for the period 1976-2009 (plus intermediate-depth earthquakes between 1962 and 1975). In addition, over 1000 publications have been examined to obtain direct seismic moment M0 and, therefore, also MW estimates for 967 large earthquakes during 1900-1978 (Lee and Engdahl, 2015) by various alternative methods to the current GCMT procedure. In all other instances we computed MW proxy values by converting our re-computed MS and mb values into MW, using the newly derived non-linear regression models. The final magnitude composition is an improvement in terms of magnitude homogeneity compared to previous catalogues. The magnitude completeness is not homogeneous over the 110 years covered by the ISC-GEM catalogue. Therefore, seismicity rate estimates may be strongly affected without a careful time window selection. In particular, the ISC-GEM catalogue appears to be complete down to MW 5.6 starting from 1964, whereas for the early instrumental period the completeness varies from ∼7.5 to 6.2. Further time and resources would be necessary to homogenize the magnitude of completeness over the entire catalogue length.

Baryon-baryon interactions and spin-flavor symmetry from lattice quantum chromodynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wagman, Michael L.; Winter, Frank; Chang, Emmanuel; Davoudi, Zohreh; Detmold, William; Orginos, Kostas; Savage, Martin J.; Shanahan, Phiala E.; Nplqcd Collaboration

2017-12-01

Lattice quantum chromodynamics is used to constrain the interactions of two octet baryons at the S U (3 ) flavor-symmetric point, with quark masses that are heavier than those in nature (equal to that of the physical strange quark mass and corresponding to a pion mass of ≈806 MeV ). Specifically, the S -wave scattering phase shifts of two-baryon systems at low energies are obtained with the application of Lüscher's formalism, mapping the energy eigenvalues of two interacting baryons in a finite volume to the two-particle scattering amplitudes below the relevant inelastic thresholds. The leading-order low-energy scattering parameters in the two-nucleon systems that were previously obtained at these quark masses are determined with a refined analysis, and the scattering parameters in two other channels containing the Σ and Ξ baryons are constrained for the first time. It is found that the values of these parameters are consistent with an approximate S U (6 ) spin-flavor symmetry in the nuclear and hypernuclear forces that is predicted in the large-Nc limit of QCD. The two distinct S U (6 )-invariant interactions between two baryons are constrained for the first time at this value of the quark masses, and their values indicate an approximate accidental S U (16 ) symmetry. The S U (3 ) irreps containing the N N (1S0), N N (3S1) and 1/√{2 } (Ξ0n +Ξ-p )(3S1) channels unambiguously exhibit a single bound state, while the irrep containing the Σ+p (3S1) channel exhibits a state that is consistent with either a bound state or a scattering state close to threshold. These results are in agreement with the previous conclusions of the NPLQCD collaboration regarding the existence of two-nucleon bound states at this value of the quark masses.

Absolute cross-sections for DNA strand breaks and crosslinks induced by low energy electrons

PubMed Central

Chen, Wenzhuang; Chen, Shiliang; Dong, Yanfang; Cloutier, Pierre; Sanche, Léon

2016-01-01

Absolute cross sections (CSs) for the interaction of low energy electrons with condensed macromolecules are essential parameters to accurately model ionizing radiation induced reactions. To determine CSs for various conformational DNA damage induced by 2–20 eV electrons, we investigated the influence of the attenuation length (AL) and penetration factor (f) using a mathematical model. Solid films of super-coiled plasmid DNA with thicknesses of 10, 15 and 20 nm were irradiated with 4.6, 5.6, 9.6 and 14.6 eV electrons. DNA conformational changes were quantified by gel electrophoresis, and the respective yields were extrapolated from exposure–response curves. The absolute CS, AL and f values were generated by applying the model developed by Rezaee et al. The values of AL were found to lie between 11 and 16 nm with the maximum at 14.6 eV. The absolute CSs for the loss of the supercoiled (LS) configuration and production of crosslinks (CL), single strand breaks (SSB) and double strand breaks (DSB) induced by 4.6, 5.6, 9.6 and 14.6 eV electrons are obtained. The CSs for SSB are smaller, but similar to those for LS, indicating that SSB are the main conformational damage. The CSs for DSB and CL are about one order of magnitude smaller than those of LS and SSB. The value of f is found to be independent of electron energy, which allows extending the absolute CSs for these types of damage within the range 2–20 eV, from previous measurements of effective CSs. When comparison is possible, the absolute CSs are found to be in good agreement with those obtained from previous similar studies with double-stranded DNA. The high values of the absolute CSs of 4.6 and 9.6 eV provide quantitative evidence for the high efficiency of low energy electrons to induce DNA damage via the formation of transient anions. PMID:27878170

Absolute cross-sections for DNA strand breaks and crosslinks induced by low energy electrons.

PubMed

Chen, Wenzhuang; Chen, Shiliang; Dong, Yanfang; Cloutier, Pierre; Zheng, Yi; Sanche, Léon

2016-12-07

Absolute cross sections (CSs) for the interaction of low energy electrons with condensed macromolecules are essential parameters to accurately model ionizing radiation induced reactions. To determine CSs for various conformational DNA damage induced by 2-20 eV electrons, we investigated the influence of the attenuation length (AL) and penetration factor (f) using a mathematical model. Solid films of supercoiled plasmid DNA with thicknesses of 10, 15 and 20 nm were irradiated with 4.6, 5.6, 9.6 and 14.6 eV electrons. DNA conformational changes were quantified by gel electrophoresis, and the respective yields were extrapolated from exposure-response curves. The absolute CS, AL and f values were generated by applying the model developed by Rezaee et al. The values of AL were found to lie between 11 and 16 nm with the maximum at 14.6 eV. The absolute CSs for the loss of the supercoiled (LS) configuration and production of crosslinks (CL), single strand breaks (SSB) and double strand breaks (DSB) induced by 4.6, 5.6, 9.6 and 14.6 eV electrons are obtained. The CSs for SSB are smaller, but similar to those for LS, indicating that SSB are the main conformational damage. The CSs for DSB and CL are about one order of magnitude smaller than those of LS and SSB. The value of f is found to be independent of electron energy, which allows extending the absolute CSs for these types of damage within the range 2-20 eV, from previous measurements of effective CSs. When comparison is possible, the absolute CSs are found to be in good agreement with those obtained from previous similar studies with double-stranded DNA. The high values of the absolute CSs of 4.6 and 9.6 eV provide quantitative evidence for the high efficiency of low energy electrons to induce DNA damage via the formation of transient anions.

Temperature and heat flux changes at the base of Laurentide ice sheet inferred from geothermal data (evidence from province of Alberta, Canada)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Demezhko, Dmitry; Gornostaeva, Anastasia; Majorowicz, Jacek; Šafanda, Jan

2018-01-01

Using a previously published temperature log of the 2363-m-deep borehole Hunt well (Alberta, Canada) and the results of its previous interpretation, the new reconstructions of ground surface temperature and surface heat flux histories for the last 30 ka have been obtained. Two ways to adjust the timescale of geothermal reconstructions are discussed, namely the traditional method based on the a priori data on thermal diffusivity value, and the alternative one including the orbital tuning of the surface heat flux and the Earth's insolation changes. It is shown that the second approach provides better agreement between geothermal reconstructions and proxy evidences of deglaciation chronology in the studied region.

Space shuttle engineering and operations support. Orbiter to spacelab electrical power interface. Avionics system engineering

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Emmons, T. E.

1976-01-01

The results are presented of an investigation of the factors which affect the determination of Spacelab (S/L) minimum interface main dc voltage and available power from the orbiter. The dedicated fuel cell mode of powering the S/L is examined along with the minimum S/L interface voltage and available power using the predicted fuel cell power plant performance curves. The values obtained are slightly lower than current estimates and represent a more marginal operating condition than previously estimated.

Nocturnal sleep in isolation-reared monkeys: evidence for enviromental independence.

PubMed

Reite, M; Short, R

1977-11-01

Thirteen all-night recordings were obtained from 3 infant pigtailed (Macaca nemestrina) monkeys raised on a cloth surrogate mother and under conditions of social isolation. Totally implantable biotelemetry systems were used to record the sleep physiology from the unrestrained animals. Sleep stages and night-to-night variability were virtually identical to values previously found in 8 mother-reared group-living infants. Sustained alterations in the early rearing enviroment, even though considerably modifying the organism's development, did not appear to result in differences in sleep organization.

Pycnonuclear reaction rates for binary ionic mixtures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ichimaru, S.; Ogata, S.; Van Horn, H. M.

1992-01-01

Through a combination of compositional scaling arguments and examinations of Monte Carlo simulation results for the interparticle separations in binary-ionic mixture (BIM) solids, we have derived parameterized expressions for the BIM pycnonuclear rates as generalizations of those in one-component solids obtained previously by Salpeter and Van Horn and by Ogata et al. We have thereby discovered a catalyzing effect of the heavier elements, which enhances the rates of reactions among the lighter elements when the charge ratio exceeds a critical value of approximately 2.3.

Intensity formulas for triplet bands

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Budo, A.

1982-01-01

Previous work in this area is surveyed and the mathematics involved in determining the quantitative intensity measurements in triplet bands is presented. Explicit expressions for the intensity distribution in the branches of the 3 Sigma-3 Pi and 1 Sigma-3Pi bands valid for all values of the coupling constant Y of the 3 Pi terms are given. The intensity distribution calculated according to the formulas given is compared with measurements of PH, 3 Pi-3 Sigma. Good quantitative agreement is obtained.

High storage capacity in the Hopfield model with auto-interactions—stability analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rocchi, Jacopo; Saad, David; Tantari, Daniele

2017-11-01

Recent studies point to the potential storage of a large number of patterns in the celebrated Hopfield associative memory model, well beyond the limits obtained previously. We investigate the properties of new fixed points to discover that they exhibit instabilities for small perturbations and are therefore of limited value as associative memories. Moreover, a large deviations approach also shows that errors introduced to the original patterns induce additional errors and increased corruption with respect to the stored patterns.

GUP parameter from quantum corrections to the Newtonian potential

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scardigli, Fabio; Lambiase, Gaetano; Vagenas, Elias C.

2017-04-01

We propose a technique to compute the deformation parameter of the generalized uncertainty principle by using the leading quantum corrections to the Newtonian potential. We just assume General Relativity as theory of Gravitation, and the thermal nature of the GUP corrections to the Hawking spectrum. With these minimal assumptions our calculation gives, to first order, a specific numerical result. The physical meaning of this value is discussed, and compared with the previously obtained bounds on the generalized uncertainty principle deformation parameter.

Trace gas emissions from a mid-latitude prescribed chaparral fire

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cofer, Wesley R., III; Levine, Joel S.; Sebacher, Daniel I.; Riggan, Philip J.; Winstead, Edward L.; Shaw, Edwin F., Jr.; Brass, James A.; Ambrosia, Vincent G.

1988-01-01

Smoke-plume gas samples were collected at altitudes from 35-670 m above the ground over the San Dimas Experimental Forest during a 400-acre prescribed chaparral fire. Mean emission ratios relative to CO2 for CO, H2, CH4, and total nonmethane hydrocarbons were lower than previous values obtained for large biomass-burning field experiments. Comparison of samples from vigorously flaming and mixed stages of combustion revealed little differences in CO2 normalized emission ratios for these gases (except for N2O).

Determination of HART I Blade Structural Properties by Laboratory Testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jung, Sung N.; Lau, Benton H.

2012-01-01

The structural properties of higher harmonic Aeroacoustic Rotor Test (HART I) blades were measured using the original set of blades tested in the German-dutch wind tunnel (DNW) in 1994. the measurements include bending and torsion stiffness, geometric offsets, and mass and inertia properties of the blade. the measured properties were compared to the estimated values obtained initially from the blade manufacturer. The previously estimated blade properties showed consistently higher stiffness, up to 30 percent for the flap bending in the blade inboard root section.

Subthreshold parallel pumping experiments on the quasi one-dimensional S = {1}/{2} ferromagnets [C 6H 11NH 3]CuBr 3 and [C 6H 11NH 3]CuCl 3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoogerbeets, R.; Wiegers, S. A. J.; Van Duyneveldt, A. J.

1985-04-01

Subthreshold parallel pumping experiments on [C 6H 11NH 3]CuBr 3 (abbreviated as CHAB) and [C 6H 11NH 3]CuCl 3 (CHAC) at 9.6 and 18.3 GHz are reported. It is shown that the experimental results can be explained using the values of the parameters as have been obtained from previously reported FMR measurements.

Crack Turning and Arrest Mechanisms for Integral Structure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pettit, Richard; Ingraffea, Anthony

1999-01-01

In the course of several years of research efforts to predict crack turning and flapping in aircraft fuselage structures and other problems related to crack turning, the 2nd order maximum tangential stress theory has been identified as the theory most capable of predicting the observed test results. This theory requires knowledge of a material specific characteristic length, and also a computation of the stress intensity factors and the T-stress, or second order term in the asymptotic stress field in the vicinity of the crack tip. A characteristic length, r(sub c), is proposed for ductile materials pertaining to the onset of plastic instability, as opposed to the void spacing theories espoused by previous investigators. For the plane stress case, an approximate estimate of r(sub c), is obtained from the asymptotic field for strain hardening materials given by Hutchinson, Rice and Rosengren (HRR). A previous study using of high order finite element methods to calculate T-stresses by contour integrals resulted in extremely high accuracy values obtained for selected test specimen geometries, and a theoretical error estimation parameter was defined. In the present study, it is shown that a large portion of the error in finite element computations of both K and T are systematic, and can be corrected after the initial solution if the finite element implementation utilizes a similar crack tip discretization scheme for all problems. This scheme is applied for two-dimensional problems to a both a p-version finite element code, showing that sufficiently accurate values of both K(sub I) and T can be obtained with fairly low order elements if correction is used. T-stress correction coefficients are also developed for the singular crack tip rosette utilized in the adaptive mesh finite element code FRANC2D, and shown to reduce the error in the computed T-stress significantly. Stress intensity factor correction was not attempted for FRANC2D because it employs a highly accurate quarter-point scheme to obtain stress intensity factors.

Low-energy and very-low energy total cross sections for electron collisions with N2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kitajima, Masashi; Kishino, Takaya; Okumura, Takuma; Kobayashi, Naomasa; Sayama, Atsushi; Mori, Yuma; Hosaka, Kouichi; Odagiri, Takeshi; Hoshino, Masamitsu; Tanaka, Hiroshi

2017-06-01

Absolute grand total cross sections for electron scattering from N2 are obtained in the energy range from 20 eV down to 5 meV with very narrow electron energy width of 9 meV using the threshold-photoelectron source. Total cross sections obtained in the present study are compared with the previous experimentally obtained results. At the very-low energy region below 50 meV, the present total cross sections are somewhat smaller than those reported by the Aarhus group [S.V. Hoffmann et al., Rev. Sci. Instrum. 73, 4157 (2002)], which has been the only experimental work that provided the total cross sections in the very-low energy region. The energy positions of the peaks in the total cross sections due to the 2Πg shape resonance are obtained with higher accuracy, due to the improved uncertainty of the energy position in the present measurement compared to the previous works. The resonance structure in the total cross sections due to the Feshbach resonances of N2 at around 11.5 eV are also observed. Analysis of the resonant structure was carried out in order to determine the values of resonance width of Feshbach resonances of N2. Contribution to the Topical Issue: "Atomic and Molecular Data and their Applications", edited by Gordon W.F. Drake, Jung-Sik Yoon, Daiji Kato, Grzegorz Karwasz.

Revised and extended analysis of the eighth spectrum of platinum (Pt VIII)

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

Azarov, Vladimir I., E-mail: vlad_azarov@yahoo.com; Gayasov, Robert R.

2017-05-15

The spectrum of platinum was observed in the 300–2100 Å wavelength region. Grazing and normal incidence VUV spectrographs have been used to record the spectrum. The (5d{sup 3}+5d{sup 2}6s)−5d{sup 2}6p transition array of seven times ionized platinum, Pt VIII, has been investigated. The configurations 5d{sup 3} and 5d{sup 2}6p had been previously studied, and all levels of these configurations (19 and 45 levels, respectively) had been established. The previous analysis was based on 178 classified spectral lines. In the current analysis we have confirmed identification of all previously found levels and all but 10 previously assigned spectral lines, although we havemore » detected a large (up to 35 mÅ) systematic shift in wavelength measurements used in the previous analysis. Based on new wavelength measurements, we have corrected the 5d{sup 3} and 5d{sup 2}6p energy level values (by up to 55 cm{sup −1}) and established for the first time 14 out of 16 theoretically possible 5d{sup 2}6s levels in Pt VIII. The total list of identified lines (including 180 new lines) contains 349 entries. The orthogonal operators technique was used to calculate the level structure and transition probabilities. The energy parameters have been determined by the least squares fit to the observed levels. Calculated transition probability and energy values, as well as LS-compositions obtained from the fitted parameters are presented.« less

Nuclear DNA amounts in angiosperms: progress, problems and prospects.

PubMed

Bennett, M D; Leitch, I J

2005-01-01

The nuclear DNA amount in an unreplicated haploid chromosome complement (1C-value) is a key diversity character with many uses. Angiosperm C-values have been listed for reference purposes since 1976, and pooled in an electronic database since 1997 (http://www.kew.org/cval/homepage). Such lists are cited frequently and provide data for many comparative studies. The last compilation was published in 2000, so a further supplementary list is timely to monitor progress against targets set at the first plant genome size workshop in 1997 and to facilitate new goal setting. The present work lists DNA C-values for 804 species including first values for 628 species from 88 original sources, not included in any previous compilation, plus additional values for 176 species included in a previous compilation. 1998-2002 saw striking progress in our knowledge of angiosperm C-values. At least 1700 first values for species were measured (the most in any five-year period) and familial representation rose from 30 % to 50 %. The loss of many densitometers used to measure DNA C-values proved less serious than feared, owing to the development of relatively inexpensive flow cytometers and computer-based image analysis systems. New uses of the term genome (e.g. in 'complete' genome sequencing) can cause confusion. The Arabidopsis Genome Initiative C-value for Arabidopsis thaliana (125 Mb) was a gross underestimate, and an exact C-value based on genome sequencing alone is unlikely to be obtained soon for any angiosperm. Lack of this expected benchmark poses a quandary as to what to use as the basal calibration standard for angiosperms. The next decade offers exciting prospects for angiosperm genome size research. The database (http://www.kew.org/cval/homepage) should become sufficiently representative of the global flora to answer most questions without needing new estimations. DNA amount variation will remain a key interest as an integrated strand of holistic genomics.

The caffeine breath test and caffeine urinary metabolite ratios in the Michigan cohort exposed to polybrominated biphenyls: A preliminary study

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

Lambert, G.H.; Schoeller, D.A.; Kotake, A.N.

1990-11-01

A field biochemical epidemiology study was conducted using the Michigan cohort consisting of 51 rural residents exposed to polybrominated biphenyls (PBB). The study had three major objectives: (a) to determine the serum half-life of the major PBB congener, hexabromobiphenyl (HBB), in the human, (b) to determine if the PBB-exposed subjects had elevated cytochrome P-450I function as determined by the caffeine breath test (CBT) and the caffeine urinary metabolite ratio (CMR), and (c) to determine the applicability of the CBT and CMR in field studies. PBB serum levels were detected in 36 of the 51 PBB-exposed subjects. The serum half-life ofmore » HBB was determined by comparing the current serum HBB values to the subject's previous serum values obtained 5 to 8 years earlier. The median HBB half-life was 12 years (range 4-97 years). The CBT and CMR were elevated in the subjects exposed to PBBs as compared to the values obtained from urban nonsmokers and were similar to those found in adults who smoke. A gender effect was seen in the PBB-exposed subjects. There was a correlation between the CBT and the HBB serum values but not between CMR and HBB serum values. The CBT and CMR were easily conducted in the field and appear to be useful metabolic probes of cytochrome P-450I activity in human environmental toxicology.« less

Methanogenic degradation kinetics of phenolic compounds in aquifer-derived microcosms

USGS Publications Warehouse

Godsy, E.M.; Goerlitz, D.F.; Grbic-Galic, D.

1992-01-01

In this segment of a larger multidisciplinary study of the movement and fate of creosote derived compounds in a sand-and-gravel aquifer, we present evidence that the methanogenic degradation of the major biodegradable phenolic compounds and concomitant microbial growth in batch microcosms derived from contaminated aquifer material can be described using Monod kinetics. Substrate depletion and bacterial growth curves were fitted to the Monod equations using nonlinear regression analysis. The method of Marquardt was used for the determination of parameter values that best fit the experimental data by minimizing the residual sum of squares. The Monod kinetic constants (??max, Ks, Y, and kd) that describe phenol, 2-, 3-, and 4-methylphenol degradation and concomitant microbial growth were determined under conditions that were substantially different from those previously reported for microcosms cultured from sewage sludge. The Ks values obtained in this study are approximately two orders of magnitude lower than values obtained for the anaerobic degradation of phenol in digesting sewage sludge, indicating that the aquifer microorganisms have developed enzyme systems that are adapted to low nutrient conditions. The values for kd are much less than ??max, and can be neglected in the microcosms. The extremely low Y values, approximately 3 orders of magnitude lower than for the sewage sludge derived cultures, and the very low numbers of microorganisms in the aquifer derived microcosms suggest that these organisms use some unique strategies to survive in the subsurface environment. ?? 1992 Kluwer Academic Publishers.

Solubility product constants of covellite and a poorly crystalline copper sulfide precipitate at 298 K

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shea, Damian; Helz, George R.

1989-02-01

The equilibrium constant at 25°C for the following reaction has been measured in NaCl media by an indirect method: CuS(cov) + H +(aq) ⇄ Cu 2+(aq) + HS -(qa), Ksp = MCu 2+MHS -(10 +pH) where CuS(cov) designates synthetic covellite. Values of pKsp are 21.39, 21.04 and 20.95 at NaCl = 0.2, 0.7 and 1.0 M, respectively; the uncertainty in these Ksp values is ±0.15. The free energy of formation of covellite, for which published values are discordant, is calculated to be -11.83±0.4 kcal/mole at 298 K (-49.50 ± 1.7 kJ/mole). This value is obtained by extrapolating the meaured pKsp values to infinite dilution with corrections for Cl - complexing. Applying similar Cl - complexing corrections, based on recent measurements by Seward, to previously published solubility data for galena yields a revised pKsp0 for galena of 12.78. A poorly crystalline precipitate, obtained by mixing Cu 2+ and HS - solutions, yielded a reversible solubility product 3 orders of magnitude greater than that of covellite but about 3 orders of magnitude less than that of a truly amorphous phase, super-cooled liquid CuS. The poorly crystalline phase has not been studied previously. Its bulk composition was Cu 1.18S, but microprobe analysis revealed that it was a partially exsolved mixture of roughly Cu 1.11S and Cu 1.32S (similar to known blaubleibender covellites). It was kinetically unstable, and converted to covellite when thermally annealed or when exposed to polysulfide solutions. Because of its instability, a material of this nature is unlikely to account for the amorphous copper sulfide alleged to occur in the Red Sea Brine deposits. However, it is possible that on short time scales dissolved Cu in sulfidic waters is controlled by metastable, rather than stable phases, as is known to be the case with dissolved Fe.

Determination of the energy value of corn distillers dried grains with solubles containing different oil levels when fed to growing pigs.

PubMed

Li, Z-C; Li, P; Liu, D-W; Li, D-F; Wang, F-L; Su, Y-B; Zhu, Z-P; Piao, X-S

2017-04-01

This experiment used indirect calorimetry to determine the net energy (NE) content of five corn distillers dried grains with solubles (corn DDGS) containing different oil levels and to compare the NE obtained using indirect calorimetry with that calculated using previously published prediction equations. There were two samples of high-oil DDGS, one sample of medium-oil DDGS and two samples of low-oil DDGS. Twelve barrows (initial BW of 32.8 ± 2.0 kg) were used in a repeated 3 × 6 Youden square design with three periods and six diets. The diets were comprised of a corn-soybean meal basal diet and five diets containing 29.25% of one of the corn DDGS added at the expense of corn and soybean meal. During each period, the pigs were individually housed in metabolism crates for 16 days which included 7 days for adaption to feed and environmental conditions. On day 8, the pigs were transferred to respiration chambers and fed one of the six diets at 2300 kJ ME/kg BW 0.6 /day. Faeces and urine were collected from day 9 to 13 and heat production (HP) was also measured. From day 14 to 15, the pigs were fed 893 kJ ME/kg BW 0.6 /day to allow them to adapt from the fed to the fasted state. On the last day of each period (day 16), the pigs were fasted and fasting HP was measured. The digestible energy value was 16.0, 17.1 and 15.3 MJ/kg DM, the metabolizable energy value was 14.6, 15.5 and 13.7 MJ/kg DM and the NE value was 10.7, 11.0 and 9.4 MJ/kg DM, for the high-oil, medium-oil and low-oil corn DDGS, respectively. The NE obtained with indirect calorimetry in the present study did not differ from values calculated using previously published prediction equations. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition © 2016 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Colon Reference Set Application: Mary Disis - University of Washington (2008) — EDRN Public Portal

Cancer.gov

The proposed study aims to validate the diagnostic value of a panel of serum antibodies for the early detection of colorectal cancer (CRC). We have developed a serum antibody based assay that shows promise in discriminating sera from CRC patients from healthy donors. We have evaluated two separate sample sets of sera that were available either commercially or were comprised of left over samples from previous studies by our group. Both sample sets showed concordance in discriminatory power. We have not been able to identify investigators with a larger, well defined sample set of early stage colon cancer sera and request assistance from the EDRN in obtaining such samples to help assess the potential diagnostic value of our autoantibody panel

Density Measurements of Low Silica CaO-SiO2-Al2O3 Slags

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muhmood, Luckman; Seetharaman, Seshadri

2010-08-01

Density measurements of a low-silica CaO-SiO2-Al2O3 system were carried out using the Archimedes principle. A Pt 30 pct Rh bob and wire arrangement was used for this purpose. The results obtained were in good agreement with those obtained from the model developed in the current group as well as with other results reported earlier. The density for the CaO-SiO2 and the CaO-Al2O3 binary slag systems also was estimated from the ternary values. The extrapolation of density values for high-silica systems also showed good agreement with previous works. An estimation for the density value of CaO was made from the current experimental data. The density decrease at high temperatures was interpreted based on the silicate structure. As the mole percent of SiO2 was below the 33 pct required for the orthosilicate composition, discrete {text{SiO}}4^{4 - } tetrahedral units in the silicate melt would exist along with O2- ions. The change in melt expansivity may be attributed to the ionic expansions in the order of {text{Al}}^{ 3+ } - {text{O}}^{ 2- } < {text{Ca}}^{ 2+ } - {text{O}}^{ 2- } < {text{Ca}}^{ 2+ } - {text{O}}^{ - } Structural changes in the ternary slag also could be correlated to a drastic change in the value of enthalpy of mixing.

Micromechanical Analysis of Crack Closure Mechanism for Intelligent Material Containing TiNi Fibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Araki, Shigetoshi; Ono, Hiroyuki; Saito, Kenji

In our previous study, the micromechanical modeling of an intelligent material containing TiNi fibers was performed and the stress intensity factor KI at the tip of the crack in the material was expressed in terms of the magnitude of the shape memory shrinkage of the fibers and the thermal expansion strain in the material. In this study, the value of KI at the tip of the crack in the TiNi/epoxy material is calculated numerically by using analytical expressions obtained in our first report. As a result, we find that the KI value decreases with increasing shrink strain of the fibers, and this tendency agrees with that of the experimental result obtained by Shimamoto etal.(Trans. Jpn. Soc. Mech. Eng., Vol. 65, No. 634 (1999), pp. 1282-1286). Moreover, there exists an optimal value of the shrink strain of the fibers to make the KI value zero. The change in KI with temperature during the heating process from the reference temperature to the inverse austenitic finishing temperature of TiNi fiber is also consistent with the experimental result. These results can be explained by the changes in the shrink strain, the thermal expansion strain, and the elastic moduli of TiNi fiber with temperature. These results may be useful in designing intelligent materials containing TiNi fibers from the viewpoint of crack closure.

Changes in tissue water and indentation resistance of lymphedematous limbs accompanying low level laser therapy (LLLT) of fibrotic skin.

PubMed

Mayrovitz, H N; Davey, S

2011-12-01

Our goal was to determine effects of low-level-laser-therapy (LLLT) on skin water and tissue indentation resistance (TIR) in patients with arm (N = 38) or leg (N = 38) lymphedema. Skin water was determined from tissue dielectric constant (TDC) measurements and TIR determined from measurements of force resulting from tissue indentations of 3-4 mm. A limb-location with fibrosis was identified by palpation and treated with an LLLT device for one minute at each of five points within a 3 cm2 area. TDC and TIR at these sites and corresponding sites on the contralateral limb were measured prior to LLLT (pre-LLLT), immediately after LLLT (post-LLLT) and after a manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) session (post-MLD). Results, from arms and legs, showed that post-LLLT values of TIR and TDC were significantly less than pre-LLLT. TIR values remained significantly reduced at post-MLD whereas TDC values were not significantly different from pre-LLLT values. On follow-up visit, 17 previously LLLT treated legs were sham treated with an inactive LLLT unit and measurements replicated. A TIR and TDC change-pattern similar to that obtained with the active LLLT was obtained, but sham-related reductions in TIR and TDC immediately post sham-treatment were significantly less than achieved with the prior active LLLT treatment.

Insulin sensitivity indices: a proposal of cut-off points for simple identification of insulin-resistant subjects.

PubMed

Radikova, Z; Koska, J; Huckova, M; Ksinantova, L; Imrich, R; Vigas, M; Trnovec, T; Langer, P; Sebokova, E; Klimes, I

2006-05-01

Demanding measurement of insulin sensitivity using clamp methods does not simplify the identification of insulin resistant subjects in the general population. Other approaches such as fasting- or oral glucose tolerance test-derived insulin sensitivity indices were proposed and validated with the euglycemic clamp. Nevertheless, a lack of reference values for these indices prevents their wider use in epidemiological studies and clinical practice. The aim of our study was therefore to define the cut-off points of insulin resistance indices as well as the ranges of the most frequently obtained values for selected indices. A standard 75 g oral glucose tolerance test was carried out in 1156 subjects from a Caucasian rural population with no previous evidence of diabetes or other dysglycemias. Insulin resistance/sensitivity indices (HOMA-IR, HOMA-IR2, ISI Cederholm, and ISI Matsuda) were calculated. The 75th percentile value as the cut-off point to define IR corresponded with a HOMA-IR of 2.29, a HOMA-IR2 of 1.21, a 25th percentile for ISI Cederholm, and ISI Matsuda of 57 and 5.0, respectively. For the first time, the cut-off points for selected indices and their most frequently obtained values were established for groups of subjects as defined by glucose homeostasis and BMI. Thus, insulin-resistant subjects can be identified using this simple approach.

Cholera Toxin Inhibitors Studied with High-Performance Liquid Affinity Chromatography: A Robust Method to Evaluate Receptor–Ligand Interactions

PubMed Central

Bergström, Maria; Liu, Shuang; Kiick, Kristi L.; Ohlson, Sten

2009-01-01

Anti-adhesion drugs may be an alternative to antibiotics to control infection of micro-organisms. The well-characterized interaction between cholera toxin and the cellular glycolipid GM1 makes it an attractive model for inhibition studies in general. In this report, we demonstrate a high-performance liquid affinity chromatography approach called weak affinity chromatography to evaluate cholera toxin inhibitors. The cholera toxin B-subunit was covalently coupled to porous silica and a (weak) affinity column was produced. The KD values of galactose and meta-nitrophenyl α-D-galactoside were determined with weak affinity chromatography to be 52 and 1 mM, respectively, which agree well with IC50 values previously reported. To increase inhibition potency multivalent inhibitors have been developed and the interaction with multivalent glycopolypeptides was also evaluated. The affinity of these compounds was found to correlate with the galactoside content but KD values were not obtained because of the inhomogeneous response and slow off-rate from multivalent interactions. Despite the limitations in obtaining direct KD values of the multivalent galactopolypeptides, weak affinity chromatography represents an additional and valuable tool in the evaluation of monovalent as well as multivalent cholera toxin inhibitors. It offers multiple advantages, such as a low sample consumption, high reproducibility and short analysis time, which are often not observed in other methods of analysis. PMID:19152642

Determination of the molecular complexation constant between alprostadil and alpha-cyclodextrin by conductometry: implications for a freeze-dried formulation.

PubMed

Sheehy, Philip M; Ramstad, Tore

2005-10-04

The binding constant between alprostadil (PGE1) and alpha-cyclodextrin (alpha-CD) was determined at four temperatures using conductance measurements. Alpha-cyclodextrin is an excipient material in Caverject dual chamber syringe (DCS) that was added to enhance stability. The binding constant was used to calculate the amount of PGE1 free upon reconstitution and injection, since only the free drug is clinically active. The conductivity measurement is based on a decrease in specific conductance as alprostadil is titrated with alpha-CD. The change in conductivity was plotted versus free ligand concentration (alpha-CD) to generate a binding curve. As the value of the binding constant proved to be dependent on substrate concentration, it is really a pseudo binding constant. A value of 742+/-60 M(-1) was obtained for a 0.5 mM solution of alprostadil at 27 degrees C and a value of 550+/-52 M(-1) at 37 degrees C. These results compare favorably to values previously obtained by NMR and capillary electrophoresis. Calculation of the fraction PGE1 free upon reconstitution and injection show it to approach the desired outcome of one. Hence, the amount of drug delivered by Caverject DCS is nominally equivalent to that delivered by Caverject S. Po., a predecessor product that contains no alpha-cyclodextrin.

Oxygen isotope values in bone carbonate and collagen are consistently offset for New World monkeys

PubMed Central

Crowley, Brooke Erin

2014-01-01

Stable oxygen isotopes are increasingly used in ecological research. Here, I present oxygen isotope (δ18O) values for bone carbonate and collagen from howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata), spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) and capuchins (Cebus capucinus) from three localities in Costa Rica. There are apparent differences in δ18Ocarbonate and δ18Ocollagen among species. Monkeys from moist forest have significantly lower isotope values than those from drier localities. Because patterns are similar for both substrates, discrimination (Δ) between δ18Ocarbonate and δ18Ocollagen is relatively consistent among species and localities (17.6 ± 0.9‰). Although this value is larger than that previously obtained for laboratory rats, consistency among species and localities suggests it can be used to compare δ18Ocarbonate and δ18Ocollagen for monkeys, and potentially other medium-bodied mammals. Establishing discrimination for oxygen between these substrates for wild monkeys provides a foundation for future environmental and ecological research on modern and ancient organisms. PMID:25392315

Threshold network of a financial market using the P-value of correlation coefficients

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ha, Gyeong-Gyun; Lee, Jae Woo; Nobi, Ashadun

2015-06-01

Threshold methods in financial networks are important tools for obtaining important information about the financial state of a market. Previously, absolute thresholds of correlation coefficients have been used; however, they have no relation to the length of time. We assign a threshold value depending on the size of the time window by using the P-value concept of statistics. We construct a threshold network (TN) at the same threshold value for two different time window sizes in the Korean Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI). We measure network properties, such as the edge density, clustering coefficient, assortativity coefficient, and modularity. We determine that a significant difference exists between the network properties of the two time windows at the same threshold, especially during crises. This implies that the market information depends on the length of the time window when constructing the TN. We apply the same technique to Standard and Poor's 500 (S&P500) and observe similar results.

Precise Measurements of the Masses of Cs, Rb and Na A New Route to the Fine Structure Constant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rainville, Simon; Bradley, Michael P.; Porto, James V.; Thompson, James K.; Pritchard, David E.

2001-01-01

We report new values for the atomic masses of the alkali 133Cs, 87Rb, 85Rb, and 23Na with uncertainties ≤ 0.2 ppb. These results, obtained using Penning trap single ion mass spectrometry, are typically two orders of magnitude more accurate than previously measured values. Combined with values of h/m atom from atom interferometry measurements and accurate wavelength measurements for different atoms, these values will lead to new ppb-level determinations of the molar Planck constant N A h and the fine structure constant α. This route to α is based on simple physics. It can potentially achieve the several ppb level of accuracy needed to test the QED determination of α extracted from measurements of the electron g factor. We also demonstrate an electronic cooling technique that cools our detector and ion below the 4 K ambient temperature. This technique improves by about a factor of three our ability to measure the ion's axial motion.

Forgetting in Reinforcement Learning Links Sustained Dopamine Signals to Motivation

PubMed Central

Morita, Kenji

2016-01-01

It has been suggested that dopamine (DA) represents reward-prediction-error (RPE) defined in reinforcement learning and therefore DA responds to unpredicted but not predicted reward. However, recent studies have found DA response sustained towards predictable reward in tasks involving self-paced behavior, and suggested that this response represents a motivational signal. We have previously shown that RPE can sustain if there is decay/forgetting of learned-values, which can be implemented as decay of synaptic strengths storing learned-values. This account, however, did not explain the suggested link between tonic/sustained DA and motivation. In the present work, we explored the motivational effects of the value-decay in self-paced approach behavior, modeled as a series of ‘Go’ or ‘No-Go’ selections towards a goal. Through simulations, we found that the value-decay can enhance motivation, specifically, facilitate fast goal-reaching, albeit counterintuitively. Mathematical analyses revealed that underlying potential mechanisms are twofold: (1) decay-induced sustained RPE creates a gradient of ‘Go’ values towards a goal, and (2) value-contrasts between ‘Go’ and ‘No-Go’ are generated because while chosen values are continually updated, unchosen values simply decay. Our model provides potential explanations for the key experimental findings that suggest DA's roles in motivation: (i) slowdown of behavior by post-training blockade of DA signaling, (ii) observations that DA blockade severely impairs effortful actions to obtain rewards while largely sparing seeking of easily obtainable rewards, and (iii) relationships between the reward amount, the level of motivation reflected in the speed of behavior, and the average level of DA. These results indicate that reinforcement learning with value-decay, or forgetting, provides a parsimonious mechanistic account for the DA's roles in value-learning and motivation. Our results also suggest that when biological systems for value-learning are active even though learning has apparently converged, the systems might be in a state of dynamic equilibrium, where learning and forgetting are balanced. PMID:27736881

Forgetting in Reinforcement Learning Links Sustained Dopamine Signals to Motivation.

PubMed

Kato, Ayaka; Morita, Kenji

2016-10-01

It has been suggested that dopamine (DA) represents reward-prediction-error (RPE) defined in reinforcement learning and therefore DA responds to unpredicted but not predicted reward. However, recent studies have found DA response sustained towards predictable reward in tasks involving self-paced behavior, and suggested that this response represents a motivational signal. We have previously shown that RPE can sustain if there is decay/forgetting of learned-values, which can be implemented as decay of synaptic strengths storing learned-values. This account, however, did not explain the suggested link between tonic/sustained DA and motivation. In the present work, we explored the motivational effects of the value-decay in self-paced approach behavior, modeled as a series of 'Go' or 'No-Go' selections towards a goal. Through simulations, we found that the value-decay can enhance motivation, specifically, facilitate fast goal-reaching, albeit counterintuitively. Mathematical analyses revealed that underlying potential mechanisms are twofold: (1) decay-induced sustained RPE creates a gradient of 'Go' values towards a goal, and (2) value-contrasts between 'Go' and 'No-Go' are generated because while chosen values are continually updated, unchosen values simply decay. Our model provides potential explanations for the key experimental findings that suggest DA's roles in motivation: (i) slowdown of behavior by post-training blockade of DA signaling, (ii) observations that DA blockade severely impairs effortful actions to obtain rewards while largely sparing seeking of easily obtainable rewards, and (iii) relationships between the reward amount, the level of motivation reflected in the speed of behavior, and the average level of DA. These results indicate that reinforcement learning with value-decay, or forgetting, provides a parsimonious mechanistic account for the DA's roles in value-learning and motivation. Our results also suggest that when biological systems for value-learning are active even though learning has apparently converged, the systems might be in a state of dynamic equilibrium, where learning and forgetting are balanced.

Gas-Phase Lithium Cation Basicity: Revisiting the High Basicity Range by Experiment and Theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mayeux, Charly; Burk, Peeter; Gal, Jean-Francois; Kaljurand, Ivari; Koppel, Ilmar; Leito, Ivo; Sikk, Lauri

2014-09-01

According to high level calculations, the upper part of the previously published FT-ICR lithium cation basicity (LiCB at 373 K) scale appeared to be biased by a systematic downward shift. The purpose of this work was to determine the source of this systematic difference. New experimental LiCB values at 373 K have been measured for 31 ligands by proton-transfer equilibrium techniques, ranging from tetrahydrofuran (137.2 kJ mol-1) to 1,2-dimethoxyethane (202.7 kJ mol-1). The relative basicities (ΔLiCB) were included in a single self-consistent ladder anchored to the absolute LiCB value of pyridine (146.7 kJ mol-1). This new LiCB scale exhibits a good agreement with theoretical values obtained at G2(MP2) level. By means of kinetic modeling, it was also shown that equilibrium measurements can be performed in spite of the formation of Li+ bound dimers. The key feature for achieving accurate equilibrium measurements is the ion trapping time. The potential causes of discrepancies between the new data and previous experimental measurements were analyzed. It was concluded that the disagreement essentially finds its origin in the estimation of temperature and the calibration of Cook's kinetic method.

(210)Polonium and (210)lead content of marine birds from Southeastern Brazil.

PubMed

Godoy, José Marcus; Siciliano, Salvatore; de Carvalho, Zenildo Lara; Tavares, Davi C; de Moura, Jaílson Fulgencio; Godoy, Maria Luiza D P

2014-09-01

In this study, we report the (210)Po and (210)Pb concentrations of bone, muscle and liver samples that were obtained from twelve different marine bird species stranded on beaches in the central-north region of Rio de Janeiro State. Both radionuclides were highly concentrated in the liver samples; however, the lowest mean (210)Po/(210)Pb activity ratio (1.3) was observed in bones compared with liver and muscle (16.8 and 13.8, respectively). Among the species that were studied, Fregata magnificens, with a diet based exclusively on fish, had the lowest (210)Pb and (210)Po concentrations and the lowest (210)Po/(210)Pb activity ratio. The (210)Po concentrations in Puffinus spp. liver samples followed a log-normal distribution, with a geometric mean of 300 Bq kg(-1)wet weight. Only two references pertaining to (210)Po in marine birds were found in a Web of Science search of the literature, and each study reported a different concentration value. The values determined in this experiment are consistent with those in one of the previous studies, which also included one of the species studied in this work. No values for (210)Pb in marine birds have been published previously. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of experimentally measured pressure oscillations on the vibration of a solid rocket motor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schoenster, J. A.; Pierce, H. B.

1972-01-01

Results are presented of firing a Nike rocket against a backstop for the purpose of obtaining pressure fluctuations in the rocket case and determining their relationship to structural vibrations of the case. Special care was required to obtain these pressure fluctuations because of the much higher static pressure generated in the rocket. Very small pressure fluctuations within the rocket case can cause significant vibration levels. A previously observed high frequency was shown to decrease with time before completely disappearing at about 1 second of burning time. The vibration of the case itself is probably related to the longitudinal structural modes at frequencies below 500 Hz and is dependent on local structural conditions at frequencies above this value.

New method of extrapolation of the resistance of a model planing boat to full size

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sottorf, W

1942-01-01

The previously employed method of extrapolating the total resistance to full size with lambda(exp 3) (model scale) and thereby foregoing a separate appraisal of the frictional resistance, was permissible for large models and floats of normal size. But faced with the ever increasing size of aircraft a reexamination of the problem of extrapolation to full size is called for. A method is described by means of which, on the basis of an analysis of tests on planing surfaces, the variation of the wetted surface over the take-off range is analytically obtained. The friction coefficients are read from Prandtl's curve for turbulent boundary layer with laminar approach. With these two values a correction for friction is obtainable.

Analysis of {sup 4}He+{sup 40}Ca and {sup 4}He+{sup 44}Ti scattering using different optical model potentials

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

Ibraheem, Awad A., E-mail: awad-ah-eb@hotmail.com

Elastic scattering of {sup 4}He+{sup 40}Ca and {sup 4}He+{sup 44}Ti reactions at backward angles has been analyzed using two different models, microscopic and semimicroscopic folding potentials. The derived real potentials supplemented with phenomenological Woods–Saxon imaginary potentials, provide good agreement with the experimental data at energy E{sub c.m.} = 21.8 MeV without need to renormalize the potentials. Coupled channels calculations are used to extract the inelastic scattering cross section to the low-lying state 2+ (1.083 MeV) of {sup 44}Ti. The deformation length is obtained and compared with the electromagnetic measurement values as well as those obtained from previous studies.

Single point estimation of phenytoin dosing: a reappraisal.

PubMed

Koup, J R; Gibaldi, M; Godolphin, W

1981-11-01

A previously proposed method for estimation of phenytoin dosing requirement using a single serum sample obtained 24 hours after intravenous loading dose (18 mg/Kg) has been re-evaluated. Using more realistic values for the volume of distribution of phenytoin (0.4 to 1.2 L/Kg), simulations indicate that the proposed method will fail to consistently predict dosage requirements. Additional simulations indicate that two samples obtained during the 24 hour interval following the iv loading dose could be used to more reliably predict phenytoin dose requirement. Because of the nonlinear relationship which exists between phenytoin dose administration rate (RO) and the mean steady state serum concentration (CSS), small errors in prediction of the required RO result in much larger errors in CSS.

Iodine oxidation by hydrogen peroxide and Bray-Liebhafsky oscillating reaction: effect of the temperature.

PubMed

Schmitz, Guy

2011-04-21

This work presents a new experimental kinetic study at 39° and 50° of the iodine oxidation by hydrogen peroxide. The results allow us to obtain the temperature effect on the rate constants previously proposed at 25° for our model of the Bray-Liebhafsky oscillating reaction (G. Schmitz, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 2010, 12, 6605.). The values calculated with the model are in good agreement with many experimental results obtained under very different experimental conditions. Numerical simulations of the oscillations observed formerly by different authors are presented, including the evolutions of the iodine, hydrogen peroxide, iodide ions and oxygen concentrations. Special attention is paid to the perturbing effects of oxygen and of the iodine loss to the gas phase.

Some remarks on nonminimal coupling of the inflaton

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahajan, Namit

2014-08-01

The nonminimal coupling of the inflaton is known to alleviate the smallness of the quartic coupling λ in the chaotic inflation with ϕ4 potential. A large ξ is required to obtain the cosmic microwave background (CMB) power spectrum while a small value 1/6 seems to be preferred from spectral index. There are issues related to conformal transformations, choice of frame and natural value(s) of ξ for a given potential. We revisit some of these issues and invoke field theoretic arguments (which exist in different context and have not been employed previously in the context of inflation) in order to address the same. A rather strong and general conclusion reached, based on the requirements of renormalizability and finiteness of specific matrix elements in a quantum theory, is that it is generically not possible to eliminate the nonminimal coupling by going from the Jordan to the Einstein frame via conformal transformations. We also comment on Higgs inflation.

Active Thermochemical Tables: The Adiabatic Ionization Energy of Hydrogen Peroxide.

PubMed

Changala, P Bryan; Nguyen, T Lam; Baraban, Joshua H; Ellison, G Barney; Stanton, John F; Bross, David H; Ruscic, Branko

2017-11-22

The adiabatic ionization energy of hydrogen peroxide (HOOH) is investigated, both by means of theoretical calculations and theoretically assisted reanalysis of previous experimental data. Values obtained by three different approaches: 10.638 ± 0.012 eV (purely theoretical determination), 10.649 ± 0.005 eV (reanalysis of photoelectron spectrum), and 10.645 ± 0.010 eV (reanalysis of photoionization spectrum) are in excellent mutual agreement. Further refinement of the latter two values to account for asymmetry of the rotational profile of the photoionization origin band leads to a reduction of 0.007 ± 0.006 eV, which tends to bring them into even closer alignment with the purely theoretical value. Detailed analysis of this fundamental quantity by the Active Thermochemical Tables approach, using the present results and extant literature, gives a final estimate of 10.641 ± 0.006 eV.

Active Thermochemical Tables: The Adiabatic Ionization Energy of Hydrogen Peroxide

DOE PAGES

Changala, P. Bryan; Nguyen, T. Lam; Baraban, Joshua H.; ...

2017-09-07

The adiabatic ionization energy of hydrogen peroxide (HOOH) is investigated, both by means of theoretical calculations and theoretically-assisted reanalysis of previous experimental data. Values obtained by three different approaches: 10.638 ± 0.012 eV (purely theoretical determination), 10.649 ± 0.005 eV (reanalysis of photoelectron spectrum) and 10.645 ± 0.010 eV (reanalysis of photoionization spectrum) are in excellent mutual agreement. Further refinement of the latter two values to account for asymmetry of the rotational profile of the photoionization origin band leads to a reduction of 0.007 ± 0.006 eV, which tends to bring them into even closer alignment with the purely theoreticalmore » value. As a result, detailed analysis of this fundamental quantity by the Active Thermochemical Tables (ATcT) approach, using the present results and extant literature, gives a final estimate of 10.641 ± 0.006 eV.« less

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

Changala, P. Bryan; Nguyen, T. Lam; Baraban, Joshua H.

The adiabatic ionization energy of hydrogen peroxide (HOOH) is investigated, both by means of theoretical calculations and theoretically-assisted reanalysis of previous experimental data. Values obtained by three different approaches: 10.638 ± 0.012 eV (purely theoretical determination), 10.649 ± 0.005 eV (reanalysis of photoelectron spectrum) and 10.645 ± 0.010 eV (reanalysis of photoionization spectrum) are in excellent mutual agreement. Further refinement of the latter two values to account for asymmetry of the rotational profile of the photoionization origin band leads to a reduction of 0.007 ± 0.006 eV, which tends to bring them into even closer alignment with the purely theoreticalmore » value. As a result, detailed analysis of this fundamental quantity by the Active Thermochemical Tables (ATcT) approach, using the present results and extant literature, gives a final estimate of 10.641 ± 0.006 eV.« less

Measurement of time-dependent CP violation in B 0 → η'K 0 decays

DOE PAGES

Šantelj, L.; Yusa, Y.; Abdesselam, A.; ...

2014-10-29

We present a measurement of the time-dependent CP violation parameters in B 0 → η'K 0 decays. The measurement is based on the full data sample containing 772×10 6 BB-bar pairs collected at the Υ(4S) resonance using the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e +e - collider. The measured values of the mixing-induced and direct CP violation parameters are: sin 2φ 1 eff = +0.68 ± 0.07 ± 0.03, A η'K0 = +0.03 ± 0.05 ± 0.04, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. The values obtained are the most accurate to date. Furthermore, thesemore » results are consistent with our previous measurements and with the world-average value of sin 2φ 1 measured in B 0 → J/ψK 0 decays.« less

A unified relation for the solid-liquid interface free energy of pure FCC, BCC, and HCP metals.

PubMed

Wilson, S R; Mendelev, M I

2016-04-14

We study correlations between the solid-liquid interface (SLI) free energy and bulk material properties (melting temperature, latent heat, and liquid structure) through the determination of SLI free energies for bcc and hcp metals from molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Values obtained for the bcc metals in this study were compared to values predicted by the Turnbull, Laird, and Ewing relations on the basis of previously published MD simulation data. We found that of these three empirical relations, the Ewing relation better describes the MD simulation data. Moreover, whereas the original Ewing relation contains two constants for a particular crystal structure, we found that the first coefficient in the Ewing relation does not depend on crystal structure, taking a common value for all three phases, at least for the class of the systems described by embedded-atom method potentials (which are considered to provide a reasonable approximation for metals).

A unified relation for the solid-liquid interface free energy of pure FCC, BCC, and HCP metals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilson, S. R.; Mendelev, M. I.

2016-04-01

We study correlations between the solid-liquid interface (SLI) free energy and bulk material properties (melting temperature, latent heat, and liquid structure) through the determination of SLI free energies for bcc and hcp metals from molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Values obtained for the bcc metals in this study were compared to values predicted by the Turnbull, Laird, and Ewing relations on the basis of previously published MD simulation data. We found that of these three empirical relations, the Ewing relation better describes the MD simulation data. Moreover, whereas the original Ewing relation contains two constants for a particular crystal structure, we found that the first coefficient in the Ewing relation does not depend on crystal structure, taking a common value for all three phases, at least for the class of the systems described by embedded-atom method potentials (which are considered to provide a reasonable approximation for metals).

Radiative transfer in the surfaces of atmosphereless bodies. III - Interpretation of lunar photometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lumme, K.; Irvine, W. M.

1982-01-01

Narrowband and UBV photoelectric phase curves of the entire lunar disk and surface photometry of some craters have been interpreted using a newly developed generalized radiative transfer theory for planetary regoliths. The data are well fitted by the theory, yielding information on both macroscopic and microscopic lunar properties. Derived values for the integrated disk geometric albedo are considerably higher than quoted previously, because of the present inclusion of an accurately determined opposition effect. The mean surface roughness, defined as the ratio of the height to the radius of a typical irregularity, is found to be 0.9 + or - 0.1, or somewhat less than the mean value of 1.2 obtained for the asteroids. From the phase curves, wavelength-dependent values of the single scattering albedo and the Henyey-Greenstein asymmetry factor for the average surface particle are derived.

Measurement of time-dependent CP violation in B 0 → η'K 0 decays

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

Šantelj, L.; Yusa, Y.; Abdesselam, A.

We present a measurement of the time-dependent CP violation parameters in B 0 → η'K 0 decays. The measurement is based on the full data sample containing 772×10 6 BB-bar pairs collected at the Υ(4S) resonance using the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e +e - collider. The measured values of the mixing-induced and direct CP violation parameters are: sin 2φ 1 eff = +0.68 ± 0.07 ± 0.03, A η'K0 = +0.03 ± 0.05 ± 0.04, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. The values obtained are the most accurate to date. Furthermore, thesemore » results are consistent with our previous measurements and with the world-average value of sin 2φ 1 measured in B 0 → J/ψK 0 decays.« less

Species richness in soil bacterial communities: a proposed approach to overcome sample size bias.

PubMed

Youssef, Noha H; Elshahed, Mostafa S

2008-09-01

Estimates of species richness based on 16S rRNA gene clone libraries are increasingly utilized to gauge the level of bacterial diversity within various ecosystems. However, previous studies have indicated that regardless of the utilized approach, species richness estimates obtained are dependent on the size of the analyzed clone libraries. We here propose an approach to overcome sample size bias in species richness estimates in complex microbial communities. Parametric (Maximum likelihood-based and rarefaction curve-based) and non-parametric approaches were used to estimate species richness in a library of 13,001 near full-length 16S rRNA clones derived from soil, as well as in multiple subsets of the original library. Species richness estimates obtained increased with the increase in library size. To obtain a sample size-unbiased estimate of species richness, we calculated the theoretical clone library sizes required to encounter the estimated species richness at various clone library sizes, used curve fitting to determine the theoretical clone library size required to encounter the "true" species richness, and subsequently determined the corresponding sample size-unbiased species richness value. Using this approach, sample size-unbiased estimates of 17,230, 15,571, and 33,912 were obtained for the ML-based, rarefaction curve-based, and ACE-1 estimators, respectively, compared to bias-uncorrected values of 15,009, 11,913, and 20,909.

The influence of anharmonic and solvent effects on the theoretical vibrational spectra of the guanine-cytosine base pairs in Watson-Crick and Hoogsteen configurations.

PubMed

Bende, Attila; Muntean, Cristina M

2014-03-01

The theoretical IR and Raman spectra of the guanine-cytosine DNA base pairs in Watson-Crick and Hoogsteen configurations were computed using DFT method with M06-2X meta-hybrid GGA exchange-correlation functional, including the anharmonic corrections and solvent effects. The results for harmonic frequencies and their anharmonic corrections were compared with our previously calculated values obtained with the B3PW91 hybrid GGA functional. Significant differences were obtained for the anharmonic corrections calculated with the two different DFT functionals, especially for the stretching modes, while the corresponding harmonic frequencies did not differ considerable. For the Hoogtseen case the H⁺ vibration between the G-C base pair can be characterized as an asymmetric Duffing oscillator and therefore unrealistic anharmonic corrections for normal modes where this proton vibration is involved have been obtained. The spectral modification due to the anharmonic corrections, solvent effects and the influence of sugar-phosphate group for the Watson-Crick and Hoogsteen base pair configurations, respectively, were also discussed. For the Watson-Crick case also the influence of the stacking interaction on the theoretical IR and Raman spectra was analyzed. Including the anharmonic correction in our normal mode analysis is essential if one wants to obtain correct assignments of the theoretical frequency values as compared with the experimental spectra.

Robust motion tracking based on adaptive speckle decorrelation analysis of OCT signal.

PubMed

Wang, Yuewen; Wang, Yahui; Akansu, Ali; Belfield, Kevin D; Hubbi, Basil; Liu, Xuan

2015-11-01

Speckle decorrelation analysis of optical coherence tomography (OCT) signal has been used in motion tracking. In our previous study, we demonstrated that cross-correlation coefficient (XCC) between Ascans had an explicit functional dependency on the magnitude of lateral displacement (δx). In this study, we evaluated the sensitivity of speckle motion tracking using the derivative of function XCC(δx) on variable δx. We demonstrated the magnitude of the derivative can be maximized. In other words, the sensitivity of OCT speckle tracking can be optimized by using signals with appropriate amount of decorrelation for XCC calculation. Based on this finding, we developed an adaptive speckle decorrelation analysis strategy to achieve motion tracking with optimized sensitivity. Briefly, we used subsequently acquired Ascans and Ascans obtained with larger time intervals to obtain multiple values of XCC and chose the XCC value that maximized motion tracking sensitivity for displacement calculation. Instantaneous motion speed can be calculated by dividing the obtained displacement with time interval between Ascans involved in XCC calculation. We implemented the above-described algorithm in real-time using graphic processing unit (GPU) and demonstrated its effectiveness in reconstructing distortion-free OCT images using data obtained from a manually scanned OCT probe. The adaptive speckle tracking method was validated in manually scanned OCT imaging, on phantom as well as in vivo skin tissue.

Robust motion tracking based on adaptive speckle decorrelation analysis of OCT signal

PubMed Central

Wang, Yuewen; Wang, Yahui; Akansu, Ali; Belfield, Kevin D.; Hubbi, Basil; Liu, Xuan

2015-01-01

Speckle decorrelation analysis of optical coherence tomography (OCT) signal has been used in motion tracking. In our previous study, we demonstrated that cross-correlation coefficient (XCC) between Ascans had an explicit functional dependency on the magnitude of lateral displacement (δx). In this study, we evaluated the sensitivity of speckle motion tracking using the derivative of function XCC(δx) on variable δx. We demonstrated the magnitude of the derivative can be maximized. In other words, the sensitivity of OCT speckle tracking can be optimized by using signals with appropriate amount of decorrelation for XCC calculation. Based on this finding, we developed an adaptive speckle decorrelation analysis strategy to achieve motion tracking with optimized sensitivity. Briefly, we used subsequently acquired Ascans and Ascans obtained with larger time intervals to obtain multiple values of XCC and chose the XCC value that maximized motion tracking sensitivity for displacement calculation. Instantaneous motion speed can be calculated by dividing the obtained displacement with time interval between Ascans involved in XCC calculation. We implemented the above-described algorithm in real-time using graphic processing unit (GPU) and demonstrated its effectiveness in reconstructing distortion-free OCT images using data obtained from a manually scanned OCT probe. The adaptive speckle tracking method was validated in manually scanned OCT imaging, on phantom as well as in vivo skin tissue. PMID:26600996

A new microcolumn flotation cell for determining the wettability and floatability of minerals.

PubMed

Ozkan, A; Yekeler, M

2003-05-15

Flotation is one of the most important physicochemical processes for mineral separations and other recovery operations. Flotation machines have been developed since the beginning of the 19th century and are still under intensive research and development. The cell we devised is a combination of the Canadian column flotation cell and the Partridge-Smith cell. The materials used for the construction of the new cell are cheap and use available laboratory accessories and aquarium materials. The cell functions well in terms of its scale, control, and sample requirement. It can be used both in the laboratory for research and in classrooms for demonstrations of experiments. Some of the data obtained by the flotation method using this cell are in good agreement with data measured independently on the same minerals by the contact angles method. The critical values of surface tension of wetting (gamma(c)) for talc, sulfur, and chemically treated surfaces of calcite and barite obtained by the contact angle measurements were 31, 26, 30.5, and 31.2 mN/m, respectively. On the other hand, the gamma(c) values of those minerals, obtained using our new designed flotation cell, were 30, 28, 31.4, and 34.5 mN/m, respectively. The measurements obtained in our experiment are also comparable to those previously published for the same minerals.

Effectiveness of a glutaraldehyde formulation in decontamination of dental unit water systems.

PubMed

Gigola, P; Angelillo, V; Garusi, G

2006-01-01

Dental-medical devices may transmit infections caused by bacteria that are usually found in water distribution systems, and which are difficult to treat and control. High bacterial contamination in the water systems of dental units is due to the presence of biofilm inside the pipes. Our study evaluated the efficacy of glutaraldehyde formulated with quarternary ammonium salts (Sanicide T4) examined in a previous study, employing a series of assays to confirm or otherwise the results obtained previously. A purification protocol for the dental unit water system, together with a protocol for daily maintenance treatment, were tested on two dental units (in the Departments of Conservative and Prosthetic Dentistry) taking specimens from the turbine, micro-engine and air-water gun. The chemical substance, at a concentration of 20 cc per litre of water, was allowed to act when the department closed, for a total of 15 days. The Sanicide T4 was handled with protective gloves and the dental units were fitted with two safety devices to avoid accidental ingestion. Laboratory results enabled us to compare values for bacterial load at 36 degrees C and at 22 degrees C and for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, before and after applying the test protocol. Data obtained are satisfactory except for Pseudo-monas in the fountain in the Department of Conservative Dentistry; the value was in any case below the safety level set by the American Dental Association, confirming the results obtained in our previous study. The two protocols may now be considered an excellent solution to control the development of biofilm. Should the product be found to be effective for a longer period of use, each dental unit should be provided with: an anti-reflux valve to stop accidental ingestion of disinfectant; a hydraulic mechanism to pump the product to the handpieces and other water supply devices; possibility of discriminating the use of the public water system from the use of that in the disinfectant circuit; an automatic mechanism whereby the disinfectant can be flushed out with drinking water every morning.

Dysregulated Plasma Glucagon Levels in Japanese Young-adult Type 1 Diabetes Patients.

PubMed

Kawamori, Dan; Katakami, Naoto; Takahara, Mitsuyoshi; Miyashita, Kazuyuki; Sakamoto, Fumie; Yasuda, Tetsuyuki; Matsuoka, Taka-Aki; Shimomura, Iichiro

2018-05-16

Currently, the clinical dynamics of glucagon needs to be revised based on previous data obtained from conventional glucagon radioimmunoassays. In this study, we evaluated plasma glucagon levels in type 1 diabetes patients using a newly-developed sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and its association with clinical parameters and markers of diabetes complications were statistically assessed. The plasma glucagon level in 77 Japanese type 1 diabetes patients was 28.1±17.7 pg/mL, and comparable to that reported previously for type 2 diabetes patients. However, the values were widely spread and did not correlate with plasma glucose values. Additionally, the average glucagon levels in patients in a hypoglycemic state (glucose level <80 mg/dL) did not increase (21.7±12.2 pg/mL). The average glucagon level of patients experiencing hypoglycemia unawareness was significantly lower. Plasma glucagon levels evaluated using the new ELISA were dysregulated in type 1 diabetes patients in respect of plasma glucose levels, suggesting dysregulation of secretion. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Multiple isotope effects with alternative dinucleotide substrates as a probe of the malic enzyme reaction

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

Weiss, P.M.; Urbauer, J.L.; Cleland, W.W.

1991-06-11

Deuterium isotope effects and {sup 13}C isotope effects with deuterium- and protium-labeled malate have been obtained for both NAD- and NADP-malic enzymes by using a variety of alternative dinucleotide substrates. With nicotinamide-containing dinucleotides as the oxidizing substrate, the {sup 13}C effect decreases when deuterated malate is the substrate compared to the value obtained with protium-labeled malate. These data are consistent with a stepwise chemical mechanism in which hydride transfer precedes decarboxylation of the oxalacetate intermediate as previously proposed. When dinucleotide substrates such as thio-NAD, 3-nicotinamide rings are used, the {sup 13}C effect increases when deuterated malate is the substrate comparedmore » to the value obtained with protium-labeled malate. These data, at face value, are consistent with a change in mechanism from stepwise to concerted for the oxidative decarboxylation portion of the mechanism. However, the increase in the deuterium isotope effect from 1.5 to 3 with a concomitant decrease in the {sup 13}C isotope effect from 1.034 to 1.003 as the dinucleotide substrate is changed suggests that the reaction may still be stepwise with the non-nicotinamide dinucleotides. A more likely explanation is that a {beta}-secondary {sup 13}C isotope effect accompanies hydride transfer as a result of hyperconjugation of the {beta}-carboxyl of malate as the transition state for the hydride transfer step is approached.« less

Sobol method application in dimensional sensitivity analyses of different AFM cantilevers for biological particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Korayem, M. H.; Taheri, M.; Ghahnaviyeh, S. D.

2015-08-01

Due to the more delicate nature of biological micro/nanoparticles, it is necessary to compute the critical force of manipulation. The modeling and simulation of reactions and nanomanipulator dynamics in a precise manipulation process require an exact modeling of cantilevers stiffness, especially the stiffness of dagger cantilevers because the previous model is not useful for this investigation. The stiffness values for V-shaped cantilevers can be obtained through several methods. One of them is the PBA method. In another approach, the cantilever is divided into two sections: a triangular head section and two slanted rectangular beams. Then, deformations along different directions are computed and used to obtain the stiffness values in different directions. The stiffness formulations of dagger cantilever are needed for this sensitivity analyses so the formulations have been driven first and then sensitivity analyses has been started. In examining the stiffness of the dagger-shaped cantilever, the micro-beam has been divided into two triangular and rectangular sections and by computing the displacements along different directions and using the existing relations, the stiffness values for dagger cantilever have been obtained. In this paper, after investigating the stiffness of common types of cantilevers, Sobol sensitivity analyses of the effects of various geometric parameters on the stiffness of these types of cantilevers have been carried out. Also, the effects of different cantilevers on the dynamic behavior of nanoparticles have been studied and the dagger-shaped cantilever has been deemed more suitable for the manipulation of biological particles.

Spectroscopic Factors from the Single Neutron Transfer Reaction 111Cd(d,p)112Cd

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jamieson, D. S.; Garrett, P. E.; Demand, G. A.; Finlay, P.; Green, K. L.; Leach, K. G.; Phillips, A. A.; Svensson, C. E.; Sumithrarachchi, C. S.; Triambak, S.; Wong, J.; Ball, G.; Faestermann, T.; Krücken, R.; Hertenberger, R.; Wirth, H.-F.

2013-03-01

The cadmium isotopes have been cited as excellent examples of vibrational nuclei for decades, with multi-phonon quadrupole, quadrupole-octupole, and mixed-symmetry states proposed. From a variety of experimental studies, a large amount of spectroscopic data has been obtained, recently focused on γ-ray studies. In the present work, the single-particle structure of 112Cd has been investigated using the 111Cd(ěcd, p)112Cd reaction. The investigation was carried out using a 22 MeV beam of polarized deuterons obtained from the Maier-Leibnitz Laboratory at Garching, Germany. The reaction ejectiles were momentum analyzed using a Q3D spectrograph, and 115 levels have been identified up to 4.2 MeV of excitation energy. Spin-parity has been assigned to each analyzed level, and angular distributions for the reaction cross sections and analyzing powers were obtained. Many additional levels have been observed compared with the previous (d,p) study performed with 8 MeV deuterons,1 including strongly populated 5- and 6- states. The former was previously assigned as a member of the quadrupole-octupole quintuplet, based on a strongly enhanced B(E2) value to the 3- state, but is now re-assigned as being predominately s1/2 ⊗ h11/2 configuration.

A hyperspectral view of Cassiopeia A

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alarie, Alexandre; Bilodeau, Antoine; Drissen, Laurent

2014-07-01

We used the imaging Fourier transform spectrometer Spectromètre Imageur de l'Observatoire du Mont-Mégantic (SpIOMM) to obtain hyperspectral cubes of the young supernova remnant Cassiopeia A (Cas A). The cubes contain over 5000 spatially resolved spectra covering the spectral range 6480-7050 Å. We first investigate the slow-moving N-rich quasi-stationary flocculi by measuring their radial velocity as well as the [N II] λ6583/Hα ratio. No correlation between their radial velocity and [N II] λ6583/Hα ratio with their location has been found. We used multi-epoch observations from the Hubble Space Telescope to create a proper motion map, showing the displacement of several filaments over the most part of Cas A. Combining data from SpIOMM and Hubble, we re-evaluate the distance to Cas A and obtained 3.33 ± 0.10 kpc, which is in good agreement with previous estimates. Finally, we obtain a three-dimensional spatial view of the [S II] λλ6716, 6731 emissions showing their location, expansion velocity and the [S II] doublet line ratio for multiple locations in the remnant. The velocity asymmetry reported by previous analyses is clearly visible. Also, the [S II] doublet ratio (with a mean value of 0.5 ± 0.2) indicates a very high and variable electronic density throughout the remnant.

Chloroplast DNA haplotype variation and population differentiation in Sorbus aucuparia L. (Rosaceae: Maloideae).

PubMed

Raspé, O; Saumitou-Laprade, P; Cuguen, J; Jacquemart, A L

2000-08-01

Intra-specific chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) variation was studied in Sorbus aucuparia L., an entomophilous, mid-or early successional tree producing fleshy fruits. Eight PCR-amplified fragments of the chloroplast genome were screened for restriction fragment length polymorphisms, using one or two 4 bp-cutter restriction endonucleases. cpDNA variation was investigated on two geographical scales: (1) among four regions in France and Belgium; and (2) within the Belgian region. A total of 150 individuals from six populations were analysed. Fourteen polymorphisms were detected in six of the cpDNA fragments. All polymorphisms probably resulted from insertions or deletions, and allowed the identification of 12 haplotypes. The level of genetic differentiation computed on the basis of haplotype frequencies was similar on the two geographical scales considered (G(STc) = 0.286 among regions, G(STc) = 0.259 among populations within the Belgian region). These values are much lower than those obtained in nine previously studied temperate tree species, which are all wind-pollinated, late-successional species producing dry fruits. These results might primarily be accounted for by the contrasting life history traits of S. aucuparia. In order to obtain insights into the relative contribution of pollen and seeds to gene flow, G(STc) was also compared with previously obtained G(ST) estimates based on allozyme data.

Design considerations of Miller oscillators for high-sensitivity QCM sensors in damping media.

PubMed

Rodriguez-Pardo, Loreto; Fariña, Jose; Gabrielli, Claude; Perrot, Hubert; Brendel, Remi

2007-10-01

In this paper, a new contribution to the design of quartz crystal oscillators for high-sensitivity microbalance sensors used in liquid media is presented. The oscillation condition for a Miller configuration was studied to work in a wide dynamic range of the resonator losses. The equations relating the values of the active and passive components with the maximum supported damping and mass were obtained. Also, the conditions to obtain a stable frequency according to the resonator damping (R(Q)), the static capacity (Cp) and the filter frequency (f(F)) were found. Under these conditions, the circuit oscillation frequency will be proportional to the resonant series frequency and does not depend on the previous parameters (R(Q), f(F), and Cp). If these conditions cannot be satisfied, the expression of the oscillation frequency is given and the discrimination of these effects is obtained through resonator frequency measurements.

Techniques for obtaining regional radiation budgets from satellite radiometer observations, phase 4 and phase 5. Ph.D. Thesis. Final Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pina, J. F.; House, F. B.

1976-01-01

A scheme was developed which divides the earth-atmosphere system into 2060 elemental areas. The regions previously described are defined in terms of these elemental areas which are fixed in size and position as the satellite moves. One method, termed the instantaneous technique, yields values of the radiant emittance (We) and the radiant reflectance (Wr) which the regions have during the time interval of a single satellite pass. The number of observations matches the number of regions under study and a unique solution is obtained using matrix inversion. The other method (termed the best fit technique), yields time averages of We and Wr for large time intervals (e.g., months, seasons). The number of observations in this technique is much greater than the number of regions considered, and an approximate solution is obtained by the method of least squares.

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.

Features of the laminar-turbulent transition in supersonic axisymmetric microjets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maslov, A. A.; Aniskin, V. M.; Mironov, S. G.

2016-10-01

In this paper, a supersonic core length of microjets is studied in terms of laminar-turbulent transition in the microjet mixing layer. Previously, it was discovered that this transition has a determining influence on the supersonic core length. A possibility of simulation of microjet flows is estimated through the use of Reynolds number computed by the nozzle diameter and the nozzle exit gas parameters. These experimental data were obtained using Pitot tube when the jets escaping from the nozzle of 0.6 mm into the low-pressure space. This experiment made it possible to achieve a large jet pressure ratio when the Reynolds number values were low which specify the microjets' behavior. The supersonic core length, phase of the laminar-turbulent transition and flow characteristics in the space are obtained. Such an approach provides simulation of the characteristics of microjets and macrojets, and also explains preliminary proposition and some data obtained for microjets.

Folding cooperativity in a three-stranded beta-sheet model.

PubMed

Roe, Daniel R; Hornak, Viktor; Simmerling, Carlos

2005-09-16

The thermodynamic behavior of a previously designed three-stranded beta-sheet was studied via several microseconds of standard and replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations. The system is shown to populate at least four thermodynamic minima, including two partially folded states in which only a single hairpin is formed. Simulated melting curves show different profiles for the C and N-terminal hairpins, consistent with differences in secondary structure content in published NMR and CD/FTIR measurements, which probed different regions of the chain. Individual beta-hairpins that comprise the three-stranded beta-sheet are observed to form cooperatively. Partial folding cooperativity between the component hairpins is observed, and good agreement between calculated and experimental values quantifying this cooperativity is obtained when similar analysis techniques are used. However, the structural detail in the ensemble of conformations sampled in the simulations permits a more direct analysis of this cooperativity than has been performed on the basis of experimental data. The results indicate the actual folding cooperativity perpendicular to strand direction is significantly larger than the lower bound obtained previously.

Folding cooperativity in a 3-stranded β-sheet model

PubMed Central

Roe, Daniel R.; Hornak, Viktor

2015-01-01

Summary The thermodynamic behavior of a previously designed three-stranded β-sheet was studied via several µs of standard and replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations. The system is shown to populate at least four thermodynamic minima, including 2 partially folded states in which only a single hairpin is formed. Simulated melting curves show different profiles for the C and N-terminal hairpins, consistent with differences in secondary structure content in published NMR and CD/FTIR measurements, which probed different regions of the chain. Individual β-hairpins that comprise the 3-stranded β-sheet are observed to form cooperatively. Partial folding cooperativity between the component hairpins is observed, and good agreement between calculated and experimental values quantifying this cooperativity is obtained when similar analysis techniques are used. However, the structural detail in the ensemble of conformations sampled in the simulations permits a more direct analysis of this cooperatively than has been performed based on experimental data. The results indicate the actual folding cooperativity perpendicular to strand direction is significantly larger than the lower bound obtained previously. PMID:16095612

Line Assignments and Position Measurements in Several Weak CO2 Bands between 4590 /cm and 7930/ cm

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Giver, L. P.; Kshirsagar, R. J.; Freedman, R. C.; Chackerian, C.; Wattson, R. B.

1998-01-01

A substantial set of CO2 spectra from 4500 to 12000 /cm has been obtained at Ames with 1500 m path length using a Bomem DA8 FTS. The signal/noise was improved compared to prior spectra obtained in this laboratory by including a filter wheel limiting the band-pass of each spectrum to several hundred/cm. We have measured positions of lines in several weak bands not previously resolved in laboratory spectra. Using our positions and assignments of lines of the Q branch of the 31103-00001 vibrational band at 4591/cm, we have re-determined the rotational constants for the 31103f levels. Q-branch lines of this band were previously observed, but misassigned, in Venus spectra by Mandin. The current HITRAN values of the rotational constants for this level are incorrect due to the Q-branch misassignments. Our prior measurements of the 21122-00001 vibrational band at 7901/cm were limited to Q- and R-branch lines; with the improved signal/noise of these new spectra we have now measured lines in the weaker P branch.

"Cooperative collapse" of the denatured state revealed through Clausius-Clapeyron analysis of protein denaturation phase diagrams.

PubMed

Tischer, Alexander; Machha, Venkata R; Rösgen, Jörg; Auton, Matthew

2018-02-19

Protein phase diagrams have a unique potential to identify the presence of additional thermodynamic states even when non-2-state character is not readily apparent from the experimental observables used to follow protein unfolding transitions. Two-state analysis of the von Willebrand factor A3 domain has previously revealed a discrepancy in the calorimetric enthalpy obtained from thermal unfolding transitions as compared with Gibbs-Helmholtz analysis of free energies obtained from the Linear Extrapolation Method (Tischer and Auton, Prot Sci 2013; 22(9):1147-60). We resolve this thermodynamic conundrum using a Clausius-Clapeyron analysis of the urea-temperature phase diagram that defines how ΔH and the urea m-value interconvert through the slope of c m versus T, (∂cm/∂T)=ΔH/(mT). This relationship permits the calculation of ΔH at low temperature from m-values obtained through iso-thermal urea denaturation and high temperature m-values from ΔH obtained through iso-urea thermal denaturation. Application of this equation uncovers sigmoid transitions in both cooperativity parameters as temperature is increased. Such residual thermal cooperativity of ΔH and the m-value confirms the presence of an additional state which is verified to result from a cooperative phase transition between urea-expanded and thermally-compact denatured states. Comparison of the equilibria between expanded and compact denatured ensembles of disulfide-intact and carboxyamidated A3 domains reveals that introducing a single disulfide crosslink does not affect the presence of the additional denatured state. It does, however, make a small thermodynamically favorable free energy (∼-13 ± 1 kJ/mol) contribution to the cooperative denatured state collapse transition as temperature is raised and urea concentration is lowered. The thermodynamics of this "cooperative collapse" of the denatured state retain significant compensations between the enthalpy and entropy contributions to the overall free energy. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Robust flood area detection using a L-band synthetic aperture radar: Preliminary application for Florida, the U.S. affected by Hurricane Irma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagai, H.; Ohki, M.; Abe, T.

2017-12-01

Urgent crisis response for a hurricane-induced flood needs urgent providing of a flood map covering a broad region. However, there is no standard threshold values for automatic flood identification from pre-and-post images obtained by satellite-based synthetic aperture radars (SARs). This problem could hamper prompt data providing for operational uses. Furthermore, one pre-flood SAR image does not always represent potential water surfaces and river flows especially in tropical flat lands which are greatly influenced by seasonal precipitation cycle. We are, therefore, developing a new method of flood mapping using PALSAR-2, an L-band SAR, which is less affected by temporal surface changes. Specifically, a mean-value image and a standard-deviation image are calculated from a series of pre-flood SAR images. It is combined with a post-flood SAR image to obtain normalized backscatter amplitude difference (NoBADi), with which a difference between a post-flood image and a mean-value image is divided by a standard-deviation image to emphasize anomalous water extents. Flooding areas are then automatically obtained from the NoBADi images as lower-value pixels avoiding potential water surfaces. We applied this method to PALSAR-2 images acquired on Sept. 8, 10, and 12, 2017, covering flooding areas in a central region of Dominican Republic and west Florida, the U.S. affected by Hurricane Irma. The output flooding outlines are validated with flooding areas manually delineated from high-resolution optical satellite images, resulting in higher consistency and less uncertainty than previous methods (i.e., a simple pre-and-post flood difference and pre-and-post coherence changes). The NoBADi method has a great potential to obtain a reliable flood map for future flood hazards, not hampered by cloud cover, seasonal surface changes, and "casual" thresholds in the flood identification process.

A method for addressing differences in concentrations of fipronil and three degradates obtained by two different laboratory methods

USGS Publications Warehouse

Crawford, Charles G.; Martin, Jeffrey D.

2017-07-21

In October 2012, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) began measuring the concentration of the pesticide fipronil and three of its degradates (desulfinylfipronil, fipronil sulfide, and fipronil sulfone) by a new laboratory method using direct aqueous-injection liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (DAI LC–MS/MS). This method replaced the previous method—in use since 2002—that used gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The performance of the two methods is not comparable for fipronil and the three degradates. Concentrations of these four chemical compounds determined by the DAI LC–MS/MS method are substantially lower than the GC/MS method. A method was developed to correct for the difference in concentrations obtained by the two laboratory methods based on a methods comparison field study done in 2012. Environmental and field matrix spike samples to be analyzed by both methods from 48 stream sites from across the United States were sampled approximately three times each for this study. These data were used to develop a relation between the two laboratory methods for each compound using regression analysis. The relations were used to calibrate data obtained by the older method to the new method in order to remove any biases attributable to differences in the methods. The coefficients of the equations obtained from the regressions were used to calibrate over 16,600 observations of fipronil, as well as the three degradates determined by the GC/MS method retrieved from the USGS National Water Information System. The calibrated values were then compared to over 7,800 observations of fipronil and to the three degradates determined by the DAI LC–MS/MS method also retrieved from the National Water Information System. The original and calibrated values from the GC/MS method, along with measures of uncertainty in the calibrated values and the original values from the DAI LC–MS/MS method, are provided in an accompanying data release.

Line-driven winds revisited in the context of Be stars: Ω-slow solutions with high k values

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

Silaj, J.; Jones, C. E.; Curé, M.

2014-11-01

The standard, or fast, solutions of m-CAK line-driven wind theory cannot account for slowly outflowing disks like the ones that surround Be stars. It has been previously shown that there exists another family of solutions—the Ω-slow solutions—that is characterized by much slower terminal velocities and higher mass-loss rates. We have solved the one-dimensional m-CAK hydrodynamical equation of rotating radiation-driven winds for this latter solution, starting from standard values of the line force parameters (α, k, and δ), and then systematically varying the values of α and k. Terminal velocities and mass-loss rates that are in good agreement with those foundmore » in Be stars are obtained from the solutions with lower α and higher k values. Furthermore, the equatorial densities of such solutions are comparable to those that are typically assumed in ad hoc models. For very high values of k, we find that the wind solutions exhibit a new kind of behavior.« less

Comparative molecular field analysis of fenoterol derivatives interacting with an agonist-stabilized form of the β₂-adrenergic receptor.

PubMed

Plazinska, Anita; Pajak, Karolina; Rutkowska, Ewelina; Jimenez, Lucita; Kozocas, Joseph; Koolpe, Gary; Tanga, Mary; Toll, Lawrence; Wainer, Irving W; Jozwiak, Krzysztof

2014-01-01

The β₂-adrenergic receptor (β₂-AR) agonist [(3)H]-(R,R')-methoxyfenoterol was employed as the marker ligand in displacement studies measuring the binding affinities (Ki values) of the stereoisomers of a series of 4'-methoxyfenoterol analogs in which the length of the alkyl substituent at α' position was varied from 0 to 3 carbon atoms. The binding affinities of the compounds were additionally determined using the inverse agonist [(3)H]-CGP-12177 as the marker ligand and the ability of the compounds to stimulate cAMP accumulation, measured as EC₅₀ values, were determined in HEK293 cells expressing the β₂-AR. The data indicate that the highest binding affinities and functional activities were produced by methyl and ethyl substituents at the α' position. The results also indicate that the Ki values obtained using [(3)H]-(R,R')-methoxyfenoterol as the marker ligand modeled the EC₅₀ values obtained from cAMP stimulation better than the data obtained using [(3)H]-CGP-12177 as the marker ligand. The data from this study was combined with data from previous studies and processed using the Comparative Molecular Field Analysis approach to produce a CoMFA model reflecting the binding to the β₂-AR conformation probed by [(3)H]-(R,R')-4'-methoxyfenoterol. The CoMFA model of the agonist-stabilized β₂-AR suggests that the binding of the fenoterol analogs to an agonist-stabilized conformation of the β₂-AR is governed to a greater extend by steric effects than binding to the [(3)H]-CGP-12177-stabilized conformation(s) in which electrostatic interactions play a more predominate role. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparative Molecular Field Analysis of fenoterol derivatives interacting with an agonist-stabilized form of the β2-adrenergic receptor

PubMed Central

Plazinska, Anita; Pajak, Karolina; Rutkowska, Ewelina; Jimenez, Lucita; Kozocas, Joseph; Koolpe, Gary; Tanga, Mary; Toll, Lawrence; Wainer, Irving W.; Jozwiak, Krzysztof

2014-01-01

The β2-adrenergic receptor (β2-AR) agonist [3H]-(R,R′)-methoxyfenoterol was employed as the marker ligand in displacement studies measuring the binding affinities (Ki values) of the stereoisomers of a series of 4′-methoxyfenoterol analogs in which the length of the alkyl substituent at α′ position was varied from 0 to 3 carbon atoms. The binding affinities of the compounds were additionally determined using the inverse agonist [3H]-CGP-12177 as the marker ligand and the ability of the compounds to stimulate cAMP accumulation, measured as EC50 values, were determined in HEK293 cells expressing the β2-AR. The data indicate that the highest binding affinities and functional activities were produced by methyl and ethyl substituents at the α′ position. The results also indicate that the Ki values obtained using [3H]-(R,R′)-methoxyfenoterol as the marker ligand modeled the EC50 values obtained from cAMP stimulation better than the data obtained using [3H]-CGP-12177 as the marker ligand. The data from this study was combined with data from previous studies and processed using the Comparative Molecular Field Analysis approach to produce a CoMFA model reflecting the binding to the β2-AR conformation probed by [3H]-(R,R′)-4′-methoxyfenoterol. The CoMFA model of the agonist-stabilized β2-AR suggests that the binding of the fenoterol analogs to an agonist-stabilized conformation of the β2-AR is governed to a greater extend by steric effects than binding to the [3H]-CGP-12177-stabilized conformation(s) in which electrostatic interactions play a more predominate role. PMID:24326276

Ant colony optimisation-direct cover: a hybrid ant colony direct cover technique for multi-level synthesis of multiple-valued logic functions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abd-El-Barr, Mostafa

2010-12-01

The use of non-binary (multiple-valued) logic in the synthesis of digital systems can lead to savings in chip area. Advances in very large scale integration (VLSI) technology have enabled the successful implementation of multiple-valued logic (MVL) circuits. A number of heuristic algorithms for the synthesis of (near) minimal sum-of products (two-level) realisation of MVL functions have been reported in the literature. The direct cover (DC) technique is one such algorithm. The ant colony optimisation (ACO) algorithm is a meta-heuristic that uses constructive greediness to explore a large solution space in finding (near) optimal solutions. The ACO algorithm mimics the ant's behaviour in the real world in using the shortest path to reach food sources. We have previously introduced an ACO-based heuristic for the synthesis of two-level MVL functions. In this article, we introduce the ACO-DC hybrid technique for the synthesis of multi-level MVL functions. The basic idea is to use an ant to decompose a given MVL function into a number of levels and then synthesise each sub-function using a DC-based technique. The results obtained using the proposed approach are compared to those obtained using existing techniques reported in the literature. A benchmark set consisting of 50,000 randomly generated 2-variable 4-valued functions is used in the comparison. The results obtained using the proposed ACO-DC technique are shown to produce efficient realisation in terms of the average number of gates (as a measure of chip area) needed for the synthesis of a given MVL function.

Neutron densities from a global analysis of medium-energy proton-nucleus elastic scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clark, B. C.; Kerr, L. J.; Hama, S.

2003-05-01

A new method for extracting neutron densities from intermediate-energy elastic proton-nucleus scattering observables uses a global Dirac phenomenological approach based on the relativistic impulse approximation. Datasets for 40Ca, 48Ca, and 208Pb in the energy range from 500 MeV to 1040 MeV are considered. The global fits are successful in reproducing the data and in predicting datasets not included in the analysis. Using this global approach, energy-independent neutron densities are obtained. The vector point proton density distribution ρpv is determined from the empirical charge density after unfolding the proton form factor. The other densities, ρnv, ρps, ρns, are parametrized. This work provides energy-independent values for the rms neutron radius Rn and the neutron skin thickness Sn, in contrast to the energy-dependent values obtained by previous studies. In addition, the results presented in this paper show that the expected rms neutron radius and the skin thickness for 40Ca are accurately reproduced. The values of Rn and Sn obtained from the global fits that we consider to be the most reliable are given as follows: for 40Ca, 3.314>Rn>3.310 fm and -0.063>Sn >-0.067 fm; for 48Ca, 3.459>Rn>3.413 fm and 0.102>Sn>0.056 fm; and for 208Pb, 5.550>Rn>5.522 fm and 0.111>Sn>0.083 fm. These values are in reasonable agreement with nonrelativistic Skyrme-Hartree-Fock models and with relativistic Hartree-Bogoliubov models with density-dependent meson-nucleon couplings. The results from the global fits for 48Ca and 208Pb are generally not in agreement with the usual relativistic mean-field models.

A molecular beam photoionization mass spectrometric study of Cr(CO){sub 6}, Mo(CO){sub 6}, and W(CO){sub 6}

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

Chen, Y.; Liao, C.; Ng, C.Y.

1997-09-01

The photoionization efficiency (PIE) spectra for M(CO){sub n}{sup +} (n=0{endash}6) from M(CO){sub 6}, M=Cr, Mo, and W, have been measured in the photon energy range of 650{endash}1600 {Angstrom}. Based on the ionization energies for M(CO){sub 6} and appearance energies (AEs) for M(CO){sub n}{sup +} (n=0{endash}5) determined here, we have obtained estimates for the sequential bond dissociation energies (D{sub 0}) for CO{endash}M(CO){sub n{minus}1}{sup +} (n=1{endash}6). The comparison between the D{sub 0} values for the Cr(CO){sub 6}{sup +} system obtained here and in the recent collisional induced dissociation and theoretical studies suggests that D{sub 0} values for CO{endash}M(CO){sub n{minus}1}{sup +} (n=3{endash}6) basedmore » on this PIE experiment are reliable. The PIE results reveal the general trend for individual D{sub 0} values that D{sub 0}[CO{endash}Cr(CO){sub n{minus}1}{sup +}]{lt}D{sub 0}[CO{endash}Mo(CO){sub n{minus}1}{sup +}]{lt}D{sub 0}[CO{endash}W(CO){sub n{minus}1}{sup +}] (n=3{endash}6). The comparison of the first D{sub 0} values for M(CO){sub 6}{sup +} obtained here and those for M(CO){sub 6} reported previously provides strong support for the theoretical analysis that the importance of relativistic effects, which give rise to more efficient M to CO {pi}-back-donation in M(CO){sub 6}, is in the order W(CO){sub 6}{gt}Mo(CO){sub 6}{gt}Cr(CO){sub 6}. {copyright} {ital 1997 American Institute of Physics.}« less

Potential for enhancing external beam radiotherapy for lung cancer using high-Z nanoparticles administered via inhalation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hao, Yao; Altundal, Yucel; Moreau, Michele; Sajo, Erno; Kumar, Rajiv; Ngwa, Wilfred

2015-09-01

Nanoparticle-aided radiation therapy is emerging as a promising modality to enhance radiotherapy via the radiosensitizing action of high atomic number (Z) nanoparticles. However, the delivery of sufficiently potent concentrations of such nanoparticles to the tumor remain a challenge. This study investigates the dose enhancement to lung tumors due to high-Z nanoparticles (NPs) administered via inhalation during external beam radiotherapy. Here NPs investigated include: cisplatin nanoparticles (CNPs), carboplatin nanoparticles (CBNPs), and gold nanoparticles (GNPs). Using Monte Carlo-generated megavoltage energy spectra, a previously employed analytic method was used to estimate dose enhancement to lung tumors due to radiation-induced photoelectrons from the NPs administered via inhalation route (IR) in comparison to intravenous (IV) administration. Previous studies have indicated about 5% of FDA-approved cisplatin concentrations reach the lung via IV. Meanwhile recent experimental studies indicate that 3.5-14.6 times higher concentrations of NPs can reach the lung by IR compared to IV. Taking these into account, the dose enhancement factor (DEF) defined as the ratio of the radiotherapy dose with and without nanoparticles was calculated for a range of NPs concentrations and tumor sizes. The DEF for IR was then compared with that for IV. For IR with 3.5 times higher concentrations than IV, and 2 cm diameter tumor, clinically significant DEF values of up to 1.19, 1.26, and 1.51 were obtained for CNPs, CBNPs and GNPs. In comparison values of 1.06, 1.08, and 1.15 were obtained via IV administration. For IR with 14.6 times higher concentrations, even higher DEF values were obtained e.g. 1.81 for CNPs. Results also showed that the DEF increased with increasing field size or decreasing tumor volume, as expected. The results of this work indicate that IR administration of targeted high-Z CNPs/CBNPs/GNPs could enable clinically significant DEF to lung tumors compared to IV administration during external beam radiotherapy. For FDA approved concentrations of CNPs or CBNPs considered, this could allow for additional dose enhancement to tumors via photoelectric mechanism during concomitant chemoradiotherapy.

WE-G-BRE-06: New Potential for Enhancing External Beam Radiotherapy for Lung Cancer Using FDA-Approved Concentrations of Cisplatin Or Carboplatin Nanoparticles Administered Via Inhalation

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

Hao, Y; Altundal, Y; Sajo, E

Purpose: This study investigates, for the first time, the dose enhancement to lung tumors due to cisplatin nanoparticles (CNPs) and carboplatin nanoparticles (CBNPs) administered via inhalation route (IR) during external beam radiotherapy. Methods: Using Monte Carlo generated 6 MV energy fluence spectra, a previously employed analytic method was used to estimate dose enhancement to lung tumor due to radiation-induced photoelectrons from CNPs administered via IR in comparison to intravenous (IV) administration. Previous studies have indicated about 5% of FDA-approved cisplatin concentrations reach the lung tumor via IV. Meanwhile recent experimental studies indicate that 3.5–14.6 times higher concentrations of CNPs canmore » reach the lung tumors by IR compared to IV. Taking these into account, the dose enhancement factor (DEF) defined as the ratio of the dose with and without CNPs was calculated for field size of 10 cm × 10 cm (sweeping gap), for a range of tumor depths and tumor sizes. Similar calculations were done for CBNPs. Results: For IR with 3.5 times higher concentrations than IV, and 2 cm diameter tumor, clinically significant DEF values of 1.19–1.30 were obtained for CNPs at 3–10 cm depth, respectively, in comparison to 1.06–1.09 for IV. For CBNPs, DEF values of 1.26–1.41 were obtained in comparison to 1.07–1.12 for IV. For IR with 14.6 times higher concentrations, higher DEF values were obtained e.g. 1.81–2.27 for CNPs. DEF increased with increasing field size or decreasing tumor size. Conclusions: Our preliminary results indicate that major dose enhancement to lung tumors can be achieved using CNPs/CBNPs administered via IR, in contrast to IV administration during external beam radiotherapy. These findings highlight a potential new approach for radiation boosting to lung tumors using CNPs/CBNPs administered via IR. This would, especially, be applicable during concomitant chemoradiotherapy, potentially allowing for dose enhancement while minimizing normal tissue toxicities.« less

Comparison of pulmonary artery and central venous pressure waveform measurements via digital and graphic measurement methods.

PubMed

Ahrens, T S; Schallom, L

2001-01-01

Techniques to measure pulmonary artery (PA) pressure waveforms include digital measurement, graphic measurement, and freeze-cursor measurement. Previous studies reported the inaccuracy of digital and freeze-cursor measurements. However, many of the previous studies were small and did not thoroughly examine the circumstances of when digital measurements might be inaccurate. To compare digital measurements and graphic measurements of PA and central venous pressure (CVP) waveforms in patients with a variety of respiratory patterns, and to compare digital measurements and graphic measurements of CVPs in patients with abnormal or right ventricular waveforms. A total of 928 patients were enrolled in this study. Waveforms from the PA and CVP were collected from each patient. The monitor pressure value (digital measurement) printed on the recorded waveform was compared with the pressure value obtained by a graphic strip recording and measured by one of the primary investigators (graphic measurement). Digital measurements were found to be inaccurate in measuring waveforms in all respiratory categories and in measuring right ventricular waveforms. PA diastolic values and CVP values were the most inaccurately measured waveforms. Digital errors of more than 4 mm Hg were common. There were instances in which the monitor's digital measurement was substantially different from the graphically measured value. This difference has the potential to mislead interpretation of clinical situations. The monitor's ability to occasionally give digital measurement values similar to the graphic measurements may lead to a false sense of security in clinicians. Because the accuracy of the monitor is inconsistent, the bedside clinician should interpret waveforms through use of a graphic recording rather than rely on the digital measurement on the monitor.

Estimation of the IC to CG Ratio Using JEM-GLIMS and Ground-based Lightning Network Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bandholnopparat, K.; Sato, M.; Takahashi, Y.; Adachi, T.; Ushio, T.

2017-12-01

The ratio between intracloud (IC) discharge and cloud-to-ground (CG) discharge, which is denoted by Z, is the important parameter for the studies on the climatological differences of thunderstorm structures and for the quantitative evaluation of lightning contributions to the global electric circuit. However, the latitudinal, regional, and seasonal dependences of Z-value are not fully clarified. The purposes of this study are (i) to develop new methods to identify IC and CG discharges using optical data obtained by the Global Lightning and Sprite Measurements on Japanese Experiment Module (JEM-GLIMS) from space and ground-based lightning data, (ii) to estimate Z-value and its latitudinal, regional, and seasonal dependences. As a first step, we compared the JEM-GLIMS data to the ground-based lightning data obtained by JLDN, NLDN, WWLLN, and GEON in order to distinguish the lightning discharge type detected by JEM-GLIMS. As a next step, we have calculated intensity ratios between the blue and red PH channels, that is, PH2(337 nm)/PH3(762 nm), PH5(316 nm)/PH3, PH6(392 nm)/PH3, PH2/PH4(599-900 nm), PH5/PH4, and PH6/PH4 for each lightning event. From these analyses, it is found that 447 and 454 of 8355 lightning events were identified to be CG and IC discharges, respectively. It is also found that the PH intensity ratio of IC discharges is clearly higher than that of CG discharges. In addition, the difference of the PH2/PH3, PH2/PH4, and PH6/PH4 ratio between IC and CG cases is relatively large, which means these three ratios are the useful proxy to classify the discharge types for other 7454 lightning events. Finally, the estimated Z-value varies from 0.18 - 0.84 from the equator to the higher latitude. The decrease of the Z-value from the equator to the higher latitude is confirmed both in the northern and the southern hemispheres. Although this latitudinal dependence of the Z-value is similar to previous studies, i.e., Boccippio et al. (2001), the estimated absolute Z-value is smaller than that in previous studies. The reason of the smaller absolute Z-value may be because JEM-GLIMS used the high threshold for the event triggering and missed many lightning events having lower optical energies. At the presentation, we will show the regional and seasonal dependences of the Z-value in detail.

Evaluation of critical shear stresses for consolidated cohesive sediment depositions by using PIV compared with field measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harb, Gabriele; Haun, Stefan

2013-04-01

Reservoir sedimentation is a common problem today. Due to the reduced flow velocities, turbulences and bed shear stresses the transported sediment load start to settle. These depositions reduce the worldwide average storage capacity in the range of about 1% per year. However, depending on the climate conditions and the geology in the catchment area this value may vary strongly. Therefore sediment management tasks, especially the removal of already accumulated sediments, have to be developed for each reservoir separately. The critical bed shear stress is a key parameter used to evaluate the different management tasks and depend strongly on the grain size distribution of the inflowing sediments. However, depositions which contain fine particles like clay and silt increase the critical bed shear stress due to occurring cohesive forces and the use of the Shield curve for evaluating the critical shear stress is no longer valid. Additional data is required for estimating the valid critical shear stress at the reservoir bed. In this study the critical shear stress was evaluated for cohesive sediment samples, taken from two different reservoirs, in a flume in the laboratory. The sediment samples were placed in an installed double bottom in the research flume and the discharge was increased stepwise until mass erosion took place (determined by visual inspection). A 2D PIV device was used to measure the flow conditions (velocities and turbulences) over the sediment sample. The obtained values were used to calculate the bed shear stress for the specific discharge rate by the gravity method and the Reynolds stress method. The results of both methods showed good agreement in the comparison of the values, what indicates that nearly uniform flow conditions occurred in the flume. The results from this study showed that the behaviour of natural cohesive sediments depend strongly on the natural conditions as a result of physical, chemical and biological processes. In this case especially the effect of the layer structure in the sediment samples was controlling the erosion mechanism. The results of the experiments showed also that the obtained average shear stress was above most of the values found in previous conducted studies, which may be explained by consolidation effects in the reservoirs. Additional conducted vane strength measurements have been carried out in situ. The in the field obtained vane strength values were set in relation to the critical shear stresses derived by the experimental tests from the laboratory and to data from a previous conducted study to develop a new relation function. This function may be used in future studies for a rough estimation of the critical shear stress, based on in situ measured vane strength values.

The influence of jet-grid turbulence on heat transfer from the stagnation region of a cylinder in crossflow

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Obrien, J. E.; Vanfossen, G. J., Jr.

1985-01-01

The effect of high-intensity turbulence on heat transfer from the stagnation region of a circular cylinder in crossflow was studied. The work was motivated by the desire to be able to more fully understand and predict the heat transfer to the leading edge of a turbine airfoil. In order to achieve high levels of turbulence with a reasonable degree of isotropy and homogeneity, a jet-injection turbulence grid was used. The jet grid provided turbulence intensities of 10 to 12 percent, measured at the test cylinder location, for downstream blowing with the blowing rate adjusted to an optimal value for flow uniformity. Heat transfer augmentation above the zeroturbulence case ranged from 37 to 53 percent for the test cylinder behind the jet grid for a cylinder Reynolds number range of 48,000 to 180,000, respectively. The level of heat transfer augmentation was found to be fairly uniform with respect to circumferential distance from the stagnation line. Stagnation point heat transfer results (expressed in terms of the Frossling number) were found to be somewhat low with respect to previous studies, when compared on the basis of equal values of the parameter Tu Re(1/2), indicating an additional Reynolds number effect as observed by previous investigators. Consequently, for a specified value of Tu Re(1/2), data obtained with a relatively high turbulence intensity will have a lower value of the Frossling number.

Charactering baseline shift with 4th polynomial function for portable biomedical near-infrared spectroscopy device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Ke; Ji, Yaoyao; Pan, Boan; Li, Ting

2018-02-01

The continuous-wave Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) devices have been highlighted for its clinical and health care applications in noninvasive hemodynamic measurements. The baseline shift of the deviation measurement attracts lots of attentions for its clinical importance. Nonetheless current published methods have low reliability or high variability. In this study, we found a perfect polynomial fitting function for baseline removal, using NIRS. Unlike previous studies on baseline correction for near-infrared spectroscopy evaluation of non-hemodynamic particles, we focused on baseline fitting and corresponding correction method for NIRS and found that the polynomial fitting function at 4th order is greater than the function at 2nd order reported in previous research. Through experimental tests of hemodynamic parameters of the solid phantom, we compared the fitting effect between the 4th order polynomial and the 2nd order polynomial, by recording and analyzing the R values and the SSE (the sum of squares due to error) values. The R values of the 4th order polynomial function fitting are all higher than 0.99, which are significantly higher than the corresponding ones of 2nd order, while the SSE values of the 4th order are significantly smaller than the corresponding ones of the 2nd order. By using the high-reliable and low-variable 4th order polynomial fitting function, we are able to remove the baseline online to obtain more accurate NIRS measurements.

Coriolis-coupled wave packet dynamics of H + HLi reaction.

PubMed

Padmanaban, R; Mahapatra, S

2006-05-11

We investigated the effect of Coriolis coupling (CC) on the initial state-selected dynamics of H+HLi reaction by a time-dependent wave packet (WP) approach. Exact quantum scattering calculations were obtained by a WP propagation method based on the Chebyshev polynomial scheme and ab initio potential energy surface of the reacting system. Partial wave contributions up to the total angular momentum J=30 were found to be necessary for the scattering of HLi in its vibrational and rotational ground state up to a collision energy approximately 0.75 eV. For each J value, the projection quantum number K was varied from 0 to min (J, K(max)), with K(max)=8 until J=20 and K(max)=4 for further higher J values. This is because further higher values of K do not have much effect on the dynamics and also because one wishes to maintain the large computational overhead for each calculation within the affordable limit. The initial state-selected integral reaction cross sections and thermal rate constants were calculated by summing up the contributions from all partial waves. These were compared with our previous results on the title system, obtained within the centrifugal sudden and J-shifting approximations, to demonstrate the impact of CC on the dynamics of this system.

Antimicrobial, Optical and Mechanical Properties of Chitosan-Starch Films with Natural Extracts.

PubMed

Lozano-Navarro, Jessica I; Díaz-Zavala, Nancy P; Velasco-Santos, Carlos; Martínez-Hernández, Ana L; Tijerina-Ramos, Beatriz I; García-Hernández, Margarita; Rivera-Armenta, José L; Páramo-García, Ulises; Reyes-de la Torre, Adriana I

2017-05-05

Natural extracts possess several kinds of antioxidants (anthocyanins, betalains, thymol, carvacrol, and resveratrol) that have also demonstrated antimicrobial properties. In order to study these properties, extracts from cranberry, blueberry, beetroot, pomegranate, oregano, pitaya, and resveratrol (from grapes) were obtained. Growth inhibition tests of mesophilic aerobes, coliforms, and fungi were conducted in films prepared from the extracts in accordance with Mexican Official Norms (NOM). Optical properties such as transparency and opacity, mechanical properties, and pH were also analyzed in these materials. The films with beetroot, cranberry, and blueberry extracts demonstrated the best antimicrobial activity against various bacteria and fungi in comparison with unmodified chitosan-starch film. This study shows that the addition of antioxidants improved the antimicrobial performance of these films. It was also found that antimicrobial properties are inherent to the films. These polymers combined with the extracts effectively inhibit or reduce microorganism growth from human and environmental contact; therefore, previous sterilization could be unnecessary in comparison with traditional plastics. The presence of extracts decreased transmittance percentages at 280 and 400 nm, as well as the transparency values, while increasing their opacity values, providing better UV-VIS light barrier properties. Despite diminished glass transition temperatures ( T g), the values obtained are still adequate for food packaging applications.

Antimicrobial, Optical and Mechanical Properties of Chitosan–Starch Films with Natural Extracts

PubMed Central

Lozano-Navarro, Jessica I.; Díaz-Zavala, Nancy P.; Velasco-Santos, Carlos; Martínez-Hernández, Ana L.; Tijerina-Ramos, Beatriz I.; García-Hernández, Margarita; Rivera-Armenta, José L.; Páramo-García, Ulises; Reyes-de la Torre, Adriana I.

2017-01-01

Natural extracts possess several kinds of antioxidants (anthocyanins, betalains, thymol, carvacrol, and resveratrol) that have also demonstrated antimicrobial properties. In order to study these properties, extracts from cranberry, blueberry, beetroot, pomegranate, oregano, pitaya, and resveratrol (from grapes) were obtained. Growth inhibition tests of mesophilic aerobes, coliforms, and fungi were conducted in films prepared from the extracts in accordance with Mexican Official Norms (NOM). Optical properties such as transparency and opacity, mechanical properties, and pH were also analyzed in these materials. The films with beetroot, cranberry, and blueberry extracts demonstrated the best antimicrobial activity against various bacteria and fungi in comparison with unmodified chitosan–starch film. This study shows that the addition of antioxidants improved the antimicrobial performance of these films. It was also found that antimicrobial properties are inherent to the films. These polymers combined with the extracts effectively inhibit or reduce microorganism growth from human and environmental contact; therefore, previous sterilization could be unnecessary in comparison with traditional plastics. The presence of extracts decreased transmittance percentages at 280 and 400 nm, as well as the transparency values, while increasing their opacity values, providing better UV–VIS light barrier properties. Despite diminished glass transition temperatures (Tg), the values obtained are still adequate for food packaging applications. PMID:28475151

Polar-core spin vortex of quasi-2D ferromagnetic spin-1 condensate in a flat-bottomed optical trap with a weak magnetic field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Gong-Ping; Li, Pin; Li, Ting; Xue, Ya-Jie

2018-02-01

Motivated by the recent experiments realized in a flat-bottomed optical trap (Navon et al., 2015; Chomaz et al., 2015), we study the ground state of polar-core spin vortex of quasi-2D ferromagnetic spin-1 condensate in a finite-size homogeneous trap with a weak magnetic field. The exact spatial distribution of local spin is obtained with a variational method. Unlike the fully-magnetized planar spin texture with a zero-spin core, which was schematically demonstrated in previous studies for the ideal polar-core spin vortex in a homogeneous trap with infinitely large boundary, some plateaus and two-cores structure emerge in the distribution curves of spin magnitude in the polar-core spin vortex we obtained for the larger effective spin-dependent interaction. More importantly, the spin values of the plateaus are not 1 as expected in the fully-magnetized spin texture, except for the sufficiently large spin-dependent interaction and the weak-magnetic-field limit. We attribute the decrease of spin value to the effect of finite size of the system. The spin values of the plateaus can be controlled by the quadratic Zeeman energy q of the weak magnetic field, which decreases with the increase of q.

La Asociación OB Bochum7 combinando datos IR y ópticos

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Corti, M. A.; Bosch, G. L.; Niemela, V. S.

We present the results of an analysis of IR data in the region of the galactic OB association Bo7, obtained from the archives of the IRAS satellite mission and the 2MASS survey. Bo7 is located at the end of Perseus spiral arm. Distances of possible members of the Bo7 association were determined calculating the absorption from the E(V-K) colour excess. These members had been previously selected according to their UBV colours and spectra. The distance values obtained with IR excess have a smaller error than those obtained considering the E(B-V) excess. An extended interstellar dust cloud (detected in IRAS maps) is found to be probably associated with the members of Bo7. Two IRAS point sources observed in the region have characteristics of star formation sites. One of these point sources has been observed in CS(2-1) by Bronfman et al. (1996), who determined a value of (LSR) velocity of 44 km/s, close to the velocity of stars in Bo7 (Corti et al. 2003). A group of main sequence O - B0.5 stars appear near the location of the aforementioned IRAS point source, suggesting sequential star formation in the Bo7 region.

Effect of adsorption on the surface tensions of solid-fluid interfaces.

PubMed

Ward, C A; Wu, Jiyu

2007-04-12

A method is proposed for determining the surface tensions of a solid in contact with either a liquid or a vapor. Only an equilibrium adsorption isotherm at the solid-vapor interface needs to be added to Gibbsian thermodynamics to obtain the expressions for the solid-vapor and the solid-liquid surface tensions, gamma[1](SV) and gamma[1](SL), respectively. An equilibrium adsorption isotherm relation is formulated that has the essential property of not predicting an infinite amount adsorbed when the pressure is equal to the saturation-vapor pressure. Five different solid-vapor systems from the literature are examined, and found to be well described by the new isotherm relation. The surface-tension expressions obtained from the isotherm relation are examined by determining the surface tension of the solid in the absence of adsorption, gamma[1](S0), a material property of a solid surface. The value of gamma[1](S0) can be determined by adsorbing different vapors on the same solid, determining the isotherm parameters in each case, and then from the expression for gamma[1](SV) taking the limit of the pressure vanishing to determine gamma[1](S0). From previously reported measurements of benzene and of n-hexane adsorbing on graphitized carbon, the same value of gamma[1](S0) is obtained.

Parallel Analysis of 124 Universal SNPs for Human Identification by Targeted Semiconductor Sequencing

PubMed Central

Zhang, Suhua; Bian, Yingnan; Zhang, Zheren; Zheng, Hancheng; Wang, Zheng; Zha, Lagabaiyila; Cai, Jifeng; Gao, Yuzhen; Ji, Chaoneng; Hou, Yiping; Li, Chengtao

2015-01-01

SNPs, abundant in human genome with lower mutation rate, are attractive to genetic application like forensic, anthropological and evolutionary studies. Universal SNPs showing little allelic frequency variation among populations while remaining highly informative for human identification were obtained from previous studies. However, genotyping tools target only dozens of markers simultaneously, limiting their applications. Here, 124 SNPs were simultaneous tested using Ampliseq technology with Ion Torrent PGM platform. Concordance study was performed with 2 reference samples of 9947A and 9948 between NGS and Sanger sequencing. Full concordance were obtained except genotype of rs576261 with 9947A. Parameter of FMAR (%) was introduced for NGS data analysis for the first time, evaluating allelic performance, sensitivity testing and mixture testing. FMAR values for accurate heterozygotes should be range from 50% to 60%, for homozygotes or Y-SNP should be above 90%. SNPs of rs7520386, rs4530059, rs214955, rs1523537, rs2342747, rs576261 and rs12997453 were recognized as poorly performing loci, either with allelic imbalance or with lower coverage. Sensitivity testing demonstrated that with DNA range from 10 ng-0.5 ng, all correct genotypes were obtained. For mixture testing, a clear linear correlation (R2 = 0.9429) between the excepted FMAR and observed FMAR values of mixtures was observed. PMID:26691610

Target and beam-target spin asymmetries in exclusive pion electroproduction for Q2>1 GeV2 . I. e p →e π+n

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bosted, P. E.; Amaryan, M. J.; Anefalos Pereira, S.; Avakian, H.; Badui, R. A.; Ball, J.; Baltzell, N. A.; Battaglieri, M.; Batourine, V.; Bedlinskiy, I.; Biselli, A. S.; Briscoe, W. J.; Bültmann, S.; Burkert, V. D.; Carman, D. S.; Celentano, A.; Chandavar, S.; Charles, G.; Ciullo, G.; Clark, L.; Colaneri, L.; Cole, P. L.; Contalbrigo, M.; Crede, V.; D'Angelo, A.; De Vita, R.; Deur, A.; De Sanctis, E.; Djalali, C.; Dupre, R.; Egiyan, H.; El Alaoui, A.; El Fassi, L.; Elouadrhiri, L.; Eugenio, P.; Fanchini, E.; Fedotov, G.; Filippi, A.; Fleming, J. A.; Forest, T.; Fradi, A.; Gevorgyan, N.; Ghandilyan, Y.; Gilfoyle, G. P.; Girod, F. X.; Gleason, C.; Gohn, W.; Golovatch, E.; Gothe, R. W.; Griffioen, K. A.; Guidal, M.; Hakobyan, H.; Hattawy, M.; Hicks, K.; Holtrop, M.; Hughes, S. M.; Ilieva, Y.; Ireland, D. G.; Ishkhanov, B. S.; Isupov, E. L.; Jiang, H.; Jo, H. S.; Joo, K.; Joosten, S.; Khachatryan, G.; Khandaker, M.; Kim, A.; Kim, W.; Klein, F. J.; Koirala, S.; Kubarovsky, V.; Kuhn, S. E.; Lanza, L.; Net, L. A.; Lenisa, P.; Livingston, K.; MacGregor, I. J. D.; McCracken, M. E.; McKinnon, B.; Meyer, C. A.; Mirazita, M.; Mokeev, V. I.; Montgomery, R. A.; Munevar, E.; Munoz Camacho, C.; Murdoch, G.; Nadel-Turonski, P.; Niccolai, S.; Osipenko, M.; Ostrovidov, A. I.; Park, K.; Pasyuk, E.; Peng, P.; Phelps, W.; Pisano, S.; Pogorelko, O.; Price, J. W.; Prok, Y.; Protopopescu, D.; Puckett, A. J. R.; Raue, B. A.; Ripani, M.; Rosner, G.; Rossi, P.; Schumacher, R. A.; Seder, E.; Skorodumina, Iu.; Smith, G. D.; Sokhan, D.; Sparveris, N.; Stankovic, I.; Stepanyan, S.; Strakovsky, I. I.; Strauch, S.; Taiuti, M.; Tian, Ye; Torayev, B.; Ungaro, M.; Voskanyan, H.; Voutier, E.; Walford, N. K.; Wei, X.; Weinstein, L. B.; Zachariou, N.; Zhang, J.; Zhao, Z. W.; Zonta, I.; CLAS Collaboration

2017-03-01

Beam-target double-spin asymmetries and target single-spin asymmetries were measured for the exclusive π+ electroproduction reaction γ*p →n π+ . The results were obtained from scattering of 6-GeV longitudinally polarized electrons off longitudinally polarized protons using the CEBAF Large Acceptance Spectrometer at Jefferson Laboratory. The kinematic range covered is 1.1

Evaluation of Rotor Structural and Aerodynamic Loads using Measured Blade Properties

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jung, Sung N.; You, Young-Hyun; Lau, Benton H.; Johnson, Wayne; Lim, Joon W.

2012-01-01

The structural properties of Higher harmonic Aeroacoustic Rotor Test (HART I) blades have been measured using the original set of blades tested in the wind tunnel in 1994. A comprehensive rotor dynamics analysis is performed to address the effect of the measured blade properties on airloads, blade motions, and structural loads of the rotor. The measurements include bending and torsion stiffness, geometric offsets, and mass and inertia properties of the blade. The measured properties are correlated against the estimated values obtained initially by the manufacturer of the blades. The previously estimated blade properties showed consistently higher stiffnesses, up to 30% for the flap bending in the blade inboard root section. The measured offset between the center of gravity and the elastic axis is larger by about 5% chord length, as compared with the estimated value. The comprehensive rotor dynamics analysis was carried out using the measured blade property set for HART I rotor with and without HHC (Higher Harmonic Control) pitch inputs. A significant improvement on blade motions and structural loads is obtained with the measured blade properties.

Nitrogen Isotopic Ratio in Jupiter's Atmosphere from Observations by Composite Infrared Spectrometer (CIRS) on the Cassini Spacecraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abbas, M. M.; LeClair, A.; Owen, T.; Conrath, B. J.; Flasar, F. M.; Kunde, V. G.; Nixon, C. A..; Achterberg, R. K.; Bjoraker, G.; Jennings, D. J.

2003-01-01

The Composite Infrared Spectrometer (CIRS) on the Cassini spacecraft made infrared observations of Jupiter's atmosphere during the flyby in December 2000 to January 2001. The unique database in the 600-1400/cm region with 0.53 and 2.8/cm spectral resolutions obtained from the observations permits retrieval of global maps of the thermal structure and composition of Jupiter's atmosphere including the distributions of (14)NH3 and (15)NH3. Analysis of Jupiter's ammonia distributions from three isolated (15)NH3 spectral lines in eight latitudes is presented for evaluation of the nitrogen isotopic ratio. The nitrogen isotopic ratio (14)N/(15)N (or (15)N/(14)N) in Jupiter's atmosphere in this analysis is calculated to be: 448 +/- 62 ((2.23 +/- 0.31) x 10(exp -3)). This value of the ratio determined from CIRS data is found to be in very close agreement with the value previously obtained from the measurements by the Galileo Probe Mass Spectrometer. Some possible mechanisms to account for the variation of Jupiter's observed isotopic ratio relative to various astrophysical environments are discussed.

A Test of Maxwell's Z Model Using Inverse Modeling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, J. L. B.; Schultz, P. H.; Heineck, T.

2003-01-01

In modeling impact craters a small region of energy and momentum deposition, commonly called a "point source", is often assumed. This assumption implies that an impact is the same as an explosion at some depth below the surface. Maxwell's Z Model, an empirical point-source model derived from explosion cratering, has previously been compared with numerical impact craters with vertical incidence angles, leading to two main inferences. First, the flowfield center of the Z Model must be placed below the target surface in order to replicate numerical impact craters. Second, for vertical impacts, the flow-field center cannot be stationary if the value of Z is held constant; rather, the flow-field center migrates downward as the crater grows. The work presented here evaluates the utility of the Z Model for reproducing both vertical and oblique experimental impact data obtained at the NASA Ames Vertical Gun Range (AVGR). Specifically, ejection angle data obtained through Three-Dimensional Particle Image Velocimetry (3D PIV) are used to constrain the parameters of Maxwell's Z Model, including the value of Z and the depth and position of the flow-field center via inverse modeling.

Measurement of the electric quadrupole moments of CO2 , CO, N2 , Cl2 and BF3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Graham, C.; Imrie, D. A.; Raab, R. E.

The electric quadrupole moments of a number of molecules have been determined from measurement of the birefringence induced in a gas by an electric field gradient. The values obtained are: carbon dioxide (- 14·27 ± 0·61)x 10-40 C m2, carbon monoxide (- 9·47 ± 0·15)x 10-40 C m2, nitrogen (- 4·65±0·08)x 10-40 C m2 and boron trifluoride (12·6±0·7)x 10-40 C m2. In the calculation of the moments for carbon monoxide and boron trifluoride the small hyperpolarizability contribution was neglected in the absence of known values. By means of the Jones calculus a detailed analysis was made of the effects of strain birefringence in the cell windows and imperfect orientation of polarizing components in the light path. This analysis led to a measurement procedure which yielded results significantly different from previously reported ones obtained with essentially the same apparatus. The probable error in the earlier procedure is identified.

Efficacy of an infectious hematopoietic necrosis (IHN) virus DNA vaccine in Chinook Oncorhynchus tshawytscha and sockeye O. nerka salmon.

PubMed

Garver, Kyle A; LaPatra, Scott E; Kurath, Gael

2005-04-06

The level of protective immunity was determined for Chinook Oncorhynchus tshawytscha and sockeye/kokanee salmon (anadromous and landlocked) O. nerka following intramuscular vaccination with a DNA vaccine against the aquatic rhabdovirus, infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV). A DNA vaccine containing the glycoprotein gene of IHNV protected Chinook and sockeye/kokanee salmon against waterborne or injection challenge with IHNV, and relative percent survival (RPS) values of 23 to 86% were obtained under a variety of lethal challenge conditions. Although this is significant protection, it is less than RPS values obtained in previous studies with rainbow trout (O. mykiss). In addition to the variability in the severity of the challenge and inherent host susceptibility differences, it appears that use of a cross-genogroup challenge virus strain may lead to reduced efficacy of the DNA vaccine. Neutralizing antibody titers were detected in both Chinook and sockeye that had been vaccinated with 1.0 and 0.1 pg doses of the DNA vaccine, and vaccinated fish responded to viral challenges with higher antibody titers than mock-vaccinated control fish.

Full core analysis of IRIS reactor by using MCNPX.

PubMed

Amin, E A; Bashter, I I; Hassan, Nabil M; Mustafa, S S

2016-07-01

This paper describes neutronic analysis for fresh fuelled IRIS (International Reactor Innovative and Secure) reactor by MCNPX code. The analysis included criticality calculations, radial power and axial power distribution, nuclear peaking factor and axial offset percent at the beginning of fuel cycle. The effective multiplication factor obtained by MCNPX code is compared with previous calculations by HELIOS/NESTLE, CASMO/SIMULATE, modified CORD-2 nodal calculations and SAS2H/KENO-V code systems. It is found that k-eff value obtained by MCNPX is closer to CORD-2 value. The radial and axial powers are compared with other published results carried out using SAS2H/KENO-V code. Moreover, the WIMS-D5 code is used for studying the effect of enriched boron in form of ZrB2 on the effective multiplication factor (K-eff) of the fuel pin. In this part of calculation, K-eff is calculated at different concentrations of Boron-10 in mg/cm at different stages of burnup of unit cell. The results of this part are compared with published results performed by HELIOS code. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Application of matched asymptotic expansions to lunar and interplanetary trajectories. Volume 1: Technical discussion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lancaster, J. E.

1973-01-01

Previously published asymptotic solutions for lunar and interplanetary trajectories have been modified and combined to formulate a general analytical solution to the problem on N-bodies. The earlier first-order solutions, derived by the method of matched asymptotic expansions, have been extended to second order for the purpose of obtaining increased accuracy. The derivation of the second-order solution is summarized by showing the essential steps, some in functional form. The general asymptotic solution has been used as a basis for formulating a number of analytical two-point boundary value solutions. These include earth-to-moon, one- and two-impulse moon-to-earth, and interplanetary solutions. The results show that the accuracies of the asymptotic solutions range from an order of magnitude better than conic approximations to that of numerical integration itself. Also, since no iterations are required, the asymptotic boundary value solutions are obtained in a fraction of the time required for comparable numerically integrated solutions. The subject of minimizing the second-order error is discussed, and recommendations made for further work directed toward achieving a uniform accuracy in all applications.

First-and Second-Order Displacement Transfer Functions for Structural Shape Calculations Using Analytically Predicted Surface Strains

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ko, William L.; Fleischer, Van Tran

2012-01-01

New first- and second-order displacement transfer functions have been developed for deformed shape calculations of nonuniform cross-sectional beam structures such as aircraft wings. The displacement transfer functions are expressed explicitly in terms of beam geometrical parameters and surface strains (uniaxial bending strains) obtained at equally spaced strain stations along the surface of the beam structure. By inputting the measured or analytically calculated surface strains into the displacement transfer functions, one could calculate local slopes, deflections, and cross-sectional twist angles of the nonuniform beam structure for mapping the overall structural deformed shapes for visual display. The accuracy of deformed shape calculations by the first- and second-order displacement transfer functions are determined by comparing these values to the analytically predicted values obtained from finite element analyses. This comparison shows that the new displacement transfer functions could quite accurately calculate the deformed shapes of tapered cantilever tubular beams with different tapered angles. The accuracy of the present displacement transfer functions also are compared to those of the previously developed displacement transfer functions.

Vertical eddy diffusion coefficient from the LANDSAT imagery

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Viswanadham, Y. (Principal Investigator); Torsani, J. A.

1982-01-01

Analysis of five stable cases of the smoke plumes that originated in eastern Cabo Frio (22 deg 59'S; 42 deg 02'W), Brazil using LANDSAT imagery is presented for different months and years. From these images the lateral standard deviation (sigma sub y) and the lateral eddy diffusion coefficient (K sub y) are obtained from the formula based on Taylor's theory of diffusion by continuous moment. The rate of kinetic energy dissipation (e) is evaluated from the diffusion parameters sigma sub y and K sub y. Then, the vertical diffusion coefficient (K sub z) is estimated using Weinstock's formulation. These results agree well with the previous experimental values obtained over water surfaces by various workers. Values of e and K sub z show the weaker mixing processes in the marine stable boundary layer. The data sample is apparently to small to include representative active turbulent regions because such regions are so intermittent in time and in space. These results form a data base for use in the development and validation of mesoscale atmospheric diffusion models.

Ab initio calculation of infrared intensities for hydrogen peroxide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rogers, J. D.; Hillman, J. J.

1982-01-01

Results of an ab initio SCF quantum mechanical study are used to derive estimates for the infrared intensities of the fundamental vibrations of hydrogen peroxide. Atomic polar tensors (APTs) were calculated on the basis of a 4-31G basis set, and used to derive absolute intensities for the vibrational transitions. Comparison of the APTs calculated for H2O2 with those previously obtained for H2O and CH3OH, and of the absolute intensities derived from the H2O2 APTs with those derived from APTs transferred from H2O and CH3OH, reveals the sets of values to differ by no more than a factor of two, supporting the validity of the theoretical calculation. Values of the infrared intensities obtained correspond to A1 = 14.5 km/mol, A2 = 0.91 km/mol, A3 = 0.058 km/mol, A4 = 123 km/mol, A5 = 46.2 km/mol, and A6 = 101 km/mol. Charge, charge flux and overlap contributions to the dipole moment derivatives are also computed.

Ab initio calculation of infrared intensities for hydrogen peroxide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rogers, J. D.; Hillman, J. J.

1982-04-01

Results of an ab initio SCF quantum mechanical study are used to derive estimates for the infrared intensities of the fundamental vibrations of hydrogen peroxide. Atomic polar tensors (APTs) were calculated on the basis of a 4-31G basis set, and used to derive absolute intensities for the vibrational transitions. Comparison of the APTs calculated for H2O2 with those previously obtained for H2O and CH3OH, and of the absolute intensities derived from the H2O2 APTs with those derived from APTs transferred from H2O and CH3OH, reveals the sets of values to differ by no more than a factor of two, supporting the validity of the theoretical calculation. Values of the infrared intensities obtained correspond to A1 = 14.5 km/mol, A2 = 0.91 km/mol, A3 = 0.058 km/mol, A4 = 123 km/mol, A5 = 46.2 km/mol, and A6 = 101 km/mol. Charge, charge flux and overlap contributions to the dipole moment derivatives are also computed.

Efficacy of an infectious hematopoietic necrosis (IHN) virus DNA vaccine in Chinook Oncorhynchus tshawytscha and sockeye O. nerka salmon

USGS Publications Warehouse

Garver, K.A.; LaPatra, S.E.; Kurath, G.

2005-01-01

The level of protective immunity was determined for Chinook Oncorhynchus tshawytscha and sockeye/kokanee salmon (anadromous and landlocked) O. nerka following intramuscular vaccination with a DNA vaccine against the aquatic rhabdovirus, infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV). A DNA vaccine containing the glycoprotein gene of IHNV protected Chinook and sockeye/kokanee salmon against waterborne or injection challenge with IHNV, and relative percent survival (RPS) values of 23 to 86% were obtained under a variety of lethal challenge conditions. Although this is significant protection, it is less than RPS values obtained in previous studies with rainbow trout (O. mykiss). In addition to the variability in the severity of the challenge and inherent host susceptibility differences, it appears that use of a cross-genogroup challenge virus strain may lead to reduced efficacy of the DNA vaccine. Neutralizing antibody titers were detected in both Chinook and sockeye that had been vaccinated with 1.0 and 0.1 ??g doses of the DNA vaccine, and vaccinated fish responded to viral challenges with higher antibody titers than mock-vaccinated control fish. ?? Inter-Research 2005.

An investigation of the normal momentum transfer for gases on tungsten

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moskal, E. J.

1971-01-01

The near monoenergetic beam of neutral helium and argon atoms impinged on a single crystal tungsten target, with the (100) face exposed to the beam. The target was mounted on a torsion balance. The rotation of this torsion balance was monitored by an optical lever, and this reading was converted to a measurement of the momentum exchange between the beam and the target. The tungsten target was flashed to a temperature in excess of 2000 C before every clean run, and the vacuum levels in the final chamber were typically between 0.5 and 1 ntorr. The momentum exchange for the helium-tungsten surface and the argon-tungsten surface combination was obtained over approximately a decade of incoming energy (for the argon gas) at angles of incidence of 0, 30, and 41 deg on both clean and dirty (gas covered) surfaces. The results exhibited a significant variation in momentum transfer between the data obtained for the clean and dirty surfaces. The values of normal momentum accommodation coefficient for the clean surface were found to be lower than the values previously reported.

Memory, priority encoding, and overcoming high-value proactive interference in younger and older adults.

PubMed

Friedman, Michael C; Castel, Alan D

2013-01-01

It is often necessary to remember important information while directing attention away from encoding less valuable information. To examine how aging influences the ability to control and update the encoding of high-value information, younger and older adults studied six lists of words that varied in terms of the point values associated with each word. The words were paired with the same high and low point values for three study-test cycles, but on the fourth and subsequent cycles the value-word pairings were switched such that the lowest value pairs became the highest values (and vice versa). For the first three study-test cycles, younger adults outperformed older adults in terms of the number of words recalled and overall point totals, but performance was similar in terms of selectively remembering high-value words. When the values were switched, both groups displayed substantial interference from the previous pairings. Although both groups improved with additional study-test cycles, only younger adults were able to fully recover from the interference effects. A similar, and more pronounced, set of results were obtained when positive and negative point values were paired with the words. The findings are interpreted in a value-directed remembering framework, emphasizing the role of benefits and costs of strategic encoding and age-related differences in the effects of interference on memory.

Residue solvent accessibilities in the unfolded polypeptide chain.

PubMed Central

Zielenkiewicz, P; Saenger, W

1992-01-01

The difference of solvent accessibilities in the native and unfolded states of the protein is used as a measure of the hydrophobic contribution to the free energy of folding. We present a new approximation of amino acids solvent accessibilities in the unfolded state based on the 1-ns molecular dynamics simulation of Ala-X-Ala tripeptides at a temperature of 368 K. The standard accessibility values averaged from the molecular dynamics study are significantly lower from those previously obtained by considering only selected conformations of Ala-X-Ala tripeptides. PMID:1489908

A comment on the validity of fragmentation parameters measured in nuclear emulsions. [cosmic ray nuclei

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Waddington, C. J.

1978-01-01

Evidence is reexamined which has been cited as suggesting serious errors in the use of fragmentation parameters appropriate to an airlike medium deduced from measurements made in nuclear emulsions to evaluate corrections for certain effects in balloon-borne observations of cosmic-ray nuclei. Fragmentation parameters for hydrogenlike interactions are calculated and shown to be in overall good agreement with those obtained previously for air. Experimentally measured fragmentation parameters in emulsion are compared with values computed semiempirically, and reasonable agreement is indicated.

The nuclear electric quadrupole moment of copper.

PubMed

Santiago, Régis Tadeu; Teodoro, Tiago Quevedo; Haiduke, Roberto Luiz Andrade

2014-06-21

The nuclear electric quadrupole moment (NQM) of the (63)Cu nucleus was determined from an indirect approach by combining accurate experimental nuclear quadrupole coupling constants (NQCCs) with relativistic Dirac-Coulomb coupled cluster calculations of the electric field gradient (EFG). The data obtained at the highest level of calculation, DC-CCSD-T, from 14 linear molecules containing the copper atom give rise to an indicated NQM of -198(10) mbarn. Such result slightly deviates from the previously accepted standard value given by the muonic method, -220(15) mbarn, although the error bars are superimposed.

Attenuation properties of diagnostic x-ray shielding materials.

PubMed

Archer, B R; Fewell, T R; Conway, B J; Quinn, P W

1994-09-01

Single- and three-phase broad-beam x-ray attenuation data have been obtained using lead, steel, plate glass, gypsum wallboard, lead acrylic, and wood. Tube voltages of 50, 70, 100, 125, and 150 kVp were employed and the resulting curves were compared to transmission data found in the literature. To simplify computation of barrier requirements, all data sets were parametrized by nonlinear least-squares fit to a previously described mathematical model. High attenuation half value layers and the lead equivalence of the alternate materials were also determined.

The analytical approach to optimization of active region structure of quantum dot laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Korenev, V. V.; Savelyev, A. V.; Zhukov, A. E.; Omelchenko, A. V.; Maximov, M. V.

2014-10-01

Using the analytical approach introduced in our previous papers we analyse the possibilities of optimization of size and structure of active region of semiconductor quantum dot lasers emitting via ground-state optical transitions. It is shown that there are optimal length' dispersion and number of QD layers in laser active region which allow one to obtain lasing spectrum of a given width at minimum injection current. Laser efficiency corresponding to the injection current optimized by the cavity length is practically equal to its maximum value.

Mobilities of uranium and mercury ions in helium

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnsen, R.; Biondi, M. A.

1972-01-01

The mobilities of mass-identified U(+) and Hg (+) ions in helium were determined in a drift tube-mass spectrometer. For uranium ions, a reduced mobility value is obtained at 305 K and a standard gas density of 2.69 x 10 to the 19th power/cu cm. The mobility of mercury ions is in agreement with two previous determinations. The effect of fast ion injection in drift mobility measurements is discussed, and a technique to circumvent these problems is described. The results are compared with existing theories of ion mobilities.

High-pressure phase transitions - Examples of classical predictability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Celebonovic, Vladan

1992-09-01

The applicability of the Savic and Kasanin (1962-1967) classical theory of dense matter to laboratory experiments requiring estimates of high-pressure phase transitions was examined by determining phase transition pressures for a set of 19 chemical substances (including elements, hydrocarbons, metal oxides, and salts) for which experimental data were available. A comparison between experimental and transition points and those predicted by the Savic-Kasanin theory showed that the theory can be used for estimating values of transition pressures. The results also support conclusions obtained in previous astronomical applications of the Savic-Kasanin theory.

Terahertz study of hole transport in pentacene thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Engelbrecht, Stefan G.; Prinz, Markus; Arend, Thomas R.; Kersting, Roland

2014-10-01

Terahertz electromodulation spectroscopy is a novel tool for studying charge carrier transport in polycrys­talline thin films. The technique selectively probes the high-frequency response of mobile carriers and is insensitive to scattering at grain boundaries as well as to trapping processes. In thin films of pentacene we find a hole mobility of 21 cm2 /Vs, which exceeds the largest previously reported values obtained in poly­ crystalline pentacene. Additionally, the data provide an upper limit of the hole conductivity effective mass of mh ≍ 0.8 me.

Higher-Order Binding Corrections to the Lamb Shift

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pachucki, K.

1993-08-01

In this work a new analytical method for calculating the one-loop self-energy correction to the Lamb shift is presented in detail. The technique relies on division into the low and the high energy parts. The low energy part is calculated using the multipole expansion and the high energy part is calculated by expanding the Dirac-Coulomb propagator in powers of the Coulomb field. The obtained results are in agreement with those previously known, but are more accurate. A new theoretical value of the Lamb shift is also given.

Validation of odor concentration from mechanical-biological treatment piles using static chamber and wind tunnel with different wind speed values.

PubMed

Szyłak-Szydłowski, Mirosław

2017-09-01

The basic principle of odor sampling from surface sources is based primarily on the amount of air obtained from a specific area of the ground, which acts as a source of malodorous compounds. Wind tunnels and flux chambers are often the only available, direct method of evaluating the odor fluxes from small area sources. There are currently no widely accepted chamber-based methods; thus, there is still a need for standardization of these methods to ensure accuracy and comparability. Previous research has established that there is a significant difference between the odor concentration values obtained using the Lindvall chamber and those obtained by a dynamic flow chamber. Thus, the present study compares sampling methods using a streaming chamber modeled on the Lindvall cover (using different wind speeds), a static chamber, and a direct sampling method without any screens. The volumes of chambers in the current work were similar, ~0.08 m 3 . This study was conducted at the mechanical-biological treatment plant in Poland. Samples were taken from a pile covered by the membrane. Measured odor concentration values were between 2 and 150 ou E /m 3 . Results of the study demonstrated that both chambers can be used interchangeably in the following conditions: odor concentration is below 60 ou E /m 3 , wind speed inside the Lindvall chamber is below 0.2 m/sec, and a flow value is below 0.011 m 3 /sec. Increasing the wind speed above the aforementioned value results in significant differences in the results obtained between those methods. In all experiments, the results of the concentration of odor in the samples using the static chamber were consistently higher than those from the samples measured in the Lindvall chamber. Lastly, the results of experiments were employed to determine a model function of the relationship between wind speed and odor concentration values. Several researchers wrote that there are no widely accepted chamber-based methods. Also, there is still a need for standardization to ensure full comparability of these methods. The present study compared the existing methods to improve the standardization of area source sampling. The practical usefulness of the results was proving that both examined chambers can be used interchangeably. Statistically similar results were achieved while odor concentration was below 60 ou E /m 3 and wind speed inside the Lindvall chamber was below 0.2 m/sec. Increasing wind speed over these values results in differences between these methods. A model function of relationship between wind speed and odor concentration value was determined.

Application of Artificial Neural Network to Optical Fluid Analyzer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kimura, Makoto; Nishida, Katsuhiko

1994-04-01

A three-layer artificial neural network has been applied to the presentation of optical fluid analyzer (OFA) raw data, and the accuracy of oil fraction determination has been significantly improved compared to previous approaches. To apply the artificial neural network approach to solving a problem, the first step is training to determine the appropriate weight set for calculating the target values. This involves using a series of data sets (each comprising a set of input values and an associated set of output values that the artificial neural network is required to determine) to tune artificial neural network weighting parameters so that the output of the neural network to the given set of input values is as close as possible to the required output. The physical model used to generate the series of learning data sets was the effective flow stream model, developed for OFA data presentation. The effectiveness of the training was verified by reprocessing the same input data as were used to determine the weighting parameters and then by comparing the results of the artificial neural network to the expected output values. The standard deviation of the expected and obtained values was approximately 10% (two sigma).

Q Value of the Superallowed Decay of {sup 46}V and Its Influence on V{sub ud} and the Unitarity of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa Matrix

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

Savard, G.; Department of Physics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637; Buchinger, F.

2005-09-02

The masses of the radioactive nuclei {sup 46}V and its decay daughter {sup 46}Ti have been measured with the Canadian Penning Trap on-line Penning trap mass spectrometer to a precision of 1x10{sup -8}. A Q{sub EC} value of 7052.90(40) keV for the superallowed beta decay of {sup 46}V is obtained from the difference of these two masses. With this precise Q value, the Ft value for this decay is determined with improved precision. An investigation of an earlier Q-value measurement for {sup 46}V uncovers a set of 7 measurements that cannot be reconciled with modern data and affects previous evaluationsmore » of V{sub ud} from superallowed Fermi decays. A new evaluation, adding our new data and removing the discredited subset, yields new values for G{sub V} and V{sub ud}. When combined with recent results for V{sub us}, this yields modified constraints for the unitarity of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix and other extensions of the standard model.« less

Relationship of Inglehart's and Schwartz's value dimensions revisited.

PubMed

Dobewall, Henrik; Strack, Micha

2014-08-01

This study examines the relationship between Inglehart's and Schwartz's value dimensions-both at the individual and the country levels. By rotating one set of items towards the other, we show that these value dimensions have more in common than previously reported. The ranking of countries (N = 47) based on Schwartz's Embeddedness--Autonomy and the Survival--Self-Expression dimensions reached a maximum of similarity, r = .82, after rotating Inglehart's factor scores 27 degrees clockwise. The correlation between the other pair of dimensions (Schwartz's Hierarchy-Mastery--Egalitarianism-Harmony and Inglehart's Traditional--Secular-Rational values) was near zero before and after rotation. At the individual level (N = 46,444), positive correlations were found for Schwartz's Conservation--Openness dimension with both of Inglehart's dimensions (Survival--Self-Expression and Traditional--Secular-Rational values). The highest correlation with this Schwartz dimension was obtained at the Secular-Rational/Self-Expression diagonal, r = .24, after rotating the factor scores 45 degrees clockwise. We conclude that Schwartz's and Inglehart's originally proposed two-dimensional value structures share one dimension at the country level and some commonality at the individual level, whereas the respective other pair of dimensions seem to be more or less unrelated. © 2013 International Union of Psychological Science.

Spectral analysis of 87-lead body surface signal-averaged ECGs in patients with previous anterior myocardial infarction as a marker of ventricular tachycardia.

PubMed

Hosoya, Y; Kubota, I; Shibata, T; Yamaki, M; Ikeda, K; Tomoike, H

1992-06-01

There were few studies on the relation between the body surface distribution of high- and low-frequency components within the QRS complex and ventricular tachycardia (VT). Eighty-seven signal-averaged ECGs were obtained from 30 normal subjects (N group) and 30 patients with previous anterior myocardial infarction (MI) with VT (MI-VT[+] group, n = 10) or without VT (MI-VT[-] group, n = 20). The onset and offset of the QRS complex were determined from 87-lead root mean square values computed from the averaged (but not filtered) ECG waveforms. Fast Fourier transform analysis was performed on signal-averaged ECG. The resulting Fourier coefficients were attenuated by use of the transfer function, and then inverse transform was done with five frequency ranges (0-25, 25-40, 40-80, 80-150, and 150-250 Hz). From the QRS onset to the QRS offset, the time integration of the absolute value of reconstructed waveforms was calculated for each of the five frequency ranges. The body surface distributions of these areas were expressed as QRS area maps. The maximal values of QRS area maps were compared among the three groups. In the frequency ranges of 0-25 and 150-250 Hz, there were no significant differences in the maximal values among these three groups. Both MI groups had significantly smaller maximal values of QRS area maps in the frequency ranges of 25-40 and 40-80 Hz compared with the N group. The MI-VT(+) group had significantly smaller maximal values in the frequency ranges of 40-80 and 80-150 Hz than the MI-VT(-) group. These three groups were clearly differentiated by the maximal values of the 40-80-Hz QRS area map. It was suggested that the maximal value of the 40-80-Hz QRS area map was a new marker for VT after anterior MI.

Information content of slug tests for estimating hydraulic properties in realistic, high-conductivity aquifer scenarios

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cardiff, Michael; Barrash, Warren; Thoma, Michael; Malama, Bwalya

2011-06-01

SummaryA recently developed unified model for partially-penetrating slug tests in unconfined aquifers ( Malama et al., in press) provides a semi-analytical solution for aquifer response at the wellbore in the presence of inertial effects and wellbore skin, and is able to model the full range of responses from overdamped/monotonic to underdamped/oscillatory. While the model provides a unifying framework for realistically analyzing slug tests in aquifers (with the ultimate goal of determining aquifer properties such as hydraulic conductivity K and specific storage Ss), it is currently unclear whether parameters of this model can be well-identified without significant prior information and, thus, what degree of information content can be expected from such slug tests. In this paper, we examine the information content of slug tests in realistic field scenarios with respect to estimating aquifer properties, through analysis of both numerical experiments and field datasets. First, through numerical experiments using Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods for gauging parameter uncertainty and identifiability, we find that: (1) as noted by previous researchers, estimation of aquifer storage parameters using slug test data is highly unreliable and subject to significant uncertainty; (2) joint estimation of aquifer and skin parameters contributes to significant uncertainty in both unless prior knowledge is available; and (3) similarly, without prior information joint estimation of both aquifer radial and vertical conductivity may be unreliable. These results have significant implications for the types of information that must be collected prior to slug test analysis in order to obtain reliable aquifer parameter estimates. For example, plausible estimates of aquifer anisotropy ratios and bounds on wellbore skin K should be obtained, if possible, a priori. Secondly, through analysis of field data - consisting of over 2500 records from partially-penetrating slug tests in a heterogeneous, highly conductive aquifer, we present some general findings that have applicability to slug testing. In particular, we find that aquifer hydraulic conductivity estimates obtained from larger slug heights tend to be lower on average (presumably due to non-linear wellbore losses) and tend to be less variable (presumably due to averaging over larger support volumes), supporting the notion that using the smallest slug heights possible to produce measurable water level changes is an important strategy when mapping aquifer heterogeneity. Finally, we present results specific to characterization of the aquifer at the Boise Hydrogeophysical Research Site. Specifically, we note that (1) K estimates obtained using a range of different slug heights give similar results, generally within ±20%; (2) correlations between estimated K profiles with depth at closely-spaced wells suggest that K values obtained from slug tests are representative of actual aquifer heterogeneity and not overly affected by near-well media disturbance (i.e., "skin"); (3) geostatistical analysis of K values obtained indicates reasonable correlation lengths for sediments of this type; and (4) overall, K values obtained do not appear to correlate well with porosity data from previous studies.

Development of high temperature calorimeter: heat capacity measurement by direct heating pulse calorimetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arita, Yuji; Suzuki, Keisuke; Matsui, Tsuneo

2005-02-01

The temperature limit for heat capacity measurements with the direct heating pulse calorimeter has been increased up to 2000 K by means of the combination of an optical pyrometer to detect the relative temperature change with tungsten rhenium thermocouples to determine absolute temperatures. With this improved calorimeter the heat capacities were measured up to 1950 K, for SiC and B4C, and 2000 K for graphite. The heat capacity values obtained in this study were in good agreement, within the error of ±5%, with those previous values calculated from the enthalpy data by drop method. The electrical conductivities of SiC, B4C and graphite were also simultaneously determined from the inducted voltage and the current for heat capacity measurement.

Intra Frame Coding In Advanced Video Coding Standard (H.264) to Obtain Consistent PSNR and Reduce Bit Rate for Diagonal Down Left Mode Using Gaussian Pulse

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manjanaik, N.; Parameshachari, B. D.; Hanumanthappa, S. N.; Banu, Reshma

2017-08-01

Intra prediction process of H.264 video coding standard used to code first frame i.e. Intra frame of video to obtain good coding efficiency compare to previous video coding standard series. More benefit of intra frame coding is to reduce spatial pixel redundancy with in current frame, reduces computational complexity and provides better rate distortion performance. To code Intra frame it use existing process Rate Distortion Optimization (RDO) method. This method increases computational complexity, increases in bit rate and reduces picture quality so it is difficult to implement in real time applications, so the many researcher has been developed fast mode decision algorithm for coding of intra frame. The previous work carried on Intra frame coding in H.264 standard using fast decision mode intra prediction algorithm based on different techniques was achieved increased in bit rate, degradation of picture quality(PSNR) for different quantization parameters. Many previous approaches of fast mode decision algorithms on intra frame coding achieved only reduction of computational complexity or it save encoding time and limitation was increase in bit rate with loss of quality of picture. In order to avoid increase in bit rate and loss of picture quality a better approach was developed. In this paper developed a better approach i.e. Gaussian pulse for Intra frame coding using diagonal down left intra prediction mode to achieve higher coding efficiency in terms of PSNR and bitrate. In proposed method Gaussian pulse is multiplied with each 4x4 frequency domain coefficients of 4x4 sub macro block of macro block of current frame before quantization process. Multiplication of Gaussian pulse for each 4x4 integer transformed coefficients at macro block levels scales the information of the coefficients in a reversible manner. The resulting signal would turn abstract. Frequency samples are abstract in a known and controllable manner without intermixing of coefficients, it avoids picture getting bad hit for higher values of quantization parameters. The proposed work was implemented using MATLAB and JM 18.6 reference software. The proposed work measure the performance parameters PSNR, bit rate and compression of intra frame of yuv video sequences in QCIF resolution under different values of quantization parameter with Gaussian value for diagonal down left intra prediction mode. The simulation results of proposed algorithm are tabulated and compared with previous algorithm i.e. Tian et al method. The proposed algorithm achieved reduced in bit rate averagely 30.98% and maintain consistent picture quality for QCIF sequences compared to previous algorithm i.e. Tian et al method.

Quantification of elemental area densities in multiple metal layers (Au/Ni/Cu) on a Cr-coated quartz glass substrate for certification of NMIJ CRM 5208-a.

PubMed

Ariga, Tomoko; Zhu, Yanbei; Ito, Mika; Takatsuka, Toshiko; Terauchi, Shinya; Kurokawa, Akira; Inagaki, Kazumi

2018-04-01

Area densities of Au/Ni/Cu layers on a Cr-coated quartz substrate were characterized to certify a multiple-metal-layer certified reference material (NMIJ CRM5208-a) that is intended for use in the analysis of the layer area density and the thickness by an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer. The area densities of Au/Ni/Cu layers were calculated from layer mass amounts and area. The layer mass amounts were determined by using wet chemical analyses, namely inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), isotope-dilution (ID-) ICP-MS, and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) after dissolving the layers with diluted mixture of HCl and HNO 3 (1:1, v/v). Analytical results of the layer mass amounts obtained by the methods agreed well with each another within their uncertainty ranges. The area of the layer was determined by using a high-resolution optical scanner calibrated by Japan Calibration Service System (JCSS) standard scales. The property values of area density were 1.84 ± 0.05 μg/mm 2 for Au, 8.69 ± 0.17 μg/mm 2 for Ni, and 8.80 ± 0.14 μg/mm 2 for Cu (mean ± expanded uncertainty, coverage factor k = 2). In order to assess the reliability of these values, the density of each metal layer calculated from the property values of the area density and layer thickness measured by using a scanning electron microscope were compared with available literature values and good agreement between the observed values and values obtained in previous studies.

Efficient visual coding and the predictability of eye movements on natural movies.

PubMed

Vig, Eleonora; Dorr, Michael; Barth, Erhardt

2009-01-01

We deal with the analysis of eye movements made on natural movies in free-viewing conditions. Saccades are detected and used to label two classes of movie patches as attended and non-attended. Machine learning techniques are then used to determine how well the two classes can be separated, i.e., how predictable saccade targets are. Although very simple saliency measures are used and then averaged to obtain just one average value per scale, the two classes can be separated with an ROC score of around 0.7, which is higher than previously reported results. Moreover, predictability is analysed for different representations to obtain indirect evidence for the likelihood of a particular representation. It is shown that the predictability correlates with the local intrinsic dimension in a movie.

Calibration of the NASA GRC 16 In. Mass-Flow Plug

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davis, David O.; Friedlander, David J.; Saunders, J. David; Frate, Franco C.; Foster, Lancert E.

2012-01-01

The results of an experimental calibration of the NASA Glenn Research Center 16 in. Mass-Flow Plug (MFP) are presented and compared to a previously obtained calibration of a 15 in. Mass-Flow Plug. An ASME low-beta, long-radius nozzle was used as the calibration reference. The discharge coefficient for the ASME nozzle was obtained by numerically simulating the flow through the nozzle from the WIND-US code. The results showed agreement between the 15 in. and 16 in. MFPs for area ratios (MFP to pipe area ratio) greater than 0.6 but deviate at area ratios below this value for reasons that are not fully understood. A general uncertainty analysis was also performed and indicates that large uncertainties in the calibration are present for low MFP area ratios.

Calibration of the NASA Glenn Research Center 16 in. Mass-Flow Plug

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davis, David O.; Friedlander, David J.; Saunders, J. David; Frate, Franco C.; Foster, Lancert E.

2014-01-01

The results of an experimental calibration of the NASA Glenn Research Center 16 in. Mass-Flow Plug (MFP) are presented and compared to a previously obtained calibration of a 15 in. Mass-Flow Plug. An ASME low-beta, long-radius nozzle was used as the calibration reference. The discharge coefficient for the ASME nozzle was obtained by numerically simulating the flow through the nozzle from the WIND-US code. The results showed agreement between the 15 and 16 in. MFPs for area ratios (MFP to pipe area ratio) greater than 0.6 but deviate at area ratios below this value for reasons that are not fully understood. A general uncertainty analysis was also performed and indicates that large uncertainties in the calibration are present for low MFP area ratios.

Metallic positive expulsion diaphragms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gleich, D.

1972-01-01

High-cycle life ring-reinforced hemispherical type positive expulsion diaphragm performance was demonstrated by room temperature fluid expulsion tests of 13" diameter, 8 mil thick stainless steel configurations. A maximum of eleven (11) leak-free, fluid expulsions were achieved by a 25 deg cone angle diaphragm hoop-reinforced with .110-inch cross-sectional diameter wires. This represents a 70% improvement in diaphragm reversal cycle life compared to results previously obtained. The reversal tests confirmed analytic predictions for diaphragm cycle life increases due to increasing values of diaphragm cone angle, radius to thickness ratio and material strain to necking capacity. Practical fabrication techniques were demonstrated for forming close-tolerance, thin corrugated shells and for obtaining closely controlled reinforcing ring stiffness required to maximize diaphragm cycle life. A non-destructive inspection technique for monitoring large local shell bending strains was developed.

Photovoltaic measurement of bandgap narrowing in moderately doped silicon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

del Alamo, Jesus A.; Swanson, Richard M.; Lietoila, Arto

1983-05-01

Solar cells have been fabricated on n-type and p-type moderately doped Si. The shrinkage of the Si bandgap has been obtained by measuring the internal quantum efficiency in the near infrared spectrum ( hv = 1.00-1.25 eV) around the fundamental absorption edge. The results agree with previous optical measurements of bandgap narrowing in Si. It is postulated that this optically-determined bandgap narrowing is the rigid shrinkage of the forbidden gap due to many-body effects. The "device bandgap narrowing" obtained by measuring the pn product in bipolar devices leads to discrepant values because (i) the density of states in the conduction and valence band is modified due to the potential fluctuations originated in the variations in local impurity density, and (ii) the influence of Fermi-Dirac statistics.

Possible discrepancy of HbA1c values and its assessment among patients with chronic renal failure, hemodialysis and other diseases.

PubMed

Inoue, Kaori; Goto, Atsushi; Kishimoto, Miyako; Tsujimoto, Tetsuro; Yamamoto-Honda, Ritsuko; Noto, Hiroshi; Kajio, Hiroshi; Terauchi, Yasuo; Noda, Mitsuhiko

2015-12-01

Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and glycated albumin (GA) are frequently used as glycemic control markers. However, these markers are influenced by alterations in hemoglobin and albumin metabolism. Thus, conditions such as anemia, chronic renal failure, hypersplenism, chronic liver diseases, hyperthyroidism, hypoalbuminemia, and pregnancy need to be considered when interpreting HbA1c or GA values. Using data from patients with normal albumin and hemoglobin metabolism, we previously established a linear regression equation describing the GA value versus the HbA1c value to calculate an extrapolated HbA1c (eHbA1c) value for the accurate evaluation of glycemic control. In this study, we investigated the difference between the measured HbA1c and the eHbA1c values for patients with various conditions. Data sets for a total of 2461 occasions were obtained from 731 patients whose HbA1c and GA values were simultaneously measured. We excluded patients with missing data or changeable HbA1c levels, and patients who had received transfusions or steroids within the previous 3 months. Finally, we included 44 patients with chronic renal failure (CRF), 10 patients who were undergoing hemodialysis (HD), 7 patients with hematological malignancies and a hemoglobin level of less than 10 g/dL (HM), and 12 patients with chronic liver diseases (CLD). In all the groups, the eHbA1c values were significantly higher than the measured HbA1c values. The median difference was 0.75 % (95 % CI 0.40-1.10 %, P for the difference is <0.001) in the CRF group, 0.80 % (95 % CI 0.30-1.65 %, P for the difference is 0.041) in the HD group, 0.90 % (95 % CI 0.90-1.30 %, P for the difference is 0.028) in the HM group, and 0.85 % (95 % CI 0.40-1.50 %, P for the difference is 0.009) in the CLD group. We found that the measured HbA1c values were lower than the eHbA1c values in each of the groups.

Absolute protein-protein association rate constants from flexible, coarse-grained Brownian dynamics simulations: the role of intermolecular hydrodynamic interactions in barnase-barstar association.

PubMed

Frembgen-Kesner, Tamara; Elcock, Adrian H

2010-11-03

Theory and computation have long been used to rationalize the experimental association rate constants of protein-protein complexes, and Brownian dynamics (BD) simulations, in particular, have been successful in reproducing the relative rate constants of wild-type and mutant protein pairs. Missing from previous BD studies of association kinetics, however, has been the description of hydrodynamic interactions (HIs) between, and within, the diffusing proteins. Here we address this issue by rigorously including HIs in BD simulations of the barnase-barstar association reaction. We first show that even very simplified representations of the proteins--involving approximately one pseudoatom for every three residues in the protein--can provide excellent reproduction of the absolute association rate constants of wild-type and mutant protein pairs. We then show that simulations that include intermolecular HIs also produce excellent estimates of association rate constants, but, for a given reaction criterion, yield values that are decreased by ∼35-80% relative to those obtained in the absence of intermolecular HIs. The neglect of intermolecular HIs in previous BD simulation studies, therefore, is likely to have contributed to the somewhat overestimated absolute rate constants previously obtained. Consequently, intermolecular HIs could be an important component to include in accurate modeling of the kinetics of macromolecular association events. Copyright © 2010 Biophysical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Trends in diagnostic and therapeutic criteria in Graves' disease in the last 10 years

PubMed Central

Escobar-Jimenez, F; Fernandez-Soto, M; Luna-Lopez, V; Quesada-Charneco, M; Glinoer, D

2000-01-01

A questionnaire describing a typical clinical case of Graves' disease and 10 variations on it was mailed to 70 Spanish units of endocrinology with the aim of assessing the new diagnostic and therapeutic trends for hyperthyroidism caused by Graves' disease in Spain and to compare the results obtained from previous studies carried out in Europe and Spain 10 years previously.
  Responses indicated that thyrotrophin (98%) and free thyroxine (88%) were the most used tests in the in vitro diagnosis of Graves' disease with a significant decrease in the use of total thyroxine, total triiodothyronine, and thyroglobulin in comparison with the surveys conducted 10 years previously in Europe and Spain. The presence of antibodies against the thyrotrophin receptor was the most frequently used immune marker in the diagnosis (78%) and the new use of antithyroperoxidase antibodies (36%) in diagnosis is noteworthy. Antithyroid drugs remain the treatment of choice (98%). Surgery was used mainly for large size goitres (33%) and radioiodine for recurrences after medical (61%) or surgical (80%) treatment.
  In conclusion, the responses obtained from this questionnaire provide insight into current specialist diagnostic and therapeutic practices with respect to Graves' disease and which could be of value to non-specialist units of endocrinology.


Keywords: Graves' disease; antithyroid drugs; radioiodine; surgery PMID:10824047

Air- and N2-Broadening Coefficients and Pressure-Shift Coefficients in the C-12(O2-16) Laser Bands

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Devi, V. Malathy; Benner, D. Chris; Smith, Mary Ann H.; Rinsland, Curtis P.

1998-01-01

In this paper we report the pressure broadening and the pressure-induced line shift coefficients for 46 individual rovibrational lines in both the (12)C(16)O2, 00(sup 0)1-(10(sup 0)0-02(sup 0)0)I, and 00(sup 0)1-(10(sup 0)0-02(sup 0)0)II, laser bands (laser band I centered at 960.959/cm and laser band II centered at 1063.735/cm) determined from spectra recorded with the McMath-Pierce Fourier transform spectrometer. The results were obtained from analysis of 10 long-path laboratory absorption spectra recorded at room temperature using a multispectrum nonlinear least-squares technique. Pressure effects caused by both air and nitrogen have been investigated. The air-broadening coefficients determined in this study agree well with the values in the 1996 HITRAN database; ratios and standard deviations of the ratios of the present air-broadening measurements to the 1996 HITRAN values for the two laser bands are: 1.005(15) for laser band I and 1.005(14) for laser band II. Broadening by nitrogen is 3 to 4% larger than that of air. The pressure-induced line shift coefficients are found to be transition dependent and different for the P- and R-branch lines with same J" value. No noticeable differences in the shift coefficients caused by air and nitrogen were found. The results obtained are compared with available values previously reported in the literature.

Gas exchange rates measured using a dual-tracer (SF6 and3he) method in the coastal waters of Korea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Hyun-Woo; Lee, Kitack; Kaown, Duk-In

2008-03-01

Over a period of 5 days between August 12 and 17, 2005, we performed a gas exchange experiment using the dual tracer method in a tidal coastal ocean located off the southern coast of Korea. The gas exchange rate was determined from temporal changes in the ratio of3He to SF6 measured daily in the surface mixed layer. The measured gas exchange rate ( k CO 2), normalized to a Schmidt number of 600 for CO2 in fresh water at 20°C, was approximately 5.0 cm h-1 at a mean wind speed of 3.9 m s-1 during the study period. This value is significantly less than those obtained from floating chamber-based experiments performed previously in estuarine environments, but is similar in magnitude to values obtained using the dual tracer method in river and tidal coastal waters and values predicted on the basis of the relationship between the gas exchange rate and wind speed (Wanninkhof 1992), which is generally applicable to the open ocean. Our result is also consistent with the relationship of Raymond and Cole (2001), which was derived from experiments carried out in estuarine environments using222Rn and chlorofluorocarbons along with measurements undertaken in the Hudson River, Canada, using SF6 and3He. Our results indicate that tidal action in a microtidal region did not discernibly enhance the measured k CO 2 value.

Vortex flow structures and interactions for the optimum thrust efficiency of a heaving airfoil at different mean angles of attack

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

Martín-Alcántara, A.; Fernandez-Feria, R.; Sanmiguel-Rojas, E.

The thrust efficiency of a two-dimensional heaving airfoil is studied computationally for a low Reynolds number using a vortex force decomposition. The auxiliary potentials that separate the total vortex force into lift and drag (or thrust) are obtained analytically by using an elliptic airfoil. With these auxiliary potentials, the added-mass components of the lift and drag (or thrust) coefficients are also obtained analytically for any heaving motion of the airfoil and for any value of the mean angle of attack α. The contributions of the leading- and trailing-edge vortices to the thrust during their down- and up-stroke evolutions are computedmore » quantitatively with this formulation for different dimensionless frequencies and heave amplitudes (St{sub c} and St{sub a}) and for several values of α. Very different types of flows, periodic, quasi-periodic, and chaotic described as St{sub c}, St{sub a}, and α, are varied. The optimum values of these parameters for maximum thrust efficiency are obtained and explained in terms of the interactions between the vortices and the forces exerted by them on the airfoil. As in previous numerical and experimental studies on flapping flight at low Reynolds numbers, the optimum thrust efficiency is reached for intermediate frequencies (St{sub c} slightly smaller than one) and a heave amplitude corresponding to an advance ratio close to unity. The optimal mean angle of attack found is zero. The corresponding flow is periodic, but it becomes chaotic and with smaller average thrust efficiency as |α| becomes slightly different from zero.« less

Evaluation of the polyurethane foam (PUF) disk passive air sampler: Computational modeling and experimental measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

May, Andrew A.; Ashman, Paul; Huang, Jiaoyan; Dhaniyala, Suresh; Holsen, Thomas M.

2011-08-01

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations coupled with wind tunnel-experiments were used to determine the sampling rate (SR) of the widely used polyurethane foam (PUF) disk passive sampler. In the wind-tunnel experiments, water evaporation rates from a water saturated PUF disk installed in the sampler housing were determined by measuring weight loss over time. In addition, a modified passive sampler designed to collect elemental mercury (Hg 0) with gold-coated filters was used. Experiments were carried out at different wind speeds and various sampler angles. The SRs obtained from wind-tunnel experiments were compared to those obtained from the field by scaling the values by the ratios of air diffusivities. Three-dimensional (3D) CFD simulations were also used to generate SRs for both polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and Hg 0. Overall, the modeled and measured SRs agree well and are consistent with the values obtained from field studies. As previously observed, the SRs increased linearly with increasing wind speed. In addition, it was determined that the SR was strongly dependent on the angle of the ambient wind. The SRs increased when the base was tilted up pointing into the wind and when the base was tilted down (i.e., such that the top of the sampler was facing the wind) the SR decreased initially and then increased. The results suggest that there may be significant uncertainty in concentrations obtained from passive sampler measurements without knowledge of wind speed and wind angle relative to the sampler.

Burnout, depression and depersonalisation--psychological factors and coping strategies in dental and medical students.

PubMed

Prinz, Patrick; Hertrich, Klaus; Hirschfelder, Ursula; de Zwaan, Martina

2012-01-01

Previous studies found that stress, depression, burnout, anxiety, and depersonalisation play a significant role amongst dental and medical students. We wanted to examine if students of the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg also would report elevated values as can been found in similar publications. Furthermore, particularly coping strategies were investigated. The data collection took place in April 2008 including 182 dental and medical students of the 4th and 5th academic year at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg. Demographic data and the following screening instruments were used: Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), Cambridge Depersonalisation Scale (CDS-9), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Brief COPE. Descriptive statistics showed higher pathological values in dental students than in medical students. The difference was especially pronounced on the depersonalisation scale (CDS-9), with 20.4% of the dental students, but only 5.5% of the medical students showing scores above a cut-off of 19. The scores decreased in the course of 3 semesters of dentistry. The students with elevated values showed a higher degree of dysfunctional coping. Our results obtained with the screening instruments are in line with the results of previous investigations of other authors and point out the importance of this issue. It might be useful to develop programs teaching dental students more adaptive coping strategies before their first patient contact.

Burnout, depression and depersonalisation – Psychological factors and coping strategies in dental and medical students

PubMed Central

Prinz, Patrick; Hertrich, Klaus; Hirschfelder, Ursula; de Zwaan, Martina

2012-01-01

Background: Previous studies found that stress, depression, burnout, anxiety, and depersonalisation play a significant role amongst dental and medical students. We wanted to examine if students of the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg also would report elevated values as can been found in similar publications. Furthermore, particularly coping strategies were investigated. Methods: The data collection took place in April 2008 including 182 dental and medical students of the 4th and 5th academic year at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg. Demographic data and the following screening instruments were used: Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), Cambridge Depersonalisation Scale (CDS-9), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Brief COPE. Results: Descriptive statistics showed higher pathological values in dental students than in medical students. The difference was especially pronounced on the depersonalisation scale (CDS-9), with 20.4% of the dental students, but only 5.5% of the medical students showing scores above a cut-off of 19. The scores decreased in the course of 3 semesters of dentistry. The students with elevated values showed a higher degree of dysfunctional coping. Conclusion: Our results obtained with the screening instruments are in line with the results of previous investigations of other authors and point out the importance of this issue. It might be useful to develop programs teaching dental students more adaptive coping strategies before their first patient contact. PMID:22403595

Millimeter-Wave Spectroscopy, X-ray Crystal Structure, and Quantum Chemical Studies of Diketene: Resolving Ambiguities Concerning the Structure of the Ketene Dimer.

PubMed

Orr, Vanessa L; Esselman, Brian J; Dorman, P Matisha; Amberger, Brent K; Guzei, Ilia A; Woods, R Claude; McMahon, Robert J

2016-10-06

The pure rotational spectrum of diketene has been studied in the millimeter-wave region from ∼240 to 360 GHz. For the ground vibrational state and five vibrationally excited satellites (ν 24 , 2ν 24 , 3ν 24 , 4ν 24 , and ν 16 ), the observed spectrum allowed for the measurement, assignment, and least-squares fitting a total of more than 10 000 distinct rotational transitions. In each case, the transitions were fit to single-state, complete or near-complete sextic centrifugally distorted rotor models to near experimental error limits using Kisiel's ASFIT. Additionally, we obtained less satisfactory least-squares fits to single-state centrifugally distorted rotor models for three additional vibrational states: ν 24 + ν 16 , ν 23 , and 5ν 24 . The structure of diketene was optimized at the CCSD(T)/ANO1 level, and the vibration-rotation interaction (α i ) values for each normal mode were determined with a CCSD(T)/ANO1 VPT2 anharmonic frequency calculation. These α i values were helpful in identifying the previously unreported ν 16 and ν 23 fundamental states. We obtained a single-crystal X-ray structure of diketene at -173 °C. The bond distances are increased in precision by more than an order of magnitude compared to those in the 1958 X-ray crystal structure. The improved accuracy of the crystal structure geometry resolves the discrepancy between previous computational and experimental structures. The rotational transition frequencies provided herein should be useful for a millimeter-wave or terahertz search for diketene in the interstellar medium.

A new intermolecular potential for simulations of methanol: The OPLS/2016 model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gonzalez-Salgado, D.; Vega, C.

2016-07-01

In this work, a new rigid-nonpolarizable model of methanol is proposed. The model has three sites, located at the same positions as those used in the OPLS model previously proposed by Jorgensen [J. Phys. Chem. 90, 1276 (1986)]. However, partial charges and the values of the Lennard-Jones parameters were modified by fitting to an adequately selected set of target properties including solid-fluid experimental data. The new model was denoted as OPLS/2016. The overall performance of this model was evaluated and compared to that obtained with other popular models of methanol using a similar test to that recently proposed for water models. In the test, a certain numerical score is given to each model. It was found that the OPLS/2016 obtained the highest score (7.4 of a maximum of 10) followed by L1 (6.6), L2 (6.4), OPLS (5.8), and H1 (3.5) models. The improvement of OPLS/2016 with respect to L1 and L2 is mainly due to an improvement in the description of fluid-solid equilibria (the melting point is only 14 K higher than the experimental value). In addition, it was found that no methanol model was able to reproduce the static dielectric constant and the isobaric heat capacity, whereas the better global performance was found for models that reproduce the vaporization enthalpy once the so-called polarization term is included. Similar conclusions were suggested previously in the analysis of water models and are confirmed here for methanol.

Effect of Laser in Situ Keratomileusis on Schiøtz, Goldmann, and Dynamic Contour Tonometric Measurements.

PubMed

Sales-Sanz, Marco; Arranz-Marquez, Esther; Piñero, David P; Arruabarrena, Carolina; Mikropoulos, Dimitrios G; Teus, Miguel A

2016-04-01

To assess the effect of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) on ocular rigidity and compare its effect on intraocular pressure (IOP) readings with Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT), Schiøtz indentation tonometry (ST), and dynamic contour tonometry (DCT). Prospective, observational, single-masked study. Eighty-one patients who underwent myopic LASIK and 108 unoperated myopic control patients were included in the study. The IOP was measured using GAT, DCT, and ST. The coefficient of ocular rigidity (Ko) was obtained from the regression analysis of the 3 readings obtained with each weight of the ST. Linear multiple regression analysis was performed with dummy variables to assess the effects of age, central corneal thickness (CCT), and refractive surgery on measured IOP values. Age, CCT, and previous LASIK explained 39.41% of the IOP readings with GAT, 25.31% with DCT, and 3.28% with ST. LASIK caused a mean decrease of -2.51 mm Hg in IOP readings (P=0.000) with GAT, -1.29 mm Hg (P=0.036) with DCT, and no significant change in IOP readings with ST (P=0.299). Significant differences in the Ko were observed between the LASIK and control groups. The Ko values were unrelated to age and CCT in the LASIK and control groups. ST seems to be less affected by previous LASIK procedures. There is a difference in the ocular rigidity between the unoperated and LASIK eyes that is not correlated with the CCT. Therefore, ST seems to measure changes in the biomechanical behavior of corneas that underwent LASIK surgery.

Experimental validation of beam quality correction factors for proton beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gomà, Carles; Hofstetter-Boillat, Bénédicte; Safai, Sairos; Vörös, Sándor

2015-04-01

This paper presents a method to experimentally validate the beam quality correction factors (kQ) tabulated in IAEA TRS-398 for proton beams and to determine the kQ of non-tabulated ionization chambers (based on the already tabulated values). The method is based exclusively on ionometry and it consists in comparing the reading of two ionization chambers under the same reference conditions in a proton beam quality Q and a reference beam quality 60Co. This allows one to experimentally determine the ratio between the kQ of the two ionization chambers. In this work, 7 different ionization chamber models were irradiated under the IAEA TRS-398 reference conditions for 60Co beams and proton beams. For the latter, the reference conditions for both modulated beams (spread-out Bragg peak field) and monoenergetic beams (pseudo-monoenergetic field) were studied. For monoenergetic beams, it was found that the experimental kQ values obtained for plane-parallel chambers are consistent with the values tabulated in IAEA TRS-398; whereas the kQ values obtained for cylindrical chambers are not consistent—being higher than the tabulated values. These results support the suggestion (of previous publications) that the IAEA TRS-398 reference conditions for monoenergetic proton beams should be revised so that the effective point of measurement of cylindrical ionization chambers is taken into account when positioning the reference point of the chamber at the reference depth. For modulated proton beams, the tabulated kQ values of all the ionization chambers studied in this work were found to be consistent with each other—except for the IBA FC65-G, whose experimental kQ value was found to be 0.6% lower than the tabulated one. The kQ of the PTW Advanced Markus chamber, which is not tabulated in IAEA TRS-398, was found to be 0.997 ± 0.042 (k = 2), based on the tabulated value of the PTW Markus chamber.

Model-Based IN SITU Parameter Estimation of Ultrasonic Guided Waves in AN Isotropic Plate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hall, James S.; Michaels, Jennifer E.

2010-02-01

Most ultrasonic systems employing guided waves for flaw detection require information such as dispersion curves, transducer locations, and expected propagation loss. Degraded system performance may result if assumed parameter values do not accurately reflect the actual environment. By characterizing the propagating environment in situ at the time of test, potentially erroneous a priori estimates are avoided and performance of ultrasonic guided wave systems can be improved. A four-part model-based algorithm is described in the context of previous work that estimates model parameters whereby an assumed propagation model is used to describe the received signals. This approach builds upon previous work by demonstrating the ability to estimate parameters for the case of single mode propagation. Performance is demonstrated on signals obtained from theoretical dispersion curves, finite element modeling, and experimental data.

The brightness temperature of Venus and the absolute flux-density scale at 608 MHz.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Muhleman, D. O.; Berge, G. L.; Orton, G. S.

1973-01-01

The disk temperature of Venus was measured at 608 MHz near the inferior conjunction of 1972, and a value of 498 plus or minus 33 K was obtained using a nominal CKL flux-density scale. The result is consistent with earlier measurements, but has a much smaller uncertainty. Our theoretical model prediction is larger by a factor of 1.21 plus or minus 0.09. This discrepancy has been noticed previously for frequencies below 1400 MHz, but was generally disregarded because of the large observational uncertainties. No way could be found to change the model to produce agreement without causing a conflict with well-established properties of Venus. Thus it is suggested that the flux-density scale may require an upward revision, at least near this frequency, in excess of what has previously been considered likely.

The fine-structure intervals of (N-14)+ by far-infrared laser magnetic resonance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, John M.; Varberg, Thomas D.; Evenson, Kenneth M.; Cooksy, Andrew L.

1994-01-01

The far-infrared laser magnetic resonance spectra associated with both fine-structure transitions in (N-14)+ in its ground P-3 state have been recorded. This is the first laboratory observation of the J = 1 left arrow 0 transition and its frequency has been determined two orders of magnitude more accurately than previously. The remeasurement of the J = 2 left arrow 1 spectrum revealed a small error in the previous laboratory measurements. The fine-structure splittings (free of hyperfine interactions) determined in this work are (delta)E(sub 10) = 1461.13190 (61) GHz, (delta)E(sub 21) = 2459.38006 (37) GHz. Zero-field transition frequencies which include the effects of hyperfine structure have also been calculated. Refined values for the hyperfine constants and the g(sub J) factors have been obtained.

[Effects of hyposalinity in Thalassia testudinum (Hydrocharitaceae) from Parque Nacional Morrocoy, Venezuela].

PubMed

Pérez, D; Galindo, L

2000-12-01

The year 1996 had a high pluviosity in Morrocoy National Park (western coastal zone, Venezuela) and low salinity in December 1996 affected the seagrass beds, dominated by Thalassia testudinum. Patches without T. testudinum were observed in localities of the park that used to have very dense populations of this plant. Sampling was done at Las Luisas to determine leaf productivity, turnover rate, short shoot density and relative biomass of plant sections, in order to compare with data obtained in September 1996, previous to the event. Green leaves, roots and rhizomes were the most affected parts. Mean green leaf biomass decreased in January and February 1997 to 5% of the plant's total biomass; mean root biomass decreased in March to 40% and mean rhi zome biomass decreased in February to 30%. The density of the active short shoots decreased to a minimum in February, but in April it reached a value similar to that of September 1996. The density of the inactive short shoots decreased to a minimum in March, and they dissappeared in April, matching the increasing density of the active short shoots between these two months. In February 1997, 56% of the inactive short shoots showed evidence of leaf initiation. In January 1997 the leaf productivity and turnover rate values (2.72 +/- 0.35 g/m2/d and 2.15% leaf DW/d) were similar to the annual mean previously determined from Las Luisas (2.35 +/- 0.72 g/m2/d and 1.96% leaf DW/d). Nevertheless, the values of productivity and turnover rate detected at Las Luisas in April 1997 (4.88 +/- 2.14 g/m2/d and 4.66% leaf DW/d) were higher than those values previously reported for this location. In response to the mortality episode, the leaf productivity and turnover rate of T. testudinum increased and the leaf initiation was activated in the inactive short shoots.

Acceleration and Orientation Jumping Performance Differences Among Elite Professional Male Handball Players With or Without Previous ACL Reconstruction: An Inertial Sensor Unit-Based Study.

PubMed

Setuain, Igor; González-Izal, Miriam; Alfaro, Jesús; Gorostiaga, Esteban; Izquierdo, Mikel

2015-12-01

Handball is one of the most challenging sports for the knee joint. Persistent biomechanical and jumping capacity alterations can be observed in athletes with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Commonly identified jumping biomechanical alterations have been described by the use of laboratory technologies. However, portable and easy-to-handle technologies that enable an evaluation of jumping biomechanics at the training field are lacking. To analyze unilateral/bilateral acceleration and orientation jumping performance differences among elite male handball athletes with or without previous ACL reconstruction via a single inertial sensor unit device. Case control descriptive study. At the athletes' usual training court. Twenty-two elite male (6 ACL-reconstructed and 16 uninjured control players) handball players were evaluated. The participants performed a vertical jump test battery that included a 50-cm vertical bilateral drop jump, a 20-cm vertical unilateral drop jump, and vertical unilateral countermovement jump maneuvers. Peak 3-dimensional (X, Y, Z) acceleration (m·s(-2)), jump phase duration and 3-dimensional orientation values (°) were obtained from the inertial sensor unit device. Two-tailed t-tests and a one-way analysis of variance were performed to compare means. The P value cut-off for significance was set at P < .05. The ACL-reconstructed male athletes did not show any significant (P < .05) residual jumping biomechanical deficits regarding the measured variables compared with players who had not suffered this knee injury. A dominance effect was observed among non-ACL reconstructed controls but not among their ACL-reconstructed counterparts (P < .05). Elite male handball athletes with previous ACL reconstruction demonstrated a jumping biomechanical profile similar to control players, including similar jumping performance values in both bilateral and unilateral jumping maneuvers, several years after ACL reconstruction. These findings are in agreement with previous research showing full functional restoration of abilities in top-level male athletes after ACL reconstruction, rehabilitation and subsequent return to sports at the previous level. Copyright © 2015 American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Modeling of Inverted Annular Film Boiling using an integral method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sridharan, Arunkumar

In modeling Inverted Annular Film Boiling (IAFB), several important phenomena such as interaction between the liquid and the vapor phases and irregular nature of the interface, which greatly influence the momentum and heat transfer at the interface, need to be accounted for. However, due to the complexity of these phenomena, they were not modeled in previous studies. Since two-phase heat transfer equations and relationships rely heavily on experimental data, many closure relationships that were used in previous studies to solve the problem are empirical in nature. Also, in deriving the relationships, the experimental data were often extrapolated beyond the intended range of conditions, causing errors in predictions. In some cases, empirical correlations that were derived from situations other than IAFB, and whose applicability to IAFB was questionable, were used. Moreover, arbitrary constants were introduced in the model developed in previous studies to provide good fit to the experimental data. These constants have no physical basis, thereby leading to questionable accuracy in the model predictions. In the present work, modeling of Inverted Annular Film Boiling (IAFB) is done using Integral Method. Two-dimensional formulation of IAFB is presented. Separate equations for the conservation of mass, momentum and energy are derived from first principles, for the vapor film and the liquid core. Turbulence is incorporated in the formulation. The system of second-order partial differential equations is integrated over the radial direction to obtain a system of integral differential equations. In order to solve the system of equations, second order polynomial profiles are used to describe the nondimensional velocity and temperatures. The unknown coefficients in the profiles are functions of the axial direction alone. Using the boundary conditions that govern the physical problem, equations for the unknown coefficients are derived in terms of the primary dependent variables: wall shear stress, interfacial shear stress, film thickness, pressure, wall temperature and the mass transfer rate due to evaporation. A system of non-linear first order coupled ordinary differential equations is obtained. Due to the inherent mathematical complexity of the system of equations, simplifying assumptions are made to obtain a numerical solution. The system of equations is solved numerically to obtain values of the unknown quantities at each subsequent axial location. Derived quantities like void fraction and heat transfer coefficient are calculated at each axial location. The calculation is terminated when the void fraction reaches a value of 0.6, the upper limit of IAFB. The results obtained agree with the experimental trends observed. Void fraction increases along the heated length, while the heat transfer coefficient drops due to the increased resistance of the vapor film as expected.

Permeability estimates in histopathology-proved treatment-induced necrosis using perfusion CT: can these add to other perfusion parameters in differentiating from recurrent/progressive tumors?

PubMed

Jain, R; Narang, J; Schultz, L; Scarpace, L; Saksena, S; Brown, S; Rock, J P; Rosenblum, M; Gutierrez, J; Mikkelsen, T

2011-04-01

Differentiating treatment effects from RPT is a common yet challenging task in a busy neuro-oncologic practice. PS probably represents a different aspect of angiogenesis and vasculature and can provide additional physiologic information about recurrent/progressive enhancing lesions. The purpose of the study was to use PS measured by using PCT to differentiate TIN from RPT in patients with previously irradiated brain tumor who presented with a recurrent/progressive enhancing lesion. Seventy-two patients underwent PCT for assessment of a recurrent/progressive enhancing lesion from January 2006 to November 2009. Thirty-eight patients who underwent surgery and histopathologic diagnosis were included in this analysis. Perfusion parameters such as PS, CBV, CBF, and MTT were obtained from the enhancing lesion as well as from the NAWM. Of 38 patients, 11 were diagnosed with pure TIN and 27 had RPT. Patients with TIN showed significantly lower mean PS values than those with RPT (1.8 ± 0.8 versus 3.6 ± 1.6 mL/100 g/min; P value=.001). The TIN group also showed lower rCBV (1.2 ± 0.3 versus 2.1 ± 0.7; P value<.001), lower rCBF (1.2 ± 0.5 versus 2.6 ± 1.7; P value=.004), and higher rMTT (1.4 ± 0.4 versus 1.0 ± 0.4; P value=.018) compared with the RPT group. PCT and particularly PS can be used in patients with previously treated brain tumors to differentiate TIN from RPT. PS estimates can help increase the accuracy of PCT in differentiating these 2 entities.

The relationship between body composition and femoral neck osteoporosis or osteopenia in adults with previous poliomyelitis.

PubMed

Chang, Kwang-Hwa; Tseng, Sung-Hui; Lin, Yu-Ching; Lai, Chien-Hung; Hsiao, Wen-Tien; Chen, Shih-Ching

2015-04-01

Articles in the literature describing the association between body composition and osteoporosis in subjects with poliomyelitis are scarce. To assess the relationship between body composition and femoral neck osteoporosis or osteopenia in adults with previous polio. After excluding postmenopausal women, 44 polio (mean age ± standard deviation, 46.1 ± 3.3 years) and 44 able-bodied control volunteers (47.0 ± 4.0 years) participated in the study. Each participant's femoral neck bone mineral density (FNBMD) and whole body composition were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. With local reference BMD values of normal young adults installed in the instrument, we obtained T-score values that depended on each FNBMD value. A T-score value of ≤-1.0 indicated decreased T-score, including osteoporosis (T-score ≤ -2.5) and osteopenia (-1.0 to -2.5). This study conducted logistic regression analyses to find factors associated with osteoporosis and osteopenia. Based on the FNBMD T-score values, 60.0% of middle-aged men with polio had osteoporosis. In adjusted logistic regression analyses, total lean tissue mass (Adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 0.74 [0.56-0.99], P < 0.05) and male gender (947.16 [6.02-148,926.16], P < 0.01) were important factors associated with decreased T-score in polio group. Osteoporosis or osteopenia is a common medical problem for middle-aged men with polio. Reduced total lean tissue mass seems to be one of the important factors associated with osteoporosis or osteopenia among subjects with polio. Further research for a clinical tool to assess lean tissue mass for subjects with polio is needed. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Human exposure to metals: levels in autopsy tissues of individuals living near a hazardous waste incinerator.

PubMed

Mari, Montse; Nadal, Martí; Schuhmacher, Marta; Barbería, Eneko; García, Francisco; Domingo, José L

2014-06-01

The concentrations of a number of metals were determined in the brain, bone, kidney, liver, and lung of 20 autopsied subjects who had lived, at least 10 years, in the neighborhood of a hazardous waste incinerator (HWI) in Tarragona (Catalonia, Spain). Results were compared with those obtained in 1998 (baseline survey) and previous surveys (2003 and 2007). Arsenic, Be, Ni, Tl, and V showed concentrations below the corresponding detection limits in all tissues. Cadmium showed the highest levels in the kidney, with a mean value of 21.15 μg/g. However, Cd was found below the detection limit in the brain and bone. Chromium showed similar concentrations in the kidney, brain, and lung (range of mean values, 0.57-0.66 μg/g) and higher in the bone (1.38 μg/g). In turn, Hg was below the detection limit in all tissues with the exception of the kidney, where the mean concentration was 0.15 μg/g (range, <0.05-0.58 μg/g). On the other hand, Mn could be detected in all tissues showing the highest levels in the liver and kidney (1.45 and 1.09 μg/g, respectively). Moreover, Pb showed the highest concentrations in bone (mean, 1.39 μg/g; range, <0.025-4.88 μg/g). Finally, Sn could be detected only in some tissue samples, reaching the highest values in the bone (0.17 μg/g). The current metal levels in human tissues from individuals living near the HWI of Tarragona are comparable and of a similar magnitude to previously reported results corresponding to general populations, as well as those of our previous surveys.

Dilute and dense axion stars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Visinelli, Luca; Baum, Sebastian; Redondo, Javier; Freese, Katherine; Wilczek, Frank

2018-02-01

Axion stars are hypothetical objects formed of axions, obtained as localized and coherently oscillating solutions to their classical equation of motion. Depending on the value of the field amplitude at the core |θ0 | ≡ | θ (r = 0) |, the equilibrium of the system arises from the balance of the kinetic pressure and either self-gravity or axion self-interactions. Starting from a general relativistic framework, we obtain the set of equations describing the configuration of the axion star, which we solve as a function of |θ0 |. For small |θ0 | ≲ 1, we reproduce results previously obtained in the literature, and we provide arguments for the stability of such configurations in terms of first principles. We compare qualitative analytical results with a numerical calculation. For large amplitudes |θ0 | ≳ 1, the axion field probes the full non-harmonic QCD chiral potential and the axion star enters the dense branch. Our numerical solutions show that in this latter regime the axions are relativistic, and that one should not use a single frequency approximation, as previously applied in the literature. We employ a multi-harmonic expansion to solve the relativistic equation for the axion field in the star, and demonstrate that higher modes cannot be neglected in the dense regime. We interpret the solutions in the dense regime as pseudo-breathers, and show that the life-time of such configurations is much smaller than any cosmological time scale.

Challenges Associated with Estimating Utility in Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Novel Regression Analysis to Capture the Bilateral Nature of the Disease.

PubMed

Hodgson, Robert; Reason, Timothy; Trueman, David; Wickstead, Rose; Kusel, Jeanette; Jasilek, Adam; Claxton, Lindsay; Taylor, Matthew; Pulikottil-Jacob, Ruth

2017-10-01

The estimation of utility values for the economic evaluation of therapies for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a particular challenge. Previous economic models in wet AMD have been criticized for failing to capture the bilateral nature of wet AMD by modelling visual acuity (VA) and utility values associated with the better-seeing eye only. Here we present a de novo regression analysis using generalized estimating equations (GEE) applied to a previous dataset of time trade-off (TTO)-derived utility values from a sample of the UK population that wore contact lenses to simulate visual deterioration in wet AMD. This analysis allows utility values to be estimated as a function of VA in both the better-seeing eye (BSE) and worse-seeing eye (WSE). VAs in both the BSE and WSE were found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05) when regressed separately. When included without an interaction term, only the coefficient for VA in the BSE was significant (p = 0.04), but when an interaction term between VA in the BSE and WSE was included, only the constant term (mean TTO utility value) was significant, potentially a result of the collinearity between the VA of the two eyes. The lack of both formal model fit statistics from the GEE approach and theoretical knowledge to support the superiority of one model over another make it difficult to select the best model. Limitations of this analysis arise from the potential influence of collinearity between the VA of both eyes, and the use of contact lenses to reflect VA states to obtain the original dataset. Whilst further research is required to elicit more accurate utility values for wet AMD, this novel regression analysis provides a possible source of utility values to allow future economic models to capture the quality of life impact of changes in VA in both eyes. Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Limited.

Oxygen isotope values in bone carbonate and collagen are consistently offset for New World monkeys.

PubMed

Crowley, Brooke Erin

2014-11-01

Stable oxygen isotopes are increasingly used in ecological research. Here, I present oxygen isotope (δ(18)O) values for bone carbonate and collagen from howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata), spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) and capuchins (Cebus capucinus) from three localities in Costa Rica. There are apparent differences in δ(18)Ocarbonate and δ(18)Ocollagen among species. Monkeys from moist forest have significantly lower isotope values than those from drier localities. Because patterns are similar for both substrates, discrimination (Δ) between δ(18)Ocarbonate and δ(18)Ocollagen is relatively consistent among species and localities (17.6 ± 0.9‰). Although this value is larger than that previously obtained for laboratory rats, consistency among species and localities suggests it can be used to compare δ(18)Ocarbonate and δ(18)Ocollagen for monkeys, and potentially other medium-bodied mammals. Establishing discrimination for oxygen between these substrates for wild monkeys provides a foundation for future environmental and ecological research on modern and ancient organisms. © 2014 The Author(s) Published by the Royal Society. All rights reserved.

Maximal isometric muscle strength values obtained By hand-held dynamometry in children between 6 and 15 years of age.

PubMed

Escobar, Raul G; Munoz, Karin T; Dominguez, Angelica; Banados, Pamela; Bravo, Maria J

2017-01-01

In this study we aimed to determine the maximal isometric muscle strength of a healthy, normal-weight, pediatric population between 6 and 15 years of age using hand-held dynamometry to establish strength reference values. The secondary objective was determining the relationship between strength and anthropometric parameters. Four hundred normal-weight Chilean children, split into 10 age groups, separated by 1-year intervals, were evaluated. Each age group included between 35 and 55 children. The strength values increased with increasing age and weight, with a correlation of 0.83 for age and 0.82 for weight. The results were similar to those reported in previous studies regarding the relationships among strength, age, and anthropometric parameters, but the reported strength differed. These results provide normal strength parameters for healthy and normal-weight Chilean children between 6 and 15 years of age and highlight the relevance of ethnicity in defining reference values for muscle strength in a pediatric population. Muscle Nerve 55: 16-22, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

An inventory of undiscovered Canadian mineral resources

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Labovitz, M. L.; Griffiths, J. C.

1982-01-01

Unit regional value (URV) and unit regional weight are area standardized measures of the expected value and quantity, respectively, of the mineral resources of a region. Estimation and manipulation of the URV statistic is the basis of an approach to mineral resource evaluation. Estimates of the kind and value of exploitable mineral resources yet to be discovered in the provinces of Canada are used as an illustration of the procedure. The URV statistic is set within a previously developed model wherein geology, as measured by point counting geologic maps, is related to the historical record of mineral resource production of well-developed regions of the world, such as the 50 states of the U.S.A.; these may be considered the training set. The Canadian provinces are related to this training set using geological information obtained in the same way from geologic maps of the provinces. The desired predictions of yet to be discovered mineral resources in the Canadian provinces arise as a consequence. The implicit assumption is that regions of similar geology, if equally well developed, will produce similar weights and values of mineral resources.

Frequency domain analysis of errors in cross-correlations of ambient seismic noise

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Xin; Ben-Zion, Yehuda; Zigone, Dimitri

2016-12-01

We analyse random errors (variances) in cross-correlations of ambient seismic noise in the frequency domain, which differ from previous time domain methods. Extending previous theoretical results on ensemble averaged cross-spectrum, we estimate confidence interval of stacked cross-spectrum of finite amount of data at each frequency using non-overlapping windows with fixed length. The extended theory also connects amplitude and phase variances with the variance of each complex spectrum value. Analysis of synthetic stationary ambient noise is used to estimate the confidence interval of stacked cross-spectrum obtained with different length of noise data corresponding to different number of evenly spaced windows of the same duration. This method allows estimating Signal/Noise Ratio (SNR) of noise cross-correlation in the frequency domain, without specifying filter bandwidth or signal/noise windows that are needed for time domain SNR estimations. Based on synthetic ambient noise data, we also compare the probability distributions, causal part amplitude and SNR of stacked cross-spectrum function using one-bit normalization or pre-whitening with those obtained without these pre-processing steps. Natural continuous noise records contain both ambient noise and small earthquakes that are inseparable from the noise with the existing pre-processing steps. Using probability distributions of random cross-spectrum values based on the theoretical results provides an effective way to exclude such small earthquakes, and additional data segments (outliers) contaminated by signals of different statistics (e.g. rain, cultural noise), from continuous noise waveforms. This technique is applied to constrain values and uncertainties of amplitude and phase velocity of stacked noise cross-spectrum at different frequencies, using data from southern California at both regional scale (˜35 km) and dense linear array (˜20 m) across the plate-boundary faults. A block bootstrap resampling method is used to account for temporal correlation of noise cross-spectrum at low frequencies (0.05-0.2 Hz) near the ocean microseismic peaks.

Spin Vector and Shape of (6070) Rheinland and Their Implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vokrouhlický, David; Ďurech, Josef; Polishook, David; Krugly, Yurij N.; Gaftonyuk, Ninel N.; Burkhonov, Otabek A.; Ehgamberdiev, Shukhrat A.; Karimov, Rivkat; Molotov, Igor E.; Pravec, Petr; Hornoch, Kamil; Kušnirák, Peter; Oey, Julian; Galád, Adrián; Žižka, Jindřich

2011-11-01

Main belt asteroids (6070) Rheinland and (54827) 2001 NQ8 belong to a small population of couples of bodies that reside in very similar heliocentric orbits. Vokrouhlický & Nesvorný promoted the term "asteroid pairs," pointing out their common origin within the past tens to hundreds of kyr. Previous attempts to reconstruct the initial configuration of Rheinland and 2001 NQ8 at the time of their separation have led to the prediction that Rheinland's rotation should be retrograde. Here, we report extensive photometric observations of this asteroid and use the light curve inversion technique to directly determine its rotation state and shape. We confirm the retrograde sense of rotation of Rheinland, with obliquity value constrained to be >=140°. The ecliptic longitude of the pole position is not well constrained as yet. The asymmetric behavior of Rheinland's light curve reflects a sharp, near-planar edge in our convex shape representation of this asteroid. Our calibrated observations in the red filter also allow us to determine HR = 13.68 ± 0.05 and G = 0.31 ± 0.05 values of the H-G system. With the characteristic color index V - R = 0.49 ± 0.05 for S-type asteroids, we thus obtain H = 14.17 ± 0.07 for the absolute magnitude of (6070) Rheinland. This is a significantly larger value than previously obtained from analysis of astrometric survey observations. We next use the obliquity constraint for Rheinland to eliminate some degree of uncertainty in the past propagation of its orbit. This is because the sign of the past secular change of its semimajor axis due to the Yarkovsky effect is now constrained. The determination of the rotation state of the secondary component, asteroid (54827) 2001 NQ8, is the key element in further constraining the age of the pair and its formation process.

Just how hot are the ω Centauri extreme horizontal branch pulsators?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Latour, M.; Randall, S. K.; Chayer, P.; Fontaine, G.; Calamida, A.; Ely, J.; Brown, T. M.; Landsman, W.

2017-04-01

Context. Past studies based on optical spectroscopy suggest that the five ω Cen pulsators form a rather homogeneous group of hydrogen-rich subdwarf O stars with effective temperatures of around 50 000 K. This places the stars below the red edge of the theoretical instability strip in the log g-Teff diagram, where no pulsation modes are predicted to be excited. Aims: Our goal is to determine whether this temperature discrepancy is real, or whether the stars' effective temperatures were simply underestimated. Methods: We present a spectral analysis of two rapidly pulsating extreme horizontal branch (EHB) stars found in ω Cen. We obtained Hubble Space Telescope/COS UV spectra of two ω Cen pulsators, V1 and V5, and used the ionisation equilibrium of UV metallic lines to better constrain their effective temperatures. As a by-product we also obtained FUV lightcurves of the two pulsators. Results: Using the relative strength of the N iv and N v lines as a temperature indicator yields Teff values close to 60 000 K, significantly hotter than the temperatures previously derived. From the FUV light curves we were able to confirm the main pulsation periods known from optical data. Conclusions: With the UV spectra indicating higher effective temperatures than previously assumed, the sdO stars would now be found within the predicted instability strip. Such higher temperatures also provide consistent spectroscopic masses for both the cool and hot EHB stars of our previously studied sample. Based on observations (proposal GO-13707) with the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, obtained at the Space Telescope Science Institute, which is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc., under NASA contract NAS5-26666.

Ignition and Combustion of Bulk Metals in a Microgravity Environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Branch, M. C.; Daily, J. W.; Abbud-Madrid, A.

1996-01-01

This annual report summarizes the latest results obtained in a NASA-supported project to investigate the effect of gravity on the ignition and combustion of bulk metals. The experimental arrangement used for this purpose consists of a 1000-W xenon lamp that irradiates the top surface of cylindrical titanium and magnesium specimens, 4 mm in diameter and 4 mm in height, in a quiescent, pure-oxygen environment at 1 atm. Reduced gravity is obtained from the NASA LeRC DC-9 aircraft flying parabolic trajectories. Values of critical and ignition temperatures are obtained from thermocouple records. Qualitative observations and propagation rates are extracted from high-speed cinematography. Emission spectra of gas-phase reactions are obtained with an imaging spectrograph/diode array system. It was found that high applied heating rates and large internal conduction losses generate critical and ignition temperatures that are several hundred degrees above the values obtained from isothermal experiments. Because of high conduction and radiation heat losses, no appreciable effect on ignition temperatures with reduced convection in low gravity is detected. Lower propagation rates of the molten interface on titanium and of ignition waves on magnesium are obtained at reduced gravity. These rates are compared to theoretical results from heat conduction analyses with a diffusion/convection controlled reaction. The close agreement found between experimental and theoretical values indicates the importance of the influence of natural convection-enhanced oxygen transport on combustion rates. Lower oxygen flux and lack of oxide product removal in the absence of convective currents appear to be responsible for longer burning times of magnesium diffusion flames at reduced gravity. The accumulation of condensed oxide particles in the flame front at low gravity produces a previously unreported unsteady explosion phenomenon in bulk magnesium flames. This spherically symmetric explosion phenomenon seems to be driven by increased radiation heat transfer from the flame front to an evaporating metal core covered by a porous, flexible oxide coating. These important results have revealed the significant role of gravity on the burning of metals, and are now being used as the database for future experiments to be conducted with different metals at various pressures, oxygen concentrations and gravity levels.

The Ability of Lumbar Spine DXA and Phalanx QUS to Detect Previous Fractures in Young Thalassemic Patients With Hypogonadism, Hypothyroidism, Diabetes, and Hepatitis-B: A 2-Year Subgroup Analysis From the Taranto Area of Apulia Region

PubMed Central

Neglia, Cosimo; Peluso, Angelo; di Rosa, Salvatore; Ferrarese, Antonio; Di Tanna, Gianluca; Caiaffa, Vincenzo; Benvenuto, Marco; Cozma, Alexandru; Chitano, Giovanna; Agnello, Nadia; Paladini, Daniele; Baldi, Nicola; Distante, Alessandro; Piscitelli, Prisco

2013-01-01

Background: Osteoporosis is a leading cause of morbidity in patients affected by β-thalassemia major or intermediate; we aimed to assess the association between demineralization observed in young thalassemic patients. Methods: A total of 88 patients with β-thalassemia were recruited at Microcitemia Center of Taranto Hospital under the Prevention Osteoporosis and Fractures research project from 2008 to 2010. All the patients were screened with both dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and quantitative ultrasound (QUS). T score and Z score values were obtained for each subject. Results: The overall prevalence of demineralization was 84% with DXA and 70% with QUS, whereas normality was found in 16% of patients screened with DXA and in 30% of cases with QUS. Hypogonadism, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, hepatitis-B, and the presence of previous fragility fractures were significantly associated with the demineralization status (lower T scores values) both with DXA and QUS. Conclusion: Our data confirm that DXA and QUS examinations are both useful for detecting bone demineralization in thalassemic patients. PMID:23652868

A separate universe view of the asymmetric sky

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kobayashi, Takeshi; Cortês, Marina; Liddle, Andrew R.

2015-05-01

We provide a unified description of the hemispherical asymmetry in the cosmic microwave background generated by the mechanism proposed by Erickcek, Kamionkowski, and Carroll, using a δ Script N formalism that consistently accounts for the asymmetry-generating mode throughout. We derive a general form for the power spectrum which explicitly exhibits the broken translational invariance. This can be directly compared to cosmic microwave background observables, including the observed quadrupole and fNL values, automatically incorporating the Grishchuk-Zel'dovich effect. Our calculation unifies and extends previous calculations in the literature, in particular giving the full dependence of observables on the phase of our location in the super-horizon mode that generates the asymmetry. We demonstrate how the apparently different results obtained by previous authors arise as different limiting cases. We confirm the existence of non-linear contributions to the microwave background quadrupole from the super-horizon mode identified by Erickcek et al. and further explored by Kanno et al., and show that those contributions are always significant in parameter regimes capable of explaining the observed asymmetry. We indicate example parameter values capable of explaining the observed power asymmetry without violating other observational bounds.

Measuring global monopole velocities, one by one

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

Lopez-Eiguren, Asier; Urrestilla, Jon; Achúcarro, Ana, E-mail: asier.lopez@ehu.eus, E-mail: jon.urrestilla@ehu.eus, E-mail: achucar@lorentz.leidenuniv.nl

We present an estimation of the average velocity of a network of global monopoles in a cosmological setting using large numerical simulations. In order to obtain the value of the velocity, we improve some already known methods, and present a new one. This new method estimates individual global monopole velocities in a network, by means of detecting each monopole position in the lattice and following the path described by each one of them. Using our new estimate we can settle an open question previously posed in the literature: velocity-dependent one-scale (VOS) models for global monopoles predict two branches of scalingmore » solutions, one with monopoles moving at subluminal speeds and one with monopoles moving at luminal speeds. Previous attempts to estimate monopole velocities had large uncertainties and were not able to settle that question. Our simulations find no evidence of a luminal branch. We also estimate the values of the parameters of the VOS model. With our new method we can also study the microphysics of the complicated dynamics of individual monopoles. Finally we use our large simulation volume to compare the results from the different estimator methods, as well as to asses the validity of the numerical approximations made.« less

A continuous map of near-surface S-wave attenuation in New Zealand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Van Houtte, Chris; Ktenidou, Olga-Joan; Larkin, Tam; Holden, Caroline

2018-04-01

Quantifying the near-surface attenuation of seismic waves at a given location can be important for seismic hazard analysis of high-frequency ground motion. This study calculates the site attenuation parameter, κ0, at 41 seismograph locations in New Zealand. Combined with results of a previous study, a total of 46 κ0 values are available across New Zealand. The results compare well with previous t* studies, revealing high attenuation in the volcanic arc and forearc ranges, and low attenuation in the South Island. However, for site-specific seismic hazard analyses, there is a need to calculate κ0 at locations away from a seismograph location. For these situations, it is common to infer κ0 from weak correlations with the shear wave velocity in the top 30 m, VS30, or to adopt an indicative regional value. This study attempts to improve on this practice. Geostatistical models of the station-specific κ0 data are developed, and continuous maps are derived using ordinary kriging. The obtained κ0 maps can provide a median κ0 and its uncertainty for any location in New Zealand, which may be useful for future site-specific seismic hazard analyses.

Improvement of Electropolishing of 1100 Al Alloy for Solar Thermal Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aguilar-Sierra, Sara María; Echeverría E, Félix

2018-03-01

Aluminum sheets-based mirrors are finding applicability in high-temperature solar concentrating technologies because they are cost-effective, lightweight and have high mechanical properties. Nonetheless, the reflectance percentages obtained by electropolishing are not close to the reflectance values of the currently used evaporated films. Therefore, controlling key factors affecting electropolishing processes became essential in order to achieve highly reflective aluminum surfaces. This study investigated the effect of both the electropolishing process and previous heat treatment on the total reflectance of the AA 1100 aluminum alloy. An acid electrolyte and a modified Brytal process were evaluated. Total reflectance was measured by means of UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Reflectance values higher than 80% at 600 nm were achieved for both electrolytes. Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy images showed uneven dissolution for the acid electropolished samples causing a reflectance drop in the 200-450 nm region. The influence of heat treatment, previously to electropolishing, was tested at two different temperatures and various holding times. It was found that reflectance increases around 15% for the heat-treated and electropolished samples versus the non-heat-treated ones. A heat treatment at low temperature combined with a short holding time was enough to improve the sample total reflectance.

Information and complexity measures in the interface of a metal and a superconductor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moustakidis, Ch. C.; Panos, C. P.

2018-06-01

Fisher information, Shannon information entropy and Statistical Complexity are calculated for the interface of a normal metal and a superconductor, as a function of the temperature for several materials. The order parameter Ψ (r) derived from the Ginzburg-Landau theory is used as an input together with experimental values of critical transition temperature Tc and the superconducting coherence length ξ0. Analytical expressions are obtained for information and complexity measures. Thus Tc is directly related in a simple way with disorder and complexity. An analytical relation is found of the Fisher Information with the energy profile of superconductivity i.e. the ratio of surface free energy and the bulk free energy. We verify that a simple relation holds between Shannon and Fisher information i.e. a decomposition of a global information quantity (Shannon) in terms of two local ones (Fisher information), previously derived and verified for atoms and molecules by Liu et al. Finally, we find analytical expressions for generalized information measures like the Tsallis entropy and Fisher information. We conclude that the proper value of the non-extensivity parameter q ≃ 1, in agreement with previous work using a different model, where q ≃ 1.005.

Equation of state and thermodynamic Grüneisen parameter of monoclinic 1,1-diamino-2,2-dinitroethylene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Jianzhong; Velisavljevic, Nenad; Zhu, Jinlong; Wang, Liping

2016-10-01

In situ synchrotron x-ray diffraction experiments were conducted on 1,1-diamino-2,2-dinitroethylene (FOX-7) at pressures up to 6.8 GPa and temperatures up to 485 K. Within the resolution of the present diffraction data, our results do not reveal evidence for a pressure-induced structural phase transition near 2 GPa, previously observed in several vibrational spectroscopy experiments. Based on unit-cell volume measurements, the least-squares fit using the third-order Birch-Murnaghan equation of state (EOS) yields K 0  =  12.6  ±  1.4 GPa and K0\\prime   =  11.3  ±  2.1 for the α-phase of FOX-7, which are in good agreement with recently reported values for the deuterated sample, indicating that the effect of hydrogen-deuterium substitution on the compressibility of FOX-7 is negligibly small. A thermal EOS is also obtained for the α-phase of FOX-7, including pressure dependence of thermal expansivity, (∂α/∂P)T  =  -7.0  ±  2.0  ×  10-5 K-1 GPa-1, and temperature derivative of the bulk modulus, (∂K T/∂T)P  =  -1.1  ×  10-2 GPa K-1. From these EOS parameters, we calculate heat capacity at constant volume (C V) and thermodynamic Grüneisen parameter (γ TH) as a function of temperature. At ambient conditions, the calculated γ TH is 1.055, which is in good agreement with the value (1.09) previously obtained from density functional theory (DFT). The obtained C V, however, is 13% larger than that calculated from the first-principles calculations, indicating that the dispersion correction in the DFT calculations may need to be further improved for describing intermolecular interactions of molecular crystals.

Correlation of EMR and optical spectroscopy data for Cr3+ and Mn2+ ions doped into yttrium aluminum borate YAl3(BO3)4 crystal - Extracting low symmetry aspects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rudowicz, Czesław; Gnutek, Paweł; Açıkgöz, Muhammed

2015-08-01

In this study, the crystal field analysis for Cr3+ and Mn2+ ions doped into yttrium aluminum borate YAl3(BO3)4, for short YAB, crystal has been carried out to complement earlier study of the zero-field splitting (ZFS) parameters (ZFSPs). This analysis utilizes data on the distortion models obtained from analysis of the ZFSPs obtained experimentally by EMR for Cr3+ and Mn2+ ions at the Y3+ and Al3+ sites in YAB. This approach enables to verify and enhance reliability of the ZFSP modeling based on superposition model (SPM) analysis and the distortion models predicted previously. Subsequently, modeling of the crystal field parameters (CFPs) based on SPM analysis is carried out for Cr3+ and Mn2+ ions located at possible cation sites in YAB. The SPM predicted CFP values serve as input for the Crystal Field Analysis (CFA) package to calculate the CF energy levels. The predicted physical ZFS of the ground spin state, i.e. the 4A2 state for Cr3+ ion and the 6S state Mn2+ ions, enable calculation of the theoretical ZFSP values, D and D & (a-F), respectively, using the microscopic spin Hamiltonian (MSH) module in the CFA package. In this way, data on the distortions around the Cr3+ centers in YAB (and to a certain extent also for Mn2+ centers) obtained using the ZFSP data from EMR measurements may be correlated with data on the CF energy levels measured by optical spectroscopy. This modeling approach uncovers certain incompatibilities in the existing data for Cr3+:YAB, which call for reanalysis of the previous assignments of the energy levels observed in optical spectra and more accurate experimental data.

Equation of state and thermodynamic Grüneisen parameter of monoclinic 1,1-diamino-2,2-dinitroethylene.

PubMed

Zhang, Jianzhong; Velisavljevic, Nenad; Zhu, Jinlong; Wang, Liping

2016-10-05

In situ synchrotron x-ray diffraction experiments were conducted on 1,1-diamino-2,2-dinitroethylene (FOX-7) at pressures up to 6.8 GPa and temperatures up to 485 K. Within the resolution of the present diffraction data, our results do not reveal evidence for a pressure-induced structural phase transition near 2 GPa, previously observed in several vibrational spectroscopy experiments. Based on unit-cell volume measurements, the least-squares fit using the third-order Birch-Murnaghan equation of state (EOS) yields K 0  =  12.6  ±  1.4 GPa and [Formula: see text]  =  11.3  ±  2.1 for the α-phase of FOX-7, which are in good agreement with recently reported values for the deuterated sample, indicating that the effect of hydrogen-deuterium substitution on the compressibility of FOX-7 is negligibly small. A thermal EOS is also obtained for the α-phase of FOX-7, including pressure dependence of thermal expansivity, (∂α/∂P)T  =  -7.0  ±  2.0  ×  10(-5) K(-1) GPa(-1), and temperature derivative of the bulk modulus, (∂K T/∂T)P  =  -1.1  ×  10(-2) GPa K(-1). From these EOS parameters, we calculate heat capacity at constant volume (C V) and thermodynamic Grüneisen parameter (γ TH) as a function of temperature. At ambient conditions, the calculated γ TH is 1.055, which is in good agreement with the value (1.09) previously obtained from density functional theory (DFT). The obtained C V, however, is 13% larger than that calculated from the first-principles calculations, indicating that the dispersion correction in the DFT calculations may need to be further improved for describing intermolecular interactions of molecular crystals.

Performance of Single-Stage Turbine of Mark 25 Torpedo Power Plant with Two Special Nozzles. III; Efficiency with Standard Rotor Blades

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schum, Harold J.; Whitney, Warren J.

1949-01-01

A Mark 25 torpedo power plant modified to operate as a single-stage turbine was investigated to determine the performance with two nozzle designs and a standard first-stage rotor having 0.40-inch blades with a 17O met-air angle. Both nozzles had smaller port cross-sectional areas than those nozzles of similar design, which were previously investigated. The performance of the two nozzles was compared on the basis of blade, rotor, and brake efficiencies as a function of blade-jet speed ratio for pressure ratios of 8, 15 (design), and 20. At pressure ratios of 15 and 20, the blade efficiency obtained with the nozzle having circular passages (K) was higher than that obtained with the nozzle having rectangular passages (J). At a pressure ratio of 8, the efficiencies obtained with the two nozzles were comparable for blade-jet speed ratios of less than 0.260. For blade-jet speed ratios exceeding this value, nozzle K yielded slightly higher efficiencies. The maximum blade efficiency of 0.569 was obtained with nozzle K at a pressure ratio of 8 and a blade-jet speed ratio of 0.295. At design speed and pressure ratio, nozzle K yielded a maximum blade efficiency of 0.534, an increase of 0.031 over that obtained with nozzle J. When the blade efficiencies of the two nozzles were compared with those of four other nozzles previously investigated, the maximum difference for the six nozzles with this rotor was 0.050. From, this comparison, no specific effect of nozzles size or shape on over-all performance was discernible.

A Comparative Evaluation of Condylar Guidance Value from Radiograph with Interocclusal Records made During Jaw Relation and Try-in: A Pilot Study.

PubMed

Shetty, Shilpa; Satish Babu, C L; Tambake, Deepti; Surendra Kumar, G P; Setpal, Abhishek T

2013-09-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability of programming the articulator using the radiographs and the interocclusal records made during Jaw relation (Arrow point tracing) and Try-in stage. The study comprised of 15 edentulous subjects with well formed maxillary and mandibular ridges, with no signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorders and neuromuscular disorders. Digital Orthopantomograph was taken for all the subjects. The condylar guidance angles were traced on Orthopantomograph for right and left sides and the values were recorded. The protrusive interocclusal records were made at jaw relation stage and at try-in stage using bite registration paste (Bitrex- vinyl polysiloxane) for all subjects. These interocclusal records were used to programme the Semi-adjustable articulator (Hanau Wide Vue) and the condylar guidance values on the right and left sides were recorded. The condylar guidance values so obtained were compared with the values obtained by Orthopantomograph. The condylar guidance values obtained by the various procedures were subjected to statistical analysis. The results showed statistically significant difference between the condylar guidance values obtained from Orthopantomograph (Radiograph) and the condylar guidance values obtained at the stage of jaw relation and also between Orthopantomograph and condylar guidance values obtained at the stage of Try-in. Condylar guidance values obtained from the Radiographs were higher than those obtained at the stage of Jaw relation and at the stage of Try-in. However, we notice that the mean condylar guidance values obtained at the stage of Try-in were nearer to the mean condylar guidance values obtained on the Radiographs.

Antioxidant activity of rosemary essential oil fractions obtained by molecular distillation and their effect on oxidative stability of sunflower oil.

PubMed

Mezza, Gabriela N; Borgarello, Ana V; Grosso, Nelson R; Fernandez, Héctor; Pramparo, María C; Gayol, María F

2018-03-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity of rosemary essential oil fractions obtained by molecular distillation (MD) and investigate their effect on the oxidative stability of sunflower oil. MD fractions were prepared in a series of low-pressure stages where rosemary essential oil was the first feed. Subsequently, a distillate (D1) and residue (R1) were obtained and the residue fraction from the previous stage used as the feed for the next. The residue fractions had the largest capacity to capture free radicals, and the lowest peroxide values, conjugated dienes and conjugated trienes. The antioxidant activity of the fractions was due to oxygenated monoterpenes, specifically α-terpineol and cis-sabinene hydrate. Oxidative stability results showed the residues (R1 and R4) and butylated hydroxytoluene had greater antioxidant activity than either the distillate fractions or original rosemary essential oil. The residue fractions obtained by short path MD of rosemary essential oil could be used as a natural antioxidants by the food industry. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Correlations Among Ice Measurements, Impingement Rates Icing Conditions, and Drag Coefficients for Unswept NACA 65A004 Airfoil

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gray, Vernon H.

1958-01-01

An empirical relation has been obtained by which the change in drag coefficient caused by ice formations on an unswept NACA 65AO04 airfoil section can be determined from the following icing and operating conditions: icing time, airspeed, air total temperature, liquid-water content, cloud droplet impingement efficiencies, airfoil chord length, and angles of attack. The correlation was obtained by use of measured ice heights and ice angles. These measurements were obtained from a variety of ice formations, which were carefully photographed, cross-sectioned, and weighed. Ice weights increased at a constant rate with icing time in a rime icing condition and at progressively increasing rates in glaze icing conditions. Initial rates of ice collection agreed reasonably well with values predicted from droplet impingement data. Experimental droplet impingement rates obtained on this airfoil section agreed with previous theoretical calculations for angles of attack of 40 or less. Disagreement at higher angles of attack was attributed to flow separation from the upper surface of the experimental airfoil model.

Sensitivity of NTCP parameter values against a change of dose calculation algorithm.

PubMed

Brink, Carsten; Berg, Martin; Nielsen, Morten

2007-09-01

Optimization of radiation treatment planning requires estimations of the normal tissue complication probability (NTCP). A number of models exist that estimate NTCP from a calculated dose distribution. Since different dose calculation algorithms use different approximations the dose distributions predicted for a given treatment will in general depend on the algorithm. The purpose of this work is to test whether the optimal NTCP parameter values change significantly when the dose calculation algorithm is changed. The treatment plans for 17 breast cancer patients have retrospectively been recalculated with a collapsed cone algorithm (CC) to compare the NTCP estimates for radiation pneumonitis with those obtained from the clinically used pencil beam algorithm (PB). For the PB calculations the NTCP parameters were taken from previously published values for three different models. For the CC calculations the parameters were fitted to give the same NTCP as for the PB calculations. This paper demonstrates that significant shifts of the NTCP parameter values are observed for three models, comparable in magnitude to the uncertainties of the published parameter values. Thus, it is important to quote the applied dose calculation algorithm when reporting estimates of NTCP parameters in order to ensure correct use of the models.

Sensitivity of NTCP parameter values against a change of dose calculation algorithm

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

Brink, Carsten; Berg, Martin; Nielsen, Morten

2007-09-15

Optimization of radiation treatment planning requires estimations of the normal tissue complication probability (NTCP). A number of models exist that estimate NTCP from a calculated dose distribution. Since different dose calculation algorithms use different approximations the dose distributions predicted for a given treatment will in general depend on the algorithm. The purpose of this work is to test whether the optimal NTCP parameter values change significantly when the dose calculation algorithm is changed. The treatment plans for 17 breast cancer patients have retrospectively been recalculated with a collapsed cone algorithm (CC) to compare the NTCP estimates for radiation pneumonitis withmore » those obtained from the clinically used pencil beam algorithm (PB). For the PB calculations the NTCP parameters were taken from previously published values for three different models. For the CC calculations the parameters were fitted to give the same NTCP as for the PB calculations. This paper demonstrates that significant shifts of the NTCP parameter values are observed for three models, comparable in magnitude to the uncertainties of the published parameter values. Thus, it is important to quote the applied dose calculation algorithm when reporting estimates of NTCP parameters in order to ensure correct use of the models.« less

Evaluation and simplification of the occupational slip, trip and fall risk-assessment test

PubMed Central

NAKAMURA, Takehiro; OYAMA, Ichiro; FUJINO, Yoshihisa; KUBO, Tatsuhiko; KADOWAKI, Koji; KUNIMOTO, Masamizu; ODOI, Haruka; TABATA, Hidetoshi; MATSUDA, Shinya

2016-01-01

Objective: The purpose of this investigation is to evaluate the efficacy of the occupational slip, trip and fall (STF) risk assessment test developed by the Japan Industrial Safety and Health Association (JISHA). We further intended to simplify the test to improve efficiency. Methods: A previous cohort study was performed using 540 employees aged ≥50 years who took the JISHA’s STF risk assessment test. We conducted multivariate analysis using these previous results as baseline values and answers to questionnaire items or score on physical fitness tests as variables. The screening efficiency of each model was evaluated based on the obtained receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: The area under the ROC obtained in multivariate analysis was 0.79 when using all items. Six of the 25 questionnaire items were selected for stepwise analysis, giving an area under the ROC curve of 0.77. Conclusion: Based on the results of follow-up performed one year after the initial examination, we successfully determined the usefulness of the STF risk assessment test. Administering a questionnaire alone is sufficient for screening subjects at risk of STF during the subsequent one-year period. PMID:27021057

The Cauchy Problem in Local Spaces for the Complex Ginzburg-Landau EquationII. Contraction Methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ginibre, J.; Velo, G.

We continue the study of the initial value problem for the complex Ginzburg-Landau equation (with a > 0, b > 0, g>= 0) in initiated in a previous paper [I]. We treat the case where the initial data and the solutions belong to local uniform spaces, more precisely to spaces of functions satisfying local regularity conditions and uniform bounds in local norms, but no decay conditions (or arbitrarily weak decay conditions) at infinity in . In [I] we used compactness methods and an extended version of recent local estimates [3] and proved in particular the existence of solutions globally defined in time with local regularity of the initial data corresponding to the spaces Lr for r>= 2 or H1. Here we treat the same problem by contraction methods. This allows us in particular to prove that the solutions obtained in [I] are unique under suitable subcriticality conditions, and to obtain for them additional regularity properties and uniform bounds. The method extends some of those previously applied to the nonlinear heat equation in global spaces to the framework of local uniform spaces.

Torsional oscillations of magnetized relativistic stars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Messios, Neophytos; Papadopoulos, Demetrios B.; Stergioulas, Nikolaos

2001-12-01

Strong magnetic fields in relativistic stars can be a cause of crust fracturing, resulting in the excitation of global torsional oscillations. Such oscillations could become observable in gravitational waves or in high-energy radiation, thus becoming a tool for probing the equation of state of relativistic stars. As the eigenfrequency of torsional oscillation modes is affected by the presence of a strong magnetic field, we study torsional modes in magnetized relativistic stars. We derive the linearized perturbation equations that govern torsional oscillations coupled to the oscillations of a magnetic field, when variations in the metric are neglected (Cowling approximation). The oscillations are described by a single two-dimensional wave equation, which can be solved as a boundary-value problem to obtain eigenfrequencies. We find that, in the non-magnetized case, typical oscillation periods of the fundamental l=2 torsional modes can be nearly a factor of 2 larger for relativistic stars than previously computed in the Newtonian limit. For magnetized stars, we show that the influence of the magnetic field is highly dependent on the assumed magnetic field configuration, and simple estimates obtained previously in the literature cannot be used for identifying normal modes observationally.

Dynamic phase transition in the prisoner's dilemma on a lattice with stochastic modifications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saif, M. Ali; Gade, Prashant M.

2010-03-01

We present a detailed study of the prisoner's dilemma game with stochastic modifications on a two-dimensional lattice, in the presence of evolutionary dynamics. By very nature of the rules, the cooperators have incentives to cheat and fear being cheated. They may cheat even when this is not dictated by the evolutionary dynamics. We consider two variants here. In each case, the agents mimic the action (cooperation or defection) in the previous time step of the most successful agent in the neighborhood. But over and above this, the fraction p of cooperators spontaneously change their strategy to pure defector at every time step in the first variant. In the second variant, there are no pure cooperators. All cooperators keep defecting with probability p at every time step. In both cases, the system switches from a coexistence state to an all-defector state for higher values of p. We show that the transition between these states unambiguously belongs to the directed percolation universality class in 2 + 1 dimensions. We also study the local persistence. The persistence exponents obtained are higher than the ones obtained in previous studies, underlining their dependence on details of the dynamics.

Thermoelectric properties of sintered type-II clathrates (K, Ba)24(Ga, Sn)136 with various carrier concentrations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kishimoto, Kengo; Koda, Shota; Akai, Koji; Koyanagi, Tsuyoshi

2015-09-01

We reported the thermoelectric properties of the sintered type-II clathrate K8Ba16Ga40Sn96 in a previous paper [S. Koda et al., J. Appl. Phys. 116, 023710 (2014)]. The clathrate had a high dimensionless figure of merit ZT, namely, 0.93. In this study, we optimized the carrier concentration n by modifying the chemical compositions of (K, Ba)24(Ga, Sn)136 samples, and heat treated the sintered samples. The carrier mobilities μ were improved because of the reduction in potential barrier scattering at grain boundaries. The room-temperature (RT) n values varied from 7.7 × 1017 to 3.7 × 1019 cm-3; the maximum RT μ value was 170 cm2V-1s-1. Consequently, we obtained a high ZT value of 1.19 at 630 K for n = 2.5 × 1019 cm-3. This material therefore has good thermoelectric properties.

Spectral radiative properties of a living human body

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Terada, N.; Ohnishi, K.; Kobayashi, M.; Kunitomo, T.

1986-09-01

Spectral radiative properties of the human body were studied experimentally in the region from the ultraviolet to the far-infrared to know the thermal response of the human body exposed to solar radiation and infrared radiation. The measuring equipment for reflectance and transmittance of a semitransparent scattering medium was developed and measurement on a living human skin was performed in vivo. The measured parts are forearm, cheek, dorsum hand, hip, and hair. The values obtained by the present study are much different from those of previous in vitro measurements. Fairly large values for hemispherical reflectances are observed in the visible and near-infrared regions but very small values for hemispherical reflectances are observed in the infrared region, below 0.05. By applying the four-flux treatment of radiative transfer, the absorption coefficient and scattering coefficient in the human skin are determined. The scattering coefficient is large in the visible region but negligible in the infrared region. The absorption coefficient is very close to that of water and large in the infrared region.

Shearwave Dispersion Ultrasonic Vibrometry (SDUV) for measuring prostate shear stiffness and viscosity – An in vitro pilot study

PubMed Central

Urban, M.W.; Fatemi, M.; Greenleaf, J.F.

2011-01-01

This paper reports shear stiffness and viscosity “virtual biopsy” measurements of three excised non-cancerous human prostates using shearwave dispersion ultrasound vibrometry (SDUV) in vitro. Improved methods for prostate guided-biopsy are required to effectively guide needle biopsy to the suspected site. In addition, tissue stiffness measurement helps identifying a suspected site to perform biopsy because stiffness has been shown to correlate with pathology. More importantly, early detection of prostate cancer may guide minimally-invasive therapy and eliminate insidious procedures. In this work, “virtual” biopsies were taken in multiple locations in three excised prostates. Then, SDUV shear elasticity and viscosity measurements have been performed at the selected “suspicious” locations within the prostates. SDUV measurements of prostate elasticity and viscosity are generally in agreement with preliminary values reported previously in the literature. It is however important to emphasize that the obtained viscoelastic parameters values are local, and not a mean value for the whole prostate. PMID:20595086

In silico design of novel proton-pump inhibitors with reduced adverse effects.

PubMed

Li, Xiaoyi; Kang, Hong; Liu, Wensheng; Singhal, Sarita; Jiao, Na; Wang, Yong; Zhu, Lixin; Zhu, Ruixin

2018-05-30

The development of new proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) with less adverse effects by lowering the pKa values of nitrogen atoms in pyrimidine rings has been previously suggested by our group. In this work, we proposed that new PPIs should have the following features: (1) number of ring II = number of ring I + 1; (2) preferably five, six, or seven-membered heteroatomic ring for stability; and (3) 1 < pKa1 < 4. Six molecular scaffolds based on the aforementioned criteria were constructed, and R groups were extracted from compounds in extensive data sources. A virtual molecule dataset was established, and the pKa values of specific atoms on the molecules in the dataset were calculated to select the molecules with required pKa values. Drug-likeness screening was further conducted to obtain the candidates that significantly reduced the adverse effects of long-term PPI use. This study provided insights and tools for designing targeted molecules in silico that are suitable for practical applications.

Energy Levels of Defects Created in Silicon Supersaturated with Transition Metals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

García, H.; Castán, H.; Dueñas, S.; García-Hemme, E.; García-Hernansaz, R.; Montero, D.; González-Díaz, G.

2018-03-01

Intermediate-band semiconductors have attracted much attention for use in silicon-based solar cells and infrared detectors. In this work, n-Si substrates have been implanted with very high doses (1013 cm-2 and 1014 cm-2) of vanadium, which gives rise to a supersaturated layer inside the semiconductor. However, the Mott limit was not exceeded. The energy levels created in the supersaturated silicon were studied in detail by means of thermal admittance spectroscopy. We found a single deep center at energy near E C - 200 meV. This value agrees with one of the levels found for vanadium in silicon. The capture cross-section values of the deep levels were also calculated, and we found a relationship between the capture cross-section and the energy position of the deep levels which follows the Meyer-Neldel rule. This process usually appears in processes involving multiple excitations. The Meyer-Neldel energy values agree with those previously obtained for silicon supersaturated with titanium and for silicon contaminated with iron.

Assessing the extent of altruism in the valuation of community drinking water quality improvements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Jing; Adamowicz, Wiktor; Dupont, Diane P.; Krupnick, Alan

2013-10-01

Improvements in publically provided goods and services, like community drinking water treatment, have values to people arising from their self-interest, but may as well have value from their altruistic concerns. The extent to which the value is altruistic versus self-interested is an important empirical issue for policy analysis because the benefits to improving drinking water quality may be larger than previously thought. We conducted an internet survey across Canada to identify both self-interested willingness-to-pay and altruistic willingness-to-pay obtained through hypothetical responses to a series of stated choice tasks and actual self-protection data against health risks from tap water. We use the information on self-protection to identify altruistic WTP. We find significant differences between self-interested and altruistic WTP: the latter can be three times greater than the former. Whether benefits of water protection are actually larger, however, depends on whether the altruism is paternalistic or nonpaternalistic.

A unified relation for the solid-liquid interface free energy of pure FCC, BCC, and HCP metals

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

Wilson, S. R.; Mendelev, M. I., E-mail: mendelev@ameslab.gov

2016-04-14

We study correlations between the solid-liquid interface (SLI) free energy and bulk material properties (melting temperature, latent heat, and liquid structure) through the determination of SLI free energies for bcc and hcp metals from molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Values obtained for the bcc metals in this study were compared to values predicted by the Turnbull, Laird, and Ewing relations on the basis of previously published MD simulation data. We found that of these three empirical relations, the Ewing relation better describes the MD simulation data. Moreover, whereas the original Ewing relation contains two constants for a particular crystal structure, wemore » found that the first coefficient in the Ewing relation does not depend on crystal structure, taking a common value for all three phases, at least for the class of the systems described by embedded-atom method potentials (which are considered to provide a reasonable approximation for metals).« less

Direct measurement of methane hydrate composition along the hydrate equilibrium boundary

USGS Publications Warehouse

Circone, S.; Kirby, S.H.; Stern, L.A.

2005-01-01

The composition of methane hydrate, namely nW for CH 4??nWH2O, was directly measured along the hydrate equilibrium boundary under conditions of excess methane gas. Pressure and temperature conditions ranged from 1.9 to 9.7 MPa and 263 to 285 K. Within experimental error, there is no change in hydrate composition with increasing pressure along the equilibrium boundary, but nW may show a slight systematic decrease away from this boundary. A hydrate stoichiometry of n W = 5.81-6.10 H2O describes the entire range of measured values, with an average composition of CH4??5.99(??0.07) H2O along the equilibrium boundary. These results, consistent with previously measured values, are discussed with respect to the widely ranging values obtained by thermodynamic analysis. The relatively constant composition of methane hydrate over the geologically relevant pressure and temperature range investigated suggests that in situ methane hydrate compositions may be estimated with some confidence. ?? 2005 American Chemical Society.

Significant enhancement in thermoelectric properties of polycrystalline Pr-doped SrTiO3-δ ceramics originating from nonuniform distribution of Pr dopants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dehkordi, Arash Mehdizadeh; Bhattacharya, Sriparna; He, Jian; Alshareef, Husam N.; Tritt, Terry M.

2014-05-01

Recently, we have reported a significant enhancement (>70% at 500 °C) in the thermoelectric power factor (PF) of bulk polycrystalline Pr-doped SrTiO3 ceramics employing a novel synthesis strategy which led to the highest ever reported values of PF among doped polycrystalline SrTiO3. It was found that the formation of Pr-rich grain boundary regions gives rise to an enhancement in carrier mobility. In this Letter, we investigate the electronic and thermal transport in Sr1-xPrxTiO3 ceramics in order to determine the optimum doping concentration and to evaluate the overall thermoelectric performance. Simultaneous enhancement in the thermoelectric power factor and reduction in thermal conductivity in these samples resulted in more than 30% improvement in the dimensionless thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) for the whole temperature range over all previously reported maximum values. Maximum ZT value of 0.35 was obtained at 500 °C.

Static renewal tests using Anodonta imbecillus (freshwater mussels). Anodonta imbecillis copper sulfate reference toxicant test, Clinch River-Environmental Restoration Program (CR-ERP)

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

Simbeck, D.J.

1993-12-31

Reference toxicant testing using juvenile freshwater mussels was conducted as part of the CR-ERP biomonitoring study of Clinch River sediments to assess the sensitivity of test organisms and the overall performance of the test. Tests were conducted using moderately hard synthetic water spiked with known concentrations of copper as copper sulfate. Toxicity testing of copper sulfate reference toxicant was conducted from May 12--21, 1993. The organisms used for testing were juvenile fresh-water mussels (Anodonta imbecillis). Results from this test showed an LC{sub 50} value of 1.12 mg Cu/L which is lower than the value of 2.02 mg Cu/L obtained inmore » a previous test. Too few tests have been conducted with copper as the toxicant to determine a normal range of values. Attachments to this report include: Toxicity test bench sheets and statistical analyses; Copper analysis request and results; and Personnel training documentation.« less

The JCMT Nearby Galaxies Legacy Survey - VII. Hα imaging and massive star formation properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sánchez-Gallego, J. R.; Knapen, J. H.; Wilson, C. D.; Barmby, P.; Azimlu, M.; Courteau, S.

2012-06-01

We present Hα fluxes, star formation rates (SFRs) and equivalent widths (EWs) for a sample of 156 nearby galaxies observed in the 12CO J= 3-2 line as part of the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope Nearby Galaxies Legacy Survey. These are derived from images and values in the literature and from new Hα images for 72 galaxies which we publish here. We describe the sample, observations and procedures to extract the Hα fluxes and related quantities. We discuss the SFR properties of our sample and confirm the well-known correlation with galaxy luminosity, albeit with high dispersion. Our SFRs range from 0.1 to 11 M⊙ yr-1 with a median SFR value for the complete sample of 0.2 M⊙ yr-1. This median value is somewhat lower than similar published measurements, which we attribute, in part, to our sample being H I selected and, thus, not biased towards high SFRs as has frequently been the case in previous studies. Additionally, we calculate internal absorptions for the Hα line, A(Hα), which are lower than many of those used in previous studies. Our derived EWs, which range from 1 to 880 Å with a median value of 27 Å, show little dependence on luminosity but rise by a factor of 5 from early- to late-type galaxies. This paper is the first in a series aimed at comparing SFRs obtained from Hα imaging of galaxies with information derived from other tracers of star formation and atomic and molecular gas.

Ionization chamber correction factors for MR-linacs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pojtinger, Stefan; Steffen Dohm, Oliver; Kapsch, Ralf-Peter; Thorwarth, Daniela

2018-06-01

Previously, readings of air-filled ionization chambers have been described as being influenced by magnetic fields. To use these chambers for dosimetry in magnetic resonance guided radiotherapy (MRgRT), this effect must be taken into account by introducing a correction factor k B. The purpose of this study is to systematically investigate k B for a typical reference setup for commercially available ionization chambers with different magnetic field strengths. The Monte Carlo simulation tool EGSnrc was used to simulate eight commercially available ionization chambers in magnetic fields whose magnetic flux density was in the range of 0–2.5 T. To validate the simulation, the influence of the magnetic field was experimentally determined for a PTW30013 Farmer-type chamber for magnetic flux densities between 0 and 1.425 T. Changes in the detector response of up to 8% depending on the magnetic flux density, on the chamber geometry and on the chamber orientation were obtained. In the experimental setup, a maximum deviation of less than 2% was observed when comparing measured values with simulated values. Dedicated values for two MR-linac systems (ViewRay MRIdian, ViewRay Inc, Cleveland, United States, 0.35 T/ 6 MV and Elekta Unity, Elekta AB, Stockholm, Sweden, 1.5 T/7 MV) were determined for future use in reference dosimetry. Simulated values for thimble-type chambers are in good agreement with experiments as well as with the results of previous publications. After further experimental validation, the results can be considered for definition of standard protocols for purposes of reference dosimetry in MRgRT.

CA-125 AUC as a predictor for epithelial ovarian cancer relapse.

PubMed

Mano, António; Falcão, Amílcar; Godinho, Isabel; Santos, Jorge; Leitão, Fátima; de Oliveira, Carlos; Caramona, Margarida

2008-01-01

The aim of the present work was to evaluate the usefulness of CA-125 normalized in time area under the curve (CA-125 AUC) to signalise epithelial ovarian cancer relapse. Data from a hundred and eleven patients were submitted to two different approaches based on CA-125 AUC increase values to predict patient relapse. In Criterion A total CA-125 AUC normalized in time value (AUC(i)) was compared with the immediately previous one (AUC(i-1)) using the formulae AUC(i) > or = F * AUC(i-1) (several F values were tested) to find the appropriate close related increment associated to patient relapse. In Criterion B total CA-125 AUC normalised in time was calculated and several cut-off values were correlated with patient relapse prediction capacity. In Criterion A the best accuracy was achieved with a factor (F) of 1.25 (increment of 25% from the previous status), while in Criterion B the best accuracies were achieved with cut-offs of 25, 50, 75 and 100 IU/mL. The mean lead time to relapse achieved with Criterion A was 181 days, while with Criterion B they were, respectively, 131, 111, 63 and 11 days. Based on our results we believe that conjugation and sequential application of both criteria in patient relapse detection should be highly advisable. CA-125 AUC rapid burst in asymptomatic patients should be firstly evaluated using Criterion A with a high accuracy (0.85) and with a substantial mean lead time to relapse (181 days). If a negative answer was obtained then Criterion B should performed to confirm the absence of relapse.

Arterial spin labeling blood flow magnetic resonance imaging for evaluation of renal injury.

PubMed

Liu, Yupin P; Song, Rui; Liang, Chang hong; Chen, Xin; Liu, Bo

2012-08-15

A multitude of evidence suggests that iodinated contrast material causes nephrotoxicity; however, there have been no previous studies that use arterial spin labeling (ASL) blood flow functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate the alterations in effective renal plasma flow between normointensive and hypertensive rats following injection of contrast media. We hypothesized that FAIR-SSFSE arterial spin labeling MRI may enable noninvasive and quantitative assessment of regional renal blood flow abnormalities and correlate with disease severity as assessed by histological methods. Renal blood flow (RBF) values of the cortex and medulla of rat kidneys were obtained from ASL images postprocessed at ADW4.3 workstation 0.3, 24, 48, and 72 h before and after injection of iodinated contrast media (6 ml/kg). The H&E method for morphometric measurements was used to confirm the MRI findings. The RBF values of the outer medulla were lower than those of the cortex and the inner medulla as reported previously. Iodinated contrast media treatment resulted in decreases in RBF in the outer medulla and cortex in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), but only in the outer medulla in normotensive rats. The iodinated contrast agent significantly decreased the RBF value in the outer medulla and the cortex in SHR compared with normotensive rats after injection of the iodinated contrast media. Histological observations of kidney morphology were also consistent with ASL perfusion changes. These results demonstrate that the RBF value can reflect changes of renal perfusion in the cortex and medulla. ASL-MRI is a feasible and accurate method for evaluating nephrotoxic drugs-induced kidney damage.

Calibration strategies for the determination of stable carbon absolute isotope ratios in a glycine candidate reference material by elemental analyser-isotope ratio mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Dunn, Philip J H; Malinovsky, Dmitry; Goenaga-Infante, Heidi

2015-04-01

We report a methodology for the determination of the stable carbon absolute isotope ratio of a glycine candidate reference material with natural carbon isotopic composition using EA-IRMS. For the first time, stable carbon absolute isotope ratios have been reported using continuous flow rather than dual inlet isotope ratio mass spectrometry. Also for the first time, a calibration strategy based on the use of synthetic mixtures gravimetrically prepared from well characterised, highly (13)C-enriched and (13)C-depleted glycines was developed for EA-IRMS calibration and generation of absolute carbon isotope ratio values traceable to the SI through calibration standards of known purity. A second calibration strategy based on converting the more typically determined delta values on the Vienna PeeDee Belemnite (VPDB) scale using literature values for the absolute carbon isotope ratio of VPDB itself was used for comparison. Both calibration approaches provided results consistent with those previously reported for the same natural glycine using MC-ICP-MS; absolute carbon ratios of 10,649 × 10(-6) with an expanded uncertainty (k = 2) of 24 × 10(-6) and 10,646 × 10(-6) with an expanded uncertainty (k = 2) of 88 × 10(-6) were obtained, respectively. The absolute carbon isotope ratio of the VPDB standard was found to be 11,115 × 10(-6) with an expanded uncertainty (k = 2) of 27 × 10(-6), which is in excellent agreement with previously published values.

Ionization chamber correction factors for MR-linacs.

PubMed

Pojtinger, Stefan; Dohm, Oliver Steffen; Kapsch, Ralf-Peter; Thorwarth, Daniela

2018-06-07

Previously, readings of air-filled ionization chambers have been described as being influenced by magnetic fields. To use these chambers for dosimetry in magnetic resonance guided radiotherapy (MRgRT), this effect must be taken into account by introducing a correction factor k B . The purpose of this study is to systematically investigate k B for a typical reference setup for commercially available ionization chambers with different magnetic field strengths. The Monte Carlo simulation tool EGSnrc was used to simulate eight commercially available ionization chambers in magnetic fields whose magnetic flux density was in the range of 0-2.5 T. To validate the simulation, the influence of the magnetic field was experimentally determined for a PTW30013 Farmer-type chamber for magnetic flux densities between 0 and 1.425 T. Changes in the detector response of up to 8% depending on the magnetic flux density, on the chamber geometry and on the chamber orientation were obtained. In the experimental setup, a maximum deviation of less than 2% was observed when comparing measured values with simulated values. Dedicated values for two MR-linac systems (ViewRay MRIdian, ViewRay Inc, Cleveland, United States, 0.35 T/ 6 MV and Elekta Unity, Elekta AB, Stockholm, Sweden, 1.5 T/7 MV) were determined for future use in reference dosimetry. Simulated values for thimble-type chambers are in good agreement with experiments as well as with the results of previous publications. After further experimental validation, the results can be considered for definition of standard protocols for purposes of reference dosimetry in MRgRT.

Computer-aided analysis of Skylab scanner data for land use mapping, forestry and water resource applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoffer, R. M.

1975-01-01

Skylab data were obtained over a mountainous test site containing a complex association of cover types and rugged topography. The application of computer-aided analysis techniques to the multispectral scanner data produced a number of significant results. Techniques were developed to digitally overlay topographic data (elevation, slope, and aspect) onto the S-192 MSS data to provide a method for increasing the effectiveness and accuracy of computer-aided analysis techniques for cover type mapping. The S-192 MSS data were analyzed using computer techniques developed at Laboratory for Applications of Remote Sensing (LARS), Purdue University. Land use maps, forest cover type maps, snow cover maps, and area tabulations were obtained and evaluated. These results compared very well with information obtained by conventional techniques. Analysis of the spectral characteristics of Skylab data has conclusively proven the value of the middle infrared portion of the spectrum (about 1.3-3.0 micrometers), a wavelength region not previously available in multispectral satellite data.

Improving bounds on flavor changing vertices in the two Higgs doublet model from B^0-bar{B}^0 mixing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Diaz, R. A.; Martinez, R.; Sandoval, C. E.

2006-05-01

We find some constraints on the flavor changing vertices of the two Higgs doublet model, from the {Δ}M_{B_{text{d}}} measurement. Although bounds from this observable have already been considered, this paper takes into account the role of a new operator not included previously, as well as the vertices ξ_{bb}, ξ_{tc} and ξ_{sb}. Using the Cheng Sher parametrization, we find that for a relatively light charged Higgs boson (200 300 GeV), we obtain \\vertλ_{tt}\\vertlesssim1, while the parameter λ_{bb} could have values up to about 50. In addition, we use bounds for λ_{tt} and λ_{bb} obtained from B^0rightarrow X_sγ at next to leading order, and study the case where the only vanishing vertex factors are the ones involving quarks from the first family. We obtain that {Δ} M_{B_{text{d}}} is not sensitive to the change of the parameter λ_{sb}, while \\vertλ_{tc}\\vertlesssim1.

NO(y) Correlation with N2O and CH4 in the Midlatitude Stratosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kondo, Y.; Schmidt, U.; Sugita, T.; Engel, A.; Koike, M.; Aimedieu, P.; Gunson, M. R.; Rodriguez, J.

1996-01-01

Total reactive nitrogen (NO(y)), nitrous oxide (NO2), methane (CH4), and ozone (03) were measured on board a balloon launched from Aire sur l'Adour (44 deg N, 0 deg W), France on October 12, 1994. Generally, NO(y) was highly anti-correlated with N2O and CH4 at altitudes between 15 and 32 km. The linear NO(y) - N2O and NO(y) - CH4 relationships obtained by the present observations are very similar to those obtained on board ER-2 and DC-8 aircraft previously at altitude below 20 km in the northern hemisphere. They also agree well with the data obtained by the Atmospheric Trace Molecule Spectroscopy (ATMOS) instrument at 41 deg N in November 1994. Slight departures from linear correlations occurred around 29 km, where N2O and CH4 mixing ratios were larger than typical midlatitude values, suggesting horizontal transport of tropical airmasses to northern midlatitudes in a confined altitude region.

Fringe pattern information retrieval using wavelets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sciammarella, Cesar A.; Patimo, Caterina; Manicone, Pasquale D.; Lamberti, Luciano

2005-08-01

Two-dimensional phase modulation is currently the basic model used in the interpretation of fringe patterns that contain displacement information, moire, holographic interferometry, speckle techniques. Another way to look to these two-dimensional signals is to consider them as frequency modulated signals. This alternative interpretation has practical implications similar to those that exist in radio engineering for handling frequency modulated signals. Utilizing this model it is possible to obtain frequency information by using the energy approach introduced by Ville in 1944. A natural complementary tool of this process is the wavelet methodology. The use of wavelet makes it possible to obtain the local values of the frequency in a one or two dimensional domain without the need of previous phase retrieval and differentiation. Furthermore from the properties of wavelets it is also possible to obtain at the same time the phase of the signal with the advantage of a better noise removal capabilities and the possibility of developing simpler algorithms for phase unwrapping due to the availability of the derivative of the phase.

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

Screening actuator locations for static shape control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Haftka, Raphael T.

1990-01-01

Correction of shape distortion due to zero-mean normally distributed errors in structural sizes which are random variables is examined. A bound on the maximum improvement in the expected value of the root-mean-square shape error is obtained. The shape correction associated with the optimal actuators is also characterized. An actuator effectiveness index is developed and shown to be helpful in screening actuator locations in the structure. The results are specialized to a simple form for truss structures composed of nominally identical members. The bound and effectiveness index are tested on a 55-m radiometer antenna truss structure. It is found that previously obtained results for optimum actuators had a performance close to the bound obtained here. Furthermore, the actuators associated with the optimum design are shown to have high effectiveness indices. Since only a small fraction of truss elements tend to have high effectiveness indices, the proposed screening procedure can greatly reduce the number of truss members that need to be considered as actuator sites.

Analytical Description of the H/D Exchange Kinetic of Macromolecule.

PubMed

Kostyukevich, Yury; Kononikhin, Alexey; Popov, Igor; Nikolaev, Eugene

2018-04-17

We present the accurate analytical solution obtained for the system of rate equations describing the isotope exchange process for molecules containing an arbitrary number of equivalent labile atoms. The exact solution was obtained using Mathematica 7.0 software, and this solution has the form of the time-dependent Gaussian distribution. For the case when forward exchange considerably overlaps the back exchange, it is possible to estimate the activation energy of the reaction by obtaining a temperature dependence of the reaction degree. Using a previously developed approach for performing H/D exchange directly in the ESI source, we have estimated the activation energies for ions with different functional groups and they were found to be in a range 0.04-0.3 eV. Since the value of the activation energy depends on the type of functional group, the developed approach can have potential analytical applications for determining types of functional groups in complex mixtures, such as petroleum, humic substances, bio-oil, and so on.

Confidence regions for neutrino oscillation parameters from double-Chooz data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vargas Perez, B.; García-Ravelo, J.; Tun, Dionisio; Garcia Bello, Jorge; Escamilla Roa, Jesús

2018-05-01

In this work, an independent and detailed statistical analysis of the double-Chooz experiment is performed. In order to have a thorough understanding of the implications of the double-Chooz data on both oscillation parameters sin2(2 θ13) and Δ m312, we decided to analyze the data corresponding to the Far detector, with no additional restriction. This differs from previous analyses, which only aim to estimate the mixing angle θ13, without mentioning the effects on Δ m312. By doing this, confidence regions and best fit values are obtained for (sin2(2 θ13),Δ m312). This analysis yields an out-of-order Δ m312 minimum, which has already been mentioned in previous works, and it is corrected with the inclusion of additional restrictions. With such restrictions it is obtained that sin2(2 θ13)=0.08 4-0.028+0.030 and Δ m312=2.44 4-0.215+0.187×10-3 eV2/c4 . Our analysis allows us to study the effects of the so-called "spectral bump" around 5 MeV; it is observed that a variation of this spectral bump may be able to move the Δ m312 best fit value, in such a way that Δ m312 takes the order of magnitude of the MINOS value. In other words, if we allow the variation of the spectral bump, then we may be able to determine both oscillation parameters using Far detector data only, with no further restrictions from other experiments. Finally, and with the intention of understanding the effects of the preliminary Near detector data, we performed two different analyses, aiming to eliminate the effects of the energy bump. As a consequence, it is found that unlike the Far detector analysis, the Near detector data may be able to fully determine both oscillation parameters by itself, resulting in sin2(2 θ13)=0.095 ±0.053 and Δ m312=2.6 3-1.15+0.98×10-3 eV2/c4 . The later analyses represent an improvement with respect to previous works, where additional constraints for Δ m312 were necessary.

Nitric oxide in the upper stratosphere - Measurements and geophysical interpretation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harvath, J. J.; Frederick, J. E.; Orsini, N.; Douglass, A. R.

1983-01-01

A rocket-borne parachute-deployed chemiluminescence instrument has obtained seven new measurements of atmospheric nitric oxide for altitudes between 30 and 50 km at mid-latitudes. These results, when combined with profiles measured by an earlier version of the instrument, cover all four seasons and provide a more comprehensive picture of upper stratospheric nitric oxide than has been available previously. At the highest altitudes studied, the vertical gradient in mixing ratio displays positive and negative values during different observations, with the largest values tending to appear at the greatest heights in summer. Examination of the differences among the profiles, which exceed a factor of 3 near the stratopause, suggests that they arise from the action of transport processes which carry air into the mid-latitude upper stratosphere from regions of the atmosphere that contain widely different odd-nitrogen abundances.

Measurement of the Fluorescence Lifetime of Chlorophyll a In Vivo

PubMed Central

Singhal, G. S.; Rabinowitch, E.

1969-01-01

New measurements have been made of fluorescence lifetime (τ) of chlorophyll a in the algae Chlorella pyrenoidosa, Porphyridium cruentum, Anacystis nidulans, and in spinach chloroplast. τ-values of 0.6 and 0.7 nsec were obtained with green plants. Anacystis and Porphyridium gave a τ of 0.5 nsec. The previously described two stage decay of fluorescence in vivo in these organisms could not be confirmed. This observation could have been caused by a second wave of light emission from the exciting hydrogen lamp (not detected in earlier work). The lifetimes found in this study (calculated, as before, by the method of convolution integrals) were close to those found by other observers for “low” excitation intensities; the value first reported from this laboratory (1.0-1.7 nsec) may have corresponded to “high” excitation intensity. PMID:5778187

Upgraded Analytical Model of the Cylinder Test

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

Souers, P. Clark; Lauderbach, Lisa; Garza, Raul

2013-03-15

A Gurney-type equation was previously corrected for wall thinning and angle of tilt, and now we have added shock wave attenuation in the copper wall and air gap energy loss. Extensive calculations were undertaken to calibrate the two new energy loss mechanisms across all explosives. The corrected Gurney equation is recommended for cylinder use over the original 1943 form. The effect of these corrections is to add more energy to the adiabat values from a relative volume of 2 to 7, with low energy explosives having the largest correction. The data was pushed up to a relative volume of aboutmore » 15 and the JWL parameter ω was obtained directly. The total detonation energy density was locked to the v=7 adiabat energy density, so that the Cylinder test gives all necessary values needed to make a JWL.« less

Upgraded Analytical Model of the Cylinder Test

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

Souers, P. Clark; Lauderbach, Lisa; Garza, Raul

2013-03-15

A Gurney-type equation was previously corrected for wall thinning and angle of tilt, and now we have added shock wave attenuation in the copper wall and air gap energy loss. Extensive calculations were undertaken to calibrate the two new energy loss mechanisms across all explosives. The corrected Gurney equation is recommended for cylinder use over the original 1943 form. The effect of these corrections is to add more energy to the adiabat values from a relative volume of 2 to 7, with low energy explosives having the largest correction. The data was pushed up to a relative volume of aboutmore » 15 and the JWL parameter ω was obtained directly. Finally, the total detonation energy density was locked to the v = 7 adiabat energy density, so that the Cylinder test gives all necessary values needed to make a JWL.« less

Simultaneous qubit-loss-free fusion of three multiple W states

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Meiyu; Hao, Quanzhi; Yan, Fengli; Gao, Ting

2018-05-01

Qubit-loss-free fusion for two W states introduced by Li K et al (2016 Phys. Rev. A 94 062315) clearly increases the final size of the obtained W state and greatly reduces the number of fusion steps to achieve a W state of a target size. Motivated by this idea, we propose a qubit-loss-free fusion scheme for fusing three polarization entangled W states simultaneously. The elements of a two-outcome positive-operator valued measurement and the appropriate joint unitary operation for realizing a positive-operator valued measurement measurement are given. As an example, with the assistance of weak cross-Kerr nonlinearities, an optical setup for fusing three W states is proposed. We analyze the success probability of the scheme and the resource cost of the present scheme, as compared to previous work.

Millimeter-wave spectroscopy of syn formyl azide (HC(O)N3) in seven vibrational states

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Walters, Nicholas A.; Amberger, Brent K.; Esselman, Brian J.; Woods, R. Claude; McMahon, Robert J.

2017-01-01

Millimeter-wave spectra for formyl azide (HC(O)N3) were obtained from 240 to 360 GHz at ambient temperature. For the ground state of syn formyl azide, over 1500 independent rotational transitions were measured and least-squares fit to a complete S-reduced 8th order centrifugal distortion/rigid rotor Hamiltonian. The decomposition of formyl azide was monitored over a period of several hours, the half-life (t½ = 30 min) was determined, and its decomposition products were investigated. Transitions from five vibrational satellites of syn formyl azide (ν9, ν12, 2ν9, ν9 + ν12, and ν11) were observed, measured, and least-squares fit to complete or nearly complete octic centrifugally-distorted, single-state S-reduced models. A less complete single-state fit of 3ν9 (509.3 cm-1) was obtained from an unperturbed subset of its assignable transitions. This state is apparently coupled to the fundamental ν8 (489.4 cm-1) and the overtone 2ν12 (503.6 cm-1), but the coupling remains unanalyzed. Anharmonic CCSD(T)/ANO1 estimates of the vibrational frequencies of syn formyl azide were in close agreement with previously published experimental and computational values. Experimentally determined vibration-rotation interaction (αi) values were in excellent agreement with coupled-cluster predicted αi values for the fundamentals ν9, ν12, and ν11.

Estimation of Risk of Normal-tissue Toxicity Following Gastric Cancer Radiotherapy with Photon- or Scanned Proton-beams.

PubMed

Mondlane, Gracinda; Ureba, Ana; Gubanski, Michael; Lind, Pehr A; Siegbahn, Albert

2018-05-01

Gastric cancer (GC) radiotherapy involves irradiation of large tumour volumes located in the proximities of critical structures. The advantageous dose distributions produced by scanned-proton beams could reduce the irradiated volumes of the organs at risk (OARs). However, treatment-induced side-effects may still appear. The aim of this study was to estimate the normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) following proton therapy of GC, compared to photon radiotherapy. Eight GC patients, previously treated with volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT), were retrospectively planned with scanned proton beams carried out with the single-field uniform-dose (SFUD) method. A beam-specific planning target volume was used for spot positioning and a clinical target volume (CTV) based robust optimisation was performed considering setup- and range-uncertainties. The dosimetric and NTCP values obtained with the VMAT and SFUD plans were compared. With SFUD, lower or similar dose-volume values were obtained for OARs, compared to VMAT. NTCP values of 0% were determined with the VMAT and SFUD plans for all OARs (p>0.05), except for the left kidney (p<0.05), for which lower toxicity was estimated with SFUD. The NTCP reduction, determined for the left kidney with SFUD, can be of clinical relevance for preserving renal function after radiotherapy of GC. Copyright© 2018, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.

The effect of frequency on atmospheric pressure glow discharge in a pin-to-plate gap sustained by a resonant power supply

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

Wang, Yong Sheng; Ding, Wei Dong; Wang, Ya Nan

More and more researchers have been attracted to the research of atmospheric pressure glow discharge (APGD) because of its great prospect in numerous industrial applications. Nevertheless, almost all of the industrial applications are based on achievement of stable, large-volume, and uniform APGD. In a previous study, stable filamentary APGD was obtained by applying a resonant power supply between pin-to-plate electrodes which could limit the peak value of discharge current to supress the glow-to-arc transition through a series-wound resonance principle. The filamentary APGD is centimeter-level in the length but only several millimeters in diameter. Therefore, in order to obtain large-volume andmore » uniform APGD, it is significant to study how to diffuse filamentary APGD in radial direction. With the increasing resonant frequency of alternating current discharge, excited particles (mainly including energetic electrons and trapped ions left from the previous half-cycle discharge) in the electrodes gap increase, which benefits obtaining stable self-sustaining APGD. In this paper, mechanism and law of the influence of resonant frequency on the diffusion of filamentary APGD in ambient air were studied. By comparing the photos of discharge plasma and waveforms of the discharge voltage and current, it is found that the volume of the glow discharge plasma enlarges as the resonant frequency of the power supply increases. It is very significant and anticipating to study how to obtain stable, large-volume, and uniform APGD in ambient air by the resonant power supply.« less

Dose and detectability for a cone-beam C-arm CT system revisited

PubMed Central

Ganguly, Arundhuti; Yoon, Sungwon; Fahrig, Rebecca

2010-01-01

Purpose: The authors had previously published measurements of the detectability of disk-shaped contrast objects in images obtained from a C-arm CT system. A simple approach based on Rose’s criterion was used to scale the date, assuming the threshold for the smallest diameter detected should be inversely proportional to (dose)1∕2. A more detailed analysis based on recent theoretical modeling of C-arm CT images is presented in this work. Methods: The signal and noise propagations in a C-arm based CT system have been formulated by other authors using cascaded systems analysis. They established a relationship between detectability and the noise equivalent quanta. Based on this model, the authors obtained a relation between x-ray dose and the diameter of the smallest disks detected. A closed form solution was established by assuming no rebinning and no resampling of data, with low additive noise and using a ramp filter. For the case when no such assumptions were made, a numerically calculated solution using previously reported imaging and reconstruction parameters was obtained. The detection probabilities for a range of dose and kVp values had been measured previously. These probabilities were normalized to a single dose of 56.6 mGy using the Rose-criteria-based relation to obtain a universal curve. Normalizations based on the new numerically calculated relationship were compared to the measured results. Results: The theoretical and numerical calculations have similar results and predict the detected diameter size to be inversely proportional to (dose)1∕3 and (dose)1∕2.8, respectively. The normalized experimental curves and the associated universal plot using the new relation were not significantly different from those obtained using the Rose-criterion-based normalization. Conclusions: From numerical simulations, the authors found that the diameter of detected disks depends inversely on the cube root of the dose. For observer studies for disks larger than 4 mm, the cube root as well as square root relations appear to give similar results when used for normalization. PMID:20527560

Degradation behavior of carbon nanotubes/phenol-furfuryl alcohol multifunctional composites with aerospace application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Conejo, L. S.; Costa, M. L.; Oishi, S. S.; Botelho, E. C.

2017-10-01

Lightweight and highly conductive composite associated with good impact and tribological properties could be used in the aerospace industry to replace metal for an aircraft skin and still provide effective shielding against electromagnetic interference (EMI). Also, phenol-furfuryl alcohol resins (PFA) are excellent candidates to replace existing thermoset matrices used for obtaining glassy carbon, both in its pure form and reinforced with nanoscale structures. The synthesis of PFA allow obtaining a resin with better properties than that showed by conventional phenolic resins and with synthesis and cure processes more controlled than observed for the furfuryl alcohol resin. This work has as main purpose the synthesis and thermal characterization of PFA resin and its nanostructured composites with different concentrations of carbon nanotubes (0, 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 wt%). PFA resin was synthesized with 1:2:1 molar ratio of phenol/formaldehyde/furfuryl alcohol, according to the more appropriate condition obtained previously. The specimens were evaluated by thermogravimetry (TGA) to knowledge of the temperature of thermal degradation, either by actual analyses as simulated by simulation heating rate conversion software (known as Highway Simulation). The introduction of CNT in PFA sample does not affect its thermal stability. The values of residual weight found for samples with CNT additions are close to the values of the phenolic resin in the literature (about 60% residual weight).

Optimization of β-cyclodextrin-based flavonol extraction from apple pomace using response surface methodology.

PubMed

Parmar, Indu; Sharma, Sowmya; Rupasinghe, H P Vasantha

2015-04-01

The present study investigated five cyclodextrins (CDs) for the extraction of flavonols from apple pomace powder and optimized β-CD based extraction of total flavonols using response surface methodology. A 2(3) central composite design with β-CD concentration (0-5 g 100 mL(-1)), extraction temperature (20-72 °C), extraction time (6-48 h) and second-order quadratic model for the total flavonol yield (mg 100 g(-1) DM) was selected to generate the response surface curves. The optimal conditions obtained were: β-CD concentration, 2.8 g 100 mL(-1); extraction temperature, 45 °C and extraction time, 25.6 h that predicted the extraction of 166.6 mg total flavonols 100 g(-1) DM. The predicted amount was comparable to the experimental amount of 151.5 mg total flavonols 100 g(-1) DM obtained from optimal β-CD based parameters, thereby giving a low absolute error and adequacy of fitted model. In addition, the results from optimized extraction conditions showed values similar to those obtained through previously established solvent based sonication assisted flavonol extraction procedure. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to optimize aqueous β-CD based flavonol extraction which presents an environmentally safe method for value-addition to under-utilized bio resources.

Investigation into the Value of Trained Glycaemia Alert Dogs to Clients with Type I Diabetes

PubMed Central

Rooney, Nicola J.; Morant, Steve; Guest, Claire

2013-01-01

Previous studies have suggested that some pet dogs respond to their owners’ hypoglycaemic state. Here, we show that trained glycaemia alert dogs placed with clients living with diabetes afford significant improvements to owner well-being. We investigated whether trained dogs reliably respond to their owners’ hypoglycaemic state, and whether owners experience facilitated tightened glycaemic control, and wider psychosocial benefits. Since obtaining their dog, all seventeen clients studied reported positive effects including reduced paramedic call outs, decreased unconscious episodes and improved independence. Owner-recorded data showed that dogs alerted their owners, with significant, though variable, accuracy at times of low and high blood sugar. Eight out of the ten dogs (for which owners provided adequate records) responded consistently more often when their owner’s blood sugars were reported to be outside, than within, target range. Comparison of nine clients’ routine records showed significant overall change after obtaining their dogs, with seven clients recording a significantly higher proportion of routine tests within target range after obtaining a dog. HbA1C showed a small, non significant reduction after dog allocation. Based on owner-reported data we have shown, for the first time, that trained detection dogs perform above chance level. This study points to the potential value of alert dogs, for increasing glycaemic control, client independence and consequent quality of life and even reducing the costs of long-term health care. PMID:23950905

Orthorhombic lysozyme crystallization at acidic pH values driven by phosphate binding.

PubMed

Plaza-Garrido, Marina; Salinas-Garcia, M Carmen; Camara-Artigas, Ana

2018-05-01

The structure of orthorhombic lysozyme has been obtained at 298 K and pH 4.5 using sodium chloride as the precipitant and in the presence of sodium phosphate at a concentration as low as 5 mM. Crystals belonging to space group P2 1 2 1 2 1 (unit-cell parameters a = 30, b = 56, c = 73 Å, α = β = γ = 90.00°) diffracted to a resolution higher than 1 Å, and the high quality of these crystals permitted the identification of a phosphate ion bound to Arg14 and His15. The binding of this ion produces long-range conformational changes affecting the loop containing Ser60-Asn74. The negatively charged phosphate ion shields the electrostatic repulsion of the positively charged arginine and histidine residues, resulting in higher stability of the phosphate-bound lysozyme. Additionally, a low-humidity orthorhombic variant was obtained at pH 4.5, and comparison with those previously obtained at pH 6.5 and 9.5 shows a 1.5 Å displacement of the fifth α-helix towards the active-site cavity, which might be relevant to protein function. Since lysozyme is broadly used as a model protein in studies related to protein crystallization and amyloid formation, these results indicate that the interaction of some anions must be considered when analysing experiments performed at acidic pH values.

Computational modeling and statistical analyses on individual contact rate and exposure to disease in complex and confined transportation hubs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, W. L.; Tsui, K. L.; Lo, S. M.; Liu, S. B.

2018-01-01

Crowded transportation hubs such as metro stations are thought as ideal places for the development and spread of epidemics. However, for the special features of complex spatial layout, confined environment with a large number of highly mobile individuals, it is difficult to quantify human contacts in such environments, wherein disease spreading dynamics were less explored in the previous studies. Due to the heterogeneity and dynamic nature of human interactions, increasing studies proved the importance of contact distance and length of contact in transmission probabilities. In this study, we show how detailed information on contact and exposure patterns can be obtained by statistical analyses on microscopic crowd simulation data. To be specific, a pedestrian simulation model-CityFlow was employed to reproduce individuals' movements in a metro station based on site survey data, values and distributions of individual contact rate and exposure in different simulation cases were obtained and analyzed. It is interesting that Weibull distribution fitted the histogram values of individual-based exposure in each case very well. Moreover, we found both individual contact rate and exposure had linear relationship with the average crowd densities of the environments. The results obtained in this paper can provide reference to epidemic study in complex and confined transportation hubs and refine the existing disease spreading models.

Linear attenuation coefficients of tissues from 1 keV to 150 keV

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Böke, Aysun

2014-09-01

The linear attenuation coefficients and three interaction processes have been computed for liver, kidney, muscle, fat and for a range of x-ray energies from 1 keV to 150 keV. Molecular photoelectric absorption cross sections were calculated from atomic cross section data. Total coherent (Rayleigh) and incoherent (Compton) scattering cross sections were obtained by numerical integration over combinations of F2m(x) with the Thomson formula and Sm(x) with the Klein-Nishina formula, respectively. For the coherent (Rayleigh) scattering cross section calculations, molecular form factors were obtained from recent experimental data in the literature for values of x<1 Å-1 and from the relativistic modified atomic form factors for values of x≥1 Å-1. With the inclusion of molecular interference effects in the coherent (Rayleigh) scattering, more accurate knowledge of the scatter from these tissues will be provided. The number of elements involved in tissue composition is 5 for liver, 47 for kidney, 44 for muscle and 3 for fat. The results are compared with previously published experimental and theoretical linear attenuation coefficients. In general, good agreement is obtained. The molecular form factors and scattering functions and cross sections are incorporated into a Monte Carlo program. The energy distributions of x-ray photons scattered from tissues have been simulated and the results are presented.

An Oil-Stream Photomicrographic Aeroscope for Obtaining Cloud Liquid-Water Content and Droplet Size Distributions in Flight

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hacker, Paul T.

1956-01-01

An airborne cloud aeroscope by which droplet size, size distribution, and liquid-water content of clouds can be determined has been developed and tested in flight and in wind tunnels with water sprays. In this aeroscope the cloud droplets are continuously captured in a stream of oil, which Is then photographed by a photomicrographic camera. The droplet size and size distribution can be determined directly from the photographs. With the droplet size distribution known, the liquid-water content of the cloud can be computed from the geometry of the aeroscope, the airspeed, and the oil-flow rate. The aeroscope has the following features: Data are obtained semi-automatically, and permanent data are taken in the form of photographs. A single picture usually contains a sufficient number of droplets to establish the droplet size distribution. Cloud droplets are continuously captured in the stream of oil, but pictures are taken at Intervals. The aeroscope can be operated in icing and non-icing conditions. Because of mixing of oil in the instrument, the droplet-distribution patterns and liquid-water content values from a single picture are exponentially weighted average values over a path length of about 3/4 mile at 150 miles per hour. The liquid-water contents, volume-median diameters, and distribution patterns obtained on test flights and in the Lewis icing tunnel are similar to previously published data.

Biological imaging by soft x-ray diffraction microscopy

DOE PAGES

Shapiro, D.; Thibault, P.; Beetz, T.; ...

2005-10-25

We have used the method of x-ray diffraction microscopy to image the complex-valued exit wave of an intact and unstained yeast cell. The images of the freeze-dried cell, obtained by using 750-eV x-rays from different angular orientations, portray several of the cell's major internal components to 30-nm resolution. The good agreement among the independently recovered structures demonstrates the accuracy of the imaging technique. To obtain the best possible reconstructions, we have implemented procedures for handling noisy and incomplete diffraction data, and we propose a method for determining the reconstructed resolution. This work represents a previously uncharacterized application of x-ray diffractionmore » microscopy to a specimen of this complexity and provides confidence in the feasibility of the ultimate goal of imaging biological specimens at 10-nm resolution in three dimensions.« less

Further studies of iron adhesion: ( 1 1 1 ) surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spencer, Michelle J. S.; Hung, Andrew; Snook, Ian K.; Yarovsky, Irene

2002-08-01

Adhesion between ideal bulk-terminated bcc Fe(1 1 1) match and mismatch interfaces was simulated using density functional theory (DFT) within the plane-wave pseudopotential representation. Interfaces were modelled using the supercell approach where the interfacial separation was varied by changing the size of the vacuum spacer between image cells in the z-direction. The adhesive energy values were calculated for discrete interfacial separations and the data was fitted to the universal binding energy relation (UBER) [Rose et al., Phys. Rev. B 28 (1983) 1835]. The parameters obtained from these fits allowed the work of separation ( Wsep) to be determined and a comparison to be made of the adhesion properties of the match and mismatch interfaces. The results were also compared to those obtained previously for the (1 0 0) and (1 1 0) surfaces.

Radial velocity confirmation of Kepler-91 b. Additional evidence of its planetary nature using the Calar Alto/CAFE instrument

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lillo-Box, J.; Barrado, D.; Henning, Th.; Mancini, L.; Ciceri, S.; Figueira, P.; Santos, N. C.; Aceituno, J.; Sánchez, S. F.

2014-08-01

The object transiting the star Kepler-91 was recently assessed as being of planetary nature. The confirmation was achieved by analysing the light-curve modulations observed in the Kepler data. However, quasi-simultaneous studies claimed a self-luminous nature for this object, thus rejecting it as a planet. In this work, we apply anindependent approach to confirm the planetary mass of Kepler-91b by using multi-epoch high-resolution spectroscopy obtained with the Calar Alto Fiber-fed Echelle spectrograph (CAFE). We obtain the physical and orbital parameters with the radial velocity technique. In particular, we derive a value of 1.09 ± 0.20 MJup for the mass of Kepler-91b, in excellent agreement with our previous estimate that was based on the orbital brightness modulation.

Solution of the one-dimensional consolidation theory equation with a pseudospectral method

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sepulveda, N.; ,

1991-01-01

The one-dimensional consolidation theory equation is solved for an aquifer system using a pseudospectral method. The spatial derivatives are computed using Fast Fourier Transforms and the time derivative is solved using a fourth-order Runge-Kutta scheme. The computer model calculates compaction based on the void ratio changes accumulated during the simulated periods of time. Compactions and expansions resulting from groundwater withdrawals and recharges are simulated for two observation wells in Santa Clara Valley and two in San Joaquin Valley, California. Field data previously published are used to obtain mean values for the soil grain density and the compression index and to generate depth-dependent profiles for hydraulic conductivity and initial void ratio. The water-level plots for the wells studied were digitized and used to obtain the time dependent profiles of effective stress.

In vivo measurement of mechanical properties of human long bone by using sonic sound

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hossain, M. Jayed; Rahman, M. Moshiur; Alam, Morshed

2016-07-01

Vibration analysis has evaluated as non-invasive techniques for the in vivo assessment of bone mechanical properties. The relation between the resonant frequencies, long bone geometry and mechanical properties can be obtained by vibration analysis. In vivo measurements were performed on human ulna as a simple beam model with an experimental technique and associated apparatus. The resonant frequency of the ulna was obtained by Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT) analysis of the vibration response of piezoelectric accelerometer. Both elastic modulus and speed of the sound were inferred from the resonant frequency. Measurement error in the improved experimental setup was comparable with the previous work. The in vivo determination of bone elastic response has potential value in screening programs for metabolic bone disease, early detection of osteoporosis and evaluation of skeletal effects of various therapeutic modalities.

High pressure study on layered nitride superconductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taguchi, Y.; Hisakabe, M.; Ohishi, Y.; Yamanaka, S.; Iwasa, Y.

2004-03-01

Pressure dependence of critical temperature, lattice constant, and phonon frequency has been investigated for layered nitride superconductors, Li_0.5(THF)_yHfNCl and ZrNCl_0.7. The data have been analyzed in terms of MacMillan's theory, and electron-phonon coupling constant λ (=1.3), Coulomb pseudopotential μ^* (=0.31), and relevant phonon frequency (=630 cm-1) have been extracted. The obtained value of λ exceeds 1 in contrast with previous experimental and theoretical results. The present result indicates that, if the superconductivity is within a MacMillan scheme, it is mediated by high frequency phonons in a strong coupling regime.

Novel measuring strategies in neutron interferometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bonse, Ulrich; Wroblewski, Thomas

1985-04-01

Angular misalignment of a sample in a single crystal neutron interferometer leads to systematic errors of the effective sample thickness and in this way to errors in the determination of the coherent scattering length. The misalignment can be determined and the errors can be corrected by a second measurement at a different angular sample position. Furthermore, a method has been developed which allows supervision of the wavelength during the measurements. These two techniques were tested by determining the scattering length of copper. A value of bc = 7.66(4) fm was obtained which is in excellent agreement with previous measurements.