We present the first DØ search for neutral Higgs bosons in the channel pp¯ → hb → τ eτhadb. One of the taus is required to decay to an electron and the other decays hadronically. The data used are ...3.7 fb−1 of RunIIa and RunIIb data. We set limits on the cross section times branching ratio for the hb production for Higgs masses between 90 and 320 GeV, and interpret the results within supersymmetric models.
The inspection of capital goods with complex geometries is a challenging task due to the limited maneuvering and measuring space available. We developed a set of optical measurement systems for the ...inline inspection of such machines and capital goods. At first we introduce a borescopic fringe projection system based on of-the-shelf components. It is capable of detecting geometric variances in hard to reach areas, e.g. inside machines or in between parts with highly complex geometries like blade integrated discs (blisks). Single parts like compressor blades are measured with an inverse fringe projection system, which uses fully adaptable fringe patterns. The adaptable patterns lead to a high sensitivity and high speed. Results can be achieved with only one fringe pattern per measurement.
In order to perform microscopic measurements and surface characterizations, we use a michelson interferometer with advanced 3D reconstruction algorithms to detect microscopic variances of the objects surface. These newly developed algorithms lead to higher sensitivity and improved results.
Together these three inspection systems enable us to detect and to quantify geometric defects or variances of different industrial parts. Based on this information the prediction of the reliability of a part can be improved and the lifetime of an industrial part can be extended leading to a reduction of maintenance costs.
The detection of cGMP in yeast (Eckstein 1988), but lacking hints at guanylate cyclase from sequencing of the yeast genome, raised questions about existence, isoform, and regulation of guanylate ...cyclase from this organism. We found a particulate guanylate cyclase activity in yeast extracts, exhibiting properties of an integral membrane protein. Characteristics are: pH-optimum at pH 6.8, temperature-optimum around 60 degrees C, only slight stimulation by Mn2+. Sigmoidal enzyme kinetics indicate allosteric regulation, ATP and Ca2+ act as negative allosteric effectors. The enzyme activity is increased by yeast alpha-1 mating factor, and by sodium nitrite, thus showing properties of particulate as well as of soluble isoforms from other eukaryotes. The activation by alpha-1 mating factor suggests receptor functions, and a role in ascospore conjugation.
All workers have a right to a safe work environment. Indeed, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) of 1970 was put in place to foster worker safety as a top priority on the job. A ...safer environment is a more productive environment. By providing workplaces free from serious recognized hazards, workers can concentrate on the tasks at hand. The concern with worker safety continues to increase. This has resulted in new OSHA requirements and an NFPA 70E standard on arc flash hazards. These documents cover arc flash studies, which calculate the arc flash hazard present and offer recommendations for appropriate personal protective equipment. Arc flash studies are performed to determine the level of hazards and protocol for working on energized electrical equipment, and to provide information to educate the worker on these issues. The key point to consider is the safety of those who work on energized equipment. The designer can increase worker safety by specifying equipment with features that can eliminate the need for workers to work on such equipment.
The detection of cGMP in yeast (Eckstein 1988), but lacking hints at guanylate cyclase from sequencing of the yeast genome, raised questions about existence, isoform, and regulation of guanylate ...cyclase from this organism. We found a particulate guanylate cyclase activity in yeast extracts, exhibiting properties of an integral membrane protein. Characteristics are: pH-optimum at pH 6.8, temperature-optimum around 60 °C, only slight stimulation by Mn
. Sigmoidal enzyme kinetics indicate allosteric regulation, ATP and Ca
act as negative allosteric effectors. The enzyme activity is increased by yeast alpha-1 mating factor, and by sodium nitrite, thus showing properties of particulate as well as of soluble isoforms from other eukaryotes. The activation by alpha-1 mating factor suggests receptor functions, and a role in ascospore conjugation.
An efficient direct numerical synthesis method for dual offset reflector antennas which is directly based on the physical optics procedure for both reflectors (PO-PO-method) and where the reflector ...surfaces are advantageously characterized in the spatial domain by a 2D Fourier-transformation is described. The method uses an evolution-type optimization algorithm to shape both reflectors simultaneously so as to generate the desired far field with prescribed criteria. The efficiency of the design method is demonstrated for two computer-optimized dual-offset antenna designs for space applications, a very compact optimum shaped Gregorian Earth station antenna with high offset angle (70 degrees ) and small subreflector size (13 lambda ) and a shaped Cassegrain atmospheric sensor antenna for 200 GHz. The theory is verified by available measured results.< >
To determine the magnitude, duration, and associated factors of perioperative changes in pulmonary function, we retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 145 patients who required preoperative ...mechanical ventilation for acute respiratory failure before undergoing 200 surgical procedures. Patients were grouped into five pulmonary diagnostic categories: (1) adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (n = 49); (2) pneumonia (n = 20); (3) atelectasis (n = 65); (4) congestive heart failure (n = 11); and (5) acute ventilatory failure (n = 55). Sixty patients underwent intra-abdominal surgery, 135 patients required surgery on the periphery, and five patients had a thoracotomy. For all patients, Pao2/FIo2 declined significantly from 321 mm Hg (mean) preoperatively to 258 mm Hg intra-operatively, and shunt fraction (Qs/Qt) increased from 0.16 to 0.23 without a significant change in PaCO2. The magnitude of the increase in Qs/Qt did not differ among pulmonary diagnostic groups. Preoperatively, patients undergoing laparotomy had lower PaO2/FIo2 (278 vs 340) and higher Qs/Qt (0.19 vs 0.14) than patients requiring surgery on the periphery. Intra-operatively, Qs/Qt increased more during abdominal procedures than during peripheral procedures. Intra-operative hypoxemia (PaO2/FIo2<80 mm Hg) occurred during 13 procedures. Hypoxemic patients had a mean increase in Qs/Qt of 0.20 (0.25 preoperatively to 0.45 intra-operatively), and a significant increase in PaCO2 from 38 mm Hg to 45 mm Hg intra-operatively). In general, these patients had ARDS (n = 10), sepsis (n = 10), a laparotomy (n = 9), and intra-operative mechanical ventilation via the Ohio Anesthesia ventilator (n = 8), a commonly used operating room ventilator. Their preoperative peak airway pressure (54 cm H2O) and minute ventilation (20 L/min) requirements exceeded the capabilities of the Ohio Anesthesia ventilator and likely contributed to impaired gas exchange intra-operatively. Within the first several hours postoperatively, PaO2/FIo2 recovered to preoperative levels in all patients, even in those who had severe intra-operative hypoxemia develop and who underwent laparotomy. We conclude that most patients with acute respiratory failure receiving preoperative mechanical ventilation experienced mild-to-moderate deterioration in intra-operative pulmonary oxygen exchange that rapidly returned to preoperative levels after surgery. We recommend that necessary surgery not be postponed by concern that pulmonary function will be worsened by surgery and anesthesia.
Prospective evaluation of 178 radial (RAD) and 114 femoral (FEM) artery catheters inserted in 231 critically ill adults in 2 ICUs was performed. FEM catheter duration (5.8 days) was greater than RAD ...(3.9 days, p less than .001). Most catheters were removed when no longer needed. Complication rates of RAD (7.5%) and FEM catheters (6.9%) were similar. Digital ischemia was the most common complication (3.5%) yet no digital necrosis occurred. Peripheral vascular disease (PVD), greater age, and greater catheter duration were not associated with more complications. Difficult percutaneous and surgical cutdown insertion of RAD catheters was associated with much greater complication rates. In conclusion, FEM and RAD artery catheters have acceptably low complication rates of 7%. Percutaneous FEM catheterization is recommended as a safe alternative to difficult RAD cannulation.
Outdoor School is a cherished educational tradition in the Portland, OR region. This program's success is attributed to its presumed ability to positively impact affective and cognitive student ...outcomes. Residential programs such as Outdoor School are considered to be an important supplement to the classroom model of learning because they offer an authentic, contextually rich learning environment. References to relevant literature support the idea that student gains in affective and cognitive domains occur as a result of the multi-sensory, enjoyable, hands-on nature of outdoor learning. The sample population for this study was 115 sixth graders from a demographically diverse Portland, OR school district. This study used an instrument developed by the Common Measures System that was administered to students as part of Outdoor School's professional and program development project. The affective student outcome data measured by the Common Measures instrument was complemented by a formative assessment probe ascertaining prior knowledge of the definition of plants and field notes detailing Field Study instructor lesson content. This first part of this study examined the changes that take place in students' attitudes toward science as a result of attending Outdoor School. The second part took a look at how Outdoor School instruction in the Plants field study aligned with NGSS MS-LS Disciplinary Core Ideas and Practices. The third section of the study compared how Outdoor School instruction in the Plants Field Study and students' prior knowledge of what defines a plant aligned with NGSS MS-LS DCIs. The intent of the research was to arrive at a more nuanced understanding of how students' attitudes toward science are influenced by participating in an outdoor education program and contribute to the development of a continuum between classroom and outdoor school learning using Next Generation Science Standards Disciplinary Core Ideas and Practices as a framework. Results of this study were intended to inform outdoor education program development, add to the existing body of research, and inform future research projects.
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