Multielemental analyses of isomorphous Indian garnet gemstones by XRD and external pixe techniques.
Venkateswarulu, P; Srinivasa Rao, K; Kasipathi, C; Ramakrishna, Y
2012-12-01
Garnet gemstones were collected from parts of Eastern Ghats geological formations of Andhra Pradesh, India and their gemological studies were carried out. Their study of chemistry is not possible as they represent mixtures of isomorphism nature, and none of the individual specimens indicate independent chemistry. Hence, non-destructive instrumental methodology of external PIXE technique was employed to understand their chemistry and identity. A 3 MeV proton beam was employed to excite the samples. In the present study geochemical characteristics of garnet gemstones were studied by proton induced X-ray emission. Almandine variety of garnet is found to be abundant in the present study by means of their chemical contents. The crystal structure and the lattice parameters were estimated using X-Ray Diffraction studies. The trace and minor elements are estimated using PIXE technique and major compositional elements are confirmed by XRD studies. The technique is found very useful in characterizing the garnet gemstones. The present work, thus establishes usefulness and versatility of the PIXE technique with external beam for research in Geo-scientific methodology. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Quantitative XRD analysis of {110} twin density in biotic aragonites.
Suzuki, Michio; Kim, Hyejin; Mukai, Hiroki; Nagasawa, Hiromichi; Kogure, Toshihiro
2012-12-01
{110} Twin densities in biotic aragonite have been estimated quantitatively from the peak widths of specific reflections in powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, as well as direct confirmation of the twins using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Influence of the twin density on the peak widths in the XRD pattern was simulated using DIFFaX program, regarding (110) twin as interstratification of two types of aragonite unit layers with mirrored relationship. The simulation suggested that the twin density can be estimated from the difference of the peak widths between 111 and 021, or between 221 and 211 reflections. Biotic aragonite in the crossed-lamellar microstructure (three species) and nacreous microstructure (four species) of molluscan shells, fish otoliths (two species), and a coral were investigated. The XRD analyses indicated that aragonite crystals in the crossed-lamellar microstructure of the three species contain high density of the twins, which is consistent with the TEM examination. On the other hand, aragonite in the nacre of the four species showed almost no difference of the peak widths between the paired reflections, indicating low twin densities. The results for the fish otoliths were varied between the species. Such variation of the twin density in biotic aragonites may reflect different schemes of crystal growth in biomineralization. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Švarcová, Silvie; Bezdička, Petr; Hradil, David; Hradilová, Janka; Žižak, Ivo
2011-01-01
Application of X-ray diffraction (XRD)-based techniques in the analysis of painted artworks is not only beneficial for indisputable identification of crystal constituents in colour layers, but it can also bring insight in material crystal structure, which can be affected by their geological formation, manufacturing procedure or secondary changes. This knowledge might be helpful for art historic evaluation of an artwork as well as for its conservation. By way of example of kaolinite, we show that classification of its crystal structure order based on XRD data is useful for estimation of its provenance. We found kaolinite in the preparation layer of a Gothic wall painting in a Czech church situated near Karlovy Vary, where there are important kaolin deposits. Comparing reference kaolin materials from eight various Czech deposits, we found that these can be differentiated just according to the kaolinite crystallinity. Within this study, we compared laboratory powder X-ray micro-diffraction (micro-XRD) with synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction analysing the same real sample. We found that both techniques led to the same results.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Senthil Kumar, R.; Rajkumar, P.
2014-11-01
The abstract of this paper explains the presence of minerals in air which causes great concern regarding public health issues. The spectroscopic investigation of air dust particles of several samples in various locations in the state of Tamilnadu, India is reported. Qualitative analyses were carried out to determine the major and minor constituent minerals present in the samples based on the FTIR, XRD absorption peaks. This study also identified the minerals like quartz, asbestos, kaolinite, calcite, hematite, montmorillonite, nacrite and several other trace minerals in the air dust particles. The presents of quartz is mainly found in all the samples invariably. Hence the percentage of quartz and its crystalline nature were determined with the help of extinction co-efficient and crystallinity index respectively. The shape and size of the particulates are studied with SEM analysis.
Confirming criticality safety of TRU waste with neutron measurements and risk analyses
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Winn, W.G.; Hochel, R.D.
1992-04-01
The criticality safety of {sup 239}Pu in 55-gallon drums stored in TRU waste containers (culverts) is confirmed using NDA neutron measurements and risk analyses. The neutron measurements yield a {sup 239}Pu mass and k{sub eff} for a culvert, which contains up to 14 drums. Conservative probabilistic risk analyses were developed for both drums and culverts. Overall {sup 239}Pu mass estimates are less than a calculated safety limit of 2800 g per culvert. The largest measured k{sub eff} is 0.904. The largest probability for a critical drum is 6.9 {times} 10{sup {minus}8} and that for a culvert is 1.72 {times} 10{supmore » {minus}7}. All examined suspect culverts, totaling 118 in number, are appraised as safe based on these observations.« less
High temperature XRD of Cu2.1Zn0.9SnSe4
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Chetty, Raju; Mallik, Ramesh Chandra
2014-04-01
Quaternary compound with chemical composition Cu2.1Zn0.9SnSe4 is prepared by solid state synthesis. High temperature XRD (X-Ray Diffraction) of this compound is used in studying the effect of temperature on lattice parameters and thermal expansion coefficients. Thermal expansion coefficient is one of the important quantities in evaluating the Grüneisen parameter which further useful in determining the lattice thermal conductivity of the material. The high temperature XRD of the material revealed that the lattice parameters as well as thermal expansion coefficients of the material increased with increase in temperature which confirms the presence of anharmonicty.
Structure, Elastic Constants and XRD Spectra of Extended Solids under High Pressure
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Batyrev, I. G.; Coleman, S. P.; Ciezak-Jenkins, J. A.
We present results of evolutionary simulations based on density functional calculations of a potentially new type of energetic materials called extended solids: P-N and N-H. High-density structures with covalent bonds generated using variable and fixed concentration methods were analysed in terms of thermo-dynamical stability and agreement with experimental X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra. X-ray diffraction spectra were calculated using a virtual diffraction algorithm that computes kinematic diffraction intensity in three-dimensional reciprocal space before being reduced to a two-theta line profile. Calculated XRD patterns were used to search for the structure of extended solids present at experimental pressures by optimizing data accordingmore » to experimental XRD peak position, peak intensity and theoretically calculated enthalpy. Elastic constants has been calculated for thermodynamically stable structures of P-N system.« less
Activation analyses of authenticated hairs of Napoleon Bonaparte confirm arsenic poisoning.
Weider, B; Fournier, J H
1999-12-01
In 1960, activation analyses at the Harwell Nuclear Research Laboratory of the University of Glascow, London of authenticated hairs of Napoleon Bonaparte taken immediately after his death confirmed Napoleon's chronic arsenic poisoning on the island of St. Helena. Timeline correlation of his clinical symptomatology of the preceding 4 months, as reported in the written diaries of his exiled companions, further supports the effect of fluctuating, elevated toxic levels of arsenic on his health. Independent analyses of authenticated hairs of Napoleon by the Toxicology Crime Laboratory of the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation in 1995 reveals toxic levels of arsenic. The successful assassination of Napoleon included both a cosmetic and lethal phase. The cosmetic phase consisted of arsenic poisoning over time to weaken Napoleon, making the associated debility appear to be a natural illness and thus allay any suspicions prior to instituting the lethal phase. On May 3, 1821, at 5:30 P.M., the lethal phase was carried out. Napoleon was given Calomel (HgCl), a cathartic, and a popular orange-flavored drink called orgeat, which was flavored with the oil of bitter almonds. Together they formed mercury cyanide, which is lethal. Napoleon lost consciousness and died two days later.
Matching 4.7-Å XRD spacing in amelogenin nanoribbons and enamel matrix.
Sanii, B; Martinez-Avila, O; Simpliciano, C; Zuckermann, R N; Habelitz, S
2014-09-01
The recent discovery of conditions that induce nanoribbon structures of amelogenin protein in vitro raises questions about their role in enamel formation. Nanoribbons of recombinant human full-length amelogenin (rH174) are about 17 nm wide and self-align into parallel bundles; thus, they could act as templates for crystallization of nanofibrous apatite comprising dental enamel. Here we analyzed the secondary structures of nanoribbon amelogenin by x-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and tested if the structural motif matches previous data on the organic matrix of enamel. XRD analysis showed that a peak corresponding to 4.7 Å is present in nanoribbons of amelogenin. In addition, FTIR analysis showed that amelogenin in the form of nanoribbons was comprised of β-sheets by up to 75%, while amelogenin nanospheres had predominantly random-coil structure. The observation of a 4.7-Å XRD spacing confirms the presence of β-sheets and illustrates structural parallels between the in vitro assemblies and structural motifs in developing enamel. © International & American Associations for Dental Research.
Matching 4.7-Å XRD Spacing in Amelogenin Nanoribbons and Enamel Matrix
Sanii, B.; Martinez-Avila, O.; Simpliciano, C.; Zuckermann, R.N.; Habelitz, S.
2014-01-01
The recent discovery of conditions that induce nanoribbon structures of amelogenin protein in vitro raises questions about their role in enamel formation. Nanoribbons of recombinant human full-length amelogenin (rH174) are about 17 nm wide and self-align into parallel bundles; thus, they could act as templates for crystallization of nanofibrous apatite comprising dental enamel. Here we analyzed the secondary structures of nanoribbon amelogenin by x-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and tested if the structural motif matches previous data on the organic matrix of enamel. XRD analysis showed that a peak corresponding to 4.7 Å is present in nanoribbons of amelogenin. In addition, FTIR analysis showed that amelogenin in the form of nanoribbons was comprised of β-sheets by up to 75%, while amelogenin nanospheres had predominantly random-coil structure. The observation of a 4.7-Å XRD spacing confirms the presence of β-sheets and illustrates structural parallels between the in vitro assemblies and structural motifs in developing enamel. PMID:25048248
Sethi, Sapna; Kothiyal, N C; Nema, Arvind K
2012-07-01
Leachate recirculation at neutral PH accompanied with buffer/nutrients addition has been used successfully in earlier stabilization of municipal solid waste in bioreactor landfills. In the present study, efforts were made to enhance the stabilization rate of municipal solid waste (MSW) and organic solid waste (OSW) in simulated landfill bioreactors by controlling the pH of recirculated leachate towards slightly alkaline side in absence of additional buffer and nutrients addition. Enhanced stabilization in waste samples was monitored with the help of analytical tools like Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). Predominance of bands assigned to inorganic compounds and comparatively lower intensities of bands for organic compounds in the FTIR spectra of waste samples degraded with leachate recirculation under controlled pH confirmed higher rate of biodegradation and mineralization of waste than the samples degraded without controlled leachate recirculation. XRD spectra also confirmed to a greater extent of mineralization in the waste samples degraded under leachate recirculation with controlled pH. Comparison of XRD spectra of two types of wastes pointed out higher degree of mineralization in organic solid waste as compared to municipal solid waste.
Meza-Contreras, Juan C; Manriquez-Gonzalez, Ricardo; Gutiérrez-Ortega, José A; Gonzalez-Garcia, Yolanda
2018-05-22
The production and crystallinity of 13 C bacterial cellulose (BC) was examined in static culture of Komagataeibacter xylinus with different chemical and physical stimuli: the addition of NaCl or cloramphenicol as well as exposure to a magnetic field or to UV light. Crystalline BC biosynthesized under each stimulus was studied by XRD and solid state 13 C NMR analyses. All treatments produced BC with enhanced crystallinity over 90% (XRD) and 80% (NMR) compared to the control (83 and 76%, respectively) or to Avicel (77 and 62%, respectively). The XRD data indicated that the crystallite size was 80-85 Å. Furthermore, changes on the allomorphs (I α and I β ) ratio tendency of BC samples addressed to the stimuli were estimated using the C4 signal from 13 C NMR data. These results showed a decrease of the allomorph I α (3%) when BC was biosynthesized with UV light and chloramphenicol compared to control (58.79%). In contrast, the BC obtained with NaCl increased up to 60.31% of the I α allomorph ratio. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Thirunarayanan, S.; Arjunan, V.; Marchewka, M. K.; Mohan, S.; Atalay, Yusuf
2016-03-01
The crystals of 1,3-diammonium propylselenate monohydrate (DAPS) were prepared and characterised X-ray diffraction (XRD), FT-IR, FT-Raman spectroscopy, and DFT/B3LYP methods. It comprises protonated propyl ammonium moieties (diammonium propyl cations), selenate anions and water molecule which are held together by a number of hydrogen bonds and form infinite chains. The XRD data confirm the transfer of two protons from selenic acid to 1,3-diaminopropane molecule. The DAPS complex is stabilised by the presence of O-H···O and N-H···O hydrogen bonds and the electrostatic interactions as well. The N···O and O···O bond distances are 2.82-2.91 and 2.77 Å, respectively. The FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra of 1,3-diammonium propyl selenate monohydrate are recorded and the complete vibrational assignments have been discussed. The geometry is optimised by B3LYP method using 6-311G, 6-311+G and 6-311+G* basis sets and the energy, structural parameters, vibrational frequencies, IR and Raman intensities are determined. Differential scanning colorimetry (DSC) data were also presented to analyse the possibility of the phase transition. Complete natural bonding orbital (NBO) analysis is carried out to analyse the intramolecular electronic interactions and their stabilisation energies. The electrostatic potential of the complex lies in the range +1.902e × 10-2 to -1.902e × 10-2. The limits of total electron density of the complex is +8.43e × 10-2 to -8.43e × 10-2.
High temperature XRD of Cu{sub 2.1}Zn{sub 0.9}SnSe{sub 4}
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Chetty, Raju, E-mail: rcmallik@physics.iisc.ernet.in; Mallik, Ramesh Chandra, E-mail: rcmallik@physics.iisc.ernet.in
2014-04-24
Quaternary compound with chemical composition Cu{sub 2.1}Zn{sub 0.9}SnSe{sub 4} is prepared by solid state synthesis. High temperature XRD (X-Ray Diffraction) of this compound is used in studying the effect of temperature on lattice parameters and thermal expansion coefficients. Thermal expansion coefficient is one of the important quantities in evaluating the Grüneisen parameter which further useful in determining the lattice thermal conductivity of the material. The high temperature XRD of the material revealed that the lattice parameters as well as thermal expansion coefficients of the material increased with increase in temperature which confirms the presence of anharmonicty.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Cunha, L.; Apreutesei, M.; Moura, C.; Alves, E.; Barradas, N. P.; Cristea, D.
2018-04-01
The purpose of this work is to discuss the main structural characteristics of a group of tantalum oxynitride (TaNxOy) thin films, with different compositions, prepared by magnetron sputtering, and to interpret and compare the structural changes, by X-ray diffraction (XRD), when the samples are vacuum annealed under two different conditions: i) annealing, followed by ex-situ XRD: one sample of each deposition run was annealed at a different temperature, until a maximum of 800 °C, and the XRD patterns were obtained, at room temperature, after each annealing process; ii) annealing with in-situ XRD: the diffraction patterns are obtained, at certain temperatures, during the annealing process, using always the same sample. In-situ XRD annealing could be an interesting process to perform annealing, and analysing the evolution of the structure with the temperature, when compared to the classical process. A higher structural stability was observed in some of the samples, particularly on those with highest oxygen content, but also on the sample with non-metal (O + N) to metal (Ta) ratio around 0.5.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Chipera, S. J.; Vaniman, D. T.; Bish, D. L.; Sarrazin, P.; Feldman, S.; Blake, D. F.; Bearman, G.; Bar-Cohen, Y.
2004-01-01
A miniature XRD/XRF (X-ray diffraction / X-ray fluorescence) instrument, CHEMIN, is currently being developed for definitive mineralogic analysis of soils and rocks on Mars. One of the technical issues that must be addressed to enable remote XRD analysis is how best to obtain a representative sample powder for analysis. For powder XRD analyses, it is beneficial to have a fine-grained sample to reduce preferred orientation effects and to provide a statistically significant number of crystallites to the X-ray beam. Although a two-dimensional detector as used in the CHEMIN instrument will produce good results even with poorly prepared powder, the quality of the data will improve and the time required for data collection will be reduced if the sample is fine-grained and randomly oriented. A variety of methods have been proposed for XRD sample preparation. Chipera et al. presented grain size distributions and XRD results from powders generated with an Ultrasonic/Sonic Driller/Corer (USDC) currently being developed at JPL. The USDC was shown to be an effective instrument for sampling rock to produce powder suitable for XRD. In this paper, we compare powder prepared using the USDC with powder obtained with a miniaturized rock crusher developed at JPL and with powder obtained with a rotary tungsten carbide bit to powders obtained from a laboratory bench-scale Retsch mill (provides benchmark mineralogical data). These comparisons will allow assessment of the suitability of these methods for analysis by an XRD/XRF instrument such as CHEMIN.
Vinodhini, P Angelin; K, Sangeetha; Thandapani, Gomathi; P N, Sudha; Jayachandran, Venkatesan; Sukumaran, Anil
2017-11-01
In the present work, a series of novel nanochitosan/cellulose acetate/polyethylene glycol (NCS/CA/PEG) blend flat sheet membranes were fabricated in different ratios (1:1:1, 1:1:2, 2:1:1, 2:1:2, 1:2:1, 2:2:1) in a polar solvent of N,N'-dimethylformamide (DMF) using the most popular phase inversion method. Nanochitosan was prepared by the ionotropic gelation method and its average particle size has been analyzed using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) method. The effect of blending of the three polymers was investigated using FTIR and XRD studies. FTIR results confirmed the formation of well-blended membranes and the XRD analysis revealed enhanced amorphous nature of the membrane ratio 2:1:2. DSC study was conducted to find out the thermal behavior of the blend membranes and the results clearly indicated good thermal stability and single glass transition temperature (T g ) of all the prepared membranes. Asymmetric nature and rough surface morphology was confirmed using SEM analysis. From the results it was evident that the blending of the polymers with higher concentration of nanochitosan can alter the nature of the resulting membranes to a greater extent and thus amorphous membranes were obtained with good miscibility and compatibility. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Arab-Chapelet, B; Martin, P M; Costenoble, S; Delahaye, T; Scheinost, A C; Grandjean, S; Abraham, F
2016-04-28
Mixed actinide(III,IV) oxalates of the general formula M2.2UAn(C2O4)5·nH2O (An = Pu or Am and M = H3O(+) and N2H5(+)) have been quantitatively precipitated by oxalic precipitation in nitric acid medium (yield >99%). Thorough multiscale structural characterization using XRD and XAS measurements confirmed the existence of mixed actinide oxalate solid solutions. The XANES analysis confirmed that the oxidation states of the metallic cations, tetravalent for uranium and trivalent for plutonium and americium, are maintained during the precipitation step. EXAFS measurements show that the local environments around U(+IV), Pu(+III) and Am(+III) are comparable, and the actinides are surrounded by ten oxygen atoms from five bidentate oxalate anions. The mean metal-oxygen distances obtained by XAS measurements are in agreement with those calculated from XRD lattice parameters.
Brinza, Loredana; Schofield, Paul F.; Hodson, Mark E.; Weller, Sophie; Ignatyev, Konstantin; Geraki, Kalotina; Quinn, Paul D.; Mosselmans, J. Frederick W.
2014-01-01
The use of fluorescence full spectral micro-X-ray absorption near-edge structure (µXANES) mapping is becoming more widespread in the hard energy regime. This experimental method using the Ca K-edge combined with micro-X-ray diffraction (µXRD) mapping of the same sample has been enabled on beamline I18 at Diamond Light Source. This combined approach has been used to probe both long- and short-range order in calcium carbonate granules produced by the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris. In granules produced by earthworms cultured in a control artificial soil, calcite and vaterite are observed in the granules. However, granules produced by earthworms cultivated in the same artificial soil amended with 500 p.p.m. Mg also contain an aragonite. The two techniques, µXRD and µXANES, probe different sample volumes but there is good agreement in the phase maps produced. PMID:24365942
High temperature XRD of Cu2GeSe3
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Premkumar D., S.; Chetty, Raju; Malar, P.; Mallik, Ramesh Chandra
2015-06-01
The Cu2GeSe3 is prepared by solid state synthesis method. The high temperature XRD has been done at different temperature from 30 °C to 450 °C. The reitveld refinement confirms Cu2GeSe3 phase and orthorhombic crystal structure. The lattice constants are increasing with increase in the temperature and their rate of increase with respect to temperature are used for finding the thermal expansion coefficient. The calculation of the linear and volume coefficient of thermal expansion is done from 30 °C to 400 °C. Decrease in the values of linear expansion coefficients with temperature are observed along a and c axis. Since thermal expansion coefficient is the consequence of the distortion of atoms in the lattice; this can be further used to find the minimum lattice thermal conductivity at given temperature.
An Integrated XRF/XRD Instrument for Mars Exobiology and Geology Experiments
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Koppel, L. N.; Franco, E. D.; Kerner, J. A.; Fonda, M. L.; Schwartz, D. E.; Marshall, J. R.
1993-01-01
By employing an integrated x-ray instrument on a future Mars mission, data obtained will greatly augment those returned by Viking; details characterizing the past and present environment on Mars and those relevant to the possibility of the origin and evolution of life will be acquired. A combined x-ray fluorescence/x-ray diffraction (XRF/XRD) instrument was breadboarded and demonstrated to accommodate important exobiology and geology experiment objectives outlined for MESUR and future Mars missions. Among others, primary objectives for the exploration of Mars include the intense study of local areas on Mars to establish the chemical, mineralogical, and petrological character of different components of the surface material; to determine the distribution, abundance, and sources and sinks of volatile materials, including an assessment of the biologic potential, now and during past epoches; and to establish the global chemical and physical characteristics of the Martian surface. The XRF/XRD breadboard instrument identifies and quantifies soil surface elemental, mineralogical, and petrological characteristics and acquires data necessary to address questions on volatile abundance and distribution. Additionally, the breadboard is able to characterize the biogenic element constituents of soil samples providing information on the biologic potential of the Mars environment. Preliminary breadboard experiments confirmed the fundamental instrument design approach and measurement performance.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Pamoukaghlian, K.; Poiré, D. G.; Gaucher, C.; Uriz, N.; Cingolani, C.; Frigeiro, P.
2009-04-01
The Piedras de Afilar Formation crops out in the southeast part of Uruguay, forming part of the Tandilia Terrane (sensu Bossi et al. 2005). Pamoukaghlian et al. (2006) and Gaucher et al. (2008) have published δ13C, δ18O and U/Pb SHRIMP results, which indicate a Neoproterozoic age for this formation. The palaeoenvironment has been defined as a shallow marine platform based on the presence of interference ripples, hummocky and mega-hummocky cross-stratification. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses help to better constrain the palaeoenvironment: the presence of chlorite/smectite found in black shales, suggest a reducing environment, and abundant illite indicates a cold to temperate climate. Provenance studies have been undertaken that utilise a combination of detailed palaeocurrent measurements, petrographic descriptions, XRD analyses, and geochemical isotopic analyses, including U/Pb SHRIMP determinations. Mineral compositional diagrams for sandstones suggest a stable cratonic provenance. Palaeocurrents are mainly from the NNE, indicating a provenance from the cratonic areas of the Tandilia Terrane. The illite crystal index indicates diagenetic to low-metamorphic conditions for the sequence; this is important to confirm that the identified minerals are authigenic. Clay minerals identified by XRD analysis of sandstones from the siliciclastic member are illite (80 - 90%), kaolinite (5 - 10%), and chlorite (5 - 10%). This is consistent with a provenance from the cratonic areas (quartz-feldspar dominated rock types). Isotopic analyses have been undertaken to provide better constraints on the tectonic setting. U/Pb SHRIMP ages for the youngest zircons are 990 Ma (Gaucher et al. 2008), and the basal granite (Granito de la Paz) is 2056 ± 11 Ma (Hartmann et al. 2001), suggesting a provenance from the Archaean basement for the Piedras de Afilar Formation, like its counterparts in the Rio de la Plata Craton. References Bossi, J., Piñeyro, D., Cingolani, C. (2005). El l
Pei, Jing-cheng; Fan, Lu-wei; Xie, Hao
2014-12-01
Based on the conventional test methods, the infrared absorption spectrum, Raman spectrum and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were employed to study the characters of the vibration spectrum and mineral composition of Huanglong jade. The testing results show that Huanglong jade shows typical vibrational spectrum characteristics of quartziferous jade. The main infrared absorption bands at 1162, 1076, 800, 779, 691, 530 and 466 cm(-1) were induced by the asymmetric stretching vibration, symmetrical stretching vibration and bending vibration of Si-O-Si separately. Especially the absorption band near 800 cm(-1) is split, which indicates that Huanglong jade has good crystallinity. In Raman spectrum, the main strong vibration bands at 463 and 355 cm(-1) were attributed to bending vibration of Si-O-Si. XRD test confirmed that Quartz is main mineral composition of Huanglong jade and there is a small amount of hematite in red color samples which induced the red color of Huanglong jade. This is the first report on the infrared, Raman and XRD spectra feature of Huanglong jade. It will provide a scientific basis for the identification, naming and other research for huanglong jade.
Remote In-Situ Quantitative Mineralogical Analysis Using XRD/XRF
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Blake, D. F.; Bish, D.; Vaniman, D.; Chipera, S.; Sarrazin, P.; Collins, S. A.; Elliott, S. T.
2001-01-01
X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) is the most direct and accurate method for determining mineralogy. The CHEMIN XRD/XRF instrument has shown promising results on a variety of mineral and rock samples. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.
Composition and microstructure of MTA and Aureoseal Plus: XRF, EDS, XRD and FESEM evaluation.
Cianconi, L; Palopoli, P; Campanella, V; Mancini, M
2016-12-01
The aim of this study was to determine the chemical composition and the phases' microstructure of Aureoseal Plus (OGNA, Italy) and ProRoot MTA (Dentsply Tulsa Dental, USA) and to compare their characteristics. Study Design: Comparing Aureoseal Plus and ProRoot MTA microstructure by means of several analyses type. The chemical analysis of the two cements was assessed following the UNI EN ISO 196-2 norm. X-Ray fluorescence (XRF) was used to determine the element composition. The crystalline structure was analysed quantitatively using x-ray diffraction (XRD). Powders morphology was evaluated using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) with backscattering detectors, and a field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). Elemental analysis was performed by energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDS). The semi-quantitative XRF analysis showed the presence of heavy metal oxides in both cements. The XRD spectra of the two cements reported the presence of dicalcium silicate, tricalcium silicate, tricalcium aluminate, tetracalcium aluminoferrite, bismuth oxide and gypsum. SEM analysis showed that ProRoot MTA powder is less coarse and more homogeneous than Aureoseal. Both powders are formed by particles of different shapes: round, prismatic and oblong. The EDS analysis showed that some ProRoot MTA particles, differently from Aureoseal, contain Ca, Si, Al and Fe. Oblong particles in ProRoot and Aureoseal are rich of bismuth. The strong interest in developing new Portland cement-based endodontic sealers will create materials with increased handling characteristics and physicochemical properties. A thorough investigation on two cement powders was carried out by using XRF, XRD, SEM and EDS analysis. To date there was a lack of studies on Aureoseal Plus. This cement is similar in composition to ProRoot MTA. Despite that it has distinctive elements that could improve its characteristics, resulting in a good alternative to MTA.
Trace elemental analysis of Indian natural moonstone gems by PIXE and XRD techniques.
Venkateswara Rao, R; Venkateswarulu, P; Kasipathi, C; Sivajyothi, S
2013-12-01
A selected number of Indian Eastern Ghats natural moonstone gems were studied with a powerful nuclear analytical and non-destructive Proton Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) technique. Thirteen elements, including V, Co, Ni, Zn, Ga, Ba and Pb, were identified in these moonstones and may be useful in interpreting the various geochemical conditions and the probable cause of their inceptions in the moonstone gemstone matrix. Furthermore, preliminary XRD studies of different moonstone patterns were performed. The PIXE technique is a powerful method for quickly determining the elemental concentration of a substance. A 3MeV proton beam was employed to excite the samples. The chemical constituents of moonstones from parts of the Eastern Ghats geological formations of Andhra Pradesh, India were determined, and gemological studies were performed on those gems. The crystal structure and the lattice parameters of the moonstones were estimated using X-Ray Diffraction studies, trace and minor elements were determined using the PIXE technique, and major compositional elements were confirmed by XRD. In the present work, the usefulness and versatility of the PIXE technique for research in geo-scientific methodology is established. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
[Infrared spectroscopy and XRD studies of coral fossils].
Chen, Quan-li; Zhou, Guan-min; Yin, Zuo-wei
2012-08-01
Coral fossil is an old remain of multicellular animal on the earth, and formed by various geological processes. The structural characteristics and compositions of the coral fossils with different color and radial texture on the surface were studied by infrared absorption spectroscopy and X-ray powder diffraction analyses. The results show that the studied coral fossils mainly are composed of SiO2, and the radial microstructure characterized by the calcareous coral cross-section is preserved. It is formed by metasomatism by SiO2. The infrared absorption spectra of the coral fossil with different color and texture are essentially the same, showing typical infrared absorption spectra of the quartz jade. XRD analysis shows that the main components of the coral fossils with different color and texture are consistent and mainly composed of SiO2 with a trace amount of other minerals and without CaCO3.
[Identification of Dens Draconis and Os Draconis by XRD method].
Chen, Guang-Yun; Wu, Qi-Nan; Shen, Bei; Chen, Rong
2012-04-01
To establish an XRD method for evaluating the quality of Os Draconis and Dens Draconis and applying in judgement of the counterfeit. Dens Draconis, Os Draconis and the counterfeit of Os Draconis were analyzed by XRD. Their diffraction patterns were clustered analysis and evaluated their similarity degree. Established the analytical method of Dens Draconis and Os Draconis basing the features fingerprint information of the 10 common peaks by XRD pattern. Obtained the XRD pattern of the counterfeit of Os Draconis. The similarity degree of separate sources of Dens Draconis was high,while the similarity degree of separate sources of Os Draconis was significant different from each other. This method can be used for identification and evaluation of Os Draconis and Dens Draconis. It also can be used for identification the counterfeit of Os Draconis effectively.
Novel Sample-handling Approach for XRD Analysis with Minimal Sample Preparation
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Sarrazin, P.; Chipera, S.; Bish, D.; Blake, D.; Feldman, S.; Vaniman, D.; Bryson, C.
2004-01-01
Sample preparation and sample handling are among the most critical operations associated with X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. These operations require attention in a laboratory environment, but they become a major constraint in the deployment of XRD instruments for robotic planetary exploration. We are developing a novel sample handling system that dramatically relaxes the constraints on sample preparation by allowing characterization of coarse-grained material that would normally be impossible to analyze with conventional powder-XRD techniques.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Al-Akhras, M.-Ali H.; Hasan Qaseer, M. K.; Albiss, B. A.; Alebrhim, M. Anwar; Gezawa, Umar S.
2018-02-01
Valuable structural and chemical features can be obtained for spongy and hard bone by infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. A better understanding of chemical and structural differences between spongy and hard bone is a very important contributor to bone quality. Our data according to IR data showed that the collagen cross-links occurred to be higher in spongy bone, and crystallinity was lower in spongy bone. Deconvolution of the infrared band near 870 cm-1 reveals evidence for A2-type carbonate substitution on hydroxyapatite of spongy bone in addition to the A and B type carbonate substitution that are also found in hard bone. IR and XRD data confirmed the results of each other since full width at half maximum of 002-apatite pattern of XRD showed that the crystallinity was lower in spongy bone. The microstructure was examined by using scanning electron microscope and the result showed that the lattice of thin threads in spongy bone and is less dense than hard bone.
High temperature XRD of Cu{sub 2}GeSe{sub 3}
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Premkumar, D. S.; Malar, P.; Chetty, Raju
2015-06-24
The Cu{sub 2}GeSe{sub 3} is prepared by solid state synthesis method. The high temperature XRD has been done at different temperature from 30 °C to 450 °C. The reitveld refinement confirms Cu{sub 2}GeSe{sub 3} phase and orthorhombic crystal structure. The lattice constants are increasing with increase in the temperature and their rate of increase with respect to temperature are used for finding the thermal expansion coefficient. The calculation of the linear and volume coefficient of thermal expansion is done from 30 °C to 400 °C. Decrease in the values of linear expansion coefficients with temperature are observed along a andmore » c axis. Since thermal expansion coefficient is the consequence of the distortion of atoms in the lattice; this can be further used to find the minimum lattice thermal conductivity at given temperature.« less
Sun, Zhiming; Park, Yuri; Zheng, Shuilin; Ayoko, Godwin A; Frost, Ray L
2013-10-15
An Arizona SAz-2 calcium montmorillonite was modified by a typical dialkyl cationic surfactant (didodecyldimethylammonium bromide, abbreviated to DDDMA) through direct ion exchange. The obtained organoclays were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), high-resolution thermogravimetric analysis (HR-TG), and infrared emission spectroscopy (IES). The intercalation of surfactants greatly increased the basal spacing of the interlayers and the conformation arrangement of the loaded surfactant were assessed based on the XRD and TEM measurements. This work shows that the dialkyl surfactant can be directly intercalated into the montmorillonite without first undergoing Na(+) exchange. Moreover, the thermal stability of organoclays and the different arrangements of the surfactant molecules intercalated in the SAz-2 Ca-montmorillonite were determined by a combination of TG and IES techniques. The detailed conformational ordering of different intercalated surfactants under different conditions was also studied. The surfactant molecule DDDMA has proved to be thermally stable even at 400°C which indicates that the prepared organoclay is stable to significantly high temperatures. This study offers new insights into the structure and thermal stabilities of SAz-2 Ca-montmorillonite modified with DDDMA. The experimental results also confirm the potential applications of organic SAz-2 Ca-montmorillonites as adsorbents and polymer-clay nanocomposites. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Dynamic XRD, Shock and Static Compression of CaF2
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kalita, Patricia; Specht, Paul; Root, Seth; Sinclair, Nicholas; Schuman, Adam; White, Melanie; Cornelius, Andrew; Smith, Jesse; Sinogeikin, Stanislav
2017-06-01
The high-pressure behavior of CaF2 is probed with x-ray diffraction (XRD) combined with both dynamic compression, using a two-stage light gas gun, and static compression, using diamond anvil cells. We use XRD to follow the unfolding of a shock-driven, fluorite to cotunnite phase transition, on the timescale of nanoseconds. The dynamic behavior of CaF2 under shock loading is contrasted with that under static compression. This work leverages experimental capabilities at the Advanced Photon Source: dynamic XRD and shock experiments at the Dynamic Compression Sector, as well as XRD and static compression in diamond anvil cell at the High-Pressure Collaborative Access Team. These experiments and cross-platform comparisons, open the door to an unprecedented understanding of equations of state and phase transitions at the microstructural level and at different time scales and will ultimately improve our capability to simulate the behavior of materials at extreme conditions. Sandia National Laboratories is a multi-mission laboratory managed and operated by Sandia Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation, for the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-AC04-94AL85000.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kaczmarska, Karolina; Grabowska, Beata; Spychaj, Tadeusz; Zdanowicz, Magdalena; Sitarz, Maciej; Bobrowski, Artur; Cukrowicz, Sylwia
2018-06-01
The paper deals with the influence of the microwave treatment on sodium carboxymethyl starch (CMS-Na) applied as a binder for moulding sands. The Fourier transformation infrared spectrometry (FT-IR), Raman spectroscopy (FT-Raman) and XRD analysis data of native potato starch and three different carboxymethyl starches (CMS-Na) with various degree of substitution (DS) before and after exposition to microwave radiation have been compared. FT-IR studies showed that polar groups present in CMS-Na structure take part in the formation of new hydrogen bonds network after water evaporation. However, these changes depend on DS value of the modified starch. The FT-Raman study confirmed that due to the impact on the samples by microwave, the changes of intensity in the characteristic bands associated with the crystalline regions in the sample were noticed. The X-ray diffraction data for microwave treated CMS-Na samples have been compared with the diffractograms of initial materials and analysis of XRD patterns confirmed that microwave-treated samples exhibit completely amorphous structure. Analysis of structural changes allows to state that the binding of sand grains in moulding sand with CMS-Na polymeric binder consists in the formation of hydrogen bonds networks (physical cross-linking).
Kaczmarska, Karolina; Grabowska, Beata; Spychaj, Tadeusz; Zdanowicz, Magdalena; Sitarz, Maciej; Bobrowski, Artur; Cukrowicz, Sylwia
2018-06-15
The paper deals with the influence of the microwave treatment on sodium carboxymethyl starch (CMS-Na) applied as a binder for moulding sands. The Fourier transformation infrared spectrometry (FT-IR), Raman spectroscopy (FT-Raman) and XRD analysis data of native potato starch and three different carboxymethyl starches (CMS-Na) with various degree of substitution (DS) before and after exposition to microwave radiation have been compared. FT-IR studies showed that polar groups present in CMS-Na structure take part in the formation of new hydrogen bonds network after water evaporation. However, these changes depend on DS value of the modified starch. The FT-Raman study confirmed that due to the impact on the samples by microwave, the changes of intensity in the characteristic bands associated with the crystalline regions in the sample were noticed. The X-ray diffraction data for microwave treated CMS-Na samples have been compared with the diffractograms of initial materials and analysis of XRD patterns confirmed that microwave-treated samples exhibit completely amorphous structure. Analysis of structural changes allows to state that the binding of sand grains in moulding sand with CMS-Na polymeric binder consists in the formation of hydrogen bonds networks (physical cross-linking). Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
MultiLaue: A Technique to Extract d-spacings from Laue XRD
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Gainsforth, Zack; Marcus, Matthew A.; Tamura, Nobumichi
We present that broad spectrum X-ray Diffraction (XRD) is named Laue after Max von Laue, and is the original XRD technique. Today, monochromatic XRD is more common because Bragg's equation allows determination of d-spacings where Laue does not. Laue still remains in use for single crystal systems because it can be used to make very accurate unit cell determinations as well as for strain and orientation mapping. Lastly, a Laue technique which could provide unambiguous determination of lattice spacings, a la Bragg's equation would be a huge leap forward, especially for multiphase samples such as meteorites, interplanetary dust particles andmore » some geological specimens.« less
MultiLaue: A Technique to Extract d-spacings from Laue XRD
Gainsforth, Zack; Marcus, Matthew A.; Tamura, Nobumichi; ...
2016-07-25
We present that broad spectrum X-ray Diffraction (XRD) is named Laue after Max von Laue, and is the original XRD technique. Today, monochromatic XRD is more common because Bragg's equation allows determination of d-spacings where Laue does not. Laue still remains in use for single crystal systems because it can be used to make very accurate unit cell determinations as well as for strain and orientation mapping. Lastly, a Laue technique which could provide unambiguous determination of lattice spacings, a la Bragg's equation would be a huge leap forward, especially for multiphase samples such as meteorites, interplanetary dust particles andmore » some geological specimens.« less
Franquelo, M L; Duran, A; Castaing, J; Arquillo, D; Perez-Rodriguez, J L
2012-01-30
This paper presents the novel application of recently developed analytical techniques to the study of paint layers on sculptures that have been restored/repainted several times across centuries. Analyses were performed using portable XRF, μ-XRD and μ-Raman instruments. Other techniques, such as optical microscopy, SEM-EDX and μ-FTIR, were also used. Pigments and other materials including vermilion, minium, red lac, ivory black, lead white, barium white, zinc white (zincite), titanium white (rutile and anatase), lithopone, gold and brass were detected. Pigments from both ancient and modern times were found due to the different restorations/repaintings carried out. μ-Raman was very useful to characterise some pigments that were difficult to determine by μ-XRD. In some cases, pigments identification was only possible by combining results from the different analytical techniques used in this work. This work is the first article devoted to the study of sculpture cross-section samples using laboratory-made μ-XRD systems. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Development of the performance confirmation program at YUCCA mountain, nevada
LeCain, G.D.; Barr, D.; Weaver, D.; Snell, R.; Goodin, S.W.; Hansen, F.D.
2006-01-01
The Yucca Mountain Performance Confirmation program consists of tests, monitoring activities, experiments, and analyses to evaluate the adequacy of assumptions, data, and analyses that form the basis of the conceptual and numerical models of flow and transport associated with a proposed radioactive waste repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. The Performance Confirmation program uses an eight-stage risk-informed, performance-based approach. Selection of the Performance Confirmation activities for inclusion in the Performance Confirmation program was done using a risk-informed performance-based decision analysis. The result of this analysis was a Performance Confirmation base portfolio that consists of 20 activities. The 20 Performance Confirmation activities include geologic, hydrologie, and construction/engineering testing. Some of the activities began during site characterization, and others will begin during construction, or post emplacement, and continue until repository closure.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Chipera, S. J.; Bish, D. L.; Vaniman, D. T.; Sherrit, S.; Bar-Cohen, Y.; Sarrazin, P.; Blake, D. F.
2003-01-01
A miniature CHEMIN XRD/XRF (X-Ray Diffraction/X-Ray Fluourescence) instrument is currently being developed for definitive mineralogic analysis of soils and rocks on Mars. One of the technical issues that must be addressed in order to enable XRD analysis on an extraterrestrial body is how best to obtain a representative sample powder for analysis. For XRD powder diffraction analyses, it is beneficial to have a fine-grained sample to reduce preferred orientation effects and to provide a statistically significant number of crystallites to the X-ray beam. Although a 2-dimensional detector as used in the CHEMIN instrument will produce good results with poorly prepared powders, the quality of the data will improve if the sample is fine-grained and randomly oriented. An Ultrasonic/Sonic Driller/Corer (USDC) currently being developed at JPL is an effective mechanism of sampling rock to produce cores and powdered cuttings. It requires low axial load (< 5N) and thus offers significant advantages for operation from lightweight platforms and in low gravity environments. The USDC is lightweight (<0.5kg), and can be driven at low power (<5W) using duty cycling. It consists of an actuator with a piezoelectric stack, ultrasonic horn, free-mass, and drill bit. The stack is driven with a 20 kHz AC voltage at resonance. The strain generated by the piezoelectric is amplified by the horn by a factor of up to 10 times the displacement amplitude. The tip impacts the free-mass and drives it into the drill bit in a hammering action. The free-mass rebounds to interact with the horn tip leading to a cyclic rebound at frequencies in the range of 60-1000 Hz. It does not require lubricants, drilling fluid or bit sharpening and it has the potential to operate at high and low temperatures using a suitable choice of piezoelectric material. To assess whether the powder from an ultrasonic drill would be adequate for analyses by an XRD/XRF spectrometer such as CHEMIN, powders obtained from the JPL
Thermal behavior of polyhalite: a high-temperature synchrotron XRD study
Xu, Hongwu; Guo, Xiaofeng; Bai, Jianming
2016-09-17
As an accessory mineral in marine evaporites, polyhalite, K 2MgCa 2(SO 4) 4·2H 2O, coexists with halite (NaCl) in salt formations, which have been considered as potential repositories for permanent storage of high-level nuclear wastes. However, because of the heat generated by radioactive decays in the wastes, polyhalite may dehydrate, and the released water will dissolve its neighboring salt, potentially affecting the repository integrity. Thus, studying the thermal behavior of polyhalite is important. In this paper, a polyhalite sample containing a small amount of halite was collected from the Salado formation at the WIPP site in Carlsbad, New Mexico. Tomore » determine its thermal behavior, in situ high-temperature synchrotron X-ray diffraction was conducted from room temperature to 1066 K with the sample powders sealed in a silica-glass capillary. At about 506 K, polyhalite started to decompose into water vapor, anhydrite (CaSO 4) and two langbeinite-type phases, K 2Ca x Mg 2-x (SO 4) 3, with different Ca/Mg ratios. XRD peaks of the minor halite disappeared, presumably due to its dissolution by water vapor. With further increasing temperature, the two langbeinite solid solution phases displayed complex variations in crystallinity, composition and their molar ratio and then were combined into the single-phase triple salt, K 2CaMg(SO 4) 3, at ~919 K. Rietveld analyses of the XRD data allowed determination of structural parameters of polyhalite and its decomposed anhydrite and langbeinite phases as a function of temperature. Finally, from the results, the thermal expansion coefficients of these phases have been derived, and the structural mechanisms of their thermal behavior been discussed.« less
Synchrotron-based XRD from rat bone of different age groups.
Rao, D V; Gigante, G E; Cesareo, R; Brunetti, A; Schiavon, N; Akatsuka, T; Yuasa, T; Takeda, T
2017-05-01
Synchrotron-based XRD spectra from rat bone of different age groups (w, 56 w and 78w), lumber vertebra at early stages of bone formation, Calcium hydroxyapatite (HAp) [Ca 10 (PO 4 ) 6 (OH) 2 ] bone fill with varying composition (60% and 70%) and bone cream (35-48%), has been acquired with 15keV synchrotron X-rays. Experiments were performed at Desy, Hamburg, Germany, utilizing the Resonant and Diffraction beamline (P9), with 15keV X-rays (λ=0.82666 A 0 ). Diffraction data were quantitatively analyzed using the Rietveld refinement approach, which allowed us to characterize the structure of these samples in their early stages. Hydroxyapatite, received considerable attention in medical and materials sciences, since these materials are the hard tissues, such as bone and teeth. Higher bioactivity of these samples gained reasonable interest for biological application and for bone tissue repair in oral surgery and orthopedics. The results obtained from these samples, such as phase data, crystalline size of the phases, as well as the degree of crystallinity, confirm the apatite family crystallizing in a hexagonal system, space group P6 3 /m with the lattice parameters of a=9.4328Å and c=6.8842Å (JCPDS card #09-0432). Synchrotron-based XRD patterns are relatively sharp and well resolved and can be attributed to the hexagonal crystal form of hydroxyapatite. All the samples were examined with scanning electron microscope at an accelerating voltage of 15kV. The presence of large globules of different sizes is observed, in small age groups of the rat bone (8w) and lumber vertebra (LV), as distinguished from, large age groups (56 and 78w) in all samples with different magnification, reflects an amorphous phase without significant traces of crystalline phases. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to characterize the morphology and crystalline properties of Hap, for all the samples, from 2 to 100μm resolution. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Lafuente, B.; Bishop, J. L.; Fenton, L. K.; King, S. J.; Blake, D.; Sarrazin, P.; Downs, R.; Horgan, B. H.
2013-12-01
A field portable X-ray Diffraction (XRD) instrument was used at White Sands National Monument to perform in-situ measurements followed by laboratory analyses of the gypsum-rich dunes and to determine its modal mineralogy. The field instrument is a Terra XRD (Olympus NDT) based on the technology of the CheMin (Chemistry and Mineralogy) instrument onboard the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) rover Curiosity which is providing the mineralogical and chemical composition of scooped soil samples and drilled rock powders collected at Gale Crater [1]. Using Terra at White Sands will contribute to 'ground truth' for gypsum-bearing environments on Mars. Together with data provided by VNIR spectra [2], this study clarifies our understanding of the origin and history of gypsum-rich sand dunes discovered near the northern polar region of Mars [3]. The results obtained from the field analyses performed by XRD and VNIR spectroscopy in four dunes at White Sands revealed the presence of quartz and dolomite. Their relative abundance has been estimated using the Reference Intensity Ratio (RIR) method. For this study, particulate samples of pure natural gypsum, quartz and dolomite were used to prepare calibration mixtures of gypsum-quartz and gypsum-dolomite with the 90-150μm size fractions. All single phases and mixtures were analyzed by XRD and RIR factors were calculated. Using this method, the relative abundance of quartz and dolomite has been estimated from the data collected in the field. Quartz appears to be present in low amounts (2-5 wt.%) while dolomite is present at percentages up to 80 wt.%. Samples from four dunes were collected and prepared for subsequent XRD analysis in the lab to estimate their composition and illustrate the changes in mineralogy with respect to location and grain size. Gypsum-dolomite mixtures: The dolomite XRD pattern is dominated by an intense diffraction peak at 2θ≈36 deg. which overlaps a peak of gypsum, This makes low concentrations of dolomite
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Latif, C.; Negara, V. S. I.; Wongtepa, W.; Thamatkeng, P.; Zainuri, M.; Pratapa, S.
2018-03-01
XANES analysis has been performed with the aim of knowing the Fe oxidation state in a synthesized LiFePO4 and its base materials. XANES measurements were performed at SLRI on energy around Fe K-edge. An XRD analysis has also been performed with the aim of knowing the phase composition, lattice parameters and crystallite size of the LiFePO4 as well as the base materials. From the XRD analysis, it was found that the dominating phase in the iron sand sample was Fe3O4 and the only phase found after calcination was LiFePO4. The latter phase exhibited crystallite size of 100 nm and lattice parameters a = 10.169916 Å, b = 5.919674 Å, c = 4.627893 Å. Qualitative analysis of XANES data revealed that the oxidation number of Fe in the sample before calcination was greater than that after calcination and Fe in the natural iron sand, indicated by the E0 values of 7129.2 eV, 7120.6 eV and 7124.4 eV respectively.
Spectroscopic, DFT, and XRD Studies of Hydrogen Bonds in N-Unsubstituted 2-Aminobenzamides.
Mphahlele, Malose Jack; Maluleka, Marole Maria; Rhyman, Lydia; Ramasami, Ponnadurai; Mampa, Richard Mokome
2017-01-04
The structures of the mono- and the dihalogenated N -unsubstituted 2-aminobenzamides were characterized by means of the spectroscopic (¹H-NMR, UV-Vis, FT-IR, and FT-Raman) and X-ray crystallographic techniques complemented with a density functional theory (DFT) method. The hindered rotation of the C(O)-NH₂ single bond resulted in non-equivalence of the amide protons and therefore two distinct resonances of different chemical shift values in the ¹H-NMR spectra of these compounds were observed. 2-Amino-5-bromobenzamide ( ABB ) as a model confirmed the presence of strong intramolecular hydrogen bonds between oxygen and the amine hydrogen. However, intramolecular hydrogen bonding between the carbonyl oxygen and the amine protons was not observed in the solution phase due to a rapid exchange of these two protons with the solvent and fast rotation of the Ar-NH₂ single bond. XRD also revealed the ability of the amide unit of these compounds to function as a hydrogen bond donor and acceptor simultaneously to form strong intermolecular hydrogen bonding between oxygen of one molecule and the NH moiety of the amine or amide group of the other molecule and between the amine nitrogen and the amide hydrogen of different molecules. DFT calculations using the B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) basis set revealed that the conformer ( A ) with oxygen and 2-amine on the same side predominates possibly due to the formation of a six-membered intramolecular ring, which is assisted by hydrogen bonding as observed in the single crystal XRD structure.
Mohanraj, J; Capria, E; Benevoli, L; Perucchi, A; Demitri, N; Fraleoni-Morgera, A
2018-01-17
The anisotropic thermal expansion properties of an organic semiconducting single crystal constituted by 4-hydroxycyanobenzene (4HCB) have been probed by XRD in the range 120-300 K. The anisotropic thermal expansion coefficients for the three crystallographic axes and for the crystal volume have been determined. A careful analysis of the crystal structure revealed that the two different H-bonds stemming from the two independent, differently oriented 4HCB molecules composing the unit cell have different rearrangement patterns upon temperature variations, in terms of both bond length and bond angle. Linearly Polarized Mid InfraRed (LP-MIR) measurements carried out in the same temperature range, focused on the O-H bond spectral region, confirm this finding. The same LP-MIR measurements, on the basis of a semi-empirical relation and of geometrical considerations and assumptions, allowed calculation of the -CNH-O- hydrogen bond length along the a and b axes of the crystal. In turn, the so-calculated -CNH-O- bond lengths were used to derive the thermal expansion coefficients along the corresponding crystal axes, as well as the volumetric one, using just the LP-MIR data. Reasonable to good agreement with the same values obtained from XRD measurements was obtained. This proof-of-principle opens interesting perspectives about the possible development of a rapid, low cost and industry-friendly assessment of the thermal expansion properties of organic semiconducting single crystals (OSSCs) involving hydrogen bonds.
Drits, Victor A.; Eberl, Dennis D.; Środoń, Jan
1998-01-01
A modified version of the Bertaut-Warren-Averbach (BWA) technique (Bertaut 1949, 1950; Warren and Averbach 1950) has been developed to measure coherent scattering domain (CSD) sizes and strains in minerals by analysis of X-ray diffraction (XRD) data. This method is used to measure CSD thickness distributions for calculated and experimental XRD patterns of illites and illite-smectites (I-S). The method almost exactly recovers CSD thickness distributions for calculated illite XRD patterns. Natural I-S samples contain swelling layers that lead to nonperiodic structures in the c* direction and to XRD peaks that are broadened and made asymmetric by mixed layering. Therefore, these peaks cannot be analyzed by the BWA method. These difficulties are overcome by K-saturation and heating prior to X-ray analysis in order to form 10-Å periodic structures. BWA analysis yields the thickness distribution of mixed-layer crystals (coherently diffracting stacks of fundamental illite particles). For most I-S samples, CSD thickness distributions can be approximated by lognormal functions. Mixed-layer crystal mean thickness and expandability then can be used to calculate fundamental illite particle mean thickness. Analyses of the dehydrated, K-saturated samples indicate that basal XRD reflections are broadened by symmetrical strain that may be related to local variations in smectite interlayers caused by dehydration, and that the standard deviation of the strain increases regularly with expandability. The 001 and 002 reflections are affected only slightly by this strain and therefore are suited for CSD thickness analysis. Mean mixed-layer crystal thicknesses for dehydrated I-S measured by the BWA method are very close to those measured by an integral peak width method.
Reno, Philip L; Lovejoy, C Owen
2015-01-01
Sexual dimorphism in body size is often used as a correlate of social and reproductive behavior in Australopithecus afarensis. In addition to a number of isolated specimens, the sample for this species includes two small associated skeletons (A.L. 288-1 or "Lucy" and A.L. 128/129) and a geologically contemporaneous death assemblage of several larger individuals (A.L. 333). These have driven both perceptions and quantitative analyses concluding that Au. afarensis was markedly dimorphic. The Template Method enables simultaneous evaluation of multiple skeletal sites, thereby greatly expanding sample size, and reveals that A. afarensis dimorphism was similar to that of modern humans. A new very large partial skeleton (KSD-VP-1/1 or "Kadanuumuu") can now also be used, like Lucy, as a template specimen. In addition, the recently developed Geometric Mean Method has been used to argue that Au. afarensis was equally or even more dimorphic than gorillas. However, in its previous application Lucy and A.L. 128/129 accounted for 10 of 11 estimates of female size. Here we directly compare the two methods and demonstrate that including multiple measurements from the same partial skeleton that falls at the margin of the species size range dramatically inflates dimorphism estimates. Prevention of the dominance of a single specimen's contribution to calculations of multiple dimorphism estimates confirms that Au. afarensis was only moderately dimorphic.
Lovejoy, C. Owen
2015-01-01
Sexual dimorphism in body size is often used as a correlate of social and reproductive behavior in Australopithecus afarensis. In addition to a number of isolated specimens, the sample for this species includes two small associated skeletons (A.L. 288-1 or “Lucy” and A.L. 128/129) and a geologically contemporaneous death assemblage of several larger individuals (A.L. 333). These have driven both perceptions and quantitative analyses concluding that Au. afarensis was markedly dimorphic. The Template Method enables simultaneous evaluation of multiple skeletal sites, thereby greatly expanding sample size, and reveals that A. afarensis dimorphism was similar to that of modern humans. A new very large partial skeleton (KSD-VP-1/1 or “Kadanuumuu”) can now also be used, like Lucy, as a template specimen. In addition, the recently developed Geometric Mean Method has been used to argue that Au. afarensis was equally or even more dimorphic than gorillas. However, in its previous application Lucy and A.L. 128/129 accounted for 10 of 11 estimates of female size. Here we directly compare the two methods and demonstrate that including multiple measurements from the same partial skeleton that falls at the margin of the species size range dramatically inflates dimorphism estimates. Prevention of the dominance of a single specimen’s contribution to calculations of multiple dimorphism estimates confirms that Au. afarensis was only moderately dimorphic. PMID:25945314
Hydrometallurgical Extraction of Zinc and Copper A 57Fe-Mössbauer and XRD Approach
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Mulaba-Bafubiandi, A. F.; Waanders, F. B.
2005-02-01
The most commonly used route in the hydrometallurgical extraction of zinc and copper from a sulphide ore is the concentrate roast leach electro winning process. In the present investigation a zinc copper ore from the Maranda mine, located in the Murchison Greenstone Belt, South Africa, containing sphalerite (ZnS) and chalcopyrite (CuFeS2), was studied. The 57Fe-Mössbauer spectrum of the concentrate yielded pyrite, chalcopyrite and clinochlore, consistent with XRD data. Optimal roasting conditions were found to be 900°C for 3 h and the calcine produced contained according to X-ray diffractometry equal amounts of franklinite (ZnFe2O4) and zinc oxide (ZnO) and half the amount of willemite (Zn2SiO4). The Mössbauer spectrum showed predominantly franklinite (59%), hematite (6%) and other Zn- or Cu-depleted ferrites (35%). The latter could not be detected by XRD analyses as peak overlapping with other species occurred. Leaching was done with HCl, H2SO4 and HNO3, to determine which process would result in maximum recovery of Zn and Cu. More than 80% of both were recovered by using either one of the three techniques. From the residue of the leaching, the Fe-compounds were precipitated and <1% of the Zn and Cu was not recovered.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Rampe, Elizabeth B.; Morris, Richard V.; Chipera, Steve; Bish, David L.; Bristow, Thomas; Archer, Paul Douglas; Blake, David; Achilles, Cherie; Ming, Douglas W.; Vaniman, David;
2013-01-01
The Curiosity Rover landed on the Peace Vallis alluvial fan in Gale crater on August 5, 2012. A primary mission science objective is to search for past habitable environments, and, in particular, to assess the role of past water. Identifying the minerals and mineraloids that result from aqueous alteration at Gale crater is essential for understanding past aqueous processes at the MSL landing site and hence for interpreting the site's potential habitability. X-ray diffraction (XRD) data from the CheMin instrument and evolved gas analyses (EGA) from the SAM instrument have helped the MSL science team identify phases that resulted from aqueous processes: phyllosilicates and amorphous phases were measure in two drill samples (John Klein and Cumberland) obtained from the Sheepbed Member, Yellowknife Bay Fm., which is believed to represent a fluvial-lacustrine environment. A third set of analyses was obtained from scoop samples from the Rocknest sand shadow. Chemical data from the APXS instrument have helped constrain the chemical compositions of these secondary phases and suggest that the phyllosilicate component is Mg-enriched and the amorphous component is Fe-enriched, relatively Si-poor, and S- and H-bearing. To refine the phyllosilicate and amorphous components in the samples measured by MSL, we measured XRD and EGA data for a variety of relevant natural terrestrial phyllosilicates and synthetic mineraloids in laboratory testbeds of the CheMin and SAM instruments. Specifically, Mg-saturated smectites and vermiculites were measured with XRD at low relative humidity to understand the behavior of the 001 reflections under Mars-like conditions. Our laboratory XRD measurements suggest that interlayer cation composition affects the hydration state of swelling clays at low RH and, thus, the 001 peak positions. XRD patterns of synthetic amorphous materials, including allophane, ferrihydrite, and hisingerite were used in full-pattern fitting (FULLPAT) models to help
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Gullu, Bahattin; Kadioglu, Yusuf Kagan
2017-08-01
Tourmaline defines a group of complex borosilicate forms as accessory mineral in igneous and metamorphic rocks and they act an important role in the interpretation of the chemical composition changes of the composition of the host fluid of the magma. The variety of tourmaline can be identified by using optical microscopy, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and by determining its chemical composition through Polarized Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (PED-XRF) methods. However, microscopic investigations and XRD analyses are not quite adequate for detailed determination of tourmaline sub-groups. In addition, the use of chemical composition of tourmaline as a strict indicator of geochemical processes might be a misleading method. In this study, variable tourmaline crystals were collected from three different pegmatitic occurrences in Behrekdag, Yozgat and Karakaya granitic bodies of Central Anatolia to identify their chemical properties through Confocal Raman Spectroscopy (CRS), PED-XRF and XRD analyses. The confocal Raman spectrometry of collected tourmalines from the Behrekdag, Yozgat and Karakaya granites are in the compositions of schorl, schorl and elbaite respectively. The dominant compositional groups of these tourmalines are in the form of schorl. Raman shift values of tourmalines revealed four bands centered at almost 1050, 750, 400 and 300 cm- 1. The first group of the band arises from SiO stretching, the second from Bsbnd O stretching and the other two belong to bending modes of Osbnd Bsbnd O and Bsbnd Osbnd Al with symmetrical deformation of Sisbnd Osbnd Si. The strongest spectra near 360 cm- 1 should belong to the bonding of Alsbnd O. As a result, the confocal Raman studies are more sensitive for identification of tourmaline subgroup compositions and have a quite important in the explaining source of the magma.
Gullu, Bahattin; Kadioglu, Yusuf Kagan
2017-08-05
Tourmaline defines a group of complex borosilicate forms as accessory mineral in igneous and metamorphic rocks and they act an important role in the interpretation of the chemical composition changes of the composition of the host fluid of the magma. The variety of tourmaline can be identified by using optical microscopy, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and by determining its chemical composition through Polarized Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (PED-XRF) methods. However, microscopic investigations and XRD analyses are not quite adequate for detailed determination of tourmaline sub-groups. In addition, the use of chemical composition of tourmaline as a strict indicator of geochemical processes might be a misleading method. In this study, variable tourmaline crystals were collected from three different pegmatitic occurrences in Behrekdag, Yozgat and Karakaya granitic bodies of Central Anatolia to identify their chemical properties through Confocal Raman Spectroscopy (CRS), PED-XRF and XRD analyses. The confocal Raman spectrometry of collected tourmalines from the Behrekdag, Yozgat and Karakaya granites are in the compositions of schorl, schorl and elbaite respectively. The dominant compositional groups of these tourmalines are in the form of schorl. Raman shift values of tourmalines revealed four bands centered at almost 1050, 750, 400 and 300cm -1 . The first group of the band arises from SiO stretching, the second from BO stretching and the other two belong to bending modes of OBO and BOAl with symmetrical deformation of SiOSi. The strongest spectra near 360cm -1 should belong to the bonding of AlO. As a result, the confocal Raman studies are more sensitive for identification of tourmaline subgroup compositions and have a quite important in the explaining source of the magma. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Nunez-Iglesias, Juan; Blanch, Adam J; Looker, Oliver; Dixon, Matthew W; Tilley, Leann
2018-01-01
We present Skan (Skeleton analysis), a Python library for the analysis of the skeleton structures of objects. It was inspired by the "analyse skeletons" plugin for the Fiji image analysis software, but its extensive Application Programming Interface (API) allows users to examine and manipulate any intermediate data structures produced during the analysis. Further, its use of common Python data structures such as SciPy sparse matrices and pandas data frames opens the results to analysis within the extensive ecosystem of scientific libraries available in Python. We demonstrate the validity of Skan's measurements by comparing its output to the established Analyze Skeletons Fiji plugin, and, with a new scanning electron microscopy (SEM)-based method, we confirm that the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum remodels the host red blood cell cytoskeleton, increasing the average distance between spectrin-actin junctions.
Looker, Oliver; Dixon, Matthew W.; Tilley, Leann
2018-01-01
We present Skan (Skeleton analysis), a Python library for the analysis of the skeleton structures of objects. It was inspired by the “analyse skeletons” plugin for the Fiji image analysis software, but its extensive Application Programming Interface (API) allows users to examine and manipulate any intermediate data structures produced during the analysis. Further, its use of common Python data structures such as SciPy sparse matrices and pandas data frames opens the results to analysis within the extensive ecosystem of scientific libraries available in Python. We demonstrate the validity of Skan’s measurements by comparing its output to the established Analyze Skeletons Fiji plugin, and, with a new scanning electron microscopy (SEM)-based method, we confirm that the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum remodels the host red blood cell cytoskeleton, increasing the average distance between spectrin-actin junctions. PMID:29472997
FTIR spectroscopic, thermal and XRD characterization of hydroxyapatite from new natural sources
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Shaltout, Abdallah A.; Allam, Moussa A.; Moharram, Mohamed A.
2011-12-01
The inorganic constituents of 5 different plants (leaves and stalks) were investigated by using Fourier transformer infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermal analysis including thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), derivative thermogravimetry (DTG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). These plants are Catha edulis (Khat), basil, mint, green tea and trifolium. The absorption bands of carbonate ions CO 32- was exhibited at 1446 cm -1, and the phosphate ions PO 43- was assigned at 1105 and 1035 cm -1. At high temperatures (600, 700 and 600 °C) further absorption bands of the phosphate ions PO 43- was assigned at the frequencies 572, 617, 962, 1043 and 1110 cm -1 and the vibrational absorption band of the carbonate ions CO 32- was assigned at 871, 1416 and 1461 cm -1. X-ray diffraction and thermal analysis confirm the obtained results of FITR. Results showed that the main inorganic constituents of C. edulis and basil leaves are hydroxyapatite whereas the hydroxyapatite content in the other plant samples is less than that in case of C. edulis and basil plant leaves.
Study the oxidation kinetics of uranium using XRD and Rietveld method
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Zhang, Yanzhi; Guan, Weijun; Wang, Qinguo; Wang, Xiaolin; Lai, Xinchun; Shuai, Maobing
2010-03-01
The surface oxidation of uranium metal has been studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Rietveld method in the range of 50~300°C in air. The oxidation processes are analyzed by XRD to determine the extent of surface oxidation and the oxide structure. The dynamics expression for the formation of UO2 was derived. At the beginning, the dynamic expression was nonlinear, but switched to linear subsequently for uranium in air and humid oxygen. That is, the growth kinetics of UO2 can be divided into two stages: nonlinear portion and linear portion. Using the kinetic data of linear portion, the activation energy of reaction between uranium and air was calculated about 46.0 kJ/mol. However the content of oxide as a function of time was linear in humid helium ambience. Contrast the dynamics results, it prove that the absence of oxygen would accelerate the corrosion rate of uranium in the humid gas. We can find that the XRD and Rietveld method are a useful convenient method to estimate the kinetics and thermodynamics of solid-gas reaction.
The XRD Amorphous Component in John Klein Drill Fines at Yellowknife Bay, Gale Crater, Mars
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Morris, Richard V.; Ming,, Douglas W.; Blake, David; Vaniman, David; Bish, David L; Chipera, Steve; Downs, Robert; Morrison, Shaunna; Gellert, Ralf; Campbell, Iain;
2013-01-01
Drill fines of mudstone (targets John Klein and Cumberland) from the Sheepbed unit at Yel-lowknife Bay were analyzed by MSL payload elements including the Chemistry and Mineralogy (CheMin), APXS (Alpha Particle X-Ray Spectrometer), and Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instruments. CheMin XRD results show a variety of crystalline phases including feldspar, pyroxene, olivine, oxides, oxyhydroxides, sulfates, sulfides, a tri-octahedral smectite, and XRD amorphous material. The drill fines are distinctly different from corresponding analyses of the global soil (target Rocknest) in that the mudstone samples contained detectable phyllosilicate. Here we focus on John Klein and combine CheMin and APXS data to calculate the chemical composition and concentration of the amorphous component. The chemical composition of the amorphous plus smectite component for John Klein was calculated by subtracting the abundance-weighted chemical composition of the individual XRD crystalline components from the bulk composition of John Kline as measured by APXS. The chemical composition of individual crystalline components was determined either by stoichiometry (e.g., hematite and magnetite) or from their unit cell parameters (e.g., feldspar, olivine, and pyroxene). The chemical composition of the amorphous + smectite component (approx 71 wt.% of bulk sample) and bulk chemical composition are similar. In order to calculate the chemical composition of the amorphous component, a chemical composition for the tri-octahedral smectite must be assumed. We selected two tri-octahedral smectites with very different MgO/(FeO + Fe2O3) ratios (34 and 1.3 for SapCa1 and Griffithite, respectively). Relative to bulk sample, the concentration of amorphous and smectite components are 40 and 29 wt.% for SapCa1 and 33 and 36 wt.% for Griffithite. The amount of smectite was calculated by requiring the MgO concentration to be approx 0 wt.% in the amorphous component. Griffithite is the preferred smectite because
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Castro, Nelia, E-mail: nelia.castro@ntnu.no; Sorensen, Bjorn E.; Broekmans, Maarten A.T.M.
The mineral content of 5 aggregate samples from 4 different countries, including reactive and non-reactive aggregate types, was assessed quantitatively by X-ray diffraction (XRD) using polished sections. Additionally, electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA) mapping and cathodoluminescence (CL) were used to characterize the opal-CT identified in one of the aggregate samples. Critical review of results from polished sections against traditionally powdered specimen has demonstrated that for fine-grained rocks without preferred orientation the assessment of mineral content by XRD using polished sections may represent an advantage over traditional powder specimens. Comparison of data on mineral content and silica speciation with expansion data frommore » PARTNER project confirmed that the presence of opal-CT plays an important role in the reactivity of one of the studied aggregates. Used as a complementary tool to RILEM AAR-1, the methodology suggested in this paper has the potential to improve the strength of the petrographic method.« less
Ghavidelaghdam, Elham; Shahverdizadeh, Gholam Hossein; Motameni Tabatabai, Javad; Mirtamizdoust, Babak
2018-04-01
Nano structure of a lead (II) coordination polymer [Pb 2 (C 2 Cl 3 O 2 ) 2 (NO 3 ) 2 (C l2 H 8 N 2 ) 2 ] n (1), has been synthesized by a sonochemical method in different concentrations. The nano particles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), FT-IR spectroscopy and elemental analyses. The thermal stability of nano structure is closely investigated via thermal gravimetric (TGA), and compared with crystalline structure. The compounds are then heated to 600 °C to produce PbO nano particles. The resulting PbO is characterized through XRD and SEM analyses. Concentration of initial reagents effects on size and morphology of nano-structured compound 1 have been studied and show that low concentrations of initial reagents decreased particles size and leaded to uniform nano particles morphology. The photoluminescence properties of the prepared compound, as crystalline and as nanoparticles, have been investigated. The result showed a good correlation between the size and emission wavelength. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.
[Study of the phase transformation of TiO2 with in-situ XRD in different gas].
Ma, Li-Jing; Guo, Lie-Jin
2011-04-01
TiO2 sample was prepared by sol-gel method from chloride titanium. The phase transformation of the prepared TiO2 sample was studied by in-situ XRD and normal XRD in different gas. The experimental results showed that the phase transformation temperatures of TiO2 were different under in-situ or normal XRD in different kinds of gas. The transformation of amorphous TiO2 to anatase was controlled by kinetics before 500 degrees C. In-situ XRD showed that the growth of anatase was inhibited, but the transformation of anatase to rutile was accelerated under inactive nitrogen in contrast to air. Also better crystal was obtained under hydrogen than in argon. These all showed that external oxygen might accelerate the growth of TiO2, but reduced gas might partly counteract the negative influence of lack of external oxygen. The mechanism of phase transformation of TiO2 was studied by in-situ XRD in order to control the structure in situ.
Li, Cen; Yang, Hongxia; Xiao, Yuancan; Zhandui; Sanglao; Wang, Zhang; Ladan, Duojie; Bi, Hongtao
2016-01-01
Zuotai (gTso thal) is one of the famous drugs containing mercury in Tibetan medicine. However, little is known about the chemical substance basis of its pharmacodynamics and the intrinsic link of different samples sources so far. Given this, energy dispersive spectrometry of X-ray (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to assay the elements, micromorphology, and phase composition of nine Zuotai samples from different regions, respectively; the XRD fingerprint features of Zuotai were analyzed by multivariate statistical analysis. EDX result shows that Zuotai contains Hg, S, O, Fe, Al, Cu, and other elements. SEM and AFM observations suggest that Zuotai is a kind of ancient nanodrug. Its particles are mainly in the range of 100–800 nm, which commonly further aggregate into 1–30 μm loosely amorphous particles. XRD test shows that β-HgS, S8, and α-HgS are its main phase compositions. XRD fingerprint analysis indicates that the similarity degrees of nine samples are very high, and the results of multivariate statistical analysis are broadly consistent with sample sources. The present research has revealed the physicochemical characteristics of Zuotai, and it would play a positive role in interpreting this mysterious Tibetan drug. PMID:27738409
Li, Cen; Yang, Hongxia; Du, Yuzhi; Xiao, Yuancan; Zhandui; Sanglao; Wang, Zhang; Ladan, Duojie; Bi, Hongtao; Wei, Lixin
2016-01-01
Zuotai ( gTso thal ) is one of the famous drugs containing mercury in Tibetan medicine. However, little is known about the chemical substance basis of its pharmacodynamics and the intrinsic link of different samples sources so far. Given this, energy dispersive spectrometry of X-ray (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to assay the elements, micromorphology, and phase composition of nine Zuotai samples from different regions, respectively; the XRD fingerprint features of Zuotai were analyzed by multivariate statistical analysis. EDX result shows that Zuotai contains Hg, S, O, Fe, Al, Cu, and other elements. SEM and AFM observations suggest that Zuotai is a kind of ancient nanodrug. Its particles are mainly in the range of 100-800 nm, which commonly further aggregate into 1-30 μ m loosely amorphous particles. XRD test shows that β -HgS, S 8 , and α -HgS are its main phase compositions. XRD fingerprint analysis indicates that the similarity degrees of nine samples are very high, and the results of multivariate statistical analysis are broadly consistent with sample sources. The present research has revealed the physicochemical characteristics of Zuotai , and it would play a positive role in interpreting this mysterious Tibetan drug.
Topsakal, Vedat; Fransen, Erik; Schmerber, Sébastien; Declau, Frank; Yung, Matthew; Gordts, Frans; Van Camp, Guy; Van de Heyning, Paul
2006-09-01
To report the preoperative audiometric profile of surgically confirmed otosclerosis. Retrospective, multicenter study. Four tertiary referral centers. One thousand sixty-four surgically confirmed patients with otosclerosis. Therapeutic ear surgery for hearing improvement. Preoperative audiometric air conduction (AC) and bone conduction (BC) hearing thresholds were obtained retrospectively for 1064 patients with otosclerosis. A cross-sectional multiple linear regression analysis was performed on audiometric data of affected ears. Influences of age and sex were analyzed and age-related typical audiograms were created. Bone conduction thresholds were corrected for Carhart effect and presbyacusis; in addition, we tested to see if separate cochlear otosclerosis component existed. Corrected thresholds were than analyzed separately for progression of cochlear otosclerosis. The study population consisted of 35% men and 65% women (mean age, 44 yr). The mean pure-tone average at 0.5, 1, and 2 kHz was 57 dB hearing level. Multiple linear regression analysis showed significant progression for all measured AC and BC thresholds. The average annual threshold deterioration for AC was 0.45 dB/yr and the annual threshold deterioration for BC was 0.37 dB/yr. The average annual gap expansion was 0.08 dB/year. The corrected BC thresholds for Carhart effect and presbyacusis remained significantly different from zero, but only showed progression at 2 kHz. The preoperative audiological profile of otosclerosis is described. There is a significant sensorineural component in patients with otosclerosis planned for stapedotomy, which is worse than age-related hearing loss by itself. Deterioration rates of AC and BC thresholds have been reported, which can be helpful in clinical practice and might also guide the characterization of allegedly different phenotypes for familial and sporadic otosclerosis.
Powder XRD, TEM, FTIR and thermal studies of strontium tartrate nano particles
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Lathiya, U. M.; Jethva, H. O.; Joshi, M. J.; Vyas, P. M.
2017-05-01
Strontium tartrate finds several applications, e.g., as non-linear optical and dielectric material, in tracer composition and ammunition unit, in treating structural integrity of bone. The growth of single crystals of strontium tartrate in silica gel has been widely reported. In the present study, strontium tartrate nano particles were synthesized by wet chemical method using strontium chloride, tartaric acid and sodium meta-silicate solutions in the presence of Triton X -100 surfactant. It was found that the presence of sodium meta-silicate facilitated the reaction for strontium tartrate product. The powder XRD study of strontium tartrate nano-particles suggested monoclinic crystal system and the average crystallite size was found to be 40 nm determined by applying Scherrer's formula. The TEM analysis indicated that the nano particles were spherical in nature. The FTIR spectrum confirmed the presence of various functional groups such as O-H,C-H, and C=O stretching mode. The thermal analysis was carried out by using TGA and DTA studies. The nano-particles were found to be stable up to 175°C and then decomposed through various stages. The results are compared with the bulk crystalline material available in the literature.
Correlations of Apparent Cellulose Crystallinity Determined by XRD, NMR, IR, Raman, and SFG Methods
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Johnson, David K; Lee, Christopher; Dazen, Kevin
2015-07-04
Although the cellulose crystallinity index (CI) is used widely, its limitations have not been adequately described. In this study, the CI values of a set of reference samples were determined from X-ray diffraction (XRD), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and infrared (IR), Raman, and vibrational sum frequency generation (SFG) spectroscopies. The intensities of certain crystalline peaks in IR, Raman, and SFG spectra positively correlated with the amount of crystalline cellulose in the sample, but the correlation with XRD was nonlinear as a result of fundamental differences in detection sensitivity to crystalline cellulose and improper baseline corrections for amorphous contributions. It ismore » demonstrated that the intensity and shape of the XRD signal is affected by both the amount of crystalline cellulose and crystal size, which makes XRD analysis complicated. It is clear that the methods investigated show the same qualitative trends for samples, but the absolute CI values differ depending on the determination method. This clearly indicates that the CI, as estimated by different methods, is not an absolute value and that for a given set of samples the CI values can be compared only as a qualitative measure.« less
Correlations of Apparent Cellulose Crystallinity Determined by XRD, NMR, IR, Raman, and SFG Methods
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Lee, Christopher M; Dazen, Kevin; Kafle, Kabindra
2015-01-01
Although the cellulose crystallinity index (CI) is used widely, its limitations have not been adequately described. In this study, the CI values of a set of reference samples were determined from X-ray diffraction (XRD), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and infrared (IR), Raman, and vibrational sum frequency generation (SFG) spectroscopies. The intensities of certain crystalline peaks in IR, Raman, and SFG spectra positively correlated with the amount of crystalline cellulose in the sample, but the correlation with XRD was nonlinear as a result of fundamental differences in detection sensitivity to crystalline cellulose and improper baseline corrections for amorphous contributions. It ismore » demonstrated that the intensity and shape of the XRD signal is affected by both the amount of crystalline cellulose and crystal size, which makes XRD analysis complicated. It is clear that the methods investigated show the same qualitative trends for samples, but the absolute CI values differ depending on the determination method. This clearly indicates that the CI, as estimated by different methods, is not an absolute value and that for a given set of samples the CI values can be compared only as a qualitative measure.« less
The high - low-p clinoenstatite transition: in situ xrd and ultrasonic study
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Müller, H. J.; Wunder, B.; Lathe, C.; Schilling, F. R.
2003-04-01
Using single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses in a diamond anvil cell Angel et al. (1992) published the transformation of MgSiO_3 from LCEn to a C2/c-polymorph (HCEn) at around 5.5 - 8.0 GPa and room-T (RT)conditions. This LCEn - HCEn-transition is not quenchable. However, the knowledge of the exact phase boundary positions for the MgSiO_3-transitions is essential as pyroxene is an important component of the Earth's mantle and will significantly influence elastic properties (e.g. v_p, v_s) of the mantle. We determined the HCEn - LCEn-transition by in-situ XRD experiments under high P, T using the multi-anvil appar atus MAX80 at the synchrotron facility HASYLAB, Hamburg. Our preliminary results only represent the minimum P-conditions of the HCEn - LCEn phase boundary, which is approximated by equation P (GPa) = 0.0021T (/C) + 6.06. Nevertheless, our results are in good agreement to data published by Angel & Hugh-Jones (1994). The invariant point defined by the intersection of the HCEn - LCEn equilibrium determined within this study and the OEn - LCEn reaction after Angel &Hugh-Jones (1994) lies at about 7.9 GPa and 875/C. This is in contrast to earlier experimental results of Kanzaki (1991) and Ulmer &Stalder (2001). The samples for the ultrasonic interferometry experiments were prepared by hot-isostatic pressing also using the MAX80. Adjacent XRD ruled out any phase transition during the hip-process. For the ultrasonic measurements one of the six anvils of MAX80 were exchanged by an anvil equipped with lithium niobate p- and s-wave transducers of 33.3 MHz natural frequency (Mueller et al., 2002). Corresponding to the XRD experiments HCEn was formed by increasing the pressure at RT. The velocities of elastic compressional and shear waves were measured under in situ conditions using the classical digital sweep technique. After the phase transition to LCEn as a result of rising the temperature at given pressure the measurements were repeated. The newly developed
Otsubo, Kazuya; Haraguchi, Tomoyuki; Sakata, Osami; Fujiwara, Akihiko; Kitagawa, Hiroshi
2012-06-13
Fabrication of a crystalline ordered thin film based on the porous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) is one of the practical applications of the future functional nanomaterials. Here, we report the creation of a highly oriented three-dimensional (3-D) porous pillared-layer-type MOF thin film on a metal substrate using a step-by-step approach based on liquid-phase epitaxy. Synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD) study clearly indicates that the thin film is crystalline and its orientation is highly controlled in both horizontal and vertical directions relative to the substrate. This report provides the first confirmation of details of not only the crystallinity but also the orientation of 3-D MOF thin film using synchrotron XRD. Moreover, we also demonstrate its guest adsorption/desorption behavior by using in situ XRD measurements. The results presented here would promise useful insights for fabrication of MOF-based nanodevices in the future.
Application of Mythen detector: In-situ XRD study on the thermal expansion behavior of metal indium
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Du, Rong; Chen, ZhongJun; Cai, Quan; Fu, JianLong; Gong, Yu; Wu, ZhongHua
2016-07-01
A Mythen detector has been equipped at the beamline 4B9A of Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility (BSRF), which is expected to enable BSRF to perform time-resolved measurement of X-ray diffraction (XRD) full-profiles. In this paper, the thermal expansion behavior of metal indium has been studied by using the in-situ XRD technique with the Mythen detector. The indium was heated from 303 to 433 K with a heating rate of 2 K/min. The in-situ XRD full-profiles were collected with a rate of one profile per 10 seconds. Rietveld refinement was used to extract the structural parameters. The results demonstrate that these collected quasi-real-time XRD profiles can be well used for structural analysis. The metal indium was found to have a nonlinear thermal expansion behavior from room temperature to the melting point (429.65 K). The a-axis of the tetragonal unit cell expands with a biquadratic dependency on temperature, while the c-axis contracts with a cubic dependency on temperature. By the time-resolved XRD measurements, it was observed that the [200] preferred orientation can maintain to about 403.15 K. While (110) is the last and detectable crystal plane just before melting of the polycrystalline indium foil. This study is not only beneficial to the application of metal indium, but also exhibits the capacity of in-situ time-resolved XRD measurements at the X-ray diffraction station of BSRF.
Response Time Measurements of the NIF DANTE XRD-31 X-Ray Diodes (Pre-print)
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Don Pellinen and Michael Griffin
2009-01-23
The XRD-31 is a fast, windowless X-ray vacuum photodiode developed by EG&G. It is currently the primary fast X-ray detector used to diagnose the X-rays on NIF and OMEGA on the multichannel DANTE spectrometer. The XRD-31 has a dynamic range of less than 1e-12 amps to more than 10 amps. A technique is described to measure the impulse response of the diodes to a 150 fs pulse of 200 nm laser light and a method to calculate the “risetime” for a square pulse and compare it with the computed electron transit time from the photocathode to the anode. Measured responsemore » time for 5 XRD-31s assembled in early 2004 was 149.7 ps +-2.75 ps.« less
Definitive Mineralogical Analysis of Mars Analog Rocks Using the CheMin XRD/XRF Instrument
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Blake, D. F.; Sarrazin, P.; Bish, D. L.; Feldman, S.; Chipera, S. J.; Vaniman, D. T.; Collins, S.
2004-01-01
Mineral identification is a critical component of Mars Astrobiological missions. Chemical or elemental data alone are not definitive because a single elemental or chemical composition or even a single bonding type can represent a range of substances or mineral assemblages. Minerals are defined as unique structural and compositional phases that occur naturally. There are about 15,000 minerals that have been described on Earth, all uniquely identifiable via diffraction methods. There are likely many minerals yet undiscovered on Earth, and likewise on Mars. If an unknown phase is identified on Mars, it can be fully characterized by structural (X-ray Diffraction, XRD) and elemental analysis (X-ray Fluorescence, XRF) without recourse to other data because XRD relies on the principles of atomic arrangement for its determinations. XRD is the principal means of identification and characterization of minerals on Earth.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Rampe, E. B.; Morris, R. V.; Ming, D. W.; Archer, P. D.; Bish, D. L.; Chipera, S. J.; Vaniman, D. T.; Blake, D. F.; Bristow, T. F.; Sutter, B.;
2014-01-01
The Curiosity rover investigated the mineralogy of the Sheepbed mudstone member of the Yellowknife Bay formation in Gale crater. Data from the Chemistry and Mineralogy (CheMin) X-ray diffractometer (XRD) helped identify phyllosilicates in the two drilled samples, John Klein and Cumberland. These patterns showed peaks at low angles, consistent with (001) peaks in 2:1 swelling phyllosilicates [1]. Evolved gas analyses (EGA) by the Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument of these samples confirmed the presence of phyllosilicates through the release of H2O at high temperatures, consistent with dehydroxylation of octahedral OH in phyllosilicates [2]. CheMin data for the phyllosilicates at John Klein and Cumberland show that they are structurally similar in that their (02l) peaks are near 22.5 deg 2theta, suggesting both samples contain trioctahedral 2:1 phyllosilicates [1]. However, the positions of the (001) peaks differ: the phyllosilicate at John Klein has its (001) peak at 10 Angstroms, whereas the phyllosilicate at Cumberland has an (001) peak at 14 Angstroms. Such differences in (001) dspacings can be ascribed to the type of cation in the interlayer site [3]. For example, large monovalent cations (e.g., K(+)) have low hydration energies and readily lose their H2O of hydration, whereas small divalent cations (e.g., Mg(2+)) have high energies of hydration and retain H2O in the phyllosilicate interlayers [3,4]. The goal of this study is to determine whether differences in the interlayer cation composition can explain the CheMin data from John Klein and Cumberland and to use this knowledge to better understand phyllosilicate formation mechanisms.
A Combined XRD/XRF Instrument for Lunar Resource Assessment
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Vaniman, D. T.; Bish, D. L.; Chipera, S. J.; Blacic, J. D.
1992-01-01
Robotic surface missions to the Moon should be capable of measuring mineral as well as chemical abundances in regolith samples. Although much is already known about the lunar regolith, our data are far from comprehensive. Most of the regolith samples returned to Earth for analysis had lost the upper surface, or it was intermixed with deeper regolith. This upper surface is the part of the regolith most recently exposed to the solar wind; as such it will be important to resource assessment. In addition, it may be far easier to mine and process the uppermost few centimeters of regolith over a broad area than to engage in deep excavation of a smaller area. The most direct means of analyzing the regolith surface will be by studies in situ. In addition, the analysis of the impact-origin regolith surfaces, the Fe-rich glasses of mare pyroclastic deposits, are of resource interest, but are inadequately known; none of the extensive surface-exposed pyroclastic deposits of the Moon have been systematically sampled, although we know something about such deposits from the Apollo 17 site. Because of the potential importance of pyroclastic deposits, methods to quantify glass as well as mineral abundances will be important to resource evaluation. Combined x ray diffraction (XRD) and x ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis will address many resource characterization problems on the Moon. XRF methods are valuable for obtaining full major-element abundances with high precision. Such data, collected in parallel with quantitative mineralogy, permit unambiguous determination of both mineral and chemical abundances where concentrations are high enough to be of resource grade. Collection of both XRD and XRF data from a single sample provides simultaneous chemical and mineralogic information. These data can be used to correlate quantitative chemistry and mineralogy as a set of simultaneous linear equations, the solution of which can lead to full characterization of the sample. The use of
Data from the Mars Science Laboratory CheMin XRD/XRF Instrument
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Vaniman, David; Blake, David; Bristow, Tom; DesMarais, David; Achilles, Cherie; Anderson, Robert; Crips, Joy; Morookian, John Michael; Spanovich, Nicole; Vasavada, Ashwin;
2013-01-01
The CheMin instrument on the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) rover Curiosity uses a Co tube source and a CCD detector to acquire mineralogy from diffracted primary X-rays and chemical information from fluoresced X-rays. CheMin has been operating at the MSL Gale Crater field site since August 5, 2012 and has provided the first X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses in situ on a body beyond Earth. Data from the first sample collected, the Rocknest eolian soil, identify a basaltic mineral suite, predominantly plagioclase (approx.An50), forsteritic olivine (approx.Fo58), augite and pigeonite, consistent with expectation that detrital grains on Mars would reflect widespread basaltic sources. Minor phases (each <2 wt% of the crystalline component) include sanidine, magnetite, quartz, anhydrite, hematite and ilmenite. Significantly, about a third of the sample is amorphous or poorly ordered in XRD. This amorphous component is attested to by a broad rise in background centered at approx.27deg 2(theta) (Co K(alpha)) and may include volcanic glass, impact glass, and poorly crystalline phases including iron oxyhydroxides; a rise at lower 2(theta) may indicate allophane or hisingerite. Constraints from phase chemistry of the crystalline components, compared with a Rocknest bulk composition from the APXS instrument on Curiosity, indicate that in sum the amorphous or poorly crystalline components are relatively Si, Al, Mg-poor and enriched in Ti, Cr, Fe, K, P, S, and Cl. All of the identified crystalline phases are volatile-free; H2O, SO2 and CO2 volatile releases from a split of this sample analyzed by the SAM instrument on Curiosity are associated with the amorphous or poorly ordered materials. The Rocknest eolian soil may be a mixture of local detritus, mostly crystalline, with a regional or global set of dominantly amorphous or poorly ordered components. The Rocknest sample was targeted by MSL for "first time analysis" to demonstrate that a loose deposit could be scooped, sieved to
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Tosolin, A.; Souček, P.; Beneš, O.; Vigier, J.-F.; Luzzi, L.; Konings, R. J. M.
2018-05-01
PuF3 was synthetized by hydro-fluorination of PuO2 and subsequent reduction of the product by hydrogenation. The obtained PuF3 was analysed by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and found phase-pure. High purity was also confirmed by the melting point analysis using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). PuF3 was then used for thermodynamic assessment of the PuF3-LiF system. Phase equilibrium points and enthalpy of fusion of the eutectic composition were measured by DSC. XRD analyses of selected samples after DSC measurement confirm that after solidification from the liquid, the system returns to a mixture of LiF and PuF3.
XRD analysis of undoped and Fe doped TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles by Williamson Hall method
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Bharti, Bandna; Barman, P. B.; Kumar, Rajesh, E-mail: rajesh.kumar@juit.ac.in
2015-08-28
Undoped and Fe doped titanium dioxide (TiO{sub 2}) nanoparticles were synthesized by sol-gel method at room temperature. The synthesized samples were annealed at 500°C. For structural analysis, the prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The crystallite size of TiO{sub 2} and Fe doped TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles were calculated by Scherer’s formula, and was found to be 15 nm and 11 nm, respectively. Reduction in crystallite size of TiO{sub 2} with Fe doping was observed. The anatase phase of Fe-doped TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles was also confirmed by X-ray diffraction. By using Williamson-Hall method, lattice strain and crystallite size weremore » also calculated. Williamson–Hall plot indicates the presence of compressive strain for TiO{sub 2} and tensile strain for Fe-TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles annealed at 500°C.« less
Sun, Xin-Yuan; Xue, Jun-Fa; Xia, Zhi-Yue; Ouyang, Jian-Ming
2015-06-01
This study aimed to analyse the components of nanocrystallites in urines of patients with uric acid (UA) stones. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), fast Fourier transformation (FFT) of HRTEM, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were performed to analyse the components of these nanocrystallites. XRD and FFT showed that the main component of urinary nanocrystallites was UA, which contains a small amount of calcium oxalate monohydrate and phosphates. EDS showed the characteristic absorption peaks of C, O, Ca and P. The formation of UA stones was closely related to a large number of UA nanocrystallites in urine. A combination of HRTEM, FFT, EDS and XRD analyses could be performed accurately to analyse the components of urinary nanocrystallites.
Liu, Yongliang; Thibodeaux, Devron; Gamble, Gary; Bauer, Philip; VanDerveer, Don
2012-08-01
Despite considerable efforts in developing curve-fitting protocols to evaluate the crystallinity index (CI) from X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements, in its present state XRD can only provide a qualitative or semi-quantitative assessment of the amounts of crystalline or amorphous fraction in a sample. The greatest barrier to establishing quantitative XRD is the lack of appropriate cellulose standards, which are needed to calibrate the XRD measurements. In practice, samples with known CI are very difficult to prepare or determine. In a previous study, we reported the development of a simple algorithm for determining fiber crystallinity information from Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Hence, in this study we not only compared the fiber crystallinity information between FT-IR and XRD measurements, by developing a simple XRD algorithm in place of a time-consuming and subjective curve-fitting process, but we also suggested a direct way of determining cotton cellulose CI by calibrating XRD with the use of CI(IR) as references.
van der Klift, Heleen M; Jansen, Anne M L; van der Steenstraten, Niki; Bik, Elsa C; Tops, Carli M J; Devilee, Peter; Wijnen, Juul T
2015-01-01
A subset of DNA variants causes genetic disease through aberrant splicing. Experimental splicing assays, either RT-PCR analyses of patient RNA or functional splicing reporter minigene assays, are required to evaluate the molecular nature of the splice defect. Here, we present minigene assays performed for 17 variants in the consensus splice site regions, 14 exonic variants outside these regions, and two deep intronic variants, all in the DNA mismatch-repair (MMR) genes MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2, associated with Lynch syndrome. We also included two deep intronic variants in APC and PKD2. For one variant (MLH1 c.122A>G), our minigene assay and patient RNA analysis could not confirm the previously reported aberrant splicing. The aim of our study was to further investigate the concordance between minigene splicing assays and patient RNA analyses. For 30 variants results from patient RNA analyses were available, either performed by our laboratory or presented in literature. Some variants were deliberately included in this study because they resulted in multiple aberrant transcripts in patient RNA analysis, or caused a splice effect other than the prevalent exon skip. While both methods were completely concordant in the assessment of splice effects, four variants exhibited major differences in aberrant splice patterns. Based on the present and earlier studies, together showing an almost 100% concordance of minigene assays with patient RNA analyses, we discuss the weight given to minigene splicing assays in the current criteria proposed by InSiGHT for clinical classification of MMR variants. PMID:26247049
Culture confirmation of tuberculosis cases in Birmingham, UK.
Hayer, Kalbir S; Sitch, Alice J; Dedicoat, Martin; Wood, Annette L
2013-10-01
The proportion of culture-confirmed tuberculosis (TB) cases in Birmingham had gradually decreased to less than 65% in 2008. Reasons for this were unclear, therefore this study assessed diagnostic methods used for confirming TB and reviewed factors involved in positive culture. A cross-sectional study was carried out. A list of notified TB cases for Birmingham in those aged 16 y and over in 2009 was collated. Where no positive culture was recorded, further data were collected from hospital databases and case notes. Of 449 TB cases, 419 (93%) had samples taken for culture testing. Of all cases, 309 (69%) were confirmed by culture testing; of those receiving culture testing, 73% were confirmed. Pulmonary TB was identified as a predictor of positive culture in both the unadjusted and adjusted analyses: odds ratio (OR) 2.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.32-3.19, and OR 2.32, 95% CI 1.29-4.17, respectively. Gender, age, ethnicity, UK born, and treatment delay were not significantly associated with positive culture. Of 140 cases not confirmed by culture, 129 (92%) had their diagnosis supported by at least one other test. The vast majority of TB cases had microbiological specimens taken to help confirm the disease. Furthermore, culture confirmation rates in Birmingham were meeting national targets in 2009. However culture confirmation rates were significantly lower in extrapulmonary TB, therefore further work is suggested in this group. The role of other investigations (e.g. interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA), Mantoux) is unclear. Further collaboration between clinicians, histopathologists, and microbiologists is advised to ensure samples are sent appropriately and culture confirmation is optimized.
Larosa, Claudio; Salerno, Marco; de Lima, Juliana Silva; Merijs Meri, Remo; da Silva, Milena Fernandes; de Carvalho, Luiz Bezerra; Converti, Attilio
2018-08-01
Incorporating enzymes into calcium alginate beads is an effective method to immobilise them and to preserve, at the same time, their catalytic activity. Sodium alginate was mixed with Aspergillus ficuum tannase in aqueous solution, and tannase-loaded calcium alginate beads were prepared using a simple droplet-based microfluidic system. Extensive experimental analysis was carried out to characterise the samples. Microscopic imaging revealed morphological differences between the surfaces of bare alginate matrix and tannase-loaded alginate beads. Thermal analysis allowed assessing the hydration contents of alginate and revealed the presence of tannase entrapped in the loaded beads, which was confirmed by vibrational spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction allowed us to conclude that alginate of tannase-loaded beads is not crystalline, which would make them suitable as carriers for possible controlled release. Moreover, they could be used in food applications to improve tea quality or clarify juices. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Synchronizing flash-melting in a diamond cell with synchrotron X ray diffraction (XRD)
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Karandikar, Amol; Boehler, Reinhard; Meng, Yue; Rod, Eric; Shen, Guoyin
2013-06-01
The major challenges in measuring melting temperatures in laser heated diamond cells are sample instability, thermal runaway and chemical reactions. To circumvent these problems, we developed a ``flash heating'' method using a modulated CW fiber laser and fast X ray detection capability at APS (Pilatus 1M detector). As an example, Pt spheres of 5 micron diameter were loaded in a single crystal sapphire encapsulation in the diamond cell at 65 GPa and heated in a single flash heating event for 20 ms to reach a desired temperature. A CCD spectrometer and the Pilatus were synchronized to measure the temperature and the XRD signal, respectively, when the sample reached the thermal steady state. Each successive flash heating was done at a higher temperature. The integrated XRD pattern, collected during and after (300 K) each heating, showed no chemical reaction up to 3639 K, the highest temperature reached in the experiment. Pt111 and 200 peak intensity variation showed gradual recrystalization and complete diminishing at about 3600 K, indicating melting. Thus, synchronized flash heating with novel sample encapsulation circumvents previous notorious problems and enables accurate melting temperature measurement in the diamond cell using synchrotron XRD probe. Affiliation 2: Geowissenschaeften, Goethe-Universitaet, Altenhoeferallee 1, D-60438 Frankfurt a.M., Germany.
de Wild, Michael; Amacher, Fabienne; Bradbury, Christopher R; Molenberg, Aart
2016-04-01
Resorbable bone substitute materials are widely used for bone augmentation after tumor resection, parallel to implant placement, or in critical size bone defects. In this study, the structural dissolution of a biphasic calcium phosphate bone substitute material with a hydroxyapatite (HA)/tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) ratio of 60/40 was investigated by repeatedly placing porous blocks in EDTA solution at 37 °C. At several time points, the blocks were investigated by SEM, µCT, and gravimetry. It was found that always complete 2-3 µm sized grains were removed from the structure and that the β-TCP is dissolved more rapidly. This selective dissolution of the β-TCP grains was confirmed by XRD measurements. The blocks were eroded from the outside toward the center. The structure remained mechanically stable because the central part showed a delayed degradation and because the slower dissolving HA grains preserved the integrity of the structure. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
XRD and FTIR crystallinity indices in sound human tooth enamel and synthetic hydroxyapatite.
Reyes-Gasga, José; Martínez-Piñeiro, Esmeralda L; Rodríguez-Álvarez, Galois; Tiznado-Orozco, Gaby E; García-García, Ramiro; Brès, Etienne F
2013-12-01
The crystallinity index (CI) is a measure of the percentage of crystalline material in a given sample and it is also correlated to the degree of order within the crystals. In the literature two ways are reported to measure the CI: X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy. Although the CI determined by these techniques has been adopted in the field of archeology as a structural order measure in the bone with the idea that it can help e.g. in the sequencing of the bones in chronological and/or stratigraphic order, some debate remains about the reliability of the CI values. To investigate similarities and differences between the two techniques, the CI of sound human tooth enamel and synthetic hydroxyapatite (HAP) was measured in this work by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), at room temperature and after heat treatment. Although the (CI)XRD index is related to the crystal structure of the samples and the (CI)FTIR index is related to the vibration modes of the molecular bonds, both indices showed similar qualitative behavior for heat-treated samples. At room temperature, the (CI)XRD value indicated that enamel is more crystalline than synthetic HAP, while (CI)FTIR indicated the opposite. Scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) images were also used to corroborate the measured CI values. © 2013.
A Study on Factors Affecting Strength of Solidified Peat through XRD and FESEM Analysis
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Rahman, J. A.; Napia, A. M. A.; Nazri, M. A. A.; Mohamed, R. M. S. R.; Al-Geethi, A. S.
2018-04-01
Peat is soft soil that often causes multiple problems to construction. Peat has low shear strength and high deformation characteristics. Thus, peat soil needs to be stabilized or treated. Study on peat stabilization has been conducted for decades with various admixtures and mixing formulations. This project intends to provide an overview of the solidification of peat soil and the factors that affecting the strength of solidified peat soil. Three types of peats which are fabric, hemic and sapric were used in this study to understand the differences on the effect. The understanding of the factors affecting strength of solidified peat in this study is limited to XRD and FESEM analysis only. Peat samples were collected at Pontian, Johor and Parit Raja, Johor. Peat soil was solidified using fly ash, bottom ash and Portland cement with two mixing formulation following literature review. The solidified peat were cured for 7 days, 14 days, 28 days and 56 days. All samples were tested using Unconfined Compressive Strength Test (UCS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM). The compressive strength test of solidified peat had shown consistently increase of sheer strength, qu for Mixing 1 while decrease of its compressive strength value for Mixing 2. All samples were tested and compared for each curing days. Through XRD, it is found that all solidified peat are dominated with pargasite and richterite. The highest qu is Fabric Mixing 1(FM1) with the value of 105.94 kPa. This sample were proven contain pargasite. Samples with high qu were observed to be having fly ash and bottom ash bound together with the help of pargasite. Sample with decreasing strength showed less amount of pargasite in it. In can be concluded that XRD and FESEM findings are in line with UCS values.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Arockia doss, M.; Rajarajan, G.; Thanikachalam, V.; Selvanayagam, S.; Sridhar, B.
2017-01-01
A piperidin-4-one containing picrate 3,5-diethyl -2,6-di(thiophen-2-yl)piperidin-4-on-1-ium picrate [3,5-DPPP] was synthesized. The molecular structure of 3,5-DPPP was confirmed by FT-IR, NMR, Uv-Vis, single crystal XRD analysis and DFT and HF methods with 6-31G(d,p) basis set. The XRD data confirm the transfer of protons from picric acid (O2) to piperidin-4-one ring (N1). The 3,5-DPPP compound is stabilized by the presence of intermolecular and intramolecular hydrogen bonds (N-H⋯O, C-H⋯S and C-H⋯O). Density functional theory and HF calculations have been used widely for calculating a wide variety of molecular properties such as optimized structure, FT-IR and Uv-Vis spectra, and provided reliable results which are in agreement with experimental data. The charge density data have been used to understand the properties of molecular systems. Furthermore, several quantum chemical insights have been obtained in the form of the total and partial density of states, the HOMO-LUMO energy gap and electrostatic potential map etc. In addition, the polarizability and first hyperpolarizability were calculated to show the potential applications of 3,5-DPPP in nonlinear optics.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Wan, Chubin; Zhou, Xiaosong; Wang, Yuting; Li, Shina; Ju, Xin; Peng, Shuming
2014-01-01
The crystal structure and local atomic arrangements surrounding Ti atoms were determined for He-charged hexagonal close-packed (hcp) Ti films and measured at glancing angles by synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction (XRD) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy, respectively. The charged specimens were prepared by direct current magnetron sputtering with a He/Ar mixture. He atoms with a relatively medium concentration (He/Ti atomic ratio as high as 17 at.%) were incorporated evenly in the deposited films. XRD results showed the changes in the peak intensities in Ti films with different He contents. EXAFS Fourier Transform analysis indicated that the average Ti-Ti distance decreased significantly, and proved the existence of phase transition.
XRD and FTIR structural investigation of gadolinium-zinc-borate glass ceramics
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Borodi, G.; Pascuta, P.; Dan, V.
2013-11-13
X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy measurements have been employed to investigate the (Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3}){sub x}⋅(B{sub 2}O{sub 3}){sub (60−x)}⋅(ZnO){sub 40} glass ceramics system, with 0 ≤ x ≤ 15 mol%. After heat treatment applied at 860 °C for 2 h, some structural changes were observed and new crystalline phases appeared in the structure of the samples. In these glass ceramics four crystalline phases were identified using powder diffraction files (PDF 2), namely ZnB{sub 4}O{sub 7}, Zn{sub 4}O(B{sub 6}O{sub 12}), Zn{sub 3}(BO{sub 3}){sub 2} and GdBO{sub 3}. From the XRD data, the average unit-cell parameter and themore » quantitative ratio of the crystallographic phases in the studied samples were evaluated. FTIR data revealed that the BO{sub 3}, BO{sub 4} and ZnO{sub 4} are the main structural units of these glass ceramics network. The compositional dependence of the different structural units which appear in the studied samples was followed.« less
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Ehlmann, B. L.; Mustard, J. F.; Bish, D. L.
2009-12-01
thomsonite, basalts with silica/quartz-bearing veins, basalts bearing celadonite, and basalts partially altered to montmorillonite, Fe/Mg smectite, or mixed smectite-chlorite. Analyses included: (1) measurement of reflectance spectra of the whole rock by the ASD; (2) measurement of VNIR and TIR spectra in RELAB of particle-size separates (<25um and <125um) derived from the bulk rock and from precipitated minerals extracted from the vesicles; (3) measurement of X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, including quantitative XRD; and (4) electron microprobe chemical analyses. These data emulate orbital data from CRISM, OMEGA, and TES, which detect the infrared active components, linked to in-situ data on whole rock modal mineralogy such as will be measured by the ChemMin instrument on the MSL rover.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Beckerman, Laura Grace
The Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) Curiosity rover is equipped with CheMin, the first x-ray diffraction (XRD) instrument on Mars, for in situ mineralogy as part of its mission to seek evidence of past habitability at Gale Crater. Detection and characterization of hydrated minerals like clays and sulfates provides crucial insight into Mars' early geochemistry. For example, clays are often interpreted as having formed in lacustrine environments at neutral pHs, while sulfates such as jarosite are evidence of acid sulfate alteration. However, CheMin's inability to remove non-clay minerals and to preferentially orient samples may pose significant challenges to clay detection and characterization at Gale Crater. To evaluate the effect of particle size separation (<0.2 microm), removal of non-clay minerals, preferred orientation, and ethylene glycol solvation on XRD analyses of clays, we used both a CheMin analog instrument and a traditional laboratory XRD to identify clays in acid sulfate altered basalt from Mars analog sites in Costa Rica. We detected kaolinite in four of the fourteen samples studied, one of which also contained montmorillonite. Kaolinite was not detected in two samples with the analog instrument prior to clay isolation. These results suggest that CheMin may miss detection of some clays at Gale Crater, which could affect interpretations of early Mars' habitability. Mistaking iron-rich natroalunite (Na[Al,Fe]3(SO4) 2(OH)6) for jarosite (KFe3(SO4) 2(OH)6) could also impact interpretations of early Mars, as natroalunite can form over a broader range of pH, water:rock ratios, and redox conditions than can jarosite. To determine if iron-rich natroalunite is a common alteration product at Mars analog sites, we assessed iron content in natroalunite from Costa Rica. We detected up to 30% iron substitution in natroalunite at diverse geochemical settings. We also evaluated the feasibility of using XRD or Raman spectroscopy for in situ iron-rich natroalunite
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Rajmane, S. V.; Ubale, V. P.; Lawand, A. S.; Nalawade, A. M.; Karale, N. N.; More, P. G.
2013-11-01
A 4-(o-chlorophenyl)-2-aminothiazole (CPAT) has been synthesized by reacting o-chloroacetophenone, iodine and thiourea under microwave irradiation as a green chemistry approach. The reactions proceed selectively and within a couple of minutes giving high yields of the products. The compound was characterized by elemental, spectral (UV-visible, IR, NMR and GC-MS), XRD and thermal analyses. The TG curve of the compound was analyzed to calculate various kinetic parameters (n, E, Z, ΔS and ΔG) by using Coats-Redfern (C.R.), MacCallum-Tanner (M.T.) and Horowitz-Metzger (H.M.) method. The compound was tested for the evaluation of antibacterial activity against B. subtilis and E. coli and antifungal activity against A. niger and C. albicans. The compound was evaluated for their in vitro nematicidal activity on plant parasitic nematode Meloidogyne javanica and molluscicidal activity on fresh water helminthiasis vector snail Lymnea auricularia. The compound is biologically active in very low concentration. X-ray diffraction study suggests a triclinic crystal system for the compound.
Elucidation of reaction mechanism involved in the formation of LaNiO3 from XRD and TG analysis
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Dharmadhikari, Dipti V.; Athawale, Anjali A.
2013-06-01
The present work is focused on the synthesis and elucidation of reaction mechanism involved in the formation of LaNiO3 with the help of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. LaNiO3 was synthesized by hydrothermal method by heating at 160°C under autogenous pressure for 6h. Pure phase product was obtained after calcining the hydrothermally activated product for 6h at 700°C. The various phases of the product obtained after hydrothermal treatment and calcination followed by the formation of pure phase nanocrystalline lanthanum nickel oxide could be determined from XRD analysis of the samples. The reaction mechanism and phase formation temperature has been interpreted by thermogravimetric analysis of the hydrothermally synthesized product and XRD analysis.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Morris, R. V.; Rampe, E. B.; Graff, T. G.; Archer, P. D., Jr.; Le, L.; Ming, D. W.; Sutter, B.
2015-01-01
The Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) CheMin instrument on the Curiosity rover is a transmission X-ray diffractometer (Co-Kalpha radiation source and a approx.5deg to approx.52deg 2theta range) where the analyzed powder samples are constrained to have discrete particle diameters <150 microns by a sieve. To date, diffraction patterns have been obtained for one basaltic soil (Rocknest (RN)) and four drill fines of coherent rock (John Klein (JK), Cumberland (CB), Windjana (WJ), and Confidence Hills (CH)). The CheMin instrument has detected and quantified the abundance of both primary igneous (e.g., feldspar, olivine, and pyroxene) and secondary (e.g., Ca-sulfates, hematite, akaganeite, and Fe-saponite) minerals. The diffraction patterns of all CheMin samples are also characterized by a broad diffraction band centered near 30deg 2theta and by increasing diffraction intensity (scattering continuum) from approx.15deg to approx.5deg, the 2theta minimum. Both the broad band and the scattering continuum are attributed to the presence of an XRD amorphous component. Estimates of amorphous component abundance, based on the XRD data itself and on mass-balance calculations using APXS data crystalline component chemistry derived from XRD data, martian meteorites, and/or stoichiometry [e.g., 6-9], range from approx.20 wt.% to approx.50 wt.% of bulk sample. The APXSbased calculations show that the amorphous component is rich in volatile elements (esp. SO3) and is not simply primary basaltic glass, which was used as a surrogate to model the broad band in the RN CheMin pattern. For RN, the entire volatile inventory (except minor anhydrite) is assigned to the amorphous component because no volatile-bearing crystalline phases were reported within detection limits [2]. For JK and CB, Fesaponite, basanite, and akaganeite are volatile-bearing crystalline components. Here we report transmission XRD patterns for sulfate and silicate phases relevant to interpretation of MSL-CheMin XRD amorphous
Mineralogical composition of the meteorite El Pozo (Mexico): a Raman, infrared and XRD study.
Ostrooumov, Mikhail; Hernández-Bernal, Maria del Sol
2011-12-01
The Raman (RMP), infrared (IR) and XRD analysis have been applied to the examination of mineralogical composition of El Pozo meteorite (an ordinary chondrite L5 type; village Valle of Allende, founded in State of Chihuahua, Mexico: 26°56'N and 105°24'W, 1998). RMP measurements in the range of 100-3500 cm(-1) revealed principal characteristic bands of the major minerals: olivine, two polymorph modifications of pyroxene (OPx and CPx) and plagioclase. Some bands of the minor minerals (hematite and goethite) were also identified. All these minerals were clearly distinguished using IR and XRD techniques. XRD technique has shown the presence of some metallic phases such as kamacite and taenite as well as troilite and chromite. These minerals do not have characteristic Raman spectra because Fe-Ni metals have no active modes for Raman spectroscopy and troilite is a weak Raman scatterer. Raman mapping microspectroscopy was a key part in the investigation of El Pozo meteorite's spatial distribution of the main minerals because these samples are structurally and chemically complex and heterogeneous. The mineral mapping by Raman spectroscopy has provided information for a certain spatial region on which a spatial distribution coexists of the three typical mineral assemblages: olivine; olivine+orthopyroxene; and orthopyroxene. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Berry, Neil; Jenkins, Adrian; Martin, Javier; Davis, Clare; Wood, David; Schild, Geoffrey; Bottiger, Margareta; Holmes, Harvey; Minor, Philip; Almond, Neil
2005-02-25
Inoculation of live experimental oral poliovirus vaccines (OPV CHAT) during the 1950s in central Africa has been proposed to account for the introduction of HIV into human populations. For this to have occurred, it would have been necessary for chimpanzee rather than macaque kidney epithelial cells to have been included in the preparation of early OPV materials. Theoretically, this could have led to contamination with a progenitor of HIV-1 derived from a related simian immunodeficiency virus of chimpanzees (SIVCPZ). In this article we present further detailed analyses of two samples of OPV, CHAT 10A-11 and CHAT 6039/Yugo, which were used in early human trials of poliovirus vaccination. Recovery of poliovirus by culture techniques confirmed the biological viability of the vaccines and sequence analysis of poliovirus RNA specifically identified the presence of the CHAT strain. Independent nested sets of oligonucleotide primers specific for HIV-1/SIVCPZ and HIV-2/SIVMAC/SIVSM phylogenetic lineages, respectively, indicated no evidence of HIV/SIV RNA in either vaccine preparation, at a sensitivity of 100 RNA equivalents/ml. Analysis of cellular substrate by the amplification of two distinct regions of mitochondrial DNA (D-loop control region and 12S ribosomal sequences) revealed no evidence of chimpanzee cellular sequences. However, this approach positively identified rhesus and cynomolgus macaque DNA for the CHAT 10A-11 and CHAT 6039/Yugo vaccine preparations, respectively. Analysis of multiple clones of mtDNA 12S rDNA indicated a relatively high number of nuclear mitochondrial DNA sequences (numts) in the CHAT 10A-11 material, but confirmed the macaque origin of cellular substrate used in vaccine preparation. These data reinforce earlier findings on this topic providing no evidence to support the contention that poliovirus vaccination was responsible for the introduction of HIV into humans and sparking the AIDS pandemic.
XRD and SEM study of alumina silicate porcelain insulator
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Duddi, Dharmender; Singh, G. P.; Kalra, Swati; Shekhawat, M. S.; Tak, S. K.
2018-05-01
Higher strength electrical porcelain is a requirement of industry. This will be achieved by a specific composition of raw materials, which is consisted of clays and feldspars. Water absorption, particle size and insulating properties are of special interest now a day. China clay, Ball clay and Quartz are widely used by ceramic industries in Bikaner district of Rajasthan. Sample for present study were prepared by mixing of above clay, feldspar with MnO2, then shrinkage is observed. Bar shaped samples were prepared and heated up to a temperature of about 1185° C to observe shrinkage. For phase study of XRD and SEM are observed.
Chen, Long; Tian, Yaoqi; Sun, Binghua; Cai, Canxin; Ma, Rongrong; Jin, Zhengyu
2018-03-01
Concerns regarding increased dietary oil uptake have prompted efforts to investigate the oil absorption and distribution in fried starchy foods. In the present study, attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, together with a chloroform-methanol method, was used to analyze the external and internal oil contents in fried starchy samples. The micromorphology of fried starchy samples was further investigated using scanning electron microscope (SEM), polarized light microscope (PLM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The results indicated that large amounts of oil were absorbed in or within waxy maize starch, but the majority of oil was located near the surface layer of the starch granules. After defatting, the internal oil was thoroughly removed, while a small amount of external oil remained. As evidenced by the changes of the crystalline characteristics with the help of X-ray diffraction (XRD), the interaction between starch and lipids on the surface was confirmed to form V-type complex compounds during frying at high moisture. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Habibi, Mohammad Hossein; Parhizkar, Janan
2015-11-05
Cobalt ferrite nano-composite was prepared by hydrothermal route using cobalt nitrate, iron nitrate and ethylene glycol as chelating agent. The nano-composite was coated on glass by Doctor Blade method and annealed at 300 °C. The structural, optical, and photocatalytic properties have been studied by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis DRS). Powder XRD analysis confirmed formation of CoFe2O4 spinel phase. The estimated particle size from FESEM data was 50 nm. The calculated energy band gaps, obtained by Tauc relation from UV-Vis absorption spectra was 1.3 eV. Photocatalytic degradation of Reactive Red 4 as an azo textile was investigated in aqueous solution under irradiation showed 68.0% degradation of the dye within 100 min. The experimental enhanced activity compare to pure Fe2O3 can be ascribed to the formation of composite, which was mainly attributable to the transfer of electron and hole to the surface of composite and hinder the electron hole recombination. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Mössbauer and XRD study of novel quaternary Sn-Fe-Co-Ni electroplated alloy
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kuzmann, E.; Sziráki, L.; Stichleutner, S.; Homonnay, Z.; Lak, G. B.; El-Sharif, M.; Chisholm, C. U.
2017-11-01
Constant current electrochemical deposition technique was used to obtain quaternary alloys of Sn-Fe-Co-Ni from a gluconate electrolyte, which to date have not been reported in the literature. For the characterization of electroplated alloys, 57Fe and 119Sn Conversion Electron Mössbauer Spectroscopy (CEMS), XRD and SEM/EDAX were used. XRD revealed the amorphous character of the novel Sn-Fe-Co-Ni electrodeposited alloys. 57Fe Mössbauer spectrum of quaternary deposit with composition of 37.0 at% Sn, 38.8 at% Fe, 16.8 at% Co and 7.4 at% Ni displayed a magnetically split sextet (B = 28.9T) with broad lines typical of iron bearing ferromagnetic amorphous alloys. Magnetically split 119Sn spectra reflecting a transferred hyperfine field (B = 2.3T) were also observed. New quaternary Sn-Fe-Co-Ni alloys were successfully prepared.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Ostrooumov, M.
2016-08-01
The Raman microprobe (RMP), infrared (IR) and XRD analysis have been applied to the examination of mineralogical composition of seven mexican meteorites: Aldama, Cosina, El Pozo, Escalon, Nuevo Mercurio,Pacula, Zapotitlan Salinas.
USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database
Despite considerable efforts in developing the curve-fitting protocol to evaluate the crystallinity index (CI) from the X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurement, in its present state XRD procedure can only provide a qualitative or semi-quantitative assessment of the amounts of crystalline or amorphous po...
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kunz, Peter; Bricault, Pierre; Dombsky, Marik; Erdmann, Nicole; Hanemaayer, Vicky; Wong, John; Lützenkirchen, Klaus
2013-09-01
The production of radioactive ion beams (RIB) from spallation targets by irradiation with a continuous 500 MeV proton beam, has been routine at TRIUMF for several years. Based on the experience with composite refractory carbide targets a procedure for the fabrication of UC2/C targets was developed. It includes the preparation of UC2 by carbothermal reduction of UO2, the slip-casting of fine-grained UC2/C slurry on graphite foil under inert gas atmosphere and the cutting of composite target discs which are stacked up to a lamellar structure. The thermal properties of such an arrangement are adequate to withstand the high power deposition of an intense, continuous proton beam and also beneficial for the fast release of short-lived radioactive isotopes. Molecular structure, particle size and the impact of sintering of the target discs were investigated via XRD and SEM. Thickness and mass distribution were measured with position-sensitive LIII-edge densitometry. The results confirm that the properties of the UC2/C target material are well suited for RIB production at TRIUMF while there is still room for improvement with regard to uniformity of mass distribution in target disc thickness.
[NIR and XRD analysis of drill-hole samples from Zhamuaobao iron-graphite deposit, Inner Mongolia].
Li, Ying-kui; Cao, Jian-jin; Wu, Zheng-quan; Dai, Dong-le; Lin, Zu-xu
2015-01-01
The author analyzed the 4202 drill-hole samples from Zhamuaobao iron-graphite deposit by using near infrared spectroscopy(NIR) and X-ray diffraction(XRD) measuring and testing techniques, and then compared and summarized the results of two kinds of testing technology. The results indicate that some difference of the mineral composition exists among different layers, the lithology from upper to deeper is the clay gravel layer of tertiary and quaternary, mudstone, mica quartz schist, quartz actinolite scarn, skarnization marble, iron ore deposits, graphite deposits and mica quartz schist. The petrogenesis in different depth also shows difference, which may indicate the geological characteristic to some extent. The samples had mainly undergone such processes as oxidization, carbonation, chloritization and skarn alteration. The research results can not only improve the geological feature of the mining area, but also have great importance in ore exploration, mining, mineral processing and so on. What's more, as XRD can provide preliminary information about the mineral composition, NIR can make further judgement on the existence of the minerals. The research integrated the advantages of both NIR and XRD measuring and testing techniques, put forward a method with two kinds of modern testing technology combined with each other, which may improve the accuracy of the mineral composition identification. In the meantime, the NIR will be more wildly used in geography on the basis of mineral spectroscopy.
Drits, Victor A.; Środoń, Jan; Eberl, D.D.
1997-01-01
The standard form of the Scherrer equation, which has been used to calculate the mean thickness of the coherent scattering domain (CSD) of illite crystals from X-ray diffraction (XRD) full width data at half maximum (FWHM) intensity, employs a constant, Ksh, of 0.89. Use of this constant is unjustified, even if swelling has no effect on peak broadening, because this constant is valid only if all CSDs have a single thickness. For different thickness distributions, the Scherrer “constant” has very different values.Analysis of fundamental particle thickness data (transmission electron microscopy, TEM) for samples of authigenic illite and illite/smectite from diagenetically altered pyroclastics and filamentous illites from sandstones reveals a unique family of lognormal thickness distributions for these clays. Experimental relations between the distributions' lognormal parameters and mean thicknesses are established. These relations then are used to calculate the mean thickness of CSDs for illitic samples from XRD FWHM, or from integral XRD peak widths (integrated intensity/maximum intensity).For mixed-layer illite/smectite, the measured thickness of the CSD corresponds to the mean thickness of the mixed-layer crystal. Using this measurement, the mean thickness of the fundamental particles that compose the mixed-layer crystals can be calculated after XRD determination of percent smectitic interlayers. The effect of mixed layering (swelling) on XRD peak width for these samples is eliminated by using the 003 reflection for glycolated samples, and the 001, 002 or 003 reflection for dehydrated, K-saturated samples. If this technique is applied to the 001 reflection of air-dried samples (Kubler index measurement), mean CSD thicknesses are underestimated due to the mixed-layering effect.The technique was calibrated using NEW MOD©-simulated XRD profiles of illite, and then tested on well-characterized illite and illite/smectite samples. The XRD measurements are in good
[Analysis of XRD spectral characteristics of soil clay mineral in two typical cultivated soils].
Zhang, Zhi-Dan; Luo, Xiang-Li; Jiang, Hai-Chao; Li, Qiao; Shen, Cong-Ying; Liu, Hang; Zhou, Ya-Juan; Zhao, Lan-Po; Wang, Ji-Hong
2014-07-01
The present paper took black soil and chernozem, the typical cultivated soil in major grain producing area of Northeast, as the study object, and determinated the soil particle composition characteristics of two cultivated soils under the same climate and location. Then XRD was used to study the composition and difference of clay mineral in two kinds of soil and the evolutionary mechanism was explored. The results showed that the two kinds of soil particles were composed mainly of the sand, followed by clay and silt. When the particle accumulation rate reached 50%, the central particle size was in the 15-130 microm interval. Except for black soil profile of Shengli Xiang, the content of clay showed converse sequence to the central particle in two soils. Clay accumulated under upper layer (18.82%) in black soil profile while under caliche layer (17.41%) in chernozem profile. Clay content was the least in parent material horizon except in black profile of Quanyanling. Analysis of clay XRD atlas showed that the difference lied in not only the strength of diffraction peak, but also in the mineral composition. The main contents of black soil and chernozem were both 2 : 1 clay, the composition of black soil was smectite/illite mixed layer-illite-vermiculite and that of chernozem was S/I mixture-illite-montmorillonite, and both of them contained little kaolinite, chlorite, quartz and other primary mineral. This paper used XRD to determine the characteristics of clay minerals comprehensively, and analyzed two kinds of typical cultivated soil comparatively, and it was a new perspective of soil minerals study.
Modeling and measurements of XRD spectra of extended solids under high pressure
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Batyrev, I. G.; Coleman, S. P.; Stavrou, E.; Zaug, J. M.; Ciezak-Jenkins, J. A.
2017-06-01
We present results of evolutionary simulations based on density functional calculations of various extended solids: N-Si and N-H using variable and fixed concentration methods of USPEX. Predicted from the evolutionary simulations structures were analyzed in terms of thermo-dynamical stability and agreement with experimental X-ray diffraction spectra. Stability of the predicted system was estimated from convex-hull plots. X-ray diffraction spectra were calculated using a virtual diffraction algorithm which computes kinematic diffraction intensity in three-dimensional reciprocal space before being reduced to a two-theta line profile. Calculations of thousands of XRD spectra were used to search for a structure of extended solids at certain pressures with best fits to experimental data according to experimental XRD peak position, peak intensity and theoretically calculated enthalpy. Comparison of Raman and IR spectra calculated for best fitted structures with available experimental data shows reasonable agreement for certain vibration modes. Part of this work was performed by LLNL, Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344. We thank the Joint DoD / DOE Munitions Technology Development Program, the HE C-II research program at LLNL and Advanced Light Source, supported by BES DOE, Contract No. DE-AC02-05CH112.
Struggling for confirmation--patients' experiences of dissatisfaction with hospital care.
Eriksson, Ulrika; Svedlund, Marianne
2007-03-01
The aim of the study was to illuminate patients' experiences of dissatisfaction with hospital care. During the last decade, interest in measuring patient satisfaction has become an important indicator of the quality of care. Researchers have, however, criticized the concept theoretically and methodologically. Subsequently, researchers have increasingly argued that the focus of attention should shift to explore patient dissatisfaction. A qualitative approach. Narrative interviews were conducted with six people who had experienced dissatisfaction during a hospital care episode. The interview text was analysed using qualitative content analysis. The results show the patients' struggle for confirmation, the feeling of distrust in health care and what they have been forced to sacrifice because of lack of treatment. A feeling of being a troublesome patient is also apparent. At the same time a positive encounter is described, as well as situations of confirmation from caregivers. The results also show hope and a will to get on with life. Dissatisfaction relating to aspects of encounter is a common problem in health care and conceivable causes and possible solutions are discussed from different perspectives. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL: Caregivers as well as patients are in need of confirmation. If management were to take notice of and confirm caregivers this could consequently help them to gain the strength and energy necessary to provide care permeated with confirmation. A veritable, trustworthy care can be established through personal presence. To take notice of, confirm and listen to patients, creates opportunities for providing them with a positive experience of human encounter, which in the long run is rewarding from all perspectives.
Kakuda, Hiroyuki; Okada, Tetsuo; Otsuka, Makoto; Katsumoto, Yukiteru; Hasegawa, Takeshi
2009-01-01
A multivariate analytical technique has been applied to the analysis of simultaneous measurement data from differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) in order to study thermal changes in crystalline structure of a linear poly(ethylene imine) (LPEI) film. A large number of XRD patterns generated from the simultaneous measurements were subjected to an augmented alternative least-squares (ALS) regression analysis, and the XRD patterns were readily decomposed into chemically independent XRD patterns and their thermal profiles were also obtained at the same time. The decomposed XRD patterns and the profiles were useful in discussing the minute peaks in the DSC. The analytical results revealed the following changes of polymorphisms in detail: An LPEI film prepared by casting an aqueous solution was composed of sesquihydrate and hemihydrate crystals. The sesquihydrate one was lost at an early stage of heating, and the film changed into an amorphous state. Once the sesquihydrate was lost by heating, it was not recovered even when it was cooled back to room temperature. When the sample was heated again, structural changes were found between the hemihydrate and the amorphous components. In this manner, the simultaneous DSC-XRD measurements combined with ALS analysis proved to be powerful for obtaining a better understanding of the thermally induced changes of the crystalline structure in a polymer film.
A female Viking warrior confirmed by genomics
Kjellström, Anna; Zachrisson, Torun; Krzewińska, Maja; Sobrado, Veronica; Price, Neil; Günther, Torsten; Jakobsson, Mattias; Götherström, Anders; Storå, Jan
2017-01-01
Abstract Objectives The objective of this study has been to confirm the sex and the affinity of an individual buried in a well‐furnished warrior grave (Bj 581) in the Viking Age town of Birka, Sweden. Previously, based on the material and historical records, the male sex has been associated with the gender of the warrior and such was the case with Bj 581. An earlier osteological classification of the individual as female was considered controversial in a historical and archaeological context. A genomic confirmation of the biological sex of the individual was considered necessary to solve the issue. Materials and methods Genome‐wide sequence data was generated in order to confirm the biological sex, to support skeletal integrity, and to investigate the genetic relationship of the individual to ancient individuals as well as modern‐day groups. Additionally, a strontium isotope analysis was conducted to highlight the mobility of the individual. Results The genomic results revealed the lack of a Y‐chromosome and thus a female biological sex, and the mtDNA analyses support a single‐individual origin of sampled elements. The genetic affinity is close to present‐day North Europeans, and within Sweden to the southern and south‐central region. Nevertheless, the Sr values are not conclusive as to whether she was of local or nonlocal origin. Discussion The identification of a female Viking warrior provides a unique insight into the Viking society, social constructions, and exceptions to the norm in the Viking time‐period. The results call for caution against generalizations regarding social orders in past societies. PMID:28884802
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Al-Rawas, A.D., E-mail: arawas@squ.edu.om; Widatallah, H.M.; Al-Harthi, S.H.
2015-05-15
Highlights: • The formation of mechano-synthesized nanocrystalline Sr{sub 3}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 7−δ} is investigated. • Pre-milling the reactants substantially lowers the formation temperature. • The core and surface structures were studied. • XRD and {sup 57}Fe Mössbauer spectroscopic analyses indicate the δ-value to be 0.60. • XPS shows a complex surface structure for the mechanosynthesized Sr{sub 3}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 7−δ} nanoparticles. - Abstract: The influence of ball milling and subsequent sintering of a 3:1 molar mixture of SrCO{sub 3} and α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} on the formation of Sr{sub 3}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 7−δ} double perovskite is investigated with different analytical techniques. Milling the mixturemore » for 110 h leads to the formation of SrCO{sub 3}-α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanocomposites and the structural deformation of α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} via the incorporation of Sr{sup 2+} ions. Subsequent sintering of the pre-milled reactants’ mixture has led to the partial formation of an SrFeO{sub 3} perovskite-related phase in the temperature range 400–600 °C. This was followed by the progressive development of an Sr{sub 3}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 7−δ} phase that continued to increase with increasing sintering temperature until a single-phased nanocrystalline Sr{sub 3}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 7−δ} phase was attained at 950 °C (12 h). This temperature is ∼350 °C lower than the temperature at which the material is prepared conventionally using the ceramic method. The evolution of different structural phases during the reaction process is discussed. Rietveld refinement of the X-ray diffraction data shows a value of 0.60 for the oxygen deficiency δ, in consistency with the Fe{sup 3+}/Fe{sup 4+} ratio derived from the {sup 57}Fe Mössbauer data recorded at both 300 K and 78 K. The Mössbauer data suggests that the Sr{sub 3}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 6.4} nanoparticles are superparamagnetic with blocking temperatures below 78 K. The surfaces of the Sr{sub 3}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 6
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Park, Yeonjoon (Inventor); Kim, Hyun Jung (Inventor); Skuza, Jonathan R. (Inventor); Lee, Kunik (Inventor); Choi, Sang Hyouk (Inventor); King, Glen C. (Inventor)
2017-01-01
An X-ray defraction (XRD) characterization method for sigma=3 twin defects in cubic semiconductor (100) wafers includes a concentration measurement method and a wafer mapping method for any cubic tetrahedral semiconductor wafers including GaAs (100) wafers and Si (100) wafers. The methods use the cubic semiconductor's (004) pole figure in order to detect sigma=3/{111} twin defects. The XRD methods are applicable to any (100) wafers of tetrahedral cubic semiconductors in the diamond structure (Si, Ge, C) and cubic zinc-blend structure (InP, InGaAs, CdTe, ZnSe, and so on) with various growth methods such as Liquid Encapsulated Czochralski (LEC) growth, Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE), Organometallic Vapor Phase Epitaxy (OMVPE), Czochralski growth and Metal Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD) growth.
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Bandhu, A.; Sutradhar, S.; Mukherjee, S.
Highlights: • Maghemite nanoparticles were prepared by a modified co-precipitation method. • Nanoparticles were then successfully coated with pepsin for bio-functionlization. • XRD and Mössbauer spectra confirmed the maghemite phase of the nanoparticles. • Magnetic data were analysed to evaluate particle size, anisotropy etc. - Abstract: Maghemite nanoparticles (γ-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}) are prepared by co-precipitation method. To obtain bio-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles for magnetically controlled drug delivery, the prepared nanoparticles are successfully coated with pepsin, a bio-compatible polymer and digestive enzyme. Crystallographic phase of the nanoparticles is confirmed by X-ray diffractograms (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and {sup 57}Femore » Mössbauer spectrometry. The average size of nanoparticles/nanocrystallites is estimated from the (3 1 1) peak of the XRD pattern using Debye–Scherrer formula. Results of HRTEM of coated and bare samples are in good agreement with those extracted from the XRD analysis. The dynamic magnetic properties are observed and different quantities viz., coercive field, magnetization, remanence, hysteresis losses etc., are estimated, which confirmed the presence of superparamagnetic relaxation of nanoparticles. Mössbauer spectra of the samples recorded at both 300 and 77 K, confirmed that the majority of particles are maghemite together with a very small fraction of magnetite nanoparticles.« less
Zhang, Ping; Wang, Tianqi; Zhang, Longlong; Wu, Daishe; Frost, Ray L
2015-12-05
Hydrocalumite (CaAl-LDH-Cl) interacted with a natural anionic surfactant, sodium hexadecyl sulfate (SHS), was performed using an intercalation method. To understand the intercalation behavior and characterize the resulting products, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scan electron microscopy (SEM) and mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy combined with near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy technique were used. The XRD analysis indicated that SHS was intercalated into CaAl-LDH-Cl successfully, resulting in an expansion of the interlayer (from 0.78 nm to 2.74 nm). The bands of C-H stretching vibrations of SHS were observed in the near-infrared spectra, which indicated that the resulting products were indeed CaAl-LDH-SHS. In addition, the bands of water stretching vibrations and OH groups shifted to higher wavenumbers when SHS was intercalated into CaAl-LDH-Cl interlayer space. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
XRD and EBSD analysis of anisotropic microstructure development in cold rolled F138 stainless steel
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
De Vincentis, N.S., E-mail: devincentis@ifir-conic
The microstructural characteristics of deformation-processed materials highly influence their mechanical properties. For a complete characterization of a microstructure both local and global information must be gathered, which requires the combination of different analysis techniques. X-ray and Electron Backscatter Diffraction were used in the present paper to characterize the deformation induced in a cold rolled F138 austenitic stainless steel sample. The results obtained using laboratory and synchrotron X-ray sources were compared and combined with EBSD quantitative results, allowing the global and local characterization and orientation dependence of the deformation microstructure. A particular behavior was observed in the XRD data corresponding tomore » the planes with < 220 >∥ ND, likely due to a smaller amount of defects accumulated in the crystals with that particular orientation. EBSD was used to separate the scans data into partitions and to calculate misorientation variables and parameters, showing that this behavior can be attributed to a combination of larger grain sizes, lower local boundary misorientations and dislocation densities for crystals having < 220 >∥ ND. Several conclusions, of general validity for the evaluation of microstructure anisotropy, can be extracted from the results. - Highlights: •Combined XRD and EBSD for studying microstructure gave a superb insight on anisotropic accumulation of defects. •W-H and CMWP methods were applied for checking consistency of results. •XRD showed that a smaller accumulation of defects occurred in crystals with < 220 >∥ ND. •High brilliance X-ray beam allowed to study the anisotropy of defect accumulation.« less
In-situ XRD and EDS method study on the oxidation behaviour of Ni-Cu sulphide ore.
Li, Guangshi; Cheng, Hongwei; Xiong, Xiaolu; Lu, Xionggang; Xu, Cong; Lu, Changyuan; Zou, Xingli; Xu, Qian
2017-06-12
The oxidation mechanism of sulfides is the key issue during the sulphide-metallurgy process. In this study, the phase transformation and element migration were clearly demonstrated by in-situ laboratory-based X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), respectively. The reaction sequence and a four-step oxidation mechanism were proposed and identified. The elemental distribution demonstrated that at a low temperature, the Fe atoms diffused outward and the Ni/Cu atoms migrated toward the inner core, whereas the opposite diffusion processes were observed at a higher temperature. Importantly, the unique visual presentation of the oxidation behaviour provided by the combination of in-situ XRD and EDS might be useful for optimising the process parameters to improve the Ni/Cu extraction efficiency during Ni-Cu sulphide metallurgy.
Umesh P. Agarwal; Sally A. Ralph; Carlos Baez; Richard S. Reiner; Steve P. Verrill
2017-01-01
Although X-ray diffraction (XRD) has been the most widely used technique to investigate crystallinity index (CrI) and crystallite size (L200) of cellulose materials, there are not many studies that have taken into account the role of sample moisture on these measurements. The present investigation focuses on a variety of celluloses and cellulose...
A female Viking warrior confirmed by genomics.
Hedenstierna-Jonson, Charlotte; Kjellström, Anna; Zachrisson, Torun; Krzewińska, Maja; Sobrado, Veronica; Price, Neil; Günther, Torsten; Jakobsson, Mattias; Götherström, Anders; Storå, Jan
2017-12-01
The objective of this study has been to confirm the sex and the affinity of an individual buried in a well-furnished warrior grave (Bj 581) in the Viking Age town of Birka, Sweden. Previously, based on the material and historical records, the male sex has been associated with the gender of the warrior and such was the case with Bj 581. An earlier osteological classification of the individual as female was considered controversial in a historical and archaeological context. A genomic confirmation of the biological sex of the individual was considered necessary to solve the issue. Genome-wide sequence data was generated in order to confirm the biological sex, to support skeletal integrity, and to investigate the genetic relationship of the individual to ancient individuals as well as modern-day groups. Additionally, a strontium isotope analysis was conducted to highlight the mobility of the individual. The genomic results revealed the lack of a Y-chromosome and thus a female biological sex, and the mtDNA analyses support a single-individual origin of sampled elements. The genetic affinity is close to present-day North Europeans, and within Sweden to the southern and south-central region. Nevertheless, the Sr values are not conclusive as to whether she was of local or nonlocal origin. The identification of a female Viking warrior provides a unique insight into the Viking society, social constructions, and exceptions to the norm in the Viking time-period. The results call for caution against generalizations regarding social orders in past societies. © 2017 The Authors American Journal of Physical Anthropology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Zhang, Jiafu; Wang, Yixun; Zhang, Liye; Zhang, Ruihong; Liu, Guangqing; Cheng, Gang
2014-01-01
X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to understand the interactions of cellulose in lignocellulosic biomass with ionic liquids (ILs). The experiment was designed in such a way that the process of swelling and solubilization of crystalline cellulose in plant cell walls was followed by XRD. Three different feedstocks, switchgrass, corn stover and rice husk, were pretreated using 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ([C4mim][OAc]) at temperatures of 50-130°C for 6h. At a 5 wt.% biomass loading, increasing pretreatment temperature led to a drop in biomass crystallinity index (CrI), which was due to swelling of crystalline cellulose. After most of the crystalline cellulose was swollen with IL molecules, a low-order structure was found in the pretreated samples. Upon further increasing temperature, cellulose II structure started to form in the pretreated biomass samples as a result of solubilization of cellulose in [C4mim][OAc] and subsequent regeneration. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Powder-XRD and (14) N magic angle-spinning solid-state NMR spectroscopy of some metal nitrides.
Kempgens, Pierre; Britton, Jonathan
2016-05-01
Some metal nitrides (TiN, ZrN, InN, GaN, Ca3 N2 , Mg3 N2 , and Ge3 N4 ) have been studied by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and (14) N magic angle-spinning (MAS) solid-state NMR spectroscopy. For Ca3 N2 , Mg3 N2 , and Ge3 N4 , no (14) N NMR signal was observed. Low speed (νr = 2 kHz for TiN, ZrN, and GaN; νr = 1 kHz for InN) and 'high speed' (νr = 15 kHz for TiN; νr = 5 kHz for ZrN; νr = 10 kHz for InN and GaN) MAS NMR experiments were performed. For TiN, ZrN, InN, and GaN, powder-XRD was used to identify the phases present in each sample. The number of peaks observed for each sample in their (14) N MAS solid-state NMR spectrum matches perfectly well with the number of nitrogen-containing phases identified by powder-XRD. The (14) N MAS solid-state NMR spectra are symmetric and dominated by the quadrupolar interaction. The envelopes of the spinning sidebands manifold are Lorentzian, and it is concluded that there is a distribution of the quadrupolar coupling constants Qcc 's arising from structural defects in the compounds studied. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chevance, Aurélie; Schuster, Tibor; Steele, Russell; Ternès, Nils; Platt, Robert W
2015-10-01
Robustness of an existing meta-analysis can justify decisions on whether to conduct an additional study addressing the same research question. We illustrate the graphical assessment of the potential impact of an additional study on an existing meta-analysis using published data on statin use and the risk of acute kidney injury. A previously proposed graphical augmentation approach is used to assess the sensitivity of the current test and heterogeneity statistics extracted from existing meta-analysis data. In addition, we extended the graphical augmentation approach to assess potential changes in the pooled effect estimate after updating a current meta-analysis and applied the three graphical contour definitions to data from meta-analyses on statin use and acute kidney injury risk. In the considered example data, the pooled effect estimates and heterogeneity indices demonstrated to be considerably robust to the addition of a future study. Supportingly, for some previously inconclusive meta-analyses, a study update might yield statistically significant kidney injury risk increase associated with higher statin exposure. The illustrated contour approach should become a standard tool for the assessment of the robustness of meta-analyses. It can guide decisions on whether to conduct additional studies addressing a relevant research question. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Exploration of geo-mineral compounds in granite mining soils using XRD pattern data analysis
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Koteswara Reddy, G.; Yarakkula, Kiran
2017-11-01
The purpose of the study was to investigate the major minerals present in granite mining waste and agricultural soils near and away from mining areas. The mineral exploration of representative sub-soil samples are identified by X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD) pattern data analysis. The morphological features and quantitative elementary analysis was performed by Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersed Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS).The XRD pattern data revealed that the major minerals are identified as Quartz, Albite, Anorthite, K-Feldspars, Muscovite, Annite, Lepidolite, Illite, Enstatite and Ferrosilite in granite waste. However, in case of agricultural farm soils the major minerals are identified as Gypsum, Calcite, Magnetite, Hematite, Muscovite, K-Feldspars and Quartz. Moreover, the agricultural soils neighbouring mining areas, the minerals are found that, the enriched Mica group minerals (Lepidolite and Illite) the enriched Orthopyroxene group minerals (Ferrosilite and Enstatite). It is observed that the Mica and Orthopyroxene group minerals are present in agricultural farm soils neighbouring mining areas and absent in agricultural farm soils away from mining areas. The study demonstrated that the chemical migration takes place at agricultural farm lands in the vicinity of the granite mining areas.
Habibi, Mohammad Hossein; Mardani, Maryam
2015-02-25
Binary zinc tin oxide nano-composite was synthesized by a facile sol-gel method using simple precursors from the solutions consisting of zinc acetate, tin(IV) chloride and ethanol. Effect of annealing temperature on optical and structural properties was investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). XRD results revealed the existence of the ZnO and SnO2 phases. FESEM results showed that binary zinc tin oxide nano-composites ranges from 56 to 60 nm in diameter at 400°C and 500°C annealing temperatures respectively. The optical band gap was increased from 2.72 eV to 3.11 eV with the increasing of the annealing temperature. FTIR results confirmed the presence of zinc oxide and tin oxide and the broad absorption peaks at 3426 and 1602 cm(-1) can be ascribed to the vibration of absorptive water, and the absorption peaks at 546, 1038 and 1410 cm(-1) are due to the vibration of Zn-O or Sn-O groups in binary zinc tin oxide. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Synthesis and characterization of nano-hydroxyapatite using Sapindus Mukorossi extract
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Subha, B.; Prasath, P. Varun; Abinaya, R.; Kavitha, R. J.; Ravichandran, K.
2015-06-01
Nano-Hydroxyapatite (HAP) powders were successfully synthesised by hydrothermal method using Sapindus Mukorossi extract as an additive. The structural and morphological analyses of thus synthesised powders were carried out using FT-IR, XRD and FESEM/EDX. The FT-IR spectra confirm the presence of phosphate and hydroxyl groups corresponding to HAP. The XRD analysis reveals the formation of HAP phase and found to reduce the crystallite size with addition of Sapindus Mukorossi extract. The morphology changes from sphere to flake shape by the influence of extract.
Sulzbacher, Marcelo A; Grebenc, Tine; García, Miguel Á; Silva, Bianca D; Silveira, Andressa; Antoniolli, Zaida I; Marinho, Paulo; Münzenberger, Babette; Telleria, M Teresa; Baseia, Iuri G; Martín, María P
2016-07-01
The genus Rhizopogon includes species with hypogeous or subepigeus habit, forming ectomycorrhizae with naturally occurring or planted pines (Pinaceae). Species of the genus Rhizopogon can be distinguished easily from the other hypogeous basidiomycetes by their lacunose gleba without columella and their smooth elliptical spores; however, the limit between species is not always easy to establish. Rhizopogon luteolus, the type species of the genus, has been considered one of the species that are more abundant in Europe, as well as it has been cited in pine plantation of North and South America, different parts of Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. However, in this study, based on molecular analyses of the ITS nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) sequences (19 new sequences; 37 sequences from GenBank/UNITE, including those from type specimens), we prove that many GenBank sequences under R. luteolus were misidentified and correspond to Rhizopogon verii, a species described from Tunisia. Also, we confirm that basidiomes and ectomycorrhizae recently collected in Germany under Pinus sylvestris, as well as specimens from South of Brazil under Pinus taeda belong to R. verii. Thanks to the numerous ectomycorrhizal tips collected in Germany, a complete description of R. verii/P. sylvestris ectomycorrhiza is provided. Moreover, since in this paper the presence of R. verii in South America is here reported for the first time, a short description of basidiomes collected in Brazil, compared with collections located in different European herbaria, is included.
Zbik, Marek S; Frost, Ray L
2010-06-15
The structure-building phenomena within clay aggregates are governed by forces acting between clay particles. Measurements of such forces are important to understand in order to manipulate the aggregate structure for applications such as dewatering of mineral processing tailings. A parallel particle orientation is required when conducting XRD investigation on the oriented samples and conduct force measurements acting between basal planes of clay mineral platelets using atomic force microscopy (AFM). To investigate how smectite clay platelets were oriented on silicon wafer substrate when dried from suspension range of methods like SEM, XRD and AFM were employed. From these investigations, we conclude that high clay concentrations and larger particle diameters (up to 5 microm) in suspension result in random orientation of platelets in the substrate. The best possible laminar orientation in the clay dry film, represented in the XRD 001/020 intensity ratio of 47 was obtained by drying thin layers from 0.02 wt.% clay suspensions of the natural pH. Conducted AFM investigations show that smectite studied in water based electrolytes show very long-range repulsive forces lower in strength than electrostatic forces from double-layer repulsion. It was suggested that these forces may have structural nature. Smectite surface layers rehydrate in water environment forms surface gel with spongy and cellular texture which cushion approaching AFM probe. This structural effect can be measured in distances larger than 1000 nm from substrate surface and when probe penetrate this gel layer, structural linkages are forming between substrate and clay covered probe. These linkages prevent subsequently smooth detachments of AFM probe on way back when retrieval. This effect of tearing new formed structure apart involves larger adhesion-like forces measured in retrieval. It is also suggested that these effect may be enhanced by the nano-clay particles interaction. 2010 Elsevier Inc. All
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kuri, G.; Degueldre, C.; Bertsch, J.; Döbeli, M.
2010-06-01
The crystal structure and local atom arrangements surrounding Zr atoms were determined for a helium implanted cubic stabilized zirconia (CSZ) using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy, respectively, measured at glancing angles. The implanted specimen was prepared at a helium fluence of 2 × 10 16 cm -2 using He + beams at two energies (2.54 and 2.74 MeV) passing through a 8.0 μm Al absorber foil. XRD results identified the formation of a new rhombohedral phase in the helium embedded layer, attributed to internal stress as a result of expansion of the CSZ-lattice. Zr K-edge EXAFS data suggested loss of crystallinity in the implanted lattice and disorder of the Zr atoms environment. EXAFS Fourier transforms analysis showed that the average first-shell radius of the Zr sbnd O pair in the implanted sample was slightly larger than that of the CSZ standard. Common general disorder features were explained by rhombohedral type short-range ordered clusters. The average structural parameters estimated from the EXAFS data of unimplanted and implanted CSZ are compared and discussed. Potential of EXAFS as a local probe of atomic-scale structural modifications induced by helium implantation in CSZ is demonstrated.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Andrade, Fábio Ramos Dias de; Polo, Liza Angélica; Janasi, Valdecir de Assis; Carvalho, Flávio Machado de Souza
2018-04-01
Acidic rocks are a significant component of the Cretaceous Paraná Magmatic Province, occurring in different stratigraphic positions, and often forming deposits of complex and as yet poorly defined architecture. Vitrophyric varieties are surprisingly abundant for a volcanic sequence of this age, and are composed of predominant glass plus plagioclase (labradorite-andesine), pyroxenes (augite ± pigeonite and orthopyroxene), Ti-rich magnetite, and traces of apatite. Hypocrystalline rocks, largely derived from devitrification, additionally contain sanidine, cristobalite, and quartz. The negative correlation between the abundance of these minerals and the amount of glass suggests that these latter phases formed by devitrification. Modal analysis using a combined XRD Rietveld-RIR method detected glass contents between 0 and 85 wt% % in a set of representative samples of Palmas-type acidic rocks from southern Brazil with dacite to rhyolite composition. Modal compositions determined by XRD and by scanning electron microscope are in good agreement with each other, and were checked against whole-rock XRF chemical data. Water contents up to 4 wt% show a positive linear correlation with the amount of glass, and are inferred to be mostly secondary, as original (pre-eruptive) H2O dissolved in melts is inferred to have been < 1.5 wt% in all rocks. Glass is the only water bearing phase in the studied samples, which lack low temperature hydrated phases. Water loss during devitrification appears to have occurred along fractures, and was accompanied by Na loss and, in some samples, also Ca, Rb and Sr loss. The rapid and inexpensive method of modal analyses of glassy rocks developed here may be a useful tool for mapping acidic volcanic rocks in southern Paraná Magmatic Province, and also to identify the architecture of these deposits.
Sonoda, Yoriko; Goto, Midori; Ichimura, Kunihiro
2018-03-14
Higher order derivative spectra were applied at first to one-way ZEZ-to-EEE photoisomerisation of dimethyl ester (ZEZ-DPH1) of the titled compound in a methylcyclohexane solution. Many common crossing points emerged in UV-induced derivative-spectral changes to reveal the direct ZEZ-to-EEE photoisomerisation without the transient formation of an intermediate to suggest the bicycle-pedal mechanism. The solid-state photoisomerisation was subsequently monitored by tracing changes in the fourth-order derivatives of absorption spectra of a thin crystalline layer of ZEZ-DPH1 prepared by the drop-casting method, because the distortion of absorption spectra due to light scattering is cancelled. It was suggested that the solid-state photochemical event consists of three steps: fast ZEZ-to-EEE photoisomerisation, a subsequent slow ZEZ-to-EEE photoisomerisation and very slow disappearance of the EEE-isomer. Studies on powder XRD were also carried out for a drop-cast solid layer of ZEZ-DPH1 to disclose the coexistence of a crystal form other than the original one, and the former exhibited faster ZEZ-to-EEE photoisomerisation when compared with the original crystal form. The results revealed by XRD analysis are in line with those obtained by higher-order derivative spectra, confirming the solid-state one-way photoisomerisation to take place through the bicycle-pedal process.
Reduction of mixed Mn-Zr oxides: in situ XPS and XRD studies.
Bulavchenko, O A; Vinokurov, Z S; Afonasenko, T N; Tsyrul'nikov, P G; Tsybulya, S V; Saraev, A A; Kaichev, V V
2015-09-21
A series of mixed Mn-Zr oxides with different molar ratios Mn/Zr (0.1-9) have been prepared by coprecipitation of manganese and zirconium nitrates and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and BET methods. It has been found that at concentrations of Mn below 30 at%, the samples are single-phase solid solutions (MnxZr1-xO2-δ) based on a ZrO2 structure. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements showed that manganese in these solutions exists mainly in the Mn(4+) state on the surface. An increase in Mn content mostly leads to an increase in the number of Mn cations in the structure of solid solutions; however, a part of the manganese cations form Mn2O3 and Mn3O4 in the crystalline and amorphous states. The reduction of these oxides with hydrogen was studied by a temperature-programmed reduction technique, in situ XRD, and near ambient pressure XPS in the temperature range from 100 to 650 °C. It was shown that the reduction of the solid solutions MnxZr1-xO2-δ proceeds via two stages. During the first stage, at temperatures between 100 and 500 °C, the Mn cations incorporated into the solid solutions MnxZr1-xO2-δ undergo partial reduction. During the second stage, at temperatures between 500 and 700 °C, Mn cations segregate on the surface of the solid solution. In the samples with more than 30 at% Mn, the reduction of manganese oxides was observed: Mn2O3 → Mn3O4 → MnO.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Gonzalez, Victor; Calligaro, Thomas; Pichon, Laurent; Wallez, Gilles; Mottin, Bruno
2015-11-01
This work focuses on the composition and microstructure of the lead white pigment employed in a set of paintworks, using a combination of µ-XRD and 2D scanning XRF, directly applied on five drapery studies attributed to Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) and conserved in the Département des Arts Graphiques, Musée du Louvre and in the Musée des Beaux- Arts de Rennes. Trace elements present in the composition as well as in the lead white highlights were imaged by 2D scanning XRF. Mineral phases were determined in a fully noninvasive way using a special µ-XRD diffractometer. Phase proportions were estimated by Rietveld refinement. The analytical results obtained will contribute to differentiate lead white qualities and to highlight the artist's technique.
Andrews, John T.; Eberl, D.D.; Kristjansdottir, G.B.
2006-01-01
Tephras, mainly from Iceland, are becoming increasingly important in interpreting leads and lags in the Holocene climate system across NW Europe. Here we demonstrate that Quantitative Phase Analysis of x-ray diffractograms of the 150 um fraction and identify these same peaks in XRD scans - two of these correlate geochemically and chronologically with Hekla 1104 and 3. At a distal site to the WNW of Iceland, on the East Greenland margin (core MD99-2317), the weight% of volcanic glass reaches values of 11% at about the time of the Saksunarvatn tephra. The XRD method identifies the presence of volcanic glass but not its elemental composition; hence it will assist in focusing attention on specific sections of sediment cores for subsequent geochemical fingerprinting of tephras. ?? 2006 SAGE Publications.
Zhang, Zhi-dan; Li, Qiao; Luo, Xiang-li; Jiang, Hai-chao; Zheng, Qing-fu; Zhao, Lan-po; Wang, Ji-hong
2014-08-01
The present paper took the typical saline-alkali soil in Jilin province as study object, and determinated the soil clay mineral composition characteristics of soil in paddy field and dry land. Then XRD spectrum was used to analyze the evolutionary mechanism of clay mineral in the two kinds of soil. The results showed that the physical and chemical properties of soil in paddy field were better than those in dry land, and paddy field would promote the weathering of mineral particles in saline-alkali soil and enhance the silt content. Paddy field soil showed a strong potassium-removal process, with a higher degree of clay mineral hydration and lower degree of illite crystallinity. Analysis of XRD spectrum showed that the clay mineral composition was similar in two kinds of soil, while the intensity and position of diffraction peak showed difference. The evolution process of clay mineral in dry land was S/I mixture-->vermiculite, while in paddy field it was S/I mixture-->vermiculite-->kaolinite. One kind of hydroxylated 'chlorite' mineral would appear in saline-alkali soil in long-term cultivated paddy field. Taking into account that the physical and chemical properties of soil in paddy field were better then those in dry land, we could know that paddy field could help much improve soil structure, cultivate high-fertility soil and improve saline-alkali soil. This paper used XRD spectrum to determine the characteristics of clay minerals comprehensively, and analyzed two'kinds of land use comparatively, and was a new perspective of soil minerals study.
Chidan Kumar, C S; Fun, Hoong Kun; Tursun, Mahir; Ooi, Chin Wei; Chandraju, Siddegowda; Quah, Ching Kheng; Parlak, Cemal
2014-04-24
2-(4-Chlorophenyl)-2-oxoethyl 2-chlorobenzoate has been synthesized, its structural and vibrational properties have been reported using FT-IR and single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. The conformational analysis, optimized geometric parameters, normal mode frequencies and corresponding vibrational assignments of the synthesized compound (C15H10Cl2O3) have been examined by means of Becke-3-Lee-Yang-Parr (B3LYP) density functional theory (DFT) method together with 6-31++G(d,p) basis set. Furthermore, reliable conformational investigation and vibrational assignments have been made by the potential energy surface (PES) and potential energy distribution (PED) analyses, respectively. Calculations are performed with two possible conformations. The title compound crystallizes in orthorhombic space group Pbca with the unit cell dimensions a=12.312(5) Å, b=8.103(3) Å, c=27.565(11) Å, V=2750.0(19) Å(3). B3LYP method provides satisfactory evidence for the prediction of vibrational wavenumbers and structural parameters. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Covaci, D.; Costea, C.; Dumitras, D.; Duliu, O. G.
2012-04-01
Ornamental limestone and marble samples were collected and analysed by means of Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), in order to evidence any systematic peculiarities able to be used in further provenance studies as well as to get more detailed information regarding geochemistry and mineralogy of three of the most important deposits from Romania. In this respect, 20 samples of limestone (Arnota quarry, Capatani Mountains and Mateias South quarry, Iezer Mountains) and 9 of calci-dolomitic marble (Porumbacu de Sus quarry, Fagaras Mountains) were collected over a significant sampling area. EPR spectroscopy, primarily used to asset the degree of homogeneity of considered samples, evidenced, for both Arnota and Mateias South limestone, the presence of a typical six hyperfine lines spectrum of Mn2+ ions in calcite but no traces of Fe ferromagnetic clusters. A more careful investigation has showed that although within the same quarry, there were no significant differences regarding EPR spectra, the resonance lines were systematic narrower in the case of Mateias South samples which suggested a lower content of divalent manganese ions. The Porumbacu calci-dolomitic marble, presented a more intricate Mn2+ spectrum, consisting of a superposition of typical dolomitic and calcitic spectra. Again, the EPR spectra were almost identical, attesting, as in the previous cases, a relative uniform distribution of paramagnetic Mn2+ ions within quarry. In the case of SEM, scattered, back scattered and absorbed electron modes were used to visualise the mineral formations on the sample surfaces while an EDAX quantitative analysis was used to determine the content of the most abundant elements. Although, at a first inspection, both groups of limestone looked almost similar, displaying a great variety of randomly orientated micro-crystalline agglomeration, only in the case of Arnota samples, we have noticed the presence of
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
McAdam, A. C.; Franz, H. B.; Mahaffy, P. R.; Eigenbrode, J. L.; Stern, J. C.; Brunner, B.; Sutter, B.; Archer, P. D.; Ming , D. W.; Morris, R. V.;
2014-01-01
While in Yellowknife Bay, the Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover collected two drilled samples, John Klein (hereafter "JK") and Cumberland ("CB"), from the Sheepbed mudstone, as well as a scooped sample from the Rocknest aeolian bedform ("RN"). These samples were sieved by Curiosity's sample processing system and then several subsamples of these materials were delivered to the Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument suite and the CheMin X-ray diffraction/X-ray fluorescence instrument. CheMin provided the first in situ X-ray diffraction-based evidence of clay minerals on Mars, which are likely trioctahedral smectites (e.g., Fe-saponite) and comprise 20 wt% of the mudstone samples [1]. SAM's evolved gas analysis (EGA) mass spectrometry analyses of JK and CB subsamples, as well as RN subsamples, detected H2O, CO2, O2, H2, SO2, H2S, HCl, NO, OCS, CS2 and other trace gases evolved during pyrolysis. The identity of evolved gases and temperature( s) of evolution can augment mineral detection by CheMin and place constraints on trace volatile-bearing phases present below the CheMin detection limit or those phases difficult to characterize with XRD (e.g., X-ray amorphous phases). Here we will focus on the SAM H2O data, in the context of CheMin analyses, and comparisons to laboratory SAM-like analyses of several phyllosilicate minerals including smectites.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Burton, S.; Berger, E. L.; Locke, D. R.; Lewis, E. K.
2018-01-01
Amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, have been found to be indigenous in the eight carbonaceous chondrite groups. The abundances, structural, enantiomeric and isotopic compositions of amino acids differ significantly among meteorites of different groups and petrologic types. These results suggest parent-body conditions (thermal or aqueous alteration), mineralogy, and the preservation of amino acids are linked. Previously, elucidating specific relationships between amino acids and mineralogy was not possible because the samples analyzed for amino acids were much larger than the scale at which petrologic heterogeneity is observed (sub mm-scale differences corresponding to sub-mg samples); for example, Pizzarello and coworkers measured amino acid abundances and performed X-ray diffraction (XRD) on several samples of the Murchison meteorite, but these analyses were performed on bulk samples that were 500 mg or larger. Advances in the sensitivity of amino acid measurements by liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-FD/TOF-MS), and application of techniques such as high resolution X-ray diffraction (HR-XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) for mineralogical characterizations have now enabled coordinated analyses on the scale at which mineral heterogeneity is observed. In this work, we have analyzed samples of the Lonewolf Nunataks (LON) 94101 CM2 carbonaceous chondrite. We are investigating the link(s) between parent body processes, mineralogical context, and amino acid compositions in meteorites on bulk samples (approx. 20mg) and mineral separates (< or = 3mg) from several of spatial locations within our allocated samples. Preliminary results of these analyses are presented here.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
In late February, two separate observations confirmed the 1978 discovery by U.S. Naval Observatory scientist James W. Christy of a moon orbiting the planet Pluto. According to the U.S. Naval Observatory, these two observations were needed before the International Astronomical Society (IAS) would officially recognize the discovery.Two types of observations of the moon, which was named Charon after the ferryman in Greek mythology who carried the dead to Pluto's realm, were needed for confirmation: a transit, in which the moon passes in front of Pluto, and an occultation, in which the moon passes behind the planet. These two phenomena occur only during an 8-year period every 124 years that had been calculated to take place during 1984-1985. Both events were observed in late February.
Williams, Paige; Kern, Margaret L.; Waters, Lea
2016-01-01
Employee psychological capital (PsyCap), perceptions of organizational virtue (OV), and work happiness have been shown to be associated within and over time. This study examines selective exposure and confirmation bias as potential processes underlying PsyCap, OV, and work happiness associations. As part of a quasi-experimental study design, school staff (N = 69) completed surveys at three time points. After the first assessment, some staff (n = 51) completed a positive psychology training intervention. Results of descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analyses on the intervention group provide some support for selective exposure and confirmation bias as explanatory mechanisms. In focusing on the processes through which employee attitudes may influence work happiness this study advances theoretical understanding, specifically of selective exposure and confirmation bias in a field study context. PMID:27378978
Williams, Paige; Kern, Margaret L; Waters, Lea
2016-01-01
Employee psychological capital (PsyCap), perceptions of organizational virtue (OV), and work happiness have been shown to be associated within and over time. This study examines selective exposure and confirmation bias as potential processes underlying PsyCap, OV, and work happiness associations. As part of a quasi-experimental study design, school staff (N = 69) completed surveys at three time points. After the first assessment, some staff (n = 51) completed a positive psychology training intervention. Results of descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analyses on the intervention group provide some support for selective exposure and confirmation bias as explanatory mechanisms. In focusing on the processes through which employee attitudes may influence work happiness this study advances theoretical understanding, specifically of selective exposure and confirmation bias in a field study context.
Mössbauer, TEM/SAED and XRD investigation on waste dumps of the Valea lui Stan gold mines
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Constantinescu, Serban Grigore; Udubasa, Sorin S.; Udubasa, Gheorghe; Kuncser, Victor; Popescu-Pogrion, Nicoleta; Mercioniu, Ionel; Feder, Marcel
2012-03-01
The complementary investigation techniques, Mössbauer spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy with selected area electron diffraction (TEM/SAED), X-ray diffraction (XRD) have been used to investigate the fate of the Valea lui Stan, Romania, gold-ore nanoscale-minerals during the long time of residence in the waste dumps. The preliminary investigations showed such waste dumps to contain significant amount of metals which cannot be identified by conventional methods. An intense research activity started up in order to evaluate the possibilities to recycle Valea lui Stan waste dumps and to recover metals by chemical or phytoextraction procedures. The waste dumps naturally show different mineral constituents with clay minerals as major phases, observed by XRD-technique. Although the waste dumps materials have whitish-yellowish colours, MÖSSBAUER technique evidences the presence of the finely dispersed iron bearing minerals. The authors are focusing to inspect and analyze Fe-compounds in the samples collected from Valea lui Stan's waste dumps in order to identify the magnetic phases by Mössbauer technique.
Characterization using XRD of puzzolanic materials from residual sludge from water treatment
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Barón, G.; Montaño, A. M.; González, C. P.
2017-12-01
The goal of this work is to do mechanical and chemical characterization of puzzolanic materials using compressive strength measurements and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). These materials are composed of red clay and aluminous sludge produced by the treatment of potable water at Planta Algodonal, Ocaña, Norte de Santander, Colombia. Ceramic bricks were sintered to 1100°C and ten were characterized in their physically, mechanically and chemically properties. The results showed that the relationships with which the Colombian standards according to NTC 4017 (100KGF/cm2) for non-structural bricks are maintained for those containing 10% (105Kgf/cm2) and 20% (102.9Kgf/cm2) of sludge with respect to clay.
Ansari, T M; Marr, I L; Coats, A M
2001-02-01
This study was carried out to characterise the mineralogical forms of barium and the trace heavy metal impurities in commercial barytes of different origins using electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Qualitative EPMA results show the presence of typically eight different minerals in commercial barytes including barite (BaSO4), barium feldspar, galena (PbS), pyrite (FeS2), sphalerite (ZnS), quartz (SiO2), and silicates, etc. Quantitative EPMA confirms that the barite crystals in the barytes contain some strontium and a little calcium, whereas trace heavy metals occur in the associated minerals. Analysis of aqua regia extracts of barytes samples by ICP-MS has shown the presence of a large number of elements in the associated minerals. Arsenic, copper and zinc concentrations correlate closely in all 10 samples. The findings suggest that barytes is not, as traditionally thought, an inert mineral, but is a potentially toxic substance due to its associated heavy metal impurities, which can be determined by an aqua regia digest without the need for complete dissolution of the barite itself. X-ray powder diffraction was not informative as the complex barite pattern masks the very weak lines from the small amounts of associated minerals.
Cherepanova, Svetlana; Markovskaya, Dina; Kozlova, Ekaterina
2017-06-01
The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of a deleterious phase in the photocatalyst based on Cd 1 - x Zn x S/Zn(OH) 2 contains two relatively intense asymmetric peaks with d-spacings of 2.72 and 1.56 Å. Very small diffraction peaks with interplanar distances of (d) ≃ 8.01, 5.40, 4.09, 3.15, 2.49 and 1.35 Å are characteristic of this phase but not always observed. To identify this phase, the XRD patterns for sheet-like hydroxide β-Zn(OH) 2 and sheet-like hydrozincite Zn 5 (CO 3 ) 2 (OH) 6 as well as for turbostratic hydrozincite were simulated. It is shown that the XRD pattern calculated on the basis of the last model gives the best correspondence with experimental data. Distances between layers in the turbostratically disordered hydrozincite fluctuate around d ≃ 8.01 Å. This average layer-to-layer distance is significantly higher than the interlayer distance 6.77 Å in the ordered Zn 5 (CO 3 ) 2 (OH) 6 probably due to a deficiency of CO 3 2- anions, excess OH - and the presence of water molecules in the interlayers. It is shown by variable-temperature XRD and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) that the nanocrystalline turbostratic nonstoichiometric hydrozincite-like phase is quite thermostable. It decomposes into ZnO in air above 473 K.
Hafizovic, Jasmina; Bjørgen, Morten; Olsbye, Unni; Dietzel, Pascal D C; Bordiga, Silvia; Prestipino, Carmelo; Lamberti, Carlo; Lillerud, Karl Petter
2007-03-28
MOF-5 is the archetype metal-organic framework and has been subjected to numerous studies the past few years. The focal point of this report is the pitfalls related to the MOF-5 phase identification based on powder XRD data. A broad set of conditions and procedures have been reported for MOF-5 synthesis. These variations have led to materials with substantially different adsorption properties (specific surface areas in the range 700 to 3400 m(2)/g). The relatively low weight loss observed for some as synthesized samples upon solvent removal is also indicative of a low pore volume. Regrettably, these materials have all been described as MOF-5 without any further comments. Furthermore, the reported powder XRD patterns hint at structural differences: The variations in surface area are accompanied by peak splitting phenomena and rather pronounced changes in the relative peak intensities in the powder XRD patterns. In this work, we use single-crystal XRD to investigate structural differences between low and high surface area MOF-5. The low surface area MOF-5 sample had two different classes of crystals. For the dominant phase, Zn(OH)2 species partly occupied the cavities. The presence of Zn species makes the hosting cavity and possibly also adjacent cavities inaccessible and thus efficiently reduces the pore volume of the material. Furthermore, the minor phase consisted of doubly interpenetrated MOF-5 networks, which lowers the adsorption capacity. The presence of Zn species and lattice interpenetration changes the symmetry from cubic to trigonal and explains the peak splitting observed in the powder XRD patterns. Pore-filling effects from the Zn species (and partly the solvent molecules) are also responsible for the pronounced variations in powder XRD peak intensities. This latter conclusion is particularly useful for predicting the adsorption properties of a MOF-5-type material from powder XRD.
Michael Griffin Senate Confirmation Hearing
2005-04-12
Dr. Michael Griffin testifies, Tuesday, April 12, 2005, during his confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington. If confirmed, Griffin, who currently heads the space department at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory will become NASA's 11th administrator. Photo Credit (NASA/Renee Bouchard)
Michael Griffin Senate Confirmation Hearing
2005-04-11
Dr. Michael Griffin testifies, Tuesday, April 12, 2005, during his confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington. If confirmed, Griffin, who currently heads the space department at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory will become NASA's 11th administrator. Photo Credit (NASA/Renee Bouchard)
Pathological Confirmation of Optic Neuropathy in Familial Dysautonomia.
Mendoza-Santiesteban, Carlos E; Palma, Jose-Alberto; Hedges, Thomas R; Laver, Nora V; Farhat, Nada; Norcliffe-Kaufmann, Lucy; Kaufmann, Horacio
2017-03-01
Clinical data suggest that optic neuropathy and retinal ganglion cell loss are the main cause of visual decline in patients with familial dysautonomia, but this has not previously been confirmed by pathological analyses. We studied retinas and optic nerves in 6 eyes from 3 affected patients obtained at autopsy. Analyses included routine neurohistology and immunohistochemistry for neurofilaments, cytochrome c oxidase (COX), and melanopsin-containing ganglion cells. We observed profound axon loss in the temporal portions of optic nerves with relative preservation in the nasal portions; this correlated with clinical and optical coherence tomography findings in 1 patient. Retinal ganglion cell layers were markedly reduced in the central retina, whereas melanopsin-containing ganglion cells were relatively spared. COX staining was reduced in the temporal portions of the optic nerve indicating reduced mitochondrial density. Axonal swelling with degenerating lysosomes and mitochondria were observed by electron microscopy. These findings support the concept that there is a specific optic neuropathy and retinopathy in patients with familial dysautonomia similar to that seen in other optic neuropathies with mitochondrial dysfunction. This raises the possibility that defective expression of the IkB kinase complex-associated protein (IKAP) resulting from mutations in IKBKAP affects mitochondrial function in the metabolism-dependent retinal parvocellular ganglion cells in this condition. © 2017 American Association of Neuropathologists, Inc. All rights reserved.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
McAdam, A.; Eigenbrode, J. L.; Young, K. E.; Bleacher, J. E.; Knudson, C. A.; Rogers, D.; Glotch, T. D.; Sutter, B.; Mahaffy, P. R.; Navarro-Gonzalez, R.; Downs, R. T.
2015-12-01
Samples of basaltic materials were collected during several traverses of the Kau Desert on the leeward side of the Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii, conducted by the Remote, In Situ, and Synchrotron Studies for Science and Exploration (RIS4E) team, a node of the Solar System Exploration and Research Virtual Institute (SSERVI) program. Some of these samples had been exposed to circumneutral to slightly acidic alteration conditions from exposure to fog/rain, and acidic fog/rain, while others had been exposed to more acidic conditions due to proximity to fumaroles. The samples consisted of basalts with coatings, sands and soils, and ash, and were collected using organically clean protocols to enable investigation of organic chemistry and organic-mineral associations, in addition to mineralogy. The Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) rover has analyzed basaltic materials inferred to have been altered under conditions ranging from circumneutral to acidic, but several aspects of the Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument suite results are still being investigated and analyses of relevant terrestrial analogs can play an important role in interpretation of the data. For example, all materials analyzed to date have a significant amorphous component. Comparisons of the mineralogy obtained with the MSL CheMin instrument and volatiles evolved during SAM analyses indicate that, by mass balance, some portion of the volatiles, such as SO2 and H2O, are likely associated with this component. Many of the RIS4E samples also have a significant amorphous component, and field x-ray diffraction (XRD) and x-ray fluorescence (XRF) data indicate differences in the chemistry of this material in samples exposed to different alteration conditions. Preliminary SAM-like analyses indicate that the amorphous materials in some of these samples evolve volatiles such as H2O and SO2 during heating. Here we will discuss these results, and others, obtained through SAM-like analyses of selected samples.
Molecular confirmation of Lassa fever imported into Ghana
Nyarko, Edward O.; Ohene, Sally-Ann; Amankwa, Joseph; Ametepi, Ralph K.; Nimo-Paintsil, Shirley C.; Sarkodie, Badu; Agbenohevi, Prince; Adjabeng, Michael; Kyei, Nicholas N.A.; Bel-Nono, Samuel; Ampofo, William K.
2016-01-01
Background Recent reports have shown an expansion of Lassa virus from the area where it was first isolated in Nigeria to other areas of West Africa. Two Ghanaian soldiers on a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Liberia were taken ill with viral haemorrhagic fever syndrome following the death of a sick colleague and were referred to a military hospital in Accra, Ghana, in May 2013. Blood samples from the soldiers and five asymptomatic close contacts were subjected to laboratory investigations. Objective We report the results of these investigations to highlight the importance of molecular diagnostic applications and the need for heightened awareness about Lassa fever in West Africa. Methods We used molecular assays on sera from the two patients to identify the causative organism. Upon detection of positive signals for Lassa virus ribonucleic material by two different polymerase chain reaction assays, sequencing and phylogenetic analyses were performed. Results The presence of Lassa virus in the soldiers’ blood samples was shown by L-gene segment homology to be the Macenta and las803792 strains previously isolated in Liberia, with close relationships then confirmed by phylogenetic tree construction. The five asymptomatic close contacts were negative for Lassa virus. Conclusions The Lassa virus strains identified in the two Ghanaian soldiers had molecular epidemiological links to strains from Liberia. Lassa virus was probably responsible for the outbreak of viral haemorrhagic fever in the military camp. These data confirm Lassa fever endemicity in West Africa. PMID:28879105
Molecular confirmation of Lassa fever imported into Ghana.
Bonney, Joseph H K; Nyarko, Edward O; Ohene, Sally-Ann; Amankwa, Joseph; Ametepi, Ralph K; Nimo-Paintsil, Shirley C; Sarkodie, Badu; Agbenohevi, Prince; Adjabeng, Michael; Kyei, Nicholas N A; Bel-Nono, Samuel; Ampofo, William K
2016-01-01
Recent reports have shown an expansion of Lassa virus from the area where it was first isolated in Nigeria to other areas of West Africa. Two Ghanaian soldiers on a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Liberia were taken ill with viral haemorrhagic fever syndrome following the death of a sick colleague and were referred to a military hospital in Accra, Ghana, in May 2013. Blood samples from the soldiers and five asymptomatic close contacts were subjected to laboratory investigations. We report the results of these investigations to highlight the importance of molecular diagnostic applications and the need for heightened awareness about Lassa fever in West Africa. We used molecular assays on sera from the two patients to identify the causative organism. Upon detection of positive signals for Lassa virus ribonucleic material by two different polymerase chain reaction assays, sequencing and phylogenetic analyses were performed. The presence of Lassa virus in the soldiers' blood samples was shown by L-gene segment homology to be the Macenta and las803792 strains previously isolated in Liberia, with close relationships then confirmed by phylogenetic tree construction. The five asymptomatic close contacts were negative for Lassa virus. The Lassa virus strains identified in the two Ghanaian soldiers had molecular epidemiological links to strains from Liberia. Lassa virus was probably responsible for the outbreak of viral haemorrhagic fever in the military camp. These data confirm Lassa fever endemicity in West Africa.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kamarudin, Nadira; Abdullah, Wan Saffiey Wan; Hamid, Muhammad Azmi Abdul; Dollah, Mohd Taufik
2014-09-01
This paper presents the characterization and TL properties of dysprosium (Dy) doped calcium sulfate (CaSO4) TL material produced by co-precipitation technique with 0.5mol% concentration of dopant. The morphology of the produced TL material was studied using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the micrograph shows that rectangular parallelepiped shaped crystal with the average of 150 μm in length were produced. The crystallinity of the produced powder was studied using x-ray powder diffraction (XRD). The XRD spectra show that the TL material produced is high purity anhydrite CaSO4 with average crystallite size of 74 nm with orthorhombic crystal system. The TL behavior of produced CaSO4:Dy was studied using a TLD reader after exposure to gamma ray by Co60 source with the doses of 1,5 and 10 Gy. The glow curve shows linear response with glow peak around 230°C which is desired development in the field of radiation dosimetry.
Joshi, Vimal S; Vasant, Sonal R; Bhatt, J G; Joshi, Mihir J
2014-06-01
Urinary calculi constitute one of the oldest afflictions of humans as well as animals, which are occurring globally. The calculi vary in shape, size and composition, which influence their clinical course. They are usually of the mixed-type with varying percentages of the ingredients. In medical management of urinary calculi, either the nature of calculi is to be known or the exact composition of calculi is required. In the present study, two selected calculi were recovered after surgery from two different patients for detailed examination and investigated by using Fourier-Transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive analysis of X-rays (EDAX) techniques. The study demonstrated that the nature of urinary calculi and presence of major phase in mixed calculi could be identified by FT-IR, TGA and powder XRD, however, the exact content of various elements could be found by EDAX only.
Chen, Ching-Hwa; Tsaia, Perng-Jy; Lai, Chane-Yu; Peng, Ya-Lian; Soo, Jhy-Charm; Chen, Cheng-Yao; Shih, Tung-Sheng
2010-04-15
In this study, field samplings were conducted in three workplaces of a foundry plant, including the molding, demolding, and bead blasting, respectively. Three respirable aerosol samplers (including a 25-mm aluminum cyclone, nylon cyclone, and IOSH cyclone) were used side-by-side to collect samples from each selected workplace. For each collected sample, the uniformity of the deposition of respirable dusts on the filter was measured and its free silica content was determined by both the DOF XRD method and NIOSH 7500 XRD method (i.e., the reference method). A same trend in measured uniformities can be found in all selected workplaces: 25-mm aluminum cyclone>nylon cyclone>IOSH cyclone. Even for samples collected by the sampler with the highest uniformity (i.e., 25-mm aluminum cyclone), the use of the DOF XRD method would lead to the measured free silica concentrations 1.15-2.89 times in magnitude higher than that of the reference method. A new filter holder should be developed with the minimum uniformity comparable to that of NIOSH 7500 XRD method (=0.78) in the future. The use of conversion factors for correcting quartz concentrations obtained from the DOF XRD method based on the measured uniformities could be suitable for the foundry industry at this stage. 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
XRD monitoring of α self-irradiation in uranium-americium mixed oxides.
Horlait, Denis; Lebreton, Florent; Roussel, Pascal; Delahaye, Thibaud
2013-12-16
The structural evolution under (241)Am self-irradiation of U(1-x)Am(x)O(2±δ) transmutation fuels (with x ≤ 0.5) was studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Samples first underwent a preliminary heat treatment performed under a reducing atmosphere (Ar/H2(4%)) aiming to recover the previously accumulated structural defects. Over all measurements (carried out over up to a full year and for integrated doses up to 1.5 × 10(18) α-decay events·g(-1)), only fluorite U(1-x)Am(x)O(2±δ) solid solutions were observed. Within a few days after the end of the heat treatment, each of the five studied samples was slowly oxidized as a consequence of their move to air atmosphere, which is evidenced by XRD by an initial sharp decrease of the unit cell parameter. For the compounds with x ≤ 0.15, this oxidation occurred without any phase transitions, but for U0.6Am0.4O(2±δ) and U0.5Am0.5O(2±δ), this process is accompanied by a transition from a first fluorite solid solution to a second oxidized one, as the latter is thermodynamically stable in ambient conditions. In the meantime and after the oxidation process, (241)Am α self-irradiation caused a structural swelling up to ∼0.8 vol %, independently of the sample composition. The kinetic constants of swelling were also determined by regression of experimental data and are, as expected, dependent on x and thus on the dose rate. The normalization of these kinetic constants by sample α-activity, however, leads to very close swelling rates among the samples. Finally, evolutions of microstrain and crystallite size were also monitored, but for the considered dose rates and cumulated doses, α self-irradiation was found, within the limits of the diffractometer used, to have almost no impact on these characteristics. Microstrain was found to be influenced instead by the americium content in the materials (i.e., by the impurities associated with americium starting material and the increase of cationic charge heterogeneity with
Michael Griffin Senate Confirmation Hearing
2005-04-12
Dr. Michael Griffin, right, talks with his wife Rebecca Griffin prior to testifying at his confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee, Tuesday, April 12, 2005, at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington. If confirmed, Griffin, who currently heads the space department at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory will become NASA's 11th administrator. Photo Credit (NASA/Renee Bouchard)
Zamudio-Ortega, C M; Contreras-Bulnes, R; Scougall-Vilchis, R J; Morales-Luckie, R A; Olea-Mejía, O F; Rodríguez-Vilchis, L E
2014-09-01
The purpose of this study was to characterise the enamel surface of sound deciduous teeth in terms of morphology, chemical composition, structure and crystalline phases. The enamel of 30 human deciduous teeth was examined by: Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). Chemical differences between incisors and canines were statistically evaluated using the Mann-Whitney U test (p ≤ 0.05). Three enamel patterns were observed by SEM: 'mostly smooth with some groves', 'abundant microporosities' and 'exposed prisms'. The average Ca/P molar ratios were 1.37 and 1.03 by EDS and XPS, respectively. The crystallite size determined by XRD was 210.82 ± 16.78 Å. The mean ratio between Ca bonded to phosphate and Ca bonded to hydroxyl was approximately 10:1. The enamel of sound deciduous teeth showed two main patterns: 'mostly smooth with some groves' and 'abundant microporosities'. 'Exposed prisms' was a secondary pattern. There were slight variations among the Ca/P molar ratios found by EDS and XPS, suggesting differences in the mineral content from the enamel surface to the interior. The crystalline phases found in enamel were hydroxyapatite and carbonate apatite, with major type B than type A carbonate incorporation.
Michael Griffin Senate Confirmation Hearing
2005-04-12
U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye, D-Hawaii, left, speaks as U.S. Senator Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, looks on during the confirmation hearing for Dr. Michael Griffin, in front of the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee, Tuesday, April 12, 2005, in Washington. If confirmed, Griffin, who currently heads the space department at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory will become NASA's 11th administrator. Photo Credit (NASA/Renee Bouchard)
Michael Griffin Senate Confirmation Hearing
2005-04-12
U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., testifies before the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee during the confirmation hearing of Dr. Michael Griffin, rear center, Tuesday, April 12, 2005, at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington. Griffin currently heads the space department at Johns Hopkins University's Applied Physics Laboratory. If confirmed by the full U.S. Senate, Dr. Griffin would be NASA's 11th administrator. Photo Credit: (NASA/Renee Bouchard)
Michael Griffin Senate Confirmation Hearing
2005-04-11
U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., testifies before the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee during the confirmation hearing of Dr. Michael Griffin, rear center, Tuesday, April 12, 2005, at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington. Griffin currently heads the space department at Johns Hopkins University's Applied Physics Laboratory. If confirmed by the full U.S. Senate, Dr. Griffin would be NASA's 11th administrator. Photo Credit: (NASA/Renee Bouchard)
Michael Griffin Senate Confirmation Hearing
2005-04-12
U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., testifies before the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee during the confirmation hearing of Dr. Michael Griffin, right background, Tuesday, April 12, 2005, at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington. Griffin currently heads the space department at Johns Hopkins University's Applied Physics Laboratory. If confirmed by the full U.S. Senate, Dr. Griffin would be NASA's 11th administrator. Photo Credit: (NASA/Renee Bouchard)
[TECOS: confirmation of the cardiovascular safety of sitaliptin].
Scheen, A J; Paquot, N
2015-10-01
The cardiovascular safety of sitagliptin has been evaluated in TECOS ("Trial Evaluating Cardiovascular Outcomes with Sitagliptin"). TECOS recruited patients with type 2 diabetes and a history of cardiovascular disease who received, as add-on to their usual therapy, either sitagliptin (n = 7.257) or placebo (n = 7.266), with a median follow-up of 3 years. The primary cardiovascular outcome was a composite of cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, or hospitalization for unstable angina. Sitagliptin was noninferior to placebo for the primary composite cardiovascular outcome (hazard ratio, 0.98; 95% confidence interval, 0.88 to 1.09; P<0.001). Rates of hospitalization for heart failure did not differ between the two groups (hazard ratio, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.83 to 1.20; P=0.98). The cardiovascular safety of sitagliptin, which was already shown in meta-analyses of phase II-III randomised controlled trials and in observational cohort studies in real life, is now confirmed in the landmark prospective cardiovascular outcome study TECOS.
Powder XRD and dielectric studies of gel grown calcium pyrophosphate crystals
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Parekh, Bharat; Parikh, Ketan; Joshi, Mihir
2013-06-01
Formation of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystals in soft tissues such as cartilage, meniscus and synovial tissue leads to CPPD deposition diseases. The appearance of these crystals in the synovial fluid can give rise to an acute arthritic attack with pain and inflammation of the joints, a condition called pseudo-gout. The growth of CPP crystals has been carried out, in the present study, using the single diffusion gel growth technique, which can broadly mimic in vitro the condition in soft tissues. The crystals were characterized by different techniques. The FTIR study revealed the presence of various functional groups. Powder XRD study was also carried out to verify the crystal structure. The dielectric study was carried out at room temperature by applying field of different frequency from 500 Hz to 1 MHz. The dielectric constant, dielectric loss and a.c. resistivity decreased as frequency increased, whereas the a.c. conductivity increased as frequency increased.
GRAPHIC REANALYSIS OF THE TWO NINDS-TPA TRIALS CONFIRMS SUBSTANTIAL TREATMENT BENEFIT
Saver, Jeffrey L.; Gornbein, Jeffrey; Starkman, Sidney
2010-01-01
Background of Comment/Review Multiple statistical analyses of the two NINDS-TPA Trials have confirmed study findings of benefit of fibrinolytic therapy. A recent graphic analysis departed from best practices in the visual display of quantitative information by failing to take into account the skewed functional importance NIH Stroke Scale raw scores and by scaling change axes at up to twenty times the range achievable by individual patients. Methods Using the publicly available datasets of the 2 NINDS-TPA Trials, we generated a variety of figures appropriate to the characteristics of acute stroke trial data. Results A diverse array of figures all visually delineated substantial benefits of fibrinolytic therapy, including: bar charts of normalized gain and loss; stacked bar, bar, and matrix plots of clinically relevant ordinal ranks; a time series stacked line plot of continuous scale disability weights; and line plot, bubble chart, and person icon array graphs of joint outcome table analysis. The achievable change figure showed substantially greater improvement among TPA than placebo patients, median 66.7% (IQR 0–92.0) vs 50.0% (IQR −7.1 – 80.0), p=0.003. Conclusions On average, under 3 hour patients treated with TPA recovered two-thirds while placebo patients improved only half of the way towards fully normal. Graphical analyses of the two NINDS-TPA trials, when performed according to best practices, is a useful means of conveying details about patient response to therapy not fully delineated by summary statistics, and confirms a valuable treatment benefit of under 3 hour fibrinolytic therapy in acute stroke. PMID:20829518
Landed XRD/XRF analysis of prime targets in the search for past or present Martian life.
Vaniman, D; Bish, D; Blake, D; Elliott, S T; Sarrazin, P; Collins, S A; Chipera, S
1998-12-25
Mars landers seeking evidence for past or present life will be guided by information from orbital mapping and from previous surface exploration. Several target options have been proposed, including sites that may harbor extant life and sites most likely to preserve evidence of past life These sites have specific mineralogic characteristics. Extant life might be gathered around the sinters and associated mineral deposits of rare active fumaroles, or held within brine pockets and inclusions in a few evaporite-mineral deposits. Possibilities for fossilization include deltaic and lake-bottom sediments of once-flooded craters, sinters formed by ancient hot-spring deposits, and the carbonate deposits associated with some evaporite systems. However, the highly varied mineralogy of fossil occurrences on Earth leads to the inference that Mars, an equally complex planet, could host a broad variety of potential fossilizing deposits. The abundance of volcanic systems on Mars and evidence for close associations between volcanism and water release suggest possibilities of organism entrapment and mineralization in volcaniclastic deposits, as found in some instances on Earth. Thus the targets being considered for exploration include a wide variety of unique deposits that would be characterized by silica or various nonsilicate minerals. Beyond these "special" deposits and in the most general case, an ability to distinguish mineralized from uncemented volcanic detritus may be the key to success in finding possible fossil-bearing authigenic mineralogies. A prototype miniaturized X ray diffraction/X ray fluorescence (XRD/XRF) instrument has been evaluated with silica, carbonate, and sulfate minerals and with a basalt, to examine the capabilities of this tool in mineralogic and petrologic exploration for exobiological goals. This instrument. CHEMIN (chemical and mineralogical analyzer), is based on an innovative low-power X ray tube, transmission geometry, and CCD collection and
Maertens, Gaëtan; Canesi, Sylvain
2016-05-17
The first enantioselective synthesis of (-)-strychnopivotine from a known and inexpensive phenol has been achieved in 15 steps. The strategy is based on a new diastereoselective aza-Michael-enol-ether cascade desymmetrization of a dienone, guided by a removable lactic acid-derived chiral auxiliary. Synthesis involves a phenol dearomatization, a conjugated silicon addition, a stereoselective double reductive amination, and two Heck-type carbopalladations as key steps. The absolute configuration of the natural compound, which, to date, has been uncertain, was confirmed by using circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy and X-ray analyses. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.
Chinnaraja, D; Rajalakshmi, R; Srinivasan, T; Velmurugan, D; Jayabharathi, J
2014-04-24
A series of biologically active N-thiocarbamoyl pyrazoline derivatives have been synthesized using anhydrous potassium carbonate as the catalyst. All the synthesized compounds were characterized by FT-IR, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR spectral studies, LCMS, CHN Analysis and X-ray diffraction analysis (compound 7). In order to supplement the XRD parameters, molecular modelling was carried out by Gaussian 03W. From the optimized structure, the energy, dipolemoment and HOMO-LUMO energies of all the systems were calculated. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Bleacher, J. E.; Gendreau, K.; Arzoumanian, Z.; Young, K. E.; McAdam, A.
2018-02-01
Science instruments to be used during human exploration should be designed to serve as multipurpose tools that are of use throughout a mission. Here we discuss a multipurpose tool approach to using contact XRD/XRF onboard the Deep Space Gateway.
Bazzicalupi, Carla; Ferraroni, Marta; Papi, Francesco; Massai, Lara; Bertrand, Benoît; Messori, Luigi; Gratteri, Paola; Casini, Angela
2016-03-18
The dicarbene gold(I) complex [Au(9-methylcaffein-8-ylidene)2 ]BF4 is an exceptional organometallic compound of profound interest as a prospective anticancer agent. This gold(I) complex was previously reported to be highly cytotoxic toward various cancer cell lines in vitro and behaves as a selective G-quadruplex stabilizer. Interactions of the gold complex with various telomeric DNA models have been analyzed by a combined ESI MS and X-ray diffraction (XRD) approach. ESI MS measurements confirmed formation of stable adducts between the intact gold(I) complex and Tel 23 DNA sequence. The crystal structure of the adduct formed between [Au(9-methylcaffein-8-ylidene)2 ](+) and Tel 23 DNA G-quadruplex was solved. Tel 23 maintains a characteristic propeller conformation while binding three gold(I) dicarbene moieties at two distinct sites. Stacking interactions appear to drive noncovalent binding of the gold(I) complex. The structural basis for tight gold(I) complex/G-quadruplex recognition and its selectivity are described. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Sudhakar, K.; Nandhini, S.; Muniyappan, S.; Arumanayagam, T.; Vivek, P.; Murugakoothan, P.
2018-04-01
Ammonium sulfate hydrogen sulphamate (ASHS), an inorganic nonlinear optical crystal, was grown from the aqueous solution by slow evaporation solution growth technique. The single-crystal XRD confirms that the grown single crystal belongs to the orthorhombic system with the space group of Pna21. Powder XRD confirms the crystalline nature and the diffraction planes were indexed. Crystalline perfection of grown crystal was analysed by high-resolution X-ray diffraction rocking curve technique. UV-Vis-NIR studies revealed that ASHS crystal has optical transparency 65% and lower cut-off wavelength at 218 nm. The violet light emission of the crystal was identified by photoluminescence studies. The particle size-dependent second-harmonic generation efficiency for ASHS crystal was evaluated by Kurtz-Perry powder technique using Nd:YAG laser which established the existence of phase matching. Surface laser damage threshold value was evaluated using Nd:YAG laser. Optical homogeneity of the crystal was evaluated using modified channel spectrum method through birefringence study. Thermal analysis reveals that ASHS crystal is stable up to 213 °C. The mechanical behaviour of the ASHS crystal was analysed using Vickers microhardness study.
Senate Confirmation Hearing IG
2009-10-14
Paul K. Martin, nominee for Inspector General for NASA, answers questions during his confirmation hearing in front of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
Lori Garver Confirmation Hearing
2009-07-07
Lori Garver, nominee for Deputy Administrator of NASA, testifies at her confirmation hearing before the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee in the Russell Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, July 8, 2009. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Charles Bolden Confirmation Hearing
2009-07-07
Charles Bolden, nominee for Administrator of NASA, testifies at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee in the Russell Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, July 8, 2009. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Masoudiasl, A; Montazerozohori, M; Naghiha, R; Assoud, A; McArdle, P; Safi Shalamzari, M
2016-04-01
Some new five coordinated ZnLX2 complexes, where L is N3-Schiff base ligand obtained by condensation reaction between diethylenetriamine and (E)-3-(2-nitrophenyl)acrylaldehyde and X (Cl(-), Br(-), I(-), N3(-) and NCS(-)), were synthesized and characterized by FT-IR, (1)H and (13)CNMR, UV-visible, ESI-mass spectra and molar conductivity measurements. The structures of zinc iodide and thiocyanate complexes were determined by X-ray crystallographic analysis. The X-ray results showed that the Zn (II) center in these complexes is five-coordinated in a distorted trigonal-bipyramidal configuration. Zinc iodide and thiocyanate complexes crystallize in the monoclinic and triclinic systems with space groups of C2/c and P1- with eight and two molecules per unit cell respectively. The crystal packing of the complexes consists of intermolecular interactions such as C-H(…)O and C-H(…)I, C-H(···)S, N(…)O, together with π-π stacking and some other unexpected interactions. The mentioned interactions cause three-dimensional supramolecular structure in the solid state. Zinc complexes were also prepared in nano-structure by sonochemical method confirmed by XRD, SEM and TEM analyses. Moreover, ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized by direct thermolysis of zinc iodide complex. Furthermore, antimicrobial and thermal properties of the compounds were completely investigated. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Senate Confirmation Hearing CFO
2009-10-14
Dr. Elizabeth M. Robinson, nominee for Chief Financial Officer for NASA, answers questions during her confirmation hearing in front of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
Synchrotron Radiation XRD Analysis of Indialite in Y-82094 Ungrouped Carbonaceous Chondrite
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Mikouchi, T.; Hagiya, K.; Sawa, N.; Kimura, M.; Ohsumi, K.; Komatsu, M.; Zolensky, M.
2016-01-01
Y-82094 is an ungrouped type 3.2 carbonaceous chondrite, with abundant chondrules making 78 vol.% of the rock. Among these chondrules, an unusual porphyritic Al-rich magnesian chondrule is reported that consists of a cordierite-like phase, Al-rich orthopyroxene, cristobalite, and spinel surrounded by an anorthitic mesostasis. The reported chemical formula of the cordierite-like phase is Na(0.19)Mg(1.95)Fe(0.02)Al(3.66)Si(5.19)O18, which is close to stoichiometric cordierite (Mg2Al3[AlSi5O18]). Although cordierite can be present in Al-rich chondrules, it has a high temperature polymorph (indialite) and it is therefore necessary to determine whether it is cordierite or indialite in order to better constrain its formation conditions. In this abstract we report on our synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction (SR-XRD) study of the cordierite-like phase in Y-82094.
Thermal decomposition of dolomite under CO2: insights from TGA and in situ XRD analysis.
Valverde, Jose Manuel; Perejon, Antonio; Medina, Santiago; Perez-Maqueda, Luis A
2015-11-28
Thermal decomposition of dolomite in the presence of CO2 in a calcination environment is investigated by means of in situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The in situ XRD results suggest that dolomite decomposes directly at a temperature around 700 °C into MgO and CaO. Immediate carbonation of nascent CaO crystals leads to the formation of calcite as an intermediate product of decomposition. Subsequently, decarbonation of this poorly crystalline calcite occurs when the reaction is thermodynamically favorable and sufficiently fast at a temperature depending on the CO2 partial pressure in the calcination atmosphere. Decarbonation of this dolomitic calcite occurs at a lower temperature than limestone decarbonation due to the relatively low crystallinity of the former. Full decomposition of dolomite leads also to a relatively low crystalline CaO, which exhibits a high reactivity as compared to limestone derived CaO. Under CO2 capture conditions in the Calcium-Looping (CaL) process, MgO grains remain inert yet favor the carbonation reactivity of dolomitic CaO especially in the solid-state diffusion controlled phase. The fundamental mechanism that drives the crystallographic transformation of dolomite in the presence of CO2 is thus responsible for its fast calcination kinetics and the high carbonation reactivity of dolomitic CaO, which makes natural dolomite a potentially advantageous alternative to limestone for CO2 capture in the CaL technology as well as SO2in situ removal in oxy-combustion fluidized bed reactors.
Charles Bolden Confirmation Hearing
2009-07-07
Charles Bolden, nominee for Administrator of NASA, waits for his turn to testify at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee in the Russell Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, July 8, 2009. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Johnson, Zac D.; LaBelle, Sara
2016-01-01
The current study sought to determine dimensions of student-to-student confirmation. Results of open-ended surveys revealed that students confirm one another in unique ways based on the setting of their relationship (the classroom). Findings revealed three dimensions of student-to-student confirmation (acknowledgment, assistance, and individual…
Analytical electron microscopy of Mg-SiO smokes - A comparison with infrared and XRD studies
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Rietmeijer, F. J. M.; Nuth, J. A.; Mackinnon, I. D. R.
1986-01-01
Analytical electron microscopy conducted for Mg-SiO smokes (experimentally obtained from samples previously characterized by IR spectroscopy) indicates that the microcrystallinity content of unannealed smokes increases with increased annealing for up to 30 hr. The growth of forsterite microcrystallites in the initially nonstoichiometric smokes may give rise to the contemporaneous growth of the SiO polymorph tridymite and MgO; after 4 hr of annealing, these react to form enstatite. It is suggested that XRD analysis and IR spectroscopy should be conducted in conjunction with detailed analytical electron microscopy for the detection of emerging crystallinity in vapor-phase condensates.
Pharmaceutical identifier confirmation via DART-TOF.
Easter, Jacob L; Steiner, Robert R
2014-07-01
Pharmaceutical analysis comprises a large amount of the casework in forensic controlled substances laboratories. In order to reduce the time of analysis for pharmaceuticals, a Direct Analysis in Real Time ion source coupled with an accurate mass time-of-flight (DART-TOF) mass spectrometer was used to confirm identity. DART-TOF spectral data for pharmaceutical samples were analyzed and evaluated by comparison to standard spectra. Identical mass pharmaceuticals were differentiated using collision induced dissociation fragmentation, present/absent ions, and abundance comparison box plots; principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) were used for differentiation of identical mass mixed drug spectra. Mass assignment reproducibility and robustness tests were performed on the DART-TOF spectra. Impacts on the forensic science community include a decrease in analysis time over the traditional gas chromatograph/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) confirmations, better laboratory efficiency, and simpler sample preparation. Using physical identifiers and the DART-TOF to confirm pharmaceutical identity will eliminate the use of GC/MS and effectively reduce analysis time while still complying with accepted analysis protocols. This will prove helpful in laboratories with large backlogs and will simplify the confirmation process. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Hajji, Latifa; Boukir, Abdellatif; Assouik, Jamal; Lakhiari, Hamid; Kerbal, Abdelali; Doumenq, Pierre; Mille, Gilbert; De Carvalho, Maria Luisa
2015-02-05
The preservation of manuscripts and archive materials is a serious problem for librarians and restorers. Paper manuscript is subjected to numerous degradation factors affecting their conservation state. This research represents an attempt to evaluate the conservation restoration process applied in Moroccan libraries, especially the alkaline treatment for strengthening weakened paper. In this study, we focused on six samples of degraded and restored paper taken from three different Moroccan manuscripts aged 150, 200 and 800 years. In addition, the Japanese paper used in restoration has been characterized. A modern paper was also analyzed as reference. A three-step analytical methodology based on infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy coupled to energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM-EDS) analysis was developed before and after restoration in order to determine the effect of the consolidation treatment on the paper structure. The results obtained by XRD and ATR-FTIR disclosed the presence of barium sulfate (BaSO4) in all restored paper manuscripts. The presence of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) in all considered samples was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. The application of de-acidification treatment causes significant changes connected with the increase of intensity mostly in the region 1426 cm(-1), assigned to the asymmetric and symmetric CO stretching mode of calcite, indicating the effectiveness of de-acidification procedure proved by the rise of the alkaline reserve content allowing the long term preservation of paper. Observations performed by SEM magnify the typical paper morphology and the structure of fibbers, highlighting the effect of the restoration process, manifested by the reduction of impurities. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Kamarudin, Nadira; Abdullah, Wan Saffiey Wan; Dollah, Mohd Taufik
2014-09-03
This paper presents the characterization and TL properties of dysprosium (Dy) doped calcium sulfate (CaSO{sub 4}) TL material produced by co-precipitation technique with 0.5mol% concentration of dopant. The morphology of the produced TL material was studied using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the micrograph shows that rectangular parallelepiped shaped crystal with the average of 150 μm in length were produced. The crystallinity of the produced powder was studied using x-ray powder diffraction (XRD). The XRD spectra show that the TL material produced is high purity anhydrite CaSO{sub 4} with average crystallite size of 74 nm with orthorhombic crystal system. Themore » TL behavior of produced CaSO{sub 4}:Dy was studied using a TLD reader after exposure to gamma ray by Co{sup 60} source with the doses of 1,5 and 10 Gy. The glow curve shows linear response with glow peak around 230°C which is desired development in the field of radiation dosimetry.« less
Knapp confirmed as NSF Director
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Edward A. Knapp was confirmed by the Senate in a voice vote on April 15 as the director of the National Science Foundation (NSF). The Senate vote followed a confirmation hearing by the Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee. Knapp, who was nominated by President Reagan to head the foundation in November, had been assistant director for NSF's mathematical and physical sciences (MPS) directorate since July 1982.Allegations that he has been politicizing NSF have beleaguered Knapp since he asked for resignations or firm commitments to leave from three NSF top administrators in December (two of these administrators had been planning to leave, though no resignation dates had been set). Knapp assured the Senate committee during the April 13 confirmation hearings that he made the decision to ask for the resignations and that, although he had discussed his plan with Office of Science and Technology Policy officials, they did not request that certain people be removed in exchange for particular increases in the NSF budget. Knapp consistently has defended himself against the allegations by saying that he wants his own team at the agency.
Li, Ming-Wei; Zhu, Xing-Quan; Gasser, Robin B; Lin, Rui-Qing; Sani, Rehana A; Lun, Zhao-Rong; Jacobs, Dennis E
2006-10-01
Non-isotopic polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based single-strand conformation polymorphism and sequence analyses of the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS-2) of nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA) were utilized to genetically characterise ascaridoids from dogs and cats from China by comparison with those from other countries. The study showed that Toxocara canis, Toxocara cati, and Toxascaris leonina from China were genetically the same as those from other geographical origins. Specimens from cats from Guangzhou, China, which were morphologically consistent with Toxocara malaysiensis, were the same genetically as those from Malaysia, with the exception of a polymorphism in the ITS-2 but no unequivocal sequence difference. This is the first report of T. malaysiensis in cats outside of Malaysia (from where it was originally described), supporting the proposal that this species has a broader geographical distribution. The molecular approach employed provides a powerful tool for elucidating the biology, epidemiology, and zoonotic significance of T. malaysiensis.
Krupka, Kenneth M; Parkhurst, Mary Ann; Gold, Kenneth; Arey, Bruce W; Jenson, Evan D; Guilmette, Raymond A
2009-03-01
The impact of depleted uranium (DU) penetrators against an armored target causes erosion and fragmentation of the penetrators, the extent of which is dependent on the thickness and material composition of the target. Vigorous oxidation of the DU particles and fragments creates an aerosol of DU oxide particles and DU particle agglomerations combined with target materials. Aerosols from the Capstone DU aerosol study, in which vehicles were perforated by DU penetrators, were evaluated for their oxidation states using x-ray diffraction (XRD), and particle morphologies were examined using scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). The oxidation state of a DU aerosol is important as it offers a clue to its solubility in lung fluids. The XRD analysis showed that the aerosols evaluated were a combination primarily of U3O8 (insoluble) and UO3 (relatively more soluble) phases, though intermediate phases resembling U4O9 and other oxides were prominent in some samples. Analysis of particle residues in the micrometer-size range by SEM/EDS provided microstructural information such as phase composition and distribution, fracture morphology, size distribution, and material homogeneity. Observations from SEM analysis show a wide variability in the shapes of the DU particles. Some of the larger particles were spherical, occasionally with dendritic or lobed surface structures. Others appear to have fractures that perhaps resulted from abrasion and comminution, or shear bands that developed from plastic deformation of the DU material. Amorphous conglomerates containing metals other than uranium were also common, especially with the smallest particle sizes. A few samples seemed to contain small bits of nearly pure uranium metal, which were verified by EDS to have a higher uranium content exceeding that expected for uranium oxides. Results of the XRD and SEM/EDS analyses were used in other studies described in this issue of Health Physics to interpret the
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Krupka, Kenneth M.; Parkhurst, MaryAnn; Gold, Kenneth
2009-03-01
The impact of depleted uranium (DU) penetrators against an armored target causes erosion and fragmentation of the penetrators, the extent of which is dependent on the thickness and material composition of the target. Vigorous oxidation of the DU particles and fragments creates an aerosol of DU oxide particles and DU particle agglomerations combined with target materials. Aerosols from the Capstone DU aerosol study, in which vehicles were perforated by DU penetrators, were evaluated for their oxidation states using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and particle morphologies using scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM/EDS). The oxidation state of a DU aerosol is importantmore » as it offers a clue to its solubility in lung fluids. The XRD analysis showed that the aerosols evaluated were a combination primarily of U3O8 (insoluble) and UO3 (relatively more soluble) phases, though intermediate phases resembling U4O9 and other oxides were prominent in some samples. Analysis of particle residues in the micrometer-size range by SEM/EDS provided microstructural information such as phase composition and distribution, fracture morphology, size distribution, and material homogeneity. Observations from SEM analysis show a wide variability in the shapes of the DU particles. Some of the larger particles appear to have been fractured (perhaps as a result of abrasion and comminution); others were spherical, occasionally with dendritic or lobed surface structures. Amorphous conglomerates containing metals other than uranium were also common, especially with the smallest particle sizes. A few samples seemed to contain small chunks of nearly pure uranium metal, which were verified by EDS to have a higher uranium content exceeding that expected for uranium oxides. Results of the XRD and SEM/EDS analyses were used in other studies described in this issue of The Journal of Health Physics to interpret the results of lung solubility studies and in selecting input
Finite element analyses of a linear-accelerator electron gun
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Iqbal, M., E-mail: muniqbal.chep@pu.edu.pk, E-mail: muniqbal@ihep.ac.cn; Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049; Wasy, A.
Thermo-structural analyses of the Beijing Electron-Positron Collider (BEPCII) linear-accelerator, electron gun, were performed for the gun operating with the cathode at 1000 °C. The gun was modeled in computer aided three-dimensional interactive application for finite element analyses through ANSYS workbench. This was followed by simulations using the SLAC electron beam trajectory program EGUN for beam optics analyses. The simulations were compared with experimental results of the assembly to verify its beam parameters under the same boundary conditions. Simulation and test results were found to be in good agreement and hence confirmed the design parameters under the defined operating temperature. The gunmore » is operating continuously since commissioning without any thermal induced failures for the BEPCII linear accelerator.« less
Finite element analyses of a linear-accelerator electron gun
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Iqbal, M.; Wasy, A.; Islam, G. U.; Zhou, Z.
2014-02-01
Thermo-structural analyses of the Beijing Electron-Positron Collider (BEPCII) linear-accelerator, electron gun, were performed for the gun operating with the cathode at 1000 °C. The gun was modeled in computer aided three-dimensional interactive application for finite element analyses through ANSYS workbench. This was followed by simulations using the SLAC electron beam trajectory program EGUN for beam optics analyses. The simulations were compared with experimental results of the assembly to verify its beam parameters under the same boundary conditions. Simulation and test results were found to be in good agreement and hence confirmed the design parameters under the defined operating temperature. The gun is operating continuously since commissioning without any thermal induced failures for the BEPCII linear accelerator.
Finite element analyses of a linear-accelerator electron gun.
Iqbal, M; Wasy, A; Islam, G U; Zhou, Z
2014-02-01
Thermo-structural analyses of the Beijing Electron-Positron Collider (BEPCII) linear-accelerator, electron gun, were performed for the gun operating with the cathode at 1000 °C. The gun was modeled in computer aided three-dimensional interactive application for finite element analyses through ANSYS workbench. This was followed by simulations using the SLAC electron beam trajectory program EGUN for beam optics analyses. The simulations were compared with experimental results of the assembly to verify its beam parameters under the same boundary conditions. Simulation and test results were found to be in good agreement and hence confirmed the design parameters under the defined operating temperature. The gun is operating continuously since commissioning without any thermal induced failures for the BEPCII linear accelerator.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Vaniman, David T.; Bish, D.; Guthrie, G.; Chipera, S.; Blake, David E.; Collins, S. Andy; Elliott, S. T.; Sarrazin, P.
1999-10-01
There is a large variety of mining and manufacturing operations where process monitoring and control can benefit from on-site analysis of both chemical and mineralogic constituents. CHEMIN is a CCD-based instrument capable of both X-ray fluorescence (XRF; chemical) and X-ray diffraction (XRD; mineralogic) analysis. Monitoring and control with an instrument like CHEMIN can be applied to feedstocks, intermediate materials, and final products to optimize production. Examples include control of cement feedstock, of ore for smelting, and of minerals that pose inhalation hazards in the workplace. The combined XRD/XRF capability of CHEMIN can be used wherever a desired commodity is associated with unwanted constituents that may be similar in chemistry or structure but not both (e.g., Ca in both gypsum and feldspar, where only the gypsum is desired to make wallboard). In the mining industry, CHEMIN can determine mineral abundances on the spot and enable more economical mining by providing the means to assay when is being mined, quickly and frequently, at minimal cost. In manufacturing, CHEMIN could be used to spot-check the chemical composition and crystalline makeup of a product at any stage of production. Analysis by CHEMIN can be used as feedback in manufacturing processes where rates of heating, process temperature, mixture of feedstocks, and other variables must be adjusted in real time to correct structure and/or chemistry of the product (e.g., prevention of periclase and alkali sulfate coproduction in cement manufacture).
Lori Garver Confirmation Hearing
2009-07-07
Charles Bolden, nominee for Administrator of NASA, left, and Lori Garver, Nominee for Deputy Administrator of NASA, testify at their confirmation hearing before the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee in the Russell Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, July 8, 2009. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Visual field progression in glaucoma: total versus pattern deviation analyses.
Artes, Paul H; Nicolela, Marcelo T; LeBlanc, Raymond P; Chauhan, Balwantray C
2005-12-01
To compare visual field progression with total and pattern deviation analyses in a prospective longitudinal study of patients with glaucoma and healthy control subjects. A group of 101 patients with glaucoma (168 eyes) with early to moderately advanced visual field loss at baseline (average mean deviation [MD], -3.9 dB) and no clinical evidence of media opacity were selected from a prospective longitudinal study on visual field progression in glaucoma. Patients were examined with static automated perimetry at 6-month intervals for a median follow-up of 9 years. At each test location, change was established with event and trend analyses of total and pattern deviation. The event analyses compared each follow-up test to a baseline obtained from averaging the first two tests, and visual field progression was defined as deterioration beyond the 5th percentile of test-retest variability at three test locations, observed on three consecutive tests. The trend analyses were based on point-wise linear regression, and visual field progression was defined as statistically significant deterioration (P < 5%) worse than -1 dB/year at three locations, confirmed by independently omitting the last and the penultimate observation. The incidence and the time-to-progression were compared between total and pattern deviation analyses. To estimate the specificity of the progression analyses, identical criteria were applied to visual fields obtained in 102 healthy control subjects, and the rate of visual field improvement was established in the patients with glaucoma and the healthy control subjects. With both event and trend methods, pattern deviation analyses classified approximately 15% fewer eyes as having progressed than did the total deviation analyses. In eyes classified as progressing by both the total and pattern deviation methods, total deviation analyses tended to detect progression earlier than the pattern deviation analyses. A comparison of the changes observed in MD and the
In situ synchrotron XRD analysis of the kinetics of spodumene phase transitions.
L Moore, Radhika; Mann, Jason P; Montoya, Alejandro; Haynes, Brian S
2018-04-25
The phase transition by thermal activation of natural α-spodumene was followed by in situ synchrotron XRD in the temperature range 896 to 940 °C. We observed both β- and γ-spodumene as primary products in approximately equal proportions. The rate of the α-spodumene inversion is first order and highly sensitive to temperature (apparent activation energy ∼800 kJ mol-1). The γ-spodumene product is itself metastable, forming β-spodumene, with the total product mass fraction ratio fγ/fβ decreasing as the conversion of α-spodumene continues. We found the relationship between the product yields and the degree of conversion of α-spodumene to be the same at all temperatures in the range studied. A model incorporating first order kinetics of the α- and γ-phase inversions with invariant rate constant ratio describes the results accurately. Theoretical phonon analysis of the three phases indicates that the γ phase contains crystallographic instabilities, whilst the α and β phases do not.
Size distribution of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles using Warren-Averbach XRD analysis
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Mahadevan, S.; Behera, S. P.; Gnanaprakash, G.; Jayakumar, T.; Philip, J.; Rao, B. P. C.
2012-07-01
We use the Fourier transform based Warren-Averbach (WA) analysis to separate the contributions of X-ray diffraction (XRD) profile broadening due to crystallite size and microstrain for magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. The profile shape of the column length distribution, obtained from WA analysis, is used to analyze the shape of the magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. From the column length distribution, the crystallite size and its distribution are estimated for these nanoparticles which are compared with size distribution obtained from dynamic light scattering measurements. The crystallite size and size distribution of crystallites obtained from WA analysis are explained based on the experimental parameters employed in preparation of these magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. The variation of volume weighted diameter (Dv, from WA analysis) with saturation magnetization (Ms) fits well to a core shell model wherein it is known that Ms=Mbulk(1-6g/Dv) with Mbulk as bulk magnetization of iron oxide and g as magnetic shell disorder thickness.
Effect of substrate temperature in the synthesis of BN nanostructures
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Sajjad, M.; Zhang, H. X.; Peng, X. Y.; Feng, P. X.
2011-06-01
Boron nitride (BN) nanostructures were grown on molybdenum discs at different substrate temperatures using the short-pulse laser plasma deposition technique. Large numbers of randomly oriented nanorods of fiber-like structures were obtained. The variation in the length and diameter of the nanorods as a function of the substrate temperature was systematically studied. The surface morphologies of the samples were studied using scanning electron microscopy. Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy confirmed that both the elements boron and nitrogen are dominant in the nanostructure. The x-ray diffraction (XRD) technique was used to analyse BN phases. The XRD peak that appeared at 26° showed the presence of hexagonal BN phase, whereas the peak at 44° was related to cubic BN content in the samples. Raman spectroscopic analysis showed vibrational modes of sp2- and sp3-type bonding in the sample. The Raman spectra agreed well with XRD results.
Senate Confirmation Hearing CFO
2009-10-14
U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., left, talks about Dr. Elizabeth M. Robinson, nominee for Chief Financial Officer for NASA, right, prior to her confirmation hearing in front of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
Charles Bolden Confirmation Hearing
2009-07-07
Charles Bolden, nominee for Administrator of NASA, left, and Lori Garver, nominee for Deputy Administrator of NASA, listen to Senators questions at their confirmation hearing before the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee in the Russell Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, July 8, 2009. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Performance Confirmation Data Aquisition System
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
D.W. Markman
2000-10-27
The purpose of this analysis is to identify and analyze concepts for the acquisition of data in support of the Performance Confirmation (PC) program at the potential subsurface nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain. The scope and primary objectives of this analysis are to: (1) Review the criteria for design as presented in the Performance Confirmation Data Acquisition/Monitoring System Description Document, by way of the Input Transmittal, Performance Confirmation Input Criteria (CRWMS M&O 1999c). (2) Identify and describe existing and potential new trends in data acquisition system software and hardware that would support the PC plan. The data acquisition softwaremore » and hardware will support the field instruments and equipment that will be installed for the observation and perimeter drift borehole monitoring, and in-situ monitoring within the emplacement drifts. The exhaust air monitoring requirements will be supported by a data communication network interface with the ventilation monitoring system database. (3) Identify the concepts and features that a data acquisition system should have in order to support the PC process and its activities. (4) Based on PC monitoring needs and available technologies, further develop concepts of a potential data acquisition system network in support of the PC program and the Site Recommendation and License Application.« less
A New Way to Confirm Planet Candidates
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kohler, Susanna
2016-05-01
What was the big deal behind the Kepler news conference yesterday? Its not just that the number of confirmed planets found by Kepler has more than doubled (though thats certainly exciting news!). Whats especially interesting is the way in which these new planets were confirmed.Number of planet discoveries by year since 1995, including previous non-Kepler discoveries (blue), previous Kepler discoveries (light blue) and the newly validated Kepler planets (orange). [NASA Ames/W. Stenzel; Princeton University/T. Morton]No Need for Follow-UpBefore Kepler, the way we confirmed planet candidates was with follow-up observations. The candidate could be validated either by directly imaging (which is rare) or obtaining a large number radial-velocity measurements of the wobble of the planets host star due to the planets orbit. But once Kepler started producing planet candidates, these approaches to validation became less feasible. A lot of Kepler candidates are small and orbit faint stars, making follow-up observations difficult or impossible.This problem is what inspired the development of whats known as probabilistic validation, an analysis technique that involves assessing the likelihood that the candidates signal is caused by various false-positive scenarios. Using this technique allows astronomers to estimate the likelihood of a candidate signal being a true planet detection; if that likelihood is high enough, the planet candidate can be confirmed without the need for follow-up observations.A breakdown of the catalog of Kepler Objects of Interest. Just over half had previously been identified as false positives or confirmed as candidates. 1284 are newly validated, and another 455 have FPP of1090%. [Morton et al. 2016]Probabilistic validation has been used in the past to confirm individual planet candidates in Kepler data, but now Timothy Morton (Princeton University) and collaborators have taken this to a new level: they developed the first code thats designed to do fully
Sundararajan, M L; Jeyakumar, T; Anandakumaran, J; Karpanai Selvan, B
2014-10-15
Metal complexes of Zn(II), Cd(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Fe(III), Co(II), Mn(II) Hg(II), and Ag(I) have been synthesized from Schiff base ligand, prepared by the condensation of 3,4-(methylenedioxy)aniline and 5-bromo salicylaldehyde. All the compounds have been characterized by using elemental analysis, molar conductance, FT-IR, UV-Vis, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, mass spectra, powder XRD and thermal analysis (TG/DTA) technique. The elemental analysis suggests the stoichiometry to be 1:1 (metal:ligand). The FT-IR, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR and UV-Vis spectral data suggest that the ligand coordinate to the metal atom by imino nitrogen and phenolic oxygen as bidentate manner. Mass spectral data further support the molecular mass of the compounds and their structure. Powder XRD indicates the crystalline state and morphology of the ligand and its metal complexes. The thermal behaviors of the complexes prove the presence of lattice as well as coordinated water molecules in the complexes. Melting point supports the thermal stability of all the compounds. The in vitro antimicrobial effects of the synthesized compounds were tested against five bacterial and three fungal species by well diffusion method. Antioxidant activities have also been performed for all the compounds. Metal complexes show more biological activity than the Schiff base. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Crystal imperfection studies of pure and silicon substituted hydroxyapatite using Raman and XRD.
Zou, Shuo; Huang, Jie; Best, Serena; Bonfield, William
2005-12-01
Hydroxyapatite (HA) is important in biomedical applications because of its chemical similarity to the mineral content of bone and its consequent bioactivity. Silicon substitution into the hydroxyapatite crystal lattice was found to enhance its bioactivity both in vitro and in vivo [1, 2]. However, the mechanism for the enhancement is still not well understood. In this paper, the crystal imperfections introduced by silicon substitution were studied using XRD and Raman spectroscopy. It was found that silicon substitution did not introduce microstrain, but deceased the crystal size in the hk0 direction. Three new vibration modes and peak broadening were observed in Raman spectra following silicon incorporation. The imperfections introduced by silicon substitution may play a role in enhancing bioactivity. A phenomenological relationship between the width of the PO4 v1 peak and crystal size was established.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Dumon, M.; Van Ranst, E.
2016-01-01
This paper presents a free and open-source program called PyXRD (short for Python X-ray diffraction) to improve the quantification of complex, poly-phasic mixed-layer phyllosilicate assemblages. The validity of the program was checked by comparing its output with Sybilla v2.2.2, which shares the same mathematical formalism. The novelty of this program is the ab initio incorporation of the multi-specimen method, making it possible to share phases and (a selection of) their parameters across multiple specimens. PyXRD thus allows for modelling multiple specimens side by side, and this approach speeds up the manual refinement process significantly. To check the hypothesis that this multi-specimen set-up - as it effectively reduces the number of parameters and increases the number of observations - can also improve automatic parameter refinements, we calculated X-ray diffraction patterns for four theoretical mineral assemblages. These patterns were then used as input for one refinement employing the multi-specimen set-up and one employing the single-pattern set-ups. For all of the assemblages, PyXRD was able to reproduce or approximate the input parameters with the multi-specimen approach. Diverging solutions only occurred in single-pattern set-ups, which do not contain enough information to discern all minerals present (e.g. patterns of heated samples). Assuming a correct qualitative interpretation was made and a single pattern exists in which all phases are sufficiently discernible, the obtained results indicate a good quantification can often be obtained with just that pattern. However, these results from theoretical experiments cannot automatically be extrapolated to all real-life experiments. In any case, PyXRD has proven to be useful when X-ray diffraction patterns are modelled for complex mineral assemblages containing mixed-layer phyllosilicates with a multi-specimen approach.
Senate Confirmation Hearing IG
2009-10-14
Paul K. Martin, nominee for Inspector General at NASA, right, answers questions during his confirmation hearing in front of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009, on Capitol Hill in Washington. At left is Dr. Elizabeth M. Robinson, nominee for Chief Financial Officer for NASA. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
The Crystal Structure of Micro- and Nanopowders of ZnS Studied by EPR of Mn2+ and XRD.
Nosenko, Valentyna; Vorona, Igor; Grachev, Valentyn; Ishchenko, Stanislav; Baran, Nikolai; Becherikov, Yurii; Zhuk, Anton; Polishchuk, Yuliya; Kladko, Vasyl; Selishchev, Alexander
2016-12-01
The crystal structure of micro- and nanopowders of ZnS doped with different impurities was analyzed by the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) of Mn 2+ and XRD methods. The powders of ZnS:Cu, ZnS:Mn, ZnS:Co, and ZnS:Eu with the particle sizes of 5-7 μm, 50-200 nm, 7-10 μm, and 5-7 nm, respectively, were studied. Manganese was incorporated in the crystal lattice of all the samples as uncontrolled impurity or by doping. The Mn 2+ ions were used as EPR structural probes. It is found that the ZnS:Cu has the cubic structure, the ZnS:Mn has the hexagonal structure with a rhombic distortion, the ZnS:Co is the mixture of the cubic and hexagonal phases in the ratio of 1:10, and the ZnS:Eu has the cubic structure and a distorted cubic structure with stacking defects in the ratio 3:1. The EPR technique is shown to be a powerful tool in the determination of the crystal structure for mixed-polytype ZnS powders and powders with small nanoparticles. It allows observation of the stacking defects, which is revealed in the XRD spectra.
Warhead Confirmation: A Follow-on to New START
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
MacArthur, Duncan W.
This presentation's slides are comprised of the following: Warhead Confirmation: A Follow-on to New START; What May Change?; Generic Arms Reduction Treaty; Challenges; Dismantlement and Warhead Confirmation; Confirmation Approaches; Certification; Information Barriers (IBs); The Fissile Material Transparency Technology Demonstration (FMTTD); More Recent Implementations; The Monitor’s View; Authentication; Authentication Options; Authentication in Phases; and Future Treaties.
Time Course Analyses Confirm Independence of Imitative and Spatial Compatibility
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Catmur, Caroline; Heyes, Cecilia
2011-01-01
Imitative compatibility, or automatic imitation, has been used as a measure of imitative performance and as a behavioral index of the functioning of the human mirror system (e.g., Brass, Bekkering, Wohlschlager, & Prinz, 2000; Heyes, Bird, Johnson, & Haggard, 2005; Kilner, Paulignan, & Blakemore, 2003). However, the use of imitative…
Singer, David M; Zachara, John M; Brown, Gordon E
2009-02-01
The distribution and speciation of U and Cu in contaminated vadose zone and aquifer sediments from the U.S. DOE Hanford site (300 Area) were determined using a combination of synchrotron-based micro-X-ray fluorescence (microXRF) imaging, micro-X-ray absorption near edge structure (microXANES) spectroscopy, and micro-X-ray diffraction (microXRD) techniques combined with bulk U LIII-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy. Samples were collected from within the inactive North Process Pond (NPP2) at 8 ft (2.4 m, NPP2-8) depth and 12 ft (3.7 m, NPP2-12) depth in the vadose zone, and fines were isolated from turbid groundwater just below the water Table (12-14 ft, approximately 4 m, NPP2-GW). microXRF imaging, microXRD, and microXANES spectroscopy revealed two major U occurrences within the vadose and groundwater zones: (1) low to moderate concentrations of U(VI) associated with fine-textured grain coatings that were consistently found to contain clinochlore (referred to here as chlorite) observed in all three samples, and (2) U(VI)-Cu(II) hotspots consisting of micrometer-sized particles associated with surface coatings on grains of muscovite and chlorite observed in samples NPP2-8' and NPP2-GW. In the aquifer fines (NPP2-GW), these particles were identified as cuprosklodowskite (cps: Cu[(UO2)(SiO2OH)]2 x 6H2O) and metatorbernite (mtb: Cu(UO2)2(PO4)2 x 8H2O). In contrast, the U-Cu-containing particles in the vadose zone were X-ray amorphous. Analyses of U LIII-edge XAFS spectra by linear-combination fitting indicated that U speciation consisted of (1) approximately 75% uranyl sorbed to chlorite and approximately 25% mtb-like X-ray amorphous U-Cu-phosphates (8 ft depth), (2) nearly 100% sorbed uranyl (12 ft depth), and (3) approximately 70% uranyl sorbed to chlorite and approximately 30% cps/mtb (groundwater zone). These findings suggest that dissolution of U(VI)-Cu(II)-bearing solids as well as desorption of U(VI), mainly from phyllosilicates, are
Alternative approaches used to assess structural changes of natural zircon caused by heat treatment
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Huong, L. T. T.; Thuyet, N. T. M.; Phan, T. L.; Tran, N.; Toan, D. N.; Thang, P. D.; Huy, B. T.
2018-03-01
It is known that large changes in the crystal structure of zircon (ZrSiO4) can be assessed through the linewidth of the characteristic Raman mode (Δν3) at 1008 cm-1. However, the use of Δν3 to assess small changes caused by heat treatment at temperatures below its decomposition temperature of 1670 °C is difficult. The present work points out that the combination of X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses, and photoluminescence (PL) and Raman (RS) measurements with different excitation wavelengths is an effective approach to solve the above problem. In this context, we have selected natural zircon containing some rare-earth (RE) impurities, and then studied the changes in its crystal structure caused by heat treatment at temperatures Tan=400-1600 °C. XRD analyses reveal that small modifications of the unit-cell parameters occur as Tan>600 °C. Taking the intensity ratios of the ν3 mode to RE-related emissions (Iν3/IRE) or the PL intensity ratios between RE-related emissions into consideration, the similar results in good agreement with the XRD analyses are also found. We believe that the small structural changes are related to the migration and redistribution of defects and impurities, and re-crystallization of zircon. This could be further confirmed though the relation between paramagnetic and ferromagnetic signals when Tan changes.
Theory-led confirmation bias and experimental persona
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Allen, Michael
2011-04-01
Questionnaire and interview findings from a survey of three Year 8 (ages 12-13 years) science practical lessons (n = 52) demonstrate how pupils' data collection and inference making were sometimes biased by desires to confirm a personal theory. A variety of behaviours are described where learners knowingly rejected anomalies, manipulated apparatus, invented results or carried out other improper operations to either collect data which they believed were scientifically correct, or achieve social conformity. It is proposed that confirmation bias was a consequence of the degree to which individuals were laden by theory, and driven by this, experimenters assumed one of three different personas: becoming right answer confirmers; good scientists; or indifferent spectators. These personas have parallels with historical instances of scientific behaviour. Implications of a continued teacher-tolerance of pupil confirmation bias include the promotion of unscientific experimenting, and the persistence of unchallenged science misconceptions. Solutions are offered in the way of practical strategies that might reduce experimenters' theory-ladeness.
Scrapping of student bursaries confirmed.
Longhurst, Chris
2016-07-27
Student bursaries for nurses will be scrapped from next year, the government has confirmed. Undergraduate nursing and midwifery students in England will now face tuition fees and student loans from August 2017.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Cabrera, M.; Maciel, J. C.; Quispe-Marcatoma, J.; Pandey, B.; Neri, D. F. M.; Soria, F.; Baggio-Saitovitch, E.; de Carvalho, L. B.
2014-01-01
Magnetic particles as matrix for enzyme immobilization have been used and due to the enzymatic derivative can be easily removed from the reaction mixture by a magnetic field. This work presents a study about the synthesis and characterization of iron phases into magnetic montmorillonite clay (mMMT) and magnetic diatomaceous earth (mDE) by 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy (MS), magnetic measurements and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Also these magnetic materials were assessed as matrices for the immobilization of invertase via covalent binding. Mössbauer spectra of the magnetic composites performed at 4.2 K showed a mixture of magnetite and maghemite about equal proportion in the mMMT, and a pure magnetite phase in the sample mDE. These results were verified using XRD. The residual specific activity of the immobilized invertase on mMMT and mDE were 83 % and 92.5 %, respectively. Thus, both magnetic composites showed to be promising matrices for covalent immobilization of invertase.
Wise, Anna M.; Richardson, Peter W.; Price, Stephen W. T.; ...
2017-12-27
In situ EXAFS and XRD have been used to study the electrochemical formation of hydride phases, H abs, in 0.5 M H 2SO 4 for a Pd/C catalyst and a series of Pd@Pt core-shell catalysts with varying Pt shell thickness, from 0.5 to 4 monolayers. Based on the XRD data a 3% lattice expansion is observed for the Pd/C core catalyst upon hydride formation at 0.0 V. In contrast, the expansion was ≤0.6% for all of the core-shell catalysts. The limited extent of the lattice expansion observed suggests that hydride formation, which may occur during periodic active surface area measurementsmore » conducting during accelerated aging tests or driven by H 2 crossover in PEM fuel cells, is unlikely to contribute significantly to the degradation of Pd@Pt core-shell electrocatalysts in contrast to the effects of oxide formation.« less
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Wise, Anna M.; Richardson, Peter W.; Price, Stephen W. T.
In situ EXAFS and XRD have been used to study the electrochemical formation of hydride phases, H abs, in 0.5 M H 2SO 4 for a Pd/C catalyst and a series of Pd@Pt core-shell catalysts with varying Pt shell thickness, from 0.5 to 4 monolayers. Based on the XRD data a 3% lattice expansion is observed for the Pd/C core catalyst upon hydride formation at 0.0 V. In contrast, the expansion was ≤0.6% for all of the core-shell catalysts. The limited extent of the lattice expansion observed suggests that hydride formation, which may occur during periodic active surface area measurementsmore » conducting during accelerated aging tests or driven by H 2 crossover in PEM fuel cells, is unlikely to contribute significantly to the degradation of Pd@Pt core-shell electrocatalysts in contrast to the effects of oxide formation.« less
Feminizing Genital Gender-Confirmation Surgery.
Hadj-Moussa, Miriam; Ohl, Dana A; Kuzon, William M
2018-02-14
For many patients with gender dysphoria, gender-confirmation surgery (GCS) helps align their physical characteristics with their gender identity and is a fundamental element of comprehensive treatment. This article is the 2nd in a 3-part series about the treatment of gender dysphoria. Non-operative management was covered in part 1. This section begins broadly by reviewing surgical eligibility criteria, benefits of GCS, and factors associated with regret for transgender men and women. Then, the scope narrows to focus on aspects of feminizing genital GCS, including a discussion of vaginoplasty techniques, complications, and sexual function outcomes. Part 3 features operative considerations for masculinizing genital GCS. To summarize the World Professional Association for Transgender Health's (WPATH) surgical eligibility criteria and describe how patients with gender dysphoria benefit from GCS, provide an overview of genital and non-genital feminizing gender-confirmation procedures, and review vaginoplasty techniques, preoperative considerations, complications, and outcomes. A review of relevant literature through April 2017 was performed using PubMed. Review of literature related to surgical eligibility criteria for GCS, benefits of GCS, and surgical considerations for feminizing genitoplasty. Most transgender men and women who satisfy WPATH eligibility criteria experience improved quality of life, overall happiness, and sexual function after GCS; regret is rare. Penile inversion vaginoplasty is the preferred technique for feminizing genital GCS according to most surgeons, including the authors whose surgical technique is described. Intestinal vaginoplasty is reserved for certain scenarios. After vaginoplasty most patients report overall high satisfaction with their sexual function even when complications occur, because most are minor and easily treatable. GCS alleviates gender dysphoria for appropriately selected transgender men and women. Preoperative
A survey of ABCA1 sequence variation confirms association with dementia
Reynolds, Chandra A.; Hong, Mun-Gwan; Eriksson, Ulrika K.; Blennow, Kaj; Bennet, Anna M.; Johansson, Boo; Malmberg, Bo; Berg, Stig; Wiklund, Fredrik; Gatz, Margaret; Pedersen, Nancy L.; Prince, Jonathan A.
2009-01-01
We and others have conducted targeted genetic association analyses of ABCA1 in relation to Alzheimer disease risk with a resultant mixture of both support and refutation, but all previous studies have been based upon only a few markers. Here, a detailed survey of genetic variation in the ABCA1 region has been performed in a total of 1567 Swedish dementia cases (including 1275 with Alzheimer disease) and 2203 controls, providing evidence of association with maximum significance at marker rs2230805 (OR = 1.39; 95% CI 1.23–1.57, P = 7.7 × 10−8). Haplotype-based tests confirmed association of this genomic region after excluding rs2230805, and imputation did not reveal additional markers with greater support. Significantly associating markers reside in two distinct linkage disequilibrium blocks with maxima near the promoter and in the terminal exon of a truncated ABCA1 splice-form. The putative risk allele of rs2230805 was also found to be associated with reduced cerebrospinal fluid levels of β-amyloid. The strongest evidence of association was obtained when all forms of dementia were considered together, but effect sizes were similar when only confirmed Alzheimer disease cases were assessed. Results further implicate ABCA1 in dementia, reinforcing the putative involvement of lipid transport in neurodegenerative disease. PMID:19606474
Magneto-optical properties of BaCryFe12-yO19 (0.0 ≤ y ≤ 1.0) hexaferrites
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Asiri, S.; Güner, S.; Korkmaz, A. D.; Amir, Md.; Batoo, K. M.; Almessiere, M. A.; Gungunes, H.; Sözeri, H.; Baykal, A.
2018-04-01
In this study, nanocrystalline BaCryFe12-yO19 (0.0 ≤ y ≤ 1.0) hexaferrite powders were prepared by sol-gel auto combustion method and the effect of Cr3+ ion substitution on morphology, structure, optic and magnetic properties of Barium hexaferrite were investigated. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analyses confirmed the purity of all samples. The XRD data shows that the average crystallite size lies between 60.95 nm and 50.10 nm and same was confirmed by Transmission electron microscopy. Transmission electron and scanning electron microscopy analyses presented the hexagonal morphology of all products. The characteristic hysteresis (σ-H) curves proved the ferromagnetic feature of as grown nanoparticle samples. Specific saturation magnetization (σs) drops from 46.59 to 34.89 emu/g with increasing Cr content while the coercive field values lie between 770 and 1652 Oe. The large magnitude of the magnetocrystalline (intrinsic) anisotropy field, (Ha) between 11.0 and 12.6 kOe proves that all products are magnetically hard. The energy band gap values decrease from 2.0 eV to 1.84 eV with increasing Cr content. From 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy, the variation in line width, isomer shift, quadrupole splitting and hyperfine magnetic field values were determined and discussed.
Selective enrichment of volatiles confirmed
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
de Pater, Imke
2018-04-01
Hydrogen sulfide gas is detected above Uranus's main cloud deck, confirming the prevalence of H2S ice particles as the main cloud component and a strongly unbalanced nitrogen/sulfur ratio in the planet's deep atmosphere.
Selective enrichment of volatiles confirmed
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
de Pater, Imke
2018-05-01
Hydrogen sulfide gas is detected above Uranus's main cloud deck, confirming the prevalence of H2S ice particles as the main cloud component and a strongly unbalanced nitrogen/sulfur ratio in the planet's deep atmosphere.
Laboratory Detection and Analysis of Organic Compounds in Rocks Using HPLC and XRD Methods
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Dragoi, D.; Kanik, I.; Bar-Cohen, Y.; Sherrit, S.; Tsapin, A.; Kulleck, J.
2004-01-01
In this work we describe an analytical method for determining the presence of organic compounds in rocks, limestone, and other composite materials. Our preliminary laboratory experiments on different rocks/limestone show that the organic component in mineralogical matrices is a minor phase on order of hundreds of ppm and can be better detected using high precision liquid chromatography (HPLC). The matrix, which is the major phase, plays an important role in embedding and protecting the organic molecules from the harsh Martian environment. Some rocks bear significant amounts of amino acids therefore, it is possible to identify these phases using powder x-ray diffraction (XRD) by crystallizing the organic. The method of detection/analysis of organics, in particular amino acids, that have been associated with life will be shown in the next section.
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
LaBelle, Sara; Johnson, Zac D.
2018-01-01
Three studies were conducted to generate a valid and reliable instrument to measure student-to-student confirmation. Study One (N = 396) sought to establish a factor structure based on previous research. Study Two (N = 396) sought to confirm this factor structure and assess criterion-related validity. Study Three (N = 283) sought to assess…
Nano-crystalline hydroxyapatite bio-mineral for the treatment of strontium from aqueous solutions.
Handley-Sidhu, Stephanie; Renshaw, Joanna C; Yong, Ping; Kerley, Robert; Macaskie, Lynne E
2011-01-01
Hydroxyapatites were analysed using electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis. Examination of a bacterially produced hydroxyapatite (Bio-HA) by scanning electron microscopy showed agglomerated nano-sized particles; XRD analysis confirmed that the Bio-HA was hydroxyapatite, with an organic matter content of 7.6%; XRF analysis gave a Ca/P ratio of 1.55, also indicative of HA. The size of the Bio-HA crystals was calculated as ~25 nm from XRD data using the Scherrer equation, whereas Comm-HA powder size was measured as ≤ 50 μm. The nano-crystalline Bio-HA was ~7 times more efficient in removing Sr(2+) from synthetic groundwater than Comm-HA. Dissolution of HA as indicated by the release of phosphate into the solution phase was higher in the Comm-HA than the Bio-HA, indicating a more stable biomaterial which has a potential for the remediation of contaminated sites.
Proteomic Analyses of NF1-Interacting Proteins in Keratinocytes
2015-04-01
and knockout mice further confirmed the interactions suggested by the proteomic analyses. In relation to the development of psoriasis -like symptoms...in the NF1 null epidermis, we analyzed NF1 expression in a mouse model of psoriasis (imiquimod-induced psoriasis -like skin inflammation) and...knockout of epidermal NF1 to elucidate the molecular underpinnings of psoriasis . 15. SUBJECT TERMS neurofibromin-1 (NF1), psoriasis , inflammation
Preparation of thermally stable nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite by hydrothermal method.
Prakash Parthiban, S; Elayaraja, K; Girija, E K; Yokogawa, Y; Kesavamoorthy, R; Palanichamy, M; Asokan, K; Narayana Kalkura, S
2009-12-01
Thermally stable hydroxyapatite (HAp) was synthesized by hydrothermal method in the presence of malic acid. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FT-IR), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential thermal analysis (DTA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was done on the synthesized powders. These analyses confirmed the sample to be free from impurities and other phases of calcium phosphates, and were of rhombus morphology along with nanosized particles. IR and Raman analyses indicated the adsorption of malic acid on HAp. Thermal stability of the synthesized HAp was confirmed by DTA and TGA. The synthesized powders were thermally stable upto 1,400 degrees C and showed no phase change. The proposed method might be useful for producing thermally stable HAp which is a necessity for high temperature coating applications.
Anaphylaxis to Gelofusine confirmed by in vitro basophil activation test: a case series.
Apostolou, E; Deckert, K; Puy, R; Sandrini, A; de Leon, M P; Douglass, J A; Rolland, J M; O'hehir, R E
2006-03-01
The plasma expander Gelofusine (succinylated gelatin) is a recognised cause of peri-operative anaphylaxis. Current diagnosis of Gelofusine sensitivity is by skin testing, a procedure that itself carries a risk of allergic reaction. We evaluated the reliability of the in vitro basophil activation test as a diagnostic assay for Gelofusine sensitivity in subjects with a clinical history highly suggestive of Gelofusine allergy. Six patients with peri-operative anaphylaxis clinically attributed to Gelofusine were skin tested to confirm sensitivity. Control subjects included three healthy subjects and five subjects allergic to a neuromuscular blocking drug, all negative on Gelofusine skin testing. Whole blood basophil activation to Gelofusine was analysed by flow cytometry for CD63 surface expression. All of the Gelofusine sensitive patients and one of the control allergic subjects showed positive basophil activation to Gelofusine. In this series of subjects, the basophil activation test for Gelofusine allergy had a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 87.5%. Our findings suggest that basophil activation testing is a safe and reliable in vitro assay for prediction or confirmation of Gelofusine sensitivity in patients with high clinical suspicion of Gelofusine-induced anaphylaxis.
Arsenopyrite and pyrite bioleaching: evidence from XPS, XRD and ICP techniques.
Fantauzzi, Marzia; Licheri, Cristina; Atzei, Davide; Loi, Giovanni; Elsener, Bernhard; Rossi, Giovanni; Rossi, Antonella
2011-10-01
In this work, a multi-technical bulk and surface analytical approach was used to investigate the bioleaching of a pyrite and arsenopyrite flotation concentrate with a mixed microflora mainly consisting of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans. X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray-induced Auger electron spectroscopy mineral surfaces investigations, along with inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy and carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and sulphur determination (CHNS) analyses, were carried out prior and after bioleaching. The flotation concentrate was a mixture of pyrite (FeS(2)) and arsenopyrite (FeAsS); after bioleaching, 95% of the initial content of pyrite and 85% of arsenopyrite were dissolved. The chemical state of the main elements (Fe, As and S) at the surface of the bioreactor feed particles and of the residue after bioleaching was investigated by X-ray photoelectron and X-ray excited Auger electron spectroscopy. After bioleaching, no signals of iron, arsenic and sulphur originating from pyrite and arsenopyrite were detected, confirming a strong oxidation and the dissolution of the particles. On the surfaces of the mineral residue particles, elemental sulphur as reaction intermediate of the leaching process and precipitated secondary phases (Fe-OOH and jarosite), together with adsorbed arsenates, was detected. Evidence of microbial cells adhesion at mineral surfaces was also produced: carbon and nitrogen were revealed by CHNS, and nitrogen was also detected on the bioleached surfaces by XPS. This was attributed to the deposition, on the mineral surfaces, of the remnants of a bio-film consisting of an extra-cellular polymer layer that had favoured the bacterial action. © Springer-Verlag 2011
XRD and 29Si MAS-NMR spectroscopy across the β-Lu 2Si 2O 7- β-Y 2Si 2O 7 solid solution
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Becerro, Ana I.; Escudero, Alberto
2005-01-01
Samples in the system Lu 2-xY xSi 2O 7 (0⩽ x⩽2) have been synthesized following the sol-gel method and calcined to 1300 °C, a temperature at which the β-polymorph is known to be the stable phase for the end-members Lu 2Si 2O 7 and Y 2Si 2O 7. The XRD patterns of all the compositions studied are compatible with the structure of the β-polymorph. Unit cell parameters are calculated as a function of composition from XRD patterns. They show a linear change with increasing Y content, which indicates a solid solubility of β-Y 2Si 2O 7 in β-Lu 2Si 2O 7 at 1300 °C. 29Si MAS NMR spectra of the different members of the system agree with the XRD results, showing a linear decrease of the 29Si chemical shift with increasing Y content. Finally, a correlation reported in the literature to predict 29Si chemical shifts in silicates is applied here to obtain the theoretical variation in 29Si chemical shift values in the system Lu 2Si 2O 7-Y 2Si 2O 7 and the results compare favorably with the values obtained experimentally.
Wołoszyn, Łukasz; Ilczyszyn, Maria M
2018-03-15
Two new crystalline salts: β-alaninium trifluoromethanesulfonate (β-AlaOTf) and bis(β-alanine) trifluoromethanesulfonate (β-2AlaOTf) were obtained. The former one contains diprotonated β-alanine dimer, the latter one monoprotonated β-alanine dimer. Both compounds were studied by single crystal XRD, vibrational (IR and Raman) spectroscopy and calorimetric method. The quantum-mechanical calculations (DFT/B3LYP/6-311++G(2d,2p)) for the diprotonated dimer were carried out. The β-AlaOTf salt crystallizes in the P1¯ space group of triclinic system (Z=2), the β-2AlaOTf in the P2 1 /m space group of monoclinic system (Z=2). The vibrational data for the studied compounds are discussed in relation to their crystal structure, and provide insight into the character of hydrogen bonds and β-alanine protonation. The studied crystals do not exhibit phase transitions in the solid state. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Kumar, Nitin; Payzant, E Andrew; Jothimurugesan, K
2011-01-01
A 10% Co 4% Re/(2% Zr/SiO2) catalyst was prepared by co-impregnation using a silica support modified by 2% Zr. The catalyst was characterized by temperature programmed reduction (TPR), in situ XRD and in situ XANES analysis where it was simultaneously exposed to H2 using a temperature programmed ramp. The results showed the two step reduction of large crystalline Co3O4 with CoO as an intermediate. TPR results showed that the reduction of highly dispersed Co3O4 was facilitated by reduced rhenium by a H2-spillover mechanism. In situ XRD results showed the presence of both, Co-hcp and Co-fcc phases in the reduced catalystmore » at 400 C. However, the Co-hcp phase was more abundant, which is thought to be the more active phase as compared to the Co-fcc phase for CO hydrogenation. CO hydrogenation at 270 C and 5 bar pressure produces no detectable change in the phases during the time of experiment. In situ XANES results showed a decrease in the metallic cobalt in the presence of H2/CO, which can be attributed due to oxidation of the catalyst by reaction under these conditions.« less
Opinion Dynamics with Confirmation Bias
Allahverdyan, Armen E.; Galstyan, Aram
2014-01-01
Background Confirmation bias is the tendency to acquire or evaluate new information in a way that is consistent with one's preexisting beliefs. It is omnipresent in psychology, economics, and even scientific practices. Prior theoretical research of this phenomenon has mainly focused on its economic implications possibly missing its potential connections with broader notions of cognitive science. Methodology/Principal Findings We formulate a (non-Bayesian) model for revising subjective probabilistic opinion of a confirmationally-biased agent in the light of a persuasive opinion. The revision rule ensures that the agent does not react to persuasion that is either far from his current opinion or coincides with it. We demonstrate that the model accounts for the basic phenomenology of the social judgment theory, and allows to study various phenomena such as cognitive dissonance and boomerang effect. The model also displays the order of presentation effect–when consecutively exposed to two opinions, the preference is given to the last opinion (recency) or the first opinion (primacy) –and relates recency to confirmation bias. Finally, we study the model in the case of repeated persuasion and analyze its convergence properties. Conclusions The standard Bayesian approach to probabilistic opinion revision is inadequate for describing the observed phenomenology of persuasion process. The simple non-Bayesian model proposed here does agree with this phenomenology and is capable of reproducing a spectrum of effects observed in psychology: primacy-recency phenomenon, boomerang effect and cognitive dissonance. We point out several limitations of the model that should motivate its future development. PMID:25007078
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Sarrazin, P.; Ming, D. W.; Morris, R. V.; Fernandez-Remolar, D.; Amils, R.; Arvidson, R. E.; Blake, D.; Bish, D. L.
2007-01-01
A field campaign was organized in September 2006 by Centro de Astobiologica (Spain) and Washington University (St Louis, USA) for the geological study of the Rio Tinto river bed sediments using a suite of in-situ instruments comprising an ASD reflectance spectrometer, an emission spectrometer, panoramic and close-up color imaging cameras, a life detection system and NASA's CheMin 4 XRD/XRF prototype. The primary objectives of the field campaign were to study the geology of the site and test the potential of the instrument suite in an astrobiological investigation context for future Mars surface robotic missions. The results of the overall campaign will be presented elsewhere. This paper focuses on the results of the XRD/XRF instrument deployment. The specific objectives of the CheMin 4 prototype in Rio Tinto were to 1) characterize the mineralogy of efflorescent salts in their native environments; 2) analyze the mineralogy of salts and oxides from the modern environment to terraces formed earlier as part of the Rio Tinto evaporative system; and 3) map the transition from hematite-dominated terraces to the mixed goethite/salt-bearing terraces where biosignatures are best preserved.
Suspect screening (SSA) and non-targeted analysis (NTA) have become increasingly useful methods for identifying chemicals in indoor environments, which is where many chemical exposures occur. However, the tentative chemical identifications from these analyses must be confirmed. T...
Senate Confirmation Hearing IG
2009-10-14
Paul K. Martin, nominee for Inspector General at NASA, far right, answers questions during his confirmation hearing in front of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Looking on are Dr. Elizabeth M. Robinson, nominee for Chief Financial Officer for NASA, center, and Dr. Patrick Gallagher, nominee to be Assistant Secretary of the Transportation Security Administration at the U.S. Department of Commerce. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
A confirmative clinimetric analysis of the 36-item Family Assessment Device.
Timmerby, Nina; Cosci, Fiammetta; Watson, Maggie; Csillag, Claudio; Schmitt, Florence; Steck, Barbara; Bech, Per; Thastum, Mikael
2018-02-07
The Family Assessment Device (FAD) is a 60-item questionnaire widely used to evaluate self-reported family functioning. However, the factor structure as well as the number of items has been questioned. A shorter and more user-friendly version of the original FAD-scale, the 36-item FAD, has therefore previously been proposed, based on findings in a nonclinical population of adults. We aimed in this study to evaluate the brief 36-item version of the FAD in a clinical population. Data from a European multinational study, examining factors associated with levels of family functioning in adult cancer patients' families, were used. Both healthy and ill parents completed the 60-item version FAD. The psychometric analyses conducted were Principal Component Analysis and Mokken-analysis. A total of 564 participants were included. Based on the psychometric analysis we confirmed that the 36-item version of the FAD has robust psychometric properties and can be used in clinical populations. The present analysis confirmed that the 36-item version of the FAD (18 items assessing 'well-being' and 18 items assessing 'dysfunctional' family function) is a brief scale where the summed total score is a valid measure of the dimensions of family functioning. This shorter version of the FAD is, in accordance with the concept of 'measurement-based care', an easy to use scale that could be considered when the aim is to evaluate self-reported family functioning.
Molecular analysis confirms the long-distance transport of Juniperus ashei pollen
Mohanty, Rashmi Prava; Buchheim, Mark Alan; Anderson, James; Levetin, Estelle
2017-01-01
Although considered rare, airborne pollen can be deposited far from its place of origin under a confluence of favorable conditions. Temporally anomalous records of Cupressacean pollen collected from January air samples in London, Ontario, Canada have been cited as a new case of long-distance transport. Data on pollination season implicated Juniperus ashei (mountain cedar), with populations in central Texas and south central Oklahoma, as the nearest source of the Cupressacean pollen in the Canadian air samples. This finding is of special significance given the allergenicity of mountain cedar pollen. While microscopy is used extensively to identify particles in the air spora, pollen from all members of the Cupressaceae, including Juniperus, are morphologically indistinguishable. Consequently, we implemented a molecular approach to characterize Juniperus pollen using PCR in order to test the long-distance transport hypothesis. Our PCR results using species-specific primers confirmed that the anomalous Cupressacean pollen collected in Canada was from J. ashei. Forward trajectory analysis from source areas in Texas and the Arbuckle Mountains in Oklahoma and backward trajectory analysis from the destination area near London, Ontario were completed using models implemented in HYSPLIT4 (Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory). Results from these trajectory analyses strongly supported the conclusion that the J. ashei pollen detected in Canada had its origins in Texas or Oklahoma. The results from the molecular findings are significant as they provide a new method to confirm the long-distance transport of pollen that bears allergenic importance. PMID:28273170
Shana Dale Senate Confirmation Hearing
2005-11-01
Shana Dale testifies at her confirmation hearing before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Nov. 1, 2005, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Dale was nominated by President Bush to be the deputy administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Model confirmation in climate economics
Millner, Antony; McDermott, Thomas K. J.
2016-01-01
Benefit–cost integrated assessment models (BC-IAMs) inform climate policy debates by quantifying the trade-offs between alternative greenhouse gas abatement options. They achieve this by coupling simplified models of the climate system to models of the global economy and the costs and benefits of climate policy. Although these models have provided valuable qualitative insights into the sensitivity of policy trade-offs to different ethical and empirical assumptions, they are increasingly being used to inform the selection of policies in the real world. To the extent that BC-IAMs are used as inputs to policy selection, our confidence in their quantitative outputs must depend on the empirical validity of their modeling assumptions. We have a degree of confidence in climate models both because they have been tested on historical data in hindcasting experiments and because the physical principles they are based on have been empirically confirmed in closely related applications. By contrast, the economic components of BC-IAMs often rely on untestable scenarios, or on structural models that are comparatively untested on relevant time scales. Where possible, an approach to model confirmation similar to that used in climate science could help to build confidence in the economic components of BC-IAMs, or focus attention on which components might need refinement for policy applications. We illustrate the potential benefits of model confirmation exercises by performing a long-run hindcasting experiment with one of the leading BC-IAMs. We show that its model of long-run economic growth—one of its most important economic components—had questionable predictive power over the 20th century. PMID:27432964
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Feldman, S. M.; Blake, D. F.; Sarrazin, P.; Bish, D. L.; Chipera, S. J.; Vaniman, D. T.; Collins, S.
2004-01-01
The search for evidence of habitability, or of extant or extinct life on Mars, will initially be a search for evidence of past or present conditions supportive of life. The three key requirements for the emergence of life are thought to be liquid water; a suitable energy source; and chemical building blocks. CheMin is a miniaturized XRD/XRF (X-Ray diffraction / X-ray fluorescence) instrument which has been developed for definitive mineralogic analysis of soils and rocks on the Martian surface. The CheMin instrument can provide information that is highly relevant to each of these habitability requirements as summarized below.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kondracki, Łukasz; Kulka, Andrzej; Świerczek, Konrad; Ziąbka, Magdalena; Molenda, Janina
2017-11-01
In this work a detailed operando XRD investigations of structural properties of LixMn2O4 manganese spinel are shown to be a complementary, successful method of determination of diffusion coefficient D and surface exchange coefficient k in the working electrode. Kinetics of lithium ions transport are estimated on the basis of rate of structural changes of the cathode material during a relaxation stage after a high current charge, i.e. during structural relaxation of the material. The presented approach seems to be applicable as a complementary method of determination of transport coefficients for all intercalation-type electrode materials.
The Quality and Effectiveness of Confirmation Classes in Finland
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Niemela, Kati
2006-01-01
Every year some 90% of 15-year-olds in Finland attend confirmation classes in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, which is greater than the percentage of that age group belonging to the Church. What is behind the popularity of Finnish confirmation classes? This article scrutinizes the quality and effectiveness of confirmation classes.…
Senate Confirmation Hearing CFO
2009-10-14
Dr. Elizabeth M. Robinson, nominee for Chief Financial Officer for NASA, center, answers questions during her confirmation hearing in front of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Robinson is flanked by Dr. Patrick Gallagher, nominee to be Assistant Secretary of the Transportation Security Administration at the U.S. Department of Commerce, far left, and Paul K. Martin, nominee to be Inspector General at NASA. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
Field Confirmation and Monitoring Tools for Aerobic Bioremediation of TBA and MTBE
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
North, K.; Rasa, E.; Mackay, D. M.; Scow, K. M.; Hristova, K. R.
2009-12-01
We have been investigating in situ biotreatment of an existing tert-butyl alcohol (TBA) plume at Vandenberg AFB by recirculation/oxygenation and evaluating monitoring tools for microbial community composition and activity inside and outside of the treatment zone. Results indicate that recirculation/oxygenation by two pairs of recirculation wells is effective at adding oxygen and decreasing methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) and TBA concentrations to detection limits along the flowpaths predicted. Compound-specific isotope analyses (CSIA) of groundwater and microbial community analyses (extraction and analysis of DNA) of groundwater and sediments are underway for sampling locations along flowpaths inside and outside of the treatment zone to seek confirmation of in situ biodegradation. We are also evaluating a novel approach to compare the performance of microbial “traps” in characterizing microbial communities: groundwater from the aerobic treatment zone is extracted, separated and directed to multiple chambers located in an air-conditioned ex situ experimental setup. The “traps” under evaluation are in separate chambers; influent and effluent are monitored. The traps being evaluated include Bio-Trap® housings containing Bio-Sep® beads baited with MTBE or TBA labeled with 13C and various unbaited materials. Insights from the various monitoring approaches will be discussed and compared.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
William R. Graham was confirmed by the Senate on October 1, 1986, as the science advisor to President Ronald Reagan and head of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). Formerly the deputy administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Graham started his new post on October 6.
Cardiac MRI-confirmed mesalamine-induced myocarditis
Baker, William L; Saulsberry, Whitney J; Elliott, Kaitlyn; Parker, Matthew W
2015-01-01
A 38-year-old Caucasian man with a medical history significant for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and mesalamine use presented to the emergency department with stabbing, pleuritic, substernal chest pain over the previous 2 days. Findings of leucocytosis, elevated cardiac enzymes and inflammatory markers, T-wave or ST-segment abnormalities and left ventricular systolic dysfunction suggested mesalamine-induced myocarditis. However, a cardiac MRI confirmed the diagnosis. Signs and symptoms improved within days of withdrawal of mesalamine, and initiation of corticosteroids and follow-up studies within the next year were unremarkable. Importantly, the diagnosis of mesalamine-induced myocarditis confirmed via cardiac MRI is a step rarely performed in published cases. PMID:26341161
Cardiac MRI-confirmed mesalamine-induced myocarditis.
Baker, William L; Saulsberry, Whitney J; Elliott, Kaitlyn; Parker, Matthew W
2015-09-04
A 38-year-old Caucasian man with a medical history significant for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and mesalamine use presented to the emergency department with stabbing, pleuritic, substernal chest pain over the previous 2 days. Findings of leucocytosis, elevated cardiac enzymes and inflammatory markers, T-wave or ST-segment abnormalities and left ventricular systolic dysfunction suggested mesalamine-induced myocarditis. However, a cardiac MRI confirmed the diagnosis. Signs and symptoms improved within days of withdrawal of mesalamine, and initiation of corticosteroids and follow-up studies within the next year were unremarkable. Importantly, the diagnosis of mesalamine-induced myocarditis confirmed via cardiac MRI is a step rarely performed in published cases. 2015 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.
Govindhan, R; Karthikeyan, B
2017-10-01
The data presented in this article are related to the research entitled of UV-A stable nanotubes. The nanotubes have been prepared from 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzylamine derivative of tyrosine (BTTP). XRD data reveals the size of the nanotubes. As-synthesized nanotubes (BTTPNTs) are characterized by UV-vis optical absorption studies [1] and photo physical degradation kinetics. The resulted dataset is made available to enable critical or extended analyzes of the BTTPNTs as an excellent light resistive materials.
Confirming expectations in asymmetric and symmetric social hypothesis testing.
Rusconi, Patrice; Sacchi, Simona; Toscano, Armando; Cherubini, Paolo
2012-01-01
This article examines individuals' expectations in a social hypothesis testing task. Participants selected questions from a list to investigate the presence of personality traits in a target individual. They also identified the responses that they expected to receive and the likelihood of the expected responses. The results of two studies indicated that when people asked questions inquiring about the hypothesized traits that did not entail strong a priori beliefs, they expected to find evidence confirming the hypothesis under investigation. These confirming expectations were more pronounced for symmetric questions, in which the diagnosticity and frequency of the expected evidence did not conflict. When the search for information was asymmetric, confirming expectations were diminished, likely as a consequence of either the rareness or low diagnosticity of the hypothesis-confirming outcome. We also discuss the implications of these findings for confirmation bias.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Bishop, Janice L.; Franz, Heather B.; Goetz, Walter; Blake, David F.; Freissinet, Caroline; Steininger, Harald; Goesmann, Fred; Brinckerhoff, William B.; Getty, Stephanie; Pinnick, Veronica T.;
2013-01-01
Coordinated analyses of mineralogy and chemistry of sediments from the Antarctic Dry Valleys illustrate how data obtained using flight-ready technology of current NASA and ESA missions can be combined for greater understanding of the samples. Mineralogy was measured by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and visible/ near-infrared (VNIR) reflectance spectroscopy. Chemical analyses utilized a quadrupole mass spectrometer (QMS) to perform pyrolysis-evolved gas analysis (EGA) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) both with and without derivatization, as well as laser desorption-mass spectrometry (LD/MS) techniques. These analyses are designed to demonstrate some of the capabilities of near-term landed Mars missions, to provide ground truthing of VNIR reflectance data acquired from orbit by the Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM) on MRO and to provide detection limits for surface- operated instruments: the Chemistry and Mineralogy (CheMin) and Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument suites onboard Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) and the Mars Organic Molecule Analyzer (MOMA) onboard ExoMars-2018. The new data from this study are compared with previous analyses of the sediments performed with other techniques. Tremolite was found in the oxic region samples for the first time using the CheMin-like XRD instrument. The NIR spectral features of tremolite are consistent with those observed in these samples. Although the tremolite bands are weak in spectra of these samples, spectral features near 2.32 and 2.39 micrometers could be detected by CRISM if tremolite is present on the martian surface. Allophane was found to be a good match to weak NIR features at 1.37-1.41, 1.92, and 2.19 micrometers in spectra of the oxic region sediments and is a common component of immature volcanic soils. Biogenic methane was found to be associated with calcite in the oxic region samples by the SAM/EGA instrument and a phosphoric acid derivative was found in the anoxic
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Sathiskumar, Swamiappan; Vanaraj, Sekar; Sabarinathan, Devaraj; Preethi, Kathirvel
2018-02-01
Materials based on hydroxyapatite (HAp) Synthesized from bio-wastes have been regarded as useful, novel, eco-friendly medical applications that are targeted primarily for their antibacterial nature. In the present study, HAp was Synthesized from the fish scales of Labeo rohita using alkaline heat treatment and subsequently mixed with 1, 2 and 3 wt% of zinc (Zn) at 800 °C using calcination method to yield Zn-HAp composites. A detailed characterization of the generated composites was analysed by XRD, FT-IR, SEM, EDX and DLS methods. Further, antibacterial and biofilm inhibitory activity of the generated composites was determined using strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The confirmation of the presence of zinc, confirmed by EDAX spectra, XRD, FT-IR, SEM and DLS observations, established that HAp and Zn-HAp composites were without impurities, irregular in shape and were 848 nm sized particles. Although 1-3 wt% Zn-HAp composites showed antibacterial activity, the 3 wt% Zn-HAp composite was found suitable to kill the surrounding bacterial growth and showed potent inhibitory activity against biofilm formation.
Fontes, Gizele Cardoso; Calado, Verônica Maria Araújo; Rossi, Alexandre Malta; da Rocha-Leão, Maria Helena Miguez
2013-01-01
The aim of this study was to characterize the penicillin-loaded microbeads composed of alginate and octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA) starch prepared by ionotropic pregelation with calcium chloride and to evaluate their in vitro drug delivery profile. The beads were characterized by size, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), zeta potential, swelling behavior, and degree of erosion. Also, the possible interaction between penicillin and biopolymers was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. The SEM micrograph results indicated a homogeneous drug distribution in the matrix. Also, based on thermal analyses (TGA/DSC), interactions were detected between microbead components. Although FTIR spectra of penicillin-loaded microbeads did not reveal the formation of new chemical entities, they confirmed the chemical drug stability. XRD patterns showed that the incorporated crystalline structure of penicillin did not significantly alter the primarily amorphous polymeric network. In addition, the results confirmed a prolonged penicillin delivery system profile. These results imply that alginate and OSA starch beads can be used as a suitable controlled-release carrier for penicillin. PMID:23862146
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Carriere, Ronald A.; And Others
This report focuses on a set of supplemental analyses that were performed on portions of the Emergency School Aid Act (ESAA) evaluation data. The goal of these analyses was to explore additional relationships in the data that might help to inform program policy, to confirm and/or further explicate some of the findings reported earlier, and to put…
Real-Time XRD Studies of Li-O2 Electrochemical Reaction in Nonaqueous Lithium-Oxygen Battery.
Lim, Hyunseob; Yilmaz, Eda; Byon, Hye Ryung
2012-11-01
Understanding of electrochemical process in rechargeable Li-O2 battery has suffered from lack of proper analytical tool, especially related to the identification of chemical species and number of electrons involved in the discharge/recharge process. Here we present a simple and straightforward analytical method for simultaneously attaining chemical and quantified information of Li2O2 (discharge product) and byproducts using in situ XRD measurement. By real-time monitoring of solid-state Li2O2 peak area, the accurate efficiency of Li2O2 formation and the number of electrons can be evaluated during full discharge. Furthermore, by observation of sequential area change of Li2O2 peak during recharge, we found nonlinearity of Li2O2 decomposition rate for the first time in ether-based electrolyte.
Yoon, Jun-Hee; Kim, Thomas W; Mendez, Pedro; Jablons, David M; Kim, Il-Jin
2017-01-01
The development of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology allows to sequence whole exomes or genome. However, data analysis is still the biggest bottleneck for its wide implementation. Most laboratories still depend on manual procedures for data handling and analyses, which translates into a delay and decreased efficiency in the delivery of NGS results to doctors and patients. Thus, there is high demand for developing an automatic and an easy-to-use NGS data analyses system. We developed comprehensive, automatic genetic analyses controller named Mobile Genome Express (MGE) that works in smartphones or other mobile devices. MGE can handle all the steps for genetic analyses, such as: sample information submission, sequencing run quality check from the sequencer, secured data transfer and results review. We sequenced an Actrometrix control DNA containing multiple proven human mutations using a targeted sequencing panel, and the whole analysis was managed by MGE, and its data reviewing program called ELECTRO. All steps were processed automatically except for the final sequencing review procedure with ELECTRO to confirm mutations. The data analysis process was completed within several hours. We confirmed the mutations that we have identified were consistent with our previous results obtained by using multi-step, manual pipelines.
Progression in structural, magnetic and electrical properties of La-doped group IV elements
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Deepapriya, S.; Annie Vinosha, P.; Rodney, John D.; Jerome Das, S.
2018-04-01
Progression of group IV elements such as zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4), cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) was synthesized by doping lanthanum (La), via adopting a facile co-precipitation method. Doping hefty rare earth ion in spinel structure can amend to the physical properties of the lattice, which can be used in the enhancement of magnetic and electrical properties of the as-synthesized nanomaterial, it is vital to metamorphose and optimize its micro structural and magnetic features. The structural properties of the samples was analysed by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV-visible spectral analysis (UV-vis) reveals the optical property and optical band gap. The magnetic properties were evaluated using a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), the presence of functional group was confirmed by FTIR. XRD analyses elucidates that the synthesized samples zinc and cobalt had a spinel structure. From TEM analyses the morphology and diameter of the particle was observed. The substituted rare earth ions in Zinc ferrite inhibit the grain growth of the materials in an efficient manner compared with that of the Cobalt ferrite.
Shen, Chong-Heng; Wang, Qin; Fu, Fang; Huang, Ling; Lin, Zhou; Shen, Shou-Yu; Su, Hang; Zheng, Xiao-Mei; Xu, Bin-Bin; Li, Jun-Tao; Sun, Shi-Gang
2014-04-23
In this work, the Li-rich oxide Li1.23Ni0.09Co0.12Mn0.56O2 was synthesized through a facile route called aqueous solution-evaporation route that is simple and without waste water. The as-prepared Li1.23Ni0.09Co0.12Mn0.56O2 oxide was confirmed to be a layered LiMO2-Li2MnO3 solid solution through ex situ X-ray diffraction (ex situ XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Electrochemical results showed that the Li-rich oxide Li1.23Ni0.09Co0.12Mn0.56O2 material can deliver a discharge capacity of 250.8 mAhg(-1) in the 1st cycle at 0.1 C and capacity retention of 86.0% in 81 cycles. In situ X-ray diffraction technique (in situ XRD) and ex situ TEM were applied to study structural changes of the Li-rich oxide Li1.23Ni0.09Co0.12Mn0.56O2 material during charge-discharge cycles. The study allowed observing experimentally, for the first time, the existence of β-MnO2 phase that is appeared near 4.54 V in the first charge process, and a phase transformation of the β-MnO2 to layered Li0.9MnO2 is occurred in the initial discharge process by evidence of in situ XRD pattrens and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) patterns at different states of the initial charge and discharge process. The results illustrated also that the variation of the in situ X-ray reflections during charge-discharge cycling are clearly related to the changes of lattice parameters of the as-prepared Li-rich oxide during the charge-discharge cycles.
Facile and fast synthesis of SnS2 nanoparticles by pulsed laser ablation in liquid
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Johny, J.; Sepulveda-Guzman, S.; Krishnan, B.; Avellaneda, D.; Shaji, S.
2018-03-01
Nanoparticles (NPs) of tin disulfide (SnS2) were synthesized using pulsed laser ablation in liquid (PLAL) technique. Effects of different liquid media and ablation wavelengths on the morphology and optical properties of the nanoparticles were studied. Nd: YAG laser wavelengths of 532 nm and 1064 nm (frequency 10 Hz and pulse width 10 ns) were used to irradiate SnS2 target immersed in liquid for the synthesis of SnS2 nanoparticles. Here PLAL was a fast synthesis technique, the ablation was only for 30 s. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, UV-vis absorption spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy were used to characterize the SnS2 NPs. TEM images showed that the liquid medium and laser wavelength influence the morphology of the NPs. SAED patterns and high resolution TEM (HRTEM) images confirmed the crystallinity of the particles. XRD and XPS analyses confirmed that SnS2 NPs were having exact crystalline structure and chemical states as that of the target. Raman analysis also supported the results obtained by XRD and XPS. Optical band gaps of the nanocolloids evaluated from their UV-vis absorption spectra were 2.4-3.05 eV. SnS2 NPs were having luminescence spectra in the blue-green region irrespective of the liquid media and ablation wavelength.
Moreno-Murcia, Juan A; Martínez-Galindo, Celestina; Moreno-Pérez, Víctor; Marcos, Pablo J.; Borges, Fernanda
2012-01-01
This study aimed to cross-validate the psychometric properties of the Basic Psychological Needs in Exercise Scale (BPNES) by Vlachopoulos and Michailidou, 2006 in a Spanish context. Two studies were conducted. Confirmatory factor analysis results confirmed the hypothesized three-factor solution In addition, we documented evidence of reliability, analysed as internal consistency and temporal stability. Future studies should analyse the scale's validity and reliability with different populations and check their experimental effect. Key pointsThe Basic Psychological Needs in Exercise Scale (BPNES) is valid and reliable for measuring basic psychological needs in healthy physical exercise in the Spanish context.The factor structure of three correlated factors has shown minimal invariance across gender. PMID:24149130
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kodama, Yasko; Rodrigues, Orlando, Jr.; Garcia, Rafael Henrique Lazzari; Santos, Paulo de Souza; Vasquez, Pablo A. S.
2016-07-01
Main subject of this article was to study room temperature stable radicals in Co-60 gamma irradiated contemporary paper using Electron Paramagnetic Resonance spectrometer (EPR). XRD was used to study the effect of ionizing radiation on the morphology of book paper. SEM images presented regions with cellulose fibers and regions with particles agglomeration on the cellulose fibers. Those agglomerations were rich in calcium, observed by EDS. XRD analysis confirmed presence of calcium carbonate diffraction peaks. The main objective of this study was to propose a method using conventional kinetics chemical reactions for the observed radical formed by ionizing radiation. Therefore, further analyses were made to study the half-life and the kinetics of the free radical created. This method can be suitably applied to study radicals on cultural heritage objects.
Electrical and thermal properties of Ca and Ni doped barium ferrite
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Agrawal, Shraddha; Parveen, Azra; Azam, Ameer
2018-05-01
Ca and Ni doped M type Barium ferrite of the composition ((Ba0.9Ca0.1) (Fe0.8 Ni0.2)12O19) were prepared by the traditional sol gel auto combustion method using citric acid as a fuel. Microstructural analyses were carried out with the help of XRD and SEM. XRD analysis is the evidence of nanometer regime along with crystalline planes of hexagonal structure. It also confirms the hexagonal structure of barium ferrite even with the doping of Ca and Ni. SEM analysis is the signature of the spherical shape and surface morphology of agglomerated form of nano-powders of doped samples. The thermal properties of samples were carried out with the help of TGA. That shows the variation of weight loss of the prepared sample with the temperature.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Bose, Narayan; Dutta, Dripta; Mukherjee, Soumyajit
2018-07-01
Brittle Y- and P-planes exist in an exposure of greywacke in the Garhwal Lesser Himalaya, India. Although, Y-planes are well developed throughout, the P-planes are prominent only in some parts (domain-A), and not elsewhere (domain-B). To investigate why the P-planes developed selectively, the following studies were undertaken: 1. Clay-separated XRD analyses: clinochlore and illite are present in both the domains. 2. Strain analyses by Rf-φ method: it deduces strain magnitudes of ∼1.8 for the ductile deformed quartz grains from both the domains A and B. 3. Grain size analyses of quartz clasts: domain-A is mostly composed of finer grains (area up to 40,000 μm2), whereas domain-B consists of a population of coarser grains (area >45,000 μm2). A 2D finite element modeling of linear elastic material was performed using COMSOL software to investigate the control of grain-size variation on the generation brittle shear planes. The results of numerical modeling corroborate the known fact that an increase in grain-size reduces the elastic strain energy density. A broader grain-size distribution increases the effects of diffusion creep and resists the onset of dislocation creep. Thus, rocks with coarser grain population (domain B) tend to resist the generation of shear fractures, unlike their fine-grained counterpart (domain A).
10 CFR 60.137 - General requirements for performance confirmation.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-01-01
... IN GEOLOGIC REPOSITORIES Technical Criteria Performance Confirmation Requirements § 60.137 General requirements for performance confirmation. The geologic repository operations area shall be designed so as to...
Confirmation and lucidity during conversations with a woman with severe dementia.
Normann, Hans Ketil; Norberg, Astrid; Asplund, Kenneth
2002-08-01
Patients with severe dementia sometimes surprise the care providers because they seem to be much more aware of their situation and function much more adequately than usual. Such episodes are labelled 'episodes of lucidity' (ELs). The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of the particular conversations with a woman with severe dementia when ELs occurred as compared with conversations when she was not lucid. A woman with a probable diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) was selected. Her Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) was estimated as 3. The first author met the woman for 4 hours five times over a period of 2 weeks. RESEARCH ETHODS: The conversations were tape-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The text was divided into 278 content units and analysed. Lucidity is promoted by supporting the patient in various ways, that is sharing the patient's view, repeating and reformulating the patient's utterance, reinforcing the patient by using positive utterances, not emphasizing errors and supporting the patient's language in various ways, and avoiding making demands. The relation between the patient and her conversation partner during ELs is characterized by confirmation and communion. This case study indicates that a supportive attitude in conversation with the patient with severe dementia promotes lucidity. A supportive attitude includes the avoidance on the part of the conversational partner making demands on the patient, confirming the patient as an important, unique and valuable person and creating communion. The connection between supporting and avoiding demands and lucidity/nonlucidity during conversation needs further study.
Sebergsen, Karina; Norberg, Astrid; Talseth, Anne-Grethe
2016-01-01
It is important that mental health nurses meet the safety, security and care needs of persons suffering from psychotic illness to enhance these persons' likelihood of feeling better during their time in acute psychiatric wards. Certain persons in care describe nurses' mental health care as positive, whereas others report negative experiences and express a desire for improvements. There is limited research on how persons with psychotic illness experience nurses' mental health care acts and how such acts help these persons feel better. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore, describe and understand how the mental health nurses in acute psychiatric wards provide care that helps persons who experienced psychotic illness to feel better, as narrated by these persons. This study had a qualitative design; 12 persons participated in qualitative interviews. The interviews were transcribed, content analysed and interpreted using Martin Buber's concept of confirmation. The results of this study show three categories of confirming mental health care that describe what helped the participants to feel better step-by-step: first, being confirmed as a person experiencing psychotic illness in need of endurance; second, being confirmed as a person experiencing psychotic illness in need of decreased psychotic symptoms; and third, being confirmed as a person experiencing psychotic illness in need of support in daily life. The underlying meaning of the categories and of subcategories were interpreted and formulated as the theme; confirming mental health care to persons experiencing psychotic illness. Confirming mental health care acts seem to help persons to feel better in a step-wise manner during psychotic illness. Nurses' openness and sensitivity to the changing care needs of persons who suffer from psychotic illness create moments of confirmation within caring acts that concretely help the persons to feel better and that may enhance their health. The results show the
Subbarao, Udumula; Rayaprol, Sudhindra; Dally, Rebecca; Graf, Michael J; Peter, Sebastian C
2016-01-19
The compounds RECuGa3 (RE = La-Nd, Sm-Gd) were synthesized by various techniques. Preliminary X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses at room temperature suggested that the compounds crystallize in the tetragonal system with either the centrosymmetric space group I4/mmm (BaAl4 type) or the non-centrosymmetric space group I4mm (BaNiSn3 type). Detailed single-crystal XRD, neutron diffraction, and synchrotron XRD studies of selected compounds confirmed the non-centrosymmetric BaNiSn3 structure type at room temperature with space group I4mm. Temperature-dependent single-crystal XRD, powder XRD, and synchrotron beamline measurements showed a structural transition between centro- and non-centrosymmetry followed by a phase transition to the Rb5Hg19 type (space group I4/m) above 400 K and another transition to the Cu3Au structure type (space group Pm3̅m) above 700 K. Combined single-crystal and synchrotron powder XRD studies of PrCuGa3 at high temperatures revealed structural transitions at higher temperatures, highlighting the closeness of the BaNiSn3 structure to other structure types not known to the RECuGa3 family. The crystal structure of RECuGa3 is composed of eight capped hexagonal prism cages [RE4Cu4Ga12] occupying one rare-earth atom in each ring, which are shared through the edge of Cu and Ga atoms along the ab plane, resulting in a three-dimensional network. Resistivity and magnetization measurements demonstrated that all of these compounds undergo magnetic ordering at temperatures between 1.8 and 80 K, apart from the Pr and La compounds: the former remains paramagnetic down to 0.3 K, while superconductivity was observed in the La compound at T = 1 K. It is not clear whether this is intrinsic or due to filamentary Ga present in the sample. The divalent nature of Eu in EuCuGa3 was confirmed by magnetization measurements and X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy and is further supported by the crystal structure analysis.
2011-05-04
Rex Geveden, President of Teledyne Brown Engineering, makes a point during a press conference, Wednesday, May 4, 2011, to discuss NASA's Gravity Probe B (GP-B) mission which has confirmed two key predictions derived from Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity, which the spacecraft was designed to test at NASA Headquarters in Washington. The experiment, launched in 2004, used four ultra-precise gyroscopes to measure the hypothesized geodetic effect, the warping of space and time around a gravitational body, and frame-dragging, the amount a spinning object pulls space and time with it as it rotates. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
Barbopoulos, I; Johansson, L-O
2017-08-01
This data article offers a detailed description of analyses pertaining to the development of the Consumer Motivation Scale (CMS), from item generation and the extraction of factors, to confirmation of the factor structure and validation of the emergent dimensions. The established goal structure - consisting of the sub-goals Value for Money, Quality, Safety, Stimulation, Comfort, Ethics, and Social Acceptance - is shown to be related to a variety of consumption behaviors in different contexts and for different products, and should thereby prove useful in standard marketing research, as well as in the development of tailored marketing strategies, and the segmentation of consumer groups, settings, brands, and products.
The tropopause inversion layer in models and analyses
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Birner, T.; Sankey, D.; Shepherd, T. G.
2006-07-01
Recent high-resolution radiosonde climatologies have revealed a tropopause inversion layer (TIL) in the extratropics: temperature strongly increases just above a sharp local cold point tropopause. Here, it is asked to what extent a TIL exists in current general circulation models (GCMs) and meteorological analyses. Only a weak hint of a TIL exists in NCEP/NCAR reanalysis data. In contrast, the Canadian Middle Atmosphere Model (CMAM), a comprehensive GCM, exhibits a TIL of realistic strength. However, in data assimilation mode CMAM exhibits a much weaker TIL, especially in the Southern Hemisphere where only coarse satellite data are available. The discrepancy between the analyses and the GCM is thus hypothesized to be mainly due to data assimilation acting to smooth the observed strong curvature in temperature around the tropopause. This is confirmed in the reanalysis where the stratification around the tropopause exhibits a strong discontinuity at the start of the satellite era.
[Variations in the diagnostic confirmation process between breast cancer mass screening units].
Natal, Carmen; Fernández-Somoano, Ana; Torá-Rocamora, Isabel; Tardón, Adonina; Castells, Xavier
2016-01-01
To analyse variations in the diagnostic confirmation process between screening units, variations in the outcome of each episode and the relationship between the use of the different diagnostic confirmation tests and the lesion detection rate. Observational study of variability of the standardised use of diagnostic and lesion detection tests in 34 breast cancer mass screening units participating in early-detection programmes in three Spanish regions from 2002-2011. The diagnostic test variation ratio in percentiles 25-75 ranged from 1.68 (further appointments) to 3.39 (fine-needle aspiration). The variation ratio in detection rates of benign lesions, ductal carcinoma in situ and invasive cancer were 2.79, 1.99 and 1.36, respectively. A positive relationship between rates of testing and detection rates was found with fine-needle aspiration-benign lesions (R(2): 0.53), fine-needle aspiration-invasive carcinoma (R(2): 0 28), core biopsy-benign lesions (R(2): 0.64), core biopsy-ductal carcinoma in situ (R(2): 0.61) and core biopsy-invasive carcinoma (R(2): 0.48). Variation in the use of invasive tests between the breast cancer screening units participating in early-detection programmes was found to be significantly higher than variations in lesion detection. Units which conducted more fine-needle aspiration tests had higher benign lesion detection rates, while units that conducted more core biopsies detected more benign lesions and cancer. Copyright © 2016 SESPAS. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.
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.
Preparation, Structural and Dielectric Properties of Solution Grown Polyvinyl Alcohol(PVA) Film
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Nangia, Rakhi; Shukla, Neeraj K.; Sharma, Ambika
2017-08-01
Flexible dielectrics with high permittivity have been investigated extensively due to their applications in electronic industry. In this work, structural and electrical characteristics of polymer based film have been analysed. Poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) film was prepared by solution casting method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) characterization technique is used to investigate the structural properties. The semi-crystalline nature has been determined by the analysis of the obtained XRD pattern. Electrical properties of the synthesized film have been analysed from the C-V and I-V curves obtained at various frequencies and temperatures. Low conductivity values confirm the insulating behaviour of the film. However, it is found that conductivity increases with temperature. Also, the dielectric permittivity is found to be higher at lower frequencies and higher temperatures, that proves PVA to be an excellent dielectric material which can be used in interface electronics. Dielectric behaviour of the film has been explained based on dipole orientations to slow and fast varying electric field. However further engineering can be done to modulate the structural, electrical properties of the film.
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Pham, Thai V.; Fulton, John L.
2013-01-22
We present a new methodology involving the simultaneous refinement of both x-ray absorption and x-ray diffraction spectra (X-ray Absorption/Diffraction Structural Refinement,XADSR), to study hydration and ion pair structure of CaCl 2 and RbBr salts in concentrated aqueous solutions. The XADSR analysis includes the XAFS spectra analysis of both the cation and anion as a probe of their short-range structure with an XRD spectral analysis as a probe of the global structural. Together they deliver a comprehensive picture of the cation and anion hydration, the contact ion pair (CIP) structure and the solvent-separated ion pair (SSIP) structure. XADSR analysis of 6.0more » m aqueous CaCl 2 reveals that there are an insignificant number of Ca 2+-Cl- CIP’s, but there are approximately 3.4 SSIP’s separated by about 4.99 Å. In contrast XADSR analysis of aqueous RbBr yields about 0.7 pair CIP at a bond length 3.51 Å. The present work demonstrates a new approach for a direct co-refinement of XRD and XAFS spectra in a simple and reliable fashion, opening new opportunities for analysis in various disordered and crystalline systems. This work was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Division of Chemical Sciences, Geosciences and Biosciences. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is operated for the U.S. Department of Energy by Battelle.« less
Michael Griffin Senate Confirmation Hearing
2005-04-12
U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., left, talks with Michael Griffin as Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Tx., and Griffin's wife Rebecca look on prior to his testimony, Tuesday, April 12, 2005, at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington. If confirmed, Griffin, who currently heads the space department at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory will become NASA's 11th administrator. Photo Credit: (NASA/Renee Bouchard)
Major Volatiles from MSL SAM Evolved Gas Analyses: Yellowknife Bay Through Lower Mount Sharp
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
McAdam, A. C.; Archer, P. D., Jr.; Sutter, B.; Franz, H. B.; Eigenbrode, J. L.; Ming, D. W.; Morris, R. V.; Niles, P. B.; Stern, J. C.; Freissinet, C.;
2015-01-01
The Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) and Chemistry and Mineralogy (CheMin) instruments on the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) analysed several subsamples of <150 µm fines from five sites at Gale Crater. Three were in Yellowknife Bay: the Rocknest aeolian bedform ("RN") and drilled Sheepbed mudstone from sites John Klein ("JK") and Cumberland ("CB"). One was drilled from the Windjana ("WJ") site on a sandstone of the Kimberly formation investigated on route to Mount Sharp. Another was drilled from the Confidence Hills ("CH") site on a sandstone of the Murray Formation at the base of Mt. Sharp (Pahrump Hills). Outcrops are sedimentary rocks that are largely of fluvial or lacustrine origin, with minor aeolian deposits.. SAM's evolved gas analysis (EGA) mass spectrometry detected H2O, CO2, O2, H2, SO2, H2S, HCl, NO, and other trace gases, including organic fragments. The identity and evolution temperature (T) of evolved gases can support CheMin mineral detection and place constraints on trace volatile-bearing phases or phases difficult to characterize with XRD (e.g., X-ray amorphous phases). They can also give constraints on sample organic chemistry. Here, we discuss trends in major evolved volatiles from SAM EGA analyses to date.
2011-05-04
Clifford Will, Professor of Physics at Washington University in St. Louis, makes a point during a press conference, Wednesday, May 4, 2011, to discuss NASA's Gravity Probe B (GP-B) mission which has confirmed two key predictions derived from Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity, which the spacecraft was designed to test at NASA Headquarters in Washington. The experiment, launched in 2004, used four ultra-precise gyroscopes to measure the hypothesized geodetic effect, the warping of space and time around a gravitational body, and frame-dragging, the amount a spinning object pulls space and time with it as it rotates. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
2011-05-04
Clifford Will, Professor of Physics at Washington University in St. Louis, foreground, answers questions during a press conference, Wednesday, May 4, 2011, to discuss NASA's Gravity Probe B (GP-B) mission which has confirmed two key predictions derived from Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity, which the spacecraft was designed to test at NASA Headquarters in Washington. The experiment, launched in 2004, used four ultra-precise gyroscopes to measure the hypothesized geodetic effect, the warping of space and time around a gravitational body, and frame-dragging, the amount a spinning object pulls space and time with it as it rotates. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
2011-05-04
Francis Everitt, Principal Investigator for the Gravity Probe B Mission at Stanford University, second from left, makes a point during a press conference, Wednesday, May 4, 2011, to discuss NASA's Gravity Probe B (GP-B) mission which has confirmed two key predictions derived from Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity, which the spacecraft was designed to test at NASA Headquarters in Washington. The experiment, launched in 2004, used four ultra-precise gyroscopes to measure the hypothesized geodetic effect, the warping of space and time around a gravitational body, and frame-dragging, the amount a spinning object pulls space and time with it as it rotates. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
2011-05-04
Francis Everitt, Principal Investigator for the Gravity Probe B Mission at Stanford University, makes a point during a press conference, Wednesday, May 4, 2011, to discuss NASA's Gravity Probe B (GP-B) mission which has confirmed two key predictions derived from Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity, which the spacecraft was designed to test at NASA Headquarters in Washington. The experiment, launched in 2004, used four ultra-precise gyroscopes to measure the hypothesized geodetic effect, the warping of space and time around a gravitational body, and frame-dragging, the amount a spinning object pulls space and time with it as it rotates. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
2011-05-04
Seated from left, Bill Danchi, Senior Astrophysicist and Program Scientist at NASA Headquarters, Francis Everitt, Principal Investigator for the Gravity Probe B Mission at Stanford University, Rex Geveden, President of Teledyne Brown Engineering, Colleen Hartman, a research professor at George Washington University, and Clifford Will, Professor of Physics at Washington University in St. Louis, Mo., conduct a press conference, Wednesday, May 4, 2011, to discuss NASA's Gravity Probe B (GP-B) mission which has confirmed two key predictions derived from Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity, which the spacecraft was designed to test. at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
2011-05-04
Colleen Hartman, Senior Advisor at NASA Headquarters and Research Professor at George Washington University, makes a point during a press conference, Wednesday, May 4, 2011, to discuss NASA's Gravity Probe B (GP-B) mission which has confirmed two key predictions derived from Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity, which the spacecraft was designed to test at NASA Headquarters in Washington. The experiment, launched in 2004, used four ultra-precise gyroscopes to measure the hypothesized geodetic effect, the warping of space and time around a gravitational body, and frame-dragging, the amount a spinning object pulls space and time with it as it rotates. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
Pohl, Lydia; Kölbl, Angelika; Werner, Florian; Mueller, Carsten W; Höschen, Carmen; Häusler, Werner; Kögel-Knabner, Ingrid
2018-04-30
Aluminium (Al)-substituted goethite is ubiquitous in soils and sediments. The extent of Al-substitution affects the physicochemical properties of the mineral and influences its macroscale properties. Bulk analysis only provides total Al/Fe ratios without providing information with respect to the Al-substitution of single minerals. Here, we demonstrate that nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS) enables the precise determination of Al-content in single minerals, while simultaneously visualising the variation of the Al/Fe ratio. Al-substituted goethite samples were synthesized with increasing Al concentrations of 0.1, 3, and 7 % and analysed by NanoSIMS in combination with established bulk spectroscopic methods (XRD, FTIR, Mössbauer spectroscopy). The high spatial resolution (50-150 nm) of NanoSIMS is accompanied by a high number of single-point measurements. We statistically evaluated the Al/Fe ratios derived from NanoSIMS, while maintaining the spatial information and reassigning it to its original localization. XRD analyses confirmed increasing concentration of incorporated Al within the goethite structure. Mössbauer spectroscopy revealed 11 % of the goethite samples generated at high Al concentrations consisted of hematite. The NanoSIMS data show that the Al/Fe ratios are in agreement with bulk data derived from total digestion and demonstrated small spatial variability between single-point measurements. More advantageously, statistical analysis and reassignment of single-point measurements allowed us to identify distinct spots with significantly higher or lower Al/Fe ratios. NanoSIMS measurements confirmed the capacity to produce images, which indicated the uniform increase in Al-concentrations in goethite. Using a combination of statistical analysis with information from complementary spectroscopic techniques (XRD, FTIR and Mössbauer spectroscopy) we were further able to reveal spots with lower Al/Fe ratios as hematite. Copyright © 2018 John
XRD and XAS structural study of CuAlO2 under high pressure.
Pellicer-Porres, J; Segura, A; Ferrer-Roca, Ch; Polian, A; Munsch, P; Kim, D
2013-03-20
We present the results of x-ray diffraction and x-ray absorption spectroscopy experiments in CuAlO(2) under high pressure. We discuss the polarization dependence of the x-ray absorption near-edge structure at the Cu K-edge. XRD under high pressure evidences anisotropic compression, the a-axis being more compressible than the c-axis. EXAFS yields the copper-oxygen bond length, from which the only internal parameter of the delafossite structure is deduced. The combination of anisotropic compression and the internal parameter decrease results in a regularization of the AlO(6) octahedra. The anisotropic compression is related to the chemical trends observed in the lattice parameters when Al is substituted by other trivalent cations. Both experiments evidence the existence of an irreversible phase transition that clearly manifests at 35 ± 2 GPa. The structure of the high-pressure polymorph could not be determined, but it implies a change of the Cu environment, which remains anisotropic. Precursor effects are observed from the lowest pressures, which are possibly related to crystal breaking at a submicroscopic scale with partial reorientation of the crystallites.
XRD and XAS structural study of CuAlO2 under high pressure
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Pellicer-Porres, J.; Segura, A.; Ferrer-Roca, Ch; Polian, A.; Munsch, P.; Kim, D.
2013-03-01
We present the results of x-ray diffraction and x-ray absorption spectroscopy experiments in CuAlO2 under high pressure. We discuss the polarization dependence of the x-ray absorption near-edge structure at the Cu K-edge. XRD under high pressure evidences anisotropic compression, the a-axis being more compressible than the c-axis. EXAFS yields the copper-oxygen bond length, from which the only internal parameter of the delafossite structure is deduced. The combination of anisotropic compression and the internal parameter decrease results in a regularization of the AlO6 octahedra. The anisotropic compression is related to the chemical trends observed in the lattice parameters when Al is substituted by other trivalent cations. Both experiments evidence the existence of an irreversible phase transition that clearly manifests at 35 ± 2 GPa. The structure of the high-pressure polymorph could not be determined, but it implies a change of the Cu environment, which remains anisotropic. Precursor effects are observed from the lowest pressures, which are possibly related to crystal breaking at a submicroscopic scale with partial reorientation of the crystallites.
Stevens, Joanna S; Byard, Stephen J; Seaton, Colin C; Sadiq, Ghazala; Davey, Roger J; Schroeder, Sven L M
2014-01-21
The properties of nitrogen centres acting either as hydrogen-bond or Brønsted acceptors in solid molecular acid-base complexes have been probed by N 1s X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) as well as (15)N solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR) spectroscopy and are interpreted with reference to local crystallographic structure information provided by X-ray diffraction (XRD). We have previously shown that the strong chemical shift of the N 1s binding energy associated with the protonation of nitrogen centres unequivocally distinguishes protonated (salt) from hydrogen-bonded (co-crystal) nitrogen species. This result is further supported by significant ssNMR shifts to low frequency, which occur with proton transfer from the acid to the base component. Generally, only minor chemical shifts occur upon co-crystal formation, unless a strong hydrogen bond is formed. CASTEP density functional theory (DFT) calculations of (15)N ssNMR isotropic chemical shifts correlate well with the experimental data, confirming that computational predictions of H-bond strengths and associated ssNMR chemical shifts allow the identification of salt and co-crystal structures (NMR crystallography). The excellent agreement between the conclusions drawn by XPS and the combined CASTEP/ssNMR investigations opens up a reliable avenue for local structure characterization in molecular systems even in the absence of crystal structure information, for example for non-crystalline or amorphous matter. The range of 17 different systems investigated in this study demonstrates the generic nature of this approach, which will be applicable to many other molecular materials in organic, physical, and materials chemistry.
Racial athletic stereotype confirmation in college football recruiting.
Thomas, Grant; Good, Jessica J; Gross, Alexi R
2015-01-01
The present study tested real-world racial stereotype use in the context of college athletic recruiting. Stereotype confirmation suggests that observers use stereotypes as hypotheses and interpret relevant evidence in a biased way that confirms their stereotypes. Shifting standards suggest that the evaluative standard to which we hold a target changes as a function of their group membership. We examined whether stereotype confirmation and shifting standards effects would be seen in college football coaches during recruiting. College football coaches evaluated a Black or White player on several attributes and made both zero- and non-zero-sum allocations. Results suggested that coaches used the evidence presented to develop biased subjective evaluations of the players based on race while still maintaining equivalent objective evaluations. Coaches also allocated greater overall resources to the Black recruit than the White recruit.
Confirming psychogenic nonepileptic seizures with video-EEG: sex matters.
Noe, Katherine H; Grade, Madeline; Stonnington, Cynthia M; Driver-Dunckley, Erika; Locke, Dona E C
2012-03-01
The influence of gender on psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) diagnosis was examined retrospectively in 439 subjects undergoing video-EEG (vEEG) for spell classification, of whom 142 women and 42 men had confirmed PNES. The epileptologist's predicted diagnosis was correct in 72% overall. Confirmed epilepsy was correctly predicted in 94% men and 88% women. In contrast, confirmed PNES was accurately predicted in 86% women versus 61% men (p=0.003). Sex-based differences in likelihood of an indeterminate admission were not observed for predicted epilepsy or physiologic events, but were for predicted PNES (39% men, 12% women, p=0.0002). More frequent failure to record spells in men than women with predicted PNES was not explained by spell frequency, duration of monitoring, age, medication use, or personality profile. PNES are not only less common in men, but also more challenging to recognize in the clinic, and even when suspected more difficult to confirm with vEEG. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Popovych, Nataliia; Kyriienko, Pavlo; Soloviev, Sergiy; Baran, Rafal; Millot, Yannick; Dzwigaj, Stanislaw
2016-10-26
Silver has been identified in the framework of Ag x SiBEA zeolites (where x = 3-6 Ag wt%) by the combined use of XRD, 109 Ag MAS NMR, FTIR, diffuse reflectance UV-visible, EPR and XPS spectroscopy. The incorporation of Ag ions into the framework of SiBEA zeolite has been evidenced by XRD. The consumption of OH groups as a result of their reaction with the silver precursor has been monitored by FTIR and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The changes in the silver state as a function of Ag content and thermal and hydrogen treatment at 573 K have been identified by 109 Ag MAS NMR, EPR, DR UV-visible, TEM and XPS investigations. The acidity of AgSiBEA has been investigated by FTIR spectroscopy of adsorbed CO and pyridine used as probe molecules.
Nathan, Steven D; Albera, Carlo; Bradford, Williamson Z; Costabel, Ulrich; Glaspole, Ian; Glassberg, Marilyn K; Kardatzke, David R; Daigl, Monica; Kirchgaessler, Klaus-Uwe; Lancaster, Lisa H; Lederer, David J; Pereira, Carlos A; Swigris, Jeffrey J; Valeyre, Dominique; Noble, Paul W
2017-01-01
In clinical trials of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, rates of all-cause mortality are low. Thus prospective mortality trials are logistically very challenging, justifying the use of pooled analyses or meta-analyses. We did pooled analyses and meta-analyses of clinical trials of pirfenidone versus placebo to determine the effect of pirfenidone on mortality outcomes over 120 weeks. We did a pooled analysis of the combined patient populations of the three global randomised phase 3 trials of pirfenidone versus placebo-Clinical Studies Assessing Pirfenidone in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Research of Efficacy and Safety Outcomes (CAPACITY 004 and 006; trial durations 72-120 weeks) and Assessment of Pirfenidone to Confirm Efficacy and Safety in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (ASCEND 016; 52 weeks)-for all-cause mortality, treatment-emergent all-cause mortality, idiopathic-pulmonary-fibrosis-related mortality, and treatment-emergent idiopathic-pulmonary-fibrosis-related mortality at weeks 52, 72, and 120. We also did meta-analyses of these data and data from two Japanese trials of pirfenidone versus placebo-Shionogi Phase 2 (SP2) and Shionogi Phase 3 (SP3; trial durations 36-52 weeks). At week 52, the relative risk of death for all four mortality outcomes was significantly lower in the pirfenidone group than in the placebo group in the pooled population (all-cause mortality hazard ratio [HR] 0·52 [95% CI 0·31-0·87; p=0·0107]; treatment-emergent all-cause mortality 0·45 [0·24-0·83; 0·0094]; idiopathic-pulmonary-fibrosis-related mortality 0·35 [0·17-0·72; 0·0029]; treatment-emergent idiopathic-pulmonary-fibrosis-related mortality 0·32 [0·14-0·76; 0·0061]). Consistent with the pooled analysis, meta-analyses for all-cause mortality at week 52 also showed a clinically relevant and significant risk reduction in the pirfenidone group compared with the placebo group. Over 120 weeks, we noted significant differences in the pooled analysis favouring pirfenidone
Experimental confirmation of Lenz’s law
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Mayer, V. V.; Varaksina, E. I.
2017-11-01
The paper presents a series of experiments that demonstrate the phenomenon of electromagnetic induction. These make it possible to determine the direction of the induced current and so confirm Lenz’s Law. The simple experiments can be reproduced in a school laboratory and can be recommended for students’ project activity.
Non-LTE spectral analyses of the lately discovered DB-gap white dwarfs from the SDSS
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Hügelmeyer, S. D.; Dreizler, S.
2009-06-01
For a long time, no hydrogen-deficient white dwarfs have been known that have effective temperature between 30 kK and < 45 kK, i. e. exceeding those of DB white dwarfs and having lower ones than DO white dwarfs. Therefore, this temperature range was long known as the DB-gap. Only recently, the SDSS provided spectra of several candidate DB-gap stars. First analyses based on model spectra calculated under the assumption of local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) confirmed that these stars had 30 kK < Teff < 45 kK (Eisenstein et al. 2006). It has been shown for DO white dwarfs that the relaxation of LTE is necessary to account for non local effects in the atmosphere caused by the intense radiation field. Therefore, we calculated a non-LTE model grid and re-analysed the aforementioned set of SDSS spectra. Our results confirm the existence of DB-gap white dwarfs.
Association between bacterial infection and radiologically confirmed pneumonia among children.
Nascimento-Carvalho, Cristiana M; Araújo-Neto, César A; Ruuskanen, Olli
2015-05-01
The role of chest radiograph (CXR) among children with community-acquired pneumonia is controversial. We aimed to assess if there is association between a specific etiology and radiologically confirmed pneumonia. This was a prospective cross-sectional study. Based on report of respiratory complaints and fever/difficulty breathing plus the detection of pulmonary infiltrate/pleural effusion on the CXR taken upon admission read by the pediatrician on duty, children <5-year-old hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia were enrolled. On admission, clinical data and biological samples were collected to investigate 19 etiological agents (11 viruses and 8 bacteria). CXR taken upon admission was independently read by a pediatric radiologist blinded to clinical data. The study group comprised 209 cases with evaluated CXR and establishment of a probable etiology. Radiologically confirmed pneumonia, normal CXR and other radiographic diagnoses were described for 165 (79.0%), 36 (17.2%) and 8 (3.8%) patients, respectively. Viral infection was significantly more common among patients without radiologically confirmed pneumonia (68.2% vs. 47.9%; P = 0.02), particularly among those with normal CXR (66.7% vs. 47.9%; P = 0.04) when compared with patients with radiologically confirmed pneumonia. Bacterial infection was more frequent among cases with radiologically confirmed pneumonia (52.1% vs. 31.8%; P = 0.02). Likewise, pneumococcal infection was more frequently detected among children with radiologically confirmed pneumonia in regard to children with normal CXR (24.2% vs. 8.3%; P = 0.04). Sensitivity (95% confidence interval) of radiologically confirmed pneumonia for pneumococcal infection was 93% (80-98%), and negative predictive value (95% confidence interval) of normal CXR for pneumococcal infection was 92% (77-98%). Bacterial infection, especially pneumococcal one, is associated with radiologically confirmed pneumonia.
Tan, Jin Ai Mary Anne; Chin, Pui See; Wong, Yean Ching; Tan, Kim Lian; Chan, Lee Lee; George, Elizabeth
2006-10-01
In Malaysia, about 4.5% of the Malay and Chinese populations are heterozygous carriers of beta-thalassaemia. The initial identification of rare beta-globin gene mutations by genomic sequencing will allow the development of simpler and cost-effective PCR-based techniques to complement the existing amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS) and gap-PCR used for the identification of beta-thalassaemia mutations. DNA from 173 beta-thalassaemia carriers and five beta-thalassaemia major patients from the Malay, Chinese and Indian ethnic groups were first analysed by ARMS and gap-PCR. Ninety-five per cent (174/183) of the 183 beta-globin genes studied were characterised using these two techiques. The remaining nine uncharacterised beta-globin genes (4.9%) were analysed using genomic sequencing of a 904 bp amplified PCR product consisting of the promoter region, exon 1, intervening sequence (IVS) 1, exon 2 and the 5' IVS2 regions of the beta-globin gene. The rare beta-globin mutations detected in the Chinese patients were CD27/28 (+C) and CD43 (GAG-TAG), and -88 (C-T) in an Indian patient. Beta-globin mutations at CD16 (-C), IVS1-1 (G-A), IVS2-1 (G-A), -86 (C-G) and Haemoglobin South Florida (CD1, GTG-ATG) were confirmed in the Malay patients. The seven rare beta-globin mutations and a rare haemoglobin variant confirmed in this study have been described in other populations but have not been previously described in Malaysian beta-thalassemia patients.
XRD, TEM, IR, Raman and NMR Spectroscopy of In Situ Crystallization of Lithium Disilicate Glass
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Fuss, T.; Mogus-Milankovic, A.; Ray, C. S.; Lesher, C. E.; Youngman, R.; Day, D. E.
2006-01-01
The structure of a Li2O-2SiO2 (LS2) glass was investigated as a function of pressure and temperature up to 6 GPa and 750 C respectively, using XRD, TEM, IR, Raman and NMR spectroscopy. Glass densified at 6 GPa has an average Si-O-Si bond angle approx.7deg lower than that found in glass processed at 4.5 GPa. At 4.5 GPa, lithium disilicate crystallizes from the glass, while at 6 GPa a new high pressure form of lithium metasilicate crystallizes. The new phase, while having lithium metasilicate crystal symmetry, contains at least 4 different Si sites. NMR results for 6 GPa sample indicate the presence of Q4 species with (Q(sup 4))Si-O-Si(Q(sup 4)) bond angles of approx.157deg. This is the first reported occurrence of Q(sup 4) species with such large bond angles in alumina free alkali silicate glass. No five- or six- coordinated Si are found.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Ghiasuddin; Akram, Muhammad; Adeel, Muhammad; Khalid, Muhammad; Tahir, Muhammad Nawaz; Khan, Muhammad Usman; Asghar, Muhammad Adnan; Ullah, Malik Aman; Iqbal, Muhammad
2018-05-01
Carbon-carbon coupling play a vital role in the synthetic field of organic chemistry. Two novel pyridine derivatives: 3-bromo-5-(2,5-difluorophenyl)pyridine (1) and 3,5-bis(naphthalen-1-yl)pyridine (2) were synthesized via carbon-carbon coupling, characterized by XRD, spectroscopic techniques and also investigated by using density functional theory (DFT). XRD data and optimized DFT studies are found to be in good correspondence with each other. The UV-Vis analysis of compounds under study i.e. (1) and (2) was obtained by using "TD-DFT/B3LYP/6-311 + G(d,p)" level of theory to explain the vertical transitions. Calculated FT-IR and UV-Vis results are found to be in good agreement with experimental FT-IR and UV-Vis findings. Natural bond orbital (NBO) study was performed using B3LYP/6-311 + G(d,p) level to find the most stable molecular structure of the compounds. Frontier molecular orbital (FMO) analysis were performed at B3LYP/6-311 + G(d,p) level of theory, which indicates that the molecules might be bioactive. Moreover, the bioactivity of compounds (1) and (2) have been confirmed by the experimental activity in terms of zones of inhibition against bacteria and fungus. Chemical reactivity of compounds (1) and (2) was indicated by mapping molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) over the entire stabilized geometries of the compounds under study. The nonlinear optical properties were computed with B3LYP/6-311 + G(d,p) level of theory which are found greater than the value of urea due to conjugation effect. Two state model has been further employed to explain the nonlinear optical properties of compounds under investigation.
Lukose, Jilu; Yohannan Panicker, C; Nayak, Prakash S; Narayana, B; Sarojini, B K; Van Alsenoy, C; Al-Saadi, Abdulaziz A
2015-01-25
The optimized molecular structure, vibrational frequencies, corresponding vibrational assignments of 2-phenyl-N-(pyrazin-2-yl)acetamide have been investigated experimentally and theoretically using Gaussian09 software package. The title compound was optimized by using the HF/6-31G(6D,7F) and B3LYP/6-31G(6D,7F) calculations. The geometrical parameters are in agreement with the XRD data. The stability of the molecule arising from hyper-conjugative interaction and charge delocalization has been analyzed using NBO analysis. Gauge-including atomic orbital (1)H-NMR chemical shifts calculations were carried out and compared with experimental data. The HOMO and LUMO analysis is used to determine the charge transfer within the molecule. Molecular electrostatic potential was performed by the DFT method. First hyperpolarizability is calculated in order to find its role in non linear optics. From the XRD data, in the crystal, molecules are held together by strong C-H⋯O and N-H⋯O intermolecular interactions. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Yadav, Arun Kumar; Verma, Anita; Kumar, Sunil; Srihari, Velaga; Sinha, A. K.; Reddy, V. Raghavendra; Liu, Shun Wei; Biring, Sajal; Sen, Somaditya
2018-03-01
The phase purity and crystal structure of Pb(1-x)LaxTi(1-x)AlxO3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.25) samples (synthesized via the sol-gel process) were confirmed using synchrotron x-ray powder diffraction (XRD) (wavelength, λ = 0.44573 Å). Rietveld analyses of powder x-ray diffraction data confirmed the tetragonal structure for compositions with x ≤ 0.18 and cubic structure for the sample with x = 0.25. Temperature-dependent XRD was performed to investigate the structural change from tetragonal to cubic structure phase transition. Raman spectroscopy at room temperature also confirmed this phase transition with compositions. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) provided information about the surface morphology while an energy dispersive x-ray spectrometer attached with FESEM confirmed the chemical compositions of samples. Temperature and frequency dependent dielectric studies showed that the tetragonal to cubic phase transition decreased from 680 K to 175 K with an increase in the x from 0.03 to 0.25, respectively. This is correlated with the structural studies. Electric field dependent spontaneous polarization showed a proper ferroelectric loop for 0.06 ≤ x ≤ 0.18 belonging to a tetragonal phase, while for x ≥ 0.25, the spontaneous polarization vanishes. Bipolar strain versus electric field revealed a butterfly loop for 0.06 ≤ x ≤ 0.18 compositions. Energy storage efficiency initially increases nominally with substitution but beyond x = 0.18 enhances considerably.
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Mahmoud, Abdelfattah; Daroukh, Mahmoud Al; Lipinska-Chwalek, Marta
Here, degradation processes of oxygen electrodes in solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Mössbauer spectroscopy. La 0.58Sr 0.4Fe 0.5Co 0.5O 3–x (LSCF) anodes (oxygen electrode) were analyzed after different long-term operations durations of 1774, 6100 and 9000 h. The results were compared with a cell in the initial state. Besides the LSCF anode, the SOECs were composed of a Ce 0.8Gd 0.2O 1.9 barrier layer between the anode and electrolyte, yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) as electrolyte and Ni-YSZ as cathode (hydrogen electrode). Mössbauer spectra of the iron-containingmore » anode were acquired in order to determine the alteration of the iron oxidation state and its local environment during operation. Mössbauer spectroscopy yields indirect information about the degradation mechanism, especially in combination with SEM, TEM, and XRD. XRD and TEM revealed the appearance of Co 3O 4 during the SOEC operation and SEM analyses confirmed the formation of SrZrO 3 at the electrode/electrolyte interface. The spectral analysis confirmed the reduction of iron from Fe(IV) to Fe(III) in LSCF after long-term operation. The fraction of Fe(IV) in the electrode decreased with time and 18, 15, 13 and 11% were obtained for 0, 1774, 6100, and 9000 h of operation, respectively.« less
Mahmoud, Abdelfattah; Daroukh, Mahmoud Al; Lipinska-Chwalek, Marta; ...
2017-10-21
Here, degradation processes of oxygen electrodes in solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Mössbauer spectroscopy. La 0.58Sr 0.4Fe 0.5Co 0.5O 3–x (LSCF) anodes (oxygen electrode) were analyzed after different long-term operations durations of 1774, 6100 and 9000 h. The results were compared with a cell in the initial state. Besides the LSCF anode, the SOECs were composed of a Ce 0.8Gd 0.2O 1.9 barrier layer between the anode and electrolyte, yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) as electrolyte and Ni-YSZ as cathode (hydrogen electrode). Mössbauer spectra of the iron-containingmore » anode were acquired in order to determine the alteration of the iron oxidation state and its local environment during operation. Mössbauer spectroscopy yields indirect information about the degradation mechanism, especially in combination with SEM, TEM, and XRD. XRD and TEM revealed the appearance of Co 3O 4 during the SOEC operation and SEM analyses confirmed the formation of SrZrO 3 at the electrode/electrolyte interface. The spectral analysis confirmed the reduction of iron from Fe(IV) to Fe(III) in LSCF after long-term operation. The fraction of Fe(IV) in the electrode decreased with time and 18, 15, 13 and 11% were obtained for 0, 1774, 6100, and 9000 h of operation, respectively.« less
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Usman, Muhammad Sani; Hussein, Mohd Zobir; Kura, Aminu Umar; Fakurazi, Sharida; Masarudin, Mas Jaffri; Saad, Fathinul Fikri Ahmad
2018-03-01
A theranostic nanocomposite was developed using anticancer agent, protocatechuic acid (PA) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent gadolinium nitrate (Gd) for simultaneous delivery using layered double hydroxide (LDH) as the delivery agent. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were adsorbed on the surface of the LDH, which served as a complementary contrast agent. Based on the concept of supramolecular chemistry (SPC) and multimodal delivery system (MDS), the PA and Gd guests were first intercalated into the LDH host and subsequently AuNPs were surface adsorbed as the third guest. The nanohybrid developed was named MAPGAu. The MAPGAu was exposed to various characterizations at different stages of synthesis, starting with XRD analysis, which was used to confirm the intercalation episode and surface adsorption of the guest molecules. Consequently, FESEM, Hi-TEM, XRD, ICP-OES, CHNS, FTIR and UV-Vis analyses were done on the nanohybrids. The result of XRD analysis indicated successful intercalation of the Gd and PA as well the adsorption of AuNPs. The UV-Vis release study showed 90% of the intercalated drug was released at pH 4.8, which is the pH of the cancer cells. The FESEM and TEM micrographs obtained equally confirmed the formation of MAGPAu nanocomposite, with AuNPs conspicuously deposited on the LDH surface. The cytotoxicity study of the nanohybrid also showed insignificant toxicity to normal cell lines and significant toxicity to cancer cell lines. The developed MAGPAu nanocomposite has shown prospects for future theranostic cancer treatment.
Thumb rule of visual angle: a new confirmation.
Groot, C; Ortega, F; Beltran, F S
1994-02-01
The classical thumb rule of visual angle was reexamined. Hence, the visual angle was measured as a function of a thumb's width and the distance between eye and thumb. The measurement of a thumb's width when held at arm's length was taken on 67 second-year students of psychology. The visual angle was about 2 degrees as R. P. O'Shea confirmed in 1991. Also, we confirmed a linear relationship between the size of a thumb's width at arm's length and the visual angle.
Chae, Joon-seok; Levy, Michael; Hunt, John; Schlater, Jack; Snider, Glen; Waghela, Suryakant D.; Holman, Patricia J.; Wagner, G. Gale
1999-01-01
Theileria sp.-specific small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene amplification confirmed the presence of the organism in cattle and in Amblyomma americanum and Dermacentor variabilis ticks collected from a cattle herd in Missouri. Blood from the index animal had type A and type D Theileria SSU rRNA genes. The type D gene was also found in blood from two cohort cattle and tick tissues. The type A SSU rRNA gene was previously reported from bovine Theileria isolates from Texas and North Carolina; the type D gene was reported from a Texas cow with theileriosis. PMID:10449501
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Indirajith, R.; Rajalakshmi, M.; Gopalakrishnan, R.; Ramamurthi, K.
2016-03-01
Bismuth selenide (Bi2Se3) was synthesized by hydrothermal method at 200 °C and confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. The synthesized material was utilized to deposit bismuth selenide thin films at various substrate temperatures (Room Temperature-RT, 150 °C, 250 °C, 350 °C and 450 °C) by electron beam evaporation technique. XRD study confirmed the polycrystalline nature of the deposited Bi2Se3films. Optical transmittance spectra showed that the deposited (at RT) films acquire relatively high average transmittance of 60%in near infrared region (1500-2500 nm). An indirect allowed optical band gap calculated from the absorption edge for the deposited films is ranging from 0.62 to 0.8 eV. Scanning electron and atomic force microscopy analyses reveal the formation of nano-scale sized particles on the surface and that the nature of surface microstructures is influenced by the substrate temperature. Hall measurements showed improved electrical properties, for the films deposited at 350 °C which possess 2.8 times the mobility and 0.9 times the resistivity of the films deposited at RT.
Yang, Manman; Wang, Zongyuan; Wang, Wei; Liu, Chang-Jun
2014-01-01
Argon glow discharge has been employed as a cheap, environmentally friendly, and convenient electron source for simultaneous reduction of HAuCl4 and PdCl2 on the anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) substrate. The thermal imaging confirms that the synthesis is operated at room temperature. The reduction is conducted with a short time (30 min) under the pressure of approximately 100 Pa. This room-temperature electron reduction operates in a dry way and requires neither hydrogen nor extra heating nor chemical reducing agent. The analyses using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirm all the metallic ions have been reduced. The characterization with X-ray diffraction (XRD) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) shows that AuPd alloyed nanoparticles are formed. There also exist some highly dispersed Au and Pd monometallic particles that cannot be detected by XRD and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) because of their small particle sizes. The observed AuPd alloyed nanoparticles are spherical with an average size of 14 nm. No core-shell structure can be observed. The room-temperature electron reduction can be operated in a larger scale. It is an easy way for the synthesis of AuPd alloyed nanoparticles.
Confirming Planetary Mass Candidate Companions in Ophiuchus
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Fontanive, Clemence
2016-10-01
We propose for follow-up observations to confirm common proper motion for two candidate planetary mass companions, identified as part of our GO 12944 (PI Allers) search for companions to the youngest ( 0.5 Myr) brown dwarfs in the nearby Ophiuchus star-forming region. If confirmed to be co-moving, these would be among the lowest mass planetary mass companions imaged to date, with estimated masses <5 Jupiter Masses and would be vital benchmark objects for evolutionary models at these young ages. With our multi-band optical and IR photometric approach based on the SpT-Q relation seen for Ophiuchus brown dwarfs (Allers in prep.), we have already estimated the spectral type of our candidate companions. This approach distinguishes substellar objects from background interlopers based on the strength of the 1.4 um water feature robustly observed in MLTY objects but not in reddened background stars - both our candidates show clear evidence of absorption at 1.4 um. If confirmed, these candidate companions would significantly increase the census of young planetary mass companions around extremely young brown dwarfs. These candidate companions are too faint to be observed with ground-based laser guide star adaptive optics (LGS AO) nor is the 1.4 um water feature observable from the ground for such faint objects due to telluric absorption, thus HST is the only telescope in the world suitable for these observations.
Laboratory confirmation of rubella infection in suspected measles cases.
Vaidya, Sunil R; Raut, Chandrashekhar G; Jadhav, Santoshkumar M
2016-10-01
As a part of measles outbreak based surveillance undertaken by the World Health Organization India, suspected measles cases were referred for the laboratory diagnosis at National Institute of Virology (NIV) Pune and NIV Unit Bengaluru. Altogether, 4,592 serum samples were referred during 2010-2015 from the States of Karnataka (n = 1,173), Kerala (n = 559), and Maharashtra (n = 2,860). Initially, serum samples were tested in measles IgM antibody EIA and samples with measles negative and equivocal results (n = 1,954) were subjected to rubella IgM antibody detection. Overall, 62.9% (2,889/4,592) samples were laboratory confirmed measles, 27.7% (542/1,954) were laboratory confirmed rubella and remaining 25.2% (1,161/4,592) were negative for measles and rubella. The measles vaccination status was available for 1,206 cases. Among the vaccinated individuals, 50.7% (612/1,206) were laboratory confirmed measles. The contribution of laboratory confirmed measles was 493 (40.8%) from Maharashtra, 90 (7.5%) from Karnataka, and 29 (2.4%) from Kerala. Since, 1/3rd of suspected measles cases were laboratory confirmed rubella, an urgent attention needed to build rubella surveillance in India. Additional efforts are required to rule out other exanthematous disease including Dengue and Chikungunya in measles and rubella negatives. J. Med. Virol. 88:1685-1689, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Morillas, Héctor; Maguregui, Maite; Trebolazabala, Josu; Madariaga, Juan Manuel
2015-02-01
Bricks and mortar currently constitute one of the most important building materials used in the construction of most modern facades. The deterioration of these materials is caused primarily by the impact of numerous external stressors, while poor manufacturing quality, particularly of mortars, can also contribute to this process. In this work, the non-invasive Raman spectroscopy technique was used to identify the recently formed deterioration compounds (primarily sulfates and nitrates) in bricks, artificial stones, and joint mortars from detached houses in the Bilbao metropolitan area (Basque Country, North of Spain), as well as to investigate the deterioration processes taking place in these materials. Additionally, to confirm and in some cases complement the results obtained with Raman spectroscopy, SEM-EDS and XRD measurements were also carried out.
Growth and properties of benzil doped benzimidazole (BMZ) single crystals
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Babu, R. Ramesh, E-mail: rampap2k@yahoo.co.in; Crystal Growth and Crystallography Section, National Physical Laboratory, Krishnan Marg, New Delhi 110 012; Sukumar, M.
2010-09-15
In the present work, we have made an attempt to study the effect of benzil doping on the properties of benzimidazole single crystals. For this purpose we have grown pure and benzil doped benzimidazole single crystals by vertical Bridgman technique. The grown crystals were characterized by various characterization techniques. The presence of dopants confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). Crystalline perfection of the grown crystals has been analysed by high-resolution X-ray diffraction (HRXRD). The transmittance, electrical property and mechanical strength have been analysed using UV-vis-NIR spectroscopic, dielectric and Vicker's hardness studies. The relative second harmonic generation efficiency of pure andmore » doped benzimidazole crystals measured using Kurtz powder test.« less
Chass, Gregory A; Mirasol, Rei S; Setiadi, David H; Tang, Ting-Hua; Chin, Wutharath; Mons, Michel; Dimicoli, Iliana; Dognon, Jean-Pierre; Viskolcz, Bela; Lovas, Sandor; Penke, Botond; Csizmadia, Imre G
2005-06-23
Computational and experimental determinations were carried out in parallel on the conformational probability of N-Acetyl-Phenylalanine-NH2 (NAPA). Ab initio computations were completed at the BLYP/6-311G(df,p), B3LYP/6-31G(d), B3LYP/6-31G(d,p), and B3LYP/6-31+G(d) levels of theory, labeled L/61fp, B/6, B/6p, and B/6+, respectively. Three experimentally identified conformers were compared with theoretical data, confirming their identities as the betaLanti, gammaLgauche+, and gammaLgauche- (BACKBONESIDECHAIN) conformers. Evidence comes from matching experimental and theoretical data for all three constituent N-H stretches of NAPA, with a Delta(Experimental-Theoretical) = approximately 1-3 cm(-1), approximately 0-5 cm(-1), and approximately 1-6 cm(-1), at the L/61fp and B/6+ levels, respectively. Corrected-ZPE relative energies were computed to be 0.14, 0.00, 0.26 and 0.00, 0.67, 0.57 (kcal*mol(-1)) for the betaLanti, gammaLgauche+, and gamma(Lgauche- conformers, respectively, at the L/61fp and B/6+ levels, respectively. The MP2/6-31+G(d) level of theory was subsequently found to give similar relative energies. Characterization of the intramolecular interactions responsible for red and blue shifting of the N-H stretches showed the existence of the following intramolecular interactions: C=O[i]- - -HN[i], (Ar[i])-Cgamma- - -HN[i+1], (Ar[i])-Cdelta-H- - -O=C[i-1] for betaLanti; C=O[i-1]- - -HN[i+1], (Ar[i])-Cgamma- - -HN[i+1], (Ar[i])-C-H- - -O=C[i] for gammaLgauche+; and C=O[i-1]- - -HN[i+1] for gammaLgauche-. Each of these interactions were further investigated and subsequently characterized by orbital population and Atoms-In-Molecules (AIM) analyses, with the identity of overlap and bond critical points (BCP) serving as 'scoring criteria', respectively. Experimental and theoretical carbonyl stretches were also compared and showed good agreement, adding further strength to the synergy between experiment and theory.
75 FR 10413 - New Animal Drug Applications; Confirmation of Effective Date
Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2010-03-08
.... FDA-2009-N-0436] New Animal Drug Applications; Confirmation of Effective Date AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS. ACTION: Direct final rule; confirmation of effective date. SUMMARY: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is confirming the effective date of March 8, 2010, for the final rule that appeared in the...
Definite (microbiologically confirmed) tuberculous meningitis: predictors and prognostic impact.
Jha, Sneh Kumar; Garg, Ravindra Kumar; Jain, Amita; Malhotra, Hardeep Singh; Verma, Rajesh; Sharma, Praveen Kumar
2015-12-01
Microbiological confirmation cannot be obtained in approximately two-third patients with tuberculous meningitis. In this study, we sought to identify epidemiological, clinical, cerebrospinal fluid, and imaging parameters that could indicate the possibility of microbiological confirmation among patients with suspected tuberculous meningitis. In this prospective observational study, patients with tuberculous meningitis were evaluated for clinical, laboratory (cerebrospinal fluid microscopy, culture, and polymerase chain reaction), and neuroimaging parameters. All patients received anti-tuberculosis drugs and corticosteroids. The patients were followed for a period of 6 months. Among 118 cases of tuberculous meningitis, there were 43 (36 %) definite (microbiologically confirmed) cases, 59 (50 %) probable and 16 (14 %) possible cases. Among 43 definite cases, tuberculosis polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was positive in 42 (35 %) patients, culture was positive in 1 case and microscopy, after Ziehl-Neelsen staining, was positive in 3 cases. Three factors, modified Barthel index score at admission ≤12 (p = 0.008), cerebrospinal fluid total cell count >100/mm(3) (p = 0.016), and basal exudates on imaging (p = 0.015), were significantly associated with definite tuberculous meningitis. Among 20 patients who died within 6 months, 13 belonged to definite tuberculous meningitis group (p < 0.001). Stage III tuberculous meningitis (p = 0.004), baseline-modified Barthel index score ≤12 (p = 0.013), and positive tuberculosis PCR (p = 0.007) were independently associated with poor outcome on multivariate analysis. Severe disability, cerebrospinal fluid cells >100 mm(3), and basal exudates are significantly related to the presence of microbiologically confirmed definite tuberculous meningitis. Microbiologically confirmed tuberculous meningitis is associated with poorer outcome.
Hydrothermal synthesis of porous triphasic hydroxyapatite/(alpha and beta) tricalcium phosphate.
Vani, R; Girija, E K; Elayaraja, K; Prakash Parthiban, S; Kesavamoorthy, R; Narayana Kalkura, S
2009-12-01
A novel, porous triphasic calcium phosphate composed of nonresorbable hydroxyapatite (HAp) and resorbable tricalcium phosphate (alpha- and beta-TCP) has been synthesized hydrothermally at a relatively low temperature. The calcium phosphate precursor for hydrothermal treatment was prepared by gel method in the presence of ascorbic acid. XRD, FT-IR, Raman analyses confirmed the presence of HAp/TCP. The surface area and average pore size of the samples were found to be 28 m2/g and 20 nm, respectively. The samples were found to be bioactive in simulated body fluid (SBF).
Before-and-After Views Confirm Fresh Craters
2014-05-22
These images from the Context Camera on NASA Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter were taken before and after an apparent impact scar appeared in the area in March 2012. Comparing the images confirms that fresh craters appeared during the interval.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Achilles, C. N.; Bish, D. L.; Rampe, E. B.; Morris, R. V.
2015-01-01
Soils on Mars have been analyzed by the Mars Exploration Rovers (MER) and most recently by the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) rover. Chemical analyses from a majority of soil samples suggest that there is a relatively uniform global soil composition across much of the planet. A soil site, Rocknest, was sampled by the MSL science payload including the CheMin X-ray diffractometer and the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS). Che- Min X-ray diffraction (XRD) data revealed crystalline phases and a broad, elevated background, indicating the presence of amorphous or poorly ordered materials (Fig 1). Based on the chemical composition of the bulk soil measured by APXS and the composition of crystalline phases derived from unit-cell parameters determined with CheMin data, the percentages of crystalline and amorphous phases were calculated at 51% and 49%, respectively. Attempts to model the amorphous contribution to CheMin XRD patterns were made using amorphous standards and full-pattern fitting methods and show that the broad, elevated background region can be fitted by basaltic glass, allophane, and palagonite. However, the modeling shows only that these phases have scattering patterns similar to that for the soil, not that they represent unique solutions. Here, we use pair distribution function (PDF) analysis to determine the short-range order of amorphous analogs in martian soils and better constrain the amorphous material detected by CheMin.
Structural, microstructural and vibrational analyses of the monoclinic tungstate BiLuWO6
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Ait Ahsaine, H.; Taoufyq, A.; Patout, L.; Ezahri, M.; Benlhachemi, A.; Bakiz, B.; Villain, S.; Guinneton, F.; Gavarri, J.-R.
2014-10-01
The bismuth lutetium tungstate phase BiLuWO6 has been prepared using a solid state route with stoichiometric mixtures of oxide precursors. The obtained polycrystalline phase has been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Raman spectroscopy. In the first step, the crystal structure has been refined using Rietveld method: the crystal cell was resolved using monoclinic system (parameters a, b, c, β) with space group A2/m. SEM images showed the presence of large crystallites with a constant local nominal composition (BiLuW). TEM analyses showed that the actual local structure could be better represented by a superlattice (a, 2b, c, β) associated with space groups P2 or P2/m. The Raman spectroscopy showed the presence of vibrational bands similar to those observed in the compounds BiREWO6 with RE=Y, Gd, Nd. However, these vibrational bands were characterized by large full width at half maximum, probably resulting from the long range Bi/Lu disorder and local WO6 octahedron distortions in the structure.
Growth and characterization of hexamethylenetetramine crystals grown from solution
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Babu, B.; Chandrasekaran, J.; Balaprabhakaran, S.
2014-06-01
Organic nonlinear optical single crystals of hexamethylenetetramine (HMT; 10 × 10 × 5 mm3) were prepared by crystallization from methanol solution. The grown crystals were subjected to various characterization techniques such as single crystal XRD, powder XRD, UV-Vis and electrical studies. Single crystal XRD analysis confirmed the crystalline structure of the grown crystals. Their crystalline nature was also confirmed by powder XRD technique. The optical transmittance property was identified from UV-Vis spectrum. Dielectric measurements were performed as a function of frequency at different temperatures. DC conductivity and photoconductivity studies were also carried out for the crystal. The powder second harmonic generation efficiency (SHG) of the crystal was measured using Nd:YAG laser and the efficiency was found to be two times greater than that of potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP).
Co-Rumination of Fat Talk and Weight Control Practices: An Application of Confirmation Theory.
Arroyo, Analisa; Segrin, Chris; Harwood, Jake; Bonito, Joseph A
2017-04-01
Grounded in confirmation theory, the current research sought to explore the relationship between co-rumination of fat talk and weight control practices (i.e., binging and purging, exercising, and healthy eating behaviors), with a particular interest in whether perceptions of friends' responses during these interactions exacerbate or mitigate this relationship. Female friendship dyads completed online questionnaires at three time points across 2 weeks. Multilevel modeling analyses revealed that (a) co-rumination was positively associated with binging and purging and exercising, (b) women who perceived their friends as accepting reported less binging and purging, more exercising, and more healthy eating behaviors, (c) acceptance and challenge interacted to predict binging and purging, (d) acceptance moderated the relationships between co-rumination and binging and purging, and (e) challenge moderated the relationship between co-rumination and healthy eating behaviors.
10 CFR 63.132 - Confirmation of geotechnical and design parameters.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR
2012-01-01
... Commission. (e) In situ monitoring of the thermomechanical response of the underground facility must be... IN A GEOLOGIC REPOSITORY AT YUCCA MOUNTAIN, NEVADA Performance Confirmation Program § 63.132... engineered systems and components, must be identified in the performance confirmation plan. (d) These...
10 CFR 63.132 - Confirmation of geotechnical and design parameters.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR
2013-01-01
... Commission. (e) In situ monitoring of the thermomechanical response of the underground facility must be... IN A GEOLOGIC REPOSITORY AT YUCCA MOUNTAIN, NEVADA Performance Confirmation Program § 63.132... engineered systems and components, must be identified in the performance confirmation plan. (d) These...
10 CFR 63.132 - Confirmation of geotechnical and design parameters.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-01-01
... Commission. (e) In situ monitoring of the thermomechanical response of the underground facility must be... IN A GEOLOGIC REPOSITORY AT YUCCA MOUNTAIN, NEVADA Performance Confirmation Program § 63.132... engineered systems and components, must be identified in the performance confirmation plan. (d) These...
10 CFR 60.141 - Confirmation of geotechnical and design parameters.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR
2012-01-01
... reported to the Commission. (e) In situ monitoring of the thermomechanical response of the underground... IN GEOLOGIC REPOSITORIES Performance Confirmation Program § 60.141 Confirmation of geotechnical and... needed in design to accommodate actual field conditions encountered. (b) Subsurface conditions shall be...
10 CFR 60.141 - Confirmation of geotechnical and design parameters.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR
2014-01-01
... reported to the Commission. (e) In situ monitoring of the thermomechanical response of the underground... IN GEOLOGIC REPOSITORIES Performance Confirmation Program § 60.141 Confirmation of geotechnical and... needed in design to accommodate actual field conditions encountered. (b) Subsurface conditions shall be...
10 CFR 60.141 - Confirmation of geotechnical and design parameters.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR
2013-01-01
... reported to the Commission. (e) In situ monitoring of the thermomechanical response of the underground... IN GEOLOGIC REPOSITORIES Performance Confirmation Program § 60.141 Confirmation of geotechnical and... needed in design to accommodate actual field conditions encountered. (b) Subsurface conditions shall be...
10 CFR 63.132 - Confirmation of geotechnical and design parameters.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR
2014-01-01
... Commission. (e) In situ monitoring of the thermomechanical response of the underground facility must be... IN A GEOLOGIC REPOSITORY AT YUCCA MOUNTAIN, NEVADA Performance Confirmation Program § 63.132... engineered systems and components, must be identified in the performance confirmation plan. (d) These...
10 CFR 63.132 - Confirmation of geotechnical and design parameters.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-01-01
... Commission. (e) In situ monitoring of the thermomechanical response of the underground facility must be... IN A GEOLOGIC REPOSITORY AT YUCCA MOUNTAIN, NEVADA Performance Confirmation Program § 63.132... engineered systems and components, must be identified in the performance confirmation plan. (d) These...
16 CFR 1633.5 - Prototype pooling and confirmation testing requirements.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-01-01
... 16 Commercial Practices 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Prototype pooling and confirmation testing... Prototype pooling and confirmation testing requirements. (a) Prototype pooling. One or more manufacturers may rely on a qualified prototype produced by another manufacturer or prototype developer provided...
Kikuma, Jun; Tsunashima, Masamichi; Ishikawa, Tetsuji; Matsuno, Shin-ya; Ogawa, Akihiro; Matsui, Kunio; Sato, Masugu
2009-09-01
Hydrothermal formation of tobermorite from a pre-cured cake has been investigated by transmission X-ray diffraction (XRD) using high-energy X-rays from a synchrotron radiation source in combination with a newly designed autoclave cell. The autoclave cell has a large and thin beryllium window for wide-angle X-ray diffraction; nevertheless, it withstands a steam pressure of more than 1.2 MPa, which enables in situ XRD measurements in a temperature range of 373 to 463 K under a saturated steam pressure. Formation and/or decomposition of several components has been successfully observed during 7.5 h of reaction time. From the intensity changes of the intermediate materials, namely non-crystalline C-S-H and hydroxylellestadite, two pathways for tobermorite formation have been confirmed. Thus, the newly developed autoclave cell can be used for the analyses of reaction mechanisms under specific atmospheres and temperatures.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kunjiappan, Selvaraj; Chowdhury, Ranjana; Bhattacharjee, Chiranjib
2014-06-01
This article reports the environmentally benign synthesis of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) using methanol extract of Azolla microphylla as the stabilizing and reducing agent. The GNPs were characterized by UV-vis spectrophotometry and FTIR, and the morphological characteristics were analyzed by XRD, FESEM-EDX and HRTEM. The GNPs could be formed in very short time, even in less than 30 min. The nanoparticles measured by UV-spectrophotometer demonstrated a peak at 540 nm corresponding to surface plasmon resonance spectra, and the peaks showed by FTIR suggested the presence of organic biomolecules on the surface of the GNPs. XRD results confirmed the crystalline nature of the GNPs, and FESEM-EDX and HRTEM analyses had been performed in the size ranges of 17-40 nm and 1.25-17.5 nm respectively. The synthesized GNPs showed excellent antioxidant activity. This study shows the feasibility of using plant sources for the biosynthesis of GNPs.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Durairajan, A.; Thangaraju, D.; Moorthy Babu, S.
2013-02-01
Mixed alkali double tungstates K1-xNaxGd(WO4)2 (KNGW) (0 ⩽ x ⩽ 1) were synthesized by solid state reaction using sodium doped monoclinic KGd(WO4)2 (KGW). Synthesized KNGW powders were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential thermal analysis (DTA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman analysis. DTA analysis confirms that the melting point of the KGW matrix increases from 1063 °C to 1255 °C with increasing sodium content. The Powder XRD analyses reveal that mixed phases were observed up to 40 wt.% of Na in the KGW matrix above that percentage there is domination of scheelite structure in the synthesized powder. Polyhedral type, bi-pyramidal shape and spheroid shape morphology was observed for KGW, NKGW and NGW powders respectively. The Raman analysis was carried out to understand the vibrational characteristic changes with mixing of sodium ions in the KGW matrix.
Spectroscopic Confirmation of Five Galaxy Clusters at z > 1.25 in the 2500 deg^2 SPT-SZ Survey
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Khullar, Gourav; Bleem, Lindsey; Bayliss, Matthew; Gladders, Michael; South Pole Telescope (SPT) Collaboration
2018-06-01
We present spectroscopic confirmation of 5 galaxy clusters at 1.25 < z < 1.5, discovered in the 2500 deg2 South Pole Telescope Sunyaev-Zel’dovich (SPT-SZ) survey. These clusters, taken from a nearly redshift-independent mass-limited sample of clusters, have multi-wavelength follow-up imaging data from the X-ray to the near-IR, and currently form the most homogenous massive high-redshift cluster sample in existence. We briefly describe the analysis pipeline used on the low S/N spectra of these faint galaxies, and describing the multiple techniques used to extract robust redshifts from a combination of absorption-line (Ca II H&K doublet - λλ3934,3968Å) and emission-line ([OII] λλ3727,3729Å) spectral features. We present several ensemble analyses of cluster member galaxies that demonstrate the reliability of the measured redshifts. We also identify modest [OII] emission and pronounced CN and Hδ absorption in a composite stacked spectrum of 28 low S/N passive galaxy spectra with redshifts derived primarily from Ca II H&K features. This work increases the number of spectroscopically-confirmed SPT-SZ galaxy clusters at z > 1.25 from 2 to 7, further demonstrating the efficacy of SZ selection for the highest redshift massive clusters, and enabling further detailed study of these confirmed systems.
Do physicians care about patients with dysphagia? A study on confirming communication.
Gustafsson, B; Tibbling, L; Theorell, T
1992-06-01
Thirty-nine patients with longstanding oesophageal dysphagia took part in an interview and a questionnaire study to investigate whether they considered themselves met with interest, respect, understanding and knowledge (felt confirmed) when consulting their physician for the first time (mostly general practitioner), whether non-confirmed patients have any distinguishing attributes, and whether confirmation affects the patient's impression of being helped. Twenty-five of these considered themselves as non-confirmed. There was no difference between the groups as regards sex, age, education, degree of swallowing difficulties and incidence of chest symptoms other than dysphagia. There was a greater fear of cancer (P less than 0.05) and a stronger indirect aggression (P less than 0.05) among the non-confirmed patients. Patients who felt confirmed reported more often that a correct oesophageal diagnosis had been given (P less than 0.05), felt they had received adequate help (P less than 0.001) and experienced improvement in swallowing difficulties (P less than 0.05). It is concluded that patient attributes seem to slightly influence the patients' possibilities of being confirmed, and that confirmation is of great importance for the patient's feeling of being helped and improved.
Psychotherapy of Depression: A Self-Confirmation Model.
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Andrews, John D. W.
1989-01-01
Concepts of self-confirmation, interpersonal diagnosis, and prototype construction are used to integrate research and clinical findings concerning depression. Various theoretical accounts and bodies of data that fit within this integrative conceptual framework are examined, and implications for psychotherapy are discussed. (SLD)
Breast cancer metastasis to the stomach confirmed using gastroscopy: A case report.
Tan, Linshen; Piao, Ying; Liu, Zhaozhe; Han, Tao; Song, Fulin; Gao, Fei; Han, Yaling; Xie, Xiaodong
2014-09-01
Breast cancer metastasis to the stomach is relatively rare. Unlike infiltrating ductal carcinoma, invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) has a high tendency to metastasize to the stomach. The present study reports a case of a 53-year-old female who had undergone a modified radical mastectomy of the left breast for ILC eight years previously and presented at the clinic seeking treatment for epigastric discomfort from sour regurgitation and belching that had persisted for one month. Gastroscopy revealed multiple apophysis lesions in the stomach, which were diagnosed as metastatic tumors to the stomach. The diagnosis was further established using histological and immunohistochemical analyses for gross cystic disease fluid protein-15, cytokeratin (CK) 7 and CK20. The patient was treated with systemic chemotherapy without surgery. During the treatment, two gastroscopy procedures revealed that the apophysis lesions in the gastric body had narrowed significantly. Few cases of breast cancer metastasizing to the stomach have been reported, particularly those that have been confirmed using gastroscopy. The present study reports a case of breast cancer metastasis to the stomach to raise awareness of the condition.
Solubility and dissolution performances of spray-dried solid dispersion of Efavirenz in Soluplus.
Lavra, Zênia Maria Maciel; Pereira de Santana, Davi; Ré, Maria Inês
2017-01-01
Efavirenz (EFV), a first-line anti-HIV drug largely used as part of antiretroviral therapies, is practically insoluble in water and belongs to BCS class II (low solubility/high permeability). The aim of this study was to improve the solubility and dissolution performances of EFV by formulating an amorphous solid dispersion of the drug in polyvinyl caprolactam-polyvinyl acetate-polyethylene glycol graft copolymer (Soluplus ® ) using spray-drying technique. To this purpose, spray-dried dispersions of EFV in Soluplus ® at different mass ratios (1:1.25, 1:7, 1:10) were prepared and characterized using particle size measurements, SEM, XRD, DSC, FTIR and Raman microscopy mapping. Solubility and dissolution were determined in different media. Stability was studied at accelerated conditions (40 °C/75% RH) and ambient conditions for 12 months. DSC and XRD analyses confirmed the EFV amorphous state. FTIR spectroscopy analyses revealed possible drug-polymer molecular interaction. Solubility and dissolution rate of EFV was enhanced remarkably in the developed spray-dried solid dispersions, as a function of the polymer concentration. Spray-drying was concluded to be a proper technique to formulate a physically stable dispersion of amorphous EFV in Soluplus ® , when protected from moisture.
Room temperature ferromagnetism of nanocrystalline Nd1.90Ni0.10O3-δ
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Sarkar, B. J.; Mandal, J.; Dalal, M.; Bandyopadhyay, A.; Chakrabarti, P. K.
2018-05-01
Nanocrystalline sample of Ni2+ doped neodymium oxide (Nd1.90Ni0.10O3-δ, NNO) is synthesized by co-precipitation method. Analysis of X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern by Rietveld refinement method confirms the desired phase of NNO and complete substitution of Ni2+ ions in the Nd2O3 lattice. Analyses of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Raman spectroscopy of NNO recorded at room temperature (RT) also substantiate this fact. Besides, no traces of impurities are found in the analyses of XRD, TEM and Raman data. Room temperature hysteresis loop of NNO suggests the presence of weak ferromagnetism (FM) in low field region ( 600 mT), but in high field region paramagnetism of the host is more prominent. Magnetization vs. temperature ( M- T) curve in the entire temperature range (300-5 K) is analyzed successfully by a combined equation generated from three-dimensional (3D) spin wave model and Curie-Weiss law, which suggests the presence of mixed paramagnetic phase together with ferromagnetic phase in the doped sample. The onset of magnetic ordering is analyzed by oxygen vacancy mediated F-center exchange (FCE) coupling mechanism.
Installation Restoration Program. Phase II--Confirmation/Quantification. Stage 1.
1985-03-01
four phases. Phase I, Initial Assessment/ Records Search, is designed to identify possible hazardous waste contami- nated sites and potential...7 71 -. - - IL’ -, 1% 33 AihlIII Is 33 n~iL t iiC UII! ii CL C LU 1-3, Phase II, Confirmation and Quantification, is designed to confirm the...additional monitoring data upon which design of mitigative actions are based. In Phase III, Technology Base Development, appropriate technology is selected and
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Roohani, Ebrahim; Arabi, Hadi; Sarhaddi, Reza
2018-01-01
In this research, SrFe12-xNixO19 (x = 0 - 1) hexagonal ferrites were prepared by sol-gel auto-combustion method. Effect of Ni substitution on structural, morphological and magnetic properties of nanoparticles was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), respectively. The XRD results confirmed that all samples with x ≤ 0.5 have single phase M-type strontium ferrite structure, whereas for the SrFe12-xNixO19 samples with x > 0.5, the spinel NiFe2O4 phase has also appeared. The lattice parameters and crystallite sizes of the powders were concluded from the XRD data and Williamson-Hall method. Magnetic analyses showed that the coercivity of powders decreased from 5672 Oe to 639 Oe while the saturation magnetization increased from 74 emu/g to 81 emu/g with nickel substitution. The results of this study suggest that the strontium hexaferrites doped with Ni are suitable for applications in high density magnetic recording media as well as microwave devices because of their promising magnetic properties.
DAMAGE ASSESSMENT OF RC BEAMS BY NONLINEAR FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSES
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Saito, Shigehiko; Maki, Takeshi; Tsuchiya, Satoshi; Watanabe, Tadatomo
This paper presents damage assessment schemes by using 2-dimensional nonlinear finite element analyses. The second strain invariant of deviatoric strain tensor and consumed strain energy are calculated by local strain at each integration po int of finite elements. Those scalar values are averaged over certain region. The produced nonlocal values are used for indices to verify structural safety by confirming which the ultimate limit state for failure is reached or not. Flexural and shear failure of reinforced concrete beams are estimated by us ing the proposed indices.
Collective opinion formation model under Bayesian updating and confirmation bias
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Nishi, Ryosuke; Masuda, Naoki
2013-06-01
We propose a collective opinion formation model with a so-called confirmation bias. The confirmation bias is a psychological effect with which, in the context of opinion formation, an individual in favor of an opinion is prone to misperceive new incoming information as supporting the current belief of the individual. Our model modifies a Bayesian decision-making model for single individuals [M. Rabin and J. L. Schrag, Q. J. Econ.0033-553310.1162/003355399555945 114, 37 (1999)] for the case of a well-mixed population of interacting individuals in the absence of the external input. We numerically simulate the model to show that all the agents eventually agree on one of the two opinions only when the confirmation bias is weak. Otherwise, the stochastic population dynamics ends up creating a disagreement configuration (also called polarization), particularly for large system sizes. A strong confirmation bias allows various final disagreement configurations with different fractions of the individuals in favor of the opposite opinions.
Child Sexual Abuse Confirmed by Forensic Examination in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
Silva, Welington Dos Santos; Barroso-Junior, Ubirajara de Oliveira
2017-03-01
Child sexual abuse is a worldwide public health issue. The objective of this study was to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of children in cases of sexual abuse confirmed by material evidence at forensic examination. Cases of children younger than 12 years examined for suspected sexual abuse at the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, were reviewed retrospectively. The period evaluated was between 2005 and 2010. The inclusion criterion was the coroner's confirmation of sexual abuse based on material evidence. The mean age of the children in whom sexual abuse was confirmed was 8.2 (SD, 2.9) years, and 208 cases were female (83.9%). In 94% of the cases, the reason for carrying out the forensic examination was a report of sexual abuse. Less than 1% of the aggressors were female. A ruptured hymen was the finding that confirmed sexual abuse in 172 cases, corresponding to 83% of cases in girls. There were 2 cases of pregnancy. Recent anal or perianal lesions were present in 35 (87.5%) of the confirmed cases involving boys. Laboratory confirmation based on the detection of spermatozoa or prostate-specific antigen occurred in only 4.2% of cases. In all these cases, sample collection was performed within 24 hours of the alleged abuse. Thus, in the majority of cases with material evidence of sexual abuse, the confirmation criteria consisted of a ruptured hymen and recent perianal lesions.
Munro, Troy; Putzeys, Tristan; Copeland, Cameron G; Xing, Changhu; Lewis, Randolph V; Ban, Heng; Glorieux, Christ; Wubbenhorst, Michael
2017-04-01
The processes used to create synthetic spider silk greatly affect the properties of the produced fibers. This paper investigates the effect of process variations during artificial spinning on the thermal and mechanical properties of the produced silk. Property values are also compared to the ones of the natural dragline silk of the N. clavipes spider, and to unprocessed (as-spun) synthetic silk. Structural characterization by scanning pyroelectric microscopy is employed to provide insight into the axial orientation of the crystalline regions of the fiber and is supported by XRD data. The results show that stretching and passage through liquid baths induce crystal formation and axial alignment in synthetic fibers, but with different structural organization than natural silks. Furthermore, an increase in thermal diffusivity and elastic modulus is observed with decreasing fiber diameter, trending towards properties of natural fiber. This effect seems to be related to silk fibers being subjected to a radial gradient during production.
Munro, Troy; Putzeys, Tristan; Copeland, Cameron G.; Xing, Changhu; Lewis, Randolph V; Ban, Heng; Glorieux, Christ; Wubbenhorst, Michael
2018-01-01
The processes used to create synthetic spider silk greatly affect the properties of the produced fibers. This paper investigates the effect of process variations during artificial spinning on the thermal and mechanical properties of the produced silk. Property values are also compared to the ones of the natural dragline silk of the N. clavipes spider, and to unprocessed (as-spun) synthetic silk. Structural characterization by scanning pyroelectric microscopy is employed to provide insight into the axial orientation of the crystalline regions of the fiber and is supported by XRD data. The results show that stretching and passage through liquid baths induce crystal formation and axial alignment in synthetic fibers, but with different structural organization than natural silks. Furthermore, an increase in thermal diffusivity and elastic modulus is observed with decreasing fiber diameter, trending towards properties of natural fiber. This effect seems to be related to silk fibers being subjected to a radial gradient during production. PMID:29430211
Habibi, Neda
2014-10-15
The preparation and characterization of magnetite-carboxymethyl cellulose nano-composite (M-CMC) material is described. Magnetite nano-particles were synthesized by a modified co-precipitation method using ferrous chloride tetrahydrate and ferric chloride hexahydrate in ammonium hydroxide solution. The M-CMC nano-composite particles were synthesized by embedding the magnetite nanoparticles inside carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) using a freshly prepared mixture of Fe3O4 with CMC precursor. Morphology, particle size, and structural properties of magnetite-carboxymethyl cellulose nano-composite was accomplished using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) analysis. As a result, magnetite nano-particles with an average size of 35nm were obtained. The biocompatible Fe3O4-carboxymethyl cellulose nano-composite particles obtained from the natural CMC polymers have a potential range of application in biomedical field. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Using Daily Horoscopes To Demonstrate Expectancy Confirmation.
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Munro, Geoffrey D.; Munro, James E.
2000-01-01
Describes a classroom demonstration that uses daily horoscopes to show the effect that expectation can have on judgment. Addresses the preparation, procedure, and results of the demonstration, and student evaluations. States that the demonstration appears to be effective for teaching students about expectancy confirmation. (CMK)
Morillas, Héctor; Maguregui, Maite; Trebolazabala, Josu; Madariaga, Juan Manuel
2015-02-05
Bricks and mortar currently constitute one of the most important building materials used in the construction of most modern facades. The deterioration of these materials is caused primarily by the impact of numerous external stressors, while poor manufacturing quality, particularly of mortars, can also contribute to this process. In this work, the non-invasive Raman spectroscopy technique was used to identify the recently formed deterioration compounds (primarily sulfates and nitrates) in bricks, artificial stones, and joint mortars from detached houses in the Bilbao metropolitan area (Basque Country, North of Spain), as well as to investigate the deterioration processes taking place in these materials. Additionally, to confirm and in some cases complement the results obtained with Raman spectroscopy, SEM-EDS and XRD measurements were also carried out. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Budde, Kristin S.; Barron, Daniel S.; Fox, Peter T.
2015-01-01
Developmental stuttering is a speech disorder most likely due to a heritable form of developmental dysmyelination impairing the function of the speech-motor system. Speech-induced brain-activation patterns in persons who stutter (PWS) are anomalous in various ways; the consistency of these aberrant patterns is a matter of ongoing debate. Here, we present a hierarchical series of coordinate-based meta-analyses addressing this issue. Two tiers of meta-analyses were performed on a 17-paper dataset (202 PWS; 167 fluent controls). Four large-scale (top-tier) meta-analyses were performed, two for each subject group (PWS and controls). These analyses robustly confirmed the regional effects previously postulated as “neural signatures of stuttering” (Brown 2005) and extended this designation to additional regions. Two smaller-scale (lower-tier) meta-analyses refined the interpretation of the large-scale analyses: 1) a between-group contrast targeting differences between PWS and controls (stuttering trait); and 2) a within-group contrast (PWS only) of stuttering with induced fluency (stuttering state). PMID:25463820
Budde, Kristin S; Barron, Daniel S; Fox, Peter T
2014-12-01
Developmental stuttering is a speech disorder most likely due to a heritable form of developmental dysmyelination impairing the function of the speech-motor system. Speech-induced brain-activation patterns in persons who stutter (PWS) are anomalous in various ways; the consistency of these aberrant patterns is a matter of ongoing debate. Here, we present a hierarchical series of coordinate-based meta-analyses addressing this issue. Two tiers of meta-analyses were performed on a 17-paper dataset (202 PWS; 167 fluent controls). Four large-scale (top-tier) meta-analyses were performed, two for each subject group (PWS and controls). These analyses robustly confirmed the regional effects previously postulated as "neural signatures of stuttering" (Brown, Ingham, Ingham, Laird, & Fox, 2005) and extended this designation to additional regions. Two smaller-scale (lower-tier) meta-analyses refined the interpretation of the large-scale analyses: (1) a between-group contrast targeting differences between PWS and controls (stuttering trait); and (2) a within-group contrast (PWS only) of stuttering with induced fluency (stuttering state). Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Tektite ablation - Some confirming calculations.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
O'Keefe, J. A., III; Silver, A. D.; Cameron, W. S.; Adams , E. W.; Warmbrod, J. D.
1973-01-01
The calculation of tektite ablation has been redone, taking into account transient effects, internal radiation, melting and nonequilibrium vaporization of the glass, and the drag effect of the flanges. It is found that the results confirm the earlier calculations of Chapman and his group and of Adams and his co-workers. The general trend of the results is not sensitive to reasonable changes of the physical parameters. The ablation is predominantly by melting rather than by vaporization at all velocities up to 11 km/sec; this is surprising in view of the lack of detectable melt flow in most tektites. Chemical effects have not been considered.
Confirmation of shutdown cooling effects
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Sato, Kotaro; Tabuchi, Masato; Sugimura, Naoki; Tatsumi, Masahiro
2015-12-01
After the Fukushima accidents, all nuclear power plants in Japan have gradually stopped their operations and have long periods of shutdown. During those periods, reactivity of fuels continues to change significantly especially for high-burnup UO2 fuels and MOX fuels due to radioactive decays. It is necessary to consider these isotopic changes precisely, to predict neutronics characteristics accurately. In this paper, shutdown cooling (SDC) effects of UO2 and MOX fuels that have unusual operation histories are confirmed by the advanced lattice code, AEGIS. The calculation results show that the effects need to be considered even after nuclear power plants come back to normal operation.
Yang, X; Yang, L; Lin, J; Zhou, R
2016-01-28
Pd/CeO2-ZrO2-Nd2O3 (CZN) catalysts with different CeO2/ZrO2 molar ratios were synthesized and have been characterized by multiple techniques, e.g. XRD in combination with Rietveld refinement, UV-Raman, XPS and in situ DRIFTS. The XRD pattern of CZN with CeO2/ZrO2 molar ratios ≥1/2 can be indexed satisfactorily to the fluorite structure with a space group Fm3̄m, while the XRD patterns of CZ12 only display diffraction peaks of the tetragonal phase (S.G. P42/nmc). Nd addition can effectively stabilize the cubic structure of the CZN support and increase the enrichment of defect sites on the surface, which may be related to the better catalytic activity of Pd/CZN12 catalysts compared with Pd/CZ12. The presence of moderate ZrO2 can increase the concentration of O* active species, leading to accelerate the formation of nitrate species and thus enhance the catalytic activity of NOx and HC elimination. The Pd-dispersion decreases with the increasing Zr content, leading to the decreased CO catalytic activity, especially for the aged catalysts. The change regularity of the OSC value is almost the same with the in situ dynamic operational window, demonstrating that the in situ dynamic operational window is basically affected by the OSC value.
Experimental Confirmation of Lenz's Law
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Mayer, V. V.; Varaksina, E. I.
2017-01-01
The paper presents a series of experiments that demonstrate the phenomenon of electromagnetic induction. These make it possible to determine the direction of the induced current and so confirm Lenz's Law. The simple experiments can be reproduced in a school laboratory and can be recommended for students' project activity.
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Ferreira, Eduardo G.A.; Marumo, Julio T.; Vicente, Roberto
2012-07-01
Portland cement materials are widely used as engineered barriers in repositories for radioactive waste. The capacity of such barriers to avoid the disposed of radionuclides to entering the biosphere in the long-term depends on the service life of those materials. Thus, the performance assessment of structural materials under a series of environmental conditions prevailing at the environs of repositories is a matter of interest. The durability of cement paste foreseen as backfill in a deep borehole for disposal of disused sealed radioactive sources is investigated in the development of the repository concept. Results are intended to be part of themore » body of evidence in the safety case of the proposed disposal technology. This paper presents the results of X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) Analysis of cement paste exposed to varying temperatures and simulated groundwater after samples received the radiation dose that the cement paste will accumulate until complete decay of the radioactive sources. The XRD analysis of cement paste samples realized in this work allowed observing some differences in the results of cement paste specimens that were submitted to different treatments. The cluster analysis of results was able to group tested samples according to the applied treatments. Mineralogical differences, however, are tenuous and, apart from ettringite, are hardly observed. The absence of ettringite in all the seven specimens that were kept in dry storage at high temperature had hardly occurred by natural variations in the composition of hydrated cement paste because ettringite is observed in all tested except the seven specimens. Therefore this absence is certainly the result of the treatments and could be explained by the decomposition of ettringite. Although the temperature of decomposition is about 110-120 deg. C, it may be initially decomposed to meta-ettringite, an amorphous compound, above 50 deg. C in the absence of water. Influence of irradiation on the
12 CFR 551.80 - How do I provide a registered broker-dealer confirmation?
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-01-01
... providing the customer with a registered broker-dealer confirmation, you must provide the confirmation by having the registered broker-dealer send the confirmation directly to the customer or by sending a copy of the registered broker-dealer's confirmation to the customer within one business day after you...
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Stefanovsky, S.V.; Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry RAS, Leninskii av. 31, Moscow 119991; Nikonov, B.S.
2013-07-01
Sample glasses have been made using SB6 high level waste (HLW) simulant (high in both Al and Fe) with 12 different frit compositions at a constant waste loading of 36 wt.%. As follows from X-ray diffraction (XRD) and optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) data, all the samples are composed of primarily glass and minor concentration of spinel phases which form both isometric grains and fine cubic (∼1 μm) crystals. Infrared spectroscopy (IR) spectra of all the glasses within the range of 400-1600 cm{sup -1} consist of the bands due to stretching and bending modes in silicon-oxygen, boron-oxygen, aluminum-oxygen andmore » iron-oxygen structural groups. Raman spectra showed that for the spectra of all the glasses within the range of 850-1200 cm{sup -1} the best fit is achieved by suggestion of overlapping of three major components with maxima at 911-936 cm{sup -1}, 988-996 cm{sup -1} and 1020-1045 cm{sup -1}. The structural network is primarily composed of metasilicate chains and rings with embedded AlO{sub 4} and FeO{sub 4} tetrahedra. Major BO{sub 4} tetrahedra and BO{sub 3} triangles form complex borate units and are present as separate constituents. (authors)« less
Meng, Xiangfei; D'Arcy, Carl
2012-01-01
Cognitive reserve (CR) or brain reserve capacity explains why individuals with higher IQ, education, or occupational attainment have lower risks of developing dementia, Alzheimer's disease (AD) or vascular dementia (VaD). The CR hypothesis postulates that CR reduces the prevalence and incidence of AD or VaD. It also hypothesizes that among those who have greater initial cognitive reserve (in contrast to those with less reserve) greater brain pathology occurs before the clinical symptoms of disease becomes manifest. Thus clinical disease onset triggers a faster decline in cognition and function, and increased mortality among those with initial greater cognitive reserve. Disease progression follows distinctly separate pathological and clinical paths. With education as a proxy we use meta-analyses and qualitative analyses to review the evidence for the CR hypothesis. We searched PubMed, PsycoINFO, EMBASE, HealthStar, and Scopus databases from January 1980 to June 2011 for observational studies with clear criteria for dementia, AD or VaD and education. One hundred and thirty-three articles with a variety of study designs met the inclusion criteria. Prevalence and incidence studies with odds ratios (ORs), relative risks or original data were included in the meta-analyses. Other studies were reviewed qualitatively. The studies covered 437,477 subjects. Prevalence and incidence studies with pooled ORs of 2.61 (95%CI 2.21-3.07) and 1.88 (95%CI 1.51-2.34) respectively, showed low education increased the risk of dementia. Heterogeneity and sensitivity tests confirmed the evidence. Generally, study characteristics had no effect on conclusions. Qualitative analyses also showed the protective effects of higher education on developing dementia and with clinical disease onset hastening a decline in cognition and function, and greater brain pathology. This systematic review and meta-analyses covering a wide range of observational studies and diverse settings provides robust
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Jena, Paramananda; Jayasubramaniyan, S.; Patro, P. K.; Lenka, R. K.; Sinha, Amit; Muralidharan, P.; Srinadhu, E. S.; Satyanarayana, N.
2018-02-01
Nanocrystalline La10Si6O27 apatite-type sample was synthesized by the co-precipitation method. Thermal behavior, phase, structure, morphology and elemental composition of La, O and Si of the synthesized La10Si6O27 sample were investigated through TG/DTA, XRD, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy and SEM-EDX measurements respectively. Formation of phase purity of the nanocrystalline La10Si6O27 sample was confirmed by analysing the measured X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) pattern using Rietveld refinement and the calculated average crystallite size of the La10Si6O27 sample was found to be 33 nm. The electrical conductivity of the sintered La10Si6O27 pellet was investigated as a function of temperature ranging from 200 to 800 °C under air and it was found to be 1.92 × 10-3 S cm-1 at 800 °C. The chemical stability of La10Si6O27 powder under oxidizing and reducing atmospheres was confirmed from the analysis of the measured XRD pattern and Raman spectral results. Open circuit potential of a button cell, made up of the La10Si6O27 sample, was tested up to 800 °C with both oxygen and hydrogen at opposite sides of the cell and was found to 1 V. Hence, the results demonstrate that La10Si6O27 could be a promising solid electrolyte material for the solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) applications.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Karpuraranjith, M.; Thambidurai, S.
Biotemplate-based zinc oxide nanocomposite was effectively prepared via simple chemical precipitation route. The functional groups of amino (-NH2), hydroxyl (-OH) and O-Zn-O were confirmed and characterized by FTIR spectroscopy. The structural and morphological properties were confirmed by XRD, UV-Vis DRS, HR-SEM and TEM analyses. The elemental composition of carbon, nitrogen, zinc and oxygen was confirmed by energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller high surface area of materials was estimated to be 52.49m2/g, respectively. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) shows that biotemplate on zinc oxide nanocomposite has higher thermal stability than chitosan matrix. The results demonstrate that biotemplate on zinc oxide matrix causes immobilization effect among the two components. Therefore, chitosan-ZnO nanocomposite has a microcrystalline morphological structure and also good thermal stability, so it can be a promising material for sensors, medical, tissue engineering and wastewater treatment applications.
Theory-Led Confirmation Bias and Experimental Persona
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Allen, Michael
2011-01-01
Questionnaire and interview findings from a survey of three Year 8 (ages 12-13 years) science practical lessons (n = 52) demonstrate how pupils' data collection and inference making were sometimes biased by desires to confirm a personal theory. A variety of behaviours are described where learners knowingly rejected anomalies, manipulated…
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Zhang, Q.; Bock, D.; Takeuchi, K. J.
Development of Li-S batteries is hindered by sluggish kinetics resulting from the intrinsic poor conductivity of sulfur and capacity degradation due to solubility of intermediate lithium polysulfides (LiPS). A strategy for overcoming these issues is to use TiS 2, which is a good electrical conductor and LiPS absorbant, as an additive to sulfur electrodes. Furthemore, from a structural perspective, we probed TiS 2-S composite materials during electrochemical discharge and charge reactions in propylene-oxide based glyme (DPGDME) electrolyte using in-situ XRD, revealing the synergistic effects of TiS 2 and S in the composites. TiS 2 was found to function effectively asmore » a conductive additive and improve the utilization of sulfur. Intercalation of Li + into TiS 2 takes place simultaneously with the sulfur-lithium reaction, and contributes favorably to the total realized capacity.« less
Zhang, Q.; Bock, D.; Takeuchi, K. J.; ...
2017-03-01
Development of Li-S batteries is hindered by sluggish kinetics resulting from the intrinsic poor conductivity of sulfur and capacity degradation due to solubility of intermediate lithium polysulfides (LiPS). A strategy for overcoming these issues is to use TiS 2, which is a good electrical conductor and LiPS absorbant, as an additive to sulfur electrodes. Furthemore, from a structural perspective, we probed TiS 2-S composite materials during electrochemical discharge and charge reactions in propylene-oxide based glyme (DPGDME) electrolyte using in-situ XRD, revealing the synergistic effects of TiS 2 and S in the composites. TiS 2 was found to function effectively asmore » a conductive additive and improve the utilization of sulfur. Intercalation of Li + into TiS 2 takes place simultaneously with the sulfur-lithium reaction, and contributes favorably to the total realized capacity.« less
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Abong`O, B. O.; Momba, M. N. B.; Rodda, N.
The current study explored the health risk of E. coli O157:H7 to diarrhoeic confirmed and non-confirmed HIV/AIDS patients due to their exposure to presumed ingestion of water, meat products and vegetables ostensibly contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. Strains of E. coli O157:H7 were isolated by enrichment culture and on Cefixime-Telurite Sorbitol MacConkey agar. Average counts of presumptive E. coli O157 were used for dose-response assessment. Probability of infection to confirmed and non-confirmed HIV/AIDS patients was 20 and 27% from meat and meat products, 21% and 15% from vegetables and 100% due to ingestion of 1500 mL person-1 day-1 of water. Drinking water had higher probability of transmitting E. coli O157:H7 infections than meat and meat products and vegetables. Probability of E. coli O157:H7 infections were high for confirmed HIV/AIDS patients than for non-confirmed patients. Water and foods consumed by HIV/AIDS patients should be safe of any microbial contaminants, these waters and foods should as well be investigated for other enteric pathogens to establish their safety.
Carvajal Nuñez, U; Martel, L; Prieur, D; Lopez Honorato, E; Eloirdi, R; Farnan, I; Vitova, T; Somers, J
2013-10-07
A series of uranium carbide samples, prepared by arc melting with a C/U ratio ranging from 0.96 to 1.04, has been studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), (13)C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS). XRD determines phase uniqueness and the increase of the lattice parameter versus the carbon content. In contrast, (13)C NMR detects the different carbon environments in the lattice and in this study, clearly identifies the presence of discrete peaks for carbon in the octahedral lattice site in UC and an additional peak associated with excess carbon in hyperstoichiometric samples. Two peaks associated with different levels of carbon deficiency are detected for all hypostoichiometric compositions. More than one carbon environment is always detected by (13)C NMR. This exemplifies the difficulty in obtaining a perfect stoichiometric uranium monocarbide UC(1.00). The (13)C MAS spectra of uranium carbides exhibit the effects resulting from the carbon content on both the broadening of the peaks and on the Knight shift. An abrupt spectral change occurs between hypo- and hyperstoichiometric samples. The results obtained by EXAFS highlight subtle differences between the different stoichiometries, and in the hyperstoichiometric samples, the EXAFS results are consistent with the excess carbon atoms being in the tetrahedral interstitial position.
Caisso, Marie; Picart, Sébastien; Belin, Renaud C; Lebreton, Florent; Martin, Philippe M; Dardenne, Kathy; Rothe, Jörg; Neuville, Daniel R; Delahaye, Thibaud; Ayral, André
2015-04-14
Transmutation of americium in heterogeneous mode through the use of U1-xAmxO2±δ ceramic pellets, also known as Americium Bearing Blankets (AmBB), has become a major research axis. Nevertheless, in order to consider future large-scale deployment, the processes involved in AmBB fabrication have to minimize fine particle dissemination, due to the presence of americium, which considerably increases the risk of contamination. New synthesis routes avoiding the use of pulverulent precursors are thus currently under development, such as the Calcined Resin Microsphere Pelletization (CRMP) process. It is based on the use of weak-acid resin (WAR) microspheres as precursors, loaded with actinide cations. After two specific calcinations under controlled atmospheres, resin microspheres are converted into oxide microspheres composed of a monophasic U1-xAmxO2±δ phase. Understanding the different mechanisms during thermal conversion, that lead to the release of organic matter and the formation of a solid solution, appear essential. By combining in situ techniques such as XRD and XAS, it has become possible to identify the key temperatures for oxide formation, and the corresponding oxidation states taken by uranium and americium during mineralization. This paper thus presents the first results on the mineralization of (U,Am) loaded resin microspheres into a solid solution, through in situ XAS analysis correlated with HT-XRD.
Kowalski, Wolfgang; Dammer, Markus; Bakczewitz, Frank; Schmitz, Klaus-Peter; Grabow, Niels; Kessler, Olaf
2015-09-01
Drug eluting stents (DES) consist of platform, coating and drug. The platform often is a balloon-expandable bare metal stent made of the CoCr alloy L-605 or stainless steel 316 L. The function of the coating, typically a permanent polymer, is to hold and release the drug, which should improve therapeutic outcome. Before implantation, DES are compressed (crimped) to allow implantation in the human body. During implantation, DES are expanded by balloon inflation. Crimping, as well as expansion, causes high stresses and high strains locally in the DES struts, as well as in the polymer coating. These stresses and strains are important design criteria of DES. Usually, they are calculated numerically by finite element analysis (FEA), but experimental results for validation are hardly available. In this work, the X-ray diffraction (XRD) sin(2)ψ-technique is applied to in-situ determination of stress conditions of bare metal L-605 stents, and Poly-(L-lactide) (PLLA) coated stents. This provides a realistic characterization of the near-surface stress state and a validation option of the numerical FEA. XRD-results from terminal stent struts of the bare metal stent show an increasing compressive load stress in tangential direction with increasing stent expansion. These findings correlate with numerical FEA results. The PLLA-coating also bears increasing compressive load stress during expansion. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Azmi, M. A.; Ismail, N. A. A.; Rizamarhaiza, M.; W. M. Hasif. A. A., K.; Taib, H.
2016-07-01
Rice husk was thermally decomposed to yield powder composed of silica (SiO2). Temperatures of 700°C and 1000°C were chosen as the decomposition temperatures. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), X-Ray Florescence (XRF), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) analyses were conducted on a synthetic silica powder (SS-SiO2) and the rice husk ash as for the comparative characterisation study. XRD analyses clearly indicated that the decomposed rice husk yielded silica of different nature which are Crystalline Rice Husk Silica (C-RHSiO2) and Amorphous Rice Husk Silica (A-RHSiO2). Moreover, it was found that SS-SiO2 was of Quartz phase, C-RHSiO2 was of Trydimite and Cristobalite. Through XRF detection, the highest SiO2 purity was detected in SS-SiO2 followed by C-RHSiO2 and A-RHSiO2 with purity percentages of 99.60%, 82.30% and 86.30% respectively. FTIR results clearly indicated silica (SiO2) bonding 1056, 1064, 1047, 777, 790 and 798 cm-1) increased as the crystallinity silica increased. The Cristobalite phase was detected in C-RH SiO2 at the wavelength of 620 cm-1. Morphological features as observed by FESEM analyses confirmed that, SS-SiO2 and C-RH SiO2 showed prominent coarse granular morphology.
Confirmation bias in human reinforcement learning: Evidence from counterfactual feedback processing
Lefebvre, Germain; Blakemore, Sarah-Jayne
2017-01-01
Previous studies suggest that factual learning, that is, learning from obtained outcomes, is biased, such that participants preferentially take into account positive, as compared to negative, prediction errors. However, whether or not the prediction error valence also affects counterfactual learning, that is, learning from forgone outcomes, is unknown. To address this question, we analysed the performance of two groups of participants on reinforcement learning tasks using a computational model that was adapted to test if prediction error valence influences learning. We carried out two experiments: in the factual learning experiment, participants learned from partial feedback (i.e., the outcome of the chosen option only); in the counterfactual learning experiment, participants learned from complete feedback information (i.e., the outcomes of both the chosen and unchosen option were displayed). In the factual learning experiment, we replicated previous findings of a valence-induced bias, whereby participants learned preferentially from positive, relative to negative, prediction errors. In contrast, for counterfactual learning, we found the opposite valence-induced bias: negative prediction errors were preferentially taken into account, relative to positive ones. When considering valence-induced bias in the context of both factual and counterfactual learning, it appears that people tend to preferentially take into account information that confirms their current choice. PMID:28800597
Confirmation bias in human reinforcement learning: Evidence from counterfactual feedback processing.
Palminteri, Stefano; Lefebvre, Germain; Kilford, Emma J; Blakemore, Sarah-Jayne
2017-08-01
Previous studies suggest that factual learning, that is, learning from obtained outcomes, is biased, such that participants preferentially take into account positive, as compared to negative, prediction errors. However, whether or not the prediction error valence also affects counterfactual learning, that is, learning from forgone outcomes, is unknown. To address this question, we analysed the performance of two groups of participants on reinforcement learning tasks using a computational model that was adapted to test if prediction error valence influences learning. We carried out two experiments: in the factual learning experiment, participants learned from partial feedback (i.e., the outcome of the chosen option only); in the counterfactual learning experiment, participants learned from complete feedback information (i.e., the outcomes of both the chosen and unchosen option were displayed). In the factual learning experiment, we replicated previous findings of a valence-induced bias, whereby participants learned preferentially from positive, relative to negative, prediction errors. In contrast, for counterfactual learning, we found the opposite valence-induced bias: negative prediction errors were preferentially taken into account, relative to positive ones. When considering valence-induced bias in the context of both factual and counterfactual learning, it appears that people tend to preferentially take into account information that confirms their current choice.
Traiperm, Paweena; Chow, Janene; Nopun, Possathorn; Staples, G; Swangpol, Sasivimon C
2017-12-01
The genus Argyreia Lour. is one of the species-rich Asian genera in the family Convolvulaceae. Several species complexes were recognized in which taxon delimitation was imprecise, especially when examining herbarium materials without fully developed open flowers. The main goal of this study is to investigate and describe leaf anatomy for some morphologically similar Argyreia using epidermal peeling, leaf and petiole transverse sections, and scanning electron microscopy. Phenetic analyses including cluster analysis and principal component analysis were used to investigate the similarity of these morpho-types. Anatomical differences observed between the morpho-types include epidermal cell walls and the trichome types on the leaf epidermis. Additional differences in the leaf and petiole transverse sections include the epidermal cell shape of the adaxial leaf blade, the leaf margins, and the petiole transverse sectional outline. The phenogram from cluster analysis using the UPGMA method represented four groups with an R value of 0.87. Moreover, the important quantitative and qualitative leaf anatomical traits of the four groups were confirmed by the principal component analysis of the first two components. The results from phenetic analyses confirmed the anatomical differentiation between the morpho-types. Leaf anatomical features regarded as particularly informative for morpho-type differentiation can be used to supplement macro morphological identification.
Réveillas, Hélène; Pemonge, Marie-Hélène; Mendisco, Fanny; Thomas, Yohann; Lefranc, Philippe; Deguilloux, Marie-France
2017-01-01
In Europe, the Middle Neolithic is characterized by an important diversification of cultures. In northeastern France, the appearance of the Michelsberg culture has been correlated with major cultural changes and interpreted as the result of the settlement of new groups originating from the Paris Basin. This cultural transition has been accompanied by the expansion of particular funerary practices involving inhumations within circular pits and individuals in “non-conventional” positions (deposited in the pits without any particular treatment). If the status of such individuals has been highly debated, the sacrifice hypothesis has been retained for the site of Gougenheim (Alsace). At the regional level, the analysis of the Gougenheim mitochondrial gene pool (SNPs and HVR-I sequence analyses) permitted us to highlight a major genetic break associated with the emergence of the Michelsberg in the region. This genetic discontinuity appeared to be linked to new affinities with farmers from the Paris Basin, correlated to a noticeable hunter-gatherer legacy. All of the evidence gathered supports (i) the occidental origin of the Michelsberg groups and (ii) the potential implication of this migration in the progression of the hunter-gatherer legacy from the Paris Basin to Alsace / Western Germany at the beginning of the Late Neolithic. At the local level, we noted some differences in the maternal gene pool of individuals in "conventional" vs. "non-conventional" positions. The relative genetic isolation of these sub-groups nicely echoes both their social distinction and the hypothesis of sacrifices retained for the site. Our investigation demonstrates that a multi-scale aDNA study of ancient communities offers a unique opportunity to disentangle the complex relationships between cultural and biological evolution. PMID:28678860
[Cutaneous gnathostomiasis, first confirmed case in Colombia].
Jurado, Leonardo F; Palacios, Diana M; López, Rocío; Baldión, Margarita; Matijasevic, Eugenio
2015-01-01
Gnathostomiasis is a parasitic zoonosis caused by some species of helminthes belonging to the genus Gnathostoma . It has a wide clinical presentation and its diagnosis is a challenge. Tropical and subtropical countries are endemic, and its transmission is associated with eating raw or undercooked meat from fresh water animals. Increasing global tourism and consuming exotic foods have produced a noticeable rise in cases of the disease in the last decades. However, in our country, there has not been any confirmed case of gnathostomiasis previously reported. We present the case of a 63-year-old Colombian man with an international travel history, who presented with gastrointestinal symptoms. During the hospital stay, he developed a cutaneous lesion on the upper right abdominal quadrant, where later, a larva was found. A morphological study allowed us to identify it as Gnathostoma spinigerum . As such, this is the first report of an imported case of gnathostomiasis confirmed in Colombia. This article describes the principles, etiology, pathogenic cycle and treatment of this disease with special considerations to our patient´s particular features.
CAMS confirmation of previously reported meteor showers
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Jenniskens, P.; Nénon, Q.; Gural, P. S.; Albers, J.; Haberman, B.; Johnson, B.; Holman, D.; Morales, R.; Grigsby, B. J.; Samuels, D.; Johannink, C.
2016-03-01
Leading up to the 2015 IAU General Assembly, the International Astronomical Union's Working List of Meteor Showers included 486 unconfirmed showers, showers that are not certain to exist. If confirmed, each shower would provide a record of past comet or asteroid activity. Now, we report that 41 of these are detected in the Cameras for Allsky Meteor Surveillance (CAMS) video-based meteor shower survey. They manifest as meteoroids arriving at Earth from a similar direction and orbit, after removing the daily radiant drift due to Earth's motion around the Sun. These showers do exist and, therefore, can be moved to the IAU List of Established Meteor Showers. This adds to 31 previously confirmed showers from CAMS data. For each shower, finding charts are presented based on 230,000 meteors observed up to March of 2015, calculated by re-projecting the drift-corrected Sun-centered ecliptic coordinates into more familiar equatorial coordinates. Showers that are not detected, but should have, and duplicate showers that project to the same Sun-centered ecliptic coordinates, are recommended for removal from the Working List.
Synthesis and characterization of nanostructured titanium carbide for fuel cell applications
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Singh, Paviter; Singh, Harwinder; Singh, Bikramjeet
2016-04-13
Titanium carbide (TiC) nanoparticles have been successfully synthesized by carbo-thermic reaction of titanium and acetone at 800 °C. This method is relatively low temperature synthesis route. It can be used for large scale production of TiC. The synthesized nanoparticles have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and differential thermal analyzer (DTA) techniques. XRD analysis confirmed the formation of single phase TiC. XRD analysis confirmed that the particles are spherical in shape with an average particle size of 13 nm. DTA analysis shows that the phase is stable upto 900 °C and the material can be used formore » high temperature applications.« less
A statistical approach to selecting and confirming validation targets in -omics experiments
2012-01-01
Background Genomic technologies are, by their very nature, designed for hypothesis generation. In some cases, the hypotheses that are generated require that genome scientists confirm findings about specific genes or proteins. But one major advantage of high-throughput technology is that global genetic, genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic behaviors can be observed. Manual confirmation of every statistically significant genomic result is prohibitively expensive. This has led researchers in genomics to adopt the strategy of confirming only a handful of the most statistically significant results, a small subset chosen for biological interest, or a small random subset. But there is no standard approach for selecting and quantitatively evaluating validation targets. Results Here we present a new statistical method and approach for statistically validating lists of significant results based on confirming only a small random sample. We apply our statistical method to show that the usual practice of confirming only the most statistically significant results does not statistically validate result lists. We analyze an extensively validated RNA-sequencing experiment to show that confirming a random subset can statistically validate entire lists of significant results. Finally, we analyze multiple publicly available microarray experiments to show that statistically validating random samples can both (i) provide evidence to confirm long gene lists and (ii) save thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours of labor over manual validation of each significant result. Conclusions For high-throughput -omics studies, statistical validation is a cost-effective and statistically valid approach to confirming lists of significant results. PMID:22738145
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Magesh, G.; Bhoopathi, G.; Nithya, N.; Arun, A. P.; Ranjith Kumar, E.
2018-05-01
Chitosan/ZnO nanocomposites was synthesized by in-situ chemical precipitation method. The effect of polysaccharide Chitosan concentration (0.1 g, 0.5 g, 1 g and 3 g) was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) with Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX), High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM), UV-visible (UV), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Photoluminescence Spectroscopy (PL). XRD pattern confirms the hexagonal wurtzite structure of the Chitosan/ZnO nanocomposites. The structural morphology and the elemental composition of the samples were analysed by FESEM and EDX respectively. From TEM analysis, it is observed that the particles in spindle shape morphology with average particle size ranges 10-20 nm. UV-Vis analysis reveals that the Chitosan concentration affect the absorption band edge and shift towards lower wavelength. The oxygen vacancy induced photoluminescence of ZnO nanoparticles was observed and its intensity decreases by tuning the Chitosan concentration.
Alshehri, Saad M; Aldalbahi, Ali; Al-Hajji, Abdullah Baker; Chaudhary, Anis Ahmad; Panhuis, Marc In Het; Alhokbany, Norah; Ahamad, Tansir
2016-03-15
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) containing hydrogel composite were first synthesized by preparing a new hydrogel from carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and the cross-linker ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDE), followed by the incorporation of AgNPs by microwave radiation. The resulting neat hydrogels and AgNPs-hydrogel composites were characterized using spectral, thermal, microscopic analysis and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. The SEM and TEM results demonstrated that the synthesized AgNPs were spherical with diameters ranging from 8 to 14nm. In addition, the XRD analysis confirmed the nanocrystalline phase of silver with face-centered cubic (FCC) crystal structure. Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis of the AgNPs confirmed the presence of an elemental silver signal, and no peaks of any other impurities were detected. Additionally, the antibacterial activities of the neat hydrogel and AgNPs-hydrogel composites were measured by Kirby-Bauer method against urinary tract infection (UTI) pathogens. The rheology measurement revealed that the values of storage modulus (G') were higher than that of loss modulus (G″). The AgNPs-hydrogel composites exhibited higher antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris, Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus mirabilis compared to the corresponding neat hydrogel. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Singh, Davender; Kundu, Virender Singh; Maan, A. S.
2016-07-01
The pure and Zn-doped SnO2 nanoparticles were prepared successfully by hydrothermal route on large scale having different doping concentration of zinc from 0 to 0.20%. The calcined nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) for structural and morphological studies. XRD analyses reveal that the nanoparticles of these doping concentrations are polycrystalline in nature and existed as tetragonal rutile structure, SEM study of images confirms the existence of very small, homogeneously distributed, and spherical nanoparticles. The particles size of the nanoparticles was calculated by Scherrer formula and was found in the range of 9-21 nm. The presence of dopant (i.e. zinc) and formation of Sn-O phase and hydrous nature of Zn-doped SnO2 nanoparticles are confirmed by EDX and FTIR study. The gas sensing properties of pure and Zn-doped SnO2 nanoparticles were investigated for various concentrations of methanol, ethanol and acetone at different operating temperatures and it has been found that with doping concentration of zinc (x = 0.20%) shows the maximum response 78% to methanol, 65% to ethanol and 62% to acetone respectively at different operating temperature within the measurement limit for a concentration of 100 ppm of each gases.
Catalytic Oxidation of Vanillyl Alcohol Using FeMCM-41 Nanoporous Tubular Reactor
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Elamathi, P.; Kolli, Murali Krishna; Chandrasekar, G.
Iron containing nanoporous MCM-41 (FeMCM-41) with different Si/Fe ratios of 50, 100 and 150 was synthesized by hydrothermal synthesis process. The materials obtained from hydrothermal synthesis were characterized by various physico chemical techniques such as XRD, N2 adsorption, DR UV-vis, EPR and FTIR spectroscopy. XRD analyses of FeMCM-41 materials confirmed the presence of well-ordered crystalline structure. N2 isotherm of FeMCM-41 materials showed type IV adsorption isotherm. EPR and DR UV-vis analysis of FeMCM-41 samples indicates the presence of high tetrahedral coordination at the Si/Fe ratios of 100 and 150. The catalytic performance of FeMCM-41 nano tubular reactor was tested in the liquid phase oxidation of vanillyl alcohol into vanillin using H2O2 (50wt% in water). The reaction products were analyzed by gas chromatography in DB-5 capillary column with flame ionization detector. The products were confirmed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR and LC-Mass spectroscopy. The maximum conversion of vanillyl alcohol (85%) and selectivity towards vanillin (82%) were observed using the catalyst FeMCM-41(100) in 30min at 60∘C. The influence of reaction temperature, reaction time, reactants molar ratio, Si/Fe ratio and amount of catalyst were investigated.
Zohar, Iris; Massey, Michael S; Ippolito, James A; Litaor, M Iggy
2018-05-01
We examined P sorption characteristics in Al-based water treatment residuals (Al-WTR) generated from slightly alkaline surface water and in an organic residual composite (WW-Al/O-WTR), produced by using the Al-WTR to treat organic-rich and high P concentration dairy wastewater. Solids from both residuals were examined using scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), and exposed to P additions of 0 to 4000 mg L in a sorption experiment. The Al-WTR removed ∼97% of the added P, whereas WW-Al/O-WTR removed only 78% of the added P in the addition range of 0 to 100 mg P L. With P additions of ≥100 mg L, the removal rate declined to <38% by Al-WTR and to 16% by WW-Al/O-WTR, possibly implying a change in sorption mechanisms. Analysis by XRD indicated that the major mineral was calcite, with some silica and poorly crystalline Al hydroxides. Analysis by SEM-EDS, which used three-element overlay maps of the residual surfaces, indicated that P was sparsely sorbed on both calcic and Al (hydr)oxide surfaces, along with a few clusters, even at low P concentrations of the treated waters. Ternary clusters of P, Al, and Ca were more abundant on the WW-Al/O-WTR. Carbon distribution suggested that organic substances covered Al surfaces. Sorption of P onto WW-Al/O-WTR may be reversible due to relatively weak Ca-P and Al-P bonds induced by the slight alkaline nature and in the presence of organic moieties, enhancing the WW-Al/O-WTR potential to act as a P source, rather than a P sink, in agricultural applications. Copyright © by the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America, Inc.
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Farid, Muhammad Asim; Asghar, Muhammad Adnan; Ashiq, Muhammad Naeem, E-mail: naeemashiqqau@yahoo.com
2014-11-15
Graphical abstract: Variation of dielectric constant with frequency for all the synthesized materials. - Highlights: • Hydrothermal method has been successfully employed to synthesize the zirconates. • XRD confirmed the formation of required phase. • Increased electrical resistivity makes these materials useful for microwave devices. • Dielectric parameters of zirconates decrease with increasing frequency. • Dielectric constant decreases with increasing substituents concentration. - Abstract: A hydrothermal method was successfully employed for the synthesis of a series of vanadium and germanium co-doped pyrochlore lanthanum zirconates with composition La{sub 2−x}V{sub x}Zr{sub 2−y}Ge{sub y}O{sub 7} (where x, y = 0.0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75more » and 1.0). The XRD and FTIR analyses confirmed the formation of single phase except vanadium and germanium substituted samples and the crystallite sizes are in the range of 7–31 nm for V{sup 3+}–Ge{sup 4+} substituted samples. The theoretical compositions are confirmed by the ED-XRF studies. The room temperature electrical resistivity increase with the substituents concentration which suggests that the synthesized materials can be used for microwave devices as such devices required highly resistive materials. Dielectric properties were measured in the frequency range of 6 kHz to 1 MHz. The dielectric parameters decrease with increase in frequency. The DC resistivity data is in good agreement with the dielectric data.« less
Denecke, Melissa A; Somogyi, Andrea; Janssens, Koen; Simon, Rolf; Dardenne, Kathy; Noseck, Ulrich
2007-06-01
Micro-focused synchrotron radiation techniques to investigate actinide elements in geological samples are becoming an increasingly used tool in nuclear waste disposal research. In this article, results using mu-focus techniques are presented from a bore core section of a U-rich tertiary sediment collected from Ruprechtov, Czech Republic, a natural analog to nuclear waste repository scenarios in deep geological formations. Different methods are applied to obtain various, complementary information. Elemental and element chemical state distributions are obtained from micro-XRF measurements, oxidation states of As determined from micro-XANES, and the crystalline structure of selected regions are studied by means of micro-XRD. We find that preparation of the thin section created an As oxidation state artifact; it apparently changed the As valence in some regions of the sample. Results support our previously proposed hypothesis of the mechanism for U-enrichment in the sediment. AsFeS coating on framboid Fe nodules in the sediment reduced mobile groundwater-dissolved U(VI) to less-soluble U(IV), thereby immobilizing the uranium in the sediment.
Park, Jung-Keun
2016-12-01
Job hazard analyses were conducted to assess exposure to musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) risk factors in seven workers of three dry-cleaning establishments. In accordance with the Washington State Ergonomics Rule, the analyses were performed in two separate steps: (1) observation and checklist approaches were made to identify a "caution zone job" in the seven workers' pressing operations across the three shops; and (2) detailed posture and motion analyses were undertaken to determine a "MSD hazard" in one worker's operation using a video technique. One "caution zone job" was identified and it was the pressing operation job in which five physical risk factors were found in the pressing operations. The detailed analyses confirmed that one "MSD hazard", i.e., awkward posture in shoulders, was prevalent in the pressing operations of the three dry-cleaning facilities. It would be desirable to reduce MSD risk factors including awkward shoulder posture in the dry-cleaning industry.
Assessment of clinical symptoms in household contacts of confirmed pertussis cases.
Domínguez, Angela; Soldevila, Núria; Caylà, Joan A; García-Cenoz, Manuel; Ferrús, Glòria; Sala-Farré, Maria Rosa; Álvarez, Josep; Carol, Mònica; Barrabeig, Irene; Camps, Neus; Coronas, Lorena; Muñoz-Almagro, Carmen; Godoy, Pere
2017-11-01
We assessed the value of the clinical symptoms included in the case definition of pertussis in household contacts of laboratory-confirmed cases. A prospective epidemiological study was made in two Spanish regions. Household contacts were identified for each confirmed case reported during 2012 and 2013. Two clinical samples were taken to determine the presence or absence of Bordetella pertussis by culture or real-time PCR. Clinical variables, age and vaccination status were recorded. Positive and negative likelihood ratios (PLR, NLR) were estimated for each symptom. 2852 household contacts of 688 confirmed cases were reported. 178 household contacts with clinical symptoms were analyzed: 150 were laboratory confirmed and 28 were not. The clinical symptom with the highest PLR in comparison with the NLR was paroxysmal cough(PLR 4.76; 95% CI 1.91-11.87 and NLR 0.37; 95% CI 0.28-0.49). The contrast between the PLR and NLR was especially important for persons aged <18 years (PLR 7.08; 95% CI 1.10-45.74 and NLR 0.32; 95% CI 0.21-0.49). The clinical symptoms of pertussis are poor predictors of pertussis disease, independently of the vaccination status. Differences were observed between persons aged <18 years and adults. To adopt the appropriate treatment and control measures, rapid laboratory confirmation by PCR of all household contacts of confirmed cases who present any clinical symptoms compatible with pertussis should be recommended. Copyright © 2017 The British Infection Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Gitlin, Laura N.; Parisi, Jeanine; Huang, Jin; Winter, Laraine; Roth, David L.
2016-01-01
Purpose of study: Examine psychometric properties of Lawton’s Valuation of Life (VOL) scale, a measure of an older adults’ assessment of the perceived value of their lives; and whether ratings differ by race (White, Black/African American) and sex. Design and Methods: The 13-item VOL scale was administered at baseline in 2 separate randomized trials (Advancing Better Living for Elders, ABLE; Get Busy Get Better, GBGB) for a total of 527 older adults. Principal component analyses were applied to a subset of ABLE data (subsample 1) and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted on remaining data (subsample 2 and GBGB). Once the factor structure was identified and confirmed, 2 subscales were created, corresponding to optimism and engagement. Convergent validity of total and subscale scores were examined using measures of depressive symptoms, social support, control-oriented strategies, mastery, and behavioral activation. For discriminant validity, indices of health status, physical function, financial strain, cognitive status, and number of falls were examined. Results: Trial samples (ABLE vs. GBGB) differed by age, race, marital status, education, and employment. Principal component analysis on ABLE subsample 1 (n = 156) yielded two factors subsequently confirmed in confirmatory factor analyses on ABLE subsample 2 (n = 163) and GBGB sample (N = 208) separately. Adequate fit was found for the 2-factor model. Correlational analyses supported strong convergent and discriminant validity. Some statistically significant race and sex differences in subscale scores were found. Implications: VOL measures subjective appraisals of perceived value of life. Consisting of two interrelated subscales, it offers an efficient approach to ascertain personal attributions. PMID:26874189
A combined computational-experimental analyses of selected metabolic enzymes in Pseudomonas species.
Perumal, Deepak; Lim, Chu Sing; Chow, Vincent T K; Sakharkar, Kishore R; Sakharkar, Meena K
2008-09-10
Comparative genomic analysis has revolutionized our ability to predict the metabolic subsystems that occur in newly sequenced genomes, and to explore the functional roles of the set of genes within each subsystem. These computational predictions can considerably reduce the volume of experimental studies required to assess basic metabolic properties of multiple bacterial species. However, experimental validations are still required to resolve the apparent inconsistencies in the predictions by multiple resources. Here, we present combined computational-experimental analyses on eight completely sequenced Pseudomonas species. Comparative pathway analyses reveal that several pathways within the Pseudomonas species show high plasticity and versatility. Potential bypasses in 11 metabolic pathways were identified. We further confirmed the presence of the enzyme O-acetyl homoserine (thiol) lyase (EC: 2.5.1.49) in P. syringae pv. tomato that revealed inconsistent annotations in KEGG and in the recently published SYSTOMONAS database. These analyses connect and integrate systematic data generation, computational data interpretation, and experimental validation and represent a synergistic and powerful means for conducting biological research.
Quantitative shock stage assessment in olivine and pyroxene bearing meteorites via in situ micro-XRD
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
McCausland, P. J.; Flemming, R. L.; Izawa, M. R.
2010-12-01
Shock metamorphism is observed in most meteorites and impact structures [1]. Qualitative petrographic observations underpin a shock classification system [1-3] based on the deformation features in common silicates and on textural relations such as the development of maskelynite from feldspars, mobility of sulphides and metal in veins and local Fe-reduction in silicates. Shock deformation of minerals produces streaks (mosaicity) rather than discrete spots in 2D X-ray diffraction patterns, representing the progressive disruption of the crystal lattice into a mosaic of rotated domains [4,5]. Here we use in situ micro-XRD [5,6] to measure the mosaicity of olivine and pyroxene in ordinary chondrites of increasing shock stages S1 to S5 and then apply the method to achondrites with qualitatively low to high shock. X-ray diffraction data were collected in situ on polished thin sections and slab cut surfaces using a Bruker D8 Discover micro X-ray diffractometer [5], operated using CuKα radiation generated at 40 kV and 40 mA with a beam diameter of 500 μm. Diffracted X-rays were recorded with a 2D detector, giving images with information in both the 2-theta and chi dimensions, in which each lattice plane (hkl) will have a diffraction spot or streak lying along an arc in chi of radius 2-theta (hkl). Individual reflections can be indexed and then integrated as a function of chi angle, allowing examination of the peak shape and quantitative analysis of the mosaic peak FWHM along chi. We find that both forsterite and enstatite exhibit greater mosaicity in chi with increasing shock stage: Forsterite chi ranges from <1° for S1 to >6° for S5. Enstatite chi values from the same meteorites show a more subdued growth of streak length with shock state, from ~1° to ~4°. A slab of the olivine shergottite DaG 476 exhibits forsterite mosaicity of 6.9°+/-1.1°, indicating that it has experienced shock stage S5, with shock pressures 30-45 GPa [1,4], consistent with the 40-45 GPa shock
Poliomyelitis case confirmation: characteristics for use by national eradication programmes.
Biellik, R. J.; Bueno, H.; Olive, J. M.; de Quadros, C.
1992-01-01
Highly sensitive case definitions were first introduced by national poliomyelitis eradication programmes to avoid missing true cases of the disease, though false-positive diagnostic errors could still occur owing to low specificity. Extensive data from all 1620 cases of acute, flaccid paralysis reported in Brazil during 1987-88 provided an opportunity to study the characteristics of confirmed poliomyelitis cases and epidemiologically to evaluate potential case definitions that maximized both sensitivity and specificity. Cases that had been confirmed by wild poliomyelitis virus isolation were compared with those that had been rejected (non-polio cases). To guarantee the consistency of clinical, epidemiological and laboratory investigations, only cases less than 10 years of age that had been investigated within 15 days of the onset and with complete laboratory specimens were included. No single practical case definition combining both high sensitivity and high specificity emerged from the study. However, the results showed that poliomyelitis endemic countries with limited resources should give priority to the investigation of cases in less than 5-year-olds, cases with prodromal fever, cases without involvement in all four limbs, cases without progression greater than 3 days after the onset, and cases occurring in areas where poliomyelitis had recently been confirmed. In countries without laboratory resources, cases of acute, flaccid paralysis with initial involvement in one or both lower limbs and residual neurological sequelae at 60 days should be confirmed. Countries that are close to eradication may selectively reject any cases lacking laboratory confirmation, despite adequate specimen collection, if they do not have initial involvement in one or both lower limbs and residual neurological sequelae at 60 days. PMID:1314710
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Bourlier, Yoan; Cristini Robbe, Odile; Laboratoire de Physique des Lasers, Atomes et Molécules
Highlights: • CuIn{sub (1−x)}Ga{sub x}S{sub 2} thin films were prepared by sol–gel process. • Evolution of lattice parameters is characteristic of a solid solution. • Optical band gap was found to be linearly dependent on the gallium rate. - Abstract: In this paper, we report the elaboration of Cu(In,Ga)S{sub 2} chalcopyrite thin films via a sol–gel process. To reach this aim, solutions containing copper, indium and gallium complexes were prepared. These solutions were thereafter spin-coated onto the soda lime glass substrates and calcined, leading to metallic oxides thin films. Expected chalcopyrite films were finally obtained by sulfurization of oxides layersmore » using a sulfur atmosphere at 500 °C. The rate of gallium incorporation was studied both at the solutions synthesis step and at the thin films sulfurization process. Elemental and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses have shown the efficiency of monoethanolamine used as a complexing agent for the preparation of CuIn{sub (1−x)}Ga{sub x}S{sub 2} thin layers. Moreover, the replacement of diethanolamine by monoethanolamine has permitted the substitution of indium by isovalent gallium from x = 0 to x = 0.4 and prevented the precipitation of copper derivatives. XRD analyses of sulfurized thin films CuIn{sub (1−x)}Ga{sub x}S{sub 2,} clearly indicated that the increasing rate of gallium induced a shift of XRD peaks, revealing an evolution of the lattice parameter in the chalcopyrite structure. These results were confirmed by Raman analyses. Moreover, the optical band gap was also found to be linearly dependent upon the gallium rate incorporated within the thin films: it varies from 1.47 eV for x = 0 to 1.63 eV for x = 0.4.« less
Whole genome sequence analyses of brain imaging measures in the Framingham Study.
Sarnowski, Chloé; Satizabal, Claudia L; DeCarli, Charles; Pitsillides, Achilleas N; Cupples, L Adrienne; Vasan, Ramachandran S; Wilson, James G; Bis, Joshua C; Fornage, Myriam; Beiser, Alexa S; DeStefano, Anita L; Dupuis, Josée; Seshadri, Sudha
2018-01-16
We sought to identify rare variants influencing brain imaging phenotypes in the Framingham Heart Study by performing whole genome sequence association analyses within the Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine Program. We performed association analyses of cerebral and hippocampal volumes and white matter hyperintensity (WMH) in up to 2,180 individuals by testing the association of rank-normalized residuals from mixed-effect linear regression models adjusted for sex, age, and total intracranial volume with individual variants while accounting for familial relatedness. We conducted gene-based tests for rare variants using (1) a sliding-window approach, (2) a selection of functional exonic variants, or (3) all variants. We detected new loci in 1p21 for cerebral volume (minor allele frequency [MAF] 0.005, p = 10 -8 ) and in 16q23 for hippocampal volume (MAF 0.05, p = 2.7 × 10 -8 ). Previously identified associations in 12q24 for hippocampal volume (rs7294919, p = 4.4 × 10 -4 ) and in 17q25 for WMH (rs7214628, p = 2.0 × 10 -3 ) were confirmed. Gene-based tests detected associations ( p ≤ 2.3 × 10 -6 ) in new loci for cerebral (5q13, 8p12, 9q31, 13q12-q13, 15q24, 17q12, 19q13) and hippocampal volumes (2p12) and WMH (3q13, 4p15) including Alzheimer disease- ( UNC5D ) and Parkinson disease-associated genes ( GBA ). Pathway analyses evidenced enrichment of associated genes in immunity, inflammation, and Alzheimer disease and Parkinson disease pathways. Whole genome sequence-wide search reveals intriguing new loci associated with brain measures. Replication of novel loci is needed to confirm these findings. Copyright © 2017 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. on behalf of the American Academy of Neurology.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Alver, Özgür; Dikmen, Gökhan
2016-03-01
Possible stable conformers, geometrical molecular structures, vibrational properties as well as band assignments, nuclear magnetic shielding tensors of 2-Fluoro-3-Methylpyridine-5-Boronic Acid (2F3MP5BA) were studied experimentally and theoretically using FT-IR, Raman, (CP/MAS) NMR and XRD spectroscopic methods. FT-IR and Raman spectra were evaluated in the region of 3500-400 cm-1, and 3200-400 cm-1, respectively. The optimized geometric structures, vibrational wavenumbers and nuclear magnetic shielding tensors were examined using Becke-3-Lee-Yang-Parr (B3LYP) hybrid density functional theory method with 6-311++G(d, p) basis set. 1H, 13C NMR chemical shifts were calculated using the gauge invariant atomic orbital (GIAO) method. 1H, 13C, APT and HETCOR NMR experiments of title molecule were carried out in DMSO solution. 13C CP/MAS NMR measurement was done with 4 mm zirconium rotor and glycine was used as an external standard. Single crystal of 2F3MP5BA was also prepared for XRD measurements. Assignments of vibrational wavenumbers were also strengthened by calculating the total energy distribution (TED) values using scaled quantum mechanical (SQM) method.
Zaliha, Omar; Elina, Hishamuddin; Sivaruby, Kanagaratnam; Norizzah, Abd Rashid; Marangoni, Alejandro G
2018-06-01
The in situ polymorphic forms and thermal transitions of refined, bleached and deodorized palm oil (RBDPO), palm stearin (RBDPS) and palm kernel oil (RBDPKO) were investigated using coupled X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Results indicated that the DSC onset crystallisation temperature of RBDPO was at 22.6°C, with a single reflection at 4.2Å started to appear from 23.4 to 17.1°C, and were followed by two prominent exothermic peaks at 20.1°C and 8.5°C respectively. Further cooling to -40°C leads to the further formation of a β'polymorph. Upon heating, a of β'→βtransformation was observed between 32.1 to 40.8°C, before the sample was completely melted at 43.0°C. The crystallization onset temperature of RBDPS was 44.1°C, with the appearance of the α polymorph at the same temperature as the appearance of the first sharp DSC exothermic peak. This quickly changed from α→β´ in the range 25 to 21.7°C, along with the formation of a small β peak at -40°C. Upon heating, a small XRD peak for the β polymorph was observed between 32.2 to 36.0°C, becoming a mixture of (β´+ β) between 44.0 to 52.5°C. Only the β polymorph survived further heating to 59.8°C. For RBDPKO, the crystallization onset temperature was 11.6°C, with the formation of a single sharp exothermic peak at 6.5°C corresponding to the β' polymorphic form until the temperature reached -40°C. No transformation of the polymorphic form was observed during the melting process of RBDPKO, before being completely melted at 33.2°C. This work has demonstrated the detailed dynamics of polymorphic transformations of PKO and PS, two commercially important hardstocks used widely by industry and will contribute to a greater understanding of their crystallization and melting dynamics.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Kounaves, S. P.; Hecht, M. H.; Kapit, J.; Quinn, R. C.; Catling, D. C.; Clark, B. C.; Ming, D. W.; Gospodinova, K.; Hredzak, P.; McElhoney, K.;
2010-01-01
Over the past several decades, elemental sulfur in martian soils and rocks has been detected by a number of missions using X-ray spectroscopy [1-3]. Optical spectroscopy has also provided evidence for widespread sulfates on Mars [4,5]. The ubiquitous presence of sulfur in soils has been interpreted as a widely distributed sulfate mineralogy [6]. However, direct confirmation as to the identity and solubility of the sulfur species in martian soil has never been obtained. One goal of the Wet Chemistry Laboratory (WCL) [7] on board the 2007 Phoenix Mars Lander [8] was to determine soluble sulfate in the martian soil. The WCL received three primary samples. Each sample was added to 25 mL of leaching solution and analysed for solvated ionic species, pH, and conductivity [9,10]. The analysis also showed a discrepancy between charge balance, ionic strength, and conductivity, suggesting unidentified anionic species.
Schaffert, Jeff; LoBue, Christian; White, Charles L; Chiang, Hsueh-Sheng; Didehbani, Nyaz; Lacritz, Laura; Rossetti, Heidi; Dieppa, Marisara; Hart, John; Cullum, C Munro
2018-05-01
To evaluate whether a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI) with reported loss of consciousness (LOC) is a risk factor for earlier onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in an autopsy-confirmed sample. Data from 2,133 participants with autopsy-confirmed AD (i.e., at least Braak neurofibrillary tangle stages III to VI and CERAD neuritic plaque score moderate to frequent) were obtained from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC). Participants were categorized by presence/absence of self-reported remote (i.e., >1 year prior to their first Alzheimer's Disease Center visit) history of TBI with LOC (TBI+ vs. TBI-). Analyses of Covariance (ANCOVA) controlling for sex, education, and race compared groups on clinician-estimated age of symptom onset and age of diagnosis. Average age of onset was 2.34 years earlier (p = .01) for the TBI+ group (n = 194) versus the TBI- group (n = 1900). Dementia was diagnosed on average 2.83 years earlier (p = .002) in the TBI+ group (n = 197) versus the TBI- group (n = 1936). Using more stringent neuropathological criteria (i.e., Braak stages V-VI and CERAD frequent), both age of AD onset and diagnosis were 3.6 years earlier in the TBI+ group (both p's < .001). History of TBI with reported LOC appears to be a risk factor for earlier AD onset. This is the first study to use autopsy-confirmed cases, supporting previous investigations that used clinical criteria for the diagnosis of AD. Further investigation as to possible underlying mechanisms of association is needed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).
The First Confirmed Videorecordings of Lunar Meteor Impacts
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Dunham, D. W.; Cudnik, B.; Palmer, D. M.; Sada, P. V.; Melosh, J.; Beech, M.; Pellerin, L.; Asher, D.; Frankenberger R.; Venable R.
2000-01-01
North American observers recorded at least six meteors striking the Moon's surface during the Leonid meteor shower on 1999 Nov. 18. Each meteor produced a flash that was recorded from at least two separate locations, marking the first confirmed lunar meteor impacts.
77 FR 53769 - Receipts-Based, Small Business Size Standard; Confirmation of Effective Date
Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2012-09-04
...-Based, Small Business Size Standard; Confirmation of Effective Date AGENCY: Nuclear Regulatory Commission. ACTION: Direct final rule; confirmation of effective date. SUMMARY: The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is confirming the effective date of August 22, 2012, for the direct final rule that appeared...
[Epidemiological investigation on confirmed cases of schistosomiasis in Hubei Province].
Yan-Yan, Chen; Shun-Xiang, Cai; Guo, Li; Ying, Xiao; Xiao-Wei, Shan; Juan, Zhang; Jian-Bing, Liu
2016-05-10
To grasp the distribution and epidemiology of confirmed cases of schistosomiasis in Hubei Province, so as to provide the evidence for promoting the prevention and control work. The confirmed cases of schistosomiasis in Hubei Province from 2010 to 2014 were epidemiologically investigated, and the prevalence characteristics and main influencing factors were analyzed. A total of 10 102 confirmed cases from 2010 to 2014 were surveyed. There were 1 062 local infected patients, accounting for 10.51% and including 354 repeated infections and 17 newly infected. There were 290 foreigninfected patients, accounting for 2.87%, with 206 repeated infection cases and 84 newly infected. There were 8 750 historical patients, including 2 229 patients who leaked the former schistosomiasis investigations, accounting for 22.06%; 570 patients missed treatment, accounting for 5.64%; 3 640 patients were treated with non-standard therapy, accounting for 36.03%; 2 311 patients were treated with poor medication efficacy, accounting for 22.88%. The multivariate non-conditional Logistic regression, targeting at confirmed cases in 2014, showed that, for the leaking investigations, the potential risk factors included the age, educational level, and latrine renovation ( b >0, OR >1), the protective factors were the times of previous treatment, cattle feeding in villager team, and Oncomelania hupensis snails in surroundings ( b <0, OR <1); for the treatment-missing, the age, educational level, snails in the surroundings of residence were risk factors ( b <0, OR <1); for the substandard treatment, the risk factors included the occupation and snails in the surroundings of residence ( b >0, OR >1), and the educational level and snails in the own field were protective factors ( b <0, OR <1). The epidemiological investigation on the confirmed cases of schistosomiasis could grasp the epidemic factors so as to improve the management and carry out the scientific control.
Alginate-hydroxypropylcellulose hydrogel microbeads for alkaline phosphatase encapsulation.
Karewicz, A; Zasada, K; Bielska, D; Douglas, T E L; Jansen, J A; Leeuwenburgh, S C G; Nowakowska, M
2014-01-01
There is a growing interest in using proteins as therapeutics agents. Unfortunately, they suffer from limited stability and bioavailability. We aimed to develop a new delivery system for proteins. ALP, a model protein, was successfully encapsulated in the physically cross-linked sodium alginate/hydroxypropylcellulose (ALG-HPC) hydrogel microparticles. The obtained objects had regular, spherical shape and a diameter of ∼4 µm, as confirmed by optical microscopy and SEM analysis. The properties of the obtained microbeads could be controlled by temperature and additional coating or crosslinking procedures. The slow, sustained release of ALP in its active form with no initial burst effect was observed for chitosan-coated microspheres at pH = 7.4 and 37 °C. Activity of ALP released from ALG/HPC microspheres was confirmed by the occurance of effectively induced mineralization. SEM and AFM images revealed formation of the interpenetrated three-dimensional network of mineral, originating from the microbeads' surfaces. FTIR and XRD analyses confirmed formation of hydroxyapatite.
MSL SAM-Like Evolved Gas Analyses of Si-rich Amorphous Materials
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
McAdam, Amy; Knudson, Christine; Sutter, Brad; Andrejkovicova, Slavka; Archer, P. Douglas; Franz, Heather; Eigenbrode, Jennifer; Morris, Richard; Ming, Douglas; Sun, Vivian;
2016-01-01
Chemical and mineralogical analyses of several samples from Murray Formation mudstones and Stimson Formation sandstones by the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) revealed the presence of Si-rich amorphous or poorly ordered materials. It is possible to identify the presence of high-SiO2 vs. lower SiO2 amorphous materials (e.g., basaltic glasses), based on the position of the resulting wide diffraction features in XRD patterns from the Chemistry and Mineralogy (CheMin) instrument, but it is not possible to distinguish between several candidate high-SiO2 amorphous materials such as opal-A or rhyolitic glass. In the Buckskin (BS) sample from the upper Murray Formation, and the Big Sky (BY) and Greenhorn (GH) samples from the Stimson Formation, analyses by the Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument showed very broad H2O evolutions during sample heating at temperatures >450-500degC which had not been observed from previous samples. BS also had a significant broad evolution <450-500degC. We have undertaken a laboratory study targeted at understanding if the data from SAM can be used to place constraints on the nature of the amorphous phases. SAM-like evolved gas analyses have been performed on several opal and rhyolitic glass samples. Opal-A samples exhibited wide <500degC H2O evolutions, with lesser H2O evolved above 500degC. H2O evolution traces from rhyolitic glasses varied, having either two broad H2O peaks, <300degC and >500degC, or a broad peak centered around 400degC. For samples that produced two evolutions, the lower temperature peak is more intense than the higher temperature peak, a trend also exhibited by opal-A. This trend is consistent with data from BS, but does not seem consistent with data from BY and GH which evolved most of their H2O >500degC. It may be that dehydration of opal-A and/or rhyolitic glass can result in some preferential loss of lower temperature H2O, to produce traces that more closely resemble BY and GH. This is currently under investigation
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Poralan, G. M., Jr.; Gambe, J. E.; Alcantara, E. M.; Vequizo, R. M.
2015-06-01
Biological hydroxyapatite (BHAp) derived from thermally-treated fish bones was successfully produced. However, the obtained biological HAp was amorphous and thus making it unfavorable for medical application. Consequently, this research exploits and engineers the crystallinity of BHAp powders by addition of CaCO3 and investigates its degree of crystallinity using XRD and IR spectroscopy. On XRD, the HAp powders with [Ca]/[P] ratios 1.42, 1.46, 1.61 and 1.93 have degree of crystallinity equal to 58.08, 72.13, 85.79, 75.85% and crystal size equal to 0.67, 0.74, 0.75, 0.72 nm, respectively. The degree of crystallinity and crystal size of the obtained calcium deficient biological HAp powders increase as their [Ca]/[P] ratio approaches the stoichiometric ratio by addition of CaCO3 as source of Ca2+ ions. These results show the possibility of engineering the crystallinity and crystal size of biological HAp by addition of CaCO3. Moreover, the splitting factor of PO4 vibration matches the result with % crystallinity on XRD. Also, the area of phosphate-substitution site of PO4 vibration shows linear relationship (R2 = 0.994) with crystal size calculated from XRD. It is worth noting that the crystallinity of the biological HAp with [Ca]/[P] ratios 1.42 and 1.48 fall near the range 60-70% for highly resorbable HAp used in the medical application.
Liu, S D; Zhang, D M; Zhang, W; Zhang, W F
2017-04-01
Because of the exist of complex matrix, the confirming indicators of qualitative results for toxic substances in biological samples by chromatography-mass spectrometry are different from that in non-biological samples. Even in biological samples, the confirming indicators are different in various application areas. This paper reviews the similarities and differences of confirming indicators for the analyte in biological samples by chromatography-mass spectrometry in the field of forensic toxicological analysis and other application areas. These confirming indicators include retention time (RT), relative retention time (RRT), signal to noise (S/N), characteristic ions, relative abundance of characteristic ions, parent ion-daughter ion pair and abundance ratio of ion pair, etc. Copyright© by the Editorial Department of Journal of Forensic Medicine.
Mondal, Shovan; Naubron, Jean-Valère; Campolo, Damien; Giorgi, Michel; Bertrand, Michéle P; Nechab, Malek
2013-12-01
The absolute configurations (AC) of azaheterocylic compounds resulting from the cascade rearrangement of enediynes involving only light atoms were unambiguously assigned by the joint use of vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) and copper radiation single crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD). These AC determinations proved that the rearrangements of enediynes proceeded with memory of chirality and retention of configuration. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Teaching Scientific Method: The Logic of Confirmation and Falsification.
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Garrison, James W.; Bentley, Michael L.
1990-01-01
Presents important principles and issues related to postpositivism including logic of confirmation and logic of falsification. Discusses possible applications in science education. Lists 23 references. (YP)
On the determinants of the conjunction fallacy: probability versus inductive confirmation.
Tentori, Katya; Crupi, Vincenzo; Russo, Selena
2013-02-01
Major recent interpretations of the conjunction fallacy postulate that people assess the probability of a conjunction according to (non-normative) averaging rules as applied to the constituents' probabilities or represent the conjunction fallacy as an effect of random error in the judgment process. In the present contribution, we contrast such accounts with a different reading of the phenomenon based on the notion of inductive confirmation as defined by contemporary Bayesian theorists. Averaging rule hypotheses along with the random error model and many other existing proposals are shown to all imply that conjunction fallacy rates would rise as the perceived probability of the added conjunct does. By contrast, our account predicts that the conjunction fallacy depends on the added conjunct being perceived as inductively confirmed. Four studies are reported in which the judged probability versus confirmation of the added conjunct have been systematically manipulated and dissociated. The results consistently favor a confirmation-theoretic account of the conjunction fallacy against competing views. Our proposal is also discussed in connection with related issues in the study of human inductive reasoning. 2013 APA, all rights reserved
Histopathology confirms white-nose syndrome in bats in Europe
Pikula, J.; Bandouchova, H.; Novotny, L.; Meteyer, C.U.; Zukal, J.; Irwin, N.R.; Zima, J.; Martinkova, N.
2012-01-01
White-nose syndrome, associated with the fungal skin infection geomycosis, caused regional population collapse in bats in North America. Our results, based on histopathology, show the presence of white-nose syndrome in Europe. Dermatohistopathology on two bats (Myotis myotis) found dead in March 2010 with geomycosis in the Czech Republic had characteristics resembling Geomyces destructans infection in bats confirmed with white-nose syndrome in US hibernacula. In addition, a live M. myotis, biopsied for histopathology during hibernation in April 2011, had typical fungal infection with cupping erosion and invasion of muzzle skin diagnostic for white-nose syndrome and conidiospores identical to G. destructans that were genetically confirmed as G. destructans. ?? Wildlife Disease Association 2012.
Chellappa, Maniickam; Thejaswini, Bezawada; Vijayalakshmi, Uthirapathy
2017-02-01
The objective of this study is to evaluate the biocompatibility of composite powder consisting of silica and titania (SiO 2 -TiO 2 ) for biomedical applications. The advancement of nanoscience and nanotechnology encourages researchers to actively participate in reinvention of existing materials with improved physical, chemical and biological properties. Hence, a composite/hybrid material has given birth of new materials with intriguing properties. In the present investigation, SiO 2 -TiO 2 composite powder was synthesised by sol-gel method and the prepared nanocomposite was characterised for its phase purity, functional groups, surface topography by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, to understand the adverse effects of composite, biocompatibility test was analysed by cell culture method using MG63 osteoblast cell lines as a basic screening method. From the results, it was observed that typical Si-O-Ti peaks in FT-IR confirms the formation of composite and the crystallinity of the composite powder was analysed by XRD analysis. Further in vitro biocompatibility and acridine orange results have indicated better biocompatibility at different concentrations on osteoblast cell lines. On the basis of these observations, we envision that the prepared silica-titania nanocomposite is an intriguing biomaterial for better biomedical applications.
Synthesis and structural characterization of polyaniline/cobalt chloride composites
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Asha, E-mail: arana5752@gmail.com; Goyal, Sneh Lata; Kishore, Nawal
2016-05-23
Polyaniline (PANI) and PANI /cobalt chloride composites were synthesized by in situ chemical oxidative polymerization of aniline with CoCl{sub 2}.6H{sub 2}O using ammonium peroxidisulphate as an oxidant. These composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The XRD study reveals that both PANI and composites are amorphous. The XRD and SEM results confirm the presence of cobalt chloride in the composites.
A new virus of soybean confirmed in Wisconsin
USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database
This week our laboratory confirmed the presence of Soybean vein necrosis-associated virus (SVNaV) in soybeans sampled in Wisconsin. Samples were taken at several times during September and processed in our laboratory. Symptoms of the disease caused by the virus include yellowing (chlorosis) of the ...
Confirming the Lanchestrian linear-logarithmic model of attrition
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Hartley, D.S. III.
1990-12-01
This paper is the fourth in a series of reports on the breakthrough research in historical validation of attrition in conflict. Significant defense policy decisions, including weapons acquisition and arms reduction, are based in part on models of conflict. Most of these models are driven by their attrition algorithms, usually forms of the Lanchester square and linear laws. None of these algorithms have been validated. The results of this paper confirm the results of earlier papers, using a large database of historical results. The homogeneous linear-logarithmic Lanchestrian attrition model is validated to the extent possible with current initial and finalmore » force size data and is consistent with the Iwo Jima data. A particular differential linear-logarithmic model is described that fits the data very well. A version of Helmbold's victory predicting parameter is also confirmed, with an associated probability function. 37 refs., 73 figs., 68 tabs.« less
Havrdova, E; Giovannoni, G; Gold, R; Fox, R J; Kappos, L; Phillips, J Theodore; Okwuokenye, M; Marantz, J L
2017-05-01
Significant effects on clinical/neuroradiological disease activity have been reported in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis treated with delayed-release dimethyl fumarate (DMF) in phase III DEFINE/CONFIRM trials. We conducted a post hoc analysis of integrated data from DEFINE/CONFIRM to evaluate the effect of DMF on achieving no evidence of disease activity (NEDA) in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. The analysis included patients randomized to DMF 240 mg twice daily, placebo or glatiramer acetate (CONFIRM only) for ≤2 years. A time-to-event method was used to estimate the percentage of patients achieving NEDA. Clinical NEDA (no relapses/no 12-week confirmed disability progression) was analysed in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population. Neuroradiological (no new/newly enlarging T2 hyperintense lesions/no gadolinium-enhancing lesions) and overall NEDA (clinical and neuroradiological NEDA) were analysed in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) cohort. The ITT and MRI populations comprised 1540 and 692 patients, respectively. The percentage of patients with clinical NEDA (ITT population) and neuroradiological NEDA (MRI cohort) was higher with DMF versus placebo over 2 years [clinical NEDA: 38.9% relative reduction; hazard ratio (HR), 0.61; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.52-0.72; P < 0.0001; neuroradiological NEDA: 40.0% relative reduction; HR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.49-0.73; P < 0.0001]. The percentage of patients achieving overall NEDA (MRI cohort) was also higher with DMF (26%) versus placebo (12%) over 2 years, with a relative risk reduction of 42.7% (HR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.48-0.69; P < 0.0001). A significantly higher percentage of patients treated with DMF achieved NEDA status over 2 years compared with placebo. © 2017 Biogen. European Journal of Neurology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of European Academy of Neurology.
Analyses of soft tissue from Tyrannosaurus rex suggest the presence of protein.
Schweitzer, Mary Higby; Suo, Zhiyong; Avci, Recep; Asara, John M; Allen, Mark A; Arce, Fernando Teran; Horner, John R
2007-04-13
We performed multiple analyses of Tyrannosaurus rex (specimen MOR 1125) fibrous cortical and medullary tissues remaining after demineralization. The results indicate that collagen I, the main organic component of bone, has been preserved in low concentrations in these tissues. The findings were independently confirmed by mass spectrometry. We propose a possible chemical pathway that may contribute to this preservation. The presence of endogenous protein in dinosaur bone may validate hypotheses about evolutionary relationships, rates, and patterns of molecular change and degradation, as well as the chemical stability of molecules over time.
Value of MR histogram analyses for prediction of microvascular invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Huang, Ya-Qin; Liang, He-Yue; Yang, Zhao-Xia; Ding, Ying; Zeng, Meng-Su; Rao, Sheng-Xiang
2016-06-01
The objective is to explore the value of preoperative magnetic resonance (MR) histogram analyses in predicting microvascular invasion (MVI) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Fifty-one patients with histologically confirmed HCC who underwent diffusion-weighted and contrast-enhanced MR imaging were included. Histogram analyses were performed and mean, variance, skewness, kurtosis, 1th, 10th, 50th, 90th, and 99th percentiles were derived. Quantitative histogram parameters were compared between HCCs with and without MVI. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analyses were generated to compare the diagnostic performance of tumor size, histogram analyses of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps, and MR enhancement.The mean, 1th, 10th, and 50th percentiles of ADC maps, and the mean, variance. 1th, 10th, 50th, 90th, and 99th percentiles of the portal venous phase (PVP) images were significantly different between the groups with and without MVI (P <0.05), with area under the ROC curves (AUCs) of 0.66 to 0.74 for ADC and 0.76 to 0.88 for PVP. The largest AUC of PVP (1th percentile) showed significantly higher accuracy compared with that of arterial phase (AP) or tumor size (P <0.001).MR histogram analyses-in particular for 1th percentile for PVP images-held promise for prediction of MVI of HCC.
Structural and Magnetic Properties of {Eu}(3+) Eu 3 + -Doped {CdNb}_{2} {O}_{6} CdNb 2 O 6 Powders
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Topkaya, Ramazan; Boyraz, Cihat; Ekmekçi, Mete Kaan
2018-03-01
Europium-doped CdNb2O6 powders with the molar concentration of Eu^{3+} (0.5, 3 and 6 mol%) were successfully prepared at 900°C by using molten salt synthesis method. The effect of europium (Eu) molar concentration on the structural and temperature-dependent magnetic properties of CdNb2O6 powders has been investigated by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) techniques in the temperature range of 10-300 K. XRD results confirm that all the powders have orthorhombic crystal structure. It has been confirmed from VSM and FMR measurements that Eu^{3+}-doped CdNb2O6 powders have ferromagnetic behaviour for each Eu^{3+} molar concentration between 10 and 300 K. XRD and EDX analyses indicate that there is no magnetic impurity in Eu^{3+}-doped CdNb_2O_6 powders, supporting that the ferromagnetic behaviour of the powders arises from Eu^{3+} ions. The observed ferromagnetism was elucidated with the intrinsic exchange interactions between the magnetic moments associated with the unpaired 4 f electrons in Eu^{3+} ions. The saturation magnetization decreases with increasing Eu^{3+} molar concentration. The temperature-dependent magnetization behaviour was observed not to agree with Curie-Weiss law because europium obeys Van Vleck paramagnetism. Broad FMR spectra and a g-value higher than 2 were observed from FMR measurements, indicating the ferromagnetic behaviour of the powders. It was found that while the resonance field of FMR spectra decreases, the linewidth increases as a function of Eu^{3+} molar concentration.
The structural and Raman spectral studies on Ni0.5Cu0.5Fe2O4 ferrite
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Somani, M.; Saleem, M.
2018-05-01
Spinel ferrite Ni0.5Cu0.5Fe2O4 has been successfully prepared via solid state reaction. The crystal structure studies using XRD technique revealed cubic structure of the sample. The XRD spectra was further refined via Retvield Refinement and all the parameters regarding structure were obtained which confirmed cubic structure. The assigned space group was found to be Fd-3m. Particle size was calculated to be 56 nm. The Raman Spectra revealed five active Raman modes which confirmed spinel structure.
Bridenstine Appears Before Senate During Confirmation Hearing
2017-11-01
On Nov. 1, Rep. Jim Bridenstine, the president’s nominee to be the next administrator of NASA, appeared before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. If confirmed, he would become NASA’s 13th Administrator. Bridenstine, a pilot in the U.S. Navy Reserve and former executive director of the Tulsa Air and Space Museum and Planetarium, was elected to the U.S. Congress in 2012 to represent Oklahoma’s First Congressional District.
Structural studies with the use of XRD and Mössbauer spectroscopy of new high Manganese steels
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Jablonska, Magdalena Barbara
2014-04-01
New high-strength austenitic and austenitic-ferritic manganese steels represent a significant potential in applications for structural components in the automotive and railway industry due to the excellent combination of high mechanical properties and good plasticity. They belong to the group of steels called AHSS (Advanced High Strength Steels) and UHSS (Ultra High Strength Steels). Application of this combination of properties allows a reduction in the weight of vehicles by the use of reduced cross-section components, and thus to reduce fuel consumption. The development and implementation of industrial production of such interesting and promising steel and its use as construction material requires an improvement of their casting properties and susceptibility to deformation in plastic working conditions. In this work, XRD, Transmission Mössbauer Spectroscopy and Conversion Electron Mössbauer Spectroscopy were employed in a study of the new high-manganese steels with a austenite and austenite-ferrite structure. The influence of the plastic deformation parameters on the changes in the structure, distribution of ferrite and disclosure of the presence of carbides was determined. The analysis of phase transformations in various times using CEMS method made possible to reveal their fine details.
XRD investigation of the Effect of MgO Additives on ZTA-TiO2 Ceramic Composites
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Azhar, Ahmad Zahirani Ahmad; Manshor, Hanisah; Ali, Afifah Mohd
2018-01-01
Alumina (Al2O3) based ceramics possess good mechanical properties and suitable for the application of cutting inserts. However, this monolithic ceramics suffer from lack of toughness. Hence, there are some modification were made such as the addition of yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) to the Al2O3 helps in increasing the toughness of the Al2O3 ceramics. Some additives such as MgO and TiO2 were used to further improve the mechanical properties of ZTA. In this study, high purity raw materials which consist of ZTA-TiO2 were mixed with different amount of MgO (0.0 - 1.0 wt %). The mixture of materials was going through wet mixing, compaction and pressureless sintering at 1600°C for one hour. The samples were characterized for phase analysis, microstructure, shrinkage rate, bulk density, Vickers hardness and fracture toughness. Based on the XRD analysis results, the secondary phase (MgAl2O4) was detected in the sample with 0.5 wt% of MgO onwards which leads to grains refinement, thus improve the density and hardness of ZTA-TiO2-MgO ceramics composites.
Ahmed, Samrah; de Jager, Celeste A; Haigh, Anne-Marie; Garrard, Peter
2013-01-01
The aim of the present study was to quantify the semantic content of connected speech produced by patients at a uniformly early stage of pathologically proven Alzheimer's disease (AD). A secondary aim was to establish whether semantic units were reduced globally, or whether there was a disproportionate reduction of specific classes of information. Discourse samples were obtained from 18 AD patients and 18 matched controls, all pathologically confirmed. Semantic unit identification was scored overall and for four subclasses: subjects, locations, objects, and actions. Idea density and efficiency were calculated. AD transcripts showed significantly reduced units overall, particularly actions and subjects, as well as reduced efficiency. Total semantic units and a combination of subject-, location-, and object-related units ("noun" units) correlated with the Expression subscore on the Cambridge Cognitive Examination (CAMCOG). Subject related units correlated with the CAMCOG Abstract Thinking scale. Logistic regression analyses confirmed that all measures that were lower in AD than controls were predictive of group membership. An exploratory comparison between units expressed mainly using nouns and those mainly using verbs showed that the latter was the stronger of these two predictors. The present study adds a lexico-semantic dimension to the linguistic profile based on discourse analysis in typical AD, recently described by the same authors. 2012, 83(11): 1056-1062). The suggestion of differential importance of verb and noun use in the present study may be related to the reduction in syntactic complexity that was reported, using the same set of discourse samples, in the earlier study.
18 CFR 300.21 - Final confirmation and approval.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-04-01
... 18 Conservation of Power and Water Resources 1 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Final confirmation and approval. 300.21 Section 300.21 Conservation of Power and Water Resources FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY... reasonable number of years after first meeting the Administrator's other costs. (ii) The rates must be based...
18 CFR 300.21 - Final confirmation and approval.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR
2012-04-01
... 18 Conservation of Power and Water Resources 1 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Final confirmation and approval. 300.21 Section 300.21 Conservation of Power and Water Resources FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY... reasonable number of years after first meeting the Administrator's other costs. (ii) The rates must be based...
Luo, Song-ying; Cao, Jian-jin; Wu, Zheng-quan
2014-08-01
The soil samples uniformly overlying the Bairendaba deposit of the Inner Mongolia grassland were collected, and ana- lyzed with X-ray diffraction (XRD) and near infrared spectrum (NIR), for exploring the origins of the soil from the, grassland mining area and the relationship with the underground rock. The results show that the samp]s consist of quartz, graphite, carbonate, hornblende, mica, chlorite, montmorillonite, illite, berlinite, diaspore, azurite, hen tite, etc. These indicate that the soil samples were not only from the weathering products of the surface rock, but also from the underground rock mass and the alteration of the wall rock. The azurite and the hematite contained in the soil, mainly coming from the oxidation zone of the orebodies, can be used as the prospecting marks. The alteration mineral assemblage is mainly chlorite-illite-montmorillonite and it experienced the alteration process of potassic alteration-->silicification-->carbonatization-->silk greisenization-->clayization. Also, the wall rock alteration and the physical weathering processes can be accurately restored by analyzing the combination of the alteration minerals, which can provide important reference information for the deep ore prospecting and the ore deposit genesis study, improving the rate of the prospecting. The XRD and NIR with the characteristics of the economy and quickness can be used for the identification of mineral composition of soil, and in the study of mineral and mineral deposits. Especially, NIR has its unique superiority, that is, its sample request is low, and it can analyze a batch of samples quickly. With the development of INR, it will be more and more widely applied in geological field, and can play an important role in the ore exploration.
Fu, Rongxin; Li, Qi; Wang, Ruliang; Xue, Ning; Lin, Xue; Su, Ya; Jiang, Kai; Jin, Xiangyu; Lin, Rongzan; Gan, Wupeng; Lu, Ying; Huang, Guoliang
2018-05-01
Interferometric imaging biosensors are powerful and convenient tools for confirming the existence of DNA monolayer films on silicon microarray platforms. However, their accuracy and sensitivity need further improvement because DNA molecules contribute to an inconspicuous interferometric signal both in thickness and size. Such weaknesses result in poor performance of these biosensors for low DNA content analyses and point mutation tests. In this paper, an interferometric imaging biosensor with weighted spectrum analysis is presented to confirm DNA monolayer films. The interferometric signal of DNA molecules can be extracted and then quantitative detection results for DNA microarrays can be reconstructed. With the proposed strategy, the relative error of thickness detection was reduced from 88.94% to merely 4.15%. The mass sensitivity per unit area of the proposed biosensor reached 20 attograms (ag). Therefore, the sample consumption per unit area of the target DNA content was only 62.5 zeptomoles (zm), with the volume of 0.25 picolitres (pL). Compared with the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), the measurement veracity of the interferometric imaging biosensor with weighted spectrum analysis is free to the changes in spotting concentration and DNA length. The detection range was more than 1µm. Moreover, single nucleotide mismatch could be pointed out combined with specific DNA ligation. A mutation experiment for lung cancer detection proved the high selectivity and accurate analysis capability of the presented biosensor. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Ramos, J.; Piamba, J. F.; Sánchez, H.; Alcazar, G. A. Pérez
2015-06-01
In present study Fe-29.0Mn-6Al-0.9C-1.8Mo-1.6Si-0.4Cu (%w) alloy was obtained after melted in an induction furnace, and then molded as an ingot. From the as cast ingot it were cut samples for the different characterization measurements. The microstructure of the as-cast sample is of dendritic type and its XRD pattern was refined with the lines of the austenite, with a big volumetric fraction, and the lines of the martensite, with small volumetric fraction. The Mössbauer spectrum of the sample was fitted with a broad singlet which corresponds to disordered austenite. After the tribology test, its XRD pattern was refined with the lines of two austenite phases, one similar to the previous one and other with bigger lattice parameter. The total volumetric fraction of the austenite is smaller than that obtained for sample without wear. It was added the lines of the martensite phase with bigger volumetric fraction than that of the previous sample. The Mössbauer spectrum of the weared sample was fitted with two paramagnetic sites which correspond to the two Fe austenite phases and a hyperfine magnetic field distribution which is associated to the disordered original martensite and the new one which appears in the surface as a consequence of the wear process. These results show that during wear process the original austenite phase is transformed in martensite and in a new austenite phase. The increases of the martensitic phase improves mechanical properties and wear behavior.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Salinas Solé, Celia; Peña Angulo, Dhais; Gonzalez Hidalgo, Jose Carlos; Brunetti, Michele
2017-04-01
In this poster we applied the moving window approach (see Poster I of this collection) to analyze trends of spring and its corresponding months (March, April, May) temperature mean values of maximum (Tmax) and minimum (Tmin) in Spanish mainland to detect the effects of length period and starting year. Monthly series belong to Monthly Temperature dataset of Spanish mainland (MOTEDAS). Database contains in its grid format of 5236 pixels of monthly series (10x10 km). The threshold used in spatial analyses considers 20% of land under significant trend (p<0.05). The most striking results are as follow: • Seasonal Tmax shows that global trend was positive and significant until the mid 80's with higher values than 75% from between 1954-2010 to 1979-2010, being reduced after to the north region. So, from 1985-2010 no significant trend have been detected. Monthly analyses show differences. March trend is not significant (<20% of area) since 1974-2010, while significant trend in April and May varies between 1961-2010/1979-2010 and 1965-2010/1980-2010 respectively, clearly located in northern midland and Mediterranean coastland. • Spring Tmin trend analyses is significantly (>20%) during all temporal windows, notwithstanding NW do not show global significant trend, and in the most recent temporal windows only affect significantly SE. Monthly analyses also differ. Not significant trend is detected in March from 1979-2010, and from 1985-2010 in May, being April the month in any temporal windows with more than 20% of land affected by significant trend. • Spatial differences are detected between windows (South-North in March, East-West in April-May. We can conclude Tmax trend varies accordingly temporal windows dramatically in spring and no significance has been detected in the recent decades. Northern areas and Mediterranean coastland seems to be the most affected. Monthy Tmax trend spatial analyses confirm the heterogeneity of diurnal temperatures; different spatial
Livers provide a reliable matrix for real-time PCR confirmation of avian botulism.
Le Maréchal, Caroline; Ballan, Valentine; Rouxel, Sandra; Bayon-Auboyer, Marie-Hélène; Baudouard, Marie-Agnès; Morvan, Hervé; Houard, Emmanuelle; Poëzevara, Typhaine; Souillard, Rozenn; Woudstra, Cédric; Le Bouquin, Sophie; Fach, Patrick; Chemaly, Marianne
2016-04-01
Diagnosis of avian botulism is based on clinical symptoms, which are indicative but not specific. Laboratory investigations are therefore required to confirm clinical suspicions and establish a definitive diagnosis. Real-time PCR methods have recently been developed for the detection of Clostridium botulinum group III producing type C, D, C/D or D/C toxins. However, no study has been conducted to determine which types of matrices should be analyzed for laboratory confirmation using this approach. This study reports on the comparison of different matrices (pooled intestinal contents, livers, spleens and cloacal swabs) for PCR detection of C. botulinum. Between 2013 and 2015, 63 avian botulism suspicions were tested and 37 were confirmed as botulism. Analysis of livers using real-time PCR after enrichment led to the confirmation of 97% of the botulism outbreaks. Using the same method, spleens led to the confirmation of 90% of botulism outbreaks, cloacal swabs of 93% and pooled intestinal contents of 46%. Liver appears to be the most reliable type of matrix for laboratory confirmation using real-time PCR analysis. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
First confirmed case of Powassan neuroinvasive disease in Rhode Island.
Patel, Kavin M; Johnson, Jennie; Zacharioudakis, Ioannis M; Boxerman, Jerrold L; Flanigan, Timothy P; Reece, Rebecca M
2018-01-01
The Powassan Virus is the arthropod-borne vector responsible for Powassan neuroinvasive disease. The virus was first isolated in 1958 and has been responsible for approximately 100 cases of neuroinvasive disease. Rates of infection have been on the rise over the past decade with numerous states reporting their first confirmed case; New Jersey, New Hampshire and Connecticut all reported their first case within the last five years. We present here the first confirmed case of Powassan neuroinvasive disease in the nearby state of Rhode Island. A previously healthy 81-year-old female with known tick exposure presented with fever, altered sensorium, seizures and focal neurological deficits. After an extensive work-up that was largely unrevealing Powassan encephalitis was suspected. The diagnosis was confirmed with serological testing consisting of Powassan IgM enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Powassan plaque reduction neutralization testing. The case study provides evidence for the increasing spread of Powassan neuroinvasive disease and reinforces the importance of requesting focused testing for Powassan Virus in patients from an endemic area with a clinically compatible syndrome.
Battle of the sexes: gender stereotype confirmation and reactance in negotiations.
Kray, L J; Thompson, L; Galinsky, A
2001-06-01
The authors examined how gender stereotypes affect negotiation performance. Men outperformed women when the negotiation was perceived as diagnostic of ability (Experiment 1) or the negotiation was linked to gender-specific traits (Experiment 2), suggesting the threat of negative stereotype confirmation hurt women's performance relative to men. The authors hypothesized that men and women confirm gender stereotypes when they are activated implicitly, but when stereotypes are explicitly activated, people exhibit stereotype reactance, or the tendency to behave in a manner inconsistent with a stereotype. Experiment 3 confirmed this hypothesis. In Experiment 4, the authors examined the cognitive processes involved in stereotype reactance and the conditions under which cooperative behaviors between men and women can be promoted at the bargaining table (by activating a shared identity that transcends gender).
Confirmation of nasogastric tube position by pH testing.
Taylor, S J; Clemente, R
2005-10-01
In 2004, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) advised that nasogastric (NG) tube position should be confirmed using pH strips or paper. However, gastric pH is raised by the use of H2-blockers and proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) potentially producing false negative pH tests resulting in delayed feeding. In addition, colorimetric differentiation using pH strips may be more prone to bias and inaccuracy than direct pH measurements largely used to establish the threshold. To quantify this problem a 1 day survey of all the patients requiring NG and nasointestinal (NI) feeding was undertaken, to establish the numbers of patients receiving H2-Blockers or PPIs, with or without a safe swallow and the methods currently being used to confirm tube positioning. A second observational study was performed to establish the accuracy of six pH strips available to NHS trusts against four unlabelled pH solutions. Forty-two per cent of patients receiving NG feeding were on H2-blockers or PPIs, including 13% who had a safe swallow for acidic drinks that could be subsequently aspirated to confirm position. In the second study 'testers' correctly identified pH's 3, 4, 5 and 6 with Mackery-Nagel 0-6, BDH 0-6 and 0-14 strips but overestimated pH 4 as pH 5 with Johnson 0-11 paper, underestimated pH 6 as pH 5 with Pehanon 0-12 paper and with Litmus classified pH 3-5 as acid (all), but half also classified pH 6 as acid. Theoretically 29% of NG tube positions could not be confirmed by pH testing because of the usage of PPIs or H2-blockers and lack of swallow. Some pH strips are either inaccurate or their result misinterpreted by staff. Large surveys and trials of the actual efficacy and accuracy of pH testing are required.
Pabisch, Silvia; Feichtenschlager, Bernhard; Kickelbick, Guido; Peterlik, Herwig
2012-01-01
The aim of this work is a systematic comparison of size characterisation methods for two completely different model systems of oxide nanoparticles, i.e. amorphous spherical silica and anisotropic facet-shaped crystalline zirconia. Size and/or size distribution were determined in a wide range from 5 to 70 nm using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), dynamic light scattering (DLS), nitrogen sorption (BET), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A nearly perfect coincidence was observed only for SAXS and TEM for both types of particles. For zirconia nanoparticles considerable differences between different measurement methods were observed. PMID:22347721
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Mueller, H. J.; Schilling, F. R.; Lathe, C.
2004-05-01
The interpretation of seismic data from the Earth's deep interior requires measurements of the physical properties of Earth materials under experimental simulated mantle conditions. Elastic wave velocity measurement is an important tool for the determination of the elastic properties. Ultrasonic interferometry allows the highly precise travel time measurement at a sample enclosed in a high-pressure multi-anvil device. But the calculation of wave velocities requires the exact sample length under in situ conditions. There are two options - scanning the interfaces of the sample by XRD (Mueller et al., 2003) and X-radiography (Li et al., 2001). The multi-anvil apparatus MAX80 is equipped for both methods. Only the X-radiography is fast enough for transient measurements. Contrary to XRD measurements, imaging the sample by X-rays requires a beam diameter larger than the sample length. Therefore the fixed primary slits of Max80 were exchanged by 4-blade high precision slits of Advanced Design Consulting, Inc. A Ce-YAG-crystal converts the X-ray image to an optical one, redirected by a mirror and captured by a CCD-camera. To derive the sample length, the different brightness of sample, buffer rod and reflector at the electronic image is evaluated. Classical ultrasonic interferometry is very time consuming, because the ultrasonic waves of the frequency range under study are generated and detected one after another with a given step rate. A 60 MHz frequency sweep with 100 kHz steps lasts for more than 30 minutes. This is a serious limitation for all transient measurements, but also limits the data collection at elevated temperatures to prevent the pressure transmitting boron epoxy cubes and the anvils from overheating. The ultrasonic transfer function technique (UTF), first described by Li et al. (2002), generates all the frequencies simultaneously. Related to the results and experiences of Li the UTF-technique was developed independently at GFZ. This version allows to
Visual Confirmation of Voice Takeoff Clearance (VICON) Alternative Study
DOT National Transportation Integrated Search
1980-05-01
This report presents the results of a program undertaken to study potential alternatives to the VICON (Visual Confirmation of Voice Takeoff Clearance) System which has undergone operational field tests at Bradley International Airport, Windsor Locks,...
Ozone contamination in aircraft cabins - Results from GASP data and analyses
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Holdeman, J. D.; Nastrom, G. D.
1981-01-01
The paper reviews results from the NASA Global Atmospheric Sampling Program (GASP) pertaining to the problem of ozone contamination in commercial aircraft cabins. Specifically, analyses of GASP data have (1) confirmed the high ozone levels in aircraft cabins and documented the ratio of ozone inside and outside the cabins of two B747 airliners, including the effects of air conditioning modifications on that ratio; (2) defined ambient ozone climatology at commercial aircraft cruise altitudes, including tabulation of encounter frequency data; and (3) outlined procedures for estimating the frequency of flights encountering high cabin ozone levels using climatological ambient ozone data and verified these procedures against cabin measurements.
Ozone contamination in aircraft cabins: Results from GASP data and analyses
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Holdeman, J. D.; Nastrom, G. D.
1981-01-01
The global atmospheric sampling program pertaining to the problem of ozone contamination in commercial airplane cabins is described. Specifically, analyses of GASP data have: confirmed the occurrence of high ozone levels in aircraft cabins and documented the ratio of ozone inside and outside the cabins of two B747 airliners, including the effects of air conditioning modifications on that ratio; defined ambient ozone climatology at commercial airplane cruise altitudes, including tabulation of encounter frequency data which were not available before GASP; and outlined procedures for estimating the frequency of flights encountering high cabin ozone levels using climatological ambient ozone data, and verified these procedures against cabin measurements.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Ajibade, Peter A.; Ejelonu, Benjamin C.
2013-09-01
Zn(II), Cd(II) and Hg(II) dithiocarbamate complexes have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, UV-Vis, FTIR, 1H- and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The complexes were thermolysed at 180 °C and used as single molecule precursors for the synthesis of HDA capped ZnS, CdS and HgS nanoparticles and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) nanocomposites. The optical and structural properties of the nanoparticles and nanocomposites were studied by UV-Vis, PL, XRD and SEM. The crystallites sizes of the nanoparticles varied between 3.03 and 23.45 nm. SEM and EDX analyses of the nanocomposites confirmed the presence of the nanoparticles in the polymer matrix.
New polyurethane nanocomposites based on soya oil.
Mohammed, Issam Ahmed; Abd Khadir, Nurul Khizrien; Jaffar Al-Mulla, Emad Abbas
2014-01-01
New polyurethane (PU) nanocomposites were prepared from a dispersion of 0 - 5% montmorillonite (MMT) clay with isocyanate and soya oil polyol that was synthesized via transesterification of triglycerides to reduce petroleum dependence. FT-IR spectra indicate the presence of hydrogen bonding between nanoclay and the polymer matrix, whereas the exfoliated structure of clay layers was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Optical microscopy, mechanical and thermal analyses were done to investigate significant improvement of the nanocomposites. The results showed PU-3% nanoclay (NC) showed optimum results in mechanical properties such as tensile and flexural strength but the lowest in impact strength.
Nguyen, Thi Thuong Thuong; Paul, Narayan Chandra
2016-01-01
During fungal diversity surveys of the order Eurotiales in Korea, two fungal strains, EML-DG33-1 and EML-NCP50, were isolated from samples of rat dung and fig tree leaf collected at a garden located in Gwangju in 2014. To complete the National Species List of Korea, it is a prerequisite to verify whether many questionable species, which were previously recorded but not confirmed, indeed present in Korea. Herein, the isolates were confirmed as undescribed species, Paecilomyces variotii and Talaromyces amestolkiae based on the combination of morphological and phylogenetic analyses of multigenes including the rDNA internal transcribed spacer, β-tubulin, and RNA polymerase II subunit 2. PMID:28154482
Wei, Qingrong; Lu, Jian; Wang, Qiaoying; Fan, Hongsong; Zhang, Xingdong
2015-03-20
Inspired by coralline-derived hydroxyapatite, we designed a methodological route to synthesize carbonated-hydroxyapatite microspheres from the conversion of CaCO3 spherulite templates within a collagen matrix under mild conditions and thus constructed the composite hydrogel of collagen/hydroxyapatite-microspheres. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and x-ray diffraction (XRD) were employed to confirm the successful generation of the carbonated hydroxyapatite phase originating from CaCO3, and the ratios of calcium to phosphate were tracked over time. Variations in the weight portion of the components in the hybrid gels before and after the phase transformation of the CaCO3 templates were identified via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows these composite hydrogels have a unique multiscale microstructure consisting of a collagen nanofibril network and hydroxyapatite microspheres. The relationship between the hydroxyapatite nanocrystals and the collagen fibrils was revealed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in detail, and the selected area electron diffraction (SAED) pattern further confirmed the results of the XRD analyses which show the typical low crystallinity of the generated hydroxyapatite. This smart synthesis strategy achieved the simultaneous construction of microscale hydroxyapatite particles and collagen fibrillar hydrogel, and appears to provide a novel route to explore an advanced functional hydrogel materials with promising potentials for applications in bone tissue engineering and reconstruction medicine.
Cardoso, Renata da Silva; Oliveira, Jaqueline da Silva; Ramis, Luciana Bortolin; Marques, Maria de Fátima V
2018-07-01
In the present work, we have designed MgCl2/clay/internal donor (ID)/TiCl4 based bisupported Ziegler-Natta catalysts containing varying amounts of organoclay (montmorillonite) in order to synthesize spherical particles of polypropylene/clay nanocomposites (PCN). The organoclay was introduced into the catalyst support formulation and PCN was obtained using the in situ polymerization technique. Decreasing the reaction time, it was possible to obtain nanocomposites with high concentrations of clay (masterbatches). Micrographs of SEM confirmed the spherical morphology of the catalysts. In addition, XRD patterns show that the active sites for polymerization were inserted in the clay galleries. The catalytic performance was evaluated in slurry propylene polymerization using triethylaluminium as cocatalyst and silane as external electron donor at 70 °C, 4 bar, and different reaction times. The PCNs obtained containing different clay amounts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermal analyses, transmission electronic microscopy, and extractables in heptane. The results revealed that the synthesized PP/clay particles were also spherical showing that the morphological control is possible even using catalysts containing high amounts of clay. The PCN presented high degradation temperature (459 °C). The XRD peak related to the clay interlamellar distance has shifted to lower angles, and TEM images confirmed the formation of exfoliated/intercalated clay on the PP matrix and absence of microparticles of clay.
NIH study confirms risk factors for male breast cancer
Pooled data from studies of about 2,400 men with breast cancer and 52,000 men without breast cancer confirmed that risk factors for male breast cancer include obesity, a rare genetic condition called Klinefelter syndrome, and gynecomastia.
Studies on thermal reactions and sintering behaviour of red clays by irreversible dilatometry
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Anil, Asha; Misra, S. N.; Misra, N. M.
2018-05-01
Thermal behavior of clays strongly influences that of ceramic bodies made thereof and hence, its study is must for assessing its utility in ceramic products as well as to set the body composition. Irreversible dilatometry is an effective thermal analysis tool for evaluating thermal reactions as well as sintering behavior of clays or clay based ceramic bodies. In this study, irreversible dilatometry of four red clay samples (S, M, R and G) of Gujarat region, which vary in their chemical and mineralogical compositions was carried out using a Dilatometer and compared. Chemical analysis and XRD of red clays were carried out. XRD showed that major clay minerals in S, M and R clays are kaolinite. However, clay marked R and G showed presence of both kaolinite and illite and /muscovite. Presence of non-clay minerals such as hematite, quartz, anatase were also observed in all clays. XRD results were in agreement with chemical analyses results. Rational analyses showed variation in amount of clay and non-clay minerals in red clay samples. Evaluation of dilatometric curves showed that clay marked as S, M and R exhibit patterns typical for kaolinitic clays. Variation in linear expansion (up to 550°C) and shrinkage (above 550°C) between these three clays was found to be related to difference in amount of quartz and kaolinite respectively. However, dilatometric curve of G exhibit a pattern similar to that for an illitic clay. This study confirmed that sintering of investigated kaolinitic and illitic and / muscovitic red clays initiates at above 1060°C and 860°C respectively and this behaviour strongly depends upon type and amount of minerals and their chemical compositions.
Resolved versus confirmed ARDS after 24 h: insights from the LUNG SAFE study.
Madotto, Fabiana; Pham, Tài; Bellani, Giacomo; Bos, Lieuwe D; Simonis, Fabienne D; Fan, Eddy; Artigas, Antonio; Brochard, Laurent; Schultz, Marcus J; Laffey, John G
2018-04-09
To evaluate patients with resolved versus confirmed ARDS, identify subgroups with substantial mortality risk, and to determine the utility of day 2 ARDS reclassification. Our primary objective, in this secondary LUNG SAFE analysis, was to compare outcome in patients with resolved versus confirmed ARDS after 24 h. Secondary objectives included identifying factors associated with ARDS persistence and mortality, and the utility of day 2 ARDS reclassification. Of 2377 patients fulfilling the ARDS definition on the first day of ARDS (day 1) and receiving invasive mechanical ventilation, 503 (24%) no longer fulfilled the ARDS definition the next day, 52% of whom initially had moderate or severe ARDS. Higher tidal volume on day 1 of ARDS was associated with confirmed ARDS [OR 1.07 (CI 1.01-1.13), P = 0.035]. Hospital mortality was 38% overall, ranging from 31% in resolved ARDS to 41% in confirmed ARDS, and 57% in confirmed severe ARDS at day 2. In both resolved and confirmed ARDS, age, non-respiratory SOFA score, lower PEEP and P/F ratio, higher peak pressure and respiratory rate were each associated with mortality. In confirmed ARDS, pH and the presence of immunosuppression or neoplasm were also associated with mortality. The increase in area under the receiver operating curve for ARDS reclassification on day 2 was marginal. ARDS, whether resolved or confirmed at day 2, has a high mortality rate. ARDS reclassification at day 2 has limited predictive value for mortality. The substantial mortality risk in severe confirmed ARDS suggests that complex interventions might best be tested in this population. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02010073.
Optical confirmation of Gaia18ayp brightness increase
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Spano, M.; Blanco-Cuaresma, S.; Roelens, M.; Mowlavi, N.; Eyer, L.
2018-04-01
We report confirmation of Gaia_Science_Alerts, brightness increase of the QSO [VV2006] J233633.0-411547, Gaia18ayp . Images were obtained through modified Gunn R and V band filter of the ECAM instrument installed on the Swiss 1.2m Euler telescope at La Silla, on 2018 April 21- 22. Magnitudes according to the MJD of observations.
Confirmation of thalamosubthalamic projections by electron microscopic autoradiography.
Sugimoto, T; Hattori, T
1983-05-16
Direct projections from the centre median-parafascicular complex (CM-Pf) to the subthalamic nucleus(STN) were confirmed by electron microscopic autoradiography. [3H]Leucine injections into the rat CM-Pf produced preferential labeling of Gray's type I boutons containing round vesicles in the ipsilateral STN. Further results strongly suggested the existence of some common CM-Pf projections to both the striatum and STN.
Confirmational study: a positive-based thumb and finger sucking elimination program.
Green, Shari E
2010-11-01
This article emphasizes the critical need for information specifically regarding the topic of retained sucking behaviors. The study aimed to confirm results provided by Van Norman of 723 subjects in 1997. Parent surveys were collected on 441 subjects who received an orofacial myofunctional treatment program provided by one certified orofacial myologist. Results of this study do confirm that retained digit sucking behavior may be addressed successfully and expediently by a program based on positive behavior modification techniques.
Eikrem, Oystein S; Strauss, Philipp; Beisland, Christian; Scherer, Andreas; Landolt, Lea; Flatberg, Arnar; Leh, Sabine; Beisvag, Vidar; Skogstrand, Trude; Hjelle, Karin; Shresta, Anjana; Marti, Hans-Peter
2016-12-01
A previous study by this group demonstrated the feasibility of RNA sequencing (RNAseq) technology for capturing disease biology of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), and presented initial results for carbonic anhydrase-9 (CA9) and tumor necrosis factor-α-induced protein-6 (TNFAIP6) as possible biomarkers of ccRCC (discovery set) [Eikrem et al. PLoS One 2016;11:e0149743]. To confirm these results, the previous study is expanded, and RNAseq data from additional matched ccRCC and normal renal biopsies are analyzed (confirmation set). Two core biopsies from patients (n = 12) undergoing partial or full nephrectomy were obtained with a 16 g needle. RNA sequencing libraries were generated with the Illumina TruSeq ® Access library preparation protocol. Comparative analysis was done using linear modeling (voom/Limma; R Bioconductor). The formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded discovery and confirmation data yielded 8957 and 11,047 detected transcripts, respectively. The two data sets shared 1193 of differentially expressed genes with each other. The average expression and the log 2 -fold changes of differentially expressed transcripts in both data sets correlated, with R² = .95 and R² = .94, respectively. Among transcripts with the highest fold changes were CA9, neuronal pentraxin-2 and uromodulin. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition was highlighted by differential expression of, for example, transforming growth factor-β 1 and delta-like ligand-4. The diagnostic accuracy of CA9 was 100% and 93.9% when using the discovery set as the training set and the confirmation data as the test set, and vice versa, respectively. These data further support TNFAIP6 as a novel biomarker of ccRCC. TNFAIP6 had combined accuracy of 98.5% in the two data sets. This study provides confirmatory data on the potential use of CA9 and TNFAIP6 as biomarkers of ccRCC. Thus, next-generation sequencing expands the clinical application of tissue analyses.
Patel, Dipen A; Shorr, Andrew F; Chastre, Jean; Niederman, Michael; Simor, Andrew; Stephens, Jennifer M; Charbonneau, Claudie; Gao, Xin; Nathwani, Dilip
2014-07-22
We compared the economic impacts of linezolid and vancomycin for the treatment of hospitalized patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-confirmed nosocomial pneumonia. We used a 4-week decision tree model incorporating published data and expert opinion on clinical parameters, resource use and costs (in 2012 US dollars), such as efficacy, mortality, serious adverse events, treatment duration and length of hospital stay. The results presented are from a US payer perspective. The base case first-line treatment duration for patients with MRSA-confirmed nosocomial pneumonia was 10 days. Clinical treatment success (used for the cost-effectiveness ratio) and failure due to lack of efficacy, serious adverse events or mortality were possible clinical outcomes that could impact costs. Cost of treatment and incremental cost-effectiveness per successfully treated patient were calculated for linezolid versus vancomycin. Univariate (one-way) and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted. The model allowed us to calculate the total base case inpatient costs as $46,168 (linezolid) and $46,992 (vancomycin). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio favored linezolid (versus vancomycin), with lower costs ($824 less) and greater efficacy (+2.7% absolute difference in the proportion of patients successfully treated for MRSA nosocomial pneumonia). Approximately 80% of the total treatment costs were attributed to hospital stay (primarily in the intensive care unit). The results of our probabilistic sensitivity analysis indicated that linezolid is the cost-effective alternative under varying willingness to pay thresholds. These model results show that linezolid has a favorable incremental cost-effectiveness ratio compared to vancomycin for MRSA-confirmed nosocomial pneumonia, largely attributable to the higher clinical trial response rate of patients treated with linezolid. The higher drug acquisition cost of linezolid was offset by lower treatment failure
49 CFR 40.251 - What are the first steps in an alcohol confirmation test?
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-10-01
... 49 Transportation 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false What are the first steps in an alcohol... What are the first steps in an alcohol confirmation test? As the BAT for an alcohol confirmation test, you must follow these steps to begin the confirmation test process: (a) You must carry out a...
Trotter, James R; Bishop, Alistair H
2003-08-29
Pasteuria penetrans is an obligate parasite of plant parasitic nematodes and has yet to be grown in vitro. We have cloned the pivotal sporulation gene, spo0A, which is the first whole gene yet to come from this organism. Partial spo0A sequences were also obtained from the related bacteria, Pasteuria ramosa and Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius. Phylogenetic analyses using the spo0A sequence data from this and previous studies confirmed the closeness of the genera Pasteuria and members of the supergenus Bacillus. A segment of the spo0A gene was also used to show that genetic heterogeneity exists within and between populations of P. penetrans. This may explain, partly at least, the variability of P. penetrans as a biological control agent of nematodes.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
González, Lucy T.; Rodríguez, F. E. Longoria; Sánchez-Domínguez, M.; Leyva-Porras, C.; Silva-Vidaurri, L. G.; Acuna-Askar, Karim; Kharisov, B. I.; Villarreal Chiu, J. F.; Alfaro Barbosa, J. M.
2016-10-01
Total suspended particles (TSP) and particles smaller than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) were collected at four sites in the metropolitan area of Monterrey (MAM) in Mexico. The samples were characterized by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). In order to determine the possible sources of emissions of atmospheric particulate matter, a principal component analysis (PCA) was performed. The XRD results showed that the major crystalline compounds found in the TPS were CaCO3 and SiO2; while in the PM2.5 CaSO4 was found. The XPS analysis showed that the main elements found on the surface of the particles were C, O, Si, Ca, S, and N. The deconvolution carried out on the high-resolution spectra for C1s, S2p and N1s, showed that the aromatics, sulfates and pyrrolic-amides were the main groups contributing to the signal of these elements, respectively. The C-rich particles presented a spherical morphology, while the Ca- and Si-based particles mostly showed a prismatic shape. The PCA analysis together with the results obtained from the characterization techniques, suggested that the main contributors to the CaCO3 particles collected in the PM were most probably produced and emitted into the atmosphere by local construction industries and exploitation of rich-deposits of calcite. Meanwhile, the SiO2 found in the MAM originated from the suspension of geological material abundant in the region, and the carbon particles were mainly produced by the combustion of fossil fuels.
18 CFR 300.10 - Application for confirmation and approval.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-04-01
... REGULATORY COMMISSION, DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY REGULATIONS FOR FEDERAL POWER MARKETING ADMINISTRATIONS CONFIRMATION AND APPROVAL OF THE RATES OF FEDERAL POWER MARKETING ADMINISTRATIONS Filing Requirements § 300.10... with applicable laws and that it is the lowest possible rate consistent with sound business principles...
2012-01-01
Introduction Potassium voltage-gated channel shaker-related subfamily member 5 (KCNA5) is implicated in vascular tone regulation, and its inhibition during hypoxia produces pulmonary vasoconstriction. Recently, a protective association of the KCNA5 locus with systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) was reported. Hence, the aim of this study was to replicate these findings in an independent multicenter Caucasian SSc cohort. Methods The 2,343 SSc cases (179 PAH positive, confirmed by right-heart catheterization) and 2,690 matched healthy controls from five European countries were included in this study. Rs10744676 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was genotyped by using a TaqMan SNP genotyping assay. Results Individual population analyses of the selected KCNA5 genetic variant did not show significant association with SSc or any of the defined subsets (for example, limited cutaneous SSc, diffuse cutaneous SSc, anti-centromere autoantibody positive and anti-topoisomerase autoantibody positive). Furthermore, pooled analyses revealed no significant evidence of association with the disease or any of the subsets, not even the PAH-positive group. The comparison of PAH-positive patients with PAH-negative patients showed no significant differences among patients. Conclusions Our data do not support an important role of KCNA5 as an SSc-susceptibility factor or as a PAH-development genetic marker for SSc patients. PMID:23270786
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Vanathi Vijayalakshmi, R.; Praveen Kumar, P.; Selvarani, S.; Rajakumar, P.; Ravichandran, K.
2017-10-01
A series of core@shell nanoparticles (Co@TiO2, Ag@TiO2 and Co@AgCl) stabilized with zeroth generation triazolylchalcone dendrimer was synthesized using reduction transmetalation method. The coordination of chalcone dendrimer with silver ions was confirmed by UV-vis spectroscopy. The NMR spectrum ensures the number of protons and carbon signals in the chalcone dendrimer. The prepared samples were structurally characterized by XRD, FESEM and HRTEM analysis. The SAED and XRD analyses exhibited the cubic structure with d hkl = 2.2 Å, 1.9 Å and 1.38 Å. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of the dendrimer stabilized core@shell nanoparticles (DSCSNPs) were tested against the pathogens Bacillus subtilis, Proteus mirabilis, Candida albicans and Aspergillus nigir from which it is identified that the dendrimer stabilized core shell nanoparticles with silver ions at the shell (Co@AgCl) shows effectively high activity against the tested pathogen following the other core@shell nanoparticles viz Ag@TiO2 and Co@TiO2.
Nonindependence and sensitivity analyses in ecological and evolutionary meta-analyses.
Noble, Daniel W A; Lagisz, Malgorzata; O'dea, Rose E; Nakagawa, Shinichi
2017-05-01
Meta-analysis is an important tool for synthesizing research on a variety of topics in ecology and evolution, including molecular ecology, but can be susceptible to nonindependence. Nonindependence can affect two major interrelated components of a meta-analysis: (i) the calculation of effect size statistics and (ii) the estimation of overall meta-analytic estimates and their uncertainty. While some solutions to nonindependence exist at the statistical analysis stages, there is little advice on what to do when complex analyses are not possible, or when studies with nonindependent experimental designs exist in the data. Here we argue that exploring the effects of procedural decisions in a meta-analysis (e.g. inclusion of different quality data, choice of effect size) and statistical assumptions (e.g. assuming no phylogenetic covariance) using sensitivity analyses are extremely important in assessing the impact of nonindependence. Sensitivity analyses can provide greater confidence in results and highlight important limitations of empirical work (e.g. impact of study design on overall effects). Despite their importance, sensitivity analyses are seldom applied to problems of nonindependence. To encourage better practice for dealing with nonindependence in meta-analytic studies, we present accessible examples demonstrating the impact that ignoring nonindependence can have on meta-analytic estimates. We also provide pragmatic solutions for dealing with nonindependent study designs, and for analysing dependent effect sizes. Additionally, we offer reporting guidelines that will facilitate disclosure of the sources of nonindependence in meta-analyses, leading to greater transparency and more robust conclusions. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Orsten, Serra; Boufana, Belgees; Ciftci, Turkmen; Akinci, Devrim; Karaagaoglu, Ergun; Ozkuyumcu, Cumhur; Casulli, Adriano; Akhan, Okan
2018-04-01
Cystic echinococcosis caused by the larval stages of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato s.l is endemic in Turkey with a high public health impact particularly in rural areas. The aim of this study was to investigate the genetic variation and population structure of E. granulosus s.s using metacestode isolates removed from surgically confirmed patients originating from several regions in Turkey and to investigate the occurrence of autochthonous transmission. Using DNA extracted from a total of 46 human-derived CE isolates, we successfully analysed an 827-bp fragment within the cox1 mitochondrial gene and confirmed the causative agent of human cystic echinococcosis in patients included in this study to be Echinococcus granulosus s.s (G1 and G3 genotypes). The haplotype parsimony network consisted of 28 haplotypes arranged within three main clusters and the neutrality indices were both negative and significant indicating negative selection or population expansion. The assessment carried out in this study using GenBank nucleotide sequence data from Turkey for sheep and cattle hosts demonstrated the importance of autochthonous transmission with sheep, cattle and humans harbouring the same haplotypes. Further studies are required to investigate the biological significance, if any, of E. granulosus s.s haplotypes and the genetic variability of CE from human patients using longer nucleotide sequences and a larger sample set.
Koronczai, Beatrix; Urbán, Róbert; Kökönyei, Gyöngyi; Paksi, Borbála; Papp, Krisztina; Kun, Bernadette; Arnold, Petra; Kállai, János
2011-01-01
Abstract As the Internet became widely used, problems associated with its excessive use became increasingly apparent. Although for the assessment of these problems several models and related questionnaires have been elaborated, there has been little effort made to confirm them. The aim of the present study was to test the three-factor model of the previously created Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire (PIUQ) by data collection methods formerly not applied (off-line group and face-to-face settings), on the one hand, and by testing on different age groups (adolescent and adult representative samples), on the other hand. Data were collected from 438 high-school students (44.5 percent boys; mean age: 16.0 years; standard deviation=0.7 years) and also from 963 adults (49.9 percent males; mean age: 33.6 years; standard deviation=11.8 years). We applied confirmatory factor analysis to confirm the measurement model of problematic Internet use. The results of the analyses carried out inevitably support the original three-factor model over the possible one-factor solution. Using latent profile analysis, we identified 11 percent of adults and 18 percent of adolescent users characterized by problematic use. Based on exploratory factor analysis, we also suggest a short form of the PIUQ consisting of nine items. Both the original 18-item version of PIUQ and its short 9-item form have satisfactory reliability and validity characteristics, and thus, they are suitable for the assessment of problematic Internet use in future studies. PMID:21711129
Koronczai, Beatrix; Urbán, Róbert; Kökönyei, Gyöngyi; Paksi, Borbála; Papp, Krisztina; Kun, Bernadette; Arnold, Petra; Kállai, János; Demetrovics, Zsolt
2011-11-01
As the Internet became widely used, problems associated with its excessive use became increasingly apparent. Although for the assessment of these problems several models and related questionnaires have been elaborated, there has been little effort made to confirm them. The aim of the present study was to test the three-factor model of the previously created Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire (PIUQ) by data collection methods formerly not applied (off-line group and face-to-face settings), on the one hand, and by testing on different age groups (adolescent and adult representative samples), on the other hand. Data were collected from 438 high-school students (44.5 percent boys; mean age: 16.0 years; standard deviation=0.7 years) and also from 963 adults (49.9 percent males; mean age: 33.6 years; standard deviation=11.8 years). We applied confirmatory factor analysis to confirm the measurement model of problematic Internet use. The results of the analyses carried out inevitably support the original three-factor model over the possible one-factor solution. Using latent profile analysis, we identified 11 percent of adults and 18 percent of adolescent users characterized by problematic use. Based on exploratory factor analysis, we also suggest a short form of the PIUQ consisting of nine items. Both the original 18-item version of PIUQ and its short 9-item form have satisfactory reliability and validity characteristics, and thus, they are suitable for the assessment of problematic Internet use in future studies.
Value of MR histogram analyses for prediction of microvascular invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma
Huang, Ya-Qin; Liang, He-Yue; Yang, Zhao-Xia; Ding, Ying; Zeng, Meng-Su; Rao, Sheng-Xiang
2016-01-01
Abstract The objective is to explore the value of preoperative magnetic resonance (MR) histogram analyses in predicting microvascular invasion (MVI) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Fifty-one patients with histologically confirmed HCC who underwent diffusion-weighted and contrast-enhanced MR imaging were included. Histogram analyses were performed and mean, variance, skewness, kurtosis, 1th, 10th, 50th, 90th, and 99th percentiles were derived. Quantitative histogram parameters were compared between HCCs with and without MVI. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analyses were generated to compare the diagnostic performance of tumor size, histogram analyses of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps, and MR enhancement. The mean, 1th, 10th, and 50th percentiles of ADC maps, and the mean, variance. 1th, 10th, 50th, 90th, and 99th percentiles of the portal venous phase (PVP) images were significantly different between the groups with and without MVI (P <0.05), with area under the ROC curves (AUCs) of 0.66 to 0.74 for ADC and 0.76 to 0.88 for PVP. The largest AUC of PVP (1th percentile) showed significantly higher accuracy compared with that of arterial phase (AP) or tumor size (P <0.001). MR histogram analyses—in particular for 1th percentile for PVP images—held promise for prediction of MVI of HCC. PMID:27368028
Post Hoc Analyses of ApoE Genotype-Defined Subgroups in Clinical Trials.
Kennedy, Richard E; Cutter, Gary R; Wang, Guoqiao; Schneider, Lon S
2016-01-01
Many post hoc analyses of clinical trials in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are in small Phase 2 trials. Subject heterogeneity may lead to statistically significant post hoc results that cannot be replicated in larger follow-up studies. We investigated the extent of this problem using simulation studies mimicking current trial methods with post hoc analyses based on ApoE4 carrier status. We used a meta-database of 24 studies, including 3,574 subjects with mild AD and 1,171 subjects with MCI/prodromal AD, to simulate clinical trial scenarios. Post hoc analyses examined if rates of progression on the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive (ADAS-cog) differed between ApoE4 carriers and non-carriers. Across studies, ApoE4 carriers were younger and had lower baseline scores, greater rates of progression, and greater variability on the ADAS-cog. Up to 18% of post hoc analyses for 18-month trials in AD showed greater rates of progression for ApoE4 non-carriers that were statistically significant but unlikely to be confirmed in follow-up studies. The frequency of erroneous conclusions dropped below 3% with trials of 100 subjects per arm. In MCI, rates of statistically significant differences with greater progression in ApoE4 non-carriers remained below 3% unless sample sizes were below 25 subjects per arm. Statistically significant differences for ApoE4 in post hoc analyses often reflect heterogeneity among small samples rather than true differential effect among ApoE4 subtypes. Such analyses must be viewed cautiously. ApoE genotype should be incorporated into the design stage to minimize erroneous conclusions.
In Situ XAS and XRD Studies of Substituted Spinel Lithium Manganese Oxides in the 4-5 V Region
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
McBreen, J.; Mukerjee, S.; Yang, X. Q.
Partial substitution of Mn in lithium manganese oxide spinel materials by Cu and Ni greatly affects the electrochemistry and the phase behavior of the cathode. Substitution with either metal or with a combination of both shortens the 4.2 V plateau and results in higher voltage plateaus. In situ x-ray absorption (XAS) studies indicate that the higher voltage plateaus are related to redox processes on the substituents. In situ x-ray diffraction (XRD) on LiCu{sub 0.5}Mn{sub 1.5}O{sub 4} shows single phase behavior during the charge and discharge process. Three phases are observed for LiNi{sub 0.5}Mn{sub 1.5}O{sub 4} and two phases are observedmore » in the case of LiNi{sub 0.25}Cu{sub 0.25}Mn{sub 1.5}O{sub 4}. The electrolyte stability is dependent on both the operating voltage and the cathode composition. Even though Ni substituted materials have lower voltages, the electrolyte is more stable in cells with the Cu substituted materials.« less
Effect of oxygen partial pressure on oxidation of Mo-metal
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Sharma, Rabindar Kumar; Kumar, Prabhat; Singh, Megha; Gopal, Pawar; Reddy, G. B.
2018-05-01
This report explains the effect of oxygen partial pressure (PO2 ) on oxidation of Mo-metal in oxygen plasma. XRD results indulge that oxide layers formed on Mo-surfaces at different oxygen partial pressures have two different oxide phases (i.e. orthorhombic MoO3 and monoclinic Mo8O23). Intense XRD peaks at high pressure (i.e. 2.0×10-1 Torr) points out the formation of thick oxide layer on Mo-surface due to presence of large oxygen species in chamber and less oxide volatilization. Whereas, at low PO2 (6.5×10-2 and 7.5×10-2 Torr.) the reduced peak strength is owing to high oxide volatilization rate. SEM micrographs and thickness measurements also support XRD results and confirm that the optimum -2value of PO2 to deposited thicker and uniform oxide film on glass substrate is 7.5×10-2 Torr through plasma assistedoxidation process. Further to study the compositional properties, EDX of the sample M2 (the best sample) is carried out, which confirms that the stoichiometric ratio is less than 3 (i.e. 2.88). Less stoichiometric ratio again confirms the presence of sub oxides in oxide layers on Mo metal as evidenced by XRD results. All the observed results are well in consonance with each other.
Díaz-Quiñonez, José Alberto; Hernández-Monroy, Irma; Montes-Colima, Norma Angélica; Moreno-Pérez, María Asunción; Galicia-Nicolás, Adriana Guadalupe; López-Martínez, Irma; Ruiz-Matus, Cuitláhuac; Kuri-Morales, Pablo; Ortíz-Alcántara, Joanna María; Garcés-Ayala, Fabiola; Ramírez-González, José Ernesto
2016-05-01
The first week of September 2013, the National Epidemiological Surveillance System identified two cases of cholera in Mexico City. The cultures of both samples were confirmed as Vibrio cholerae serogroup O1, serotype Ogawa, biotype El Tor. Initial analyses by PFGE and by PCR-amplification of the virulence genes, suggested that both strains were similar, but different from those previously reported in Mexico. The following week, four more cases were identified in a community in the state of Hidalgo, located 121 km northeast of Mexico City. Thereafter a cholera outbreak started in the region of La Huasteca. Genomic analyses of the four strains obtained in this study confirmed the presence of Pathogenicity Islands VPI-1 and -2, VSP-1 and -2, and of the integrative element SXT. The genomic structure of the 4 isolates was similar to that of V. cholerae strain 2010 EL-1786, identified during the epidemic in Haiti in 2010. Copyright © 2016 Institut Pasteur. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.
The effect of Fe-Rh alloying on CO hydrogenation to C 2+ oxygenates
Palomino, Robert; Magee, Joseph W.; Llorca, Jordi; ...
2015-05-20
A combination of reactivity and structural studies using X-ray diffraction (XRD), pair distribution function (PDF), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to identify the active phases of Fe-modified Rh/TiO 2 catalysts for the synthesis of ethanol and other C 2+ oxygenates from CO hydrogenation. XRD and TEM confirm the existence of Fe–Rh alloys for catalyst with 1–7 wt% Fe and ~2 wt% Rh. Rietveld refinements show that FeRh alloy content increases with Fe loading up to ~4 wt%, beyond which segregation to metallic Fe becomes favored over alloy formation. Catalysts that contain Fe metal after reduction exhibit some carburizationmore » as evidenced by the formation of small amounts of Fe 3C during CO hydrogenation. Analysis of the total Fe content of the catalysts also suggests the presence of FeO x also increased under reaction conditions. Reactivity studies show that enhancement of ethanol selectivity with Fe loading is accompanied by a significant drop in CO conversion. Comparison of the XRD phase analyses with selectivity suggests that higher ethanol selectivity is correlated with the presence of Fe–Rh alloy phases. As a result, the interface between Fe and Rh serves to enhance the selectivity of ethanol, but suppresses the activity of the catalyst which is attributed to the blocking or modifying of Rh active sites.« less
Rietveld Refinement on X-Ray Diffraction Patterns of Bioapatite in Human Fetal Bones
Meneghini, Carlo; Dalconi, Maria Chiara; Nuzzo, Stefania; Mobilio, Settimio; Wenk, Rudy H.
2003-01-01
Bioapatite, the main constituent of mineralized tissue in mammalian bones, is a calcium-phosphate-based mineral that is similar in structure and composition to hydroxyapatite. In this work, the crystallographic structure of bioapatite in human fetuses was investigated by synchrotron radiation x-ray diffraction (XRD) and microdiffraction (μ-XRD) techniques. Rietveld refinement analyses of XRD and μ-XRD data allow for quantitative probing of the structural modifications of bioapatite as functions of the mineralization process and gestational age. PMID:12609904
Wang, Lijie; Zhang, Tong; Watson, David G.; Silva, Ana Marta; Coombs, Graham H.
2015-01-01
Comparative genomic analyses of Leishmania species have revealed relatively minor heterogeneity amongst recognised housekeeping genes and yet the species cause distinct infections and pathogenesis in their mammalian hosts. To gain greater information on the biochemical variation between species, and insights into possible metabolic mechanisms underpinning visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis, we have undertaken in this study a comparative analysis of the metabolomes of promastigotes of L. donovani, L. major and L. mexicana. The analysis revealed 64 metabolites with confirmed identity differing 3-fold or more between the cell extracts of species, with 161 putatively identified metabolites differing similarly. Analysis of the media from cultures revealed an at least 3-fold difference in use or excretion of 43 metabolites of confirmed identity and 87 putatively identified metabolites that differed to a similar extent. Strikingly large differences were detected in their extent of amino acid use and metabolism, especially for tryptophan, aspartate, arginine and proline. Major pathways of tryptophan and arginine catabolism were shown to be to indole-3-lactate and arginic acid, respectively, which were excreted. The data presented provide clear evidence on the value of global metabolomic analyses in detecting species-specific metabolic features, thus application of this technology should be a major contributor to gaining greater understanding of how pathogens are adapted to infecting their hosts. PMID:26368322
Detonation Performance Analyses for Recent Energetic Molecules
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Stiel, Leonard; Samuels, Philip; Spangler, Kimberly; Iwaniuk, Daniel; Cornell, Rodger; Baker, Ernest
2017-06-01
Detonation performance analyses were conducted for a number of evolving and potential high explosive materials. The calculations were completed for theoretical maximum densities of the explosives using the Jaguar thermo-chemical equation of state computer programs for performance evaluations and JWL/JWLB equations of state parameterizations. A number of recently synthesized materials were investigated for performance characterizations and comparisons to existing explosives, including TNT, RDX, HMX, and Cl-20. The analytic cylinder model was utilized to establish cylinder and Gurney velocities as functions of the radial expansions of the cylinder for each explosive. The densities and heats of formulation utilized in the calculations are primarily experimental values from Picatinny Arsenal and other sources. Several of the new materials considered were predicted to have enhanced detonation characteristics compared to conventional explosives. In order to confirm the accuracy of the Jaguar and analytic cylinder model results, available experimental detonation and Gurney velocities for representative energetic molecules and their formulations were compared with the corresponding calculated values. Close agreement was obtained with most of the data. Presently at NATO.
Nakao, Satoshi; Nishio, Takayuki; Kanjo, Yoshinori
2017-10-01
Bench-scale experiments were performed to investigate simultaneous recovery of phosphorus and potassium from synthetic sewage sludge effluent as crystals of magnesium potassium phosphate (MPP or struvite-(K), MgKPO 4 ·6H 2 O). The optimal pH of MPP formation was 11.5. A phosphorus level of at least 3 mM and K:P molar ratio over 3 were necessary to form MPP, which showed higher content rate of phosphorus and potassium in precipitate. MPP crystallization was confirmed by analysing the precipitates using a scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) apparatus and an X-ray Diffractometer (XRD). Inhibition of MPP crystallization by iron and aluminium was confirmed by precipitation experiments and SEM-EDX analysis. Potassium ratio against magnesium in precipitate decreased for iron concentrations greater than over 0.2 mM and aluminium concentrations over 0.05 mM.
Gender confirming medical interventions and eating disorder symptoms among transgender individuals.
Testa, Rylan J; Rider, G Nicole; Haug, Nancy A; Balsam, Kimberly F
2017-10-01
Studies indicate that transgender individuals may be at risk of developing eating disorder symptoms (EDS). Elevated risk may be attributed to body dissatisfaction and/or societal reactions to nonconforming gender expression, such as nonaffirmation of a person's gender identity (e.g., using incorrect pronouns). Limited research suggests that gender-confirming medical interventions (GCMIs) may prevent or reduce EDS among transgender people. Participants included 154 transfeminine spectrum (TFS) and 288 transmasculine spectrum (TMS) individuals who completed the Trans Health Survey. Serial multiple mediation analyses controlling for age, education, and income were used to examine whether body satisfaction and nonaffirmation mediate any found relationships between various GCMIs (genital surgery, chest surgery, hormone use, hysterectomy, and hair removal) and EDS. For TFS individuals, the nonaffirmation to body satisfaction path mediated relationships between all GCMIs and EDS, although body satisfaction alone accounted for more of the indirect effects than this path for chest surgery. For TMS individuals, relationships between all GCMIs and EDS were mediated by the nonaffirmation to body satisfaction path. Findings support the hypothesis that GCMIs reduce experiences of nonaffirmation, which increases body satisfaction and thus decreases EDS. Among TFS participants, the relationship between chest surgery and lower levels of EDS was mediated most strongly by body satisfaction alone, suggesting that satisfaction with one's body may result in lower EDS even if affirmation from the external world is unchanged. Implications of these findings for intervention, policy, and legal efforts are discussed, and future research recommendations are provided. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved).
Lay Evaluation of Financial Experts: The Action Advice Effect and Confirmation Bias.
Zaleskiewicz, Tomasz; Gasiorowska, Agata; Stasiuk, Katarzyna; Maksymiuk, Renata; Bar-Tal, Yoram
2016-01-01
The goal of this experimental project was to investigate lay peoples' perceptions of epistemic authority (EA) in the field of finance. EA is defined as the extent to which a source of information is treated as evidence for judgments independently of its objective expertise and based on subjective beliefs. Previous research suggested that EA evaluations are biased and that lay people tend to ascribe higher EA to experts who advise action (in the case of medical experts) or confirm clients' expectations (in the case of politicians). However, there has been no research into biases in lay evaluations of financial experts and this project is aimed to fill this gap. Experiment 1 showed that lay people tended to ascribe greater authority to financial consultants who gave more active advice to clients considering taking out a mortgage. Experiment 2 confirmed the action advice effect found in Experiment 1. However, the outcomes of Experiments 2 and - particularly - 3 suggested that this bias might also be due to clients' desire to confirm their own opinions. Experiment 2 showed that the action advice effect was moderated by clients' own opinions on taking loans. Lay people ascribed the greatest EA to the advisor in the scenario in which he advised taking action and where this coincided with the client's positive opinion on the advisability of taking out a loan. In Experiment 3 only participants with a positive opinion on the financial product ascribed greater authority to experts who recommended it; participants whose opinion was negative tended to rate consultants who advised rejecting the product more highly. To conclude, these three experiments revealed that lay people ascribe higher EA to financial consultants who advise action rather than maintenance of the status quo , but this effect is limited by confirmation bias: when the client's a priori opinion is salient, greater authority is ascribed to experts whose advice confirms it. In this sense, results presented in the
Lay Evaluation of Financial Experts: The Action Advice Effect and Confirmation Bias
Zaleskiewicz, Tomasz; Gasiorowska, Agata; Stasiuk, Katarzyna; Maksymiuk, Renata; Bar-Tal, Yoram
2016-01-01
The goal of this experimental project was to investigate lay peoples’ perceptions of epistemic authority (EA) in the field of finance. EA is defined as the extent to which a source of information is treated as evidence for judgments independently of its objective expertise and based on subjective beliefs. Previous research suggested that EA evaluations are biased and that lay people tend to ascribe higher EA to experts who advise action (in the case of medical experts) or confirm clients’ expectations (in the case of politicians). However, there has been no research into biases in lay evaluations of financial experts and this project is aimed to fill this gap. Experiment 1 showed that lay people tended to ascribe greater authority to financial consultants who gave more active advice to clients considering taking out a mortgage. Experiment 2 confirmed the action advice effect found in Experiment 1. However, the outcomes of Experiments 2 and – particularly – 3 suggested that this bias might also be due to clients’ desire to confirm their own opinions. Experiment 2 showed that the action advice effect was moderated by clients’ own opinions on taking loans. Lay people ascribed the greatest EA to the advisor in the scenario in which he advised taking action and where this coincided with the client’s positive opinion on the advisability of taking out a loan. In Experiment 3 only participants with a positive opinion on the financial product ascribed greater authority to experts who recommended it; participants whose opinion was negative tended to rate consultants who advised rejecting the product more highly. To conclude, these three experiments revealed that lay people ascribe higher EA to financial consultants who advise action rather than maintenance of the status quo, but this effect is limited by confirmation bias: when the client’s a priori opinion is salient, greater authority is ascribed to experts whose advice confirms it. In this sense, results
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Pham, Van-Thai; Fulton, John L.
2016-06-21
In concentrated solutions of aqueous RbCl, all of the Rb+ and Cl- ions exist as contact ion pairs. This full structural assessment is derived from the refinement of three independent experimental measurements: the Rb and Cl K-edge x-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) and the x-ray diffraction spectra (XRD). This simultaneous refinement of the XAFS and XRD data provides high accuracy since each method probes the structure of different local regions about the ions with high sensitivity. At high RbCl concentration (6 m (mol/kg )) the solution is dominated by Rb+ - Cl- contact ion pairs yielding an average of 1.5more » pairs at an Rb-Cl distance of 3.24 Å. Upon formation of these ion pairs, approximately 1.1 waters molecules are displaced from the Rb+ and 1.4 water molecules from Cl-. The hydration shells about both the cation and anion are also determined. These results greatly improve the understanding of monovalent ions and provide a basis for testing the Rb+-Cl- interaction potentials used in molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. This research was supported by the US Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Division of Chemical Sciences, Geosciences, and Biosciences.« less
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
James, William H.; Moore, David D.
1999-01-01
Examines the relationship between gender and drug use among adolescents using diagnostic assessments and biochemical analyses of urine samples. Statistical significance was found in the relationship between gender and marijuana use. The study confirms that more research is needed in this area. (Author/MKA)
Missed opportunities: refusal to confirm reactive rapid HIV tests in the emergency department.
Ganguli, Ishani; Collins, Jamie E; Reichmann, William M; Losina, Elena; Katz, Jeffrey N; Arbelaez, Christian; Donnell-Fink, Laurel A; Walensky, Rochelle P
2013-01-01
HIV infection remains a major US public health concern. While HIV-infected individuals now benefit from earlier diagnosis and improved treatment options, progress is tempered by large numbers of newly diagnosed patients who are lost to follow-up prior to disease confirmation and linkage to care. In the randomized, controlled USHER trial, we offered rapid HIV tests to patients presenting to a Boston, MA emergency department. Separate written informed consent was required for confirmatory testing. In a secondary analysis, we compared participants with reactive results who did and did not complete confirmatory testing to identify factors associated with refusal to complete the confirmation protocol. Thirteen of 62 (21.0%, 95% CI (11.7%, 33.2%)) participants with reactive rapid HIV tests refused confirmation; women, younger participants, African Americans, and those with fewer HIV risks, with lower income, and without primary care doctors were more likely to refuse. We projected that up to four true HIV cases were lost at the confirmation stage. These findings underscore the need to better understand the factors associated with refusal to confirm reactive HIV testing and to identify interventions that will facilitate confirmatory testing and linkage to care among these populations. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00502944; NCT01258582.
CONFIRMATION OF HOT JUPITER KEPLER-41b VIA PHASE CURVE ANALYSIS
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Quintana, Elisa V.; Rowe, Jason F.; Caldwell, Douglas A.
We present high precision photometry of Kepler-41, a giant planet in a 1.86 day orbit around a G6V star that was recently confirmed through radial velocity measurements. We have developed a new method to confirm giant planets solely from the photometric light curve, and we apply this method herein to Kepler-41 to establish the validity of this technique. We generate a full phase photometric model by including the primary and secondary transits, ellipsoidal variations, Doppler beaming, and reflected/emitted light from the planet. Third light contamination scenarios that can mimic a planetary transit signal are simulated by injecting a full rangemore » of dilution values into the model, and we re-fit each diluted light curve model to the light curve. The resulting constraints on the maximum occultation depth and stellar density combined with stellar evolution models rules out stellar blends and provides a measurement of the planet's mass, size, and temperature. We expect about two dozen Kepler giant planets can be confirmed via this method.« less
Beichel, Witali; Yu, Yang; Dlubek, Günter; Krause-Rehberg, Reinhard; Pionteck, Jürgen; Pfefferkorn, Dirk; Bulut, Safak; Bejan, Dana; Friedrich, Christian; Krossing, Ingo
2013-06-14
In the current work, free volume concepts, primarily applied to glass formers in the literature, were transferred to ionic liquids (ILs). A series of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium ([C4MIM](+)) based ILs was investigated by Positron Annihilation Lifetime Spectroscopy (PALS). The phase transition and dynamic properties of the ILs [C4MIM][X] with [X](-) = [Cl](-), [BF4](-), [PF6](-), [OTf](-), [NTf2](-) and [B(hfip)4](-) were reported recently (Yu et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2012, 14, 6856-6868). In this subsequent work, attention was paid to the connection of the free volume from PALS (here the mean hole volume,
Installation Restoration Program. Phase 2. Confirmation/Quantification. Stage 1
1986-03-28
Comftin,,,on Fvvem in.eea),a n dftl by bloe * numri ~A Problem Confirmation Study was conducted at Burlington Air National Guard BasE in Vermont. The...cont’d) 3. Characteristics(cont’d)- Biological Agent ( ) Volatile (4f Toxic (). Reactive ( ) 4. Toxicity: TLVs IDLHs 5. Special Hazards 6. Acute
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Subhashini, R.; Sathya, D.; Sivashankar, V.; Latha Mageshwari, P. S.; Arjunan, S.
2016-12-01
Highly transparent solitary nonlinear semiorganic optical material Bis(L-threonine) copper (II) monohydrate [BLTCM], was synthesized by a conventional slow evaporation solution growth technique. The grown crystals were subjected to structural, optical, electrical, thermal, mechanical, SHG and Laser damage threshold studies. Single crystal XRD shows that the material crystallizes in monoclinic system with noncentrosymmetric space group P21. FT-IR and FT-RAMAN analyses confirm the various functional groups present in the grown crystal. The transparency range of BLTCM was determined by UV-vis-NIR studies and various optical constants such as extinction coefficient (K), refractive index, optical conductivity and electric susceptibility with real and imaginary parts of dielectric constant were calculated using the transmittance data which have applications in optoelectronic devices. Dielectric studies of the crystal were carried out at different frequencies and temperatures to analyze the electrical properties. TGA and DSC analyses were performed to study the thermal behaviour of the sample. The hardness stability of the grown specimen was investigated by Vickers microhardness test. The output intensity of second harmonic generation was confirmed using the Kurtz and Perry powder method. The laser induced surface damage threshold of the crystal was measured using Nd:YAG laser.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Mbese, Johannes Z.; Ajibade, Peter A.
2017-09-01
Homonuclear tris-dithiocarbamato ruthenium(III) complexes, [Ru(S2CNR2)3] were prepared and characterized by spectroscopic techniques and thermogravimetric analyses. The thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) of the ruthenium complexes showed that the complexes decompose to ruthenium(III) sulfide nanoparticles. The ruthenium(III) complexes were dispersed in oleic acid and thermolysed in hexadecylamine to prepared oleic acid/hexadecylamine capped Ru2S3 nanoparticles. FTIR revealed that Ru2S3 nanoparticles are capped through the interaction of the -NH2 group of hexadecylamine HDA adsorbed on the surfaces of nanoparticles and it also showed that oleic acid (OA) is acting as both coordinating stabilizing surfactant and capping agent. EDS spectra revealed that the prepared nanoparticles are mainly composed of Ru and S, confirming the formation of Ru2S3 nanoparticles. Powder XRD confirms that the nanoparticles are in cubic phase. The inner morphology of nanoparticles obtained from transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed nanoparticles with narrow particle size distributions characterized by an average diameter of 8.45 nm with a standard deviation of 1.6 nm. The optical band gap (Eg) determined from Tauc plot are in the range 3.44-4.18 eV.
First confirmation of Pseudogymnoascus destructans in British bats and hibernacula.
Barlow, A M; Worledge, L; Miller, H; Drees, K P; Wright, P; Foster, J T; Sobek, C; Borman, A M; Fraser, M
2015-07-18
White-nose syndrome (WNS) is a fatal fungal infection of bats in North America caused by Pseudogymnoascus destructans. P. destructans has been confirmed in Continental Europe but not associated with mass mortality. Its presence in Great Britain was unknown. Opportunistic sampling of bats in GB began during the winter of 2009. Any dead bats or samples from live bats with visible fungal growths were submitted to the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency for culture. Active surveillance by targeted environmental sampling of hibernacula was carried out during the winter of 2012/2013. Six hibernacula were selected by their proximity to Continental Europe. Five samples, a combination of surface swabs or sediment samples, were collected. These were sent to the Center for Microbial Genetics and Genomics, Northern Arizona University, for P. destructans PCR. Forty-eight incidents were investigated between March 2009 and July 2013. They consisted of 46 bat carcases and 31 other samples. A suspected P. destructans isolate was cultured from a live Daubenton's bat (Myotis daubentonii) sampled in February 2013. This isolate was confirmed by the Mycology Reference Laboratory, Bristol (Public Health England), as P. destructans. A variety of fungi were isolated from the rest but all were considered to be saprophytic or incidental. P. destructans was also confirmed by the Center for Microbial Genetics and Genomics in five of the six sites surveyed. British Veterinary Association.
Modeling confirmation bias and polarization
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Del Vicario, Michela; Scala, Antonio; Caldarelli, Guido; Stanley, H. Eugene; Quattrociocchi, Walter
2017-01-01
Online users tend to select claims that adhere to their system of beliefs and to ignore dissenting information. Confirmation bias, indeed, plays a pivotal role in viral phenomena. Furthermore, the wide availability of content on the web fosters the aggregation of likeminded people where debates tend to enforce group polarization. Such a configuration might alter the public debate and thus the formation of the public opinion. In this paper we provide a mathematical model to study online social debates and the related polarization dynamics. We assume the basic updating rule of the Bounded Confidence Model (BCM) and we develop two variations a) the Rewire with Bounded Confidence Model (RBCM), in which discordant links are broken until convergence is reached; and b) the Unbounded Confidence Model, under which the interaction among discordant pairs of users is allowed even with a negative feedback, either with the rewiring step (RUCM) or without it (UCM). From numerical simulations we find that the new models (UCM and RUCM), unlike the BCM, are able to explain the coexistence of two stable final opinions, often observed in reality. Lastly, we present a mean field approximation of the newly introduced models.
Drilling confirms hot-spot origins
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Not Available
1978-02-01
Eleven holes were drilled at 4 sites in the Emperor Seamount chain in order to test the hot-spot hypothesis of the origin of the Hawaiian and Emperor chains and several important corollaries. Basalt was penetrated at 3 sites, and the paleontological ages of the lowest sediments above basalt are consistent with a linear geochron connecting the ages of Meiji Seamount to the north, and Koko and Yuryaku seamounts to the south. The chemical composition of the upper 4 basalt flow units cored at Ojin Seamount indicates that they are typical Hawaiites. A sample of tholeiite was recovered from the bottommore » of the hole. The lava flows from Ojin, Nintoku, and Suiko have natural remanent magnetization that is relatively stable to alternating field demagnetization, as expected of oceanic-island basalts. Many of the basalts at all 3 sites have highly vesicular and oxidized flow tops and bottoms. Observations indicate that the flows were erupted subaerially, and that Ojin, Nintoku, and Suiko volcanoes once stood well above sea level. In a general way, the hot-spot origin of the Emperor Seamount chain was confirmed. (JGB)« less
Christophi, C. A.; Resnick, H. E.; Ratner, R. E.; Temprosa, M.; Fowler, S.; Knowler, W. C.; Shamoon, H.; Barrett-Connor, E.; Kahn, S. E.
2012-01-01
Aims To examine the ability of FPG and/or 2-hr glucose to confirm diabetes and to determine the proportion of participants with HbA1c ≥6.5%. Methods Diabetes confirmation rates were calculated after a single elevated FPG and/or 2-hr glucose on an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) using a confirmatory OGTT performed within 6 weeks. Results 772 (24%) participants had elevated FPG or 2-hr glucose on an OGTT that triggered a confirmation visit. There were 101 triggers on FPG alone, 574 on 2-hr glucose alone, and 97 on both. Only 47% of participants who triggered had confirmed diabetes. While the confirmation rate for FPG was higher than that for 2-hr glucose, the larger number of 2-hr glucose triggers resulted in 87% of confirmed cases triggering on 2-hr glucose. Confirmation rates increased to 75% among persons with FPG ≥126 mg/dl and HbA1c ≥6.5%. Conclusions Only half of persons with elevated FPG and IGT were subsequently confirmed to have diabetes. At current diagnostic levels, more persons trigger on 2-hr glucose than on FPG, but fewer of these persons have their diagnoses confirmed. In individuals with FPG ≥126 mg/dl and HbA1c ≥6.5%, the confirmation rate was increased. PMID:23140912
Christophi, C A; Resnick, H E; Ratner, R E; Temprosa, M; Fowler, S; Knowler, W C; Shamoon, H; Barrett-Connor, E; Kahn, S E
2013-01-01
To examine the ability of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and/or 2-h glucose to confirm diabetes and to determine the proportion of participants with HbA1c ≥6.5%. Diabetes confirmation rates were calculated after a single elevated FPG and/or 2-h glucose on an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) using a confirmatory OGTT performed within 6 weeks. 772 (24%) participants had elevated FPG or 2-h glucose on an OGTT that triggered a confirmation visit. There were 101 triggers on FPG alone, 574 on 2-h glucose alone, and 97 on both. Only 47% of participants who triggered had confirmed diabetes. While the confirmation rate for FPG was higher than that for 2-h glucose, the larger number of 2-h glucose triggers resulted in 87% of confirmed cases triggering on 2-h glucose. Confirmation rates increased to 75% among persons with FPG ≥126 mg/dl and HbA1c ≥6.5%. Only half of the persons with elevated FPG and IGT were subsequently confirmed to have diabetes. At current diagnostic levels, more persons trigger on 2-h glucose than on FPG, but fewer of these persons have their diagnoses confirmed. In individuals with FPG ≥126 mg/dl and HbA1c ≥6.5%, the confirmation rate was increased. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Suresh Kumar, G. S.; Antony Muthu Prabhu, A.; Bhuvanesh, N.
2014-10-01
We have studied the self-catalyzed Knoevenagel condensation, spectral characterization, DPPH radical scavenging activity, cytotoxicity, and molecular properties of 5-arylidene-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxane-4,6-diones using single crystal XRD and DFT techniques. In the absence of any catalyst, a series of novel 5-arylidene-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxane-4,6-diones were synthesized using Meldrum’s acid and formylphenoxyaliphatic acid(s) in water. These molecules are arranged in the dimer form through intermolecular H-bonding in the single crystal XRD structure. Compounds have better DPPH radical scavenging activity and cytotoxicity against A431 cancer cell line. The optimized molecular structure, natural bond orbital analysis, electrostatic potential map, HOMO-LUMO energies, molecular properties, and atomic charges of these molecules have been studied by performing DFT/B3LYP/3-21G(*) level of theory in gas phase.
In order to promote transparency and clarity of the analyses performed in support of EPA's Supplemental Guidance for Assessing Susceptibility from Early-Life Exposure to Carcinogens, the data and the analyses are now available on this web site. The data is presented in two diffe...
Brantley, William A; Guo, Wenhua; Clark, William A T; Iijima, Masahiro
2008-02-01
Previous temperature-modulated differential scanning calorimetry (TMDSC) study of nickel-titanium orthodontic wires revealed a large exothermic low-temperature peak that was attributed to transformation within martensitic NiTi. The purpose of this study was to use transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to verify this phase transformation in a clinically popular nickel-titanium wire, identify its mechanism and confirm other phase transformations found by TMDSC, and to provide detailed information about the microstructure of this wire. The 35 degrees C Copper nickel-titanium wire (Ormco) with cross-section dimensions of 0.016 in. x 0.022 in. used in the earlier TMDSC investigation was selected. Foils were prepared for TEM analyses by mechanical grinding, polishing, dimpling, ion milling and plasma cleaning. Standard bright-field and dark-field TEM images were obtained, along with convergent-beam electron diffraction patterns. A cryo-stage with the electron microscope (Phillips CM 200) permitted the specimen to be observed at -187, -45, and 50 degrees C, as well as at room temperature. Microstructures were also observed with an optical microscope and a scanning electron microscope. Room temperature microstructures had randomly oriented, elongated grains that were twinned. Electron diffraction patterns confirmed that phase transformations took place over temperature ranges previously found by TMDSC. TEM observations revealed a high dislocation density and fine-scale oxide particles, and that twinning is the mechanism for the low-temperature transformation in martensitic NiTi. TEM confirmed the low-temperature peak and other phase transformations observed by TMDSC, and revealed that twinning in martensite is the mechanism for the low-temperature peak. The high dislocation density and fine-scale oxide particles in the microstructure are the result of the wire manufacturing process.
Mundi, Manpreet S; Edakkanambeth Varayil, Jithinraj; McMahon, Megan T; Okano, Akiko; Vallumsetla, Nishanth; Bonnes, Sara L; Andrews, James C; Hurt, Ryan T
2016-04-01
Parenteral nutrition (PN) is a life-saving therapy for patients with intestinal failure. Safe delivery of hyperosmotic solution requires a central venous catheter (CVC) with tip in the lower superior vena cava (SVC) or at the SVC-right atrium (RA) junction. To reduce cost and delay in use of CVC, new techniques such as intravascular electrocardiogram (ECG) are being used for tip confirmation in place of chest x-ray (CXR). The present study assessed for accuracy of ECG confirmation in home PN (HPN). Records for all patients consulted for HPN from December 17, 2014, to June 16, 2015, were reviewed for patient demographics, diagnosis leading to HPN initiation, and ECG and CXR confirmation. CXRs were subsequently reviewed by a radiologist to reassess location of the CVC tip and identify those that should be adjusted. Seventy-three patients were eligible, and after assessment for research authorization and postplacement CXR, 17 patients (30% male) with an age of 54 ± 14 years were reviewed. In all patients, postplacement intravascular ECG reading stated tip in the SVC. However, based on CXR, the location of the catheter tip was satisfactory (low SVC or SVC-RA junction) in 10 of 17 patients (59%). Due to the high osmolality of PN, CVC tip location is of paramount importance. After radiology review of CXR, we noted that 7 of 17 (41%) peripherally inserted central catheter lines were in an unsatisfactory position despite ECG confirmation. With current data available, intravenous ECG confirmation should not be used as the sole source of tip confirmation in patients receiving HPN. © 2016 American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition.
Departure gate of acidic Ca2+ confirmed
Jentsch, Thomas J; Hoegg-Beiler, Maja B; Vogt, Janis
2015-01-01
More potent, but less known than IP3 that liberates Ca2+ from the ER, NAADP releases Ca2+ from acidic stores. The notion that TPC channels mediate this Ca2+ release was questioned recently by studies suggesting that TPCs are rather PI(3,5)P2-activated Na+ channels. Ruas et al (2015) now partially reconcile these views by showing that TPCs significantly conduct both cations and confirm their activation by both NAADP and PI(3,5)P2. They attribute the failure of others to observe TPC-dependent NAADP-induced Ca2+ release in vivo to inadequate mouse models that retain partial TPC function. PMID:26022292
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Azmi, M. A.; Ismail, N. A. A.; Rizamarhaiza, M.
Rice husk was thermally decomposed to yield powder composed of silica (SiO{sub 2}). Temperatures of 700°C and 1000°C were chosen as the decomposition temperatures. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), X-Ray Florescence (XRF), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) analyses were conducted on a synthetic silica powder (SS-SiO{sub 2}) and the rice husk ash as for the comparative characterisation study. XRD analyses clearly indicated that the decomposed rice husk yielded silica of different nature which are Crystalline Rice Husk Silica (C-RHSiO{sub 2}) and Amorphous Rice Husk Silica (A-RHSiO{sub 2}). Moreover, it was found that SS-SiO{sub 2} was ofmore » Quartz phase, C-RHSiO{sub 2} was of Trydimite and Cristobalite. Through XRF detection, the highest SiO{sub 2} purity was detected in SS-SiO{sub 2} followed by C-RHSiO{sub 2} and A-RHSiO{sub 2} with purity percentages of 99.60%, 82.30% and 86.30% respectively. FTIR results clearly indicated silica (SiO{sub 2}) bonding 1056, 1064, 1047, 777, 790 and 798 cm{sup −1}) increased as the crystallinity silica increased. The Cristobalite phase was detected in C-RH SiO{sub 2} at the wavelength of 620 cm{sup −1}. Morphological features as observed by FESEM analyses confirmed that, SS-SiO{sub 2} and C-RH SiO{sub 2} showed prominent coarse granular morphology.« less
Otaigbe, B E; Tabansi, P N; Agbedey, G O
2012-01-01
Congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) is known to affect thousands of children in the developing world because rubella vaccination is not available routinely in most of these countries. Among its many manifestations only congenital heart disease is life threatening. This study was undertaken to ascertain the cases of echocardiographic determined congenital heart disease in clinically confirmed CRS cases. Data of patients with clinically confirmed CRS seen over a period of 5 years in the Paediatric cardiology clinic of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital was retrieved and analysed. Seven cases (2.8 % of total cardiac cases) were seen. 6 (85.7%) cases had at least one murmur on auscultation. Patent ductus arteriosus was the commonest cardiac defect seen either in isolation or incombination with a VSD or ASD. Only one child had no cardiac defect. 4 (57.1%) of them had been admitted for heart failure at least once and 2 (28.6 %) were on anti-failure regimen, one of whom had cardiac surgery one month ago. In view of the fact that 6 (85.7%) of the patients with CRS had at least one congenital heart defect, we advocate routine echocardiography on patients with CRS to ensure early treatment and reduce mortality and morbidity.We also advocate that rubella vaccination be given routinely in developing countries.
Harrington, Patrick R; Komatsu, Takashi E; Deming, Damon J; Donaldson, Eric F; O'Rear, Julian J; Naeger, Lisa K
2018-06-01
Several highly effective, interferon-free, direct-acting antiviral (DAA)-based regimens are available for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Despite impressive efficacy overall, a small proportion of patients in registrational trials experienced treatment failure, which in some cases was associated with the detection of HCV resistance-associated substitutions (RASs) at baseline. In this article, we describe methods and key findings from independent regulatory analyses investigating the impact of baseline nonstructural (NS) 3 Q80K and NS5A RASs on the efficacy of current United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved regimens for patients with HCV genotype (GT) 1 or GT3 infection. These analyses focused on clinical trials that included patients who were previously naïve to the DAA class(es) in their investigational regimen and characterized the impact of baseline RASs that were enriched in the viral population as natural or transmitted polymorphisms (i.e., not drug-selected RASs). We used a consistent approach to optimize comparability of results across different DAA regimens and patient populations, including the use of a 15% sensitivity cutoff for next-generation sequencing results and standardized lists of NS5A RASs. These analyses confirmed that detection of NS3 Q80K or NS5A baseline RASs was associated with reduced treatment efficacy for multiple DAA regimens, but their impact was often minimized with the use of an intensified treatment regimen, such as a longer treatment duration and/or addition of ribavirin. We discuss the drug resistance-related considerations that contributed to pretreatment resistance testing and treatment recommendations in drug labeling for FDA-approved DAA regimens. Independent regulatory analyses confirmed that baseline HCV RASs can reduce the efficacy of certain DAA-based regimens in selected patient groups. However, highly effective treatment options are available for patients with or without
Sun, Zong-Liang; Zhang, Yu-Zhen; Zhang, Feng; Zhang, Jia-Wei; Zheng, Guo-Can; Tan, Ling; Wang, Chong-Zhi; Zhou, Lian-Di; Zhang, Qi-Hui; Yuan, Chun-Su
2018-06-22
An efficient method combined with fingerprint and chemometric analyses was developed to evaluate the quality of the traditional Chinese medicine plant Penthorum chinense Pursh. Nine samples were collected from different regions during different harvest periods, and 17 components in the form of extracts were simultaneously examined to assess quality by using high-performance liquid chromatography. The hepatoprotective effects of components were investigated by assessing the inhibition of SMMC-7721 cell growth. The results indicated that the quality control method was accurate, stable, and reliable, and the hierarchical heat-map cluster and the principle component analyses confirmed that the classification of all nine samples was consistent. Quercetin and ellagitannins including pinocembrin-7-O-[3''-O-galloyl-4'',6''-hexahydroxydiphenoyl]-β-glucose (PGHG), thonningianin A, thonningianin B, and other flavonoids were abundant in the extracts, and significantly contributed to the hepatoprotective effects.
Epifano, Enrica; Guéneau, Christine; Belin, Renaud C; Vauchy, Romain; Lebreton, Florent; Richaud, Jean-Christophe; Joly, Alexis; Valot, Christophe; Martin, Philippe M
2017-07-03
In the frame of minor actinide transmutation, americium can be diluted in UO 2 and (U, Pu)O 2 fuels burned in fast neutron reactors. The first mandatory step to foresee the influence of Am on the in-reactor behavior of transmutation targets or fuel is to have fundamental knowledge of the Am-O binary system and, in particular, of the AmO 2-x phase. In this study, we coupled HT-XRD (high-temperature X-ray diffraction) experiments with CALPHAD thermodynamic modeling to provide new insights into the structural properties and phase equilibria in the AmO 2-x -AmO 1.61+x -Am 2 O 3 domain. Because of this approach, we were able for the first time to assess the relationships between temperature, lattice parameter, and hypostoichiometry for fcc AmO 2-x . We showed the presence of a hyperstoichiometric existence domain for the bcc AmO 1.61+x phase and the absence of a miscibility gap in the fcc AmO 2-x phase, contrary to previous representations of the phase diagram. Finally, with the new experimental data, a new CALPHAD thermodynamic model of the Am-O system was developed, and an improved version of the phase diagram is presented.
Qualitative and Quantitative Analyses of Glycogen in Human Milk.
Matsui-Yatsuhashi, Hiroko; Furuyashiki, Takashi; Takata, Hiroki; Ishida, Miyuki; Takumi, Hiroko; Kakutani, Ryo; Kamasaka, Hiroshi; Nagao, Saeko; Hirose, Junko; Kuriki, Takashi
2017-02-22
Identification as well as a detailed analysis of glycogen in human milk has not been shown yet. The present study confirmed that glycogen is contained in human milk by qualitative and quantitative analyses. High-performance anion exchange chromatography (HPAEC) and high-performance size exclusion chromatography with a multiangle laser light scattering detector (HPSEC-MALLS) were used for qualitative analysis of glycogen in human milk. Quantitative analysis was carried out by using samples obtained from the individual milks. The result revealed that the concentration of human milk glycogen varied depending on the mother's condition-such as the period postpartum and inflammation. The amounts of glycogen in human milk collected at 0 and 1-2 months postpartum were higher than in milk collected at 3-14 months postpartum. In the milk from mothers with severe mastitis, the concentration of glycogen was about 40 times higher than that in normal milk.
Visual Confirmation (VICON) of Takeoff Clearance Signal System Impact Study
DOT National Transportation Integrated Search
1980-11-01
A study was performed to evaluate the impact on airport capacity and voice communications of the Visual Confirmation of Takeoff Clearance (VICON) Signal System. Befoe-and-after test data collection and analysis were conducted at Bradley International...
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Ramos, J.; Piamba, J. F.; Sanchez, H.; Pérez Alcazar, G. A.
2017-11-01
In this study, a Fe-29.0Mn-6.0Al-0.9C-1.8Mo-1.6Si-0.4Cu (Wt. %) alloy was prepared in an induction furnace. The as-cast sample was submitted to homogenization at 1050 °C over 8 hours, which was followed by quenching, and an aging heat treatment at 500 °C for 12 h. Wear tests were performed by using a Pin on Disk Tribometer (ASTM G99) at room temperature to evaluate the mass loss. Optical Microscopy, X-Ray Diffraction, and Transmission Mossbauer Spectroscopy were used to characterize the microstructure and structural properties of the samples. The obtained microstructure of the heat-treated samples was of the austenitic type, and their XRD patterns were refined with the lines of the austenite, martensite, galaxite, and FeO structures. Mössbauer spectra of powders, obtained from the surface of the samples, showed the presence of a broad doublet, which corresponded to the disordered austenite; and a small hyperfine magnetic field distribution associated with the disordered and ferromagnetic martensite. After the tribology test, the surface of the sample was examined, and it was obderved that the austenite, martensite, and galaxite phases were present. The martensite quantity increased and, those of galaxite and austenite decreased, but that of austenite appeared to have larger lattice parameter. The decrease in the galaxite content was a direct consequence of the wear test, which removed matter from the sample surface. The appearance of additional martensite was due to the transformation of the austenite by mechanical work. The additional presence of a new austenite with a bigger lattice parameter and of the Fe oxide was the consequence of the heating process of the sample during the tribological test. The Mossbauer spectrum of this sample confirms the increase of the martensite content. The mechanical properties increased with the heat treatment.
SR-XRD and SR-FTIR study of the alteration of silver foils in medieval paintings.
Salvadó, Nati; Butí, Salvador; Labrador, Ana; Cinque, Gianfelice; Emerich, Hermann; Pradell, Trinitat
2011-03-01
Altarpieces and polychrome carved wood from the fifteenth century AD usually exhibit golden and silvery areas by the application of a very thin foil of metal. The metal foils were normally protected from the atmosphere by a varnish or resin which maybe either preserved or absent. Moreover, they were glued to the background surface by adhesive substances (egg yolk, drying oil or animal glue). The high proportion of the glueing substances often renders the development of reaction compounds. With time, silver alters blacken or simply disappear completely. In this paper, we study the alterations to metal foils from a selection of fifteenth century artworks showing different glueing agents, organic coatings and several degrees of conservation of the organic coatings and metal leafs. The submillimetric layered structure and the high variability and low amount of most of the compounds present in the different layers, as well as their differing nature (organic and inorganic) make the use of micron-sensitive high-resolution techniques essential for their study. In particular, the high resolution, high brilliance and small footprint renders synchrotron radiation most adequate for their study. SR-XRD was performed to identify the reaction compounds formed in the different layers; μFTIR was used at to identify the silver protecting organic coatings, the metal foil glueing layers and the corresponding reaction compounds. The results obtained suggest that atmospheric corrosion is the dominant mechanism, and therefore that the degree of corrosion of the metal foils is mainly related to the conservation state of the protecting coatings.
Kenyon, S; Armstrong, N; Johnston, T; Walkinshaw, S; Petrou, S; Howman, A; Cheed, V; Markham, C; McNicol, S; Willars, J; Waugh, J
2013-10-01
Evidence suggests that a high dose of oxytocin for nulliparous women at 37-42 weeks of gestation with confirmed delay in labour increases spontaneous vaginal birth. We undertook a pilot study to test the feasibility of this treatment. Pilot double-blind randomised controlled trial. Three teaching hospitals in the UK. A total of 94 consenting nulliparous women at term with confirmed delay in labour were recruited, and 18 were interviewed. Women were assigned to either a standard (2 mU/min, increasing every 30 minutes to 32 mU/minute) or a high-dose regimen (4 mU/minute, increasing every 30 minutes to 64 mU/minutes) oxytocin by computer-generated randomisation. Simple descriptive statistics were used, as the sample size was insufficient to evaluate clinical outcomes. The constant comparative method was used to analyse the interviews. The main outcome measures: number of women eligible; maternal and neonatal birth; safety; maternal psychological outcomes and experiences; health-related quality of life outcomes using validated tools and data on health service resource use; incidence of suspected delay of labour (cervical dilatation of <2 cm after 4 hours, once labour is established); and incidence of confirmed delay of labour (progress of <1 cm on repeat vaginal examination after a period of 2 hours). We successfully developed systems to recruit eligible women in labour and to collect data. Rates of spontaneous vaginal birth (10/47 versus 12/47, RR 1.2, 95% CI 0.6-2.5) and caesarean section (15/47 versus 17/47, RR 1.1, 95% CI 0.6-2.0) were increased, and rates of instrumental birth were reduced (21/47 versus 17/47, RR 0.8, 95% CI 0.5-1.3). No evidence of increased harm for either mother or baby was found. The incidences of suspected delay (14%) and confirmed delay (11%) in labour were less than anticipated. Of those who did not go on to have delayed labour confirmed, all except one woman gave birth vaginally. A pilot trial assessing the efficacy of high-dose oxytocin
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Hoang Huynh, Sa; Ha, Minh Thien Huu; Binh Do, Huy; Nguyen, Tuan Anh; Luc, Quang Ho; Chang, Edward Yi
2018-04-01
The configuration of the interfacial misfit array at In x Ga1‑ x Sb/GaAs interfaces with different indium compositions and thicknesses grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition was systematically analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) reciprocal space maps (RSMs). These analyses confirmed that the epilayer relaxation was mainly contributed to by the high degree of spatial correlation of the 90° misfit array (correlation factors <0.01). The anisotropic peak-broadening aspect ratio was found to have a non-linear composition dependence as well as be thickness-dependent, related to the strain relaxation of the epilayer. However, the peak-broadening behavior in each RSM scan direction had different composition and thickness dependences.
Synthesis and electrochemical property of few-layer molybdenum disulfide nanosheets
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Fu, Yanjue; Wang, Chunrui; Wang, Linlin; Peng, Xia; Wu, Binhe; Sun, Xingqu; Chen, Xiaoshuang
2016-12-01
Large-scale few-layer MoS2 nanosheets have been fabricated via a simple hydrothermal route using molybdenum powder as precursors. The as-prepared MoS2 samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Raman and photoluminescence (PL) spectral analyses at room temperature. The results confirm that the as-prepared MoS2 displays a sheet-like morphology with a thickness of few (bi- to tri-) layers. Electrochemical measurements showed that the as-prepared few-layer MoS2 exhibited the highest reversible capacity of 1127 mAh g-1 and a stable reversible capacity of 1057 mAh g-1 after 30 cycles.
Andrade, Dafne C; Borges, Igor C; Vilas-Boas, Ana Luísa; Fontoura, Maria S H; Araújo-Neto, César A; Andrade, Sandra C; Brim, Rosa V; Meinke, Andreas; Barral, Aldina; Ruuskanen, Olli; Käyhty, Helena; Nascimento-Carvalho, Cristiana M
Community-acquired pneumonia is an important cause of morbidity in childhood, but the detection of its causative agent remains a diagnostic challenge. The authors aimed to evaluate the role of the chest radiograph to identify cases of community-aquired pneumonia caused by typical bacteria. The frequency of infection by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis was compared in non-hospitalized children with clinical diagnosis of community acquired pneumonia aged 2-59 months with or without radiological confirmation (n=249 and 366, respectively). Infection by S. pneumoniae was diagnosed by the detection of a serological response against at least one of eight pneumococcal proteins (defined as an increase ≥2-fold in the IgG levels against Ply, CbpA, PspA1 and PspA2, PhtD, StkP-C, and PcsB-N, or an increase ≥1.5-fold against PcpA). Infection by H. influenzae and M. catarrhalis was defined as an increase ≥2-fold on the levels of microbe-specific IgG. Children with radiologically confirmed pneumonia had higher rates of infection by S. pneumoniae. The presence of pneumococcal infection increased the odds of having radiologically confirmed pneumonia by 2.8 times (95% CI: 1.8-4.3). The negative predictive value of the normal chest radiograph for infection by S. pneumoniae was 86.3% (95% CI: 82.4-89.7%). There was no difference on the rates of infection by H. influenzae and M. catarrhalis between children with community-acquired pneumonia with and without radiological confirmation. Among children with clinical diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia submitted to chest radiograph, those with radiologically confirmed pneumonia present a higher rate of infection by S. pneumoniae when compared with those with a normal chest radiograph. Copyright © 2017 Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.
Optimization of Regression Models of Experimental Data Using Confirmation Points
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Ulbrich, N.
2010-01-01
A new search metric is discussed that may be used to better assess the predictive capability of different math term combinations during the optimization of a regression model of experimental data. The new search metric can be determined for each tested math term combination if the given experimental data set is split into two subsets. The first subset consists of data points that are only used to determine the coefficients of the regression model. The second subset consists of confirmation points that are exclusively used to test the regression model. The new search metric value is assigned after comparing two values that describe the quality of the fit of each subset. The first value is the standard deviation of the PRESS residuals of the data points. The second value is the standard deviation of the response residuals of the confirmation points. The greater of the two values is used as the new search metric value. This choice guarantees that both standard deviations are always less or equal to the value that is used during the optimization. Experimental data from the calibration of a wind tunnel strain-gage balance is used to illustrate the application of the new search metric. The new search metric ultimately generates an optimized regression model that was already tested at regression model independent confirmation points before it is ever used to predict an unknown response from a set of regressors.
Bossini-Castillo, Lara; Martin, Jose Ezequiel; Broen, Jasper; Simeon, Carmen P; Beretta, Lorenzo; Gorlova, Olga Y; Vonk, Madelon C; Ortego-Centeno, Norberto; Espinosa, Gerard; Carreira, Patricia; García de la Peña, Paloma; Oreiro, Natividad; Román-Ivorra, José Andrés; Castillo, María Jesús; González-Gay, Miguel A; Sáez-Comet, Luis; Castellví, Ivan; Schuerwegh, Annemie J; Voskuyl, Alexandre E; Hoffmann-Vold, Anna-Maria; Hesselstrand, Roger; Nordin, Annika; Lunardi, Claudio; Scorza, Raffaella; van Laar, Jacob M; Shiels, Paul G; Herrick, Ariane; Worthington, Jane; Fonseca, Carmen; Denton, Christopher; Tan, Filemon K; Arnett, Frank C; Assassi, Shervin; Koeleman, Bobby P; Mayes, Maureen D; Radstake, Timothy R D J; Martin, Javier
2013-01-01
Introduction A recent genome-wide association study in European systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients identified three loci (PSORS1C1, TNIP1 and RHOB) as novel genetic risk factors for the disease. The aim of this study was to replicate the previously mentioned findings in a large multicentre independent SSc cohort of Caucasian ancestry. Methods 4389 SSc patients and 7611 healthy controls from different European countries and the USA were included in the study. Six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP): rs342070, rs13021401 (RHOB), rs2233287, rs4958881, rs3792783 (TNIP1) and rs3130573 (PSORS1C1) were analysed. Overall significance was calculated by pooled analysis of all the cohorts. Haplotype analyses and conditional logistic regression analyses were carried out to explore further the genetic structure of the tested loci. Results Pooled analyses of all the analysed SNPs in TNIP1 revealed significant association with the whole disease (rs2233287 pMH=1.94×10−4, OR 1.19; rs4958881 pMH=3.26×10−5, OR 1.19; rs3792783 pMH=2.16×10−4, OR 1.19). These associations were maintained in all the subgroups considered. PSORS1C1 comparison showed association with the complete set of patients and all the subsets except for the anti-centromere-positive patients. However, the association was dependent on different HLA class II alleles. The variants in the RHOB gene were not associated with SSc or any of its subsets. Conclusions These data confirmed the influence of TNIP1 on an increased susceptibility to SSc and reinforced this locus as a common autoimmunity risk factor. PMID:22896740
Preparations for ExoMars: Learning Lessons from Curiosity
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Edwards, Peter Henry; Hutchinson, Ian; Morgan, Sally; McHugh, Melissa; Malherbe, Cedric; Lerman, Hannah; INGLEY, Richard
2016-10-01
In 2020, the European Space Agency will launch its first Mars rover mission, ExoMars. The rover will use a drill to obtain samples from up to 2m below the Martian surface that will then be analysed using a variety of analytical instruments, including the Raman Laser Spectrometer (RLS), which will be the first Raman spectrometer to be used on a planetary mission.To prepare for ExoMars RLS operations, we report on a series of experiments that have been performed in order to investigate the response of a representative Raman instrument to a number of analogue samples (selected based on the types of material known to be important, following investigations performed by NASA's Mars Science Laboratory, MSL, on the Curiosity rover). Raman spectroscopy will provide molecular and mineralogical information about the samples obtained from the drill cores on ExoMars. MSL acquires similar information using the CheMin XRD instrument which analyses samples acquired from drill holes several centimetres deep. Like Raman spectroscopy, XRD also provides information on the mineralogical makeup of the analysed samples.The samples in our study were selected based on CheMin data obtained from drill sites at Yellowknife Bay, one of the first locations visited by Curiosity (supplemented with additional fine scale elemental information obtained with the ChemCam LIBS laser instrument). Once selected (or produced), the samples were characterised using standard laboratory XRD and XRF instruments (in order to compare with the data obtained by CheMin) and a standard, laboratory based LIBS system (in order to compare with the ChemCam data). This characterisation provides confirmation that the analogue samples are representative of the materials likely to be encountered on Mars by the ExoMars rover.A representative, miniaturised Raman spectrometer was used to analyse the samples, using acquisition strategies and operating modes similar to those expected for the ExoMars instrument. The type of
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
D'Elia, A.; Cibin, G.; Robbins, P. E.; Maggi, V.; Marcelli, A.
2017-11-01
We report on the development of a device designed to improve X-ray Powder Diffraction data acquisition through mapping coupled to a rotational motion of the sample. The device and procedures developed aim at overcoming the experimental issues that accompany the analysis of inhomogeneous samples, such as powders, dust or aerosols deposited on a flat substrate. Introducing the mapping of the substrate on which powders are deposited and at the same time the rotation, we may overcome drawbacks associated to inhomogeneous distributions such as ring-like patterns due to the coffee stain effect generated by the evaporation of a solution. Experimental data have been collected from powders of a NIST standard soil sample (11 μg) and from an airborne dust extracted from deep ice cores in Antarctica (9.6 μg). Both particulate samples have been deposited on polycarbonate membranes from ultra-dilute solutions. Data show that this approach makes possible to collect XRD patterns useful to identify mineral fractions present in these low density samples.