Reduced Energy Levels Research Articles

Improvement in Network Lifetime for On-Demand Routing in Mobile Ad hoc Networks using either On-Demand Recharging or Transmission Power Control or Both

Given a fixed energy budget for the operation of a mobile ad hoc network (MANET), on-demand recharging is the technique of charging the nodes initially with identical, but reduced energy level called the recharge quantum, and then recharging the nodes with the recharge quantum of energy whenever the energy level at a node goes below a threshold level. Transmission power control is the technique of adjusting the transmission power at a sender node depending on the distance to the receiver node. The high-level contribution of this paper is a simulation-based analysis of the network lifetime obtained for each of the following four scenarios: [a] No power control, No on-demand recharging; [b] Power control, but no on-demand recharging; [c] On-demand recharging, but no power control and [d] Both power control and on-demand recharging. Network lifetime is defined as the time of first node failure due to the exhaustion of energy level at the node and the inability to further charge the node. The on-demand routing protocols studied are: Dynamic Source Routing (DSR), Flow-Oriented Routing Protocol (FORP) and the Min-Max Battery Cost Routing (MMBCR) algorithm run on the top of DSR. We illustrate the improvement obtained in network lifetime as we transition from scenarios [a] through [d]. Simulation results illustrate that scenarios involving on-demand recharging ([c] and [d]) yield a higher network lifetime than scenarios [a] and [b]. When we operate the network with both on-demand recharging and power control, we obtain the maximum improvement in network lifetime. The percentage of the supplied energy that has been consumed in the network at the time of first node failure for each of the four scenarios and the three routing protocols is also measured to illustrate the effectiveness of on-demand recharging in maximizing the usage of the available energy budget.

Dimensions and correlates of quality of life according to frailty status: a cross-sectional study on community-dwelling older adults referred to an outpatient geriatric service in Italy

BackgroundThere is a lack of knowledge concerning the relationship between two closely-linked multidimensional variables: frailty and quality of life (QOL). The aim of this study was to investigate dimensions and correlates of QOL associated with frailty status among community-dwelling older outpatients.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey of 239 community-dwelling outpatients aged 65+ (mean age 81.5 years) consecutively referred to a geriatric medicine clinic in Italy between June and November 2009. Participants underwent a comprehensive geriatric assessment, including assessment of their frailty status according to the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures (SOF) criteria, and QOL, which was evaluated by using the Older People's QOL (OPQOL) questionnaire. One-way ANOVA and chi-squared tests were used to find correlates of frailty, including QOL dimensions, after stratification of participants in the "robust" (n = 72), "pre-frail" (n = 89) and "frail" (n = 78) groups. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to find correlates of QOL in the overall sample and among "frail" and "robust" participants.ResultsA negative trend of QOL with frailty status was found for almost all dimensions of QOL (health, independence, home and neighbourhood, psychological and emotional well-being, and leisure, activities and religion) except for social relationships and participation and financial circumstances. Independent correlates of a poor QOL in the total sample were "reduced energy level" (SOF criterion for frailty), depressive status, dependence in transferring and bathing abilities and money management (adjusted R squared 0.39); among "frail" participants the associations were with depressive status and younger age, and among "robust" participants the association was with lower body mass index.ConclusionsFive out of seven dimensions of QOL were negatively affected by frailty, but only one SOF criterion for frailty was independently related to QOL, after correction for age, functional status and depression. A more advanced age as well as a better affective status were correlates of a better QOL among frail elders. Interventions targeting the QOL in frail community-dwelling older outpatients should consider as outcomes, not only health-related QOL, but also other domains of the QOL.

Lidar waveform stacking techniques for faint ground return extraction

Innovative algorithm development for small-footprint full-waveform lidar data processing extends this technology's capabilities to more complicated acquisition scenarios then previously determined, namely success of surveys over obscured areas. Waveform decomposition and the extraction of waveform metrics provide a straightforward approach to identifying vertical structure within each laser measurement. However, there are some limitations in this approach as faint returns within the waveform go undetected within the classical processing chain. These faint returns are the result of reduced energy levels due to obscurant scattering, attenuation and absorption. Lidar surveys over non-homogeneous wooded regions indicate that there are meaningful ground returns within dense tree coverage if extracted correctly from the data. By using a waveform stacking technique with appropriate waveforms in near geospatial proximity to the original, these faint returns can be augmented and detected during data processing. In comparison to the traditional approach, the waveform stacking technique provides up to a 60% increase in perceived ground returns with the faint signal extraction for the particular datasets analyzed over a broadleaf forest in Mississippi. The enhanced capability in the presence of foliage provides a decrease in operational effort associated with data density, dwell or targeting techniques, in addition to required survey expense.

Effect of Zinc Supplementation on Thyroid Hormone Metabolism of Adolescents with Down Syndrome

Studies have evidenced that zinc metabolism is altered in the presence of Down syndrome, and zinc seems to have a relationship with the metabolic alterations usually present in this syndrome. In this work, the effect of zinc supplementation on thyroid hormone metabolism was evaluated in adolescents with Down syndrome. A prospective study was carried out on 16 adolescents with Down syndrome (age: 10-19 years) who were randomized for treatment with 30 mg zinc daily for 4 weeks. Diet evaluation was accomplished y using a 3-day dietary record, and the analysis was performed by the NutWin program, version 1.5. Anthropometric measurements were performed for evaluation of body composition. The Zn-related nutritional status of the groups was evaluated by means of zinc concentration determinations in plasma and erythrocytes using the method of atomic absorption spectroscopy, and the thyroid hormone was obtained by radioimmunoassay. The diet of patients with Down syndrome, before and after the intervention presented reduced energy level and adequate zinc concentrations. Mean plasma zinc values were 59.2 +/- 13.2 and 71.0 +/- 21.9 microg/dL before and after the intervention, respectively. Erythrocyte concentrations of the mineral before supplementation, instead, were 51.5 microg/dL +/- 11.1 microg Zn/gHb, and at the end of the experiment, they were 42.9 +/- 8/5 microg Zn/gHb, with a significant statistical difference (p < 0.05). Serum concentrations of T(4) hormone before and after zinc supplementation were 1.26 +/- 0.20 and 1.54 +/- 0.63 pg/mL, respectively. Mean T(3) values before intervention were 2.47 +/- 037 pg/mL and, after supplementation, 2.25 +/- 0.67 pg/mL, without significant statistical difference (p > 0.05). Intervention with zinc showed to be effective in the stabilization of the concentrations of this mineral in plasma and erythrocytes, but had no influence on the metabolism of thyroid hormones.

Comparison of 2 Frailty Indexes for Prediction of Falls, Disability, Fractures, and Death in Older Women

Frailty, as defined by the index derived from the Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS index), predicts risk of adverse outcomes in older adults. Use of this index, however, is impractical in clinical practice. We conducted a prospective cohort study in 6701 women 69 years or older to compare the predictive validity of a simple frailty index with the components of weight loss, inability to rise from a chair 5 times without using arms, and reduced energy level (Study of Osteoporotic Fractures [SOF index]) with that of the CHS index with the components of unintentional weight loss, poor grip strength, reduced energy level, slow walking speed, and low level of physical activity. Women were classified as robust, of intermediate status, or frail using each index. Falls were reported every 4 months for 1 year. Disability (> or =1 new impairment in performing instrumental activities of daily living) was ascertained at 4(1/2) years, and fractures and deaths were ascertained during 9 years of follow-up. Area under the curve (AUC) statistics from receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and -2 log likelihood statistics were compared for models containing the CHS index vs the SOF index. Increasing evidence of frailty as defined by either the CHS index or the SOF index was similarly associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes. Frail women had a higher age-adjusted risk of recurrent falls (odds ratio, 2.4), disability (odds ratio, 2.2-2.8), nonspine fracture (hazard ratio, 1.4-1.5), hip fracture (hazard ratio, 1.7-1.8), and death (hazard ratio, 2.4-2.7) (P < .001 for all models). The AUC comparisons revealed no differences between models with the CHS index vs the SOF index in discriminating falls (AUC = 0.61 for both models; P = .66), disability (AUC = 0.64; P = .23), nonspine fracture (AUC = 0.55; P = .80), hip fracture (AUC = 0.63; P = .64), or death (AUC = 0.72; P = .10). Results were similar when -2 log likelihood statistics were compared. The simple SOF index predicts risk of falls, disability, fracture, and death as well as the more complex CHS index and may provide a useful definition of frailty to identify older women at risk of adverse health outcomes in clinical practice.

Nocturia in Spanish patients with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH)

ABSTRACTObjective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of nocturia and its impact on quality of life (QoL) in Spanish patients with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH).Research design and methods: This was a Spanish, multicentre, cross-sectional study. Outpatients aged 60 years and over with LUTS/BPH, a prostate size ≥ 25 g, untreated for LUTS/BPH and responding to the International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS) were included. Nocturia was defined as ≥ 2 nocturnal voids/night. The Spanish version of the Nocturia-specific Quality of Life (N-QoL) questionnaire assessed the impact of nocturia on QoL, with a low score indicating a poor QoL due to nocturia.Results: A total of 502 patients were included; mean age 68.1 ± 5.7 years, mean I-PSS 14.9 ± 7.1, mean prostate size 50.9 ± 20 g. The overall prevalence of nocturia was 83.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 79.8–86.4). Patients with nocturia had a lower score on the overall N-QoL questionnaire and the sleep/energy and bother/concern domains than those without nocturia ( p < 0.001); 42.9% of patients with nocturia stated that they had a good-very good QoL compared to 90.6% in those without nocturia ( p < 0.001).Conclusion: This study shows a high prevalence of nocturia in Spanish LUTS/BPH patients. Nocturia negatively impacts on the QoL of LUTS/BPH patients, which is reflected in worse sleep, reduced energy levels and increased bother and concern. Therefore adequate treatment of this symptom is necessary.

Phonology and phonetics of English stress and vowel reduction

The reduced energy level of unstressed vowels compromises perceptibility of vowel distinctions, leading to the ‘neutralization’ of some of the distinctions. The difference between the collapse of most vowels into [ ∂] in English, and more restricted effects in other languages is shown to be managed by constraint ranking within OT. The same factors that compromise perceptibility of V-quality are shown to also compromise perceptibility of C-place in a following coda, however, and this is argued to underlie certain failed vowel reductions, as in the final syllable of À dirónd ack . Coronals differ in not comparably blocking reduction, as in Connéctic [ ∂] t, a property that is attributed to the notoriously ‘unmarked’ character of coronals: since neutralizations are quite generally to ‘unmarked’ values, coronals are – as it were – ‘pre-neutralized’ for place, and are thus insensitive to whether or not a preceding vowel provides good place cues, thus permitting vowel reduction. The account of vowel reduction based on this kind of V-to-C interaction is proved superior to traditional ones based solely on lack of stress, which would not only face serious difficulties in providing just the ‘right’ stresses, but would also miss important links between the distribution of vowel reduction and the structure of word-final clusters, which are correctly captured here.

Pod Development Increases the Ozone Sensitivity of Phaseolus vulgaris

The objective of this study was to determine if theO3sensitivity of Phaseolus vulgaris L. changed withplant development. Plants exposed to charcoal-filtered airor elevated O3 throughout the study were compared tothose exposed only during the vegetative or reproductivestages. Effects of pod development on O3 sensitivitywere also examined by removing flowers from a subset ofplants. We found that plant developmental stage significantly altered O3 sensitivity. Exposures during vegetative stagescaused little foliar injury and had only a small impact on totalgrowth and yield. In contrast, exposures during pod development had a much greater effect on foliar injury, growth and yield. Pod development significantly increased O3 induced foliar injury and O3 impacts on plant growth. We suggest that thegreater O3 sensitivity during pod filling and maturation isthe consequence of reduced energy levels available for homeostatic repair processes.

Inhibition of the electrogenic Na pump underlies delayed depolarization of cortical neurons after mechanical injury or glutamate.

We previously characterized the electrophysiological response of cortical neurons to a brief sublethal stretch-injury using an in vitro model of traumatic brain injury. This model revealed that cortical neurons undergo a stretch-induced delayed depolarization (SIDD) of their resting membrane potential (RMP) which is approximately 10 mV in magnitude. SIDD is dependent on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor activation, neuronal firing, and extracellular calcium for its induction but not its maintenance. SIDD was maximal 1 h after the insult and required incubation at 37 degrees C. The present study examined the mechanism mediating SIDD and its relation to glutamate receptor activation. The Na pump inhibitor ouabain was used to assess the contribution of the Na pump to the RMP of control and stretched neurons using whole cell patch-clamp techniques. The nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor N omega-nitro-L-arginine and a polyethylene glycol conjugate of superoxide dismutase were used to assess whether NO or superoxide anion, respectively, were involved in the induction of SIDD. Neurons were exposed to exogenous glutamate in the absence of cell stretch to determine whether glutamate alone can mimic SIDD. We report that SIDD is mediated by Na pump inhibition and is likely to result from reduced energy levels since the RMP of neurons dialyzed with a pipette solution containing 5 mM ATP were identical to controls. NO, but not superoxide anion, also may contribute to SIDD. A 3-min exposure to 10 microM glutamate produced a SIDD-like depolarization also associated with Na pump inhibition. The results suggest that Na pump inhibition secondary to alterations in cellular energetics underlies SIDD. Na pump inhibition due to glutamate exposure may contribute to traumatic brain injury or neurodegenerative diseases linked to glutamate receptor activation.

Viscous drag reduction using riblets on NACA 0012 airfoil to moderate incidence

Results of viscous drag reduction using riblets from 3M on a NACA 0012 airfoil model up to moderate angles of attack are presented. Measurements made consisted of model surface pressure distributions, mean velocity and streamwise turbulence intensity profiles in the boundary layer (just ahead of the trailing edge), and total airfoil drag for two riblet heights of 0.152 and 0.076 mm. Results show significantly higher skin friction drag reduction with incidence compared to plat plate flows; the reduction was as high as 16% at ? = 6 deg. Results of mean velocity profiles show that a larger contribution to drag reduction results from the suction side of the airfoil, indicating increased effectiveness of riblets in adverse pressure gradients. Examination of turbulence intensity profiles in the wall region indicates an appreciable reduction in the presence of riblets; correspondingly, the spectra show reduced energy levels at low frequencies.

Transscleral Nd:YAG Laser Cyclophotocoagulation With a Contact Lens

Transscleral Nd:YAG laser cyclophotocoagulation was performed on 100 consecutive patients. A contact lens designed specifically for this operation was used, and the results were compared to those of a previously reported series of 100 patients in which the same procedure was performed without the lens. The lens provided intraoperative advantages of eyelid separation, compression and blanching of the conjunctiva at the treatment site, and precise measurements for placement of the laser applications. Early postoperative advantages were reduced conjunctival burns and less hyperemia. However, the long-term results were comparable between the two series, with the exception of a higher incidence of phthisis when the lens was used. The thinning and blanching of the conjunctiva may increase the percentage of laser energy reaching the ciliary processes, which suggests a need for reduced energy levels when using the lens.

Speech Patterning of Natural Discourse of Well and Depressed Mothers and Their Young Children

The speech behavior of 14 depressed and 18 nondepressed mothers during conversations with their 3-year-old children was examined in this study. Given the general motor retardation, reduced energy level, and social withdrawal of depressed individuals, the speech patterns of depressed mothers were predicted to differ from the speech patterns of well mothers. Depressed mothers vocalized less often and responded less quickly to the cessation of their children's speech than healthy mothers. However, in a mildly stressful situation (awaiting a doctor's visit) the depressed mothers, but not the healthy mothers, significantly increased their level of speech productivity. Children of the depressed mothers spoke less than children of healthy women, particularly while sitting and eating lunch with their mothers. The observed difference in the mothers' behaviors was interpreted as an indication that the 2 groups of children are exposed to very different patterns of socialization. The offspring of depressed women are being taught both to keep social interaction to a minimum and to be overreactive to even mild stresses. The differences in the children's behavior may indicate that already these 3-year-old children have learned to keep their interactions with their mother to a minimum. This manner of adaptation may have negative effects on the child's continued social, emotional, and cognitive development.

Speech Patterning of Natural Discourse of Well and Depressed Mothers and Their Young Children

The speech behavior of 14 depressed and 18 nondepressed mothers during conversations with their 3-year-old children was examined in this study. Given the general motor retardation, reduced energy level, and social withdrawal of depressed individuals, the speech patterns of depressed mothers were predicted to differ from the speech patterns of well mothers. Depressed mothers vocalized less often and responded less quickly to the cessation of their children's speech than healthy mothers. However, in a mildly stressful situation (awaiting a doctor's visit) the depressed mothers, but not the healthy mothers, significantly increased their level of speech productivity. Children of the depressed mothers spoke less than children of healthy women, particularly while sitting and eating lunch with their mothers. The observed difference in the mothers' behaviors was interpreted as an indication that the 2 groups of children are exposed to very different patterns of socialization. The offspring of depressed women are being taught both to keep social interaction to a minimum and to be overreactive to even mild stresses. The differences in the children's behavior may indicate that already these 3-year-old children have learned to keep their interactions with their mother to a minimum. This manner of adaptation may have negative effects on the child's continued social, emotional, and cognitive development.

Seismic Data Acquisition in San Juan Volcanic Field: ABSTRACT

The 1982, 1983, and 1984 Colorado School of Mines Geophysics Department summer field camp data acquisition was in the San Juan volcanic field between Monte Vista, Colorado, and the Continental Divide 30 mi west of Monte Vista. The objectives included (1) determining which techniques were most successful at retrieving data through volcanic layers, and (2) trying to see if there was seismic evidence for Cretaceous and older sediments beneath the volcanics. Both of these objectives met with success. Seven seismic lines (approximately 40 mi) were acquired in this area. Field tests were also conducted along these lines. Each of the three data sets (1982, 1983, and 1984) were acquired using two Vibroseis trucks, 110-ft shot and group intervals, off-end spreads, 48 groups per shot, and 12 to 24 fold. Number of sweeps, drive level, sweep frequencies, source and group arrays, and minimum and maximum offsets were changed for each data set. These changes were beneficial in some respects and harmful in others. Lengthening the group array helped cancel the ground roll but also attenuated higher frequency data. Increasing the low frequency cutoff helped cut out ground roll but resulted in less interpretable data character. Increasing minimum offsets helped to cut out ground roll but also re ulted in loss of some shallow reflections. A beneficial acquisition parameter for this area was the reduced energy level input into the ground. Variations in near-surface geology also caused data quality differences. The best data were acquired where a fairly consistent thickness of alluvium covered the volcanic rocks. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1042------------

Paleoenvironmental Analysis of Disconformity and Condensed Bed at Contact of Austin and Taylor Groups (Upper Cretaceous), East-Central and Northeastern Texas: ABSTRACT

A disconformity and overlying condensed bed at the Austin-Taylor contact were examined in eight outcrops over a distance (Austin-Dallas-Roxton) of 450 km. Results of the analysis incorporate information from petrologic, foraminiferal, and trace-fossil studies. Both disconformity and condensed bed formed in a continental shelf environment; shallowest water depths were at Austin. Proceeding northward from Austin, water depth (1) gradually increased to Temple; (2) increased greatly from Temple to Waco; and (3) decreased from Waco to Roxton, to depths similar to those at Temple. Assemblages of omission suite trace fossils that reflect these depth changes include: (1) large Thalassinoides, shallowest depths; (2) small Thalassinoides and Rhizocorallium, intermediate depths; and (3) small Thalassinoides, greatest depths. The condensed bed, in which thickness is as great as 18 cm, is characterized by abundant nodular phosphates that are synsedimentarily phosphatized steinkerns. Halt of Austin sedimentation and formation of the disconformity was probably due to early Campanian regression, which caused: (1) shallowing; and (2) constriction of the southern aperture of the Western Interior seaway, which was directly northwest of the outcrop area. This constriction may have caused an increase in the velocity of currents through the aperture which, combined with shallowing, increased the energy level of bottom waters in the outcrop area and led to periods of erosion and minimal net sedimentation. Subsequent transgression caused an increase in water depth and a widening of the adjacent aperture. This may have resulted in a reduced energy level for bottom waters, which raised sedimentation rates and led to deposition of the condensed bed and overlying rocks of the T ylor group. End_of_Article - Last_Page 679------------

Geographic variations in intensity of the North Atlantic and North Pacific oceanic eddy fields

The geographic variations in the oceanic baroclinic eddy field intensity, as indicated by the structure function of the dynamic height across the thermocline after seasonal and large scale trends are removed, is examined using historical data from the North Atlantic and North Pacific oceans. An inverse relationship between eddy field intensity and distance from the western boundary current is found in each region, confirming that the western boundary currents are major energy sources for baroclinic eddies in mid-ocean regions. Eddy energy is largely confined to the northern and western areas of the North Atlantic and North Pacific sub-tropical gyres, with significantly reduced energy levels both in the eastern areas and north of the Sub-Arctic Frontal Region. Dominant eddy field length scales of energy variability consistent in magnitude with those of more recently observed eddies also are confirmed for the North Pacific. Spatial statistics similarly computed from selected Mid-Ocean Dynamics Experiment (MODE-I) hydrographic data are consistent with those determined from the historical data. The statistical characteristics of the structure function are evaluated empirically to estimate the confidence levels of the historical data statistics.

Observations on patterns of subjective symptomatology of acute asthma.

Five symptom categories have previously been identified which described the subjective symptoms experienced during asthma attacks: These include 2 mood symptom categories, panic-fear and irritability, describing affective states concomitant with asthma; 2 somatic symptom categories, hyperventilation-hypocapnia and airway obstruction, describing reports of more specific bodily symptoms; and fatigue, describing the reduced energy level accompanying asthma attacks. In this study, 15 patterns of asthma symptomatology based on reported frequency of the 5 symptom categories during asthma attacks were identified within a group of 100 inpatients with asthma. The relationships between scores on the individual symptom categories within patterns showed that hyperventilation-hypocapnia symptoms were associated with generally high levels of the mood symptom categories, but not clearly related to the reported frequency of airway obstruction symptoms; high fatigue symptom scores accompanied both high mood symptom and airway obstruction symptom category scores; and high airway obstruction scores were not necessarily associated with high scores on the mood symptom categories. Patients who showed patterns with high mood symptom scores were prescribed higher steroid regimens upon discharge. Alternative explanations for the latter finding are discussed in some detail.

Multidimensional analysis of the subjective symptomatology of asthma.

Characteristics of the subjective symptomatology of asthma were explored within a group of 100 asthma inpatients. Patients rated the relative frequency with which 77 symptom adjectives were associated with asthma attacks. Key cluster analysis of the full set of 77 adjectives identified 5 symptom clusters: Two Mood clusters, Panic-Fear and Irritability, describe affective states concomitant with asthma, while two Somatic clusters, Hyperventilation-Hypocapnia and Bronchoconstriction, describe reports of more specific bodily symptoms. The fifth symptom cluster, Fatigue, describes the reduced energy level accompanying acute asthma. For the Mood symptom clusters, an increase in Panic-Fear and Irritability was reported to occur frequently by 42% and 34% of the patients respectively. For the Somatic symptom clusters, 9% and 91% of the patients reported the frequent occurrence of Hyperventilation-Hypocapnia and Bronchoconstriction symptoms. Seventy-eight percent (78%) reported the frequent occurrence of Fatigue. Reports of Bronchoconstriction were almost independent of the Mood clusters, Panic-Fear (r = 0.20) and Irritability (r = 0.18), although associated with increased reports of Fatigue (r = 0.43). In contrast, Hyperventilation-Hypocapnia was more highly related to both reports of Panic-Fear (r = 0.38) and Irritability (r = 0.39) during acute asthma episodes. This study suggests that complex patterning of subjective symptomatology is common in asthma. Symptom patterns described across each of the 5 symptom clusters may help to define coping styles related to the role of emotions in asthma and the course of illness.

Stark Energy Levels of Symmetric-Top Molecules

Calculations have been performed to determine the Stark energy levels of rigid symmetric-top molecules. The continued fraction expression for the eigenvalues of the energy matrix is presented and techniques of evaluation described. Tables of reduced energy levels as a function of electric field are given for all rotational states through J=4. Graphs of these values and the effective dipole moments are included.