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Phase Locked Loops are provided as a manner of assessing, monitoring and forecasting with seasonal or cyclical data. Phase Locked Loops using adaptive filtering were initially utilized for gravitational wave data analysis. In this paper we examine this implementation as an alternative approach for identifying the presence of one or more cycles in environmental data. Unlike most techniques for assessing seasonality phase lock loops can identify the presence of cycles without prior suspicion of their nature and existence. This is important for identifying either the initiation of new cycles or changes in existing cycles. As environmental data can be impacted by the presence of numerous cyclical phenomena and these cycles can change over time, this is a suitable and valuable technique. The technique can be used on existing data sets or assessing data streams. Phase Locked Loops are advantageous over many currently as the presence of multiple different cycles can be identified without prior suspicion and specification of the nature of the cyclicality of the data. The speed and parsimonious nature of the technique makes Phase Lock Loops ideal for Big Data and data flows that are so large that they must be assessed on a real time basis. The technique can manage and advise of changes in frequency, amplitude and phase shifts. The technique is illustrated utilizing weather data.

As the nation's nuclear energy laboratory, Idaho National Laboratory brings together talented people and specialized nuclear research capability to accomplish our mission. This edition of the Nuclear Fuels and Materials Division Spotlight provides an overview of some of our recent accomplishments in research and capability development. These accomplishments include: • The first identification of silver and palladium migrating through the SiC layer in TRISO fuel • A description of irradiation assisted stress corrosion testing capabilities that support commercial light water reactor life extension • Results of high-temperature safety testing on coated particle fuels irradiated in the ATR • New methods for testing the integrity of irradiated plate-type reactor fuel • Description of a 'Smart Fuel' concept that wirelessly provides real time information about changes in nuclear fuel properties and operating conditions • Development and testing of ultrasonic transducers and real-time flux sensors for use inside reactor cores, and • An example of a capsule irradiation test. Throughout Spotlight, you'll find examples of productive partnerships with academia, industry, and government agencies that deliver high-impact outcomes. The work conducted at Idaho National Laboratory helps to spur innovation in nuclear energy applications that drive economic growth and energy security. We appreciate your interest more » in our work here at INL, and hope that you find this issue informative. « less

OBJECTIVE: To determine the reproducibility of anthropometric and body composition measures using the HERITAGE Family Study protocol. DESIGN: Anthropometric and body composition measures were obtained on three separate days within a 3-wk period at each of the four HERITAGE Clinical Centers. SUBJECTS: Sixty men and women representative of the HERITAGE subject population, 15 from each of four Clinical Centers. MEASUREMENTS: Anthropometric measures included eight skinfolds, three girths and one length; and body composition measures included stature, mass, hydrostatic weight, residual volume, and body density, from which relative fat, fat mass and fat-free mass were estimated. RESULTS: Reproducibility as determined by technical error, coefficient of variation, and intraclass correlations was very high for the total sample. For example, intraclass correlations for the total sample generally ranged from 0.95–0.99 for the anthropometric measures, and from 0.97–1.00 for the body composition measures. The results across Clinical Centers were in close agreement with each other and with the pooled data. CONCLUSIONS: The reproducibility of anthropometric and body composition measures using the HERITAGE Family Study protocol is sufficiently high that it should be possible to detect small changes in any of these measures and to determine the genetic basis of these changes consequent to a 20 wk endurance training program.

As part of the Advanced Test Reactor National Scientific User Facility (ATR-NSUF) program, the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) has developed in-house capabilities to fabricate, test, and qualify new and enhanced temperature sensors for irradiation testing. Clearly, temperature sensor selection for irradiation tests will be determined based on the irradiation environment and budget. However, temperature sensors now offered by INL include a wide array of melt wires in small capsules, silicon carbide monitors, commercially available thermocouples, and specialized high temperature irradiation resistant thermocouples containing doped molybdenum and niobium alloy thermoelements. In addition, efforts have been initiated to develop and evaluate ultrasonic thermometers for irradiation testing. This array of temperature monitoring options now available to ATR and other Material and Test Reactor (MTR) users fulfills recent customer requests.

The Department of Energy (DOE) designated the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) as a National Scientific User Facility (NSUF) in April 2007 to support U.S. leadership in nuclear science and technology. By attracting new research users - universities, laboratories, and industry - the ATR will support basic and applied nuclear research and development, further advancing the nation's energy security needs. A key component of the ATR NSUF effort is to prove new in-pile instrumentation techniques that are capable of providing real-time measurements of key parameters during irradiation. To address this need, an assessment of instrumentation available and under-development at other test reactors has been completed. Based on this review, recommendations are made with respect to what instrumentation is needed at the ATR and a strategy has been developed for obtaining these sensors. Progress toward implementing this strategy is reported in this document. It is anticipated that this report will be updated on an annual basis.

This study determined the reproducibility of cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic responses to submaximal cycle ergometer exercise at two power outputs (50 W and 60% VO2max) on each of two separate days in a sample of 390 subjects (198 men and 192 women) participating in the HERITAGE Family Study. The same protocol was conducted across 3 d in an intracenter quality control substudy which included an additional 55 subjects. Reproducibility estimates included technical error, coefficient of variation, and intraclass correlation for each of the selected variables for both subject populations. Further, since the data were collected across four clinical centers, intraclass correlations were also computed separately by clinical center. Most variables were highly reproducible, with coefficients of variation below 9% and intraclass correlations over 0.80. These results were consistent for both subject populations and across all four clinical centers. Reproducibility indicators were generally better at the higher power output. It is concluded that within-subject day-to-day variation and measurement unreliabilities are generally small compared with the between-subject variance in the response to submaximal exercise at each of the clinical centers of the HERITAGE Family Study.

A review of twin pregnancies in women under 20 years of age at conception showed a ratio of dizygotic twins to monozygotic twins of 3:2. This is at variance with the ratio previously noted in other age groups.

SummarySummaryUsing a retrospective approach, twin deliveries between 1989 and 1994 at this hospital were divided into three groups. 18 cases where prostaglandin had been used to induce labour, 18 controls matched with the first group for various factors where no prostaglandin had been used, and 63 remaining cases.There were few differences in outcome between the groups. Further intervention, in particular, artificial rupture of the membranes, with or without oxytocin, was more common in group 1, 61 per cent, compared with groups 2 and 3, 23-5 per cent (p< 0 01).

SummaryWomen presenting with a threatened abortion with ultrasound evidence of early demise of a second twin were compared with a control group with threatened abortion but but no evidence of a second twin.Eighteen of the 47 surviving twins died in ulero, usually within two weeks after the demise of the first twin.

(1992). Fetus vanescens, fetus compressus and fetus papyraceus. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology: Vol. 12, No. 6, pp. 375-376.

The reproducibility of responses to maximal cycle ergometer testing was determined using data from the HERITAGE Family study at four Clinical Centers in the United States and Canada.Reproducibility was determined from maximal exercise test data obtained a) on 2 d in a sample of 390 subjects (198 men and 192 women), b) across 4 d in an Intracenter Quality Control (ICQC) substudy with 55 subjects who were not part of the main study, and c) across 2 wk in a Traveling Crew Quality Control (TCQC) substudy with the same eight subjects who were tested at each of the four centers. Reproducibility was evaluated using technical errors, coefficients of variation (CV) for repeated measures, and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for selected variables obtained on the main cohort, as well as on the ICQC and TCQC substudies.With the exception of systolic and diastolic blood pressures and respiratory exchange ratio, all the other variables (heart rate, ventilation, VO2, and VCO2) were highly reproducible, with CV below 10% and ICC over 0.86. These results were similar to those previously reported on the same subjects at a submaximal power output associated with 60% VO2max. Results were consistent for the main cohort, the ICQC sample, the TCQC sample, and across all four Clinical Centers.Day-to-day variations are small and reproducibility is high for maximal values of heart rate, ventilation, VO2 and VCO2 at each of the four Clinical Centers of the HERITAGE Family Study.

(1993). Episiotomy scar endometriosis. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology: Vol. 13, No. 3, pp. 205-205.

(1991). Rupture of the Cervix During Gemeprost Middle Trimester Abortion. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology: Vol. 11, No. 4, pp. 295-295.

SummaryA study was undertaken on 6 women undergoing an artificial menopause to determine whether LH levels are an accurate guide to the oestrogenic state. Plasma oestradiol levels would appear to be a more accurate guide in these cases.

SummaryFour varieties of entanglement of twin fetuses during labour are reported, and the literature is reviewed.

SummaryA follow-up study of 17 menopausal patients receiving piperazine oestrone sulphate (‘Harmogen’), the efficiency measured by the effect on plasma oestradiol levels, was conducted in two groups of patients. The first group had undergone an artificial menopause. Clinical relief of symptoms again correlated with the effect of the oestradiol levels, the duration of the effect exceeding the period of therapy by 3 months.

SummaryA clinical trial of piperazine oestrone sulphate (‘Harmogen’), the efficiency measured by the effect on plasma oestradiol levels, was conducted against a placebo in 20 patients who had undergone an artificial menopause. Clinical relief of symptoms correlated with the effect on the oestradiol levels.

SummaryA long birth spacing of at least 10 years has been reviewed in 48 patients delivered since 1978. Of the 99 previous pregnancies only one had been by caesarean section; 9 of the 48 current pregnancies were delivered by caesarean section. The pregnancy was desired in 37 per cent of the patients and related to lack of contraceptive advice in another 37 per cent. Antenatal, labour and delivery complications have not changed from previous reports in the literature.

SummaryA retrospective study of mothers undergoing labour in twin pregnancy was made comparing epidural analgesia with other analgesia. With epidural analgesia labours were longer and forceps delivery was more likely for both the first and the second twin.

Summary Eleven cases of the rare condition of fetus papyraceus are described and reviewed.

Summary. Eleven viable pregnancies in six patients who had previously suffered severe abdominal burns are reported. The major problem in pregnancy is of abdominal skin which is too scarred to stretch and, in the puerperium, of damaged nipples.

A case is described of a 26-year old multigravida presenting in a state of shock with intense left iliac fossa pain. Laparotomy revealed a pulsatile primary peritoneal ectopic pregnancy and generalized peritonitis. 9 weeks previously after an episode of unprotected coitus she had been given 2 tablets of 250 mcg levonorgestrel and 50 mcg ethinyl estradiol repeated after 12 hours. Withdrawal hemorrhage followed within a few days. The association between the morning-after pill and the ectopic pregnancy may lie in an inhibition of tubal motility.

Summary A case of a carcinoma of the vagina which presented as a ruptured procidentia with an entero-vaginal fistula and prolapse of the small bowel is reported.

Hyperextension of the fetal head in utero is readily detectable by roentgenography and ultrasound scan. Management is determined by presentation of the fetus. There are three types of presentations: face presentation, star-gazing breech presentation, and the flying fetus presentation. Undiagnosed hyperextension of the fetal head is frequently associated with cervical cord injury.

Summary A married couple who developed, concurrently, squamous carcinoma of the cervix and the penis is reported.

Summary A review of forty-nine pregnancies in thirty-seven patients who had previously suffered from poliomyelitis found that obstetric complications were proportional to the clinical disabilities of the patient. A simple test of unilateral weight-bearing gives a good clue as to whether pelvic asymmetry is present.

Congenital uterine abnormalities occur as a result of partial or complete failure of Mullerian duct fusion probably about the fifth or sixth week of fetal life. Maternal and/or placental factors have been implicated. There are a few reports of a double uterus occurring in sisters and their mothers (Polishuk & Ron, 1974; Prucha, 1983) which suggest a dominant autosomal gene as a possible genetic cause. Renal tract abnormalities are associated with uterine abnormalities (Eisenberg et al., 1982) and we wish to report identical twins with uterus didelphys and bilateral duplex kidneys.

A case of uterine rupture following extra-amniotic prostaglandin E2 with a subsequent obstetrical complication is reported.This paper describes a case of uterine rupture following extraamniotic prostaglandin (PGE2) termination of pregnancy. At age 17, the patient underwent therapeutic termination of her first pregnancy of 16 weeks gestation. Following administration of extraamniotic PGE2 and intravenous syntocinon, excessive vaginal bleeding occurred. Examination revealed a 3-4 cm longitudinal posterior cervical laceration which was then repaired under general anesthesia with interrupted chromic catgut sutures. The patient recovered uneventfully. The patient was seen 2 years later in labor; she was 38 weeks pregnant and had no antenatal care. Examination revealed a closed cervical os and posterior cervical rupture 5 cm long. Emergency cesarean section was performed and a liveborn infant was delivered. The laceration was again repaired. Induction of abortion by prostaglandin, saline, and urea has been associated with various types of uterine damage such as transverse laceration of posterior fornix resulting in cervico-vaginal fistula, severe cervical damage and rupture, and uterine rupture.

SummaryPregnancy after either abdominal or vaginal hysterectomy is rare but at least 29 cases have been reported (Nehra and Longinsky, 1984). Pregnancy after hysterectomy has been classed as either early or late; conceptions occurring before surgical hysterectomy but presenting postoperatively are designated as ‘early’, and ‘late' refers to those in which a significant time elapses between surgery and fertilisation. Late cases may follow an incomplete surgical procedure such as a supracervical hysterectomy or where the union of gametes occurs after hysterectomy because patency remains between the vagina and peritoneal cavity (Salmi et al., 1984).

Summary A case of non-metastatic carcinoid tumour of the cervix is described from a patient without the carcinoid syndrome. The rarity of carcinoid tumour involving gynaecological structures other than the ovaries is discussed and a bried review of carcinoid disease presented.

In 1979, a 28-year-old Asian woman underwent cesarean section because of antepartum hemorrhage from placenta previa. The operation was routine with the longitudinal, midline incision closed in layers-catgut to the peritoneum, nylon to the rectus sheath, and a subcuticular prolene stitch to the skin. The prolene suture was removed on the sixth postoperative day in an uneventful puerperium. Nine months later the patient presented with a painful scar which was thick and contracted in the lower third with a palpable tender nodule. The scar and nodule were excised and sent for histologic examination which showed dermal collagen replaced by interweaving bundles of spindle cells of the desmoid tumor type in the nodule. The patient has been followed up for more than 2 years without recurrence.