Cubic Model Research Articles

Scaling of the asymptotic entropy jump in the superadiabatic layers of stellar atmospheres

Stellar structure calculations are able to predict precisely the properties of stars during their evolution. However, convection is still modelled by the mixing length theory; therefore, the upper boundary conditions near the optical surface do not agree with asteroseismic observations. We want to improve how the outer boundary conditions are determined in stellar structure calculations. We study realistic 3D stellar atmosphere models to find alternative properties. We find that the asymptotic entropy run of the superadiabatic convective surface layers exhibit a distinct universal stratification when normalised by the entropy minimum and jump. The normalised entropy can be represented by a 5th order polynomial very accurately, and a 3rd order polynomial also yields accurate coefficients. This generic entropy stratification or the solar stratification, when scaled by the entropy jump and minimum, can be used to improve the modelling of superadiabatic surface layers in stellar structure calculations. Furthermore, this finding indicates that surface convection operates in the same way for all cool stars, but requires further scrutiny in order to improve our understanding of stellar atmospheres.

Genetic improvement trend analysis for end-use quality characteristics among wheat cultivars of North-Western India

To test the perception among consumers in India for declining nutritional quality of wheat, the trends in enduse quality characteristics of popular wheat cultivars of North Western Plain Zone were studied. Fourteen mega varieties released since 1900 were grown in randomized block design over two years. ANOVA revealed no significant differences for nitrogen percentage in grain as well as straw, however, significant differences among the genotypes within breeding period for kernel hardness, sedimentation value and thousand kernel weights was observed. Linear regression equation for thousand kernel weight indicated a poor gain of 0.036g per year. However, the cubical polynomial regression equation significantly improved the association between kernel weight and year of release (R2 = 0.675). Similarly, cubical polynomial equation indicated continuous decline for sedimentation value with indication of some improvement in recent past. The present study therefore, clearly establishes no perceptible loss in nutritional quality. No trend was observed for flour recovery over the years. The study establishes that breeders did not deliberately modify any of the quality traits except grain plumpness and perceived changes are either not true or due to deterioration in production environment over years. GGE biplot analysis grouped HD 2967, HDCSW 16, HD 3086 along with C 591 and identified HDCSW 16 as the most ideal genotype for grain weight.

Experimental Study on the Porosity Creep Properties of Broken Limestone

In the underground engineering, the long-term stability of the surrounding rocks (especially the broken rocks containing water) and the ground settlement resulted from the seepage-creep coupling above goaf have been the important research subjects concerning the deep mining. For the broken rock, its porosity is an important structural parameter determining its creep properties, and the porosity change rate is more superior to describe the creep characteristics compared with the strain change rate at a certain direction. In this paper, MTS815.02 Rock Mechanics Test System is used to carry out the creep experiments on water-saturated broken limestone, and then the time curves of porosity and of the porosity change rate are obtained. By regression, we have got the relation equation between the porosity change rate with the instant porosity and the stress level during the creep. The study indicates that when the stress retains a constant level, the relation between the porosity change rate and the instant porosity can be fitted with a cubical polynomial. The obtained creep relation equation between the porosity change rate and the instant porosity and the instant stress provides a necessary state equation for studying the coupling between the seepage and the creep of the broken rock. Furthermore, the seepage in the broken rock has been verified to satisfy the Forchheimer’s non-Darcy flow according to our previous studies, and its seepage properties, k , β and c a can all be expressed respectively as the polynomial of the porosity, so, by combining with these three state equations we have obtained the four essential state equations for solving the coupling problems of the seepage and the creep for the broken rocks.

高次ホールド近似に基づくモノドロミ作用素のスペクトル計算について

A numerical computation method of the spectrum of the monodromy operator based on fast-sample/hold approximation is investigated. Through the numerical examples of the previous work with the zero-th, 1st and 3rd order polynomial hold functions, it is observed that the computational efficiency improves as the approximation order becomes higher. However, it is reasonable to expect that such a monotonous tendency will hit the ceiling as the approximation order grows. Motivated by this observation, our primary objective in this paper is to investigate the computational efficiency of higher order approximations. Since the order reflects the smoothness of the domain where the monodromy operator is considered, one must justify the approximation procedure for each function space (inductively) before developing the numerical algorithms. Due to the lack of scalability in the proofs of earlier results, this is the first challenge. Then the matrix formula for general order approximation is derived. After checking the error convergence property of the proposed method, we examine the computational efficiency of higher-order approximations through numerical examples.

3D light fields based foreground segmentation in static scenes

To address the problem of extracting foreground objects from complex scenes,a 3D light field based method for foreground segmentation of static scenes was presented. Firstly,the method relies on densely sampled 3D light field formed by stacking a sequence of images captured at different viewpoints. These viewpoints were equally spaced along a linear path so that object trace was smooth in epipolar plan image( EPI).Secondly,line segment detection( LSD) method was performed to extract edges and compute the corresponding depth in EPI,based on which a depth map of the scene was obtained through a fast local depth interpolation algorithm. Piecewise cubic Hermite interpolating polynomial( PCHIP) algorithm proved to have desirable results in this phase. Finally,the recovered dense depth information was exploited to facilitate foreground segmentation. A threshold approach was used to separate different objects in scenes. Preliminary experimental results show that our method is able to estimate the correct relative spatial relation of multiple objects and our proposed foreground segmentation method reduces over-segmentation effects existed in traditional methods based on region clustering and mathematical morphology.

Surface metrics: scaling relationships and downscaling behavior

Considerable research has examined scale effects for patch-based metrics with the ultimate goal of predicting values at finer resolutions (i.e., downscaling), but results have been inconsistent. Surface metrics have been suggested as an alternative to patch-based metrics, although far less is known about their scaling relationships and downscaling potential. If successful, downscaling would enable integration of disparate datasets and comparison of landscapes using different resolution datasets. (1) Determine how surface metrics scale as resolution changes and how consistent those scaling relationships are across landscapes. (2) Test whether these scaling relationships can be accurately downscaled to predict metric values for finer resolutions. Various scaling functions were fit to 16 surface metrics computed for multiple resolutions for a set of landscapes. Best-fitting functions were then extrapolated to test downscaling behavior (i.e., predict metric value for a finer resolution) for an independent set of validation landscapes. Relative error was assessed between the predicted and true values to determine downscaling robustness. Seven surface metrics (Sa, Sq, S10z, Sdq, Sds, Sdr, Srwi) fit consistently well (R2 > 0.99) with a 3rd order polynomial or power law. Of those, the scaling functions for Sa, Sq, and S10z were able to predict metric values at a finer resolution within 5 %. Three metrics, (Ssk, Sku, Sfd) were also notable in terms of fit and downscaling. Many metrics exhibit consistent scaling relations across resolution, and several are able to accurately predict values at finer resolutions. However, prediction accuracy is likely related to the amount of information lost during aggregation.

SU‐E‐T‐193: Commissioning of An IntraOp Mobetron

Purpose:This study will describe the commissioning process of an Intra‐Op Mobetron following the guidance of TG72 and includes a detailed method for measuring gap factors.Methods:Beam data was collected for 6, 9, and 12MeV electrons on the Mobetron using a PTW water tank and a Markus chamber. Commissioning data was collected for 3 sets of cones (0°, 15°, and 30° with respect to the water surface) that ranged in size from 3cm to 10cm diameter in half centimeter increments. Profiles were collected at six depths for all integer cones. PDI's were taken for all cones in a path perpendicular to the water surface and then converted to dose using MEPHYSTO's internal algorithm. The depth of maximum dose was determined from the PDD's and used for measurement of output factors. Output factors were normalized to the 10cm flat cone. Gap factors were measured for all flat cones by raising the cone away from the water surface in defined gaps. These gap factors were measured at dmax for gaps of 1cm to 5cm in 1cm increments Gap factors and effective SSD values were calculated.Results:Output factors measured for all cones were within 3% of the representative beam data for flat cones. There is no published data on beveled cones, but the angled cone output factors agreed with the flat cones within 5%. Gap factors follow a linear pattern with the output decreasing 3–7% per centimeter gap depending on the size of the cone and energy. Effective SSD values calculated and fit a 3rd order polynomial curve with R2>0.98 for all energies.Conclusion:Commissioning of an Intra‐Op Mobetron was completed with general agreement to published data. New data was published for beveled cones and a method for determining gap factors was established.

Proposing a normalized Biot number: For simpler determination of Fourier exponents and for evaluating the sensitivity of the Biot number

This paper presents a normalization of the Biot number, which enables the Fourier exponents to be fitted with a simple 3rd order polynomial (R2 > 0.9999). The method is validated for Biot numbers ranging from 0.02 to ∞, and presented graphically for both the Fourier exponents and the lag factors needed in the series expansion. The lag factors and Fourier exponents are validated with an average variation coefficient (CVRMSD) less than 0.006. The resulting prediction error of the thermal response is < 0.6 °C for spheres and <0.3 °C for slabs and cylinders. The normalized Biot number also facilitates an easy investigation of the sensitivity in heat transfer calculations. The simplicity of the solution facilitates its implementation in the industry and curricula for engineers that needs crude calculation methods for thermal calculations, e.g. food science and food technology educations.

Melting of pelitic sediments at subarc depths: 1. Flux vs. fluid-absent melting and a parameterization of melt productivity

To evaluate the potential of subducted sediments to contribute melts for mantle metasomatism in the subarc region we have experimentally studied and reviewed the melting behavior of pelites at subarc depths. Our experimental data set completes previous studies such that all combinations of fluid-saturated or -absent melting with or without H2O and CO2 are now investigated. Experiments were conducted at 3–4.5GPa, 750–1200°C with varying proportions of H2O (0.7–4.4wt.%) and CO2 (0–4wt.%), the maximum amount of H2O stored away in phengite being ~0.9wt.% For all pelites, the onset of melting is controlled by an assemblage of phengite+jadeitic cpx+quartz/coesite±fluid. The wet solidus locates at 715 to 830°C, 3 to 4.5GPa, increasing by ~30°C with CO2. The fluid-absent pelite solidus is at 890 to 1040°C, 3 to 4.5GPa, decreasing little with CO2. To 5GPa, quartz-saturated pelites yield highly siliceous meta- to slightly peraluminous granites.To all available experiments we fitted (i) 3rd order polynomials to describe the fluid-saturated and fluid-absent solidi, and (ii) equations to parameterize melt productivity in sediments as a function of temperature, pressure, bulk H2O- and CO2-contents (valid for 2–5GPa). For H2O-contents leading to fluid-saturation at subsolidus conditions, melt productivity at the solidus increases with pressure and depends strongly on the amount of H2O available: experimental and calculated melt fractions (F) are 2–17 and 23–38wt.% at 2.5–5GPa, 2 and 15wt.% bulk H2O, respectively. As calcite remains stable above the fluid-saturated solidus, partial melting does not lead to complete decarbonation. Near the solidus, the silicate melt may only transport 0.05 to 0.6wt.% bulk CO2. Fluid-absent melting yields 15–30% melt at the solidus with phengite melting out immediately above the solidus.Warm thermal subduction models predict temperatures that just cross the wet solidus in hot subduction zones but not in intermediate to cold ones. The only realistic scenario for extracting sediment melts from subducting slabs is flux melting where fluid is added from metamorphic reactions in underlying slab lithologies. With the meta-basaltic layer being fully dehydrated when sediments reach melting temperatures, the only viable mechanism for H2O delivery is serpentine breakdown in the subducting oceanic peridotite. However, if sediments melt in the descending slab, the same slab will almost completely dehydrate. We thus conclude that sediment melting in descending slabs cannot be a general process as otherwise the Earth interior would dry out on geological time scales. Alternatives are cold sediment diapirs rising into the mantle wedge or trace element transfer by supercritical liquids at >5GPa, the latter propelled by partial peridotite dehydration.

ANÁLISE COMPARATIVA DA PRECIPITAÇÃO NO ESTADO DA PARAÍBA UTILIZANDO MODELOS DE REGRESSÃO POLINOMIAL

O Estado da Paraíba apresenta alta variabilidade espacial e temporal na distribuição das chuvas. Além disso, existem muitos locais onde não se tem informações sobre os valores de precipitação. Logo, o uso da regressão polinomial (superfície de tendência) na tentativa de obter estimativas de precipitação pode ser uma alternativa para um melhor entendimento da variabilidade espaço-temporal desse parâmetro meteorológico. Assim, o objetivo principal desse estudo foi utilizar o método da regressão polinomial como ferramenta para estimar médias mensais de precipitação para locais conhecidos (estações meteorológicas ou postos pluviométricos) e compará-las com valores medidos, com o intuito de verificar sua precisão dentro da região de estudos. Foram utilizados dados médios mensais de precipitação pluviométrica provenientes de 102 estações meteorológicas distribuídas espacialmente no estado da Paraíba, no período de 1962 a 2001. Os dados apresentaram alta variabilidade espacial em todo o Estado. As regressões polinomiais que melhor se ajustaram aos dados observados foram as de 3ª e 4ª ordens, e a comparação entre os valores de precipitação medidos e estimados mostraram que os meses de junho a novembro apresentaram as menores diferenças de precipitação na maior parte do território paraibano. Sendo assim, o método adotado se apresenta como uma ferramenta promissora na estimativa da precipitação mensal no Estado da Paraíba.

Study Shapes and Alignments of Rotational States in Some Rare-Earth Nuclei

The ground state rotational band members for the studied nuclei have been identified and their energies calculated to about 0.3%. These energies provide good test of various models for rotational bands, and impressive agreement is observed with a theoretical calculations by the variable moment of inertia (VMI) model and cubic polynomial (CP) formula. In addition to giving an excellent fit to the excitation energy of the ground-band levels in all nuclei. Also reproduces a critical spin Ic beyond which the square rotational frequency ω2 decreases although the moment of inertia ℑ keeps on increasing, thus resulting in back bending in I -ω2 plot for some of the studied nuclei. This feature is predicted to appear not only in the deformed nuclei but also at quite low spins in nearly spherical nuclei as well. Also the formula contains the low and high spin behavior in agreement with the available experimental data.

On the finiteness and sigma finiteness of a cubic measure function

On the finiteness and sigma finiteness of a cubic measure function

Characterisation of Sodium Aerosol in Cover Gas Region of SILVERINA Loop

Sodium aerosols are continuously being generated in the cover gas region of Sodium cooled Fast Reactor (SFR) from the hot sodium pool and they play major role in heat and mass transfer to the roof top plug and side walls. In order to characterize the sodium aerosols, a study has been initiated by conducting experiments in one of the sodium loop facility SILVERINA of IGCAR. This paper describes design and installation of aerosol sampling system in SILVERINA loop, results and analysis of sodium aerosol characteristics, measurement of temperature profile of cover gas region, theoretical simulation of sodium aerosols mass concentration for the given pool (loop) condition and validation of the model with experimental results. The sodium aerosol size distribution in cover gas region is found to be mono-model. The Mass Median Diameter (MMD) of sodium aerosol is found to be varying from 1.5–11.5 µm as a function of sodium pool temperature and found to increase linearly with increase of sodium pool temperature. The sodium aerosol mass concentration is found to be varying from 0.026–35.6 g/m3 as a function of sodium pool temperature and it is found to follow 3rd order polynomial regression with increase of sodium pool temperature. The sodium aerosol mass concentration and MMD are found to be higher near the sodium pool compared to middle of the cover gas region and near the roof top. A theoretical simulation has been carried out to predict the sodium aerosol mass concentration with respect to pool temperature for a given geometry of the vessel and the theoretical and experimental mass concentration of sodium aerosols found to have good agreement.

Soil evolution indices in fluvial terrace chronosequences from central Spain (Tagus and Duero fluvial basins)

Soil development in central Spain was studied through analysis of soil chronosequences from Tagus and Duero river valley terrace systems, evolved under similar Mediterranean climatic conditions throughout the Pleistocene. The most complete soil–terrace sequence, representative for our study, developed in the Tagus valley (Aranjuez–Toledo–Talavera sector). We present soil textural data for argillic horizons developed in Late to Early Pleistocene soils from five valleys. We derive soil development indices from clay and silt content and thickness of argillic horizons. Global clay content (GCC), clay content (CC) and clay/silt ratio (C/Si ratio), numerical indices related to clay illuviation, reflect soil evolution, explored by multiple regression of soil–terrace height and soil–age. Relative terrace heights above present river thalwegs (i.e. +100 m) were transformed to ages with a “height–age transfer function” on the basis of preliminary statistical geochronological analyses for central Spain. The height–age transfer function, a 3rd order polynomial (R2 = 0.90), based on 60 published numerical ages and paleomagnetic data for terrace sequences:describes the overall trend of valley downcutting for the last c. 2 Ma in central Spain. It assigns numerical ages to terrace levels at different relative elevations; and gives an estimate of standardized ages for the related soils. The explored age–soil relationships, logarithmic functions (R2 > 0.80), are sensitive to parent material clay content (corresponding to geology of river catchments) for most soil indices. Only the clay/silt ratio minimizes this sensitivity, and can thus be used for regional approaches (Tagus and Duero basins; central Spain) whereas the CC index is applicable only to individual river valleys or different river valleys with similar catchment geology (i.e. Tagus Basin). The C/Si ratio illustrates the logarithmic trend of weathering of soil particles into clay over time, the generation of soil textural balances sustaining illuviation processes, and therefore provides an estimate of “soil ageing”, for the implementation of soil chronofunctions for regional analysis of river valleys evolving in similar climatic conditions and with similar base-level history.

Development and Validation of a Chromogenic Direct Thrombin Inhibitor Assay on the ACL Top 700 for Quantifying Dabigatran Levels in Plasma

Dabigatran is a potent, competitive, and reversible direct thrombin inhibitor, that binds to the active site of thrombin, inhibiting both free and clot-bound thrombin. It is the active form of dabigatran etexilate, which is a low molecular weight prodrug metabolized to its active form after oral administration. Although patients on therapeutic doses of dabigatran do not require routine coagulation monitoring due to its dose dependent and predictable pharmacological profile, there may be situations in which it may be beneficial to be able to accurately measure the degree of anticoagulation (ie. urgent surgery, severe bleeding, thrombosis despite treatment, overdose, bridging with other anticoagulants, patients with a high risk of dabigatran accumulation or potential drug interactions). Accordingly, we developed and validated a chromogenic direct thrombin inhibitor assay on the ACL TOP 700 automated hemostasis analyzer for quantifying dabigatran levels in human plasma.Our test principle was based on the in vitro thrombin inhibition by dabigatran, in which excess thrombin was added to the plasma sample, the thrombin in the sample was neutralized in proportion to the amount of dabigatran, and the residual thrombin hydrolyzed the chromogenic substrate releasing pNA which was measured photometrically at 405 nm on the ACL TOP 700. This assay was calibrated with purchased dabigatran calibration samples (Aniara). Each calibration curve consisted of five points, used a 3rd order polynomial curve fit, and was performed each time an assay was run. For all runs, an r2 of 1.0 was observed and all calibrators demonstrated an acceptable accuracy and precision (± 10% from assigned value for samples ≥ 100 ng/mL or < 10 ng/mL of assigned values for all other samples).Validation of this dabigatran level assay for accuracy, intra- and inter-assay precision, analytical specificity, analytical sensitivity, analyte stability, and robustness was completed and reportable result ranges established. To evaluate accuracy, three plasma samples containing dabigatran in the range of expected concentrations (high, medium, low) were compared to the value determined by mass spectrometry. Intra- and inter-assay precision was determined by analyzing these 3 samples over multiple assay runs spanning multiple days. All determined values were within 15% of the assigned values for samples ≥ 100ng/mL and within 10ng/mL of the assigned values for all other samples. Analytical specificity was confirmed by running sample pairs (plasma/serum, citrate/EDTA, hemolyzed/non-hemolyzed, icteric/non-icteric, lipemic/cleared-lipemic, 1 U/mL unfractionated heparin and 2 U/mL low molecular weight heparin-containing samples). Only the serum sample resulted in >10% difference from the standard plasma, indicating assay interference. Assay results were not affected by unfractionated heparin up to 1 U/mL and low molecular weight heparin up to 2 U/mL. Analytical sensitivity was established by assaying normal plasma containing no or low levels of dabigatran. The limit of blank was determined to be 3 ng/mL, limit of detection 10 ng/mL, and limit of quantitation (LoQ) 20 ng/mL. Analyte stability studies established samples thawed and refrozen up to 2 times were acceptable. Assay robustness was determined to be acceptable. The reportable range was determined to be 20-900 ng/mL based on the calibration curve and LoQ.In summary, we have developed and validated an accurate, precise, sensitive and robust chromogenic assay on the ACL TOP 700 for the determination of dabigatran concentration in human plasma. This assay may prove useful in certain clinical circumstances (urgent surgery, severe bleeding, or thrombosis despite treatment) for the assessment of anticoagulation status. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

A Metamodel Simulation Based Optimisation Approach for the Tidal Turbine Location Problem

A metamodel simulation based optimisation approach for the tidal turbine location problem is introduced. The method comprises design of experiments, computational simulations, metamodel construction and formulation of a mathematical optimisation model. Sample plans with different number of data points are used to fit 2nd and 3rd order polynomial as a function of two design parameters: longitudinal and lateral spacing, with a view to approximating the power output of tidal turbine farms with inline and staggered layouts, each of them with a fixed number of turbines. The major advantage this method has, in comparison to those reported in the literature, is the capability to analyse different design parameter combinations that satisfy optimality criteria in reasonable computational time, while taking into account complex flow-turbine interactions.

REFINING GEOIDAL HEIGHTS COMPUTED BY FULLY-NORMALISED SPHERICAL HARMONICS COEFFICIENTS OF THE EARTH GRAVITATIONAL MODEL EGM2008 BY ADJUSTMENT OF COMBINED GPS/LEVELLING/GEOID NETWORK

The paper presents the combined adjustment of GPS/Levelling bservations on benchmarks with gravimetric geoid heights of the Earth Gravitational Model EGM2008 on both terms of theoretical and practical point of view. For the parametric models to be used, various choice have been tested, namely well-known four- and five-parameter similarity transformation models and 1st, 2nd, 3rd order polynomial ones.The geoid heights of GPS/Levelling points in Vietnam territory were computed by the use of fully-normalised spherical harmonic coefficients of the Earth Gravitational Model (EGM) 2008 up to degree 2190.All five models have been tested employing GPS/Levelling observations, geoid heights from EGM2008 with a uniform accuracy for all height types. The mean deviation can be attributed to some datum bias and other systematic errors which was eliminated by the mathematical models after the fit. From the results which are summarized in the paper, it becomes evident that the best fit is achieved when the 3rd order polynomial model is employed to model the residuals. After the fit by 3rd polynomial model, a reduction by 54 cm and 1cm correspoding to RMS and standard deviation is achieved while the range reduces from 1.783m to 1.714m.ReferencesChristian Hirt, 2012. Efficient and accurate high-degree spherical harmonic synthesis of gravity field functionals at the Earth’s surface using the gradient approach. Journal of Geodesy,Volume 86, pp 729-744, Springer-Verlag.G. Fotopoulos, 2005. Calibration of geoid error models via a combined adjustment of ellipsoidal, orthometric and gravimetric geoid height data.Journal of Geodesy, Volume 79,pp 111-123, Springer-Verlag.C. Kotsakis, M. G. Sideris, 1999. On the adjustment of combined GPS/Levelling/geoid networks.Journal of Geodesy, Volume 73, pp 412- 421, Springer-Verlag.Nikolaos K. Pavlis, Simon A. Holmes, Steve C. Kenyon and John K. Factor, 2012. The development and evaluation of the Earth Gravitational Model 2008 (EGM2008). Journal of Geophysical Research, vol 117.Pavlis NK, Holmes SA, Kenyon SC, Factor JK, 2008. An Earth Gravitational Model to Degree 2160: EGM2008.Presented at the 2008 General Asembly of the European Geosciences Union, Vienna, Austria, April 13-18.N. Tziavos, G. S. Vergos, V. N. Grigoriadis, V. D. Andritsanos, 2012. Adjustment of collocated GPS, geoid and orthormetric height observations in Greece. Geoid or Orthometric height improvement?. International Association of Geodesy Symposia, Volume 136, pp 481-488, Springer Berlin Heidelberg.

Age-specific changes in body mass and delayed physical development of a known-aged sample of wild, white-tailed deer

Ontogeny is important to life history processes and evolution because it can influence fitness through survival and reproduction. However, most studies related to ontogeny of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) have been carried out under controlled settings (in captive herds) where deer do not experience the same levels of environmental variability as wild deer. We use a 23-year data set of wild, known-aged deer to study changes in sex- and age-specific body mass. We found that body mass increased with age in both females and males and was best described by a 3rd order polynomial function. During the first year of life, from fawns to yearlings, females gained on average 76.6% greater mass while males gained 89.6% greater mass. Body mass gain slowed significantly after 2 years of age for females (annual gain was <7%), and by 2 years of age, females had reached 92% of their maximum lifetime body mass. For males, body mass continued to increase through 5 years of age. Body mass of males was largely influenced by their year of birth; however, this was not the case for females. Males born during suboptimal years showed signs of delayed physical development; males had less body mass as fawns and yearlings than males born during good years, but at 2 years of age, deer born during suboptimal years exhibited compensatory growth and had body mass similar to deer born during good years. These data make a significant contribution to ontogeny of white-tailed deer because these longitudinal data were collected on a known-aged, wild population under variable environmental conditions; a scenario for which a paucity of ontogenetic data exists.

SU-E-T-638: Evaluation and Comparison of Landauer Microstar (OSLD) Readers

Purpose: To evaluate and compare characteristic performance of a new Landauer nanodot Reader with the previous model. Methods: In order to calibrate and test the reader, a set of nanodots were irradiated using a Varian Truebeam Linac. Solid water slabs and bolus were used in the process of irradiation. Calibration sets of nanodots were irradiated for radiation dose ranges: 0 to 10 and 20 to 1000 cGy, using 6MV photons. Additionally, three sets of nanodots were each irradiated using 6MV, 10MV and 15MV beams. For each beam energy, and selected dose in the range of 3 to 1000 cGy, a pair of nanodots was irradiated and three readings were obtained with both readers. Results: The analysis shows that for 3 photon beam energies and selected ranges of dose, the calculated absorbed dose agrees well with the expected value. The results illustrate that the new Microstar II reader is a highly consistent system and that the repeated readings provide results with a reasonably small standard deviation. For all practical purposes, the response of system is linear for all radiation beam energies. Conclusion: The Microstar II nanodot reader is consistent, accurate, and reliable. The new hardware design and corresponding software contain severalmore » advantages over the previous model. The automatic repeat reading mechanism, that helps improve reproducibility and reduce processing time, and the smaller unit size that renders ease of transport, are two of such features. Present study shows that for high dose ranges a polynomial calibration equation provides more consistent results. A 3rd order polynomial calibration curve was used to analyze the readings of dosimeters exposed to high dose range radiation. It was observed that the results show less error compared to those calculated by using linear calibration curves, as provided by Landauer system software for all dose ranges.« less

On the internal ballistics of composite charges with cubic from function

The equation of internal ballistics of composite charges are solved with cubic form function and including the co-volume correction term following Hunt-Hind system. Results are obtained in terms of algebraic functions or in terms of tabulated functions (Incomplete Bata Function) by making suitable approximation in evaluating the integral arising out of the inclusion of the co-volume correction term.