Beyond greening and browning: the need for an integrated understanding of Arctic change

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gamon, J. A.; Huemmrich, K. F.; Hmimina, G.; Yu, R.

2017-12-01

Satellite records and field observations povide contradictory evidence for "greening" or "browning" of Arctic tundra. Large-scale observations of apparent greening have been based on satellite vegetation indices (e.g NDVI). However, a clear interpretation of these trends are confounded by changing snow cover and surface hydrology, both of which influence NDVI and are known to be changing independently of any direct vegetation response. Field studies have demonstrated greening in some areas, but not others, and have also documented changing permafrost depth, surface hydrology and snow cover. Together, these confounding factors can explain some of the contradictory evidence based regarding greening and browning. Given the multiple influences on Arctic NDVI, simple conclusions regarding greening and browning from satellite data alone can be incorrect; when these confounding factors are taken into account, some areas that show apparent greening in the satellite record appear to be undergoing productivity declines due to surface drying. These contradictory interpretations have profound implications for our understanding of changing surface energy balance, biogeochemistry, and surface-atmosphere feedbacks. To better address Arctic ecosystem responses to a changing climate, an integrated, multi-scale, multivariate approach that considers hydrology, permafrost, snow cover and vegetation is needed.

The frequency-domain approach for apparent density mapping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tong, T.; Guo, L.

2017-12-01

Apparent density mapping is a technique to estimate density distribution in the subsurface layer from the observed gravity data. It has been widely applied for geologic mapping, tectonic study and mineral exploration for decades. Apparent density mapping usually models the density layer as a collection of vertical, juxtaposed prisms in both horizontal directions, whose top and bottom surfaces are assumed to be horizontal or variable-depth, and then inverts or deconvolves the gravity anomalies to determine the density of each prism. Conventionally, the frequency-domain approach, which assumes that both top and bottom surfaces of the layer are horizontal, is usually utilized for fast density mapping. However, such assumption is not always valid in the real world, since either the top surface or the bottom surface may be variable-depth. Here, we presented a frequency-domain approach for apparent density mapping, which permits both the top and bottom surfaces of the layer to be variable-depth. We first derived the formula for forward calculation of gravity anomalies caused by the density layer, whose top and bottom surfaces are variable-depth, and the formula for inversion of gravity anomalies for the density distribution. Then we proposed the procedure for density mapping based on both the formulas of inversion and forward calculation. We tested the approach on the synthetic data, which verified its effectiveness. We also tested the approach on the real Bouguer gravity anomalies data from the central South China. The top surface was assumed to be flat and was on the sea level, and the bottom surface was considered as the Moho surface. The result presented the crustal density distribution, which was coinciding well with the basic tectonic features in the study area.

Rate acceleration of the heterogeneous reaction of ozone with a model alkene at the air-ice interface at low temperatures.

PubMed

Ray, Debajyoti; Malongwe, Joseph K'Ekuboni; Klán, Petr

2013-07-02

The kinetics of the ozonation reaction of 1,1-diphenylethylene (DPE) on the surface of ice grains (also called "artificial snow"), produced by shock-freezing of DPE aqueous solutions or DPE vapor-deposition on pure ice grains, was studied in the temperature range of 268 to 188 K. A remarkable and unexpected increase in the apparent ozonation rates with decreasing temperature was evaluated using the Langmuir-Hinshelwood and Eley-Rideal kinetic models, and by estimating the apparent specific surface area of the ice grains. We suggest that an increase of the number of surface reactive sites, and possibly higher ozone uptake coefficients are responsible for the apparent rate acceleration of DPE ozonation at the air-ice interface at lower temperatures. The increasing number of reactive sites is probably related to the fact that organic molecules are displaced more to the top of a disordered interface (or quasi-liquid) layer on the ice surface, which makes them more accessible to the gas-phase reactants. The effect of NaCl as a cocontaminant on ozonation rates was also investigated. The environmental implications of this phenomenon for natural ice/snow are discussed. DPE was selected as an example of environmentally relevant species which can react with ozone. For typical atmospheric ozone concentrations in polar areas (20 ppbv), we estimated that its half-life on the ice surface would decrease from ∼5 days at 258 K to ∼13 h at 188 K at submonolayer DPE loadings.

Wetting Properties of EMIIm & its Relevance to Electrospray Design

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-03-12

apparent surface area S Distance separating two grid apertures T Absolute temperature of the test liquid TC Critical temperature of the test liquid V...include the choice of solid materials being used as insulators, emitters or electrodes, thin film surface coatings that have a de- sired high or low...wettability, and changing the solid component surface roughness or temperature during operation.678 An electrospray thruster has been developed by

Sediment dispersal patterns within the Nares Abyssal Plain: observations from GLORIA Sonographs

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shephard, L.E.; Tucholke, B.E.; Fry, V.A.

1985-01-01

Features evident on GLORIA sonographs from the Nares Abyssal Plain suggest a sediment dispersal pattern for turbidity currents that varies temporally and spatially, resulting in randomly distributed turbidite deposits in the distal abyssal plain east of 64/sup 0/W. Regional variations in backscatter intensities across the abyssal plain are related to the frequency and thickness of near-surface silt beds, basement highs disrupting the seafloor, and subtle changes in surface and sub-surface bedforms related to low-relief turbidite flow paths, biologic activity, and possibly erosion. High backscatter intensities, prevalent west of 64/sup 0/W, are generally associated with those areas containing thicker silt bedsmore » and very regular subbottom reflectors on 3.5 kHz profiles. Low backscatter intensities, prevalent east of 64/sup 0/W, are associated with those areas containing thin silt beds or stringers with a much higher percentage of pelagic clay. Seafloor lineaments occur throughout the survey area but decrease in abundance east of 64/sup 0/W. These features have no apparent relief when crossed by surface-towed seismic reflection profiles. In some instances the lineaments may correspond to low-relief turbidite flow paths that contain varying textural compositions resulting in increased backscatter. These features would be indicative of sediment transport directions. Other possible origins for the lineaments, that often appear trackline parallel, include near-surface morphology that is preferentially detected and aligned by GLORIA, or possibly the lineaments result from complex subbottom interference patterns that would not be readily apparent in areas with a more irregular seafloor.« less

A comparison of urban heat islands mapped using skin temperature, air temperature, and apparent temperature (Humidex), for the greater Vancouver area.

PubMed

Ho, Hung Chak; Knudby, Anders; Xu, Yongming; Hodul, Matus; Aminipouri, Mehdi

2016-02-15

Apparent temperature is more closely related to mortality during extreme heat events than other temperature variables, yet spatial epidemiology studies typically use skin temperature (also known as land surface temperature) to quantify heat exposure because it is relatively easy to map from satellite data. An empirical approach to map apparent temperature at the neighborhood scale, which relies on publicly available weather station observations and spatial data layers combined in a random forest regression model, was demonstrated for greater Vancouver, Canada. Model errors were acceptable (cross-validated RMSE=2.04 °C) and the resulting map of apparent temperature, calibrated for a typical hot summer day, corresponded well with past temperature research in the area. A comparison with field measurements as well as similar maps of skin temperature and air temperature revealed that skin temperature was poorly correlated with both air temperature (R(2)=0.38) and apparent temperature (R(2)=0.39). While the latter two were more similar (R(2)=0.87), apparent temperature was predicted to exceed air temperature by more than 5 °C in several urban areas as well as around the confluence of the Pitt and Fraser rivers. We conclude that skin temperature is not a suitable proxy for human heat exposure, and that spatial epidemiology studies could benefit from mapping apparent temperature, using an approach similar to the one reported here, to better quantify differences in heat exposure that exist across an urban landscape. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Experimental Investigation of the Peak Shear Strength Criterion Based on Three-Dimensional Surface Description

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Quansheng; Tian, Yongchao; Ji, Peiqi; Ma, Hao

2018-04-01

The three-dimensional (3D) morphology of joints is enormously important for the shear mechanical properties of rock. In this study, three-dimensional morphology scanning tests and direct shear tests are conducted to establish a new peak shear strength criterion. The test results show that (1) surface morphology and normal stress exert significant effects on peak shear strength and distribution of the damage area. (2) The damage area is located at the steepest zone facing the shear direction; as the normal stress increases, it extends from the steepest zone toward a less steep zone. Via mechanical analysis, a new formula for the apparent dip angle is developed. The influence of the apparent dip angle and the average joint height on the potential contact area is discussed, respectively. A new peak shear strength criterion, mainly applicable to specimens under compression, is established by using new roughness parameters and taking the effects of normal stress and the rock mechanical properties into account. A comparison of this newly established model with the JRC-JCS model and the Grasselli's model shows that the new one could apparently improve the fitting effect. Compared with earlier models, the new model is simpler and more precise. All the parameters in the new model have clear physical meanings and can be directly determined from the scanned data. In addition, the indexes used in the new model are more rational.

Scaling Effects on Materials Tribology: From Macro to Micro Scale.

PubMed

Stoyanov, Pantcho; Chromik, Richard R

2017-05-18

The tribological study of materials inherently involves the interaction of surface asperities at the micro to nanoscopic length scales. This is the case for large scale engineering applications with sliding contacts, where the real area of contact is made up of small contacting asperities that make up only a fraction of the apparent area of contact. This is why researchers have sought to create idealized experiments of single asperity contacts in the field of nanotribology. At the same time, small scale engineering structures known as micro- and nano-electromechanical systems (MEMS and NEMS) have been developed, where the apparent area of contact approaches the length scale of the asperities, meaning the real area of contact for these devices may be only a few asperities. This is essentially the field of microtribology, where the contact size and/or forces involved have pushed the nature of the interaction between two surfaces towards the regime where the scale of the interaction approaches that of the natural length scale of the features on the surface. This paper provides a review of microtribology with the purpose to understand how tribological processes are different at the smaller length scales compared to macrotribology. Studies of the interfacial phenomena at the macroscopic length scales (e.g., using in situ tribometry) will be discussed and correlated with new findings and methodologies at the micro-length scale.

Scaling Effects on Materials Tribology: From Macro to Micro Scale

PubMed Central

Stoyanov, Pantcho; Chromik, Richard R.

2017-01-01

The tribological study of materials inherently involves the interaction of surface asperities at the micro to nanoscopic length scales. This is the case for large scale engineering applications with sliding contacts, where the real area of contact is made up of small contacting asperities that make up only a fraction of the apparent area of contact. This is why researchers have sought to create idealized experiments of single asperity contacts in the field of nanotribology. At the same time, small scale engineering structures known as micro- and nano-electromechanical systems (MEMS and NEMS) have been developed, where the apparent area of contact approaches the length scale of the asperities, meaning the real area of contact for these devices may be only a few asperities. This is essentially the field of microtribology, where the contact size and/or forces involved have pushed the nature of the interaction between two surfaces towards the regime where the scale of the interaction approaches that of the natural length scale of the features on the surface. This paper provides a review of microtribology with the purpose to understand how tribological processes are different at the smaller length scales compared to macrotribology. Studies of the interfacial phenomena at the macroscopic length scales (e.g., using in situ tribometry) will be discussed and correlated with new findings and methodologies at the micro-length scale. PMID:28772909

A reexamination of the effects of adsorbates on the Raman spectrum of gibbsite.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cunningham, K.W.; Goldberg, M.C.

1983-01-01

Previous workers have attributed substantial changes in the Raman intensities of the OH stretching bands in solid, powdered gibbsite of surface area 10 m2/g to surface interactions with the adsorbates 093Ca2+,HxPO43x- and SiO2.xH2O. These changes apparently resulted from an unsatisfactory Raman measurement procedure as a re-examination using an internal intensity standard (Na2C2O4 crystals) with gibbsite of surface area 39 m2/g showed no significant changes in the low-frequency band-height ratios of gibbsite and adsorbates.-D.J.M.

Does size and buoyancy affect the long-distance transport of floating debris?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ryan, Peter G.

2015-08-01

Floating persistent debris, primarily made from plastic, disperses long distances from source areas and accumulates in oceanic gyres. However, biofouling can increase the density of debris items to the point where they sink. Buoyancy is related to item volume, whereas fouling is related to surface area, so small items (which have high surface area to volume ratios) should start to sink sooner than large items. Empirical observations off South Africa support this prediction: moving offshore from coastal source areas there is an increase in the size of floating debris, an increase in the proportion of highly buoyant items (e.g. sealed bottles, floats and foamed plastics), and a decrease in the proportion of thin items such as plastic bags and flexible packaging which have high surface area to volume ratios. Size-specific sedimentation rates may be one reason for the apparent paucity of small plastic items floating in the world’s oceans.

The use of ERTS/LANDSAT imagery in relation to airborne remote sensing for terrain analysis in western Queensland, Australia

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cole, M. M. (Principal Investigator); Owen-Jones, S.

1976-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. Distinctive spectral signatures were found associated with areas of near surface bedrock with covered ground east of Dugald River and along the Thorntonia River valley west of Lady Annie. Linears identified in the Dugald River area on LANDSAT 2 imagery taken in March and July 1975 over the Cloncurry-Dobbyn area, displayed preferred orientation. A linear group with NE-SW orientation was identified in the Lady Annie area. In this area, the copper mineralization in the Mt. Kelly area occurs along a well marked linear with NNW/SSE direction apparent on images for March, September, and November 1975. Geobotanical anomalies provided surface expression of the copper deposits in Mt. Kelley.

Simulation of gas flow in micro-porous media with the regularized lattice Boltzmann method

DOE PAGES

Wang, Junjian; Kang, Qinjun; Wang, Yuzhu; ...

2017-06-01

One primary challenge for prediction of gas flow in the unconventional gas reservoir at the pore-scale such as shale and tight gas reservoirs is the geometric complexity of the micro-porous media. In this paper, a regularized multiple-relaxation-time (MRT) lattice Boltzmann (LB) model is applied to analyze gas flow in 2-dimensional micro-porous medium reconstructed by quartet structure generation set (QSGS) on pore-scale. In this paper, the velocity distribution inside the porous structure is presented and analyzed, and the effects of the porosity and specific surface area on the rarefied gas flow and apparent permeability are examined and investigated. The simulation resultsmore » indicate that the gas exhibits different flow behaviours at various pressure conditions and the gas permeability is strongly related to the pressure. Finally, the increased porosity or the decreased specific surface area leads to the increase of the gas apparent permeability, and the gas flow is more sensitive to the pore morphological properties at low-pressure conditions.« less

Preparation and Characterization of Cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX) with Reduced Sensitivity

PubMed Central

Wang, Yuqiao; Li, Xin; Chen, Shusen; Ma, Xiao; Yu, Ziyang; Jin, Shaohua; Li, Lijie; Chen, Yu

2017-01-01

The internal defects and shape of cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX) crystal are critical parameters for the preparation of reduced sensitivity RDX (RS-RDX). In the current study, RDX was re-crystallized and spheroidized to form the high-quality RDX that was further characterized by purity, apparent density, size distribution, specific surface area, impact sensitivity, and shock sensitivity. The effects of re-crystallization solvent on the growth morphology of RDX crystal were investigated by both theoretical simulation and experiment test, and consistent results were obtained. The high-quality RDX exhibited a high purity (≥99.90%), high apparent density (≥1.811 g/cm3), spherical shape, and relatively low impact sensitivity (6%). Its specific surface area was reduced more than 30%. Compared with conventional RDXs, the high-quality RDX reduced the shock sensitivities of PBXN-109 and PBXW-115 by more than 30%, indicating that it was a RS-RDX. The reduced sensitivity and good processability of the high-quality RDX would be significant in improving the performances of RDX-based PBXs. PMID:28825661

Simulation of gas flow in micro-porous media with the regularized lattice Boltzmann method

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Junjian; Kang, Qinjun; Wang, Yuzhu

One primary challenge for prediction of gas flow in the unconventional gas reservoir at the pore-scale such as shale and tight gas reservoirs is the geometric complexity of the micro-porous media. In this paper, a regularized multiple-relaxation-time (MRT) lattice Boltzmann (LB) model is applied to analyze gas flow in 2-dimensional micro-porous medium reconstructed by quartet structure generation set (QSGS) on pore-scale. In this paper, the velocity distribution inside the porous structure is presented and analyzed, and the effects of the porosity and specific surface area on the rarefied gas flow and apparent permeability are examined and investigated. The simulation resultsmore » indicate that the gas exhibits different flow behaviours at various pressure conditions and the gas permeability is strongly related to the pressure. Finally, the increased porosity or the decreased specific surface area leads to the increase of the gas apparent permeability, and the gas flow is more sensitive to the pore morphological properties at low-pressure conditions.« less

Impact of microstructure evolution on the difference between geometric and reactive surface areas in natural chalk

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Y.; Bruns, S.; Stipp, S. L. S.; Sørensen, H. O.

2018-05-01

The coupling between flow and mineral dissolution drives the evolution of many natural and engineered flow systems. Pore surface changes as microstructure evolves but this transient behaviour has traditionally been difficult to model. We combined a reactor network model with experimental, greyscale tomography data to establish the morphological grounds for differences among geometric, reactive and apparent surface areas in dissolving chalk. This approach allowed us to study the effects of initial geometry and macroscopic flow rate independently. The simulations showed that geometric surface, which represents a form of local transport heterogeneity, increases in an imposed flow field, even when the porous structure is chemically homogeneous. Hence, the fluid-reaction coupling leads to solid channelisation, which further results in fluid focusing and an increase in geometric surface area. Fluid focusing decreases the area of reactive surface and the residence time of reactant, both contribute to the over-normalisation of reaction rate. In addition, the growing and merging of microchannels, near the fluid entrance, contribute to the macroscopic, fast initial dissolution rate of rocks.

Identifying environmental features for land management decisions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1983-01-01

Pairs of HCMM day-night thermal infrared (IR) data were selected to examine patterns of surface temperature and thermal inertia (TI) of peninsular Florida. GOES and NOAA-6 thermal IR, as well as National Climatic Center temperatures and rainfall, were also used. The HCMM apparent thermal inertia (ATI) images closely correspond to the General Soil Map of Florida, based on soil drainage classes. Areas with low ATI overlay well-drained soils, such as deep sands and drained organic soils. Areas with high ATI overlay areas with wetlands and bodies of water. The HCMM ATI images also correspond well with GOES-detected winter nocturnal cold-prone areas. Use of HCMM data with Carlson's energy balance model shows both high moisture availability (MA) and high thermal inertia (TI) of wetland-type surfaces and low MA and low TI of upland, well-drained soils. Since soil areas with low TI develop higher temperatures during the day, then antecedent patterns of highest maximum daytime surface temperature can also be used to predict nocturnal cold-prone areas in Florida.

HCMM energy budget data as a model input for assessing regions of high potential groundwater pollution

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moore, D. G. (Principal Investigator); Heilman, J.; Beutler, G.

1978-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. In early April 1978, heavy spring runoff from snowmelt caused significant flooding along a portion of the Big Sioux River Basin in southeastern South Dakota. The flooded area was visible from surrounding areas on a May 15 HCMM IR test image. On May 15, the flood waters had receded but an area of anomalous residual high soil moisture remained. The high soil moisture area was not visible on a HCMM day visible test image of the same scene, or on LANDSAT imagery. To evaluate the effect of water table depth on surface temperatures, thermal scanner data collected on September 5 and 6, 1978 at approximate HCMM overpass times at an altitude of 3650 m were analyzed. Apparent surface temperatures measured by the scanner included emittance contributions from soil surface and the land cover. Results indicated that the shallow water tables produced a damping of the amplitude of the diurnal surface temperature wave.

A complex permittivity model for field estimation of soil water contents using time domain reflectometry

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Accurate electromagnetic sensing of soil water contents (') under field conditions is complicated by the dependence of permittivity on specific surface area, temperature, and apparent electrical conductivity, all which may vary across space or time. We present a physically-based mixing model to pred...

Comparative Elongated Mineral Particle Toxicology & Erionite’s Apparent  High Potency for Inducing Mesothelioma

EPA Science Inventory

Recent NHEERL research under EPA's Libby Action Plan has determined that elongated particle relative potency for rat pleural mesothelioma is best predicted on the basis of total external surface area (TSA) of slightly acid leached test samples which simulate particle bio-durabili...

Determination of microstickies in recycled whitewater by headspace gas chromatography.

PubMed

Chai, X-S; Samp, J C; Yang, Q F; Song, H N; Zhang, D C; Zhu, J Y

2006-03-03

This study proposed a novel headspace gas chromatographic (HS-GC) method for determination of adhesive contaminants (microstickies) in recycled whitewater, a fiber containing process stream, in the paper mill. It is based on the adsorption behavior of toluene (as a tracer) on the hydrophobic surface of microstickies, which affects the apparent vapor-liquid equilibration partitioning of toluene. It was found that the equilibrium concentration of toluene in the vapor phase is inversely proportional to the apparent effective surface area of microstickies that remain in the corresponding solution. Thus, the amount of microsticky materials in the recycled whitewater can be quantified by HS-GC via indirect measurement of the toluene content in the vapor phase of the sample without any pretreatment. The presented method is simple, rapid and automated.

Determination of geohydrologic framework and extent of d- water contamination using surface geophysical techniques at Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lacombe, Pierre

1986-01-01

Seismic-refraction, electric-resistivity sounding, and electromagnetic conductivity techniques were used to determine the geohydrologic framework and extent of groundwater contamination at Picatinny Arsenal in northern New Jersey. The area studied encompasses about 4 sq mi at the southern end of the Arsenal. The bedrock surface beneath the glacial sediments was delineated by seismic-refraction techniques. Data for 12 seismic lines were collected using a 12-channel engineering seismograph. Competent bedrock crops out on both sides of the valley, but is about 290 ft below land surface in the deepest part of the topographic valley. Where the exposed bedrock surface forms steep slopes on the valley side, it remains steep below the valley fill. Likewise, gentle bedrock valley slopes have gentle subsurface slopes. The deepest part of the bedrock valley is along the southern extension of the Green Pond fault. The electric-resistivity sounding technique was used to determine the sediment types. Data were collected from four sites using the offset Wenner electrode configuration. Below the surface layer, the sediments have apparent and computed resistivity values of 120 to 170 ohm-meters. These values correspond to a saturated fine-grained sediment such as silt or interbedded sand and clay. Groundwater contamination was by electromagnetic conductivity techniques using transmitting and receiving coils separated by 32.8 ft and 12 ft. Thirteen sites have apparent conductivity values exceeding 15 millimhos/m. Of these, seven sites indicate groundwater contamination from a variety of sources including a sanitary landfill, pyrotechnic testing ground, burning area, former domestic sewage field, salt storage facility, hazardous waste disposal lagoon, sewage treatment plant, and fertilizer storage shed. Three areas underlain by clay or muck are interpreted to be free of contamination. (Author 's abstract)

Identification, definition and mapping of terrestrial ecosystems in interior Alaska

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, J. H. (Principal Investigator)

1973-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. Two new, as yet unfinished vegetation maps are presented. These tend further to substantiate the belief that ERTS-1 imagery is a valuable mapping tool. Newly selected scenes show that vegetation interpretations can be refined through use of non-growing season imagery, particularly through the different spectral characteristics of vegetation lacking foliage and through the effect of vegetation structure on apparent snow cover. Scenes now are available for all test area north of the Alaska Range except Mt. McKinley National Park. No support was obtained for the hypothesis that similar interband ratios, from two areas apparently different spectrally because of different sun angles, would indicate similar surface features. However, attempts to test this hypothesis have so far been casual.

Numerical Study for a Large-Volume Droplet on the Dual-Rough Surface: Apparent Contact Angle, Contact Angle Hysteresis, and Transition Barrier.

PubMed

Dong, Jian; Jin, Yanli; Dong, He; Liu, Jiawei; Ye, Senbin

2018-06-26

The profile, apparent contact angle (ACA), contact angle hysteresis (CAH), and wetting state transmission energy barrier (WSTEB) are important static and dynamic properties of a large-volume droplet on the hierarchical surface. Understanding them can provide us with important insights into functional surfaces and promote the application in corresponding areas. In this paper, we establish three theoretical models (models 1-3) and the corresponding numerical methods, which were obtained by the free energy minimization and the nonlinear optimization algorithm, to predict the profile, ACA, CAH, and WSTEB of a large-volume droplet on the horizontal regular dual-rough surface. In consideration of the gravity, the energy barrier on the contact circle, the dual heterogeneous structures and their roughness on the surface, the models are more universal and accurate than the previous models. It showed that the predictions of the models were in good agreement with the results from the experiment or literature. The models are promising to become novel design approaches of functional surfaces, which are frequently applied in microfluidic chips, water self-catchment system, and dropwise condensation heat transfer system.

Use of thermal inertia determined by HCMM to predict nocturnal cold prone areas in Florida

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Allen, L. H., Jr. (Principal Investigator)

1983-01-01

Pairs of HCMM day-night thermal infrared (IR) data were selected during the 1978-79 winter to examine patterns of surface temperature and thermal inertia (TI) of peninsular Florida. The GOES and NOAA-6 thermal IR, as well as National Climatic Center temperatures and rainfall, were also used. The HCMM apparent thermal inertia (ATI) images closely corresponded to the general soil map of Florida, based on soil drainage classes. Areas with low ATI overlay well-drained soils, such as deep sands and drained organic soils, whereas with high ATI overlay areas with wetlands and bodies of water. The HCMM ATI images also corresponded well with GOES-detected winter nocturnal cold-prone areas. Use of HCMM data with Carlson's energy balance model showed both high moisture availability (MA) and high thermal inertia (TI) of wetland-type surfaces and low MA and low TI of upland, well-drained soils. Since soil areas with low TI develop higher temperatures during the day, then antecedent patterns of highest maximum daytime surface temperature can also be used to predict nocturnal cold-prone areas in Florida.

Heterogeneous structure of the incoming plate in the Japan Trench

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakamura, Y.; Fujie, G.; Yamaguchi, A.; Kodaira, S.; Miura, S.

2017-12-01

We have conducted seismic surveys in around the Japan Trench subduction zone, northeastern Japan, to investigate the structural features of the incoming Pacific plate and the frontal prism. Thickness of the hemiplegic sediments on the deposited on the incoming Pacific plate shows the variation along trench axis between 200 and 600 ms two-way travel time (TWT). This is remarkably thinner than other subduction zones with megathrust earthquakes like Sumatra subduction zone. Off Miyagi, central part of the Japan Trench which is the main ruptured region of 2011 Tohoku earthquake, has 200 - 300 ms TWT of the incoming sediments thickness. Off Iwate, northern part of the Japan Trench, has thicker incoming sediments 500 ms TWT, and Off Fukushima, southern part of the Japan Trench, has 300 - 400 ms TWT. We found at least three areas with anomalously thin sediments; Area I: 38N 145N, Area II: 39.5N 144.5E, Area III: 39N 144.5N. At the Area I, located on the outer rise off Miyagi, the receiver function analysis using Ocean Bottom Seismograph data revealed the existence of PS conversion surfaces below the interpreted basement on the seismic sections. This implies that the interface between sediments and the igneous basement is located below the interpreted basement reflections. Previous studies suggested the existence of the petit spots in this Area I. Area II shows apparently very thin sediments near the trench axis on seismic profiles, where the petit spot volcanism was observed. Shallow sediment sampling conducted in this area indicates no major surface erosion. These observations suggest that the petit spot volcanism, like sill intrusion, masked the original deeper basement reflections and caused the apparent thin sediments on seismic profiles. Area III also has thin sediments and rough basement topography, which has possibly been caused by another petit spot activity. Petit spot area with apparent very thin sediments in the trench axis (Area II) is located next to the northern edge of the large slip zone of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake. The volcanic activities like petit spots on the incoming plate introduce heterogeneous input into the subduction zone, which could be important factors to control the megathrust seismo- and tsunamigenesis in the subduction zone.

Surface Deformation and Coherence Measurements of Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii, from SIR-C Radar Interferometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rosen, P. A.; Hensley, S.; Zebker, H. A.; Webb, F. H.; Fielding, E. J.

1996-01-01

The shuttle imaging radar C/X synthetic aperture radar (SIR-C/X-SAR) radar on board the space shuttle Endeavor imaged Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii, in April and October 1994 for the purpose of measuring active surface deformation by the methods of repeat-pass differential radar interferometry. Observations at 24 cm (L band) and 5.6 cm (C band) wavelengths were reduced to interferograms showing apparent surface deformation over the 6-month interval and over a succession of 1-day intervals in October. A statistically significant local phase signature in the 6-month interferogram is coincident with the Pu'u O'o lava vent. Interpreted as deformation, the signal implies centimeter-scale deflation in an area several kilometers wide surrounding the vent. Peak deflation is roughly 14 cm if the deformation is purely vertical, centered southward of the Pu'u O'o caldera. Delays in the radar signal phase induced by atmospheric refractivity anomalies introduce spurious apparent deformation signatures, at the level of 12 cm peak-to-peak in the radar line-of-sight direction. Though the phase observations are suggestive of the wide-area deformation measured by Global Positioning System (GPS) methods, the atmospheric effects are large enough to limit the interpretation of the result. It is difficult to characterize centimeter-scale deformations spatially distributed over tens of kilometers using differential interferometry without supporting simultaneous, spatially distributed measurements of reactivity along the radar line of sight. Studies of the interferometric correlation of images acquired at different times show that L band is far superior to C band in the vegetated areas, even when the observations are separated by only 1 day. These results imply longer wavelength instruments are more appropriate for studying surfaces by repeat-pass observations.

Geohydrology and susceptibility of major aquifers to surface contamination in Alabama; area 12

USGS Publications Warehouse

Scott, J.C.; Cobb, R.H.

1988-01-01

This report delineates and describes the geohydrology and susceptibility of major aquifers to contamination in Coffee, Dale, Henry, Houston, and Geneva Counties, Alabama. The major aquifers are the Upper Floridan, Lisbon, Nanafalia-Clayton, and Providence-Ripley aquifers. Estimated groundwater withdrawals for public water supplies are about 42 million gal/day. Maximum withdrawals for irrigation are 15 to 20 million gal/day. Withdrawals for self-supplied industrial and domestic uses are estimated to be 3 and 2.5 million gal/day, respectively. Long-term withdrawals of water from the Nanafalia-Clayton aquifer have resulted in significant declines in the potentiometric surface in Coffee, Dale, and Houston Counties. Significant declines in the potentiometric surfaces of the other major aquifers are not apparent. Recharge areas for all major aquifers are susceptible to contamination, but the probability of contamination of the Lisbon, Nanafalia-Clayton, and Providence-Ripley aquifers is low because the recharge areas are remote from areas of withdrawal. The recharge area for the Floridan aquifer, which consists largely of flat, sandy farmland , coincides with the area of use. This area is highly susceptible to contamination from insecticides and herbicides. (USGS)

Thickness of the Mississippi River Valley confining unit, eastern Arkansas

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gonthier, Gerard; Mahon, Gary L.

1993-01-01

Concern arose in the late 1980s over the vulnerability of the Mississippi Valley alluvial aquifer to contamination from potential surface sources related to pesticide or fertilizer use, industrial activity, landfills, or livestock operations. In 1990 a study was begun to locate areas in Arkansas where the groundwater flow system is susceptible to contamination by surface contaminants. As a part of that effort, the thickness of the clay confining unit overlying the alluvial aquifer in eastern Arkansas was mapped. The study area included all or parts of 27 counties in eastern Arkansas that are underlain by the alluvial aquifer and its overlying confining unit. A database of well attributes was compiled based on data from driller's logs and from published data and stored in computer files. A confining-unit thickness map was created from the driller's-log database using geographic information systems technology. A computer program was then used to contour the data. Where the confining unit is present, it ranges in thickness from 0 feet in many locations in the study area to 140 feet in northeastern Greene County and can vary substantially over short distances. Although general trends in the thickness of the confining unit are apparent, the thickness has great spatial variability. An apparent relation exists between thickness of the confining unit and spatial variability in thickness. In areas where the thickness of the confining unit is 40 feet or less, such as in Clay, eastern Craighead, northwestern Mississippi, and Woodruff Counties, thickness of the unit tends robe more uniform than in areas where the thickness of the unit generally exceeds 40 feet, such as in Arkansas, Lonoke, and Prairie Counties. At some sites the confining unit is very thick compared to its thickness in the immediate surrounding area. Locations of abandoned Mississippi River meander channels generally coincide with location of locally thick confining unit. Deposition of the confining unit onto the coarser alluvial aquifer deposits has reduced the relief of the land surface. Hence, the altitude of the top of the alluvial aquifer varies more than the altitude of the land surface and is indicative of a depositional setting.

Ionic channels and nerve membrane constituents. Tetrodotoxin-like interaction of saxitoxin with cholesterol monolayers.

PubMed

Villegas, R; Barnola, F V

1972-01-01

Saxitoxin (STX) and tetrodotoxin (TTX) have the same striking property of blocking the Na(+) channels in the axolemma. Experiments with nerve plasma membrane components of the squid Dosidicus gigas have shown that TTX interacts with cholesterol monolayers. Similar experiments were carried out with STX. The effect of STX on the surface pressure-area diagrams of lipid monolayers and on the fluorescence emission spectra of sonicated nerve membranes was studied. The results indicate a TTX-like interaction of STX with cholesterol monolayers. The expansion of the monolayers caused by 10(-6)M STX was 2.2 A(2)/cholesterol molecule at 25 degrees C. From surface pressure measurements at constant cholesterol area (39 A(2)/molecule) in media with various STX concentrations, it was calculated that the STX/cholesterol surface concentration ratio is 0.54. The apparent dissociation constant of the STX-cholesterol monolayer complex is 4.0 x 10(-7)M. The STX/cholesterol ratio and the apparent dissociation constant are similar to those determined for TTX. The presence of other lipids in the monolayers affects the STX-cholesterol association. The interactions of STX and TTX with cholesterol monolayers suggest (a) that cholesterol molecules may be part of the nerve membrane Na(+) channels, or (b) that the toxin receptor at the nerve membrane shares similar chemical features with the cholesterol monolayers.

CoBOP: Microbial Biofilms: A Parameter Altering the Apparent Optical Properties of Sediments, Seagrasses and Surfaces

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-09-30

CoBOP: Microbial Biofilms: A Parameter Altering the Apparent Optical Properties of Sediments, Seagrasses and Surfaces Alan W. Decho Department...TITLE AND SUBTITLE CoBOP: Microbial Biofilms: A Parameter Altering the Apparent Optical Properties of Sediments, Seagrasses and Surfaces 5a. CONTRACT...structures produced by bacteria. Their growth appears to depend on biofilm processes and light distributions ( photosynthesis ). Therefore, the data acquired

CoBOP: Microbial Biofilms: A Parameter Altering the Apparent Optical Properties of Sediments, Seagrasses and Surfaces

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-09-30

CoBOP: MICROBIAL BIOFILMS: A PARAMETER ALTERING THE APPARENT OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF SEDIMENTS, SEAGRASSES AND SURFACES. Alan W. Decho Department...AND SUBTITLE CoBOP: Microbial Biofilms: A Parameter Altering The Apparent Optical Properties Of Sediments, Seagrasses And Surfaces 5a. CONTRACT...biofilm processes and light distributions ( photosynthesis ). Therefore, the data acquired from this project will be closely paired with results of

Use of thermal inertia determined by HCMM to predict nocturnal cold prone areas in Florida. [Everglades agricultural area and the west north central peninsula

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Allen, L. H., Jr. (Principal Investigator); Chen, E.; Martsolf, J. D.; Jones, P. H.

1981-01-01

Surface temperatures derived from HCMM data were compared with to those obtained by GOES satellite and the apparent thermal inertia (ATI) calculated. For two dates, the HCMM temperatures appear to be about 5 C lower than the GOES temperatures. The ATI for excessively-drained to well-drained mineral soils was greater than for drained organic soils possibly because of long periods of low rainfall during late 1980 and early 1981. Organic soils cropped to sugar cane showed lower ATI after a severe killing freeze. With dead leaves, there was less transpiration and more solar radiation probably reached the dark soil surface. This would explain the larger diurnal temperature amplitude observed.

Biostereometric analysis of body form - The second manned Skylab mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Whittle, M. W.; Herron, R. E.; Cuzzi, J. R.

1976-01-01

Results of biostereometric analyses of the body form of the Skylab 3 crew before and after flight. The Cartesian coordinates of numerous points on the body surface were derived by stereophotogrammetry, and mathematical analysis of the coordinate description allowed computation of the surface area and volume of the body, the volume of body segments, and the area and shape of cross sections. The weight loss in all three crew members was accompanied by a loss in volume distributed between the trunk and legs, with the legs showing the greatest proportional loss. The observed loss of volume apparently resulted from a combined loss of fluid in the abdomen and legs, of muscle in the legs and paraspinal region, and of fat in the abdomen and buttocks.

Role of Viscous Dissipative Processes on the Wetting of Textured Surfaces

PubMed Central

Grewal, H. S.; Nam Kim, Hong; Cho, Il-Joo; Yoon, Eui-Sung

2015-01-01

We investigate the role of viscous forces on the wetting of hydrophobic, semi-hydrophobic, and hydrophilic textured surfaces as second-order effects. We show that during the initial contact, the transition from inertia- to viscous-dominant regime occurs regardless of their surface topography and chemistry. Furthermore, we demonstrate the effect of viscosity on the apparent contact angle under quasi-static conditions by modulating the ratio of a water/glycerol mixture and show the effect of viscosity, especially on the semi-hydrophobic and hydrophobic textured substrates. The reason why the viscous force does not affect the apparent contact angle of the hydrophilic surface is explained based on the relationship between the disjoining pressure and surface chemistry. We further propose a wetting model that can predict the apparent contact angle of a liquid drop on a textured substrate by incorporating a viscous force component in the force balance equation. This model can predict apparent contact angles on semi-hydrophobic and hydrophobic textured surfaces exhibiting Wenzel state more accurately than the Wenzel model, indicating the importance of viscous forces in determining the apparent contact angle. The modified model can be applied for estimating the wetting properties of arbitrary engineered surfaces. PMID:26390958

Miscibility, chain packing, and hydration of 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl phosphatidylcholine and other lipids in surface phases.

PubMed

Smaby, J M; Brockman, H L

1985-11-01

The miscibility of 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl phosphatidylcholine with triolein, 1,2-diolein, 1,3-diolein, 1(3)-monoolein, oleyl alcohol, methyl oleate, oleic acid, and oleyl cyanide (18:1 lipids) was studied at the argon-water interface. The isothermal phase diagrams for the mixtures at 24 degrees were characterized by two compositional regions. At the limit of miscibility with lower mol fractions of 18:1 lipid, the surface pressure was composition-independent, but above a mixture-specific stoichiometry, surface pressure at the limit of miscibility was composition-dependent. From the two-dimensional phase rule, it was determined that at low mol fractions of 18:1 lipids, the surface consisted of phospholipid and a preferred packing array or complex of phospholipid and 18:1 lipid, whereas, above the stoichiometry of the complex, the surface phase consisted of complex and excess 18:1 lipids. In both regions of the phase diagram, mixing along the phase boundary was apparently ideal allowing application of an equation of state described earlier (J. M. Smaby and H. L. Brockman, 1984, Biochemistry, 23:3312-3316). From such analysis, apparent partial molecular areas and hydrations for phospholipid, complex, and 18:1 lipid were obtained. Comparison of these calculated parameters for the complexed and uncomplexed states shows that the aliphatic moieties behave independently of polar head group. The transition of each 18:1 chain to the complexed state involves the loss of about one interfacial water molecule and its corresponding area. For 18:1 lipids with more than one chain another two water molecules per additional chain are present in both states but contribute little to molecular area. In contrast to 18:1 lipids, the phospholipid area and hydration change little upon complexation. The uniformity of chain packing and hydration behavior among 18:1 lipid species contrasts with complex stoichiometries that vary from 0.04 to 0.65. This suggests that the stoichiometry of the preferred packing array is determined by interactions involving the more polar moieties of the 18:1 lipids and the phospholipid.

Stabilization of RNA through Absorption by Functionalized Mesoporous Silicate Nanospheres

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-11-30

storage or storage in restrictive environments. Materials and Methods Chemicals Bovine serum albumin (BSA), trehalose , glucosamine, tetraethyl...NS) were functionalized with trehalose (NS- T), glucosamine (NS-G), and BSA (NS-B). Functionalization of sorbents resulted in a loss in surface area...92 Å for glucosamine and trehalose functionalization (Fig. 2B). BSA functionalization resulted in an apparent loss in smaller diameter mesopores. The

[Spatial characteristics of grain size of surface sediments in mangrove wetlands in Gaoqiao of Zhanjiang, Guangdong province of South China].

PubMed

Zhu, Yao-Jun; Bourgeois, C; Lin, Guang-Xuan; Wu, Xiao-Dong; Guo, Ju-Lan; Guo, Zhi-Hua

2012-08-01

Mangrove wetland is an important type of coastal wetlands, and also, an important sediment trap. Sediment is an essential medium for mangrove recruitment and development, which records the environmental history of mangrove wetlands and can be used for the analysis of material sources and the inference of the materials depositing process, being essential to the ecological restoration and conservation of mangrove. In this paper, surface sediment samples were collected along a hydrodynamic gradient in Gaoqiao, Zhanjiang Mangrove National Nature Reserve in 2011. The characteristics of the surface sediments were analyzed based on grain size analysis, and the prediction surfaces were generated by the geo-statistical methods with ArcGIS 9.2 software. A correlation analysis was also conducted on the sediment organic matter content and the mangrove community structure. In the study area, clay and silt dominated the sediment texture, and the mean content of sand, silt, and clay was (27.8 +/- 15.4)%, (40.3 +/- 15.4)%, and (32.1 +/- 11.4)%, respectively. The spatial gradient of the sediment characteristics was expressed in apparent interpolation raster. With increasing distance from the seawall, the sediment sand content increased, clay content decreased, and silt content was relatively stable at a certain level. There was a positive correlation between the contents of sediment organic matter and silt, and a negative correlation between the contents of sediment organic matter and sand. Much more sediment organic matter was located at the high tide area with weak tide energy. There existed apparent discrepancies in the characteristics of the surface sediments in different biotopes. The sediment characteristics had definite correlations with the community structure of mangroves, reflecting the complicated correlations between the hydrodynamic conditions and the mangroves.

Remote sensing of soils, land forms, and land use in the northern great plains in preparation for ERTS applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frazee, C. J.; Westin, F. C.; Gropper, J.; Myers, V. I.

1972-01-01

Research to determine the optimum time or season for obtaining imagery to identify and map soil limitations was conducted in the proposed Oahe irrigation project area in South Dakota. The optimum time for securing photographs or imagery is when the soil surface patterns are most apparent. For cultivated areas similar to the study area, May is the optimum time. The fields are cultivated or the planted crop has not yet masked soil surface features. Soil limitations in 59 percent of the field of the flight line could be mapped using the above criteria. The remaining fields cannot be mapped because the vegetation or growing crops do not express features related to soil differences. This suggests that imagery from more than one year is necessary to map completely the soil limitations of Oahe area by remote sensing techniques. Imagery from the other times studied is not suitable for identifying and mapping soil limitations of Oahe area by remote sensing techniques. Imagery from the other times studied is not suitable for identifying and mapping soil limitations because the vegetative cover masked the soil surface and does not reflect soil differences.

Assessment of Multi-frequency Electromagnetic Induction for Determining Soil Moisture Patterns at the Hillslope Scale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tromp-van Meerveld, I.; McDonnell, J.

2009-05-01

We present an assessment of electromagnetic induction (EM) as a potential rapid and non-invasive method to map soil moisture patterns at the Panola (GA, USA) hillslope. We address the following questions regarding the applicability of EM measurements for hillslope hydrological investigations: (1) Can EM be used for soil moisture measurements in areas with shallow soils?; (2) Can EM represent the temporal and spatial patterns of soil moisture throughout the year?; and (3) can multiple frequencies be used to extract additional information content from the EM approach and explain the depth profile of soil moisture? We found that the apparent conductivity measured with the multi-frequency GEM-300 was linearly related to soil moisture measured with an Aqua-pro capacitance sensor below a threshold conductivity and represented the temporal patterns in soil moisture well. During spring rainfall events that wetted only the surface soil layers the apparent conductivity measurements explained the soil moisture dynamics at depth better than the surface soil moisture dynamics. All four EM frequencies (7290, 9090, 11250, and 14010 Hz) were highly correlated and linearly related to each other and could be used to predict soil moisture. This limited our ability to use the four different EM frequencies to obtain a soil moisture profile with depth. The apparent conductivity patterns represented the observed spatial soil moisture patterns well when the individually fitted relationships between measured soil moisture and apparent conductivity were used for each measurement point. However, when the same (master) relationship was used for all measurement locations, the soil moisture patterns were smoothed and did not resemble the observed soil moisture patterns very well. In addition, the range in calculated soil moisture values was reduced compared to observed soil moisture. Part of the smoothing was likely due to the much larger measurement area of the GEM-300 compared to the Aqua-pro soil moisture measurements.

Apparent Activation Energies Associated with Protein Dynamics on Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Surfaces

PubMed Central

Langdon, Blake B.; Kastantin, Mark; Schwartz, Daniel K.

2012-01-01

With the use of single-molecule total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM), the dynamics of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and human fibrinogen (Fg) at low concentrations were observed at the solid-aqueous interface as a function of temperature on hydrophobic trimethylsilane (TMS) and hydrophilic fused silica (FS) surfaces. Multiple dynamic modes and populations were observed and characterized by their surface residence times and squared-displacement distributions (surface diffusion). Characteristic desorption and diffusion rates for each population/mode were generally found to increase with temperature, and apparent activation energies were determined from Arrhenius analyses. The apparent activation energies of desorption and diffusion were typically higher on FS than on TMS surfaces, suggesting that protein desorption and mobility were hindered on hydrophilic surfaces due to favorable protein-surface and solvent-surface interactions. The diffusion of BSA on TMS appeared to be activationless for several populations, whereas diffusion on FS always exhibited an apparent activation energy. All activation energies were small in absolute terms (generally only a few kBT), suggesting that most adsorbed protein molecules are weakly bound and move and desorb readily under ambient conditions. PMID:22713578

The instantaneous apparent resistivity tensor: a visualization scheme for LOTEM electric field measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Caldwell, T. Grant; Bibby, Hugh M.

1998-12-01

Long-offset transient electromagnetic (LOTEM) data have traditionally been represented as early- and late-time apparent resistivities. Time-varying electric field data recorded in a LOTEM survey made with multiple sources can be represented by an `instantaneous apparent resistivity tensor'. Three independent, coordinate-invariant, time-varying apparent resistivities can be derived from this tensor. For dipolar sources, the invariants are also independent of source orientation. In a uniform-resistivity half-space, the invariant given by the square root of the tensor determinant remains almost constant with time, deviating from the half-space resistivity by a maximum of 6 per cent. For a layered half-space, a distance-time pseudo-section of the determinant apparent resistivity produces an image of the layering beneath the measurement profile. As time increases, the instantaneous apparent resistivity tensor approaches the direct current apparent resistivity tensor. An approximate time-to-depth conversion can be achieved by integrating the diffusion depth formula with time, using the determinant apparent resistivity at each instant to represent the resistivity of the conductive medium. Localized near-surface inhomogeneities produce shifts in the time-domain apparent resistivity sounding curves that preserve the gradient, analogous to static shifts seen in magnetotelluric soundings. Instantaneous apparent resistivity tensors calculated for 3-D resistivity models suggest that profiles of LOTEM measurements across a simple 3-D structure can be used to create an image that reproduces the main features of the subsurface resistivity. Where measurements are distributed over an area, maps of the tensor invariants can be made into a sequence of images, which provides a way of `time slicing' down through the target structure.

Estimation of the minimum permeability coefficient in rats for perfusion-limited tissue distribution in whole-body physiologically-based pharmacokinetics.

PubMed

Jeong, Yoo-Seong; Yim, Chang-Soon; Ryu, Heon-Min; Noh, Chi-Kyoung; Song, Yoo-Kyung; Chung, Suk-Jae

2017-06-01

The objective of the current study was to determine the minimum permeability coefficient, P, needed for perfusion-limited distribution in PBPK. Two expanded kinetic models, containing both permeability and perfusion terms for the rate of tissue distribution, were considered: The resulting equations could be simplified to perfusion-limited distribution depending on tissue permeability. Integration plot analyses were carried out with theophylline in 11 typical tissues to determine their apparent distributional clearances and the model-dependent permeabilities of the tissues. Effective surface areas were calculated for 11 tissues from the tissue permeabilities of theophylline and its PAMPA P. Tissue permeabilities of other drugs were then estimated from their PAMPA P and the effective surface area of the tissues. The differences between the observed and predicted concentrations, as expressed by the sum of squared log differences with the present models were at least comparable to or less than the values obtained using the traditional perfusion-limited distribution model for 24 compounds with diverse PAMPA P values. These observations suggest that the use of a combination of the proposed models, PAMPA P and the effective surface area can be used to reasonably predict the pharmacokinetics of 22 out of 24 model compounds, and is potentially applicable to calculating the kinetics for other drugs. Assuming that the fractional distribution parameter of 80% of the perfusion rate is a reasonable threshold for perfusion-limited distribution in PBPK, our theoretical prediction indicates that the pharmacokinetics of drugs having an apparent PAMPA P of 1×10 -6 cm/s or more will follow the traditional perfusion-limited distribution in PBPK for major tissues in the body. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Geochemical processes in ground water resulting from surface mining of coal at the Big Sky and West Decker Mine areas, southeastern Montana

USGS Publications Warehouse

Clark, D.W.

1995-01-01

A potential hydrologic effect of surface mining of coal in southeastern Montana is a change in the quality of ground water. Dissolved-solids concen- trations in water in spoils aquifers generally are larger than concentrations in water in the coal aquifers they replaced; however, laboratory experiments have indicated that concentrations can decrease if ground water flows from coal-mine spoils to coal. This study was conducted to determine if decreases in concentrations occur onsite and, if so, which geochemical processes caused the decreases. Solid-phase core samples of spoils, unmined over- burden, and coal, and ground-water samples were collected from 16 observation wells at two mine areas. In the Big Sky Mine area, changes in ground- water chemistry along a flow path from an upgradient coal aquifer to a spoils aquifer probably were a result of dedolomitization. Dissolved-solids concentrations were unchanged as water flowed from a spoils aquifer to a downgradient coal aquifer. In the West Decker Mine area, dissolved-solids concentrations apparently decreased from about 4,100 to 2,100 milligrams per liter as water moved along an inferred flow path from a spoils aquifer to a downgradient coal aquifer. Geochemical models were used to analyze changes in water chemistry on the basis of results of solid-phase and aqueous geochemical characteristics. Geochemical processes postulated to result in the apparent decrease in dissolved-solids concentrations along this inferred flow path include bacterial reduction of sulfate, reverse cation exchange within the coal, and precipitation of carbonate and iron-sulfide minerals.

Multifractal and Singularity Maps of soil surface moisture distribution derived from 2D image analysis.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cumbrera, Ramiro; Millán, Humberto; Martín-Sotoca, Juan Jose; Pérez Soto, Luis; Sanchez, Maria Elena; Tarquis, Ana Maria

2016-04-01

Soil moisture distribution usually presents extreme variation at multiple spatial scales. Image analysis could be a useful tool for investigating these spatial patterns of apparent soil moisture at multiple resolutions. The objectives of the present work were (i) to describe the local scaling of apparent soil moisture distribution and (ii) to define apparent soil moisture patterns from vertical planes of Vertisol pit images. Two soil pits (0.70 m long × 0.60 m width × 0.30 m depth) were excavated on a bare Mazic Pellic Vertisol. One was excavated in April/2011 and the other pit was established in May/2011 after 3 days of a moderate rainfall event. Digital photographs were taken from each Vertisol pit using a Kodak™ digital camera. The mean image size was 1600 × 945 pixels with one physical pixel ≈373 μm of the photographed soil pit. For more details see Cumbrera et al. (2012). Geochemical exploration have found with increasingly interests and benefits of using fractal (power-law) models to characterize geochemical distribution, using the concentration-area (C-A) model (Cheng et al., 1994; Cheng, 2012). This method is based on the singularity maps of a measure that at each point define areas with self-similar properties that are shown in power-law relationships in Concentration-Area plots (C-A method). The C-A method together with the singularity map ("Singularity-CA" method) define thresholds that can be applied to segment the map. We have applied it to each soil image. The results show that, in spite of some computational and practical limitations, image analysis of apparent soil moisture patterns could be used to study the dynamical change of soil moisture sampling in agreement with previous results (Millán et al., 2016). REFERENCES Cheng, Q., Agterberg, F. P. and Ballantyne, S. B. (1994). The separation of geochemical anomalies from background by fractal methods. Journal of Geochemical Exploration, 51, 109-130. Cheng, Q. (2012). Singularity theory and methods for mapping geochemical anomalies caused by buried sources and for predicting undiscovered mineral deposits in covered areas. Journal of Geochemical Exploration, 122, 55-70. Cumbrera, R., Ana M. Tarquis, Gabriel Gascó, Humberto Millán (2012) Fractal scaling of apparent soil moisture estimated from vertical planes of Vertisol pit images. Journal of Hydrology (452-453), 205-212. Martin Sotoca; J.J. Antonio Saa-Requejo, Juan Grau and Ana M. Tarquis (2016). Segmentation of singularity maps in the context of soil porosity. Geophysical Research Abstracts, 18, EGU2016-11402. Millán, H., Cumbrera, R. and Ana M. Tarquis (2016) Multifractal and Levy-stable statistics of soil surface moisture distribution derived from 2D image analysis. Applied Mathematical Modelling, 40(3), 2384-2395.

Effect of climate change on sea water intrusion in coastal aquifers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sherif, Mohsen M.; Singh, Vijay P.

1999-06-01

There is increasing debate these days on climate change and its possible consequences. Much of this debate has focused in the context of surface water systems. In many arid areas of the world, rainfall is scarce and so is surface runoff. These areas rely heavily on groundwater. The consequences of climate change on groundwater are long term and can be far reaching. One of the more apparent consequences is the increased migration of salt water inland in coastal aquifers. Using two coastal aquifers, one in Egypt and the other in India, this study investigates the effect of likely climate change on sea water intrusion. Three realistic scenarios mimicking climate change are considered. Under these scenarios, the Nile Delta aquifer is found to be more vulnerable to climate change and sea level rise.

Magnesium hydroxide extracted from a magnesium-rich mineral for CO2 sequestration in a gas-solid system.

PubMed

Lin, Pao-Chung; Huang, Cheng-Wei; Hsiao, Ching-Ta; Teng, Hsisheng

2008-04-15

Magnesium hydroxide extracted from magnesium-bearing minerals is considered a promising agent for binding CO2 as a carbonate mineral in a gas-solid reaction. An efficient extraction route consisting of hydrothermal treatment on serpentine in HCl followed by NaOH titration for Mg(OH)2 precipitation was demonstrated. The extracted Mg(OH)2 powder had a mean crystal domain size as small as 12 nm and an apparent surface area of 54 m2/g. Under one atmosphere of 10 vol% CO2/N2, carbonation of the serpentine-derived Mg(OH)2 to 26% of the stoichiometric limit was achieved at 325 degrees C in 2 h; while carbonation of a commercially available Mg(OH)2, with a mean crystal domain size of 33 nm and an apparent surface area of 3.5 m2/g, reached only 9% of the stoichiometric limit. The amount of CO2 fixation was found to be inversely proportional to the crystal domain size of the Mg(OH)2 specimens. The experimental data strongly suggested that only a monolayer of carbonates was formed on the crystal domain boundary in the gas-solid reaction, with little penetration of the carbonates into the crystal domain.

Near-surface temperature inversion during summer at Summit, Greenland, and its relation to MODIS-derived surface temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adolph, Alden C.; Albert, Mary R.; Hall, Dorothy K.

2018-03-01

As rapid warming of the Arctic occurs, it is imperative that climate indicators such as temperature be monitored over large areas to understand and predict the effects of climate changes. Temperatures are traditionally tracked using in situ 2 m air temperatures and can also be assessed using remote sensing techniques. Remote sensing is especially valuable over the Greenland Ice Sheet, where few ground-based air temperature measurements exist. Because of the presence of surface-based temperature inversions in ice-covered areas, differences between 2 m air temperature and the temperature of the actual snow surface (referred to as skin temperature) can be significant and are particularly relevant when considering validation and application of remote sensing temperature data. We present results from a field campaign extending from 8 June to 18 July 2015, near Summit Station in Greenland, to study surface temperature using the following measurements: skin temperature measured by an infrared (IR) sensor, 2 m air temperature measured by a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) meteorological station, and a Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) surface temperature product. Our data indicate that 2 m air temperature is often significantly higher than snow skin temperature measured in situ, and this finding may account for apparent biases in previous studies of MODIS products that used 2 m air temperature for validation. This inversion is present during our study period when incoming solar radiation and wind speed are both low. As compared to our in situ IR skin temperature measurements, after additional cloud masking, the MOD/MYD11 Collection 6 surface temperature standard product has an RMSE of 1.0 °C and a mean bias of -0.4 °C, spanning a range of temperatures from -35 to -5 °C (RMSE = 1.6 °C and mean bias = -0.7 °C prior to cloud masking). For our study area and time series, MODIS surface temperature products agree with skin surface temperatures better than previous studies indicated, especially at temperatures below -20 °C, where other studies found a significant cold bias. We show that the apparent cold bias present in other comparisons of 2 m air temperature and MODIS surface temperature may be a result of the near-surface temperature inversion. Further investigation of how in situ IR skin temperatures compare to MODIS surface temperature at lower temperatures (below -35 °C) is warranted to determine whether a cold bias exists for those temperatures.

A numerical study of Penrose-like inequalities in a family of axially symmetric initial data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jaramillo, J. L.; Vasset, N.; Ansorg, M.

Our current picture of black hole gravitational collapse relies on two assumptions: i) the resulting singularity is hidden behind an event horizon weak cosmic censorship conjecture and ii) spacetime eventually settles down to a stationarity state. In this setting, it follows that the minimal area containing an apparent horizon is bound by the square of the total ADM mass (Penrose inequality conjecture). Following Dain et al. (2002), we construct numerically a family of axisymmetric initial data with one or several marginally trapped surfaces. Penrose and related geometric inequalities are discused for these data. As a by-product, it is shown how Penrose inequality can be used as a diagnosis for an apparent horizon finder numerical routine.

Improving the engine power of a catalytic Janus-sphere micromotor by roughening its surface.

PubMed

Longbottom, Brooke W; Bon, Stefan A F

2018-03-15

Microspheres with catalytic caps have become a popular model system for studying self-propelled colloids. Existing experimental studies involve predominantly "smooth" particle surfaces. In this study we determine the effect of irregular surface deformations on the propulsive mechanism with a particular focus on speed. The particle surfaces of polymer microspheres were deformed prior to depositing a layer of platinum which resulted in the formation of nanoscopic pillars of catalyst. Self-propulsion was induced upon exposure of the micromotors to hydrogen peroxide, whilst they were dispersed in water. The topological surface features were shown to boost speed (~2×) when the underlying deformations are small (nanoscale), whilst large deformations afforded little difference despite a substantial apparent catalytic surface area. Colloids with deformed surfaces were more likely to display a mixture of rotational and translational propulsion than their "smooth" counterparts.

MARSTHERM: A Web-based System Providing Thermophysical Analysis Tools for Mars Research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Putzig, N. E.; Barratt, E. M.; Mellon, M. T.; Michaels, T. I.

2013-12-01

We introduce MARSTHERM, a web-based system that will allow researchers access to a standard numerical thermal model of the Martian near-surface and atmosphere. In addition, the system will provide tools for the derivation, mapping, and analysis of apparent thermal inertia from temperature observations by the Mars Global Surveyor Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES) and the Mars Odyssey Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS). Adjustable parameters for the thermal model include thermal inertia, albedo, surface pressure, surface emissivity, atmospheric dust opacity, latitude, surface slope angle and azimuth, season (solar longitude), and time steps for calculations and output. The model computes diurnal surface and brightness temperatures for either a single day or a full Mars year. Output options include text files and plots of seasonal and diurnal surface, brightness, and atmospheric temperatures. The tools for the derivation and mapping of apparent thermal inertia from spacecraft data are project-based, wherein the user provides an area of interest (AOI) by specifying latitude and longitude ranges. The system will then extract results within the AOI from prior global mapping of elevation (from the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter, for calculating surface pressure), TES annual albedo, and TES seasonal and annual-mean 2AM and 2PM apparent thermal inertia (Putzig and Mellon, 2007, Icarus 191, 68-94). In addition, a history of TES dust opacity within the AOI is computed. For each project, users may then provide a list of THEMIS images to process for apparent thermal inertia, optionally overriding the TES-derived dust opacity with a fixed value. Output from the THEMIS derivation process includes thumbnail and context images, GeoTIFF raster data, and HDF5 files containing arrays of input and output data (radiance, brightness temperature, apparent thermal inertia, elevation, quality flag, latitude, and longitude) and ancillary information. As a demonstration of capabilities, we will present results from a thermophysical study of Gale Crater (Barratt and Putzig, 2013, EPSC abstract 613), for which TES and THEMIS mapping has been carried out during system development. Public access to the MARSTHERM system will be provided in conjunction with the 2013 AGU Fall Meeting and will feature the numerical thermal model and thermal-inertia derivation algorithm developed by Mellon et al. (2000, Icarus 148, 437-455) as modified by Putzig and Mellon (2007, Icarus 191, 68-94). Updates to the thermal model and derivation algorithm that include a more sophisticated representation of the atmosphere and a layered subsurface are presently in development, and these will be incorporated into the system when they are available. Other planned enhancements include tools for modeling temperatures from horizontal mixtures of materials and slope facets, for comparing heterogeneity modeling results to TES and THEMIS results, and for mosaicking THEMIS images.

Lakes and lake-like waters of the Hawaiian Archipelago

USGS Publications Warehouse

Maciolek, J.A.

1982-01-01

This summary of Hawaiian lacustrine limnology is based on 12 years of field and literature surveys of archipelagic inland waters. Lakes here are distinguished from other standing waters by limits on surface oceanic area (> 0.1 ha) and depth (> 2 m), and by the absence of flatural surface oceanic connection. A variety of extinct and existing water bodies, sometimes referred to as lakes, are noted. Six lakes are described. Five of them are in crater basins, 3 are freshwater, and 2 are elevated (highest = 3969 m). The scarcity of elevated lakes results from general permeability of the substrata. Among the 6 lakes, surface areas range from 0.22 to 88 ha and maximum depths from 3 to 248 m. Naturally occurring aquatic biota generally is low in species diversity except for phytoplankton; fishes and submersed vascular plants are absent. Two lowland lakes, freshwater Green (Wai a Pele) and saline Kauhak6, are described for the first time. Profundal Kauhak6, 248 m deep, has a surface area of only 0.35 ha, which results in an extraordinary relative depth of 370%. It is permanently stratified, a condition apparently due primarily to the unique morphometry of its basin. 

Bayesian evidence for the prevalence of waterworlds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simpson, Fergus

2017-07-01

Should we expect most habitable planets to share the Earth's marbled appearance? For a planetary surface to boast extensive areas of both land and water, a delicate balance must be struck between the volume of water it retains and the capacity of its perturbations. These two quantities may show substantial variability across the full spectrum of water-bearing worlds. This would suggest that, barring strong feedback effects, most surfaces are heavily dominated by either water or land. Why is the Earth so finely poised? To address this question, we construct a simple model for the selection bias that would arise within an ensemble of surface conditions. Based on the Earth's ocean coverage of 71 per cent, we find substantial evidence (Bayes factor K ≃ 6) supporting the hypothesis that anthropic selection effects are at work. Furthermore, due to the Earth's proximity to the waterworld limit, this model predicts that most habitable planets are dominated by oceans spanning over 90 per cent of their surface area (95 per cent credible interval). This scenario, in which the Earth has a much greater land area than most habitable planets, is consistent with results from numerical simulations and could help explain the apparently low-mass transition in the mass-radius relation.

Microscopic contact area and friction between medical textiles and skin.

PubMed

Derler, S; Rotaru, G-M; Ke, W; El Issawi-Frischknecht, L; Kellenberger, P; Scheel-Sailer, A; Rossi, R M

2014-10-01

The mechanical contact between medical textiles and skin is relevant in the health care for patients with vulnerable skin or chronic wounds. In order to gain new insights into the skin-textile contact on the microscopic level, the 3D surface topography of a normal and a new hospital bed sheet with a regular surface structure was measured using a digital microscope. The topographic data was analysed concerning material distribution and real contact area against smooth surfaces as a function of surface deformations. For contact conditions that are relevant for the skin of patients lying in a hospital bed it was found that the order of magnitude of the ratio of real and apparent contact area between textiles and skin or a mechanical skin model lies between 0.02 and 0.1 and that surface deformations, i.e. penetration of the textile surface asperities into skin or a mechanical skin model, range from 10 to 50µm. The performed analyses of textile 3D surface topographies and comparisons with previous friction measurement results provided information on the relationship between microscopic surface properties and macroscopic friction behaviour of medical textiles. In particular, the new bed sheet was found to be characterised by a trend towards a smaller microscopic contact area (up to a factor of two) and by a larger free interfacial volume (more than a factor of two) in addition to a 1.5 times lower shear strength when in contact with counter-surfaces. The applied methods can be useful to develop improved and skin-adapted materials and surfaces for medical applications. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

AFM AND XPS Characterization of Zinc-Aluminum Alloy Coatings with Attention to Surface Dross and Flow Lines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harding, Felipe A.; Alarcon, Nelson A.; Toledo, Pedro G.

Surfaces of various zinc-aluminum alloy (Zn-Al) coated steel samples are studied with attention to foreign surface dross by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS/ESCA). AFM topographic maps of zinc-aluminum alloy surfaces free of dross reveal the perfect nanoscale details of two kinds of dendrites: branched and globular. In all magnifications the dendrites appear smooth and, in general, very clean. XPS analysis of the extreme surface of a Zn-Al sample reveals Al, Zn, Si and O as the main components. The XPS results show no segregation or separation of phases other than those indicated by the ternary Al-Zn-Si diagram. For surfaces of Zn-Al plagued with impurities, high resolution AFM topographic maps reveal three situations: (1) areas with well-defined dendrites, relatively free of dross; (2) areas with small, millimeter-sized black spots known as dross; and (3) areas with large black stains, known as flow lines. Dendrite deformation and dross accumulation increase notably in the neighborhood, apparently clean to the naked eye, of dross or flow lines. XPS results of areas with dross and flow lines indicate unacceptable high concentration of Si and important Si phase separation. These results, in the light of AFM work, reveal that dross and flow lines are a consequence of a high local concentration of Si from high melting point silica and silicate impurities in the Zn-Al alloy source.

Air-water interface-induced smectic bilayer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El Abed, A.; Pouzet, E.; Fauré, M.-C.; Sanière, M.; Abillon, O.

2000-11-01

We show, using surface pressure versus molecular area isotherms measurements and x-ray reflectivity, that the long diblock semifluorinated n-hexaeicosane molecules, F(CF2)8-(CH2)18H, form a stable smectic bilayer phase, noted M1, with a total thickness of 3.3 nm, at an apparent molecular area about 0.3 nm2, though in the bulk the used molecules do not form smectic phases at any temperature. We discuss different molecular packing models according to our experimental data and deduce that molecules are antiparallel with fluorinated chains outwards and interleaved hydrocarbon chains inwards.

Occurrence and partition ratios of radiocesium in an urban river during dry and wet weather after the 2011 nuclear accident in Fukushima.

PubMed

Murakami, Michio; Shibayama, Nao; Sueki, Keisuke; Mouri, Goro; O, Haechong; Nomura, Mihiro; Koibuchi, Yukio; Oki, Taikan

2016-04-01

After the 2011 nuclear accident in Fukushima, radiocesium was released from the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant and contaminated waters in urban areas near Tokyo. By intensive field monitoring during 3 years, this study investigated the temporal trends and the occurrence of radiocesium during dry and wet weather, and analyzed the variations in radiocesium during rainfall events and factors controlling them. Concentrations of particulate radiocesium decreased rapidly from May 2012 to March 2013 and reached an equilibrium in 2014. Concentrations of particulate (137)Cs during wet weather were almost double those during dry weather in the same period. In contrast to the small variations in (137)Cs concentrations in the particulate phase on a suspended solids (SS) weight basis during events, those in the dissolved phase on a liquid-volume basis fluctuated greatly, resulting in variations in the partition coefficient (apparent Kd). The apparent Kd of (137)Cs during wet weather ranged from 30,000 to 150,000 L kg(-1) and showed a significant negative correlation with SS concentrations during wet weather. Specific surface area in solids contributed to the variations in apparent Kd. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Sorption of N2 and EGME vapors on some soils, clays, and mineral oxides and determination of sample surface areas by use of sorption data

USGS Publications Warehouse

Chiou, C.T.; Rutherford, D.W.; Manes, M.

1993-01-01

Vapor sorption isotherms of ethylene glycol monoethyl ether (EGME) at room temperature and isotherms of N2 gas at liquid nitrogen temperature were determined for various soils and minerals. The N2 monolayer capacities [Qm (N2)] were calculated from the BET equation and used to determine the surface areas. To examine whether EGME is an appropriate adsorbate for determination of surface areas, the apparent EGME monolayer capacities [Qm (EGME)ap] were also obtained by use of the BET equation. For sand, aluminum oxide, kaolinite, hematite, and synthetic hydrous iron oxide, which are relatively free of organic impurity and expanding/solvating minerals, the Qm (EGME)ap values are in good conformity with the corresponding Qm (N2) values and would give surface areas consistent with BET (N2) values. For other samples (Woodburn soil, a natural hydrous iron oxide, illite, and montmorillonite), the Qm (EGME)ap values overestimate the Qm (N2) values from a moderate to a large extent, depending on the sample. A high-organic-content peat shows a very small BET (N2) surface area; the EGME/ peat isotherm is linear and does not yield a calculation of the surface area. Large discrepancies between results of the two methods for some samples are attributed to the high solubility of polar EGME in soil organic matter and/ or to the cation solvation of EGME with solvating clays. The agreement for other samples is illustrative of the consistency of the BET method when different adsorbates are used, so long as they do not exhibit bulk penetration and/or cation solvation. ?? 1993 American Chemical Society.

Creation of superwetting surfaces with roughness structures.

PubMed

Garg, Varun; Qiao, Lei; Sarwate, Prasha; Luo, Cheng

2014-12-09

In this work, we explored the possibility of creating superwetting surfaces, which are defined here as those with apparent contact angles of <5°, using roughness structures for the purpose of eliminating the surface tension effect on a floating small plate, which is denser than the surrounding liquid. The roughness ratio is often thought to play a critical role in generating superwetting surfaces. However, we found that the top surface ratio had more influence on apparent contact angles. When this ratio was <0.013, the resulting apparent contact angle might be less than 5°, when the intrinsic contact angle was ≥40°. Accordingly, hybrid micro- and nanostructures, which had such a small ratio, were chosen to create the superwetting surfaces. These surfaces were subsequently applied to eliminate the surface tension effect on a small plate. As a result of this elimination, the small plate sank down to the bottom of the liquid.

Improvement of a wind-tunnel sampling system for odour and VOCs.

PubMed

Wang, X; Jiang, J; Kaye, R

2001-01-01

Wind-tunnel systems are widely used for collecting odour emission samples from surface area sources. Consequently, a portable wind-tunnel system was developed at the University of New South Wales that was easy to handle and suitable for sampling from liquid surfaces. Development work was undertaken to ensure even air-flows above the emitting surface and to optimise air velocities to simulate real situations. However, recovery efficiencies for emissions have not previously been studied for wind-tunnel systems. A series of experiments was carried out for determining and improving the recovery rate of the wind-tunnel sampling system by using carbon monoxide as a tracer gas. It was observed by mass balance that carbon monoxide recovery rates were initially only 37% to 48% from a simulated surface area emission source. It was therefore apparent that further development work was required to improve recovery efficiencies. By analysing the aerodynamic character of air movement and CO transportation inside the wind-tunnel, it was determined that the apparent poor recoveries resulted from uneven mixing at the sample collection point. A number of modifications were made for the mixing chamber of the wind-tunnel system. A special sampling chamber extension and a sampling manifold with optimally distributed sampling orifices were developed for the wind-tunnel sampling system. The simulation experiments were repeated with the new sampling system. Over a series of experiments, the recovery efficiency of sampling was improved to 83-100% with an average of 90%, where the CO tracer gas was introduced at a single point and 92-102% with an average of 97%, where the CO tracer gas was introduced along a line transverse to the sweep air. The stability and accuracy of the new system were determined statistically and are reported.

Apparent contact angle and contact angle hysteresis on liquid infused surfaces.

PubMed

Semprebon, Ciro; McHale, Glen; Kusumaatmaja, Halim

2016-12-21

We theoretically investigate the apparent contact angle and contact angle hysteresis of a droplet placed on a liquid infused surface. We show that the apparent contact angle is not uniquely defined by material parameters, but also has a dependence on the relative size between the droplet and its surrounding wetting ridge formed by the infusing liquid. We derive a closed form expression for the contact angle in the limit of vanishing wetting ridge, and compute the correction for small but finite ridge, which corresponds to an effective line tension term. We also predict contact angle hysteresis on liquid infused surfaces generated by the pinning of the contact lines by the surface corrugations. Our analytical expressions for both the apparent contact angle and contact angle hysteresis can be interpreted as 'weighted sums' between the contact angles of the infusing liquid relative to the droplet and surrounding gas phases, where the weighting coefficients are given by ratios of the fluid surface tensions.

Surface roughness effects on contact line motion with small capillary number

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Feng-Chao; Chen, Xiao-Peng; Yue, Pengtao

2018-01-01

In this work, we investigate how surface roughness influences contact line dynamics by simulating forced wetting in a capillary tube. The tube wall is decorated with microgrooves and is intrinsically hydrophilic. A phase-field method is used to capture the fluid interface and the moving contact line. According to the numerical results, a criterion is proposed to judge whether the grooves are entirely wetted or not at vanishing capillary numbers. When the contact line moves over a train of grooves, the apparent contact angle exhibits a periodic nature, no matter whether the Cassie-Baxter or the Wenzel state is achieved. The oscillation amplitude of apparent contact angle is analyzed and found to be inversely proportional to the interface area. The contact line motion can be characterized as stick-jump-slip in the Cassie-Baxter state and stick-slip in the Wenzel state. By comparing to the contact line dynamics on smooth surfaces, equivalent microscopic contact angles and slip lengths are obtained. The equivalent slip length in the Cassie-Baxter state agrees well with the theoretical model in the literature. The equivalent contact angles are, however, much greater than the predictions of the Cassie-Baxter model and the Wenzel model for equilibrium stable states. Our results reveal that the pinning of the contact line at surface defects effectively enhances the hydrophobicity of rough surfaces, even when the surface material is intrinsically hydrophilic and the flow is under the Wenzel state.

Evolution of the Contact Area with Normal Load for Rough Surfaces: from Atomic to Macroscopic Scales.

PubMed

Huang, Shiping

2017-11-13

The evolution of the contact area with normal load for rough surfaces has great fundamental and practical importance, ranging from earthquake dynamics to machine wear. This work bridges the gap between the atomic scale and the macroscopic scale for normal contact behavior. The real contact area, which is formed by a large ensemble of discrete contacts (clusters), is proven to be much smaller than the apparent surface area. The distribution of the discrete contact clusters and the interaction between them are key to revealing the mechanism of the contacting solids. To this end, Green's function molecular dynamics (GFMD) is used to study both how the contact cluster evolves from the atomic scale to the macroscopic scale and the interaction between clusters. It is found that the interaction between clusters has a strong effect on their formation. The formation and distribution of the contact clusters is far more complicated than that predicted by the asperity model. Ignorance of the interaction between them leads to overestimating the contacting force. In real contact, contacting clusters are smaller and more discrete due to the interaction between the asperities. Understanding the exact nature of the contact area with the normal load is essential to the following research on friction.

Evolution of the Contact Area with Normal Load for Rough Surfaces: from Atomic to Macroscopic Scales

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Shiping

2017-11-01

The evolution of the contact area with normal load for rough surfaces has great fundamental and practical importance, ranging from earthquake dynamics to machine wear. This work bridges the gap between the atomic scale and the macroscopic scale for normal contact behavior. The real contact area, which is formed by a large ensemble of discrete contacts (clusters), is proven to be much smaller than the apparent surface area. The distribution of the discrete contact clusters and the interaction between them are key to revealing the mechanism of the contacting solids. To this end, Green's function molecular dynamics (GFMD) is used to study both how the contact cluster evolves from the atomic scale to the macroscopic scale and the interaction between clusters. It is found that the interaction between clusters has a strong effect on their formation. The formation and distribution of the contact clusters is far more complicated than that predicted by the asperity model. Ignorance of the interaction between them leads to overestimating the contacting force. In real contact, contacting clusters are smaller and more discrete due to the interaction between the asperities. Understanding the exact nature of the contact area with the normal load is essential to the following research on friction.

Divergent Geophysical Evolution of Vesta and Ceres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raymond, C. A.; Ermakov, A.; Castillo, J. C.; Fu, R. R.; McSween, H. Y., Jr.; McCord, T. B.; Park, R. S.; Russell, C. T.; De Sanctis, M. C.; Jaumann, R.; Konopliv, A. S.

2017-12-01

The Dawn mission explored two massive protoplanets in the main asteroid belt, Vesta and Ceres, that are fossils from the earliest epoch of solar system formation. Dawn's data provide evidence that these bodies formed very early, within the first few million years after CAIs, yet they followed divergent evolutionary paths. Vesta formed <1.5 Myr after CAIs of volatile-depleted chondritic material. Dawn confirmed the HED-based prediction that Vesta melted, forming at least a partial magma ocean, that yielded a large iron core. Gravity and spectral data support a complex magmatic evolution, resulting in a compositionally stratified mantle, with olivine sequestered in the deep mantle, and eruption of evolved melts. Such complexity can explain the apparent distinct magmatic reservoirs implied by trace elements in the HED clan. Discovery of hydrated material on Vesta's surface implies that volatile delivery to the inner solar system was an important process. Thus, while the basic HED paradigm was confirmed, we learned that differentiation on a small planet is more complex than envisioned. Dwarf planet Ceres was known to be water-rich before Dawn arrived. However, contrary to the expected ice-rich, viscously-relaxed smooth surface resulting from physical differentiation and freezing of an ancient subsurface ocean, its surface has many craters, implying a mechanically strong thick crust. The lack of large craters and Ceres' gravitationally-relaxed shape at long wavelengths implies that a strong crust overlies a weaker deep interior. The globally homogeneous distribution of minerals across the surface indicates that Ceres' interior experienced pervasive alteration. Topography and morphology of the surface reveals smoother, apparently resurfaced areas, generally at lower elevation, and rougher areas with greater relief. Local morphology such as crater floor deposits, isolated mountains, and enigmatic bright areas indicate recently active processes on Ceres, likely driven by brine cryovolcanism. Causes of the divergent evolution of these bodies include their accretionary environment, timing of accretion and size. Acknowledgements: Part of this research was carried out at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, under contract to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Porous organic cages

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tozawa, Tomokazu; Jones, James T. A.; Swamy, Shashikala I.; Jiang, Shan; Adams, Dave J.; Shakespeare, Stephen; Clowes, Rob; Bradshaw, Darren; Hasell, Tom; Chong, Samantha Y.; Tang, Chiu; Thompson, Stephen; Parker, Julia; Trewin, Abbie; Bacsa, John; Slawin, Alexandra M. Z.; Steiner, Alexander; Cooper, Andrew I.

2009-12-01

Porous materials are important in a wide range of applications including molecular separations and catalysis. We demonstrate that covalently bonded organic cages can assemble into crystalline microporous materials. The porosity is prefabricated and intrinsic to the molecular cage structure, as opposed to being formed by non-covalent self-assembly of non-porous sub-units. The three-dimensional connectivity between the cage windows is controlled by varying the chemical functionality such that either non-porous or permanently porous assemblies can be produced. Surface areas and gas uptakes for the latter exceed comparable molecular solids. One of the cages can be converted by recrystallization to produce either porous or non-porous polymorphs with apparent Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface areas of 550 and 23m2g-1, respectively. These results suggest design principles for responsive porous organic solids and for the modular construction of extended materials from prefabricated molecular pores.

Creation of Woven Structures Impacting Self-cleaning Superoleophobicity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lim, Jihye

For protection of human life from harmful or toxic liquids in working areas, solid surface resistance to liquid with low surface tension (e.g. oil) should be achieved in the outermost layer of protective clothing. Based on the literature review, multiscale structures were emphasized because they can increase roughness on a solid surface and create more void spaces of different sizes. The roughness and void spaces contribute to creating a liquid-vapor interface and reducing the liquid contact area to the solid surface. Woven fabric inherently consists of multiscale structures by its construction: microscale in a yarn structure and macroscale in a fabric structure. When the solid surface tension is low relative to oil, creating an appropriate structural geometry will become a critical way to obtain a superoleophobic surface for oil-resistance. Theoretical modeling and experiments with actual fabric samples were utilized to predict and prove the highest performing structural geometry in woven fabric, respectively. The theoretical geometric modeling accounted for the different weave structures, the yarn compression by the yarn flattening factor, e, and the void space by the void space ratio to the fiber or yarn diameter, T, impacting the liquid apparent contact angle on a fabric surface. The Cassie-Baxter equations were developed using Young's contact angle, thetae, thetae and e, or thetae, e, and T, to predict the liquid apparent contact angle for different geometries. In addition, to prevent a liquid's penetration into a solid structure, the ranges of the protuberance height (>> h2) and distance (< 4ℓ 2 cap) were predicted by the definition of the Laplace pressure, the capillary pressure, and the sagging phenomenon. Those predictions were in strong agreement with the results from the empirical experiment using the actual woven fabric samples. This study identified the impact of the geometries in yarn and woven fabric structures on the fabric resistance against oil through theoretical modeling and experiments. The results suggest particular weave structures, the range of the void space (or the protuberance distance) and the protuberance height in the yarn and fabric structures for the highest performing self-cleaning superoleophobic woven fabric surface.

Oxygen exchange at gas/oxide interfaces: how the apparent activation energy of the surface exchange coefficient depends on the kinetic regime.

PubMed

Fielitz, Peter; Borchardt, Günter

2016-08-10

In the dedicated literature the oxygen surface exchange coefficient KO and the equilibrium oxygen exchange rate [Fraktur R] are considered to be directly proportional to each other regardless of the experimental circumstances. Recent experimental observations, however, contradict the consequences of this assumption. Most surprising is the finding that the apparent activation energy of KO depends dramatically on the kinetic regime in which it has been determined, i.e. surface exchange controlled vs. mixed or diffusion controlled. This work demonstrates how the diffusion boundary condition at the gas/solid interface inevitably entails a correlation between the oxygen surface exchange coefficient KO and the oxygen self-diffusion coefficient DO in the bulk ("on top" of the correlation between KO and [Fraktur R] for the pure surface exchange regime). The model can thus quantitatively explain the range of apparent activation energies measured in the different regimes: in the surface exchange regime the apparent activation energy only contains the contribution of the equilibrium exchange rate, whereas in the mixed or in the diffusion controlled regime the contribution of the oxygen self-diffusivity has also to be taken into account, which may yield significantly higher apparent activation energies and simultaneously quantifies the correlation KO ∝ DO(1/2) observed for a large number of oxides in the mixed or diffusion controlled regime, respectively.

Ground-Water, Surface-Water, and Water-Chemistry Data, Black Mesa Area, Northeastern Arizona - 2006-07

USGS Publications Warehouse

Truini, Margot; Macy, J.P.

2008-01-01

The N aquifer is the major source of water in the 5,400 square-mile Black Mesa area in northeastern Arizona. Availability of water is an important issue in northeastern Arizona because of continued water requirements for industrial and municipal use and the needs of a growing population. Precipitation in the Black Mesa area is typically about 6 to 14 inches per year. The water-monitoring program in the Black Mesa area began in 1971 and is designed to provide information about the long-term effects of ground-water withdrawals from the N aquifer for industrial and municipal uses. This report presents results of data collected for the monitoring program in the Black Mesa area from January 2006 to September 2007. The monitoring program includes measurements of (1) ground-water withdrawals, (2) ground-water levels, (3) spring discharge, (4) surface-water discharge, and (5) ground-water chemistry. Periodic testing of ground-water withdrawal meters is completed every 4 to 5 years. The Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA) yearly totals for the ground-water metered withdrawal data were unavailable in 2006 due to an up-grade within the NTUA computer network. Because NTUA data is often combined with Bureau of Indian Affairs data for the total withdrawals in a well system, withdrawals will not be published in this year's annual report. From 2006 to 2007, annually measured water levels in the Black Mesa area declined in 3 of 11 wells measured in the unconfined areas of the N aquifer, and the median change was 0.0 feet. Measurements indicated that water levels declined in 8 of 17 wells measured in the confined area of the aquifer. The median change for the confined area of the aquifer was 0.2 feet. From the prestress period (prior to 1965) to 2007, the median water-level change for 30 wells was -11.1 feet. Median water-level changes were 2.9 feet for 11 wells measured in the unconfined areas and -40.2 feet for 19 wells measured in the confined area. Spring flow was measured once in 2006 and once in 2007 at Moenkopi School Spring. Flow decreased by 18.9 percent at Moenkopi School Spring. During the period of record, flow fluctuated, and a decreasing trend was apparent. Continuous records of surface-water discharge in the Black Mesa area have been collected from streamflow gages at the following sites: Moenkopi Wash at Moenkopi (1976 to 2006), Dinnebito Wash near Sand Springs (1993 to 2006), Polacca Wash near Second Mesa (1994 to 2006), and Pasture Canyon Springs (August 2004 to December 2006). Median flows during November, December, January, and February of each water year were used as an index of the amount of ground-water discharge to the above named sites. For the period of record at each streamflow-gaging station, the median winter flows have generally remained even, showing neither a significant increase nor decrease in flows. There is not a long enough period of record for Pasture Canyon Spring for a trend to be apparent. In 2007, water samples were collected from 1 well and 1 spring in the Black Mesa area and were analyzed for selected chemical constituents. Concentrations of dissolved solids, chloride, and sulfate have varied at Peabody well 5 for the period of record, and there is an apparent increasing trend. Dissolved-solids, chloride, and sulfate concentrations increased at Moenkopi School Spring during the more than 12 years of record.

The mathematical origins of the kinetic compensation effect: 2. The effect of systematic errors.

PubMed

Barrie, Patrick J

2012-01-07

The kinetic compensation effect states that there is a linear relationship between Arrhenius parameters ln A and E for a family of related processes. It is a widely observed phenomenon in many areas of science, notably heterogeneous catalysis. This paper explores mathematical, rather than physicochemical, explanations for the compensation effect in certain situations. Three different topics are covered theoretically and illustrated by examples. Firstly, the effect of systematic errors in experimental kinetic data is explored, and it is shown that these create apparent compensation effects. Secondly, analysis of kinetic data when the Arrhenius parameters depend on another parameter is examined. In the case of temperature programmed desorption (TPD) experiments when the activation energy depends on surface coverage, it is shown that a common analysis method induces a systematic error, causing an apparent compensation effect. Thirdly, the effect of analysing the temperature dependence of an overall rate of reaction, rather than a rate constant, is investigated. It is shown that this can create an apparent compensation effect, but only under some conditions. This result is illustrated by a case study for a unimolecular reaction on a catalyst surface. Overall, the work highlights the fact that, whenever a kinetic compensation effect is observed experimentally, the possibility of it having a mathematical origin should be carefully considered before any physicochemical conclusions are drawn.

a Research on Monitoring Surface Deformation and Relationships with Surface Parameters in Qinghai Tibetan Plateau Permafrost

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mi, S. J.; Li, Y. T.; Wang, F.; Li, L.; Ge, Y.; Luo, L.; Zhang, C. L.; Chen, J. B.

2017-09-01

The Qinghai Tibetan Plateau permafrost has been the largest permafrost region in middle-low latitude in the world for its high altitude. For the large area permafrost, especially surface deformation brought by it, have serious influence on the road engineering, road maintaining and regional economic development. Consequently, it is essential to monitor the surface deformation and study factors that influent it. We monitored an area named Wudaoliang from July 25, 2015 to June 1, 2016 and 15 Sentinel images were obtained during this time. The area we chose is about 35 kilometers long and 2 kilometers wide, and the national road 109 of China passes through the area. The traditional PS-INSAR (Persistent Scatterer Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar) method is not suitable because less historical images in the research area and leading to the number of PS (Persistent Scatterer) points is not enough to obtain accurate deformation results. Therefore, in this paper, we used another method which named QUASI-PSInSAR (QUASI Persistent Scatterer Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar) to acquire deformation for it has the advantage to weaken or eliminate the effects of spatial and temporal correlation, which has proved by other scholar. After processing 15 images in the SARproz software, we got the conclusions that, 1) the biggest deformation velocity in the whole area was about 127.9mm/year and about 109.3 mm/year in the road; 2) apparent deformation which have surface deformation more than 30mm/year was about 1.7Km in the road. Meanwhile, soil moisture(SM), Land surface temperature (LST) and surface water(SW), which are primary parameters of the land surface over the same time were reversed by using Sentinel data, Landsat data and ZY-3 data, respectively. After analyzing SM, LST , SW and deformation, we obtained that wet areas which had bigger SM, lower LST and more SW, had greater percentage of severe deformation than arid areas; besides, deformation pattern were different in arid areas and wet areas. During the research time, frost heaving firstly accounted for a large proportion both in the arid and wet areas with the decrease of downward radiation from July to December; after December, thaw settlement came into prominence with the increase downward radiation in the arid areas, while in the wet areas, surface put into diverse situations because of water transformation leading to severe deformation. In summary, soil moisture is an important factor that influences the surface deformation. This relationship between deformation process and soil moisture will be researched more in our further work.

A DNS study of the physical mechanisms associated with density ratio influence on turbulent burning velocity in premixed flames

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lipatnikov, Andrei N.; Chomiak, Jerzy; Sabelnikov, Vladimir A.; Nishiki, Shinnosuke; Hasegawa, Tatsuya

2018-01-01

Data obtained in 3D direct numerical simulations of statistically planar, 1D weakly turbulent flames characterised by different density ratios σ are analysed to study the influence of thermal expansion on flame surface area and burning rate. Results show that, on the one hand, the pressure gradient induced within a flame brush owing to heat release in flamelets significantly accelerates the unburned gas that deeply intrudes into the combustion products in the form of an unburned mixture finger, thus causing large-scale oscillations of the burning rate and flame brush thickness. Under the conditions of the present simulations, the contribution of this mechanism to the creation of the flame surface area is substantial and is increased by σ, thus implying an increase in the burning rate by σ. On the other hand, the total flame surface areas simulated at σ = 7.53 and 2.5 are approximately equal. The apparent inconsistency between these results implies the existence of another thermal expansion effect that reduces the influence of σ on the flame surface area and burning rate. Investigation of the issue shows that the flow acceleration by the combustion-induced pressure gradient not only creates the flame surface area by pushing the finger tip into the products, but also mitigates wrinkling of the flame surface (the side surface of the finger) by turbulent eddies. The latter effect is attributed to the high-speed (at σ = 7.53) axial flow of the unburned gas, which is induced by the axial pressure gradient within the flame brush (and the finger). This axial flow acceleration reduces the residence time of a turbulent eddy in an unburned zone of the flame brush (e.g. within the finger). Therefore, the capability of the eddy for wrinkling the flamelet surface (e.g. the side finger surface) is weakened owing to a shorter residence time.

Complex surface rupturing and related formation mechanisms in the Xiaoyudong area for the 2008 Mw 7.9 Wenchuan Earthquake, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tan, Xi-bin; Yuan, Ren-mao; Xu, Xi-wei; Chen, Gui-hua; Klinger, Yann; Chang, Chung-Pai; Ren, Jun-jie; Xu, Chong; Li, Kang

2012-09-01

The large oblique reverse slip shock of the 2008 Mw = 7.9 Wenchuan earthquake, China, produced one of the longest and most complicated surface ruptures ever known. The complexity is particularly evident in the Xiaoyudong area, where three special phenomena occurred: the 7 km long Xiaoyudong rupture perpendicular to the Beichuan-Yingxiu fault; the occurrence of two parallel faults rupturing simultaneously, and apparent discontinuity of the Beichuan-Yingxiu rupture. This paper systematically documents these co-seismic rupture phenomena for the Xiaoyudong area. The discussion and results are based on field investigations and analyses of faulting mechanisms and prevalent stress conditions. The results show that the Beichuan-Yingxiu fault formed a 3.5 km wide restraining stepover at the Xiaoyudong area. The Xiaoyudong fault is not a tear fault suggested by previous researches, but a frontal reverse fault induced by the oblique compression at this stepover; it well accommodates the 'deformation gap' of the Beichuan-Yingxiu fault in the Xiaoyudong area. Further, stress along the Peng-Guan fault plane doubles due to a change in dip angle of the Beichuan-Yingxiu fault across the Xiaoyudong restraining stepover. This resulted in two faults rupturing the ground's surface simultaneously, to the north of the Xiaoyudong area. These results are helpful in deepening our understanding of the dynamic processes that produced surface ruptures during the Wenchuan earthquake. Furthermore, the results suggest more attention be focused on the influence of dextral slip component, the change of the control fault's attitude, and property differences in rocks on either side of faults when discussing the formation mechanism of surface ruptures.

Pore-scale lattice Boltzmann simulation of micro-gaseous flow considering surface diffusion effect

DOE PAGES

Wang, Junjian; Kang, Qinjun; Chen, Li; ...

2016-11-21

Some recent studies have shown that adsorbed gas and its surface diffusion have profound influence on micro-gaseous flow through organic pores in shale gas reservoirs. Here, a multiple-relaxation-time (MRT) LB model is adopted to estimate the apparent permeability of organic shale and a new boundary condition, which combines Langmuir adsorption theory with Maxwellian diffusive reflection boundary condition, is proposed to capture gas slip and surface diffusion of adsorbed gas. The simulation results match well with previous studies carried out using Molecular Dynamics (MD) and show that Maxwell slip boundary condition fails to characterize gas transport in the near wall regionmore » under the influence of the adsorbed gas. The total molar flux can be either enhanced or reduced depending on variations in adsorbed gas coverage and surface diffusion velocity. The effects of pore width, pressure as well as Langmuir properties on apparent permeability of methane transport in organic pores are further studied. It is found that the surface transport plays a significant role in determining the apparent permeability, and the variation of apparent permeability with pore size and pressure is affected by the adsorption and surface diffusion.« less

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mihaela Grigore; Richard Sakurovs; David French

Gasification of coke contributes to its degradation in the blast furnace. In this study, the effect of gasification on the inherent catalytic minerals in cokes and their reciprocal influence on gasification are investigated. The catalytic mineral phases identified in the cokes used in this study were metallic iron, iron sulfides, and iron oxides. Metallic iron and pyrrhotite were rapidly oxidized during gasification to iron oxide. The catalysts had a strong influence on the apparent rates at the initial stages of reaction. As gasification proceeds, their effect on the reaction rate diminishes as a result of reducing the surface contact betweenmore » catalyst and carbon matrix because of carbon consumption around the catalyst particles; with extended burnout the reactivity of the coke becomes increasingly dependent on surface area. The reaction rate in the initial stages was also influenced by the particle size of the catalytic minerals; for a given catalytic iron level, the cokes whose catalytic minerals were more finely dispersed had a higher apparent reaction rate than cokes containing larger catalytic particles. Iron, sodium, and potassium in the amorphous phase did not appear to affect the reaction rate. 40 refs., 16 figs., 6 tabs.« less

Synthesis of molecular imprinted polymer modified TiO{sub 2} nanotube array electrode and their photoelectrocatalytic activity

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lu Na; Chen Shuo; Wang Hongtao

2008-10-15

A tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) modified TiO{sub 2} nanotube array electrode was prepared via surface molecular imprinting. Its surface was structured with surface voids and the nanotubes were open at top end with an average diameter of approximately 50 nm. The MIP-modified TiO{sub 2} nanotube array with anatase phase was identified by XRD and a distinguishable red shift in the absorption spectrum was observed. The MIP-modified electrode also exhibited a high adsorption capacity for TC due to its high surface area providing imprinted sites. Photocurrent was generated on the MIP-modified photoanode using the simulated solar spectrum andmore » increased with the increase of positive bias potential. Under simulated solar light irradiation, the MIP-modified TiO{sub 2} nanotube array electrode exhibited enhanced photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) activity with the apparent first-order rate constant being 1.2-fold of that with TiO{sub 2} nanotube array electrode. The effect of the thickness of the MIP layer on the PEC activity was also evaluated. - Graphical abstract: A tetracycline hydrochloride molecularly imprinted polymer modified TiO{sub 2} nanotube array electrode was prepared via surface molecular imprinting. It showed improved response to simulated solar light and higher adsorption capability for tetracycline hydrochloride, thereby exhibiting increased PEC activity under simulated solar light irradiation. The apparent first-order rate constant was 1.2-fold of that on TiO{sub 2} nanotube array electrode.« less

Three mechanisms model of shale gas in real state transport through a single nanopore

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Dongdong; Zhang, Yanyu; Sun, Xiaofei; Li, Peng; Zhao, Fengkai

2018-02-01

At present, the apparent permeability models of shale gas consider only the viscous flow and Knudsen diffusion of free gas, but do not take into account the influence of surface diffusion. Moreover, it is assumed that shale gas is in ideal state. In this paper, shale gas is assumed in real state, a new apparent permeability model for shale gas transport through a single nanopore is developed that captures many important migration mechanisms, such as viscous flow and Knudsen diffusion of free gas, surface diffusion of adsorbed gas. According to experimental data, the accuracy of apparent permeability model was verified. What’s more, the effects of pressure and pore radius on apparent permeability, and the effects on the permeability fraction of viscous flow, Knudsen diffusion and surface diffusion were analysed, separately. Finally, the results indicate that the error of the developed model in this paper was 3.02%, which is less than the existing models. Pressure and pore radius seriously affect the apparent permeability of shale gas. When the pore radius is small or pressure is low, the surface diffusion cannot be ignored. When the pressure and the pore radius is big, the viscous flow occupies the main position.

Spectral Measurement of Watershed Coefficients in the Southern Great Plains

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blanchard, B. J. (Principal Investigator); Bausch, W.

1978-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. It was apparent that the spectra calibration of runoff curve numbers cannot be achieved on watersheds where significant areas of timber were within the drainage area. The absorption of light by wet soil conditions restricts differentiation of watersheds with regard to watershed runoff curve numbers. It appeared that the predominant factor influencing the classification of watershed runoff curve numbers was the difference in soil color and its associated reflectance when dry. In regions where vegetation grown throughout the year, where wet surface conditions prevail or where watersheds are timbered, there is little hope of classifying runoff potential with visible light alone.

The effects of phase on the perception of 3D shape from texture: psychophysics and modeling.

PubMed

Thaler, Lore; Todd, James T; Dijkstra, Tjeerd M H

2007-02-01

Two experiments are reported in which observers judged the apparent shapes of elliptical cylinders with eight different textures that were presented with scrambled and unscrambled phase spectra. The results revealed that the apparent depths of these surfaces varied linearly with the ground truth in all conditions, and that the overall magnitude of surface relief was systematically underestimated. In general, the apparent depth of a surface is significantly attenuated when the phase spectrum of its texture is randomly scrambled, though the magnitude of this effect varies for different types of texture. A new computational model of 3D shape from texture is proposed in which apparent depth is estimated from the relative density of edges in different local regions of an image, and the predictions of this model are highly correlated with the observers' judgments.

Structural characteristics and tectonics of northeastern Tellus Regio and Meni Tessera

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Toermaenen, T.

1992-01-01

The Tellus Regio-Meni Tessera region is an interesting highland area characterized by large areas of complex ridged terrain or tessera terrain. The area was previously studied from the Venera 15/16 data, typical characteristics of complex tessera terrain of Tellus Regio were analyzed, and a formation mechanism was proposed. Apparent depths of compensation of approximately 30-50 km were calculated from Pioneer Venus gravity and topography data. These values indicate predominant Airy compensation for the area. Regional stresses and lithospheric structures were defined from analysis of surface structures, topography, and gravity data. In this work we concentrate on northeastern Tellus Regio and Meni Tessera, which are situated north and west of Tellus Regio. Structural features and relationships are analyzed in order to interpret tectonic history of the area. Study area was divided into three subareas: northeastern Tellus Regio, Meni Tessera, and the deformed plain between them.

Study of reticulated vitreous carbon surface treated by plasma immersion ion implantation for electrodes production

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Silva, L. L. G.; Conceição, D. A. S.; Oishi, S. S.; Toth, A.; Ueda, M.

2012-03-01

RVC samples were treated by nitrogen plasma immersion ion implantation (N-PIII) for electrodes production. High-voltage pulses with amplitudes of -3.0 kV or -10.0 kV were applied to the RVC samples while the treatment time was 10, 20 and 30 min. The samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electrochemical measurements. The SEM images present an apparent enhancement of the surface roughness after the treatment probably due to the surface sputtering during the PIII process. This observation is in agreement with the specific electrochemical surface area (SESA) of RVC electrodes. An increase was observed of the SESA values for the PIII-treated samples compared to the untreated specimen. Some oxygen and nitrogen containing groups were introduced on the RVC surface after the PIII treatment. Both plasma-induced process: the surface roughening and the introduction of the polar species on the RVC surface are beneficial for the RVC electrodes application.

Spatial and Temporal Variation of Land Surface Temperature in Fujian Province from 2001 TO 2015

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Y.; Wang, X.; Ding, Z.

2018-04-01

Land surface temperature (LST) is an essential parameter in the physics of land surface processes. The spatiotemporal variations of LST on the Fujian province were studied using AQUA Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer LST data. Considering the data gaps in remotely sensed LST products caused by cloud contamination, the Savitzky-Golay (S-G) filter method was used to eliminate the influence of cloud cover and to describe the periodical signals of LST. Observed air temperature data from 27 weather stations were employed to evaluate the fitting performance of the S-G filter method. Results indicate that S-G can effectively fit the LST time series and remove the influence of cloud cover. Based on the S-G-derived result, Spatial and temporal Variations of LST in Fujian province from 2001 to 2015 are analysed through slope analysis. The results show that: 1) the spatial distribution of annual mean LST generally exhibits consistency with altitude in the study area and the average of LST was much higher in the east than in the west. 2) The annual mean temperature of LST declines slightly among 15 years in Fujian. 3) Slope analysis reflects the spatial distribution characteristics of LST changing trend in Fujian.Improvement areas of LST are mainly concentrated in the urban areas of Fujian, especially in the eastern urban areas. Apparent descent areas are mainly distributed in the area of Zhangzhou and eastern mountain area.

An effective medium approach to predict the apparent contact angle of drops on super-hydrophobic randomly rough surfaces.

PubMed

Bottiglione, F; Carbone, G

2015-01-14

The apparent contact angle of large 2D drops with randomly rough self-affine profiles is numerically investigated. The numerical approach is based upon the assumption of large separation of length scales, i.e. it is assumed that the roughness length scales are much smaller than the drop size, thus making it possible to treat the problem through a mean-field like approach relying on the large-separation of scales. The apparent contact angle at equilibrium is calculated in all wetting regimes from full wetting (Wenzel state) to partial wetting (Cassie state). It was found that for very large values of the roughness Wenzel parameter (r(W) > -1/ cos θ(Y), where θ(Y) is the Young's contact angle), the interface approaches the perfect non-wetting condition and the apparent contact angle is almost equal to 180°. The results are compared with the case of roughness on one single scale (sinusoidal surface) and it is found that, given the same value of the Wenzel roughness parameter rW, the apparent contact angle is much larger for the case of a randomly rough surface, proving that the multi-scale character of randomly rough surfaces is a key factor to enhance superhydrophobicity. Moreover, it is shown that for millimetre-sized drops, the actual drop pressure at static equilibrium weakly affects the wetting regime, which instead seems to be dominated by the roughness parameter. For this reason a methodology to estimate the apparent contact angle is proposed, which relies only upon the micro-scale properties of the rough surface.

The Galapagos Spreading Centre at 86o W: a detailed geothermal field study.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Green, K.E.; Von Herzen, R. P.; Williams, D.L.

1981-01-01

We report here measurements of the heat flow field of the Galapagos Spreading Center on crust of age less than 1.0 m.y. The 443 measurements in an area of about 570 km2 reveal the general planform of the geothermal flux and permit the first truly areal estimate of the near-axis conductive heat flux. The intrusion process and associated hydrothermal circulation dominate the surface heat flow pattern, with circulation apparently continuing beyong the limits of our survey. The areal average of the conductive heat flux is 7.1+-0.8 HFU (295+-33 m W/m2), about one-third the heat flux predicted by plate models. The remaining heat is apparently removed by venting of hydrothermal waters at the spreading axis and through basalt outcrops and hydrothermal mounds off axis. The pattern of surface heat flux is lineated parallel to the axis and the strongly lineated topography. Sharp lateral gradients in the heat flow, greater than 10 HFU/km near escarpments and commonly expressed as high heat flow at the tops of the scarps and lower heat flow in the valleys, may indicate a local concentration of the circulation by surface fault systems and/or variable sediment thickness. -Authors

Mapping Near-Surface Salinization Using Long-wavelength AIRSAR

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Paine, Jeffery G.

2003-01-01

In May 1999, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory acquired airborne synthetic aperture radar (AIRSAR) data over the Hatchel and Montague Test Sites in Texas. We analyzed P- and L-band polarimetric radar data from these AIRSAR missions to assess whether AIRSAR could be used as a rapid and remote platform for screening large areas at risk for near-surface soil and water salinization. Ongoing geological, geophysical, and hydrological studies at the Hatchel Test Site in Runnels County and the Montague Test Site in Montague County have demonstrated the utility of high-resolution airborne electromagnetic (EM) induction in mapping electrical conductivity changes that accompany shallow natural and oil-field related salinization at these sites in the Colorado and Red River basins. We compared AIRSAR and airborne EM data quantitatively by (1) selecting representative flight lines from airborne EM surveys of the Hatchel and Montague sites, (2) extracting measurement locations and apparent conductivities at the highest available EM frequency, (3) identifying and extracting all P- and L-band backscatter intensities for all locations within 5 m of an airborne EM measurement, and (4) examining the spatial and magnitude relationships between apparent conductivity and all radar polarization and polarization-ratio combinations. For both test sites, backscatter intensity in all individual P- and L-band polarizations was slightly negatively correlated with apparent conductivity. In most modes this was manifested as a decrease in the range and magnitude of backscatter intensity as apparent conductivity increased. Select single-band and cross-band polarization ratios exhibited somewhat higher correlation with apparent conductivity by partly diminishing the dominance of the vegetation contribution to V backscatter intensity. The highest correlation with conductivity was obtained using the L-band vertical- to cross-polarization ratio, the P-band vertical- to L-band cross-polarization ratio, and the P-band vertical-to cross-polarization ratio. These correlations were higher for the more arid (and less electrically conductive) Hatchel Test Site than they were for the Montague Test Site.

Variation with thermal cycling in microstructure and area specific resistance of a ferritic stainless steel having rough surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Myoung Youp; Mumm, Daniel R.; Song, Jiunn

2013-03-01

Crofer22 APU specimens were prepared by grinding with grit 120 and 400 SiC grinding papers, and were then thermally cycled. The variation in oxidation behavior with thermal cycling was then investigated. Observation of microstructures, measurement of area-specific resistance (ASR), analysis of the atomic percentages of the elements by EDX, and XRD analysis were performed. XRD patterns showed that the (Cr, Mn)3O4 spinel phase grew on the surface of the Crofer22 APU samples ground using grit 120. For the samples ground with grit 400, ASR increased as the number of thermal cycles ( n) increased. Plots of ln (ASR/T) vs. 1/ T for the samples ground with grit 400 after n = 4, 20, and 40 exhibited good linearity, and the apparent activation energies were between 73.4 kJ/mole and 82.5 kJ/mole.

Biophysics of Heart Sounds and Its Application to Clinical Auscultation

PubMed Central

Faber, J. Job; Burton, Alan C.

1964-01-01

Much research has been carried out recently into the means by which heart sounds and murmurs reach the stethoscope from their point of origin. Heart sounds originate as vibrations of the cardiac valves and travel as transverse vibrations with low velocity over the walls of the ventricles and great vessels. Where these structures are in contact with the thoracic surface they emerge, at the `auscultatory areas', and spread like ripples over the chest surface. Murmurs originate in the cavities receiving the blood stream, and are loudest in the cavity that is less distensible. Frequency, damping in transit and the possible misinterpretation of apparent `splitting' seen in phonocardiographic records are discussed. This basic knowledge of modes of transmission allows the interpretation of unusual locations of auscultatory areas in disease states, and explains some puzzling findings obtained with microphones mounted on cardiac catheters. ImagesFig. 3Fig. 6 PMID:14174528

Synthesis of a specific monolithic column with artificial recognition sites for L-glutamic acid via cryo-crosslinking of imprinted nanoparticles.

PubMed

Göktürk, Ilgım; Üzek, Recep; Uzun, Lokman; Denizli, Adil

2016-06-01

In this study, a new molecular imprinting (MIP)-based monolithic cryogel column was prepared using chemically crosslinked molecularly imprinted nanoparticles, to achieve a simplified chromatographic separation (SPE) for a model compound, L-glutamic acid (L-Glu). Cryogelation through crosslinking of imprinted nanoparticles forms stable monolithic cryogel columns. This technique reduces the leakage of nanoparticles and increases the surface area, while protecting the structural features of the cryogel for stable and efficient recognition of the template molecule. A non-imprinted monolithic cryogel column (NIP) was also prepared, using non-imprinted nanoparticles produced without the addition of L-Glu during polymerization. The molecularly imprinted monolithic cryogel column (MIP) indicates apparent recognition selectivity and a good adsorption capacity compared to the NIP. Also, we have achieved a significant increase in the adsorption capacity, using the advantage of high surface area of the nanoparticles.

Virtual cathode emission of an annular cold cathode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, S.-d.; Kim, J.-h.; Han, J.; Yoon, M.; Park, S. Y.; Choi, D. W.; Shin, J. W.; So, J. H.

2009-11-01

Recent measurement of voltage V and current I of the electron gun of a relativistic klystron amplifier revealed that the resulting current-voltage relationship appeared to differ from the usual Child-Langmuir law (I∝V3/2) especially during the initial period of voltage increase. This paper attempts to explain this deviation by examining the emission mechanism using particle-in-cell simulation. The emission area in the cathode increased stepwise as the applied voltage increased and within each step the current and voltage followed the Child-Langmuir law. The electron emission began when the voltage reached a threshold, and the perveance increased with the emission area. Furthermore, an apparent virtual cathode was formed which was larger than the cathode tip. This occurs because, above a certain voltage, the emission from the edge and the side of the cathode surface dominates the emission from the front-end surface.

Contribution of stable isotopes and age dating tools to the understanding of pesticide transfer into surface and ground-waters in Martinique (French West Indies)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gourcy, Laurence; Arnaud, Luc; Baran, Nicole; Petelet-Giraud, Emmanuelle

2013-04-01

In Martinique, chlordecone, a synthetic chlorinated organic compound has mainly been used as an insecticide for banana farming up to 1993. The intrinsic characteristic of this contaminant makes it still quite abundant in soil, surface and groundwater. Since 2004 and the implementation of the Water Framework Directive the concentration of chlordecone in groundwater has been monitored regularly (two to four times / year) at different points of the island by the ODE (Office de l'Eau). Previous study (Gourcy et al. 2009, Arnaud et al. 2012) showed that variations of pesticides concentrations in groundwater are temporally strong and not always easy to correlate to climate, geological or hydrogeological context. The objective of the present study was to explore new investigation ways to identify, in a specific site and for high sampling frequency possible pathways of chlordecone into surface and ground-waters. A major sampling campaign was carried out in December 2011 including 12 surface and groundwater points located in Chalvet and Chez Lélène wells watersheds. Besides, monthly or weekly samples were taken at these two groundwater monitoring wells and the Falaise river up to August 2012. Major dissolved ions, δ18O, δ2H, chlordecone concentrations were determined for all samples. CFC-11, CFC-12, CFC-113 and SF6 analyses were performed for groundwater for apparent age estimation. Punctual or cumulative rainfalls were sampled at Chalvet (30 m NGM) and Aileron (800 m NGM) for stable isotopes determination. The isotope data are indicating a deuterium excess higher for surface water, groundwater and rainfall collected at high altitude vs. samples corresponding to lowest altitudes. This data can therefore be used to estimate the average altitude of recharge area of groundwater. This altitude of recharge, between 30 and 350m corresponds to the altitude of banana growing ; it is therefore in accordance with the presence of chlordecone in soils. This information is also giving necessary data for apparent age estimation using dissolved gases tracers (CFCs). Apparent age (or CFC and SF6 concentrations) and δ18O and δ2H (and calculated d-excess) of groundwater are very stable with time even during intensive rainfall episodes and high water stage. Limited variability of chemistry and isotopes in surface water allow demonstrating that the Falaise River is highly sustained by groundwater. As a consequence, regarding chlordecone, the quality of surface water is governed by groundwater quality. Besides, during the dry season when the contribution of groundwater to the flow is the highest, chlordecone concentrations fluctuations are similar for both surface and ground-waters. During the period December 2011 - August 2012, chlordecone concentration varies from 0.25 to 0.45 µg/L at Chez Lélène borehole and 0.02 to 0.1 µg/L at Falaise River. In this area, groundwater contributes to the degradation of surface water quality.

Assessment of multi-frequency electromagnetic induction for determining soil moisture patterns at the hillslope scale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tromp-van Meerveld, H. J.; McDonnell, J. J.

2009-04-01

SummaryHillslopes are fundamental landscape units, yet represent a difficult scale for measurements as they are well-beyond our traditional point-scale techniques. Here we present an assessment of electromagnetic induction (EM) as a potential rapid and non-invasive method to map soil moisture patterns at the hillslope scale. We test the new multi-frequency GEM-300 for spatially distributed soil moisture measurements at the well-instrumented Panola hillslope. EM-based apparent conductivity measurements were linearly related to soil moisture measured with the Aqua-pro capacitance sensor below a threshold conductivity and represented the temporal patterns in soil moisture well. During spring rainfall events that wetted only the surface soil layers the apparent conductivity measurements explained the soil moisture dynamics at depth better than the surface soil moisture dynamics. All four EM frequencies (7.290, 9.090, 11.250, and 14.010 kHz) were highly correlated and linearly related to each other and could be used to predict soil moisture. This limited our ability to use the four different EM frequencies to obtain a soil moisture profile with depth. The apparent conductivity patterns represented the observed spatial soil moisture patterns well when the individually fitted relationships between measured soil moisture and apparent conductivity were used for each measurement point. However, when the same (master) relationship was used for all measurement locations, the soil moisture patterns were smoothed and did not resemble the observed soil moisture patterns very well. In addition the range in calculated soil moisture values was reduced compared to observed soil moisture. Part of the smoothing was likely due to the much larger measurement area of the GEM-300 compared to the soil moisture measurements.

Heat Transfar Properties of Flat-Panel Evacuated Porous Insrlators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoneno, Hirosyi; Yamamoto, Ryoichi

Flat Panel evacuated porous insulators have been produced by filling powder or fiber (such as perlite powder, diatomaceous earth powder, silica aerogel powder, g lass fiber and ceramic fiber) in film-like laminated plastic container and by evacuating to form vacuum in it is interior. Heat transfer properties of these evacuated insulators have been studied under various conditions (such as particle diameter, surface area, packing density, solid volume fraction and void dimension). The apparent mean thermal conductivity has been measured for the boundary surface temperature at cold face temperature 13°C and hot face temperature 35°. The effect of air pressure ranging from 1 Pa to one atomosphere (105 Pa) was examined. The results were as follows. (1) For each powder the apparent mean thermal conductivity decreases with decreasing residual air pressure, and at very low pressure bellow 1 -103 Pa the conductivity becomes indeqendent of pressure. The thermal conductivity at 1.3Pa is 0.0053 W/mK for perlite powder, 0.0048W/mK for diatomaceous earth powder, 0.0043 W/mK for silica aerogel powder and 0.0029W/mK for glass fiber. (2) With decreasing particle size, the apparent mean thermal conductivity is constant independent of residual air pressure in higher pressure region. It is that void dimension continues to decrease with particle size and the mean free path of air becomes comparable with void dimension. (3) In the range of minor solid volume fraction, the apparent mean thermal conductivity at very low precreases with decreasing particle size. This shows the thermal contact resistance of the solid particle increases with decreasing particle size.

Forensic applications of nitrogen and oxygen isotopes in tracing nitrate sources in urban environments

USGS Publications Warehouse

Silva, S.R.; Ging, P.B.; Lee, R.W.; Ebbert, J.C.; Tesoriero, A.J.; Inkpen, E.L.

2002-01-01

Ground and surface waters in urban areas are susceptible to nitrate contamination from septic systems, leaking sewer lines, and fertilizer applications. Source identification is a primary step toward a successful remediation plan in affected areas. In this respect, nitrogen and oxygen isotope ratios of nitrate, in conjunction with hydrologic data and water chemistry, have proven valuable in urban studies from Austin, Texas, and Tacoma, Washington. In Austin, stream water was sampled during stremflow and baseflow conditions to assess surface and subsurface sources of nitrate, respectively. In Tacoma, well waters were sampled in adjacent sewered and un-sewered areas to determine if locally high nitrate concentrations were caused by septic systems in the un-sewered areas. In both studies, sewage was identified as a nitrate source and mixing between sewage and other sources of nitrate was apparent. In addition to source identification, combined nitrogen and oxygen isotopes were important in determining the significance of denitrification, which can complicate source assessment by reducing nitrate concentrations and increasing ??15N values. The two studies illustrate the value of nitrogen and oxygen isotopes of nitrate for forensic applications in urban areas. ?? Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. on behalf of AEHS.

Apparent Brightness and Topography Images of Vibidia Crater

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-03-09

The left-hand image from NASA Dawn spacecraft shows the apparent brightness of asteroid Vesta surface. The right-hand image is based on this apparent brightness image, with a color-coded height representation of the topography overlain onto it.

Parallel Readout of Optical Disks

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-08-01

r(x,y) is the apparent reflectance function of the disk surface including the phase error. The illuminat - ing optics should be chosen so that Er(x,y...of the light uniformly illuminat - ing the chip, Ap = 474\\im 2 is the area of photodiode, and rs is the time required to switch the synapses. Figure...reference beam that is incident from the right. Once the hologram is recorded the input is blocked and the disk is illuminat - ed. Lens LI takes the

Experimental and numerical investigations of the impingement of an oblique liquid jet onto a superhydrophobic surface: energy transformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kibar, Ali

2016-02-01

This study presents the theory of impinging an oblique liquid jet onto a vertical superhydrophobic surface based on both experimental and numerical results. A Brassica oleracea leaf with a 160° apparent contact angle was used for the superhydrophobic surface. Distilled water was sent onto the vertical superhydrophobic surface in the range of 1750-3050 Reynolds number, with an inclination angle of 20°-40°, using a circular glass tube with a 1.75 mm inner diameter. The impinging liquid jet spread onto the surface governed by the inertia of the liquid and then reflected off the superhydrophobic surface due to the surface energy of the spreading liquid. Two different energy approaches, which have time-scale and per-unit length, were performed to determine transformation of the energy. The kinetic energy of the impinging liquid jet was transformed into the surface energy with an increasing interfacial surface area between the liquid and air during spreading. Afterwards, this surface energy of the spreading liquid was transformed into the reflection kinetic energy.

Method for Correcting Control Surface Angle Measurements in Single Viewpoint Photogrammetry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burner, Alpheus W. (Inventor); Barrows, Danny A. (Inventor)

2006-01-01

A method of determining a corrected control surface angle for use in single viewpoint photogrammetry to correct control surface angle measurements affected by wing bending. First and second visual targets are spaced apart &om one another on a control surface of an aircraft wing. The targets are positioned at a semispan distance along the aircraft wing. A reference target separation distance is determined using single viewpoint photogrammetry for a "wind off condition. An apparent target separation distance is then computed for "wind on." The difference between the reference and apparent target separation distances is minimized by recomputing the single viewpoint photogrammetric solution for incrementally changed values of target semispan distances. A final single viewpoint photogrammetric solution is then generated that uses the corrected semispan distance that produced the minimized difference between the reference and apparent target separation distances. The final single viewpoint photogrammetric solution set is used to determine the corrected control surface angle.

Role of the membrane cortex in neutrophil deformation in small pipets.

PubMed Central

Zhelev, D V; Needham, D; Hochmuth, R M

1994-01-01

The simplest model for a neutrophil in its "passive" state views the cell as consisting of a liquid-like cytoplasmic region surrounded by a membrane. The cell surface is in a state of isotropic contraction, which causes the cell to assume a spherical shape. This contraction is characterized by the cortical tension. The cortical tension shows a weak area dilation dependence, and it determines the elastic properties of the cell for small curvature deformations. At high curvature deformations in small pipets (with internal radii less than 1 micron), the measured critical suction pressure for cell flow into the pipet is larger than its estimate from the law of Laplace. A model is proposed where the region consisting of the cytoplasm membrane and the underlying cortex (having a finite thickness) is introduced at the cell surface. The mechanical properties of this region are characterized by the apparent cortical tension (defined as a free contraction energy per unit area) and the apparent bending modulus (introduced as a bending free energy per unit area) of its middle plane. The model predicts that for small curvature deformations (in pipets having radii larger than 1.2 microns) the role of the cortical thickness and the resistance for bending of the membrane-cortex complex is negligible. For high curvature deformations, they lead to elevated suction pressures above the values predicted from the law of Laplace. The existence of elevated suction pressures for pipets with radii from 1 micron down to 0.24 micron is found experimentally. The measured excess suction pressures cannot be explained only by the modified law of Laplace (for a cortex with finite thickness and negligible bending resistance), because it predicts unacceptable high cortical thicknesses (from 0.3 to 0.7 micron). It is concluded that the membrane-cortex complex has an apparent bending modulus from 1 x 10(-18) to 2 x 10(-18) J for a cortex with a thickness from 0.1 micron down to values much smaller than the radius of the smallest pipet (0.24 micron) used in this study. Images FIGURE 1 PMID:7948682

Dawn at Vesta: Characterizing a minor planet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pieters, C.; Russell, C.; Raymond, C.; Dawn Team

2014-07-01

The Dawn spacecraft arrived at Vesta in July 2011, spent more than a year exploring the surface with orbital instruments, and is now on its way to Ceres to do the same [1]. Beginning the investigations at Vesta, we were in the unique position of having what we believed to be samples from the surface (the HED family of meteorites) to guide our planning of scientific exploration. We also had telescopic spectra of Vesta that linked it to the meteorites [2] and had spatially resolved images of Vesta from HST [3] that indicated variations exist across the surface, and that an enormous depression occurs at the south pole. Since the HED meteorites show evidence of early melting and differentiation, we expected an ancient evolved anhydrous surface, perhaps similar to that of the Moon complete with early magma ocean. Although the Moon has often been considered a small body 'end member' that can be used to study early terrestrial planet evolution, with the year-long exploration of Vesta by Dawn, we now have extensive information for an even smaller differentiated planetary body with which to compare and test models and paradigms. We now know that both bodies are heavily cratered and exhibit at least one enormous basin that models predict should have excavated (and possibly exposed) the mantle [4]. Nevertheless, although compositional diversity is found on both, evidence for mantle material has been illusive. These two airless differentiated silicate bodies are ancient and essentially (but not completely) anhydrous. Regionally coherent areas containing H as well as OH are identified across the surface of Vesta [5] but exhibit no apparent relation to OH recently detected on the Moon [6]. Instead, Vesta's hydrated areas are spatially correlated with low-albedo regions, suggesting an exogeneous source (such as delivery by and mixing with carbonaceous chondritic material) [5,7]. Vesta exhibits its own style of space weathering that transforms fresh craters into background soils, one that involves regolith mixing instead of accumulation of nano-phase opaque components on surface grains [8]. The apparent dearth of nano-phase opaque coatings on regolith grains is due to a combination of factors involving Vesta's location and specific surface composition. The result is a mineralogically rich surface exposed to Dawn's sensors [9], although substantially rearranged by impact processes. Major scientific insights will continue to emerge as calibration improves for the Dawn instruments that measure spectral properties of the surface.

Articular cartilage changes in chondromalacia patellae.

PubMed

Bentley, G

1985-11-01

Full thickness samples of articular cartilage were removed from areas of chondromalacia on the medial and "odd" facets of the patellae of 21 adults and examined by histology, autoradiography and electron microscopy. Surface fibrillation, loss of superficial matrix staining and reduced 35SO4 labelling was seen, with little change in the deep zone. Ten cases showed "fibrous metaplasia" of the superficial cartilage with definite evidence of cell division and apparent smoothing of the surface. Scattered chondrocyte replication appeared to occur in the surrounding intact cartilage. The findings suggest that early lesions in chondromalacia patellae may heal either by cartilage or fibrous metaplasia and that this may account for the resolution of clinical symptoms.

Apparent-contact-angle model at partial wetting and evaporation: impact of surface forces.

PubMed

Janeček, V; Nikolayev, V S

2013-01-01

This theoretical and numerical study deals with evaporation of a fluid wedge in contact with its pure vapor. The model describes a regime where the continuous wetting film is absent and the actual line of the triple gas-liquid-solid contact appears. A constant temperature higher than the saturation temperature is imposed at the solid substrate. The fluid flow is solved in the lubrication approximation. The introduction of the surface forces in the case of the partial wetting is discussed. The apparent contact angle (the gas-liquid interface slope far from the contact line) is studied numerically as a function of the substrate superheating, contact line velocity, and parameters related to the solid-fluid interaction (Young and microscopic contact angles, Hamaker constant, etc.). The dependence of the apparent contact angle on the substrate temperature is in agreement with existing approaches. For water, the apparent contact angle may be 20° larger than the Young contact angle for 1 K superheating. The effect of the surface forces on the apparent contact angle is found to be weak.

Apparent-contact-angle model at partial wetting and evaporation: Impact of surface forces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Janeček, V.; Nikolayev, V. S.

2013-01-01

This theoretical and numerical study deals with evaporation of a fluid wedge in contact with its pure vapor. The model describes a regime where the continuous wetting film is absent and the actual line of the triple gas-liquid-solid contact appears. A constant temperature higher than the saturation temperature is imposed at the solid substrate. The fluid flow is solved in the lubrication approximation. The introduction of the surface forces in the case of the partial wetting is discussed. The apparent contact angle (the gas-liquid interface slope far from the contact line) is studied numerically as a function of the substrate superheating, contact line velocity, and parameters related to the solid-fluid interaction (Young and microscopic contact angles, Hamaker constant, etc.). The dependence of the apparent contact angle on the substrate temperature is in agreement with existing approaches. For water, the apparent contact angle may be 20∘ larger than the Young contact angle for 1 K superheating. The effect of the surface forces on the apparent contact angle is found to be weak.

Bonding measurement -Strength and fracture mechanics approaches.

PubMed

Anunmana, Chuchai; Wansom, Wiroj

2017-07-26

This study investigated the effect of cross-sectional areas on interfacial fracture toughness and bond strength of bilayered dental ceramics. Zirconia core ceramics were veneered and cut to produce specimens with three different cross-sectional areas. Additionally, monolithic specimens of glass veneer were also prepared. The specimens were tested in tension until fracture at the interface and reported as bond strength. Fracture surfaces were observed, and the apparent interfacial toughness was determined from critical crack size and failure stress. The results showed that cross-sectional area had no effect on the interfacial toughness whereas such factor had a significant effect on interfacial bond strength. The study revealed that cross-sectional area had no effect on the interfacial toughness, but had a significant effect on interfacial bond strength. The interfacial toughness may be a more reliable indicator for interfacial bond quality than interfacial bond strength.

Potentiometric surface of the middle Potomac Aquifer in Virginia 1993

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hammond, E.C.; McFarland, E.R.; Focazio, M.J.

1994-01-01

Ground-water level measurements from 50 wells in the middle Potomac aquifer in the Coastal Plain Physiographic Province of Virginia in 1993 were used to prepare a map of the potentiometric surface of the aquifer. The map shows the potentiometric surface of the middle Potomac aquifer sharply declining eastward from nearly 100 feet above sear level near the western boundary of the aquifer to 20 feet below sea level, and continues declining gradually toward the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean. A cone of depression is apparent around well fields in Franklin, Virginia. The potentiometric surface also appears to be affected by pumping in the area of Henrico County and Hanover County, Virginia. The highest ground-water-level measurement was 89 feet above sea level in Chesterfield County near Richmond, and the lowest ground-water-level measurement was 179 feet below sea level in southeastern Isle of Wight County, Virginia.

Influence of dissolved organic matter on the environmental fate of metals, nanoparticles, and colloids

USGS Publications Warehouse

Aiken, George R.; Hsu-Kim, Heileen; Ryan, Joseph N.

2011-01-01

We have known for decades that dissolved organic matter (DOM) plays a critical role in the biogeochemical cycling of trace metals and the mobility of colloidal particles in aquatic environments. In recent years, concerns about the ecological and human health effects of metal-based engineered nanoparticles released into natural waters have increased efforts to better define the nature of DOM interactions with metals and surfaces. Nanomaterials exhibit unique properties and enhanced reactivities that are not apparent in larger materials of the same composition1,2 or dissolved ions of metals that comprise the nanoparticles. These nanoparticle-specific properties generally result from the relatively large proportion of the atoms located at the surface, which leads to very high specific surface areas and a high proportion of crystal lattice imperfections relative to exposed surface area. Nanoscale colloids are ubiquitous in nature,2 and many engineered nanomaterials have analogs in the natural world. The properties of these materials, whether natural or manmade, are poorly understood, and new challenges have been presented in assessing their environmental fate. These challenges are particularly relevant in aquatic environments where interactions with DOM are key, albeit often overlooked, moderators of reactivity at the molecular and nanocolloidal scales.

Gas interaction effects on lunar bonded particles and their implications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mukherjee, N. R.

1976-01-01

Results are reported for an experimental investigation of gas-interaction effects on different Apollo 11 and Apollo 12 lunar-soil samples containing bonded particles. In the experiments, lunar fines were exposed to pure O2, pure water vapor, HCl, NH3, N2, HCOOH, and CH3NH2, in order to observe whether bonded particles would separate. In addition, repeated gas adsorption/desorption measurements were performed to determine the nature and reactive properties of the particle surfaces, and surface areas were measured for comparison with analogous terrestrial samples to determine whether the surface areas of highly radiation-damaged particles were larger or smaller. It is found that N2 is apparently ineffective in separating bonded particles and that the ratio of Apollo 11 to Apollo 12 bonded particles separated by a particular gas exposure ranges from 2.5 to 3.0. Possible reasons for differences in material surface properties at the two Apollo sites are considered, and it is concluded that material from a certain depth at some other site was transported to the Apollo 12 site and mixed with the original material in recent years (considerably less than 2000 years ago).

Interpretation of Ground Temperature Anomalies in Hydrothermal Discharge Areas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Price, Adam N.; Lindsey, Cary R.; Fairley, Jerry P.

2017-12-01

Researchers have long noted the potential for shallow hydrothermal fluids to perturb near-surface temperatures. Several investigators have made qualitative or semiquantitative use of elevated surface temperatures; for example, in snowfall calorimetry, or for tracing subsurface flow paths. However, a quantitative framework connecting surface temperature observations with conditions in the subsurface is currently lacking. Here, we model an area of shallow subsurface flow at Burgdorf Hot Springs, a rustic commercial resort in the Payette National Forest, north of McCall, ID, USA. We calibrate the model using shallow (0.2 m depth) ground temperature measurements and overburden thickness estimates from seismic refraction studies. The calibrated model predicts negligible loss of heat energy from the laterally migrating fluids at the Burgdorf site, in spite of the fact that thermal anomalies are observed in the unconsolidated near-surface alluvium. Although elevated near-surface ground temperatures are commonly assumed to result from locally high heat flux, this conflicts with the small apparent heat loss during lateral flow inferred at the Burgdorf site. We hypothesize an alternative explanation for near-surface temperature anomalies that is only weakly dependent on heat flux, and more strongly controlled by the Biot number, a dimensionless parameter that compares the rate at which convection carries heat away from the land surface to the rate at which it is supplied by conduction to the interface.

A reliable method of manufacturing metallic hierarchical superhydrophobic surfaces

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pogreb, Roman; Whyman, Gene; Barayev, Reuven

2009-06-01

A method of manufacturing hierarchical metallic surfaces demonstrating superhydrophobic properties is presented. The surfaces showed apparent contact angles as high as 153 deg. and sliding angles of 10 deg. for 50-100 {mu}l droplets. The Cassie-like model [A. B. D. Cassie and S. Baxter, Trans. Faraday Soc. 40, 546 (1944)], considering the hierarchical topography of the relief, predicts apparent contact angles in a satisfactory agreement with the measured values.

A geophysical investigation of shallow deformation along an anomalous section of the Wasatch fault zone, Utah, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

McBride, J.H.; Stephenson, W.J.; Thompson, T.J.; Harper, M.P.; Eipert, A.A.; Hoopes, J.C.; Tingey, D.G.; Keach, R.W.; Okojie-Ayoro, A. O.; Gunderson, K.L.; Meirovitz, C.D.; Hicks, T.C.; Spencer, C.J.; Yaede, J.R.; Worley, D.M.

2008-01-01

We report the results of a geophysical study of the Wasatch fault zone near the Provo and Salt Lake City segment boundary. This area is anomalous because the fault zone strikes more east-west than north-south. Vibroseis was used to record a common mid-point (CMP) profile that provides information to depths of ???500 m. A tomographic velocity model, derived from first breaks, constrained source and receiver static corrections; this was required due to complex terrain and significant lateral velocity contrasts. The profile reveals an ???250-m-wide graben in the hanging wall of the main fault that is associated with both synthetic and antithetic faults. Faults defined by apparent reflector offsets propagate upward toward topographic gradients. Faults mapped from a nearby trench and the seismic profile also appear to correlate with topographic alignments on LiDAR gradient maps. The faults as measured in the trench show a wide range of apparent dips, 20??-90??, and appear to steepen with depth on the seismic section. Although the fault zone is likely composed of numerous small faults, the broad asymmetric structure in the hanging wall is fairly simple and dominated by two inward-facing ruptures. Our results indicate the feasibility of mapping fault zones in rugged terrain and complex near-surface geology using low-frequency vibroseis. Further, the integration of geologic mapping and seismic reflection can extend surface observations in areas where structural deformation is obscured by poorly stratified or otherwise unmappable deposits. Therefore, the vibroseis technique, when integrated with geological information, provides constraints for assessing geologic hazards in areas of potential development.

Three-component ambient noise beamforming in the Parkfield area

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Löer, Katrin; Riahi, Nima; Saenger, Erik H.

2018-06-01

We apply a three-component beamforming algorithm to an ambient noise data set recorded at a seismic array to extract information about both isotropic and anisotropic surface wave velocities. In particular, we test the sensitivity of the method with respect to the array geometry as well as to seasonal variations in the distribution of noise sources. In the earth's crust, anisotropy is typically caused by oriented faults or fractures and can be altered when earthquakes or human activities cause these structures to change. Monitoring anisotropy changes thus provides time-dependent information on subsurface processes, provided they can be distinguished from other effects. We analyse ambient noise data at frequencies between 0.08 and 0.52 Hz recorded at a three-component array in the Parkfield area, California (US), between 2001 November and 2002 April. During this time, no major earthquakes were identified in the area and structural changes are thus not expected. We compute dispersion curves of Love and Rayleigh waves and estimate anisotropy parameters for Love waves. For Rayleigh waves, the azimuthal source coverage is too limited to perform anisotropy analysis. For Love waves, ambient noise sources are more widely distributed and we observe significant and stable surface wave anisotropy for frequencies between 0.2 and 0.4 Hz. Synthetic data experiments indicate that the array geometry introduces apparent anisotropy, especially when waves from multiple sources arrive simultaneously at the array. Both the magnitude and the pattern of apparent anisotropy, however, differ significantly from the anisotropy observed in Love wave data. Temporal variations of anisotropy parameters observed at frequencies below 0.2 Hz and above 0.4 Hz correlate with changes in the source distribution. Frequencies between 0.2 and 0.4 Hz, however, are less affected by these variations and provide relatively stable results over the period of study.

Hole-to-surface resistivity measurements.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Daniels, J.J.

1983-01-01

Hole-to-surface resistivity measurements over a layered volcanic tuff sequence illustrate procedures for gathering, reducing, and interpreting hole-to-surface resistivity data. The magnitude and direction of the total surface electric field resulting from a buried current source is calculated from orthogonal potential difference measurements for a grid of closely spaced stations. A contour map of these data provides a detailed map of the distribution of the electric field away from the drill hole. Resistivity anomalies can be enhanced by calculating the difference between apparent resistivities calculated from the total surface electric field and apparent resistivities for a layered earth model.-from Author

Water resources of Clallam County, Washington; Phase I report

USGS Publications Warehouse

Drost, B.W.

1983-01-01

An inventory of the water resources of Clallam County, Washington, showed that sufficient water is available to supply all present demands. Domestic water supplies can be obtained from wells drilled 100 ft or less into glacial and alluvial deposits; in areas underlain by bedrock, wells more than 100 ft deep can generally supply one home per well. Surface water is abundant, and is the source for most public water systems. Extreme low flows were observed only in small drainage basins in bedrock in the mountainous interior and along parts of the coastline in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The quality of ground and surface waters is generally excellent. In coastal areas, some wells may yield water with large concentrations of chloride and dissolved solids. A quarter of the wells tested had excessive concentrations of iron and (or) manganese. High values of turbidity, color, and coliform bacteria are widespread surface water problems, but standard filtering and chlorination treatment make the water suitable for public supplies. High concentrations of coliform bacteria apparently originate naturally in soils. High ammonia concentration observed at one site is probably caused by sewage disposal practices. (USGS)

Earthquake site response in Santa Cruz, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Carver, D.; Hartzell, S.H.

1996-01-01

Aftershocks of the 1989 Loma Prieta, California, earthquake are used to estimate site response in a 12-km2 area centered on downtown Santa Cruz. A total of 258 S-wave records from 36 aftershocks recorded at 33 sites are used in a linear inversion for site-response spectra. The inversion scheme takes advantage of the redundancy of the large data set for which several aftershocks are recorded at each site. The scheme decomposes the observed spectra into source, path, and site terms. The path term is specified before the inversion. The undetermined degree of freedom in the decomposition into source and site spectra is removed by specifying the site-response factor to be approximately 1.0 at two sites on crystalline bedrock. The S-wave site responses correlate well with the surficial geology and observed damage pattern of the mainshock. The site-response spectra of the floodplain sites, which include the heavily damaged downtown area, exhibit significant peaks. The largest peaks are between 1 and 4 Hz. Five floodplain sites have amplification factors of 10 or greater. Most of the floodplain site-response spectra also have a smaller secondary peak between 6 and 8 Hz. Residential areas built on marine terraces above the flood-plain experienced much less severe damage. Site-response spectra for these areas also have their largest peaks between 1 and 4 Hz, but the amplification is generally below 6. Several of these sites also have a secondary peak between 6 and 8 Hz. The response peaks seen at nearly all sites between 1 and 4 Hz are probably caused by the natural resonance of the sedimentary rock column. The higher amplifications at floodplain sites may be caused by surface waves generated at the basin margins. The secondary peak between 6 and 8 Hz at many sites may be a harmonic of the 1- to 4-Hz peaks. We used waveforms from a seven-station approximately linear array located on the floodplain to calculate the apparent velocity and azimuth of propagation of coherent arrivals within moving windows of the S-wave codas. The initial windows give results that are consistent with direct S-wave arrivals. The apparent velocities are high (greater than 4.0 km/sec), and azimuths are from the source. Waves arriving later than 2 sec after the direct S waves have apparent velocities of less than 1 km/ sec, indicating that they are surface waves, and arrive from divergent azimuths. This analysis indicates that after the direct S-wave arrival, long-duration shaking comes from surface waves that are generated at the basin margin and reverberate in the floodplain sediments.

Control of bacterial adhesion and growth on honeycomb-like patterned surfaces.

PubMed

Yang, Meng; Ding, Yonghui; Ge, Xiang; Leng, Yang

2015-11-01

It is a great challenge to construct a persistent bacteria-resistant surface even though it has been demonstrated that several surface features might be used to control bacterial behavior, including surface topography. In this study, we develop micro-scale honeycomb-like patterns of different sizes (0.5-10 μm) as well as a flat area as the control on a single platform to evaluate the bacterial adhesion and growth. Bacteria strains, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus with two distinct shapes (rod and sphere) are cultured on the platforms, with the patterned surface-up and surface-down in the culture medium. The results demonstrate that the 1 μm patterns remarkably reduce bacterial adhesion and growth while suppressing bacterial colonization when compared to the flat surface. The selective adhesion of the bacterial cells on the patterns reveals that the bacterial adhesion is cooperatively mediated by maximizing the cell-substrate contact area and minimizing the cell deformation, from a thermodynamic point of view. Moreover, study of bacterial behaviors on the surface-up vs. surface-down samples shows that gravity does not apparently affect the spatial distribution of the adherent cells although it indeed facilitates bacterial adhesion. Furthermore, the experimental results suggest that two major factors, i.e. the availability of energetically favorable adhesion sites and the physical confinements, contribute to the anti-bacterial nature of the honeycomb-like patterns. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Geology of Utah and Nevada by ERTS-1 imagery

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jensen, M. L.

1973-01-01

Repetitive ERTS-1 imagery covering Utah and Nevada is studied as an aid in structural geology, mineral exploration, and limnological and hydrological aspects. Limnological features of algal blooms and varying biological activities in Utah Lake and the Great Salt Lake are grossly evident on the imagery with more subtle details detected on the different bands. Major structural breaks, lineages, or trends are abundant throughout the area of study. The correlation of positive aeromagnetic anomalies with the trends suggests near surface intrusive bodies, not yet exposed at the surface, that can be tested for possible associated mineralization by collecting soil-gas at the surface which is analyzed for mercury that is (1) apparently associated with mineralization, (2) escapes as a vapor, and (3) can be readily measured in extremely low amounts of less than 1 ppb by absorption.

ARC-1979-AC79-7104

NASA Image and Video Library

1979-07-07

Range : 1,094,666 km (677,000 mi.) This false color picture of Callisto was taken by Voyager 2 and is centered on 11 degrees N and 171 degrees W. This rendition uses an ultraviolet image for the blue component. Because the surface displays regional contrast in UV, variations in surface materials are apparent. Notice in particular the dark blue haloes which surround bright craters in the eastern hemisphere. The surface of Callisto is the most heavily cratered of the Galilean satellites and resembles ancient heavily cratered terrains on the moon, Mercury and Mars. The bright areas are ejecta thrown out by relatively young impact craters. A large ringed structure, probably an impact basin, is shown in the upper left part of the picture. The color version of this picture was constructed by compositing black and white images taken through the ultraviolet, clear and orange filters.

Modeling of estuarne chlorophyll a from an airborne scanner

USGS Publications Warehouse

Khorram, Siamak; Catts, Glenn P.; Cloern, James E.; Knight, Allen W.

1987-01-01

Near simultaneous collection of 34 surface water samples and airborne multispectral scanner data provided input for regression models developed to predict surface concentrations of estuarine chlorophyll a. Two wavelength ratios were employed in model development. The ratios werechosen to capitalize on the spectral characteristics of chlorophyll a, while minimizing atmospheric influences. Models were then applied to data previously acquired over the study area thre years earlier. Results are in the form of color-coded displays of predicted chlorophyll a concentrations and comparisons of the agreement among measured surface samples and predictions basedon coincident remotely sensed data. The influence of large variations in fresh-water inflow to the estuary are clearly apparent in the results. The synoptic view provided by remote sensing is another method of examining important estuarine dynamics difficult to observe from in situ sampling alone.

Adhesion and abrasion of surface materials in the Venusian aeolian environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marshall, John R.; Greeley, Ronald; Tucker, David; Fogleman, Guy; Hixon, Raymond

1991-01-01

In laboratory simulations of the Venusian environment, rock and mineral 'target' surfaces struck by aeolian particles develop a thin layer of accretionary material derived from the particles' attrition debris. Accretion may be (in part) a manifestation of 'cold welding', a process well known in engineering, where bonding occurs between metals at a tribological interface. Accretion on geological materials was found to occur at all Venusian surface temperatures and for all types of materials tested. First-order variations in the amount deposited by particles are related to relative attrition susceptibilities. Second-order variations relate to properties of the particle-target interface. Variations in accretion volume are apparently independent of mineral chemistry and are only weakly dependent on crystallography. The results suggest that accretion should be a fairly universal phenomenon in areas of Venus subject to aeolian activity.

Water Surface Turbulance and Internal Waves, Norfolk, VA, USA

NASA Image and Video Library

1991-06-14

STS040-614-047 (5-14 June 1991) --- This image is of the Norfolk, Virginia -- Southern Delmarva Peninsula Southern Chesapeake Bay Area as seen in sunlight. The exposure is adjusted to emphasize the water patterns present. The outgoing tide generates considerable turbulence as it passes through the mouth of the bay. This is displayed by differences in reflective properties of the water surface due to differences in slope and turbidity. Ship wakes and the wakes of subsurface structures are seen clearly. The bridge tunnel system linking Norfolk with the peninsula and its effect on the system is quite apparent. Sunglint images over land areas were also acquired which emphasize land-water boundaries as demonstrated here in the small Delmarva inlets as a tool for wetland mapping, and river, lake and even pond description. During the first few days of the STS-40 mission the Eastern Seaboard of the United States was free of clouds and haze providing excellent photography of many of the major cities and the countryside of that area as well as the Gulf Stream.

Health assessment for Salem Acres, Essex County, Salem, Massachusetts, Region 1. CERCLIS No. MAD980525240. Preliminary report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

The Salem Acres, Incorporated site is a 235 acre parcel located in Salem, Essex County, Massachusetts. There are pits at the site which have apparently been filled with sewage sludge and tannery wastes. Organic compounds and metals have been found in the sludge in the pits, generally in the high parts-per-million range in very limited testing. Compounds detected in sludge included PCB-1254, lead, chromium, and mercury. Soil samples in the area did not show evident contamination. Off-site surface water had elevated levels of lead; two measurements were 64 ug/l and 89 ug/l, approximately. An oil sheen in surface water andmore » vegetation typical of polluted areas indicated water quality degradation. The site is considered to be of potential public health concern because of the risk to human health caused by the possibility of exposure to hazardous substances via continued direct exposure to soils, sediments and sludge residues in marginal areas of the site, and any consumption of any fish from the streams draining the site.« less

MAGSAT anomaly field inversion and interpretation for the US

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mayhew, M. A. (Principal Investigator)

1982-01-01

Long wavelength anomalies in the total magnetic field measured by MAGSAT over the United States and adjacent areas are inverted to an equivalent layer crustal magnetization distribution. The model is based on an equal area dipole grid at the Earth's surface. Model resolution, defined as the closest dipole spacing giving a solution having physical significance, is about 220 km for MAGSAT data in the elevation range 300-500 km. The magnetization contours correlate well with large scale tectonic provinces. A higher resolution (200 km) model based on relatively noise free synthetic "pseudodata" is also presented. Magnetic anomaly component data measured by MAGSAT is compared with synthetic anomaly component fields arising from an equivalent source dipole array at the Earth's surface generated from total field anomaly data alone. An excellent inverse correlation between apparent magnetization and heat flow in the western U.S. is demonstrated. A regional heat flow map which is presented and compared with published maps, predicts high heat flow in Nebraska and the Dakotas, suggesting the presence of a "blind" geothermal area of regional extent.

Hydrologic evaluation and water-supply considerations for five Paiute Indian land parcels, Millard, Sevier, and Iron counties, southwestern Utah

USGS Publications Warehouse

Price, Don; Stephens, D.W.; Conroy, L.S.

1989-01-01

The hydrologic resources in and adjacent to five parcels of land held in trust for the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah were evaluated. The land, located in southwestern Utah, is generally arid and has had only limited use for grazing. The parcels are located near the towns of Cove Fort, Joseph, Koosharem, and Kanarraville. On the basis of available geohydrologic and hydrologic data, water of suitable quality is locally available in the areas of all parcels for domestic, stock, recreation, and limited irrigation use. Developing this water for use on the parcels would potentially involve obtaining water rights, drilling wells, and constructing diversion structures. Surface water apparently is the most favorable source of supply available for the Joseph parcel, and groundwater apparently is the most favorable source of supply available for the other parcels. (USGS)

The Galapagos Spreading Center at 86°W: A detailed geothermal field study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Green, Kenneth E.; von Herzen, Richard P.; Williams, David L.

1981-02-01

Appendix is available with entire article on microfiche. Orderfrom American Geophysical Union, 2000 Florida Avenue, N.W.,Washington, D.C. 20009. Document J80-013; $01.00. Payment mustaccompany order. We report here measurements of the heat flow field of the Galapagos Spreading Center on crust of age less than 1.0 m.y. The 443 measurements in an area of about 570 km2 reveal the general planform of the geothermal flux and permit the first truly areal estimate of the near-axis conductive heat flux. The intrusion process and associated hydrothermal circulation dominate the surface heat flow pattern, with circulation apparently continuing beyond the limits of our survey. The areal average of the conductive heat flux is 7.1 ± 0.8 HFU (295 ± 33 mW/m2), about one-third the heat flux predicted by plate models. The remaining heat is apparently removed by venting of hydrothermal waters at the spreading axis and through basalt outcrops and hydrothermal mounds off axis. The pattern of surface heat flux is lineated parallel to the axis and the strongly lineated topography. Sharp lateral gradients in the heat flow, greater than 10 HFU/km near escarpments and commonly expressed as high heat flow at the tops of the scarps and lower heat flow in the valleys, may indicate a local concentration of the circulation by surface fault systems and/or variable sediment thickness.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gencoglu, Maria F.; Spurri, Amanda; Franko, Mitchell

We report that soft-templated mesoporous carbon is morphologically a non-nano type of carbon. It is a relatively newer variety of biomaterial, which has already demonstrated its successful role in drug delivery applications. To investigate the toxicity and biocompatibility, we introduced three types of mesoporous carbons with varying synthesis conditions and pore textural properties. We compared the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area and pore width and performed cytotoxicity experiments with HeLa cells, cell viability studies with fibroblast cells and hemocomapatibility studies. Cytotoxicity tests reveal that two of the carbons are not cytotoxic, with cell survival over 90%. The mesoporous carbon with themore » highest surface area showed slight toxicity (~70% cell survival) at the highest carbon concentration of 500 μg/mL. Fibroblast cell viability assays suggested high and constant viability of over 98% after 3 days with no apparent relation with materials property and good visible cell-carbon compatibility. No hemolysis (<1%) was confirmed for all the carbon materials. Protein adsorption experiments with bovine serum albumin (BSA) and fibrinogen revealed a lower protein binding capacity of 0.2–0.6 mg/m 2 and 2–4 mg/m 2 for BSA and fibrinogen, respectively, with lower binding associated with an increase in surface area. The results of this study confirm the biocompatibility of soft-templated mesoporous carbons.« less

Buried and accessible surface area control intrinsic protein flexibility.

PubMed

Marsh, Joseph A

2013-09-09

Proteins experience a wide variety of conformational dynamics that can be crucial for facilitating their diverse functions. How is the intrinsic flexibility required for these motions encoded in their three-dimensional structures? Here, the overall flexibility of a protein is demonstrated to be tightly coupled to the total amount of surface area buried within its fold. A simple proxy for this, the relative solvent-accessible surface area (Arel), therefore shows excellent agreement with independent measures of global protein flexibility derived from various experimental and computational methods. Application of Arel on a large scale demonstrates its utility by revealing unique sequence and structural properties associated with intrinsic flexibility. In particular, flexibility as measured by Arel shows little correspondence with intrinsic disorder, but instead tends to be associated with multiple domains and increased α-helical structure. Furthermore, the apparent flexibility of monomeric proteins is found to be useful for identifying quaternary-structure errors in published crystal structures. There is also a strong tendency for the crystal structures of more flexible proteins to be solved to lower resolutions. Finally, local solvent accessibility is shown to be a primary determinant of local residue flexibility. Overall, this work provides both fundamental mechanistic insight into the origin of protein flexibility and a simple, practical method for predicting flexibility from protein structures. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of reactivity loss on apparent reaction order of burning char particles

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Murphy, Jeffrey J.; Shaddix, Christopher R.

Considerable debate still exists in the char combustion community over the expected and observed reaction orders of carbon reacting with oxygen. In particular, very low values of the reaction order (approaching zero) are commonly observed in char combustion experiments. These observations appear to conflict with porous catalyst theory as first expressed by Thiele, which suggests that the apparent reaction order must be greater than 0.5. In this work, we propose that this conflict may be resolved by considering the decrease in char reactivity with burnout due to ash effects, thermal annealing, or other phenomena. Specifically, the influence of ash dilutionmore » of the available surface area on the apparent reaction order is explored. Equations describing the ash dilution effect are combined with a model for particle burnout based on single-film nth-order Arrhenius char combustion and yield an analytical expression for the effective reaction order. When this expression is applied for experimental conditions reflecting combustion of individual pulverized coal particles in an entrained flow reactor, the apparent reaction order is shown to be lower than the inherent char matrix reaction order, even for negligible extents of char conversion. As char conversion proceeds and approaches completion, the apparent reaction order drops precipitously past zero to negative values. Conversely, the inclusion of the ash dilution model has little effect on the char conversion profile or char particle temperature until significant burnout has occurred. Taken together, these results suggest that the common experimental observation of low apparent reaction orders during char combustion is a consequence of the lack of explicit modeling of the decrease in char reactivity with burnout. (author)« less

Assessing the intersection/remagnetization puzzle with synthetic apparent polar wander paths

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pivarunas, Anthony F.; Meert, Joseph G.; Miller, Scott R.

2018-05-01

Paleomagnetic data are of variable quality. To assist in a systematic assessment of data, a set of seven quality criteria (VQ1 - VQ7) were introduced by Van der Voo (1990). The last of those criteria `VQ7' concerns the possibility of remagnetization when a particular paleomagnetic pole resembles a younger paleopole from the same stable region. While remagnetizations are often the culprit, the mere resemblance of an older pole to a younger pole does not a priori require that the rocks under investigation are remagnetized. Given that the Earth has a finite surface area; that apparent polar wander paths are represented as wide swathes rather than points, and that continental motion has taken place over several billion years, we ask the question `How likely is it for an apparent polar wander path to loop back on itself?' To answer this question, we constructed synthetic apparent polar wander paths (APWPs) in an effort to evaluate the likelihood of self-intersection. We find that given 500 Myr of apparent polar wander, ˜60 per cent of the synthetic APWPs show self-intersection. Given 1000 Myr of apparent polar wander, ˜95 per cent of the synthetic APWPs show self-intersection. These results show that resemblance to younger paleopoles, over the long term, may be governed by simple probability rather than only remagnetization. We recognize that remagnetization does occur, sometimes pervasively, and must be reckoned with in the assessment of paleomagnetic data. Perhaps VQ7 should be amended to the first sentence in the original discussion (Van der Voo, 1990), and focus on satisfying `No suspicion of remagnetization' via other means rather than solely a resemblance to younger poles.

Surface area of montmorillonite from the dynamic sorption of nitrogen and carbon dioxide

USGS Publications Warehouse

Thomas, Josephus; Bohor, Bruce F.

1968-01-01

Surface area determinations were made on a montmorillonite with various cations emplaced on the exchangeable sites, utilizing nitrogen and carbon dioxide as adsorbates at 77°K and 195°K, respectively, in a dynamic system. From the fraction of a Mississippi montmorillonite less than about 1 μ in size, samples were prepared by replacing the original exchangeable cations with Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+, Cs+, Mg++, Ca++, Ba++, and NH4+, forming a series of homoionic montmorillonite species.Surface areas from 3-point B.E.T. plots (half-hour adsorption points), with nitrogen as the adsorbate, ranged from 61 m2/g for Li-montmorillonite to 138 m2/g for Cs-montmorillonite, thus reflecting a certain degree of nitrogen penetration between layers. Complete penetration should theoretically result in a surface area of over 300 m2/g for this clay with a nitrogen monolayer between each pair of platelets. The experimental data indicate that the extent of penetration is time-dependent and is also a function of the interlayer forces as governed by the size and charge of the replaceable cation. This finding negates the generally accepted concept that nitrogen at 77°K does not penetrate the layers and provides a measure only of the external surface of expandable clay minerals.A further measure of the variation of interlayer forces is provided by the adsorption of carbon dioxide at 195°K. Surface area values ranged from 99 m2/g for Li-montmorillonite to 315 m2/g for Csmontmorillonite. Although the carbon dioxide molecule is larger than the nitrogen molecule, its greater penetration apparently is a result of its being kinetically more energetic (with a larger diffusion coefficient) at its higher adsorption temperature. Similar differences have been found with both adsorbates in the study of microporous substances, such as coal, where activated diffusion is of considerable significance.

Apparent bandgap shift in the internal quantum efficiency for solar cells with back reflectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Steiner, M. A.; Perl, E. E.; Geisz, J. F.; Friedman, D. J.; Jain, N.; Levi, D.; Horner, G.

2017-04-01

We demonstrate that in solar cells with highly reflective back mirrors, the measured internal quantum efficiency exhibits a shift in bandgap relative to the measured external quantum efficiency. The shift arises from the fact that the measured reflectance at the front surface includes a superposition of waves reflecting from the front and back surfaces. We quantify the magnitude of the apparent shift and discuss the errors that can result in determination of quantities such as the photocurrent. Because of this apparent shift, it is important the bandgap be determined from the external quantum efficiency.

Apparent bandgap shift in the internal quantum efficiency for solar cells with back reflectors

DOE PAGES

Steiner, Myles A.; Perl, E. E.; Geisz, J. F.; ...

2017-04-28

Here, we demonstrate that in solar cells with highly reflective back mirrors, the measured internal quantum efficiency exhibits a shift in bandgap relative to the measured external quantum efficiency. The shift arises from the fact that the measured reflectance at the front surface includes a superposition of waves reflecting from the front and back surfaces. We quantify the magnitude of the apparent shift and discuss the errors that can result in determination of quantities such as the photocurrent. Because of this apparent shift, it is important that the bandgap be determined from the external quantum efficiency.

Effective slip identities for viscous flow over arbitrary patterned surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamrin, Ken; Six, Pierre

2012-11-01

For a variety of applications, most recently microfluidics, the ability to control fluid motions using surface texturing has been an area of ongoing interest. In this talk, we will develop several identities relating to the construction of effective slip boundary conditions for patterned surfaces. The effective slip measures the apparent slip of a fluid layer flowing over a patterned surface when viewing the flow far from the surface. In specific, shear flows of tall fluid layers over periodic surfaces (surfaces perturbed from a planar no-slip boundary by height and/or hydrophobicity fluctuations) are governed by an effective slip matrix that relates the vector of far-field shear stress (applied to the top of the fluid layer) to the effective slip velocity vector that emerges from the flow. Of particular note, we will demonstrate several general rules that describe the effective slip matrix: (1) that the effective slip matrix is always symmetric, (2) that the effective slip over any hydrophobically striped surface implies a family of related results for slip over other striped surfaces, and (3) that when height or hydrophobicity fluctuations are small, the slip matrix can be approximated directly using a simple formula derived from the surface pattern.

Historical surface deformation near Oildale, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Castle, Robert O.; Church, Jack P.; Yerkes, Robert F.; Manning, John C.

1983-01-01

Historical surface deformation recognized in the southern San Joaquin Valley and adjacent Sierra Nevada foothills near Oildale, Calif., includes: normal and apparently aseismic dip slip along four faults; subsidence within or adjacent to the Kern Front, Poso Creek, Mount Poso, and Fruitvale oil fields; and uplift of much of the area within and north of the Kern River oil field. As much as 0.34 m of vertical separation has been observed along a 5.2-km segment of the Kern Front fault, the structural barrier separating the Kern Front oil field on the west from the Kern River field to the east. Similar separations of as much as 0.15 m and 0.32 m, respectively, have also been identified along the surface traces of two en echelon faults between the Premier and Enas areas of the Poso Creek oil field and the fault that defines the southeast flank of the Premier area. The measured height changes are based on both unadjusted observed elevations and minimally constrained adjusted elevations developed from repeated control levelings referred to a relatively stable local bench mark; measurement error in the reported vertical movements probably is less than 0.05 m. Differential subsidence of at least 0.31 m (1903-68) and 0.05 m (1926/27/30/31-59) has occurred within the Kern Front and Fruitvale oil fields, respectively; subsidence of as much as 0.33 m (1903-53) and 0.19 m (1931-63) has also been measured along the north edge of the Premier area of the Poso Creek oil field and the south edge of the Main area of the Mount Poso field, respectively. Differential uplift of as much as 0.11 m and 0.13 m occurred within and immediately north of the Kern River oil field between 1903 and 1968, and similar uplift of as much as 0.19 m was measured along the north edge of the Dominion area of the Mount Poso field between 1931 and 1963. Differential subsidence within the Kern Front and Fruitvale oil fields and along the edges of the Poso Creek and Mount Poso fields is attributable to subsurface compaction owing to fluid withdrawal; absence of subsidence within the much larger Kern River field probably is the result of either production from compaction-resistant materials or natural water flooding that has acted to preserve reservoir fluid pressures in the generally shallow producing beds. Contemporary displacements on the Kern Front fault and those along the faults within and adjacent to the Poso Creek oil field are attributable largely or entirely to changes in the subsurface stress regime associated with reservoir compaction; accumulated elastic strain of tectonic derivation conceivably contributed to the development of these displacements. The apparent uplift within and north of the Kern River oil field and along the north edge of the Mount Poso field probably is due in part to compaction of as much as 0.055 m beneath the reference bench mark; most of this apparent uplift, however, is interpreted as an effect of tectonic tilting.

Wetting of flat gradient surfaces.

PubMed

Bormashenko, Edward

2018-04-01

Gradient, chemically modified, flat surfaces enable directed transport of droplets. Calculation of apparent contact angles inherent for gradient surfaces is challenging even for atomically flat ones. Wetting of gradient, flat solid surfaces is treated within the variational approach, under which the contact line is free to move along the substrate. Transversality conditions of the variational problem give rise to the generalized Young equation valid for gradient solid surfaces. The apparent (equilibrium) contact angle of a droplet, placed on a gradient surface depends on the radius of the contact line and the values of derivatives of interfacial tensions. The linear approximation of the problem is considered. It is demonstrated that the contact angle hysteresis is inevitable on gradient surfaces. Electrowetting of gradient surfaces is discussed. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The influence of Ce doping of titania on the photodegradation of phenol.

PubMed

Martin, Marcela V; Villabrille, Paula I; Rosso, Janina A

2015-09-01

Pure and cerium-doped [0.05, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, and 1.0 Ce nominal atomic % (at.%)] TiO2 was synthesized by the sol-gel method. The obtained catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-visible diffused reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), Raman, and BET surface area measurement. The photocatalytic activity of synthesized samples for the oxidative degradation of phenol in aqueous suspension was investigated. The content of Ce in the catalysts increases both the transition temperature for anatase to rutile phase transformation and the specific surface area, and decreases the crystallite size of anatase phase, the crystallinity, and the band gap energy value. The material with higher efficiency corresponds to 0.1 Ce nominal at.%. Under irradiation with 350 nm lamps, the degradation of phenol could be described as an exponential trend, with an apparent rate constant of (9.1 ± 0.6) 10(-3) s(-1) (r(2) = 0.98). Hydroquinone was identified as the main intermediate.

Late Pliocene to Late Quaternary Apparent Exposure Ages from Glacial Deposits in Ak-Shyrak, Central Kyrgyz Tian Shan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blomdin, R.; Harbor, J.; Stroeven, A. P.; Petrakov, D. A.; Gribenski, N.; Heyman, J.; Ivanov, M.; Caffee, M. W.; Hättestrand, C.; Lifton, N. A.; Rogozhina, I.; Usubaliev, R.

2014-12-01

The Tian Shan in central Asia is one of the world's highest mountain ranges. The 2500 km-long WSW-ENE-trending arc of mountains extends from the western Kyrgyz Republic across northwestern China and almost to the border with Mongolia. Understanding the glacial history of this vast region is important because there is a general lack of paleoclimatic data from this highly continental location, at the confluence of major climate systems, and because glaciers are sensitive monitors of climate change. We examine the glacial history of the Ak-Shyrak massif and surrounding plateaus with average altitudes of ~3500 m a.s.l. To reconstruct the glacial history of this area we use a combined approach including geomorphological mapping, and cosmogenic nuclide surface exposure dating of erratic boulders on glacial landforms. We observe large site-specific scatter in our 10Be and 26Al exposure ages. Apparent minimum surface exposure ages range from ~2 ka to ~2.5 Ma, with early Quaternary- late Pliocene apparent exposure ages relating to some of the highest 10Be concentrations ever recorded for glacial deposits. Most dated boulders, however, fall in the apparent exposure age range of 100 ka to 300 ka. Consistent with previous results from the western and central Tian Shan, none of our boulders record a global last glacial maxima expansion of glaciers, and this contrasts to data from the eastern Kyrgyz Tian Shan. This spatial variation in glacier extent might be due to differences in paleoclimate. However, local physiographic conditions (e.g. altitude, slope, aspect) or external forcing factors other than climate (e.g., landslides) may cause local or regional differences in glacier response. We refrain from assigning mapped glacial advances to marine oxygen isotope stages because of the considerable age scatter. Finally we assess and discuss possible reasons for the observed age scatter and early Quaternary-late Pliocene apparent exposure ages in terms of prior and/or incomplete exposure histories of individual samples and compare our data to other regional datasets.

Effects of El Niño on distribution and reproductive performance of Black Brant

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sedinger, James S.; Ward, David H.; Schamber, Jason L.; Butler, William I.; Eldridge, William D.; Conant, Bruce; Voelzer, James F.; Chelgren, Nathan; Herzog, Mark P.

2006-01-01

Climate in low-latitude wintering areas may influence temperate and high-latitude breeding populations of birds, but demonstrations of such relationships have been rare because of difficulties in linking wintering with breeding populations. We used long-term aerial surveys in Mexican wintering areas and breeding areas in Alaska, USA, to assess numbers of Black Brant (Branta bernicla nigricans; hereafter brant) on their principal wintering and breeding area in El Niño and non-El Niño years. We used Pollock's robust design to directly estimate probability of breeding and apparent annual survival of individually marked brant at the Tutakoke River (TR) colony, Alaska, in each year between 1988 and 2001. Fewer brant wintered in Mexico during every El Niño event since 1965. Fewer brant were observed on the principal breeding area following each El Niño since surveys began in 1985. Probability of breeding was negatively related to January sea surface temperature along the subtropical coast of North America during the preceding winter. Between 23% (five-year-olds or older) and 30% (three-year-olds) fewer brant nested in 1998 following the strong El Niño event in the winter of 1997–1998 than in non-El Niño years. This finding is consistent with life history theory, which predicts that longer-lived species preserve adult survival at the expense of reproduction. Oceanographic conditions off Baja California, apparently by their effect on Zostera marina (eelgrass), strongly influence winter distribution of brant geese and their reproduction (but not survival), which in turn affects ecosystem dynamics in Alaska.

Thermal behavior of horizontally mixed surfaces on Mars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Putzig, Nathaniel E.; Mellon, Michael T.

2007-11-01

Current methods for deriving thermal inertia from spacecraft observations of planetary brightness temperature generally assume that surface properties are uniform for any given observation or co-located set of observations. As a result of this assumption and the nonlinear relationship between temperature and thermal inertia, sub-pixel horizontal heterogeneity may yield different apparent thermal inertia at different times of day or seasons. We examine the effects of horizontal heterogeneity on Mars by modeling the thermal behavior of various idealized mixed surfaces containing differing proportions of either dust, sand, duricrust, and rock or slope facets at different angles and azimuths. Latitudinal effects on mixed-surface thermal behavior are also investigated. We find large (several 100 J m -2 K -1 s -1/2) diurnal and seasonal variations in apparent thermal inertia even for small (˜10%) admixtures of materials with moderately contrasting thermal properties or slope angles. Together with similar results for layered surfaces [Mellon, M.T., Putzig, N.E., 2007. Lunar Planet. Sci. XXXVIII. Abstract 2184], this work shows that the effects of heterogeneity on the thermal behavior of the martian surface are substantial and may be expected to result in large variations in apparent thermal inertia as derived from spacecraft instruments. While our results caution against the over-interpretation of thermal inertia taken from median or average maps or derived from single temperature measurements, they also suggest the possibility of using a suite of apparent thermal inertia values derived from single observations over a range of times of day and seasons to constrain the heterogeneity of the martian surface.

Callisto False Color

NASA Image and Video Library

1996-09-26

This false color picture of Callisto was taken by NASA's Voyager 2 on July 7, 1979 at a range of 1,094,666 kilometers (677,000 miles) and is centered on 11 degrees N and 171 degrees W. This rendition uses an ultraviolet image for the blue component. Because the surface displays regional contrast in UV, variations in surface materials are apparent. Notice in particular the dark blue haloes which surround bright craters in the eastern hemisphere. The surface of Callisto is the most heavily cratered of the Galilean satellites and resembles ancient heavily cratered terrains on the moon, Mercury and Mars. The bright areas are ejecta thrown out by relatively young impact craters. A large ringed structure, probably an impact basin, is shown in the upper left part of the picture. The color version of this picture was constructed by compositing black and white images taken through the ultraviolet, clear and orange filters. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA00457

A simple blackbody simulator with several possibilities and applications on thermography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

dos Santos, Laerte; Lemos, Alisson Maria; Abi-Ramia, Marco Antônio

2016-05-01

Originally designed to make the practical examination on thermography certification1 possible, the device presented in this paper has demonstrated to be a very useful and versatile didactic tool for training centers and educational institutions, it can also be used as a low cost blackbody simulator to verify calibration of radiometers. It is a simple device with several functionalities for studying and for applications on heat transfer and radiometry, among them the interesting ability to thermally simulate the surface of real objects. On that functionality, if the device is seen by a thermographic camera, it reproduces the surface apparent temperatures of the object that it is simulating, at the same time, if it is seen by a naked eye it shows a visible image of that same surface. This functionality makes the practical study in the classroom possible, from different areas such as electrical, mechanical, medical, building, veterinary, etc.

Ozone Transport Aloft Drives Surface Ozone Maxima Across the Mojave Desert

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

VanCuren, R. A.

2014-12-01

A persistent layer of polluted air in the lower free troposphere over the Mojave Desert (California and Nevada) drives spring and summer surface ozone maxima as deep afternoon mixing delivers ozone and ozone precursors to surface measurement sites 200 km or more downwind of the mountains that separate the deserts from the heavily populated coastal areas of California. Pollutants in this elevated layer derive from California source regions (the Los Angeles megacity region and the intensive agricultural region of the San Joaquin Valley), and from long-range transport from Asia. Recognition of this poorly studied persistent layer explains and expands the significance of previously published reports of ozone and other pollutants observed in and over the Mojave Desert, resolves an apparent paradox in the timing of ozone peaks due to transport from the upwind basins, and provides a new perspective on the long-range downwind impacts of megacity pollution plumes.

Apparent thermal inertia and the surface heterogeneity of Mars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Putzig, Nathaniel E.; Mellon, Michael T.

2007-11-01

Thermal inertia derivation techniques generally assume that surface properties are uniform at horizontal scales below the footprint of the observing instrument and to depths of several decimeters. Consequently, surfaces with horizontal or vertical heterogeneity may yield apparent thermal inertia which varies with time of day and season. To investigate these temporal variations, we processed three Mars years of Mars Global Surveyor Thermal Emission Spectrometer observations and produced global nightside and dayside seasonal maps of apparent thermal inertia. These maps show broad regions with diurnal and seasonal differences up to 200 J m -2 K -1s -1/2 at mid-latitudes (60° S to 60° N) and 600 J m -2 K -1s -1/2 or greater in the polar regions. We compared the seasonal mapping results with modeled apparent thermal inertia and created new maps of surface heterogeneity at 5° resolution, delineating regions that have thermal characteristics consistent with horizontal mixtures or layers of two materials. The thermal behavior of most regions on Mars appears to be dominated by layering, with upper layers of higher thermal inertia (e.g., duricrusts or desert pavements over fines) prevailing in mid-latitudes and upper layers of lower thermal inertia (e.g., dust-covered rock, soils with an ice table at shallow depths) prevailing in polar regions. Less common are regions dominated by horizontal mixtures, such as those containing differing proportions of rocks, sand, dust, and duricrust or surfaces with divergent local slopes. Other regions show thermal behavior that is more complex and not well-represented by two-component surface models. These results have important implications for Mars surface geology, climate modeling, landing-site selection, and other endeavors that employ thermal inertia as a tool for characterizing surface properties.

Effect of planar cuts' orientation on the perceived surface layout and object's shape.

PubMed

Bocheva, Nadejda

2009-07-01

The effect of the orientation of the cutting planes producing planar curves over the surface of an object on its perceived pose and shape was investigated for line drawings representing three-dimensional objects. The results suggest that the orientational flow produced by the surface curves introduces an apparent object rotation in depth and in the image plane and changes in its perceived elongation. The apparent location of the nearest points is determined by the points of maximal view-dependent unsigned curvature of the surface curves. The data are discussed in relation to the interaction of the shape-from-silhouette system and shape-from-contour system and its effect on the interpretation of the surface contours with respect to the surface geometry.

Coal resources of the Fruitland Formation in part of the Ute Mountain Ute Indian Reservation, San Juan County, New Mexico

USGS Publications Warehouse

Roberts, Laura N. Robinson

1991-01-01

The coal-bearing Upper Cretaceous Fruitland Formation occupies an area of about 14 square miles in the extreme southeast corner of the Ute Mountain Ute Indian Reservation in San Juan County, New Mexico. In this area, the Fruitland Formation contains an estimated 252 million short tons of coal in beds that range from 1.2 to 14 feet thick. About 100 million short tons of coal occur under less than 500 feet of overburden in the Ute Canyon, Upper Main, and Main coal beds. These three coal beds reach a cumulative coal thickness of about 18 feet in a stratigraphic interval that averages about 120 feet thick in the prospecting permit area, which is located in the extreme southwestern part of the study area. The southwestern part of the study area is probably best suited for surface mining, although steep dips may reduce minability locally. A major haul road that was recently constructed across the eastern half of the study area greatly improves the potential for surface mining. Core sample analyses indicate that the apparent rank of the Ute Canyon, Upper Main, and Main coal beds is high-volatile C bituminous. Average heat-of-combustion on an as-received basis is 10,250 British thermal units per pound, average ash content is 15.5 percent, and average sulfur content is 1.0 percent.

Influence of surface conductivity on the apparent zeta potential of calcite.

PubMed

Li, Shuai; Leroy, Philippe; Heberling, Frank; Devau, Nicolas; Jougnot, Damien; Chiaberge, Christophe

2016-04-15

Zeta potential is a physicochemical parameter of particular importance in describing the surface electrical properties of charged porous media. However, the zeta potential of calcite is still poorly known because of the difficulty to interpret streaming potential experiments. The Helmholtz-Smoluchowski (HS) equation is widely used to estimate the apparent zeta potential from these experiments. However, this equation neglects the influence of surface conductivity on streaming potential. We present streaming potential and electrical conductivity measurements on a calcite powder in contact with an aqueous NaCl electrolyte. Our streaming potential model corrects the apparent zeta potential of calcite by accounting for the influence of surface conductivity and flow regime. We show that the HS equation seriously underestimates the zeta potential of calcite, particularly when the electrolyte is diluted (ionic strength ⩽ 0.01 M) because of calcite surface conductivity. The basic Stern model successfully predicted the corrected zeta potential by assuming that the zeta potential is located at the outer Helmholtz plane, i.e. without considering a stagnant diffuse layer at the calcite-water interface. The surface conductivity of calcite crystals was inferred from electrical conductivity measurements and computed using our basic Stern model. Surface conductivity was also successfully predicted by our surface complexation model. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

APPARENT CROSS-FIELD SUPERSLOW PROPAGATION OF MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMIC WAVES IN SOLAR PLASMAS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kaneko, T.; Yokoyama, T.; Goossens, M.

2015-10-20

In this paper we show that the phase-mixing of continuum Alfvén waves and/or continuum slow waves in the magnetic structures of the solar atmosphere as, e.g., coronal arcades, can create the illusion of wave propagation across the magnetic field. This phenomenon could be erroneously interpreted as fast magnetosonic waves. The cross-field propagation due to the phase-mixing of continuum waves is apparent because there is no real propagation of energy across the magnetic surfaces. We investigate the continuous Alfvén and slow spectra in two-dimensional (2D) Cartesian equilibrium models with a purely poloidal magnetic field. We show that apparent superslow propagation acrossmore » the magnetic surfaces in solar coronal structures is a consequence of the existence of continuum Alfvén waves and continuum slow waves that naturally live on those structures and phase-mix as time evolves. The apparent cross-field phase velocity is related to the spatial variation of the local Alfvén/slow frequency across the magnetic surfaces and is slower than the Alfvén/sound velocities for typical coronal conditions. Understanding the nature of the apparent cross-field propagation is important for the correct analysis of numerical simulations and the correct interpretation of observations.« less

Impact of land use/land cover change on changes in surface solar radiation in eastern China since the reform and opening up

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qian, Cheng

2016-01-01

Observational evidence of the impacts of land use/land cover change (LULCC) on changes in surface solar radiation (SSR) in eastern China (EC) during 1979-2008 are identified by using diurnal temperature range as a proxy of SSR and by using observation minus reanalysis approach to disentangle these effects. For the period 1979-2008, the impact of LULCC is shown as a reduction in SSR in most stations in EC, whereas SSR in the reanalysis data has increased at nearly every location. The competition of the dimming effect of LULCC with the brightening effect in the reanalysis results in an observed dipole pattern of SSR with slightly decreasing (increasing) trends in most stations north (south) of the Yangtze River and statistically significant decreasing trends in central EC. In terms of EC area mean, this competition has resulted in a slightly dimming trend in the observed SSR during 1979-2008, although a transition from an apparent dimming to a general leveling off near 1990 is identified. For the period 1990-2008, LULCC has significantly reduced SSR in central EC and southern China. This dimming effect of LULCC competes with the apparent brightening effect in the reanalysis to result in the general leveling off in the observed SSR in terms of EC area mean and a sandwich spatial pattern in the observed SSR in EC where parts of central EC show significant dimming. The impact of LULCC on the changes in SSR may be through both biogeophysical and biogeochemical processes.

A quantitative evaluation of the effects of Ascophyllum harvesting on the littoral ecosystem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boaden, P. J. S.; Dring, M. T.

1980-03-01

Little is known of the ecological effects of harvesting littoral algae although this is a worldwide commercial activity. In 1976 an attempt to establish harvesting in Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland, was opposed on mainly theoretical conservation grounds. The attempt began and stopped within a single small bay leaving a sharp boundary between cut and uncut areas. A subjective survey apparently confirmed the predicted loss of cryptic fauna, decline through predation and the resorting of interboulder sediment. In April 1979 the cut and uncut areas were examined in detail to determine whether any of these effects had persisted and were demonstrable scientifically. Beach and boulder transects and various other studies showed some increases in the cut area. There was significantly more Fucus, Enteromorpha and Ulva; Cirratulus (inhabiting Rhodochorton-bound sediment on boulder surfaces) had a greater biomass. Some changes in Littorina colour morphs were apparent. Sediment in the cut area was coarser and had significantly more crustacean meiofauna. Ascophyllum internodal length and lateral branching were increased but it still provided 20% less shore cover than in the uncut area. There were significant decreases in the cover of Cladophora on the sides of boulders and of Halichondria, Hymeniacodon and Balanus on undersurfaces. Indeed on the habitable underside of boulders total animal cover had been reduced by nearly two-thirds and the average number of species per boulder by one-third. It is concluded that Ascophyllum harvesting has a significant and persistent effect on shore ecology. Littoral algae are a valuable commercial asset but it is important that some fairly large intertidal areas should be left unharvested for general conservation purposes.

Large-scale cauliflower-shaped hierarchical copper nanostructures for efficient photothermal conversion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fan, Peixun; Wu, Hui; Zhong, Minlin; Zhang, Hongjun; Bai, Benfeng; Jin, Guofan

2016-07-01

Efficient solar energy harvesting and photothermal conversion have essential importance for many practical applications. Here, we present a laser-induced cauliflower-shaped hierarchical surface nanostructure on a copper surface, which exhibits extremely high omnidirectional absorption efficiency over a broad electromagnetic spectral range from the UV to the near-infrared region. The measured average hemispherical absorptance is as high as 98% within the wavelength range of 200-800 nm, and the angle dependent specular reflectance stays below 0.1% within the 0-60° incident angle. Such a structured copper surface can exhibit an apparent heating up effect under the sunlight illumination. In the experiment of evaporating water, the structured surface yields an overall photothermal conversion efficiency over 60% under an illuminating solar power density of ~1 kW m-2. The presented technology provides a cost-effective, reliable, and simple way for realizing broadband omnidirectional light absorptive metal surfaces for efficient solar energy harvesting and utilization, which is highly demanded in various light harvesting, anti-reflection, and photothermal conversion applications. Since the structure is directly formed by femtosecond laser writing, it is quite suitable for mass production and can be easily extended to a large surface area.Efficient solar energy harvesting and photothermal conversion have essential importance for many practical applications. Here, we present a laser-induced cauliflower-shaped hierarchical surface nanostructure on a copper surface, which exhibits extremely high omnidirectional absorption efficiency over a broad electromagnetic spectral range from the UV to the near-infrared region. The measured average hemispherical absorptance is as high as 98% within the wavelength range of 200-800 nm, and the angle dependent specular reflectance stays below 0.1% within the 0-60° incident angle. Such a structured copper surface can exhibit an apparent heating up effect under the sunlight illumination. In the experiment of evaporating water, the structured surface yields an overall photothermal conversion efficiency over 60% under an illuminating solar power density of ~1 kW m-2. The presented technology provides a cost-effective, reliable, and simple way for realizing broadband omnidirectional light absorptive metal surfaces for efficient solar energy harvesting and utilization, which is highly demanded in various light harvesting, anti-reflection, and photothermal conversion applications. Since the structure is directly formed by femtosecond laser writing, it is quite suitable for mass production and can be easily extended to a large surface area. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: XRD patterns of the fs laser structured Cu surface as produced and after the photothermal conversion test, directly measured temperature values on Cu surfaces, temperature rise on Cu surfaces at varied solar irradiation angles, comparison of the white light and IR images of the structured Cu surface with the polished Cu surface, temperature rise on the peripheral zones of the blue coating surface. See DOI: 10.1039/c6nr03662g

Temperature and depth mediate resource competition and apparent competition between Mysis diluviana and kokanee

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schoen, Erik R.; Beauchamp, David A.; Buettner, Anna R.; Overman, Nathanael C.

2015-01-01

In many food webs, species in similar trophic positions can interact either by competing for resources or boosting shared predators (apparent competition), but little is known about how the relative strengths of these interactions vary across environmental gradients. Introduced Mysis diluviana shrimp interact with planktivorous fishes such as kokanee salmon (lacustrine Oncorhynchus nerka) through both of these pathways, and effective management depends on understanding which interaction is more limiting under different conditions. An “environmental matching” hypothesis predicts the ecological impacts of Mysis are maximized under cool conditions near its thermal optimum. In addition, we hypothesized Mysis is more vulnerable to predation by lake trout in relatively shallow waters, and therefore Mysis enhances lake trout density and limits kokanee through apparent competition more strongly in shallower habitats. We tested whether these hypotheses could explain food web differences between two connected lake basins, one relatively shallow and the other extremely deep. The shallower basin warmed faster, thermally excluded Mysis from surface waters for 75% longer, and supported 2.5–18 times greater seasonal production of cladoceran zooplankton than the deeper basin, standardized by surface area. Mysis consumed 14–22% less zooplankton in the shallower basin, and lower ratios of total planktivore consumption to zooplankton production (C:P) indicated less potential for resource competition with kokanee, consistent with environmental matching. Lake trout diets contained more Mysis in the shallower basin and at shallower sampling sites within both basins. The catch rate of lake trout was seven times greater and the predation risk for kokanee was 4–5 times greater in the shallower basin than in the deeper basin, consistent with stronger apparent competition in shallower habitats. Understanding how the strengths of these interactions are mediated by temperature and depth would enable managers to select appropriate strategies to address the unique combinations of conditions in hundreds of affected systems.

Molecular dynamics analysis of a equilibrium nanoscale droplet on a solid surface with periodic roughness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Furuta, Yuma; Surblys, Donatas; Yamaguchi, Yastaka

2016-11-01

Molecular dynamics simulations of the equilibrium wetting behavior of hemi-cylindrical argon droplets on solid surfaces with a periodic roughness were carried out. The rough solid surface is located at the bottom of the calculation cell with periodic boundary conditions in surface lateral directions and mirror boundary condition at the top boundary. Similar to on a smooth surface, the change of the cosine of the droplet contact angle was linearly correlated to the potential well depth of the inter-atomic interaction between liquid and solid on a surface with a short roughness period while the correlation was deviated on one with a long roughness period. To further investigate this feature, solid-liquid, solid-vapor interfacial free energies per unit projected area of solid surface were evaluated by using the thermodynamic integration method in independent quasi-one-dimensional simulation systems with a liquid-solid interface or vapor-solid interface on various rough solid surfaces at a constant pressure. The cosine of the apparent contact angles estimated from the density profile of the droplet systems corresponded well with ones calculated from Young's equation using the interfacial energies evaluated in the quasi-one dimensional systems.

Fringe Capacitance Correction for a Coaxial Soil Cell

PubMed Central

Pelletier, Mathew G.; Viera, Joseph A.; Schwartz, Robert C.; Lascano, Robert J.; Evett, Steven R.; Green, Tim R.; Wanjura, John D.; Holt, Greg A.

2011-01-01

Accurate measurement of moisture content is a prime requirement in hydrological, geophysical and biogeochemical research as well as for material characterization and process control. Within these areas, accurate measurements of the surface area and bound water content is becoming increasingly important for providing answers to many fundamental questions ranging from characterization of cotton fiber maturity, to accurate characterization of soil water content in soil water conservation research to bio-plant water utilization to chemical reactions and diffusions of ionic species across membranes in cells as well as in the dense suspensions that occur in surface films. One promising technique to address the increasing demands for higher accuracy water content measurements is utilization of electrical permittivity characterization of materials. This technique has enjoyed a strong following in the soil-science and geological community through measurements of apparent permittivity via time-domain-reflectometry (TDR) as well in many process control applications. Recent research however, is indicating a need to increase the accuracy beyond that available from traditional TDR. The most logical pathway then becomes a transition from TDR based measurements to network analyzer measurements of absolute permittivity that will remove the adverse effects that high surface area soils and conductivity impart onto the measurements of apparent permittivity in traditional TDR applications. This research examines an observed experimental error for the coaxial probe, from which the modern TDR probe originated, which is hypothesized to be due to fringe capacitance. The research provides an experimental and theoretical basis for the cause of the error and provides a technique by which to correct the system to remove this source of error. To test this theory, a Poisson model of a coaxial cell was formulated to calculate the effective theoretical extra length caused by the fringe capacitance which is then used to correct the experimental results such that experimental measurements utilizing differing coaxial cell diameters and probe lengths, upon correction with the Poisson model derived correction factor, all produce the same results thereby lending support and for an augmented measurement technique for measurement of absolute permittivity. PMID:22346601

Oil Contact Angles in a Water-Decane-Silicon Dioxide System: Effects of Surface Charge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Shijing; Wang, Jingyao; Wu, Jiazhong; Liu, Qingjie; Sun, Chengzhen; Bai, Bofeng

2018-04-01

Oil wettability in the water-oil-rock systems is very sensitive to the evolution of surface charges on the rock surfaces induced by the adsorption of ions and other chemical agents in water flooding. Through a set of large-scale molecular dynamics simulations, we reveal the effects of surface charge on the oil contact angles in an ideal water-decane-silicon dioxide system. The results show that the contact angles of oil nano-droplets have a great dependence on the surface charges. As the surface charge density exceeds a critical value of 0.992 e/nm2, the contact angle reaches up to 78.8° and the water-wet state is very apparent. The variation of contact angles can be confirmed from the number density distributions of oil molecules. With increasing the surface charge density, the adsorption of oil molecules weakens and the contact areas between nano-droplets and silicon dioxide surface are reduced. In addition, the number density distributions, RDF distributions, and molecular orientations indicate that the oil molecules are adsorbed on the silicon dioxide surface layer-by-layer with an orientation parallel to the surface. However, the layered structure of oil molecules near the silicon dioxide surface becomes more and more obscure at higher surface charge densities.

Oil Contact Angles in a Water-Decane-Silicon Dioxide System: Effects of Surface Charge.

PubMed

Xu, Shijing; Wang, Jingyao; Wu, Jiazhong; Liu, Qingjie; Sun, Chengzhen; Bai, Bofeng

2018-04-19

Oil wettability in the water-oil-rock systems is very sensitive to the evolution of surface charges on the rock surfaces induced by the adsorption of ions and other chemical agents in water flooding. Through a set of large-scale molecular dynamics simulations, we reveal the effects of surface charge on the oil contact angles in an ideal water-decane-silicon dioxide system. The results show that the contact angles of oil nano-droplets have a great dependence on the surface charges. As the surface charge density exceeds a critical value of 0.992 e/nm 2 , the contact angle reaches up to 78.8° and the water-wet state is very apparent. The variation of contact angles can be confirmed from the number density distributions of oil molecules. With increasing the surface charge density, the adsorption of oil molecules weakens and the contact areas between nano-droplets and silicon dioxide surface are reduced. In addition, the number density distributions, RDF distributions, and molecular orientations indicate that the oil molecules are adsorbed on the silicon dioxide surface layer-by-layer with an orientation parallel to the surface. However, the layered structure of oil molecules near the silicon dioxide surface becomes more and more obscure at higher surface charge densities.

Dynamic Asphaltene-Stearic Acid Competition at the Oil-Water Interface.

PubMed

Sauerer, Bastian; Stukan, Mikhail; Buiting, Jan; Abdallah, Wael; Andersen, Simon

2018-05-15

Interfacial tension (IFT) is one of the major parameters which govern the fluid flow in oil production and recovery. This paper investigates the interfacial activity of different natural surfactants found in crude oil. The main objective was to better understand the competition between carboxylic acids and asphaltenes on toluene/water interfaces. Dynamic IFT was measured for water-in-oil pendant drops contrary to most studies using oil-in-water drops. Stearic acid (SA) was used as model compound for surface-active carboxylic acids in crude. The influence of concentration of these species on dynamic IFT between model oil and deionized water was examined. The acid concentrations were of realistic values (total acid number 0.1 to 2 mg KOH/g oil) while asphaltene concentrations were low and set between 10 and 100 ppm. In mixtures, the initial surface pressure was entirely determined by the SA content while asphaltenes showed a slow initial diffusion to the interface followed by increased adsorption at longer times. The final surface pressure was higher for asphaltenes compared to SA, but for binaries, the final surface pressure was always lower than the sum of the individuals. At high SA concentration, surface pressures of mixtures were dominated entirely by the SA, although, Langmuir isotherm analysis shows that asphaltenes bind to the interface 200-250 times stronger than SA. The surface area/molecule for both SA and asphaltenes were found to be larger than the values reported in recent literature. Various approaches to dynamic surface adsorption were tested, showing that apparent diffusivity of asphaltenes is very low, in agreement with other works. Hence, the adsorption is apparently under barrier control. A possible hypothesis is that at the initial phase of the experiment and at lower concentration of asphaltenes, the interface is occupied by stearic acid molecules forming a dense layer of hydrocarbon chains that may repel the asphaltenes.

Superhydrophobic floatability of a hydrophilic object driven by edge effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Feng-Ming; Sheng, Yu-Jane; Tsao, Heng-Kwong

2009-11-01

It is generally believed that a water-repellent surface is necessary for small insects to stand on water. Through a combined experimental and theoretical study, we demonstrate that an object with hydrophilic surface can float with apparent contact angle greater than 90° due to edge effect. The apparent contact angle rises with increasing loading even to a value typically displayed only by superhydrophobic surfaces. On the basis of free energy minimization, two regimes are identified. When buoyancy controls, the meniscus meets the object with the intrinsic contact angle. As surface tension dominates, however, contact angle is regulated by total force balance.

Microstructure and corrosion resistance of sputter-deposited titanium-chromium alloy coatings

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Landolt, D.; Robyr, C.; Mettraux, P.

1998-10-01

Titanium, chromium, and titanium-chromium alloy coatings were sputter-deposited to study their corrosion behaviors in relation to microstructure and composition. Silicon substrates were used to study the effect of alloying on intrinsic corrosion resistance of the coating materials, and brass substrates were used to study the effect of alloying on the penetrating porosity of the coatings. Corrosion behavior was characterized using linear sweep voltammetry. The crystal structure of the coatings was examined by x-ray diffraction (XRD) and the microstructure by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used to estimate the real surface area of the coatings. Results showedmore » alloying of titanium with chromium greatly influenced microstructure of the coatings. Alloying led to deposits of higher apparent density and, in some cases, to an x-ray amorphous structure. Alloy coatings showed significantly lower corrosion currents than the constituting metals. The effect was attributed to a smoother surface topography. When corrected of differences in real surface area, the intrinsic corrosion rate of the alloy coatings did not differ significantly from that of the constituting metals. Alloy coatings deposited on brass exhibited a lower porosity than titanium or chromium metal coatings produced under identical conditions.« less

Wetting and spreading behavior of molten brazing filler metallic alloys on metallic substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kogi, Satoshi; Kajiura, Tetsurou; Hanada, Yukiakira; Miyazawa, Yasuyuki

2014-08-01

Wetting and spreading of molten brazing filler material are important factors that influence the brazing ability of a joint to be brazed. Several investigations into the wetting ability of a brazing filler alloy and its surface tension in molten state, in addition to effects of brazing time and temperature on the contact angle, have been carried out. In general, dissimilar-metals brazing technology and high-performance brazed joint are necessities for the manufacturing field in the near future. Therefore, to address this requirement, more such studies on wetting and spreading of filler material are required for a deeper understanding. Generally, surface roughness and surface conditions affect spreading of molten brazing filler material during brazing. Wetting by and interfacial reactions of the molten brazing filler material with the metallic substrate, especially, affect strongly the spreading of the filler material. In this study, the effects of surface roughness and surface conditions on the spreading of molten brazing filler metallic alloys were investigated. Ag-(40-x)Cu-xIn and Ag- (40-x)Cu-xSn (x=5, 10, 15, 20, 25) alloys were used as brazing filler materials. A mild-steel square plate (S45C (JIS); side: 30 mm; thickness: 3mm) was employed as the substrate. A few surfaces with varying roughness were prepared using emery paper. Brazing filler material and metallic base plate were first washed with acetone, and then a flux was applied to them. The filler, 50 mg, was placed on the center of the metallic base with the flux. A spreading test was performed under Ar gas using an electrically heated furnace, after which, the original spreading area, defined as the sessile drop area, and the apparent spreading area, produced by the capillary grooves, were both evaluated. It was observed that the spreading area decreased with increasing In and Sn content.

Apparent Interfacial Fracture Toughness of Resin/Ceramic Systems

PubMed Central

Della Bona, A.; Anusavice, K.J.; Mecholsky, J.J.

2008-01-01

We suggest that the apparent interfacial fracture toughness (KA) may be estimated by fracture mechanics and fractography. This study tested the hypothesis that the KA of the adhesion zone of resin/ceramic systems is affected by the ceramic microstructure. Lithia disilicate-based (Empress2-E2) and leucite-based (Empress-E1) ceramics were surface-treated with hydrofluoric acid (HF) and/or silane (S), followed by an adhesive resin. Microtensile test specimens (n = 30; area of 1 ± 0.01 mm2) were indented (9.8 N) at the interface and loaded to failure in tension. We used tensile strength (σ) and the critical crack size (c) to calculate KA (KA = Yσc1/2) (Y = 1.65). ANOVA and Weibull analyses were used for statistical analyses. Mean KA (MPa•m1/2) values were: (E1HF) 0.26 ± 0.06; (E1S) 0.23 ± 0.06; (E1HFS) 0.30 ± 0.06; (E2HF) 0.31 ± 0.06; (E2S) 0.13 ± 0.05; and (E2HFS) 0.41 ± 0.07. All fractures originated from indentation sites. Estimation of interfacial toughness was feasible by fracture mechanics and fractography. The KA for the systems tested was affected by the ceramic microstructure and surface treatment. PMID:17062746

Public health assessment for USMC Marine Corps Recruit Depot (a/k/a Parris Island Marine Corps Recruit Depot), Parris Island, Beaufort County, South Carolina, Region 4. Cerclis No. SC6170022762

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

NONE

1996-09-12

Marine Corps Recruit Depot, (MCRD) Parris Island was proposed for listing on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency`s National Priorities List in August 1994. We identified two areas where chemical contaminants in soil entered the surface water wetland areas and bioaccumulated in edible fish and shellfish species: (1) contaminated fish and shellfish at the Causeway Landfill (Site 3) and (2) contaminated shellfish near the Rifle Range. These exposure situations pose no apparent public health hazard due to the low levels of contaminants detected in fish and shellfish. However, because the landfill has no impermeable cap nor leachate collection system, it is notmore » known whether contaminants in fish and shellfish will increase over time. The remaining 57 contaminated areas pose no public health hazard because people are not coming in contact with contaminants.« less

Detecting voids in a 0.6 m coal seam, 7 m deep, using seismic reflection

USGS Publications Warehouse

Miller, R.D.; Steeples, D.W.

1991-01-01

Surface collapse over abandoned subsurface coal mines is a problem in many parts of the world. High-resolution P-wave reflection seismology was successfully used to evaluate the risk of an active sinkhole to a main north-south railroad line in an undermined area of southeastern Kansas, USA. Water-filled cavities responsible for sinkholes in this area are in a 0.6 m thick coal seam, 7 m deep. Dominant reflection frequencies in excess of 200 Hz enabled reflections from the coal seam to be discerned from the direct wave, refractions, air wave, and ground roll on unprocessed field files. Repetitive void sequences within competent coal on three seismic profiles are consistent with the "room and pillar" mining technique practiced in this area near the turn of the century. The seismic survey showed that the apparent active sinkhole was not the result of reactivated subsidence but probably erosion. ?? 1991.

Surface topographical changes measured by phase-locked interferometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lauer, J. L.; Fung, S. S.

1984-01-01

An electronic optical laser interferometer capable of resolving depth differences of as low as 30 A and planar displacements of 6000 A was constructed to examine surface profiles of bearing surfaces without physical contact. Topological chemical reactivity was determined by applying a drop of dilute alcoholic hydrochloric acid and measuring the profile of the solid surface before and after application of this probe. Scuffed bearing surfaces reacted much faster than virgin ones but that bearing surfaces exposed to lubricants containing an organic chloride reacted much more slowly. The reactivity of stainless steel plates, heated in a nitrogen atmosphere to different temperatures, were examined later at ambient temperature. The change of surface contour as a result of the probe reaction followed Arrhenius-type relation with respect to heat treatment temperature. The contact area of the plate of a ball/plate sliding elastohydrodynamic contact run on trimethylopropane triheptanoate with or without additives was optically profiled periodically. As scuffing was approached, the change of profile within the contact region changed much more rapidly by the acid probe and assumed a constant high value after scuffing. A nonetching metallurgical phase was found in the scuff mark, which was apparently responsible for the high reactivity.

Mesoporous Fluorinated Metal-Organic Frameworks with Exceptional Adsorption of Fluorocarbons and CFCs

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chen, Teng-Hao; Popov, Ilya; Kaveevivitchai, Watchareeya

2016-02-08

Two mesoporous fluorinated metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) were synthesized from extensively fluorinated tritopic carboxylate- and tetrazolate-based ligands. The tetrazolate-based framework MOFF-5 has an accessible surface area of 2445 m 2g -1, the highest among fluorinated MOFs. Crystals of MOFF-5 adsorb hydrocarbons, fluorocarbons, and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)—the latter two being ozone-depleting substances and potent greenhouse species—with weight capacities of up to 225%. The material exhibits an apparent preference for the adsorption of non-spherical molecules, binding unusually low amounts of both tetrafluoromethane and sulfur hexafluoride.

Gasoline immersion injury

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Simpson, L.A.; Cruse, C.W.

1981-01-01

Chemical burns and pulmonary complications are the most common problems encountered in the patient immersed in gasoline. Our patient demonstrated a 46-percent total-body-surface area, partial-thickness chemical burn. Although he did not develop bronchitis or pneumonitis, he did display persistent atelectasis, laryngeal edema, and subsequent upper airway obstruction. This had not previously been reported in gasoline inhalation injuries. Hydrocarbon hepatitis secondary to the vascular endothelial damage is apparently a reversible lesion with no reported long-term sequelae. Gasoline immersion injuries may be a series multisystem injury and require the burn surgeon to take a multisystem approach to its diagnosis and treatment.

Two-compartment modeling of tissue microcirculation revisited.

PubMed

Brix, Gunnar; Salehi Ravesh, Mona; Griebel, Jürgen

2017-05-01

Conventional two-compartment modeling of tissue microcirculation is used for tracer kinetic analysis of dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging studies although it is well-known that the underlying assumption of an instantaneous mixing of the administered contrast agent (CA) in capillaries is far from being realistic. It was thus the aim of the present study to provide theoretical and computational evidence in favor of a conceptually alternative modeling approach that makes it possible to characterize the bias inherent to compartment modeling and, moreover, to approximately correct for it. Starting from a two-region distributed-parameter model that accounts for spatial gradients in CA concentrations within blood-tissue exchange units, a modified lumped two-compartment exchange model was derived. It has the same analytical structure as the conventional two-compartment model, but indicates that the apparent blood flow identifiable from measured DCE data is substantially overestimated, whereas the three other model parameters (i.e., the permeability-surface area product as well as the volume fractions of the plasma and interstitial distribution space) are unbiased. Furthermore, a simple formula was derived to approximately compute a bias-corrected flow from the estimates of the apparent flow and permeability-surface area product obtained by model fitting. To evaluate the accuracy of the proposed modeling and bias correction method, representative noise-free DCE curves were analyzed. They were simulated for 36 microcirculation and four input scenarios by an axially distributed reference model. As analytically proven, the considered two-compartment exchange model is structurally identifiable from tissue residue data. The apparent flow values estimated for the 144 simulated tissue/input scenarios were considerably biased. After bias-correction, the deviations between estimated and actual parameter values were (11.2 ± 6.4) % (vs. (105 ± 21) % without correction) for the flow, (3.6 ± 6.1) % for the permeability-surface area product, (5.8 ± 4.9) % for the vascular volume and (2.5 ± 4.1) % for the interstitial volume; with individual deviations of more than 20% being the exception and just marginal. Increasing the duration of CA administration only had a statistically significant but opposite effect on the accuracy of the estimated flow (declined) and intravascular volume (improved). Physiologically well-defined tissue parameters are structurally identifiable and accurately estimable from DCE data by the conceptually modified two-compartment model in combination with the bias correction. The accuracy of the bias-corrected flow is nearly comparable to that of the three other (theoretically unbiased) model parameters. As compared to conventional two-compartment modeling, this feature constitutes a major advantage for tracer kinetic analysis of both preclinical and clinical DCE imaging studies. © 2017 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

BAROMETRIC AND WATER-SURFACE WAVES PRODUCED BY MIKE SHOT

DTIC Science & Technology

Barometric and water -surface waves generated by Mike shot were studied by means of 25 instruments in 19 locations in the Pacific Basin ranging from...on the tops of two mounts. The first water waves arriving at Eniwetok Island apparently traveled along paths outside the lagoon. At several of the...stations there were two distinct arrivals of water waves, the first apparently being driven by the propagated rise in atmospheric pressure caused by the

HIGH EXPLOSIVE CRATER STUDIES: DESERT ALLUVIUM

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Murphey, B.F.

1961-05-01

Crater dimensions were determined for 23 explosions of 256-pound spherical TNT charges buried in desert alluvium. As opposed to previous work covering depths of burst as great as 6 feet, the work presented in this report extends knowledge of apparent crater radius and depth to depths of burst as great as 30 feet. Optimum depth of burst for apparent crater radius was near 10 feet and for apparent crater depth near 8 feet. Surface motion photography illustrated a very great slowing down of the surface motion between depths of burst of 9.5 and 15.9 feet. Crater contours, profiles, snd overheadmore » photographs are presented as illustrations. (auth)« less

Measurement of atmospheric water vapor, leaf liquid water and reflectance with AVIRIS in the Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study: Initial results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Green, Robert O.; Conel, James E.; Roberts, Dar A.

1995-01-01

The Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) acquired data as part of the Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study (BOREAS) in 1994. Flights occurred over the northern study area (NSA) in the region of 56 degrees north latitude and 98.5 degrees west longitude and over the southern study area (SSA) at 54 degrees north latitude and 105 degrees west longitude. These data will be used to directly derive spectral properties of the surface and atmosphere and to provide supporting data for other instruments, models, and experiments in support of the BOREAS objectives. We present a preliminary evaluation of the AVIRIS data collected in BOREAS in terms of the AVIRIS-derived parameters: water vapor, leaf water, and apparent spectral reflectance.

Integrated geophysical investigations for the delineation of source and subsurface structure associated with hydro-uranium anomaly: A case study from South Purulia Shear Zone (SPSZ), India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, S. P.; Biswas, A.

2012-12-01

South Purulia Shear Zone (SPSZ) is an important region for prospecting of uranium mineralization. Geological studies and hydro-uranium anomaly suggest the presence of Uranium deposit around Raghunathpur village which lies about 8 km north of SPSZ. However, detailed geophysical investigations have not been carried out in this region for investigation of uranium mineralization. Since surface signature of uranium mineralization is not depicted near the location, a deeper subsurface source is expected for hydro uranium anomaly. To delineate the subsurface structure and to investigate the origin of hydro-uranium anomaly present in the area, Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) using Schlumberger array and Gradient Resistivity Profiling (GRP) were performed at different locations along a profile perpendicular to the South Purulia Shear Zone. Apparent resistivity computed from the measured sounding data at various locations shows a continuously increasing trend. As a result, conventional apparent resistivity data is not able to detect the possible source of hydro uranium anomaly. An innovative approach is applied which depicts the apparent conductivity in the subsurface revealed a possible connection from SPSZ to Raghunathpur. On the other hand resistivity profiling data suggests a low resistive zone which is also characterized by low Self-Potential (SP) anomaly zone. Since SPSZ is characterized by the source of uranium mineralization; hydro-uranium anomaly at Raghunathpur is connected with the SPSZ. The conducting zone has been delineated from SPSZ to Raghunathpur at deeper depths which could be uranium bearing. Since the location is also characterized by a low gravity and high magnetic anomaly zone, this conducting zone is likely to be mineralized zone. Keywords: Apparent resistivity; apparent conductivity; Self Potential; Uranium mineralization; shear zone; hydro-uranium anomaly.

Joint inversion of apparent resistivity and seismic surface and body wave data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garofalo, Flora; Sauvin, Guillaume; Valentina Socco, Laura; Lecomte, Isabelle

2013-04-01

A novel inversion algorithm has been implemented to jointly invert apparent resistivity curves from vertical electric soundings, surface wave dispersion curves, and P-wave travel times. The algorithm works in the case of laterally varying layered sites. Surface wave dispersion curves and P-wave travel times can be extracted from the same seismic dataset and apparent resistivity curves can be obtained from continuous vertical electric sounding acquisition. The inversion scheme is based on a series of local 1D layered models whose unknown parameters are thickness h, S-wave velocity Vs, P-wave velocity Vp, and Resistivity R of each layer. 1D models are linked to surface-wave dispersion curves and apparent resistivity curves through classical 1D forward modelling, while a 2D model is created by interpolating the 1D models and is linked to refracted P-wave hodograms. A priori information can be included in the inversion and a spatial regularization is introduced as a set of constraints between model parameters of adjacent models and layers. Both a priori information and regularization are weighted by covariance matrixes. We show the comparison of individual inversions and joint inversion for a synthetic dataset that presents smooth lateral variations. Performing individual inversions, the poor sensitivity to some model parameters leads to estimation errors up to 62.5 %, whereas for joint inversion the cooperation of different techniques reduces most of the model estimation errors below 5% with few exceptions up to 39 %, with an overall improvement. Even though the final model retrieved by joint inversion is internally consistent and more reliable, the analysis of the results evidences unacceptable values of Vp/Vs ratio for some layers, thus providing negative Poisson's ratio values. To further improve the inversion performances, an additional constraint is added imposing Poisson's ratio in the range 0-0.5. The final results are globally improved by the introduction of this constraint further reducing the maximum error to 30 %. The same test was performed on field data acquired in a landslide-prone area close by the town of Hvittingfoss, Norway. Seismic data were recorded on two 160-m long profiles in roll-along mode using a 5-kg sledgehammer as source and 24 4.5-Hz vertical geophones with 4-m separation. First-arrival travel times were picked at every shot locations and surface wave dispersion curves extracted at 8 locations for each profile. 2D resistivity measurements were carried out on the same profiles using Gradient and Dipole-Dipole arrays with 2-m electrode spacing. The apparent resistivity curves were extracted at the same location as for the dispersion curves. The data were subsequently jointly inverted and the resulting model compared to individual inversions. Although models from both, individual and joint inversions are consistent, the estimation error is smaller for joint inversion, and more especially for first-arrival travel times. The joint inversion exploits different sensitivities of the methods to model parameters and therefore mitigates solution nonuniqueness and the effects of intrinsic limitations of the different techniques. Moreover, it produces an internally consistent multi-parametric final model that can be profitably interpreted to provide a better understanding of subsurface properties.

Clouds and Ice of the Lambert-Amery System, East Antarctica

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2002-01-01

These views from the Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) illustrate ice surface textures and cloud-top heights over the Amery Ice Shelf/Lambert Glacier system in East Antarctica on October 25, 2002.

The left-hand panel is a natural-color view from MISR's downward-looking (nadir) camera. The center panel is a multi-angular composite from three MISR cameras, in which color acts as a proxy for angular reflectance variations related to texture. Here, data from the red-band of MISR's 60o forward-viewing, nadir and 60o backward-viewing cameras are displayed as red, green and blue, respectively. With this display technique, surfaces which predominantly exhibit backward-scattering (generally rough surfaces) appear red/orange, while surfaces which predominantly exhibit forward-scattering (generally smooth surfaces) appear blue. Textural variation for both the grounded and sea ice are apparent. The red/orange pixels in the lower portion of the image correspond with a rough and crevassed region near the grounding zone, that is, the area where the Lambert and four other smaller glaciers merge and the ice starts to float as it forms the Amery Ice Shelf. In the natural-color view, this rough ice is spectrally blue in color.

Clouds exhibit both forward and backward-scattering properties in the middle panel and thus appear purple, in distinct contrast with the underlying ice and snow. An additional multi-angular technique for differentiating clouds from ice is shown in the right-hand panel, which is a stereoscopically derived height field retrieved using automated pattern recognition involving data from multiple MISR cameras. Areas exhibiting insufficient spatial contrast for stereoscopic retrieval are shown in dark gray. Clouds are apparent as a result of their heights above the surface terrain. Polar clouds are an important factor in weather and climate. Inadequate characterization of cloud properties is currently responsible for large uncertainties in climate prediction models. Identification of polar clouds, mapping of their distributions, and retrieval of their heights provide information that will help to reduce this uncertainty.

The Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer observes the daylit Earth continuously and every 9 days views the entire Earth between 82 degrees north and 82 degrees south latitude. These data products were generated from a portion of the imagery acquired during Terra orbit 15171. The panels cover an area of 380 kilometers x 984 kilometers, and utilize data from blocks 145 to 151 within World Reference System-2 path 127.

MISR was built and is managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory,Pasadena, CA, for NASA's Office of Earth Science, Washington, DC. The Terra satellite is managed by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center,Greenbelt, MD. JPL is a division of the California Institute of Technology.

Thermal inertia and surface heterogeneity on Mars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Putzig, Nathaniel E.

Thermal inertia derived from temperature observations is critical for understanding surface geology and assessing potential landing sites on Mars. Derivation methods generally assume uniform surface properties for any given observation. Consequently, horizontal heterogeneity and near-surface layering may yield apparent thermal inertia that varies with time of day and season. To evaluate the effects of horizontal heterogeneity, I modeled the thermal behavior of surfaces containing idealized material mixtures (dust, sand, duricrust, and rocks) and differing slope facets. These surfaces exhibit diurnal and seasonal variability in apparent thermal inertia of several 100 tiu, 1 even for components with moderately contrasting thermal properties. To isolate surface effects on the derived thermal inertia of Mars, I mapped inter- annual and seasonal changes in albedo and atmospheric dust opacity, accounting for their effects in a modified derivation algorithm. Global analysis of three Mars years of MGS-TES 2 data reveals diurnal and seasonal variations of ~200 tiu in the mid-latitudes and 600 tiu or greater in the polar regions. Correlation of TES results and modeled apparent thermal inertia of heterogeneous surfaces indicates pervasive surface heterogeneity on Mars. At TES resolution, the near-surface thermal response is broadly dominated by layering and is consistent with the presence of duricrusts over fines in the mid-latitudes and dry soils over ground ice in the polar regions. Horizontal surface mixtures also play a role and may dominate at higher resolution. In general, thermal inertia obtained from single observations or annually averaged maps may misrepresent surface properties. In lieu of a robust heterogeneous- surface derivation technique, repeat coverage can be used together with forward-modeling results to constrain the near-surface heterogeneity of Mars. 1 tiu == J m -2 K -1 s - 2 Mars Global Surveyor Thermal Emission Spectrometer

Surface-water/ground-water interaction along reaches of the Snake River and Henrys Fork, Idaho

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hortness, Jon E.; Vidmar, Peter

2005-01-01

Declining water levels in the eastern Snake River Plain aquifer and decreases in spring discharges from the aquifer to the Snake River have spurred studies to improve understanding of the surface-water/ground-water interaction on the plain. This study was done to estimate streamflow gains and losses along specific reaches of the Snake River and Henrys Fork and to compare changes in gain and loss estimates to changes in ground-water levels over time. Data collected during this study will be used to enhance the conceptual model of the hydrologic system and to refine computer models of ground-water flow and surface-water/ground-water interactions. Estimates of streamflow gains and losses along specific subreaches of the Snake River and Henrys Fork, based on the results of five seepage studies completed during 2001?02, varied greatly across the study area, ranging from a loss estimate of 606 ft3/s in a subreach of the upper Snake River near Heise to a gain estimate of 3,450 ft3/s in a subreach of the Snake River that includes Thousand Springs. Some variations over time also were apparent in specific subreaches. Surface spring flow accounted for much of the inflow to subreaches having large gain estimates. Several subreaches alternately gained and lost streamflow during the study. Changes in estimates of streamflow gains and losses along some of the subreaches were compared with changes in water levels, measured at three different times during 2001?02, in adjacent wells. In some instances, a strong relation between changes in estimates of gains or losses and changes in ground-water levels was apparent.

Consistency of Estimated Global Water Cycle Variations Over the Satellite Era

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Robertson, F. R.; Bosilovich, M. G.; Roberts, J. B.; Reichle, R. H.; Adler, R.; Ricciardulli, L.; Berg, W.; Huffman, G. J.

2013-01-01

Motivated by the question of whether recent indications of decadal climate variability and a possible "climate shift" may have affected the global water balance, we examine evaporation minus precipitation (E-P) variability integrated over the global oceans and global land from three points of view-remotely sensed retrievals / objective analyses over the oceans, reanalysis vertically-integrated moisture convergence (MFC) over land, and land surface models forced with observations-based precipitation, radiation and near-surface meteorology. Because monthly variations in area-averaged atmospheric moisture storage are small and the global integral of moisture convergence must approach zero, area-integrated E-P over ocean should essentially equal precipitation minus evapotranspiration (P-ET) over land (after adjusting for ocean and land areas). Our analysis reveals considerable uncertainty in the decadal variations of ocean evaporation when integrated to global scales. This is due to differences among datasets in 10m wind speed and near-surface atmospheric specific humidity (2m qa) used in bulk aerodynamic retrievals. Precipitation variations, all relying substantially on passive microwave retrievals over ocean, still have uncertainties in decadal variability, but not to the degree present with ocean evaporation estimates. Reanalysis MFC and P-ET over land from several observationally forced diagnostic and land surface models agree best on interannual variations. However, upward MFC (i.e. P-ET) reanalysis trends are likely related in part to observing system changes affecting atmospheric assimilation models. While some evidence for a low-frequency E-P maximum near 2000 is found, consistent with a recent apparent pause in sea-surface temperature (SST) rise, uncertainties in the datasets used here remain significant. Prospects for further reducing uncertainties are discussed. The results are interpreted in the context of recent climate variability (Pacific Decadal Oscillation, Atlantic Meridional Overturning), and efforts to distinguish these modes from longer-term trends.

Chloride and salicylate influence prestin-dependent specific membrane capacitance: support for the area motor model.

PubMed

Santos-Sacchi, Joseph; Song, Lei

2014-04-11

The outer hair cell is electromotile, its membrane motor identified as the protein SLC26a5 (prestin). An area motor model, based on two-state Boltzmann statistics, was developed about two decades ago and derives from the observation that outer hair cell surface area is voltage-dependent. Indeed, aside from the nonlinear capacitance imparted by the voltage sensor charge movement of prestin, linear capacitance (Clin) also displays voltage dependence as motors move between expanded and compact states. Naturally, motor surface area changes alter membrane capacitance. Unit linear motor capacitance fluctuation (δCsa) is on the order of 140 zeptofarads. A recent three-state model of prestin provides an alternative view, suggesting that voltage-dependent linear capacitance changes are not real but only apparent because the two component Boltzmann functions shift their midpoint voltages (Vh) in opposite directions during treatment with salicylate, a known competitor of required chloride binding. We show here using manipulations of nonlinear capacitance with both salicylate and chloride that an enhanced area motor model, including augmented δCsa by salicylate, can accurately account for our novel findings. We also show that although the three-state model implicitly avoids measuring voltage-dependent motor capacitance, it registers δCsa effects as a byproduct of its assessment of Clin, which increases during salicylate treatment as motors are locked in the expanded state. The area motor model, in contrast, captures the characteristics of the voltage dependence of δCsa, leading to a better understanding of prestin.

Large-scale cauliflower-shaped hierarchical copper nanostructures for efficient photothermal conversion.

PubMed

Fan, Peixun; Wu, Hui; Zhong, Minlin; Zhang, Hongjun; Bai, Benfeng; Jin, Guofan

2016-08-14

Efficient solar energy harvesting and photothermal conversion have essential importance for many practical applications. Here, we present a laser-induced cauliflower-shaped hierarchical surface nanostructure on a copper surface, which exhibits extremely high omnidirectional absorption efficiency over a broad electromagnetic spectral range from the UV to the near-infrared region. The measured average hemispherical absorptance is as high as 98% within the wavelength range of 200-800 nm, and the angle dependent specular reflectance stays below 0.1% within the 0-60° incident angle. Such a structured copper surface can exhibit an apparent heating up effect under the sunlight illumination. In the experiment of evaporating water, the structured surface yields an overall photothermal conversion efficiency over 60% under an illuminating solar power density of ∼1 kW m(-2). The presented technology provides a cost-effective, reliable, and simple way for realizing broadband omnidirectional light absorptive metal surfaces for efficient solar energy harvesting and utilization, which is highly demanded in various light harvesting, anti-reflection, and photothermal conversion applications. Since the structure is directly formed by femtosecond laser writing, it is quite suitable for mass production and can be easily extended to a large surface area.

Geometric measures of large biomolecules: surface, volume, and pockets.

PubMed

Mach, Paul; Koehl, Patrice

2011-11-15

Geometry plays a major role in our attempts to understand the activity of large molecules. For example, surface area and volume are used to quantify the interactions between these molecules and the water surrounding them in implicit solvent models. In addition, the detection of pockets serves as a starting point for predictive studies of biomolecule-ligand interactions. The alpha shape theory provides an exact and robust method for computing these geometric measures. Several implementations of this theory are currently available. We show however that these implementations fail on very large macromolecular systems. We show that these difficulties are not theoretical; rather, they are related to the architecture of current computers that rely on the use of cache memory to speed up calculation. By rewriting the algorithms that implement the different steps of the alpha shape theory such that we enforce locality, we show that we can remediate these cache problems; the corresponding code, UnionBall has an apparent O(n) behavior over a large range of values of n (up to tens of millions), where n is the number of atoms. As an example, it takes 136 sec with UnionBall to compute the contribution of each atom to the surface area and volume of a viral capsid with more than five million atoms on a commodity PC. UnionBall includes functions for computing analytically the surface area and volume of the intersection of two, three and four spheres that are fully detailed in an appendix. UnionBall is available as an OpenSource software. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Geometric Measures of Large Biomolecules: Surface, Volume and Pockets

PubMed Central

Mach, Paul; Koehl, Patrice

2011-01-01

Geometry plays a major role in our attempt to understand the activity of large molecules. For example, surface area and volume are used to quantify the interactions between these molecules and the water surrounding them in implicit solvent models. In addition, the detection of pockets serves as a starting point for predictive studies of biomolecule-ligand interactions. The alpha shape theory provides an exact and robust method for computing these geometric measures. Several implementations of this theory are currently available. We show however that these implementations fail on very large macromolecular systems. We show that these difficulties are not theoretical; rather, they are related to the architecture of current computers that rely on the use of cache memory to speed up calculation. By rewriting the algorithms that implement the different steps of the alpha shape theory such that we enforce locality, we show that we can remediate these cache problems; the corresponding code, UnionBall has an apparent (n) behavior over a large range of values of n (up to tens of millions), where n is the number of atoms. As an example, it takes 136 seconds with UnionBall to compute the contribution of each atom to the surface area and volume of a viral capsid with more than five million atoms on a commodity PC. UnionBall includes functions for computing the surface area and volume of the intersection of two, three and four spheres that are fully detailed in an appendix. UnionBall is available as an OpenSource software. PMID:21823134

Small explosive volcanic plume dynamics: insights from feature tracking velocimetry at Santiaguito lava dome

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benage, M. C.; Andrews, B. J.

2016-12-01

Volcanic explosions eject turbulent, transient jets of hot volcanic gas and particles into the atmosphere. Though the jet of hot material is initially negatively buoyant, the jet can become buoyant through entrainment and subsequent thermal expansion of entrained air that allows the eruptive plume to rise several kilometers. Although basic plume structure is qualitatively well known, the velocity field and dynamic structure of volcanic plumes are not well quantified. An accurate and quantitative description of volcanic plumes is essential for hazard assessments, such as if the eruption will form a buoyant plume that will affect aviation or produce dangerous pyroclastic density currents. Santa Maria volcano, in Guatemala, provides the rare opportunity to safely capture video of Santiaguito lava dome explosions and small eruptive plumes. In January 2016, two small explosions (< 2 km) that lasted several minutes and with little cloud obstruction were recorded for image analysis. The volcanic plume structure is analyzed through sequential image frames from the video where specific features are tracked using a feature tracking velocimetry (FTV) algorithm. The FTV algorithm quantifies the 2D apparent velocity fields along the surface of the plume throughout the duration of the explosion. Image analysis of small volcanic explosions allows us to examine the maximum apparent velocities at two heights above the dome surface, 0-25 meters, where the explosions first appear, and 100-125 meters. Explosions begin with maximum apparent velocities of <15 m/s. We find at heights near the dome surface and 10 seconds after explosion initiation, the maximum apparent velocities transition to sustained velocities of 5-15 m/s. At heights 100-125 meters above the dome surface, the apparent velocities transition to sustained velocities of 5-15 m/s after 25 seconds. Throughout the explosion, transient velocity maximums can exceed 40 m/s at both heights. Here, we provide novel quantification and description of turbulent surface velocity fields of explosive volcanic eruptions at active lava domes.

Synthesis of graphene aerogel for adsorption of bisphenol A

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trinh, Truong Thi Phuong Nguyet Xuan; Long, Nguyen Huynh Bach Son; Quang, Dong Thanh; Hieu, Nguyen Huu

2018-04-01

In this research, graphene aerogel (GA) was synthesized by chemical reduction method using ethylene diamine as a reducing agent. The morphology and properties of GA were characterized by calculating apparent density, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) specific surface area. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to quantify the amount of the residual bisphenol A (BPA) concentration. The analysis results showed that GA exhibited low density ranging from 4-8 mg/cm3, hydrophobicity, high porosity, and specific surface area of 1883 m2/g according to BET. The obtained GA was used as an adsorbent for BPA. The effects of pH, contact time, and initial BPA concentration on the adsorption were investigated. The adsorption equilibrium time could be reached within 240 minutes. The adsorption data were well-fitted to pseudo-second-order kinetic equation and Langmuir isotherm model. The maximum adsorption capacity of GA for BPA calculated by the Langmuir model was 185.185 mg/g at pH 7. Accordingly, GA could be considered as promising adsorbents for BPA in water.

The O2 reduction at the IFC modified O2 fuel cell electrode

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fielder, William L.; Singer, Joseph; Baldwin, Richard S.; Johnson, Richard E.

1992-01-01

The International Fuel Corporation (IFC) state of the art (SOA) O2 electrode (Au-10 percent Pt electrocatalyst by weight) is currently being used in the alkaline H2-O2 fuel cell in the NASA Space Shuttle. Recently, IFC modified O2 electrode, as a possible replacement for the SOA electrode. In the present study, O2 reduction data were obtained for the modified electrode at temperatures between 23.3 and 91.7 C. BET measurements gave an electrode BET surface area of about 2070 sq. cm/sq. cm of geometric surface area. The Tafel data could be fitted to two straight line regions. The slope for the lower region, designated as the 0.04 V/decade region, was temperature dependent, and the transfer coefficient was about 1.5. The 'apparent' energy of activation for this region was about 19 kcal/mol. An O2 reduction mechanism for this 0.04 region is presented. In the upper region, designated as the 0.08 V/decade region, diffusion may be the controlling process. Tafel data are presented to illustrate the increase in performance with increasing temperature.

Protein adsorption/desorption and antibody binding stoichiometry on silicon interferometric biosensors examined with TOF-SIMS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gajos, Katarzyna; Budkowski, Andrzej; Petrou, Panagiota; Pagkali, Varvara; Awsiuk, Kamil; Rysz, Jakub; Bernasik, Andrzej; Misiakos, Konstantinos; Raptis, Ioannis; Kakabakos, Sotirios

2018-06-01

Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry has been employed to examine, with biomolecular discrimination, sensing arm areas (20 μm × 600 μm) of integrated onto silicon chips Mach-Zehnder interferometers aiming to optimize their biofunctionalization with regard to indirect immunochemical (competitive) detection of ochratoxin A. Sensing areas are examined after: modification with (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane, spotting of OTA-ovalbumin conjugate (probe) from solutions with different concentration, blocking with bovine serum albumin, reaction with OTA-specific mouse monoclonal antibody followed by goat anti-mouse IgG secondary antibody. Component mass loadings of all proteins involved in immunodetection are determined from TOF-SIMS micro-analysis combined with ellipsometry of planar surfaces. These data show that partial desorption of surface-bound probe and blocking protein takes place upon primary immunoreaction to a degree that depends on probe concentration in spotting solution. Taking into account this desorption, apparent binding stoichiometry of both antibodies in immune complexes formed onto chip surface is determined more accurately than the respective evaluation based on real-time sensor response. In addition, mass loadings for probe and secondary antibody is observed to saturate for optimum probe concentrations. Also, principal component analysis of TOF-SIMS data could resolve both immunoreactions and biofunctionalization and discriminate surfaces prepared with optimum probe concentrations from those prepared using suboptimum ones.

Water-level trends and potentiometric surfaces in the Nacatoch Aquifer in northeastern and southwestern Arkansas and in the Tokio Aquifer in southwestern Arkansas, 2014–15

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rodgers, Kirk D.

2017-09-20

The Nacatoch Sand in northeastern and southwestern Arkansas and the Tokio Formation in southwestern Arkansas are sources of groundwater for agricultural, domestic, industrial, and public use. Water-level altitudes measured in 51 wells completed in the Nacatoch Sand and 42 wells completed in the Tokio Formation during 2014 and 2015 were used to create potentiometric-surface maps of the two areas. Aquifers in the Nacatoch Sand and Tokio Formation are hereafter referred to as the Nacatoch aquifer and the Tokio aquifer, respectively.Potentiometric surfaces show that groundwater in the Nacatoch aquifer flows southeast toward the Mississippi River in northeastern Arkansas. Groundwater flow direction is towards the south and southeast in Hempstead, Little River, and Nevada Counties in southwestern Arkansas. An apparent cone of depression exists in southern Clark County and likely alters groundwater flow from a regional direction toward the depression.In southwestern Arkansas, potentiometric surfaces indicate that groundwater flow in the Tokio aquifer is towards the city of Hope. Northwest of Hope, an apparent cone of depression exists. In southwestern Pike, northwestern Nevada, and northeastern Hempstead Counties, an area of artesian flow (water levels are at or above land surface) exists.Water-level changes in wells were identified using two methods: (1) linear regression analysis of hydrographs from select wells with a minimum of 20 years of water-level data, and (2) a direct comparison between water-level measurements from 2008 and 2014–15 at each well. Of the six hydrographs analyzed in the Nacatoch aquifer, four indicated a decline in water levels. Compared to 2008 measurements, the largest rise in water levels was 35.14 feet (ft) in a well in Clark County, whereas the largest decline was 14.76 ft in a well in Nevada County, both located in southwestern Arkansas.Of the four hydrographs analyzed in the Tokio aquifer, one indicated a decline in water levels, while the others remained relatively unchanged. Compared to 2008 measurements, the largest rise in water levels was 21.34 ft in Hempstead County, and the largest water-level decline was 39.37 ft in Clark County. Although changes in water levels since 2008 are spatially varied; long-term trends indicate an overall decline in water levels in both aquifers.

Topographic Effects on the Surface Emissivity of a Mountainous Area Observed by a Spaceborne Microwave Radiometer

PubMed Central

Pulvirenti, Luca; Pierdicca, Nazzareno; Marzano, Frank S.

2008-01-01

A simulation study to understand the influence of topography on the surface emissivity observed by a satellite microwave radiometer is carried out. We analyze the effects due to changes in observation angle, including the rotation of the polarization plane. A mountainous area in the Alps (Northern Italy) is considered and the information on the relief extracted from a digital elevation model is exploited. The numerical simulation refers to a radiometric image, acquired by a conically-scanning radiometer similar to AMSR-E, i.e., flying at 705 km of altitude with an observation angle of 55°. To single out the impact on surface emissivity, scattering of the radiation due to the atmosphere or neighboring elevated surfaces is not considered. C and X bands, for which atmospheric effects are negligible, and Ka band are analyzed. The results indicate that the changes in the local observation angle tend to lower the apparent emissivity of a radiometric pixel with respect to the corresponding flat surface characteristics. The effect of the rotation of the polarization plane enlarges (vertical polarization), or attenuates (horizontal polarization) this decrease. By doing some simplifying assumptions for the radiometer antenna, the conclusion is that the microwave emissivity at vertical polarization is underestimated, whilst the opposite occurs for horizontal polarization, except for Ka band, for which both under- and overprediction may occur. A quantification of the differences with respect to a flat soil and an approximate evaluation of their impact on soil moisture retrieval are yielded. PMID:27879773

Methodology for calculating the volume of condensate droplets on topographically modified, microgrooved surfaces.

PubMed

Sommers, A D

2011-05-03

Liquid droplets on micropatterned surfaces consisting of parallel grooves tens of micrometers in width and depth are considered, and a method for calculating the droplet volume on these surfaces is presented. This model, which utilizes the elongated and parallel-sided nature of droplets condensed on these microgrooved surfaces, requires inputs from two droplet images at ϕ = 0° and ϕ = 90°--namely, the droplet major axis, minor axis, height, and two contact angles. In this method, a circular cross-sectional area is extruded the length of the droplet where the chord of the extruded circle is fixed by the width of the droplet. The maximum apparent contact angle is assumed to occur along the side of the droplet because of the surface energy barrier to wetting imposed by the grooves--a behavior that was observed experimentally. When applied to water droplets condensed onto a microgrooved aluminum surface, this method was shown to calculate the actual droplet volume to within 10% for 88% of the droplets analyzed. This method is useful for estimating the volume of retained droplets on topographically modified, anisotropic surfaces where both heat and mass transfer occur and the surface microchannels are aligned parallel to gravity to assist in condensate drainage.

Partial molar volume of proteins studied by the three-dimensional reference interaction site model theory.

PubMed

Imai, Takashi; Kovalenko, Andriy; Hirata, Fumio

2005-04-14

The three-dimensional reference interaction site model (3D-RISM) theory is applied to the analysis of hydration effects on the partial molar volume of proteins. For the native structure of some proteins, the partial molar volume is decomposed into geometric and hydration contributions using the 3D-RISM theory combined with the geometric volume calculation. The hydration contributions are correlated with the surface properties of the protein. The thermal volume, which is the volume of voids around the protein induced by the thermal fluctuation of water molecules, is directly proportional to the accessible surface area of the protein. The interaction volume, which is the contribution of electrostatic interactions between the protein and water molecules, is apparently governed by the charged atomic groups on the protein surface. The polar atomic groups do not make any contribution to the interaction volume. The volume differences between low- and high-pressure structures of lysozyme are also analyzed by the present method.

Surface expression of intraplate postglacial faults in Sweden: from LiDAR data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abduljabbar, Mawaheb; Ask, Maria; Bauer, Tobias; Lund, Björn; Smith, Colby; Mikko, Henrik; Munier, Raymond

2016-04-01

Large intraplate earthquakes, up to magnitude 8.0±0.3 (Lindblom et al. 2015) are inferred to have occurred in northern Fennoscandia at the end of, or just after the Weichselian deglaciation. More than a dozen large so-called postglacial faults (PGF) have been found in the region. The present-day microseismic activity is rather high in north Sweden, and there is a correlation between microseismicity and mapped PGF scarps: 71% of the observed earthquakes north of 66°N locate within 30 km to the southeast and 10 km to the northwest of PGFs (Lindblom et al., 2015). Surface expressions of PGFs in Sweden have mainly been mapped using aerial photogrammetry and trenching (e.g. Lagerbäck & Sundh 2008). Their detailed surface geometry may be investigated using the new high-resolution elevation model of Sweden (NNH) that has a vertical- and lateral resolution of 2 m and 0.25 m, respectively. With NNH data, known PGFs have been modified, and a number of new potential PGFs have been identified (Smith et al. 2014; Mikko et al. 2015). However, the detailed variation of their surface expression remains to be determined. Our main objective is to constrain the strike and surface offset (i.e., apparent vertical throw because of soil cover overlays the bedrock) across the PGF scarps. We anticipate using the results to constrain direction of fault motion and paleomagnitudes of PGFs, and in numerical analyzes to investigate the nature of PGFs. We have developed a methodology for analyzing PGF-geomorphology from LiDAR data using two main software platforms (Ask et al. 2015): (1) Move2015 by Midland Valley has been used for constructing 3D models of the surface traces of the PGFs to determine apparent vertical throw. The apparent hanging- and footwall cut off lines are digitized, and subsequent computation of coordinates is rather time efficient and provide continuous data of fault and soil geomorphology that can be statistically analyzed; and (2) ArcGIS 10.3 by Esri has mostly been used to derive the slope model for the study area. We successfully tested the methodology within a limited area of the Pärvie fault zone, which is the longest known PGF in the world (Ask et al. 2015). Here, we apply the methodology to PGFs in northern Sweden. Additionally, we are planning to analyse PGFs within a virtual reality environment utilizing the GeoVisionary software platform by Virtalis Ltd. in order to increase accuracy and efficiency and to decrease modelling uncertainties. References Ask et al. 2015. Geomorphology of intraplate postglacial faults in Sweden. AGU, Abstract #83167 Lindblom, et al., 2015. Microearthquakes illuminate the deep structure of the endglacial Pärvie fault, northern Sweden. doi: 10.1093/gji/ggv112 Lagerbäck & Sundh, 2008. Early Holocene faulting and paleoseismicity in northern Sweden. http://resource.sgu.se/produkter/c/c836-rapport.pdf Mikko, et al. 2015. LiDAR-derived inventory of post-glacial fault scarps in Sweden. doi:10.1080/11035897.2015.1036360 Smith, et al., 2014. Surficial geology indicates early Holocene faulting and seismicity, central Sweden. doi: 10.1007/s00531-014-1025-6

Event and Apparent Horizon Finders for 3 + 1 Numerical Relativity.

PubMed

Thornburg, Jonathan

2007-01-01

Event and apparent horizons are key diagnostics for the presence and properties of black holes. In this article I review numerical algorithms and codes for finding event and apparent horizons in numerically-computed spacetimes, focusing on calculations done using the 3 + 1 ADM formalism. The event horizon of an asymptotically-flat spacetime is the boundary between those events from which a future-pointing null geodesic can reach future null infinity and those events from which no such geodesic exists. The event horizon is a (continuous) null surface in spacetime. The event horizon is defined nonlocally in time : it is a global property of the entire spacetime and must be found in a separate post-processing phase after all (or at least the nonstationary part) of spacetime has been numerically computed. There are three basic algorithms for finding event horizons, based on integrating null geodesics forwards in time, integrating null geodesics backwards in time, and integrating null surfaces backwards in time. The last of these is generally the most efficient and accurate. In contrast to an event horizon, an apparent horizon is defined locally in time in a spacelike slice and depends only on data in that slice, so it can be (and usually is) found during the numerical computation of a spacetime. A marginally outer trapped surface (MOTS) in a slice is a smooth closed 2-surface whose future-pointing outgoing null geodesics have zero expansion Θ. An apparent horizon is then defined as a MOTS not contained in any other MOTS. The MOTS condition is a nonlinear elliptic partial differential equation (PDE) for the surface shape, containing the ADM 3-metric, its spatial derivatives, and the extrinsic curvature as coefficients. Most "apparent horizon" finders actually find MOTSs. There are a large number of apparent horizon finding algorithms, with differing trade-offs between speed, robustness, accuracy, and ease of programming. In axisymmetry, shooting algorithms work well and are fairly easy to program. In slices with no continuous symmetries, spectral integral-iteration algorithms and elliptic-PDE algorithms are fast and accurate, but require good initial guesses to converge. In many cases, Schnetter's "pretracking" algorithm can greatly improve an elliptic-PDE algorithm's robustness. Flow algorithms are generally quite slow but can be very robust in their convergence. Minimization methods are slow and relatively inaccurate in the context of a finite differencing simulation, but in a spectral code they can be relatively faster and more robust.

The Apparent Contact Angle and Wetted Area of Active Alloys on Silicon Carbide as a Function of the Temperature and the Surface Roughness: A Multivariate Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tillmann, Wolfgang; Pfeiffer, Jan; Wojarski, Lukas

2015-08-01

Despite the broad field of applications for active filler alloys for brazing ceramics, as well as intense research work on the wetting and spreading behavior of these alloys on ceramic surfaces within the last decades, the manufactured joints still exhibit significant variations in their properties due to the high sensitivity of the alloys to changing brazing conditions. This increases the need for investigations of the wetting and spreading behavior of filler alloys with regard to the dominating influences combined with their interdependencies, instead of solely focusing on single parameter investigations. In this regard, measurements of the wetting angle and area were conducted at solidified AgCuTi and CuSnTi alloys on SiC substrates. Based on these measurements, a regression model was generated, illustrating the influence of the brazing temperature, the roughness of the faying surfaces, the furnace atmosphere, and their interdependencies on the wetting and spreading behavior of the filler alloys. It was revealed that the behavior of the melts was significantly influenced by the varied brazing parameters, as well as by their interdependencies. This result was also predicted by the developed model and showed a high accuracy.

The perception of three-dimensionality across continuous surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stevens, Kent A.

1989-01-01

The apparent three-dimensionality of a viewed surface presumably corresponds to several internal preceptual quantities, such as surface curvature, local surface orientation, and depth. These quantities are mathematically related for points within the silhouette bounds of a smooth, continuous surface. For instance, surface curvature is related to the rate of change of local surface orientation, and surface orientation is related to the local gradient of distance. It is not clear to what extent these 3D quantities are determined directly from image information rather than indirectly from mathematically related forms, by differentiation or by integration within boundary constraints. An open empirical question, for example, is to what extent surface curvature is perceived directly, and to what extent it is quantitative rather than qualitative. In addition to surface orientation and curvature, one derives an impression of depth, i.e., variations in apparent egocentric distance. A static orthographic image is essentially devoid of depth information, and any quantitative depth impression must be inferred from surface orientation and other sources. Such conversion of orientation to depth does appear to occur, and even to prevail over stereoscopic depth information under some circumstances.

Large apparent electric size of solid-state nanopores due to spatially extended surface conduction.

PubMed

Lee, Choongyeop; Joly, Laurent; Siria, Alessandro; Biance, Anne-Laure; Fulcrand, Rémy; Bocquet, Lydéric

2012-08-08

Ion transport through nanopores drilled in thin membranes is central to numerous applications, including biosensing and ion selective membranes. This paper reports experiments, numerical calculations, and theoretical predictions demonstrating an unexpectedly large ionic conduction in solid-state nanopores, taking its origin in anomalous entrance effects. In contrast to naive expectations based on analogies with electric circuits, the surface conductance inside the nanopore is shown to perturb the three-dimensional electric current streamlines far outside the nanopore in order to meet charge conservation at the pore entrance. This unexpected contribution to the ionic conductance can be interpreted in terms of an apparent electric size of the solid-state nanopore, which is much larger than its geometric counterpart whenever the number of charges carried by the nanopore surface exceeds its bulk counterpart. This apparent electric size, which can reach hundreds of nanometers, can have a major impact on the electrical detection of translocation events through nanopores, as well as for ionic transport in biological nanopores.

Analysis of the influence of Nanchang Metro Line 4 on groundwater

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lan, Yingying

2017-04-01

Nanchang city subway excavation depth and the Quaternary aquifer layers are located at approximately the same depth. After the completion of the subway, that is equivalent to adding a retaining wall in the phreatic aquifer. The metro line 4 influence on groundwater flow field was analyzed based on the groundwater flow field and the dynamic relationship between groundwater and surface water. The result was that the groundwater level would rise in the area of facing groundwater movement, while others decrease. The influence of metro was apparent at the place where hydraulic contact of Gan River with groundwater was good, and vice versa.

Fashion versus perception: the impact of surface lightness on the perceived dimensions of interior space.

PubMed

Oberfeld, Daniel; Hecht, Heiko

2011-06-01

We compare expert opinion with perceptual judgment regarding the influence of color on the perceived height and width of interior rooms. We hypothesize that contrary to popular belief, ceiling and wall lightness have additive effects on perceived height, whereas the lightness contrast between these surfaces is less important. We assessed the intuitions of architectural experts as to which surface colors maximize apparent height and compared these intuitions with psychophysical height and width estimates for rooms differing in ceiling, floor, and wall lightness. Experiment 1 was a survey of architectural experts and nonexperts. Experiments 2 and 3 presented virtual rooms varying in physical height, physical width, and surface lightness. In Experiment 1, both experts and nonexperts erroneously assumed that the lightness contrast between ceiling and walls influences perceived height Experiment 2 showed that the lightness contrast does not determine apparent height but that ceiling and wall lightness have additive effects. Experiment 3 demonstrated a decrease in perceived width with physical height, whereas the perceived height was not related to physical width. Apparent width was unaffected by ceiling lightness. Light ceiling and light walls make a room appear higher, whereas floor color has a weaker effect. We also found evidence for an asymmetric interaction between height and width. The question of how to color walls and ceiling to maximize the apparent size of a room can be answered empirically. Aesthetic considerations may interfere with the correct assessment of the effects of color in experts.

Amodal representation of occluded surfaces: role of invisible stimuli in apparent motion correspondence.

PubMed

Shimojo, S; Nakayama, K

1990-01-01

A series of demonstrations were created where the perceived depth of targets was controlled by stereoscopic disparity. A closer object (a cloud) was made to jump back and forth horizontally, partially occluding a farther object (a full moon). The more distant moon appeared stationary even though the unoccluded portion of it, a crescent, changed position. Reversal of the relative depth of the moon and cloud gave a totally different percept: the crescent appeared to flip back and forth in the front depth plane. Thus, the otherwise-robust apparent motion of the moon crescents was completely abolished in the cloud-closer case alone. This motion-blocking effect is attributed to the 'amodal presence' of the occluded surface continuing behind the occluding surface. To measure the effect of this occluded 'invisible' surface quantitatively, a bistable apparent motion display was used (Ramachandran and Anstis 1983a): two small rectangular-shaped targets changed their positions back and forth between two frames, and the disparity of a large centrally positioned rectangle was varied. When the perceived depths supported the possibility of amodal completion behind the large rectangle, increased vertical motion of the targets was found, suggesting that the amodal presence of the targets behind the occluder had effectively changed the center position of the moving targets for purposes of motion correspondence. Amodal contours are literally 'invisible', yet it is hypothesized that they have a neural representation at sufficiently early stages of visual processing to alter the correspondence solving process for apparent motion.

Comparison of the impact of scaler material composition on polished titanium implant abutment surfaces.

PubMed

Hasturk, Hatice; Nguyen, Daniel Huy; Sherzai, Homa; Song, Xiaoping; Soukos, Nikos; Bidlack, Felicitas B; Van Dyke, Thomas E

2013-08-01

The purpose of this study was to compare the impact of the removal of biofilm with hand scalers of different material composition on the surface of implant abutments by assessing the surface topography and residual plaque after scaling using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Titanium implant analogs from 3 manufacturers (Straumann USA LLC, Andover, Maine, Nobel BioCare USA LLC, Yorba Linda, Cali, Astra Tech Implant Systems, Dentsply, Mölndal, Sweden) were mounted in stone in plastic vials individually with authentic prosthetic abutments. Plaque samples were collected from a healthy volunteer, inoculated into growth medium and incubated with the abutments anaerobically for 1 week. A blinded, calibrated hygienist performed scaling to remove the biofilm using 6 implant scalers (in triplicate), 1 scaler for 1 abutment. The abutments were mounted on an imaging stand and processed for SEM. Images were captured in 3 randomly designated areas of interest on each abutment. Analysis of the implant polished abutment surface and plaque area measurements were performed using ImageJ image analysis software. Surface alterations were characterized by the number, length, depth and the width of the scratches observed. Glass filled resin scalers resulted in significantly more and longer scratches on all 3 abutment types compared to other scalers, while unfilled resin scalers resulted in the least surface change (p < 0.05). Filled resin-graphite reinforced scalers, carbon fiber reinforced resin scalers and titanium scalers resulted in more superficial scratches compared to glass filled resin, as well as more scratches than unfilled resin. No statistically significant differences were found between scalers and abutments with regard to plaque removal. The impact of scalers on implant abutment surfaces varies between abutment types presumably due to different surface characteristics with no apparent advantage of one abutment type over the other with regard to resistance to surface damage. Unfilled resin was found consistently to be the least damaging to abutment surfaces, although all scalers of all compositions caused detectable surface changes to polished surfaces of implant abutments.

General method to evaluate substrate surface modification techniques for light extraction enhancement of organic light emitting diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krummacher, B. C.; Mathai, M. K.; Choong, V.; Choulis, S. A.; So, F.; Winnacker, A.

2006-09-01

The external light output of organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) can be increased by modifying the light emitting surface. The apparent light extraction enhancement is given by the ratio between the efficiency of the unmodified device and the efficiency of the modified device. This apparent light extraction enhancement is dependent on the OLED architecture itself and is not the correct value to judge the effectiveness of a technique to enhance light outcoupling due to substrate surface modification. We propose a general method to evaluate substrate surface modification techniques for light extraction enhancement of OLEDs independent from the device architecture. This method is experimentally demonstrated using green electrophosphorescent OLEDs with different device architectures. The substrate surface of these OLEDs was modified by applying a prismatic film to increase light outcoupling from the device stack. It was demonstrated that the conventionally measured apparent light extraction enhancement by means of the prismatic film does not reflect the actual performance of the light outcoupling technique. Rather, by comparing the light extracted out of the prismatic film to that generated in the OLED layers and coupled into the substrate (before the substrate/air interface), a more accurate evaluation of light outcoupling enhancement can be achieved. Furthermore we show that substrate surface modification can change the output spectrum of a broad band emitting OLED.

Mars Surface Heterogeneity From Variations in Apparent Thermal Inertia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Putzig, N. E.; Mellon, M. T.

2005-12-01

Current techniques used in the calculation of thermal inertia from observed brightness temperatures typically assume that planetary surface properties are uniform on the scale of the instrument's observational footprint. Mixed or layered surfaces may yield different apparent thermal inertia values at different seasons or times of day due to the nonlinear relationship between temperature and thermal inertia. To obtain sufficient data coverage for investigating temporal changes, we processed three Mars years of observations from the Mars Global Surveyor Thermal Emission Spectrometer and produced seasonal nightside and dayside maps of apparent thermal inertia. These maps show broad regions with seasonal and diurnal differences as large as 200 J m-2 K-1 s-½ at mid-latitudes (60°S to 60°N) and ranging up to 600 J m-2 K-1 s-½ or greater in the polar regions. Comparison of the maps with preliminary results from forward-modeling of heterogeneous surfaces indicates that much of the martian surface may be dominated by (1) horizontally mixed surfaces, such as those containing differing proportions of rocks, sand, dust, duricrust, and localized frosts; (2) higher thermal inertia layers over lower thermal inertia substrates, such as duricrust or desert pavements; and (3) lower thermal inertia layers over higher thermal inertia substrates, such as dust over sand or rocks and soils with an ice table at depth.

Flooding in the Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2005-01-01

These views of the Louisiana and Mississippi regions were acquired before and one day after Katrina made landfall along the Gulf of Mexico coast, and highlight many of the changes to the rivers and vegetation that occurred between the two views. The images were acquired by NASA's Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) on August 14 and August 30, 2005. These multiangular, multispectral false-color composites were created using red band data from MISR's 46o backward and forward-viewing cameras, and near-infrared data from MISR's nadir camera. Such a display causes water bodies and inundated soil to appear in blue and purple hues, and highly vegetated areas to appear bright green. The scene differentiation is a result of both spectral effects (living vegetation is highly reflective at near-infrared wavelengths whereas water is absorbing) and of angular effects (wet surfaces preferentially forward scatter sunlight). The two images were processed identically and extend from the regions of Greenville, Mississippi (upper left) to Mobile Bay, Alabama (lower right).

There are numerous rivers along the Mississippi coast that were not apparent in the pre-Katrina image; the most dramatic of these is a new inlet in the Pascagoula River that was not apparent before Katrina. The post-Katrina flooding along the edges of Lake Pontchartrain and the city of New Orleans is also apparent. In addition, the agricultural lands along the Mississippi floodplain in the upper left exhibit stronger near-infrared brightness before Katrina. After Katrina, many of these agricultural areas exhibit a stronger signal to MISR's oblique cameras, indicating the presence of inundated soil throughout the floodplain. Note that clouds appear in a different spot for each view angle due to a parallax effect resulting from their height above the surface.

The Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer observes the daylit Earth continuously, viewing the entire globe between 82o north and 82o south latitude every nine days. Each image covers an area of about 380 kilometers by 410 kilometers. The data products were generated from a portion of the imagery acquired during Terra orbits 30091 and 30324 and utilize data from blocks 64-67 within World Reference System-2 path 22.

MISR was built and is managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA, for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington, DC. The Terra satellite is managed by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD. JPL is managed for NASA by the California Institute of Technology.

Using focal mechanism solutions to correlate earthquakes with faults in the Lake Tahoe-Truckee area, California and Nevada, and to help design LiDAR surveys for active-fault reconnaissance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cronin, V. S.; Lindsay, R. D.

2011-12-01

Geomorphic analysis of hillshade images produced from aerial LiDAR data has been successful in identifying youthful fault traces. For example, the recently discovered Polaris fault just northwest of Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada, was recognized using LiDAR data that had been acquired by local government to assist land-use planning. Subsequent trenching by consultants under contract to the US Army Corps of Engineers has demonstrated Holocene displacement. The Polaris fault is inferred to be capable of generating a magnitude 6.4-6.9 earthquake, based on its apparent length and offset characteristics (Hunter and others, 2011, BSSA 101[3], 1162-1181). Dingler and others (2009, GSA Bull 121[7/8], 1089-1107) describe paleoseismic or geomorphic evidence for late Neogene displacement along other faults in the area, including the West Tahoe-Dollar Point, Stateline-North Tahoe, and Incline Village faults. We have used the seismo-lineament analysis method (SLAM; Cronin and others, 2008, Env Eng Geol 14[3], 199-219) to establish a tentative spatial correlation between each of the previously mentioned faults, as well as with segments of the Dog Valley fault system, and one or more earthquake(s). The ~18 earthquakes we have tentatively correlated with faults in the Tahoe-Truckee area occurred between 1966 and 2008, with magnitudes between 3 and ~6. Given the focal mechanism solution for a well-located shallow-focus earthquake, the nodal planes can be projected to Earth's surface as represented by a DEM, plus-or-minus the vertical and horizontal uncertainty in the focal location, to yield two seismo-lineament swaths. The trace of the fault that generated the earthquake is likely to be found within one of the two swaths [1] if the fault surface is emergent, and [2] if the fault surface is approximately planar in the vicinity of the focus. Seismo-lineaments from several of the earthquakes studied overlap in a manner that suggests they are associated with the same fault. The surface trace of both the Polaris fault and the Dog Valley fault system are within composite swaths defined by overlapping seismo-lineaments. Composite seismo-lineaments indicate that multiple historic earthquakes might be associated with a fault. This apparently successful correlation of earthquakes with faults in an area where geologic mapping is good suggests another use for SLAM in areas where fault mapping is incomplete, inadequate or made particularly difficult because of vegetative cover. If no previously mapped fault exists along a composite swath generated using well constrained focal mechanism solutions, the swath might be used to guide the design of a LiDAR survey in support of reconnaissance for the causative fault. The acquisition and geomorphic analysis of LiDAR data along a compound seismo-lineament swath might reveal geomorphic evidence of a previously unrecognized fault trace that is worthy of additional field study.

Seasonal variation in apparent conductivity and soil salinity at two Narragansett Bay salt marshes

EPA Science Inventory

Measurement of the apparent conductivity of salt marsh sediments using electromagnetic induction (EMI) is a rapid alternative to traditional methods of salinity determination that can be used to map soil salinity across a marsh surface. Soil salinity measures can provide informat...

Spatial and temporal variations in land development and impervious surface creation in Oakland County, Michigan, 1945-2005

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aichele, Stephen S.; Andresen, Jeffrey A.

2013-04-01

SummaryImpervious surface has been recognized as a key indicator of watershed health and function. The rapid expansion of impervious surface associated with periurban development following the Second World War resulted in concerns that impervious surface would alter flow characteristics, water quality, sediment, and stream morphology. These effects have been documented in studies across many disciplines. Unfortunately, impervious surface is difficult to measure directly, and other forms of land-use data are often substituted as surrogates. This paper highlights the shortcomings in land-use data, particularly parcel-based land-use data, as a surrogate for impervious surface in a periurban environment. Periurban development has changed substantially in the last several decades. This study investigates changes in the form of periurban development in Oakland County, Michigan, from 1945 to 2005, with an emphasis on the accumulation of impervious surface. We first evaluate patterns in the sizes of parcels being developed to residential uses. Using an impervious surface map derived from aerial imagery, we then calculate amount of impervious surface created by different forms of development, both in parcels of similar sizes developed at different times, and across parcel sizes for the period of the study. The results indicate substantial variability in impervious surface within periurban residential development, from 5.4% of parcel area to 25.4% of total parcel area depending on parcel size. Even within relatively specific categories (for example, residential parcels less than 743 square metre) impervious surface varied between 18.5% and 34.6% of the parcel area between 1945 and 2000. Since 1980, the trend has been toward larger parcel sizes with lower impervious surface ratios. The overall effect is that land is being developed at a rate substantially greater than the rate impervious surface is being created. The bias created by the trend to larger parcel sizes with smaller impervious surface ratios results in a tendency to overestimate the effects of recent land development. In combination with the change in character of suburban development, this bias has a tendency to overestimate the hydrologic response to new development. This overestimation is easily overlooked because it is consistent with the expected effect of urbanization. However, this effect helps explain observed field results indicating little change in streamflow through time despite significant apparent periurban development.

3D imaging of soil apparent electrical conductivity from VERIS data using a 1D spatially constrained inversion algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jesús Moral García, Francisco; Rebollo Castillo, Francisco Javier; Monteiro Santos, Fernando

2016-04-01

Maps of apparent electrical conductivity of the soil are commonly used in precision agriculture to indirectly characterize some important properties like salinity, water, and clay content. Traditionally, these studies are made through an empirical relationship between apparent electrical conductivity and properties measured in soil samples collected at a few locations in the experimental area and at a few selected depths. Recently, some authors have used not the apparent conductivity values but the soil bulk conductivity (in 2D or 3D) calculated from measured apparent electrical conductivity through the application of an inversion method. All the published works used data collected with electromagnetic (EM) instruments. We present a new software to invert the apparent electrical conductivity data collected with VERIS 3100 and 3150 (or the more recent version with three pairs of electrodes) using the 1D spatially constrained inversion method (1D SCI). The software allows the calculation of the distribution of the bulk electrical conductivity in the survey area till a depth of 1 m. The algorithm is applied to experimental data and correlations with clay and water content have been established using soil samples collected at some boreholes. Keywords: Digital soil mapping; inversion modelling; VERIS; soil apparent electrical conductivity.

Application of mixture experimental design to simvastatin apparent solubility predictions in the microemulsifion formed by self-microemulsifying.

PubMed

Meng, Jian; Zheng, Liangyuan

2007-09-01

Self-microemulsifying drug delivery systems (SMEDDS) are useful to improve the bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs by increasing their apparent solubility through solubilization. However, very few studies, to date, have systematically examined the level of drug apparent solubility in o/w microemulsion formed by self-microemulsifying. In this study, a mixture experimental design was used to simulate the influence of the compositions on simvastatin apparent solubility quantitatively through an empirical model. The reduced cubic polynomial equation successfully modeled the evolution of simvastatin apparent solubility. The results were presented using an analysis of response surface showing a scale of possible simvastatin apparent solubility between 0.0024 ~ 29.0 mg/mL. Moreover, this technique showed that simvastatin apparent solubility was mainly influenced by microemulsion concentration and, suggested that the drug would precipitate in the gastrointestinal tract due to dilution by gastrointestinal fluids. Furthermore, the model would help us design the formulation to maximize the drug apparent solubility and avoid precipitation of the drug.

Adaptive Optics Microperimetry and OCT Images Show Preserved Function and Recovery of Cone Visibility in Macular Telangiectasia Type 2 Retinal Lesions

PubMed Central

Wang, Qinyun; Tuten, William S.; Lujan, Brandon J.; Holland, Jennifer; Bernstein, Paul S.; Schwartz, Steven D.; Duncan, Jacque L.; Roorda, Austin

2015-01-01

Purpose. To evaluate visual function and disease progression in the retinal structural abnormalities of three patients from two unrelated families with macular telangiectasia (MacTel) type 2. Methods. Adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (AOSLO) and AOSLO microperimetry (AOMP) were used to evaluate the structure and function of macular cones in three eyes with MacTel type 2. Cone spacing was estimated using histogram analysis of intercone distances, and registered spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) scans were used to evaluate retinal anatomy. AOMP was used to assess visual sensitivity in and around areas of apparent cone loss. Results. Although overall lesion surface area increased, some initially affected regions subsequently showed clear, contiguous, and normally spaced cone mosaics with recovered photoreceptor inner/outer segment (IS/OS) reflectivity (two of two eyes). The AOMP test sites fell within three categories: normal-appearing cones (N), dimly reflecting cones (D), and RPE cell mosaics (R). At N sites, AOMP threshold values (arbitrary units [au]) increased with increasing eccentricity (slope = 0.054 au/degree, r2 = 0.77). The N thresholds ranged from 0.04 to 0.27 au, D thresholds from 0.04 to 0.33 au, and R thresholds from 0.14 to 1.00 au. There was measurable visual sensitivity everywhere except areas without intact external limiting membrane (ELM) and with diffuse scattering in the IS/OS and posterior tips of the outer segments (PTOS) regions on OCT. Conclusions. Visual sensitivity and recovery of cone visibility in areas of apparent focal cone loss suggests that MacTel type 2 lesions with a preserved ELM may contain functioning cones with abnormal scattering and/or waveguiding characteristics. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00254605.) PMID:25587056

Surface properties of Ti-6Al-4V alloy part I: Surface roughness and apparent surface free energy.

PubMed

Yan, Yingdi; Chibowski, Emil; Szcześ, Aleksandra

2017-01-01

Titanium (Ti) and its alloys are the most often used implants material in dental treatment and orthopedics. Topography and wettability of its surface play important role in film formation, protein adhesion, following osseointegration and even duration of inserted implant. In this paper, we prepared Ti-6Al-4V alloy samples using different smoothing and polishing materials as well the air plasma treatment, on which contact angles of water, formamide and diiodomethane were measured. Then the apparent surface free energy was calculated using four different approaches (CAH, LWAB, O-W and Neumann's Equation of State). From LWAB approach the components of surface free energy were obtained, which shed more light on the wetting properties of samples surface. The surface roughness of the prepared samples was investigated with the help of optical profilometer and AFM. It was interesting whether the surface roughness affects the apparent surface free energy. It was found that both polar interactions the electron donor parameter of the energy and the work of water adhesion increased with decreasing roughness of the surfaces. Moreover, short time plasma treatment (1min) caused decrease in the surface hydrophilic character, while longer time (10min) treatment caused significant increase in the polar interactions and the work of water adhesion. Although Ti-6Al-4V alloy has been investigated many times, to our knowledge, so far no paper has been published in which surface roughness and changes in the surface free energy of the alloy were compared in the quantitative way in such large extent. This novel approach deliver better knowledge about the surface properties of differently smoothed and polished samples which may be helpful to facilitate cell adhesion, proliferation and mineralization. Therefore the results obtained present also potentially practical meaning. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Can solvent induced surface modifications applied to screen-printed platforms enhance their electroanalytical performance?

PubMed

Blanco, Elias; Foster, Christopher W; Cumba, Loanda R; do Carmo, Devaney R; Banks, Craig E

2016-04-25

In this paper the effect of solvent induced chemical surface enhancements upon graphitic screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) is explored. Previous literature has indicated that treating the working electrode of a SPE with the solvent N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) offers improvements within the electroanalytical response, resulting in a 57-fold increment in the electrode surface area compared to their unmodified counterparts. The protocol involves two steps: (i) the SPE is placed into DMF for a selected time, and (ii) it is cured in an oven at a selected time and temperature. Beneficial electroanalytical outputs are reported to be due to the increased surface area attributed to the binder within the bulk surface of the SPEs dissolving out during the immersion step (step i). We revisit this exciting concept and explore these solvent induced chemical surface enhancements using edge- and basal-plane like SPEs and a new bespoke SPE, utilising the solvent DMF and explore, in detail, the parameters utilised in steps (i) and (ii). The electrochemical performance following steps (i) and (ii) is evaluated using the outer-sphere redox probe hexaammineruthenium(iii) chloride/0.1 M KCl, where it is found that the largest improvement is obtained using DMF with an immersion time of 10 minutes and a curing time of 30 minutes at 100 °C. Solvent induced chemical surface enhancement upon the electrochemical performance of SPEs is also benchmarked in terms of their electroanalytical sensing of NADH (dihydronicotinamide adenine dinucleotide reduced form) and capsaicin both of which are compared to their unmodified SPE counterparts. In both cases, it is apparent that a marginal improvement in the electroanalytical sensitivity (i.e. gradient of calibration plots) of 1.08-fold and 1.38-fold are found respectively. Returning to the original exciting concept, interestingly it was found that when a poor experimental technique was employed, only then significant increases within the working electrode area are evident. In this case, the insulating layer that defines the working electrode surface, which was not protected from the solvent (step (i)) creates cracks within the insulating layer exposing the underlying carbon connections and thus increasing the electrode area by an unknown quantity. We infer that the origin of the response reported within the literature, where an extreme increase in the electrochemical surface area (57-fold) was reported, is unlikely to be solely due to the binder dissolving but rather poor experimental control over step (i).

Urban Soil: Assessing Ground Cover Impact on Surface Temperature and Thermal Comfort.

PubMed

Brandani, Giada; Napoli, Marco; Massetti, Luciano; Petralli, Martina; Orlandini, Simone

2016-01-01

The urban population growth, together with the contemporary deindustrialization of metropolitan areas, has resulted in a large amount of available land with new possible uses. It is well known that urban green areas provide several benefits in the surrounding environment, such as the improvement of thermal comfort conditions for the population during summer heat waves. The purpose of this study is to provide useful information on thermal regimes of urban soils to urban planners to be used during an urban transformation to mitigate surface temperatures and improve human thermal comfort. Field measurements of solar radiation, surface temperature (), air temperature (), relative humidity, and wind speed were collected on four types of urban soils and pavements in the city of Florence during summer 2014. Analysis of days under calm, clear-sky condition is reported. During daytime, sun-to-shadow differences for , apparent temperature index (ATI), and were significantly positive for all surfaces. Conversely, during nighttime, differences among all surfaces were significantly negative, whereas ATI showed significantly positive differences. Moreover, was significantly negative for grass and gravel. Relative to the shaded surfaces, was higher on white gravel and grass than gray sandstone and asphalt during nighttime, whereas gray sandstone was always the warmest surface during daytime. Conversely, no differences were found during nighttime for ATI and measured over surfaces that were exposed to sun during the day, whereas showed higher values on gravel than grass and asphalt during nighttime. An exposed surface warms less if its albedo is high, leading to a significant reduction of during daytime. These results underline the importance of considering the effects of surface characteristics on surface temperature and thermal comfort. This would be fundamental for addressing urban environment issues toward the heat island mitigation considering also the impact of urban renovation on microclimate. Copyright © by the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America, Inc.

Field evidence and model predictions of butterfly-mediated apparent competition between gentian plants and red ants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thomas, J. A.; Elmes, G. W.; Clarke, R. T.; Kim, K. G.; Munguira, M. L.; Hochberg, M. E.

1997-11-01

In recent spatial models describing interactions among a myrmecophilous butterfly Maculinea rebeli, a gentian Gentiana cruciata and two competing species of Myrmica ant, we predicted that apparent competition should exist between gentians (the food of young M. rebeli caterpillars) and Myrmica schencki, which supports M. rebeli in its final instar. Here we extend and quantify model predictions about the nature of this phenomenon, and relate them to ecological theory. We predict that: (i) Within sites supporting the butterfly, fewer M. schencki colonies occur in sub-areas containing gentians than in identical habitat lacking this plant. (ii) Where G. cruciata and M. schencki do co-exist, the ant colonies will be less than half the size of those living > 1.5 m from gentians; (iii) The turnover of M. schencki colonies will be much greater than that of other Myrmica species in nest sites situated within 1.5 m of a gentian. All three predictions were supported in the field on 3-6 sites in two mountain ranges, although the exact strength of the apparent competition differed from some model predictions. Field data were also consistent with predictions about apparent mutualisms between gentians and other ants. We suggest that apparent competition is likely to arise in any system in which a specialist enemy feeds sequentially on two or more species during its life-cycle, as occurs in many true parasite-host interactions. We also predict that more complex patterns involving other Myrmica species and G. cruciata occur in our system, with apparent competition existing between them in some sub-areas of a site being balanced by apparent mutualism between them in other sub-areas.

Thermal and albedo mapping of the polar regions of Mars using Viking thermal mapper observations: 2. South polar region

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Paige, David A.; Keegan, Kenneth D.

1994-01-01

We present the first maps of the apparent thermal inertia and albedo of the south polar region of Mars. The observations used to create these maps were acquired by the infrared thermal mapper (IRTM) instruments on the two Viking Orbiters over a 30-day period in 1977 during the Martian late southern summer season. The maps cover the region from 60 deg S to the south pole at a spatial resolution of 1 deg of latitude, thus completing the initial thermal mapping of the entire planet. The analysis and interpretation of these maps is aided by the results of a one-dimensional radiative convective model, which is used to calculate diurnal variations in surface and atmospheric temperatures, and brightness temperatures at the top of the atmosphere for a range of assumptions concerning dust optical properties and dust optical depths. The maps show that apparent thermal inertias of bare ground regions decrease systematically from 60 deg S to the south pole. In unfrosted regions close to the south pole, apparent thermal inertias are among the lowest observed anywhere on the planet. On the south residual cap, apparent thermal inertias are very high due to the presence of CO2 frost. In most other regions of Mars, best fit apparent albedos based on thermal emission measurements are generally in good agreement with actual surface albedos based on broadband solar reflectance measurements. The one-dimensional atmospheric model calculations also predict anomalously cold brightness temperatures close to the pole during late summer, and after considering a number of alternatives, it is concluded that the net surface cooling due to atmospheric dust is the best explanation for this phenomenon. The region of lowest apparent thermal inertia close to the pole, which includes the south polar layered deposits, is interpreted to be mantled by a continuous layer of aeolian material that must be at least a few millimeters thick. The low thermal inertias mapped in the south polar region imply an absence of surface water ice deposits, which is consistent with Viking Mars atmospheric water detector (MAWD) measurements which show low atmospheric water vapor abundances throughout the summer season.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Steiner, Myles A.; Perl, E. E.; Geisz, J. F.

Here, we demonstrate that in solar cells with highly reflective back mirrors, the measured internal quantum efficiency exhibits a shift in bandgap relative to the measured external quantum efficiency. The shift arises from the fact that the measured reflectance at the front surface includes a superposition of waves reflecting from the front and back surfaces. We quantify the magnitude of the apparent shift and discuss the errors that can result in determination of quantities such as the photocurrent. Because of this apparent shift, it is important that the bandgap be determined from the external quantum efficiency.

Derivation of scaled surface reflectances from AVIRIS data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gao, Bo-Cai; Heidebrecht, Kathleen B.; Goetz, Alexander F. H.

1993-01-01

A method for retrieving 'scaled surface reflectances' assuming horizontal surfaces having Lambertian reflectances from spectral data collected by Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) is presented here. In this method, the integrated water vapor amount on a pixel by pixel basis is derived from the 0.94 micron and 1.14 micron water vapor absorption features. The transmission spectra of H2O, CO2, O3, N2O, CO, CH4, and O2 in the 0.4-2.5 micron region are simulated. The scattering effect due to atmospheric molecules and aerosols is modeled with the 5S computer code. The AVIRIS radiances are divided by solar irradiances above the atmosphere to obtain the apparent reflectances. The scaled surface reflectances are derived from the apparent reflectances using the simulated atmospheric gaseous transmittances and the simulated molecular and aerosol scattering data. The scaled surface reflectances differ from the real surface reflectances by a multiplicative factor. In order to convert the scaled surface reflectances into real surface reflectances, the slopes and aspects of the surfaces must be known.

Correlation between acute conjunctivitis and Asian dust on ocular surfaces.

PubMed

Ko, Ryota; Hayashi, Masahiko; Hayashi, Hideyuki; Hayashi, Kazue; Kato, Hitoshi; Kurata, Yoshinori; Fuchino, Yuki; Nakamichi, Toshifumi; Migita, Hironori; Yano, Hiroko; Sakata, Tetsuya; Uchio, Eiichi

2016-01-01

The aim of this study was to determine the presence of Asian dust particles (ADP) in patients suffering from conjunctivitis and its correlation with clinical scores for conjunctivitis. Forty-five patients from the Fukuoka area who were newly diagnosed acute conjunctivitis were selected. The degrees of inflammatory reaction, itchy sensation, hyperemia, eye discharge, and foreign body sensation were clinically recorded and scored. Eyes were washed with physiological solution. Solid particles collected from the washing solution were observed using a scanning electron microscope. Of the 45 samples, 44 were positive for the elements silicon (Si) and aluminum (Al), which are components of ambient Asian dust. Higher conjunctivitis scores were found in the subgroup in which the Asian dust/whole particle ratio was greater than average. This is the first apparent report on the correlation between amount of ADP exposure at the ocular surface and severity of ocular symptoms.

Hydrophobic potential of mean force as a solvation function for protein structure prediction.

PubMed

Lin, Matthew S; Fawzi, Nicolas Lux; Head-Gordon, Teresa

2007-06-01

We have developed a solvation function that combines a Generalized Born model for polarization of protein charge by the high dielectric solvent, with a hydrophobic potential of mean force (HPMF) as a model for hydrophobic interaction, to aid in the discrimination of native structures from other misfolded states in protein structure prediction. We find that our energy function outperforms other reported scoring functions in terms of correct native ranking for 91% of proteins and low Z scores for a variety of decoy sets, including the challenging Rosetta decoys. This work shows that the stabilizing effect of hydrophobic exposure to aqueous solvent that defines the HPMF hydration physics is an apparent improvement over solvent-accessible surface area models that penalize hydrophobic exposure. Decoys generated by thermal sampling around the native-state basin reveal a potentially important role for side-chain entropy in the future development of even more accurate free energy surfaces.

Origin of lunar light plains

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chao, E. C. T.; Hodges, C. A.; Boyce, J. M.; Soderblom, L. A.

1975-01-01

In order to determine the origin of Cayley-type lunar light plains, their physical properties, distribution, and relative ages are examined from Apollo orbital and Lunar Orbiter photographs. The distribution and apparent age of the plains deposits and data on highly feldspathic breccias indicate that these superficial materials are neither locally derived nor part of the Imbrium ejecta. The existence of a planar facies of continuous ejecta at Orientale and in the ejecta blankets of small craters is demonstrated. The data and interpretation presented support the hypothesis that the surface and near-surface materials of some light plains, including those at the Apollo 16 site, are at least partly composed of ejecta from the Orientale basin and that the materials of many rugged areas, such as the Descartes highlands, are overlain by similar material. The possibility that some Cayley-type plains may have a different origin is not excluded.

Thin film construction and characterization and gas-sensing performances of a tailored phenylene-thienylene copolymer.

PubMed

Naso, Francesco; Babudri, Francesco; Colangiuli, Donato; Farinola, Gianluca M; Quaranta, Fabio; Rella, Roberto; Tafuro, Raffaele; Valli, Ludovico

2003-07-30

An alternating copolymer, poly(2,5-dioctyloxy-1,4-phenylene-alt-2,5-thienylene), has been synthesized and used in this research. The behavior of the floating film at the air-water interface has been investigated by measuring surface pressure versus area Langmuir isotherms and contemporaneously by reflection spectroscopy and Brewster angle microscopy. The floating films were transferred by the Langmuir-Schäfer (horizontal lifting) method onto various substrates. It is apparent from these analyses that the effective conjugation length is larger than those in other electroactive polymers and that a strong coplanarity and interchain association takes place above all in the floating film on the water surface and in the transferred multilayers. Such films were used as the active layers in resistive chemical gas sensor devices, thus revealing excellent sensitivity toward NO(2), reversibility, and time stability of the response.

ARC-1986-AC86-7012

NASA Image and Video Library

1986-01-12

Range : 2.77 million miles (1.72 million miles) resolution : 51 km. (32 mi.) P-29495C This Voyager 2 photograph of the outermost Uranian satellite, Oberon is a computer reconstruction of three frames , exposed through the narrow angle camera's blue, green, and orange filters. the grayness or apparent lack of strong color is a distinctive characteristic of the satellites and the rings of Uranus and can serve as one indicator of the possible composition of the satellites' surfaces. Oberon has a diameter of about 1,600 km. (1,000 mi.) and orbits the planet at a radial distance of 586,000 km. (364,000 mi.). Oberon's surface displays areas of lighter and darker material, probably associated in part with impact craters formed during its long exposure to bombardment by cosmic debris. Thr resolution of this particular image is not sufficient, however, to reveal with confidece the nature of these features.

Exploration of an Ancient Ocean World: Dawn at Ceres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raymond, C. A.

2016-12-01

The Dawn mission completed its comprehensive mapping of Ceres, the only dwarf planet in the inner solar system, earlier this year and has since begun an extended mission to improve the quality of the data sets and test specific hypotheses. Prior to Dawn's arrival, Ceres was already known to be a dark, wet dwarf planet with evidence for altered minerals and water vapor emissions, from decades of ground- and space-based observations. Dawn arrived at Ceres in March of 2015 and found a very dark surface as expected, but unexpectedly found a heavily cratered surface that was punctuated by small extremely bright areas. Contrary to the prediction by pre-Dawn models of an ice-rich, viscously-relaxed smooth surface resulting from physical differentiation and freezing of an ancient subsurface ocean, its surface has many craters, implying a mechanically strong thick crust. Ceres is, however, missing the largest expected craters and is gravitationally relaxed at long wavelengths, implying that the strong crust overlies a weaker deep interior. This presented a challenge to the pre-Dawn differentiation model, but data were available to test it. Ceres' surface is dominated by dark material, phyllosilicates, ammoniated clays and carbonates. The ubiquitous presence of ammoniated minerals suggests formation in a colder environment, possibly in the outer solar system, while the distribution of minerals indicates that Ceres' interior experienced pervasive alteration. Water ice has been observed in fresh craters at high latitudes, and elemental measurements indicate the presence of water ice in the immediate subsurface. These observations, along with Ceres gravity field confirm that Ceres at least partially differentiated, releasing water and volatiles from the original chondritic material, and providing evidence for an ancient subsurface ocean. Evidence for past and continuing geologic activity on Ceres is found in the regional variations in topography and morphology of the surface. Smoother, apparently resurfaced areas are generally found at lower elevations and rougher areas have greater relief. Local morphology such as crater floor deposits, isolated mountains and the enigmatic bright areas indicate active processes on Ceres that likely involve brine-driven cryovolcanism.

Surface tension of evaporating nanofluid droplets

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chen, Ruey-Hung; Phuoc, Tran X.; Martello, Donald

2011-05-01

Measurements of nanofluid surface tension were made using the pendant droplet method. Three different types of nanoparticles were used - laponite, silver and Fe 2O 3 - with de-ionized water (DW) as the base fluid. The reported results focus on the following categories; (1) because some nanoparticles require surfactants to form stable colloids, the individual effects of the surfactant and the particles were investigated; (2) due to evaporation of the pendant droplet, the particle concentration increases, affecting the apparent surface tension; (3) because of the evaporation process, a hysteresis was found where the evaporating droplet can only achieve lower valuesmore » of surface tension than that of nanofluids at the same prepared concentrations: and (4) the Stefan equation relating the apparent surface tension and heat of evaporation was found to be inapplicable for nanofluids investigated. Comparisons with findings for sessile droplets are also discussed, pointing to additional effects of nanoparticles other than the non-equilibrium evaporation process.« less

Detection of Flooding Responses at the River Basin Scale Enhanced by Land use Change

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McCormick, Brian C.; Eshleman, Keith N.; Griffith, Jeff L.; Townsend, Philip A.

2009-01-01

The Georges Creek watershed (area 187.5 sq km) in western Maryland (United States) has experienced land use changes (>17% of area) associated with surface mining of coal. The adjacent Savage River watershed (area 127.2 sq km) is unmined. Moments of flood frequency distributions indicated that climatic variability affected both watersheds similarly. Normalizing annual maximum flows by antecedent streamflow and causative precipitation helped identify trends in flooding response. Analysis of contemporary storm events using Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) stage III precipitation data showed that Georges Creek floods are characterized by higher peak runoff and a shorter centroid lag than Savage River floods, likely attributable to differences in current land use. Interestingly, Georges Creek produces only two thirds of the storm-flow volume as Savage River, apparently because of infiltration into abandoned deep mine workings and an associated transbasin diversion constructed circa 1900. Empirical trend analysis is thus complicated by both hydroclimatic variability and the legacy of deep mining in the basin.

Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube/nanofiber Arrays as Conductive and Dry Adhesive Interface Materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tong, Tao; Zhao, Yang; Delzeit, Lance; Majumdar, Arun; Kashani, Ali

2004-01-01

We demonstrate the possibility of making conductive and dry adhesive interfaces between multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNT) and nanofiber (MWNF) arrays grown by chemical vapor deposition with transition-metal as catalyst on highly Boron doped silicon substrates. The maximum observed adhesion force between MWNT and MWNF surfaces is 3.5 mN for an apparent contact area of 2 mm by 4 mm. The minimum contact resistance measured at the same time is approx.20 Omega. Contact resistances of MWNT-MWNT and MWNT-gold interfaces were also measured as pressure forces around several mN were applied at the interface. The resulting minimum contact resistances are on the same order but with considerable variation from sample to sample. For MWNT-MWNT contacts, a minimum contact resistance of approx.1 Omega is observed for a contact area of 2 mm by 1 mm. The relatively high contact resistances, considering the area density of the nanotubes, might be explained by the high cross-tube resistances at the contact interfaces.

Imaging charge carriers in potential-induced degradation defects of c-Si solar cells by scanning capacitance microscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jiang, C. -S.; Xiao, C.; Moutinho, H. R.

We report on nm-resolution imaging of charge-carrier distribution around local potential-induced degradation (PID) shunting defects using scanning capacitance microscopy. We imaged on cross sections of heavily field-degraded module areas, cored out and selected by mm-scale photoluminescence imaging. We found localized areas with abnormal carrier behavior induced by the PID defects: the apparent n-type carrier extends vertically into the absorber to ~1-2 um from the cell surface, and laterally in similar lengths; in defect-free areas, the n-type carrier extends ~0.5 um, which is consistent with the junction depth. For comparison, we also investigated areas of the same module exhibiting the leastmore » PID stress, and we found no such heavily damaged junction area. Instead, we found slightly abnormal carrier behavior, where the carrier-type inversion in the absorber did not occur, but the p-type carrier concentration changed slightly in a much smaller lateral length of ~300 nm. These nano-electrical findings may indicate a possible mechanism that the existing extended defects, which may not be significantly harmful to cell performance, can be changed by PID to heavily damaged junction areas.« less

Imaging charge carriers in potential-induced degradation defects of c-Si solar cells by scanning capacitance microscopy

DOE PAGES

Jiang, C. -S.; Xiao, C.; Moutinho, H. R.; ...

2018-02-13

We report on nm-resolution imaging of charge-carrier distribution around local potential-induced degradation (PID) shunting defects using scanning capacitance microscopy. We imaged on cross sections of heavily field-degraded module areas, cored out and selected by mm-scale photoluminescence imaging. We found localized areas with abnormal carrier behavior induced by the PID defects: the apparent n-type carrier extends vertically into the absorber to ~1-2 um from the cell surface, and laterally in similar lengths; in defect-free areas, the n-type carrier extends ~0.5 um, which is consistent with the junction depth. For comparison, we also investigated areas of the same module exhibiting the leastmore » PID stress, and we found no such heavily damaged junction area. Instead, we found slightly abnormal carrier behavior, where the carrier-type inversion in the absorber did not occur, but the p-type carrier concentration changed slightly in a much smaller lateral length of ~300 nm. These nano-electrical findings may indicate a possible mechanism that the existing extended defects, which may not be significantly harmful to cell performance, can be changed by PID to heavily damaged junction areas.« less

Geology of selected lava tubes in the Bend Area, Oregon

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Greely, R.

1971-01-01

Longitudinal profiles representing 5872.5 m of mapped lava tubes and a photogeologic map relating lava tubes to surface geology, regional structure and topography are presented. Three sets of lava tubes were examined: (1) Arnold Lava Tube System (7km long) composed of collapsed and uncollapsed tube segments and lava ponds, (2) Horse Lava Tube System (11 km long) composed of parallel and anastomosing lava tube segments, and (3) miscellaneous lava tubes. Results of this study tend to confirm the layered lava hypothesis of Ollier and Brown (1965) for lava tube formation; however, there are probably several modes of formation for lava tubes in general. Arnold System is a single series of tubes apparently formed in a single basalt flow on a relatively steep gradient. The advancing flow in which the tubes formed was apparently temporarily halted, resulting in the formation of lava ponds which were inflated and later drained by the lava tube system. Horse System probably formed in multiple, interconnected flows. Pre-flow gradient appears to have been less than for Arnold System, and resulted in meandrous, multiple tube networks.

Students' Development of Astronomy Concepts across Time

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Plummer, Julia

Students in Grades 1, 3, and 8 (N = 60) were interviewed while using a planetarium-like setting that allowed the students to demonstrate their ideas about apparent celestial motion both verbally and with their own motions. Though the older students were generally more accurate in many conceptual areas compared with the younger students, in several areas, the eighth-grade students showed no improvement over the third-grade students. The use of kinesthetic learning techniques in a planetarium program was also explored as a method to improve understanding of celestial motion. Pre- and postinterviews were conducted with participants from seven classes of first- and second-grade students (N = 63). Students showed significant improvement in all areas of apparent celestial motion covered by the planetarium program and surpassed the middle school students' understanding of these concepts in most areas. Based on the results of these studies, a learning progression was developed describing how children may progress through successively more complex ways of understanding apparent celestial motion across elementary grades.

Oesophageal cancer and alcoholic spirits in central Africa

PubMed Central

McGlashan, N. D.

1969-01-01

A geographical pathology survey of a large area in central Africa is described and a contrast is recognized between neighbouring areas with apparently many and apparently few cases of oesophageal cancer. This distribution is compared first with other known areas of high and low incidence in sub-Saharan Africa and then with the drinking of indigenous types of distilled spirits. A significant order of spatial correlation is shown between the geographical pattern of the disease and the drinking of sugar-based alcoholic spirit in central Africa. Samples of spirits from eastern Zambia, central Kenya, and the Transkei, although prepared in apparently dissimilar utensils, were all shown to be contaminated in varying degree with zinc. Nitrosamine-like compounds in native spirits were also reported in all these areas. The need for a geographical survey of indigenous drinking habits in Africa is illustrated. Since legislation against distilling is ineffective, a simple means of excluding carcinogenic compounds from illicit spirits should be ascertained and widely promulgated at village level. PMID:5810975

Figure-ground segregation modulates apparent motion.

PubMed

Ramachandran, V S; Anstis, S

1986-01-01

We explored the relationship between figure-ground segmentation and apparent motion. Results suggest that: static elements in the surround can eliminate apparent motion of a cluster of dots in the centre, but only if the cluster and surround have similar "grain" or texture; outlines that define occluding surfaces are taken into account by the motion mechanism; the brain uses a hierarchy of precedence rules in attributing motion to different segments of the visual scene. Being designated as "figure" confers a high rank in this scheme of priorities.

Factors Affecting Spatial and Temporal Variability in Nutrient and Pesticide Concentrations in the Surficial Aquifer on the Delmarva Peninsula

USGS Publications Warehouse

Debrewer, Linda M.; Ator, Scott W.; Denver, Judith M.

2007-01-01

Water quality in the unconfined, unconsolidated surficial aquifer on the Delmarva Peninsula is influenced by the availability of soluble ions from natural and human sources, and by geochemical factors that affect the mobility and fate of these ions within the aquifer. Ground-water samples were collected from 60 wells completed in the surficial aquifer of the peninsula in 2001 and analyzed for major ions, nutrients, and selected pesticides and degradation products. Analytical results were compared to similar data from a subset of sampled wells in 1988, as well as to land use, soils, geology, depth, and other potential explanatory variables to demonstrate the effects of natural and human factors on water quality in the unconfined surficial aquifer. This study was conducted as part of the National Water-Quality Assessment Program of the U.S. Geological Survey, which is designed (in part) to describe the status and trends in ground-water quality and to provide an understanding of natural and human factors that affect ground-water chemistry in different parts of the United States. Results of this study may be useful for water-resources managers tasked with addressing water-quality issues of local and regional importance because the surficial aquifer on the Delmarva Peninsula is a major source of water for domestic and public supply and provides the majority of flow in local streams. Human impacts are apparent in ground-water quality throughout the surficial aquifer. The surficial aquifer on the Delmarva Peninsula is generally sandy and very permeable with well-oxygenated ground water. Dissolved constituents found throughout various depths of the unconfined aquifer are likely derived from the predominantly agricultural practices on the peninsula, although effects of road salt, mineral dissolution, and other natural and human influences are also apparent in some areas. Nitrate occurred at concentrations exceeding natural levels in many areas, and commonly exceeded 10 milligrams per liter (as nitrogen). In addition to land use in the aquifer recharge area, concentrations of nitrate in ground water are related to regional patterns in soil drainage that affect underlying aquifer redox conditions. Over the peninsula, nitrate concentrations are not related to recharge date of the water, but are positively correlated with depth in shallow wells screened beneath agricultural areas. Nitrate concentrations increased in oxic areas (dissolved oxygen greater than 1 milligram per liter) of the deeper part of the surficial aquifer used for domestic supply by an average of about 2 milligrams per liter between 1988 and 2001, although no changes were apparent in shallower parts of the aquifer over that same period. Water in the surficial aquifer generally flows from land-surface recharge to surface-water discharge areas in less than 30 years. As a result, the entire flow system in the surficial aquifer has likely been affected by human activities on and near the land surface over the past several decades. Pesticide compounds occurred widely at low levels throughout the surficial aquifer. The most commonly used herbicides (metolachlor, alachlor, and atrazine) were the most commonly detected. These pesticides primarily occurred in ground water in the form of degradation products. The widespread occurrence of these and other pesticide compounds reflects their abundant use as well as chemical properties and aquifer characteristics that allow their movement into ground water. Mixtures of pesticides are common. Most samples contained at least 3 different compounds; several samples contained as many as 11. Pesticide concentrations in the surficial aquifer are relatively high beneath recharge areas with well-drained soils in the shallow part of the aquifer and in oxic environments throughout the surficial aquifer. Concentrations are generally below existing drinking-water standards, although standards are not available for all of the pesticide compound

Bolivia

Atmospheric Science Data Center

2013-04-18

... in brightness between them. Varying degrees of surface moisture around the two playas are illustrated by the different display ... angular composites contain information relating to surface moisture and/or texture characteristics that are not apparent with a single ...

Remote sensing of soils, land forms, and land use in the northern Great Plains in preparation for ERTS applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frazee, C. J.; Westin, F. C.; Gropper, J.; Myers, V. I.

1972-01-01

Research to determine the optimum time or season for obtaining imagery to identify and map soil limitations was conducted in the proposed Oahe irrigation project area in South Dakota. The optimum time for securing photographs or imagery is when the soil surface patterns are most apparent. For cultivated areas similar to the study area, May is the optimum time. The density slicing analysis of the May image provided additional and more accurate information than did the existing soil map. The soil boundaries were more accurately located. The use of a density analysis system for an operational soil survey has not been tested, but is obviously dependent upon securing excellent photographs for interpretation. The colors or densities of photographs will have to be corrected for sun angle effects, vignetting effects, and processing to have maximum effectiveness for mapping soil limitations. Rangeland sites were established in Bennett County, South Dakota to determine the usefulness of ERTS imagery. Imagery from these areas was interpreted for land use and drainage patterns.

Vs30 mapping at selected sites within the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nortey, Grace; Armah, Thomas K.; Amponsah, Paulina

2018-06-01

A large part of Accra is underlain by a complex distribution of shallow soft soils. Within seismically active zones, these soils hold the most potential to significantly amplify seismic waves and cause severe damage, especially to structures sited on soils lacking sufficient stiffness. This paper presents preliminary site classification for the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area of Ghana (GAMA), using experimental data from two-dimensional (2-D) Multichannel Analysis of Surface Wave (MASW) technique. The dispersive characteristics of fundamental mode Rayleigh type surface waves were utilized for imaging the shallow subsurface layers (approx. up to 30 m depth) by estimating the 1D (depth) and 2D (depth and surface location) shear wave velocities at 5 selected sites. The average shear wave velocity for 30 m depth (Vs30), which is critical in evaluating the site response of the upper 30 m, was estimated and used for the preliminary site classification of the GAM area, as per NEHRP (National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program). Based on the Vs30 values obtained in the study, two common site types C, and D corresponding to shallow (>6 m < 30 m) weathered rock and deep (up 30 m thick) stiff soils respectively, have been identified within the study area. Lower velocity profiles are inferred for the residual soils (sandy to silty clays), derived from the Accraian Formation that lies mainly within Accra central. Stiffer soil sites lie to the north of Accra, and to the west near Nyanyano. The seismic response characteristics over the residual soils in the GAMA have become apparent using the MASW technique. An extensive site effect map and a more robust probabilistic seismic hazard analysis can now be efficiently built for the metropolis, by considering the site classes and design parameters obtained from this study.

How visual illusions illuminate complementary brain processes: illusory depth from brightness and apparent motion of illusory contours

PubMed Central

Grossberg, Stephen

2014-01-01

Neural models of perception clarify how visual illusions arise from adaptive neural processes. Illusions also provide important insights into how adaptive neural processes work. This article focuses on two illusions that illustrate a fundamental property of global brain organization; namely, that advanced brains are organized into parallel cortical processing streams with computationally complementary properties. That is, in order to process certain combinations of properties, each cortical stream cannot process complementary properties. Interactions between these streams, across multiple processing stages, overcome their complementary deficiencies to compute effective representations of the world, and to thereby achieve the property of complementary consistency. The two illusions concern how illusory depth can vary with brightness, and how apparent motion of illusory contours can occur. Illusory depth from brightness arises from the complementary properties of boundary and surface processes, notably boundary completion and surface-filling in, within the parvocellular form processing cortical stream. This illusion depends upon how surface contour signals from the V2 thin stripes to the V2 interstripes ensure complementary consistency of a unified boundary/surface percept. Apparent motion of illusory contours arises from the complementary properties of form and motion processes across the parvocellular and magnocellular cortical processing streams. This illusion depends upon how illusory contours help to complete boundary representations for object recognition, how apparent motion signals can help to form continuous trajectories for target tracking and prediction, and how formotion interactions from V2-to-MT enable completed object representations to be continuously tracked even when they move behind intermittently occluding objects through time. PMID:25389399

Hidden Outgassing Dynamics at Kilauea (Hawaii) Lava Lake

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Del Bello, E.; Taddeucci, J.; Orr, T. R.; Houghton, B. F.; Scarlato, P.; Patrick, M. R.

2014-12-01

Lava lakes offer unique opportunities for understanding how magmatic volatiles physically escape from low-viscosity, vesicular magma in open-vent conditions, a process often referred to as magma outgassing. Large-scale lava convection movements and meter-scale bubble explosions, sometimes triggered by rock falls, are acknowledged outgassing processes but may not be the only ones. In 2013 we used high-frequency (50-500 Hz) thermal and visible imaging to investigate the short-timescale dynamics of the currently active Halema`uma`u lava lake. At that time, besides the dominant release of large bubbles, three types of peculiar outgassing features were observed on the lava lake surface. The first, diffusely observed throughout the observation experiment, consisted of prolonged (up to seconds) gas venting from 'spot vents'. These vents appeared to open and close without the ejection of material or bubble bursting, and were the site of hot gas emission. Spot vents were located both between and inside cooling plates, and followed the general circulation pattern together with the rest of the lava lake surface. The second feature, observed only once, consisted of the transient wobbling of the whole lava lake surface. This wobbling, with a wavelength of meters to tens of meters, was not related to any external trigger, and dampened soon without apparent consequences on the other lake dynamics. Finally, we observed large (meters) doming areas of the lake surface randomly fluctuating over seconds to minutes. These areas were either stationary or moved independently of the general lake surface circulation, and usually were not affected by other lake surface features (e.g., cooling plate boundaries). These three features, though trivial for the overall lake outgassing, testify that the lava lake has a complex shallow subsurface architecture, in which permeable channels and gas pockets act independently of the more common bubble bursts.

Use of Mass- and Area-Dimensional Power Laws for Determining Precipitation Particle Terminal Velocities.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mitchell, David L.

1996-06-01

Based on boundary layer theory and a comparison of empirical power laws relating the Reynolds and Best numbers, it was apparent that the primary variables governing a hydrometeor's terminal velocity were its mass, its area projected to the flow, and its maximum dimension. The dependence of terminal velocities on surface roughness appeared secondary, with surface roughness apparently changing significantly only during phase changes (i.e., ice to liquid). In the theoretical analysis, a new, comprehensive expression for the drag force, which is valid for both inertial and viscous-dominated flow, was derived.A hydrometeor's mass and projected area were simply and accurately represented in terms of its maximum dimension by using dimensional power laws. Hydrometeor terminal velocities were calculated by using mass- and area-dimensional power laws to parameterize the Best number, X. Using a theoretical relationship general for all particle types, the Reynolds number, Re, was then calculated from the Best number. Terminal velocities were calculated from Re.Alternatively, four Re-X power-law expressions were extracted from the theoretical Re-X relationship. These expressions collectively describe the terminal velocities of all ice particle types. These were parameterized using mass- and area-dimensional power laws, yielding four theoretically based power-law expressions predicting fall speeds in terms of ice particle maximum dimension. When parameterized for a given ice particle type, the theoretical fall speed power law can be compared directly with empirical fall speed-dimensional power laws in the literature for the appropriate Re range. This provides a means of comparing theory with observations.Terminal velocities predicted by this method were compared with fall speeds given by empirical fall speed expressions for the same ice particle type, which were curve fits to measured fall speeds. Such comparisons were done for nine types of ice particles. Fall speeds predicted by this method differed from those based on measurements by no more than 20%.The features that distinguish this method of determining fall speeds from others are that it does not represent particles as spheroids, it is general for any ice particle shape and size, it is conceptually and mathematically simple, it appears accurate, and it provides for physical insight. This method also allows fall speeds to be determined from aircraft measurements of ice particle mass and projected area, rather than directly measuring fall speeds. This approach may be useful for ice crystals characterizing cirrus clouds, for which direct fall speed measurements are difficult.

Characterizing Facesheet/Core Disbonding in Honeycomb Core Sandwich Structure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rinker, Martin; Ratcliffe, James G.; Adams, Daniel O.; Krueger, Ronald

2013-01-01

Results are presented from an experimental investigation into facesheet core disbonding in carbon fiber reinforced plastic/Nomex honeycomb sandwich structures using a Single Cantilever Beam test. Specimens with three, six and twelve-ply facesheets were tested. Specimens with different honeycomb cores consisting of four different cell sizes were also tested, in addition to specimens with three different widths. Three different data reduction methods were employed for computing apparent fracture toughness values from the test data, namely an area method, a compliance calibration technique and a modified beam theory method. The compliance calibration and modified beam theory approaches yielded comparable apparent fracture toughness values, which were generally lower than those computed using the area method. Disbonding in the three-ply facesheet specimens took place at the facesheet/core interface and yielded the lowest apparent fracture toughness values. Disbonding in the six and twelve-ply facesheet specimens took place within the core, near to the facesheet/core interface. Specimen width was not found to have a significant effect on apparent fracture toughness. The amount of scatter in the apparent fracture toughness data was found to increase with honeycomb core cell size.

Satellite Observed Changes in the Arctic

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Comiso, Josefino C.; Parkinson, Claire L.

2004-01-01

The Arctic is currently considered an area in transformation. Glaciers have been retreating, permafrost has been diminishing, snow covered areas have been decreasing, and sea ice and ice sheets have been thinning. This paper provides an overview of the unique role that satellite sensors have contributed in the detection of changes in the Arctic and demonstrates that many of the changes are not just local but a pan-Arctic phenomenon. Changes from the upper atmosphere to the surface are discussed and it is apparent that the magnitude of the trends tends to vary from region to region and from season to season. Previous reports of a warming Arctic and a retreating perennial ice cover have also been updated, and results show that changes are ongoing. Feedback effects that can lead to amplification of the signals and the role of satellite data in enhancing global circulation models are also discussed.

An investigation of relationships between meso- and synoptic-scale phenomena

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scoggins, J. R.; Wood, J. E.; Fuelberg, H. E.; Read, W. L.

1972-01-01

Methods based on the vorticity equation, the adiabatic method, the curvature of the vertical wind profile, and the structure of synoptic waves are used to determine areas of positive vertical motion in the mid-troposphere for a period in each season. Parameters indicative of low-level moisture and conditional instability are areas in which mesoscale systems may be present. The best association between mesoscale and synoptic-scale phenomena was found for a period during December when synoptic-scale systems were well developed. A good association between meso- and synoptic-scale events also was found for a period during March, while the poorest association was found for a June period. Daytime surface heating apparently is an important factor in the formation of mesoscale systems during the summer. It is concluded that the formation of mesoscale phenomena may be determined essentially from synoptic-scale conditions during winter, late fall, and early spring.

Elastic Properties of Pore-Spanning Apical Cell Membranes Derived from MDCK II Cells.

PubMed

Nehls, Stefan; Janshoff, Andreas

2017-10-17

The mechanical response of adherent, polarized cells to indentation is frequently attributed to the presence of an endogenous actin cortex attached to the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane. Here, we scrutinized the elastic properties of apical membranes separated from living cells and attached to a porous mesh in the absence of intracellular factors originating from the cytosol, organelles, the substrate, neighbors, and the nucleus. We found that a tension-based model describes the data very well providing essentially the prestress of the shell generated by adhesion of the apical membrane patches to the pore rim and the apparent area compressibility modulus, an intrinsic elastic modulus modulated by the surface excess stored in membrane reservoirs. Removal of membrane-associated proteins by proteases decreases the area compressibility modulus, whereas fixation and cross-linking of proteins with glutaraldehyde increases it. Copyright © 2017 Biophysical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Mountain home known geothermal resource area: an environmental analysis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Spencer, S.G.; Russell, B.F.

1979-09-01

The Mountain Home KGRA encompasses an area of 3853 hectares (ha) at the foot of the Mount Bennett Hills in Elmore County, Idaho. The site is associated with an arid climate and high winds that generate an acute dust problem. The KGRA lies adjacent to the northwest-southeast trending fault zone that reflects the northern boundary of the western Snake River Plain graben. Data indicate that a careful analysis of the subsidence potential is needed prior to extensive geothermal development. Surface water resources are confined to several small creeks. Lands are utilized for irrigated farmlands and rangeland for livestock. There aremore » no apparent soil limitations to geothermal development. Sage grouse and mule deer are the major species of concern. The potential of locating significant heritage resources other than the Oregon Trail or the bathhouse debris appears to be relatively slight.« less

Monolith catalysts for closed-cycle carbon dioxide lasers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Herz, Richard K.; Badlani, Ajay

1991-01-01

The objective was to explore ways of making a monolithic form of catalyst for CO2 lasers. The approach chosen was to pelletize the catalyst material, Au/MnO2 powder, and epoxy the pellets to stainless steel sheets as structural supports. The CO oxidation reaction over Au/MnO2 powder was found to be first overall, and the reaction rate constant at room temperature was 4.4 +/- 0.3 cc/(g x sec). The activation energy was 5.7 kcal/mol. The BET surface area of the pellets was found to vary from 125 to 140 sq m/g between different batches of catalyst. Pellets epoxied to stainless steel strips showed no sign of fracture or dusting when subjected to thermal tests. Pellets can be dropped onto hard surfaces with chipping of edges but no breakage of the pellets. Mechanical strength tests performed on the pellets showed that the crush strength is roughly one-fourth of the pelletizing force. The apparent activity and activation energy over the pellets were found to be less than over the powdered form of the catalyst. The lower apparent activity and activation energy of the pellets are due to the fact that the internal surface area of a pellet is not exposed to the reactant concentration present in the flowing gas as a result of intrapellet diffusion resistance. Effectiveness factors varied from 0.44, for pellets having thickness of 2 mm and attached with epoxy to a stainless steel strip. The epoxy and the stainless steel strip were found to simply block off one of the circular faces of the pellets. The epoxy did not penetrate the pellets and block the active sites. The values of the effective diffusivities were estimated to be between 2.3 x 10(exp -3) and 4.9 x 10(exp -3) sq cm/s. With measurements performed on one powder sample and one pellet configuration, reasonable accurate predictions can be made of conversions that would be obtained with other pellet thickness and configurations.

Apparent motion determined by surface layout not by disparity or three-dimensional distance.

PubMed

He, Z J; Nakayama, K

1994-01-13

The most meaningful events ecologically, including the motion of objects, occur in relation to or on surfaces. We run along the ground, cars travel on roads, balls roll across lawns, and so on. Even though there are other motions, such as flying of birds, it is likely that motion along surfaces is more frequent and more significant biologically. To examine whether events occurring in relation to surfaces have a preferred status in terms of visual representation, we asked whether the phenomenon of apparent motion would show a preference for motion attached to surfaces. We used a competitive three-dimensional motion paradigm and found that there is a preference to see motion between tokens placed within the same disparity as opposed to different planes. Supporting our surface-layout hypothesis, the effect of disparity was eliminated either by slanting the tokens so that they were all seen within the same surface plane or by inserting a single slanted background surface upon which the tokens could rest. Additionally, a highly curved stereoscopic surface led to the perception of a more circuitous motion path defined by that surface, instead of the shortest path in three-dimensional space.

Students' development of astronomy concepts across time

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Plummer, Julia Diane

2006-02-01

The National Science Education Standards (NRC, 1996) recommend that students understand the apparent patterns of motion of the sun, moon and stars visible by the end of early elementary school. However, little information exists on students' knowledge of apparent celestial motion or instruction in this area. The goals of this dissertation were to describe children's knowledge of apparent celestial motion across elementary and middle school, explore early elementary students' ability to learn these topics through planetarium instruction, and begin the development of a learning progression for these concepts, First, third, and eighth grade students (N=60) were interviewed using a planetarium-like setting that allowed the students to demonstrate their ideas both verbally and with their own motions on an artificial sky. Analysis of these interviews suggests that students are not making the types of observations of the sky necessary to learn apparent celestial motion and any instruction they may have received has not helped them reach an accurate understanding of most topics. Most students at each grade level could not accurately describe the patterns of motion. Though the older students were more accurate in most of their descriptions than the younger students, in several areas the eighth grade students showed no improvement over the third grade students. The use of kinesthetic learning techniques in a planetarium program was also explored as a method to improve understanding of celestial motion. Pre- and post-interviews were conducted with participants from seven classes of first and second grade students (N=63). Students showed significant improvement in all areas of apparent celestial motion covered by the planetarium program and surpassed the middle school students' understanding of these concepts in most areas. This suggests that students in early elementary school are capable of learning the accurate description of apparent celestial motion. The results demonstrate the value of both kinesthetic learning techniques and the rich visual environment of the planetarium for improved understanding of celestial motion. Based on the results of these studies, I developed a learning progression describing how children may progress through successively more complex ways of understanding apparent celestial motion across elementary grades.

Apparent mass of the human body in the vertical direction: Effect of a footrest and a steering wheel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toward, M. G. R.; Griffin, M. J.

2010-04-01

The apparent mass of the seated human body influences the vibration transmitted through a car seat. The apparent mass of the body is known to be influenced by sitting posture but the influence of the position of the hands and the feet is not well understood. This study was designed to quantify the influence of steering wheel location and the position of a footrest on the vertical apparent mass of the human body. The influences of the forces applied by the hands to a steering wheel and by the feet to a footrest were also investigated. Twelve subjects were exposed to whole-body vertical random vibration (1.0 m s -2 rms over the frequency range 0.13-40.0 Hz) while supported by a rigid seat with a backrest reclined to 15°. The apparent mass of the body was measured with five horizontal positions and three vertical positions of a steering wheel and also with hands in the lap, and with five horizontal positions of a footrest. The influence of five forward forces (0, 50, 100, 150, 200 N) applied separately to the 'steering wheel' and the footrest were also investigated as well as a 'no backrest' condition. With their hands in their laps, subjects exhibited a resonance around 6.7 Hz, compared to 4.8 Hz when sitting upright with no backrest. In the same posture holding a steering wheel, the mass supported on the seat surface decreased and there was an additional resonance at 4 Hz. Moving the steering wheel away from the body reduced the apparent mass at the primary resonance frequency and increased the apparent mass around the 4 Hz resonance. As the feet moved forward, the mass supported on the seat surface decreased, indicating that the backrest and footrest supported a greater proportion of the subject weight. Applying force to either the steering wheel or the footrest reduced the apparent mass at resonance and decreased the mass supported on the seat surface. It is concluded that the positions and contact conditions of the hands and the feet affect the biodynamic response of the body in a car driving posture. As the biodynamic response influences the vibration transmitted through seats, these factors should be considered in dynamic models of vehicle seating.

Seismic properties investigation of the Springer Ranch landslide, Powder River basin, Wyoming

USGS Publications Warehouse

Miller, C.H.; Ramirez, A.L.; Bullard, T.G.

1980-01-01

A recent and rapid increase since the mid-1970's in commercial and residential development in the Powder River Basin, Wyoming and Montana, is caused by exploitation of vast coal and other resources in the basin. One geologic hazard to such development is landsliding. A landslide sufficiently representative of others in the area was chosen for detailed seismic studies. Studies of this landslide show that a low-velocity layer overlies a high-velocity layer both on the slide and away from it and that the contact between the volocity layers is nearly parallel with the preslide topographic surface. Computed shear and other elastic moduli of the low-velocity layer are about one-tenth those of the high-velocity layer. When failure occurs within the slope materials, it will very likely be confined to the low-velocity layer. The number and position of main shear planes in the landslide are unknown, but the main slippage surface is probably near the contact between the low- and high-velocity layers. The main cause of landslide failure in the study area is apparently the addition of moisture to the low-velocity layer.

Kalahari Tectonic Landforms and Processes Beyond the Okavango Graben

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eckardt, F. D.; Flügel, T.; Cotterill, W.; Rowe, C. D.; McFarlane, M.

2014-12-01

The southern African Kalahari basin is generally regarded as a stable shield area which is subject to neotectonic modification along western branches of the East African Rift System (EARS) with much focus having been given to the Okavango Graben and its associated geomorphology. In this study, we look for surface expressions that are indicative of recent to on-going tectonic modification beyond the Okavango region. A number of landforms can be highlighted. These include drainage lines in north eastern Namibia which are aligned along a "horsetail" fracture system, interpreted as the response to an apparent incipient rifting extending west of the Okavango Graben and Gumare fault line. The second region of interest, in north eastern Botswana, is known to house a second lesser graben, centred along the Ntwetwe panhandle but with a wider surface manifestation than previously noted. We can demonstrate that the area north of the Makgadikgadi has been modified by "piano key" type fault blocks. And thirdly, structural modifications to linear dune ridges of the southern central Kalahari manifest faulting, shearing and rotation. These observations raise questions about the extent of tectonic processes operating across the southern African interior and attribute additional processes to Kalahari landforms.

Low-temperature wafer-level gold thermocompression bonding: modeling of flatness deviations and associated process optimization for high yield and tough bonds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stamoulis, Konstantinos; Tsau, Christine H.; Spearing, S. Mark

2005-01-01

Wafer-level, thermocompression bonding is a promising technique for MEMS packaging. The quality of the bond is critically dependent on the interaction between flatness deviations, the gold film properties and the process parameters and tooling used to achieve the bonds. The effect of flatness deviations on the resulting bond is investigated in the current work. The strain energy release rate associated with the elastic deformation required to overcome wafer bow is calculated. A contact yield criterion is used to examine the pressure and temperature conditions required to flatten surface roughness asperities in order to achieve bonding over the full apparent area. The results are compared to experimental data of bond yield and toughness obtained from four-point bend delamination testing and microscopic observations of the fractured surfaces. Conclusions from the modeling and experiments indicate that wafer bow has negligible effect on determining the variability of bond quality and that the well-bonded area is increased with increasing bonding pressure. The enhanced understanding of the underlying deformation mechanisms allows for a better controlled trade-off between the bonding pressure and temperature.

Low-temperature wafer-level gold thermocompression bonding: modeling of flatness deviations and associated process optimization for high yield and tough bonds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stamoulis, Konstantinos; Tsau, Christine H.; Spearing, S. Mark

2004-12-01

Wafer-level, thermocompression bonding is a promising technique for MEMS packaging. The quality of the bond is critically dependent on the interaction between flatness deviations, the gold film properties and the process parameters and tooling used to achieve the bonds. The effect of flatness deviations on the resulting bond is investigated in the current work. The strain energy release rate associated with the elastic deformation required to overcome wafer bow is calculated. A contact yield criterion is used to examine the pressure and temperature conditions required to flatten surface roughness asperities in order to achieve bonding over the full apparent area. The results are compared to experimental data of bond yield and toughness obtained from four-point bend delamination testing and microscopic observations of the fractured surfaces. Conclusions from the modeling and experiments indicate that wafer bow has negligible effect on determining the variability of bond quality and that the well-bonded area is increased with increasing bonding pressure. The enhanced understanding of the underlying deformation mechanisms allows for a better controlled trade-off between the bonding pressure and temperature.

Removal of Nonylphenol by using Fe-doped NaBiO3 compound as an efficient visible-light-heterogeneous Fenton-like catalyst.

PubMed

An, Junjian; Huang, Mengxuan; Wang, Mengling; Chen, Jiali; Wang, Peng

2018-04-12

Fe-doped NaBiO 3 nanoscaled compounds were prepared by hydrothermal method and evaluated as a highly efficient photo-Fenton-like catalyst under visible light irradiation. The Fe-doped NaBiO 3 compound had a specific surface area of 41.42 m 2  g -1 , which is considerably larger than that of NaBiO 3 nanoparticles (28.81 m 2  g -1 ). The compound exhibited an excellent visible light-Fenton-like catalysis activity, which is influenced by the iron content of the compound and the pH value of the solution. Under the optimal conditions, the Fe-doped NaBiO 3 compound led to fast degradation of Nonylphenol with an apparent rate constant of 5.71 × 10 -2 min -1 , which was 8.23-fold of that achieved by using NaBiO 3 . The significantly enhanced visible light-Fenton-like catalytic property of the Fe-doped NaBiO 3 was attributed to the large surface area and the high adsorption capacity of the compound, and the Fenton catalytic ability of iron in the compound.

Hydroxyl radical mediated DNA base modification by manmade mineral fibres.

PubMed Central

Leanderson, P; Söderkvist, P; Tagesson, C

1989-01-01

Manmade mineral fibres (MMMFs) were examined for their ability to hydroxylate 2-deoxyguanosine (dG) to 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG), a reaction that is mediated by hydroxyl radicals. It appeared that (1) catalase and the hydroxyl radical scavengers, dimethylsulphoxide and sodium benzoate, inhibited the hydroxylation, whereas Fe2+ and H2O2 potentiated it; (2) pretreatment of MMMFs with the iron chelator, deferoxamine, or with extensive heat (200-400 degrees C), attenuated the hydroxylation; (3) the hydroxylation obtained by various MMMFs varied considerably; (4) there was no apparent correlation between the hydroxylation and the surface area of different MMMFs, although increasing the surface area of a fibre by crushing it increased its hydroxylating capacity; and (5) there was good correlation between the hydroxylation of dG residues in DNA and the hydroxylation of pure dG in solution for the 16 different MMMFs investigated. These findings indicate that MMMFs cause a hydroxyl radical mediated DNA base modification in vitro and that there is considerable variation in the reactivity of different fibre species. The DNA modifying ability seems to depend on physical or chemical characteristics, or both, of the fibre. PMID:2765416

A morphometric study of bone surfaces and skin reactions after stimulation with static magnetic fields in rats

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Linder-Aronson, S.; Lindskog, S.

1991-01-01

The present investigation was undertaken to measure any bone surface changes after stimulation with orthodontic magnets and, furthermore, to examine the soft tissue in immediate contact with the magnets. Both distal parts of the tibial hind legs in six groups of young rats were fitted with devices holding two orthodontic magnets in the experimental legs and similar devices without magnets in the control legs. The animals were killed after 2, 3, and 4 weeks. Morphometric evaluation showed significant increases in resorbing areas after 3 and 4 weeks. Similarly, a reduction was evident in the number of epithelial cells under themore » areas where the magnets had been applied. These findings indicate that the stimulation of bone resorption in the present study may have been caused by inhibition of the bone-lining osteoblasts. This proposition is supported by the apparent inhibitory effect of the magnetic fields on epithelial recycling that was seen as a reduced thickness of the epithelium under the magnets. Consequently, static magnetic fields should be used with care in orthodontic practice until a more complete understanding of their mechanism of action has been established.« less

A morphometric study of bone surfaces and skin reactions after stimulation with static magnetic fields in rats.

PubMed

Linder-Aronson, S; Lindskog, S

1991-01-01

The present investigation was undertaken to measure any bone surface changes after stimulation with orthodontic magnets and, furthermore, to examine the soft tissue in immediate contact with the magnets. Both distal parts of the tibial hind legs in six groups of young rats were fitted with devices holding two orthodontic magnets in the experimental legs and similar devices without magnets in the control legs. The animals were killed after 2, 3, and 4 weeks. Morphometric evaluation showed significant increases in resorbing areas after 3 and 4 weeks. Similarly, a reduction was evident in the number of epithelial cells under the areas where the magnets had been applied. These findings indicate that the stimulation of bone resorption in the present study may have been caused by inhibition of the bone-lining osteoblasts. This proposition is supported by the apparent inhibitory effect of the magnetic fields on epithelial recycling that was seen as a reduced thickness of the epithelium under the magnets. Consequently, static magnetic fields should be used with care in orthodontic practice until a more complete understanding of their mechanism of action has been established.

Derivation of martian surface slope characteristics from directional thermal infrared radiometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bandfield, Joshua L.; Edwards, Christopher S.

2008-01-01

Directional thermal infrared measurements of the martian surface is one of a variety of methods that may be used to characterize surface roughness and slopes at scales smaller than can be obtained by orbital imagery. Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES) emission phase function (EPF) observations show distinct apparent temperature variations with azimuth and emission angle that are consistent with the presence of warm, sunlit and cool, shaded slopes at typically ˜0.1 m scales. A surface model of a Gaussian distribution of azimuth independent slopes (described by θ-bar) is combined with a thermal model to predict surface temperature from each viewing angle and azimuth of the TES EPF observation. The models can be used to predict surface slopes using the difference in measured apparent temperature from 2 separate 60-70° emission angle observations taken ˜180° in azimuth relative to each other. Most martian surfaces are consistent with low to moderate slope distributions. The slope distributions display distinct correlations with latitude, longitude, and albedo. Exceptionally smooth surfaces are located at lower latitudes in both the southern highlands as well as in high albedo dusty terrains. High slopes are associated with southern high-latitude patterned ground and north polar sand dunes. There is little apparent correlation between high resolution imagery and the derived θ-bar, with exceptions such as duneforms. This method can be used to characterize potential landing sites by assuming fractal scaling behavior to meter scales. More precisely targeted thermal infrared observations from other spacecraft instruments are capable of significantly reducing uncertainty as well as reducing measurement spot size from 10s of kilometers to sub-kilometer scales.

Comparison of human plasma low- and high-density lipoproteins as substrates for lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase.

PubMed

Barter, P J; Hopkins, G J; Gorjatschko, L

1984-01-17

A recent observation that lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.43) interacts with both low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL) in human plasma is in apparent conflict with an earlier finding that the purified enzyme, while highly reactive with isolated HDL, was only minimally reactive with LDL. There is evidence, however, that lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase may exist physiologically as a component of a complex with other proteins and that studies with the isolated enzyme may therefore provide misleading results. Consequently, interactions of the enzyme with isolated human lipoproteins have been re-examined in incubations containing lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase as a component of human lipoprotein-free plasma in which a physiologically active complex of the enzyme with other proteins may have been preserved. In this system there was a ready esterification of the free cholesterol associated with both LDL and HDL-subfraction 3 (HDL3) in reactions that obeyed typical enzyme-saturation kinetics. For a given preparation of lipoprotein-free plasma the Vmax values with LDL and with HDL3 were virtually identical. The apparent Km for free cholesterol associated with HDL3 was 5.6 X 10(-5) M, while for that associated with LDL it was 4.1 X 10(-4) M. This implied that, in terms of free cholesterol concentration, the affinity of HDL3 for lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase was about 7-times greater than that of LDL. When expressed in terms of lipoprotein particle concentration, however, it was apparent that the affinity of LDL for the enzyme was considerably greater than that of HDL3. When the lipoprotein fractions were equated in terms of lipoprotein surface area, the apparent affinities of the two fractions for the enzyme were found to be comparable.

Physiological Background of Differences in Quantitative Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging Between Acute Malignant and Benign Vertebral Body Fractures: Correlation of Apparent Diffusion Coefficient With Quantitative Perfusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging Using the 2-Compartment Exchange Model.

PubMed

Geith, Tobias; Biffar, Andreas; Schmidt, Gerwin; Sourbron, Steven; Dietrich, Olaf; Reiser, Maximilian; Baur-Melnyk, Andrea

2015-01-01

To test the hypothesis that apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in vertebral bone marrow of benign and malignant fractures is related to the volume of the interstitial space, determined with dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging. Patients with acute benign (n = 24) and malignant (n = 19) vertebral body fractures were examined at 1.5 T. A diffusion-weighted single-shot turbo-spin-echo sequence (b = 100 to 600 s/mm) and DCE turbo-FLASH sequence were evaluated. Regions of interest were manually selected for each fracture. Apparent diffusion coefficient was determined with a monoexponential decay model. The DCE magnetic resonance imaging concentration-time curves were analyzed using a 2-compartment tracer-kinetic model. Apparent diffusion coefficient showed a significant positive correlation with interstitial volume in the whole study population (Pearson r = 0.66, P < 0.001), as well as in the malignant (Pearson r = 0.64, P = 0.004) and benign (Pearson r = 0.52, P = 0.01) subgroup. A significant correlation between ADC and the permeability-surface area product could be observed when analyzing the whole study population (Spearman rs = 0.40, P = 0.008), but not when separately examining the subgroups. Plasma flow showed a significant correlation with ADC in benign fractures (Pearson r = 0.23, P = 0.03). Plasma volume did not show significant correlations with ADC. The results support the hypothesis that the ADC of a lesion is inversely correlated to its cellularity. This explains previous observations that ADC is reduced in more malignant lesions.

STS-54 Earth observation of a ship wake in the Bay of Bengal

NASA Image and Video Library

1993-01-19

STS054-72-056 (13-19 Jan 1993) --- A ship wake in the Bay of Bengal is noticeable in this 70mm frame. The sun glint pattern on the ocean reveals many patterns of sea surface roughness related to currents, waves, wind roughening, and biology that and are not apparent when the ocean is viewed away from the Sun's reflection. In this view of the Bay of Bengal, southeast of Madras, India, sun glint highlights convergence zones between ocean currents (bright, linear features), a eddy, and the wake of a ship. In several locations where the ship has passed areas of current shear, the ship wake is distorted, indicating the relative current direction.

Public health assessment for master disposal service landfill, Brookfield, Waukesha County, Wisconsin, Region 5. Cerclis No. WID980820070. Final report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1994-02-08

The Master Disposal Service Landfill (MDSL) accepted industrial wastes from 1962 to 1982. The wastes were placed in a 26-acre wetland area and were confined by surrounding berms. Groundwater, surface water, soil and sediments have been contaminated with volatile organic compounds and metals. The remedial investigation of the landfill identified a plume of contaminated groundwater extending from beneath the site to approximately 675 feet southwest of the site. There is no evidence of human exposure. The site is of no apparent public health hazard at the present time. However, this could change if no remediation of contaminated groundwater occurs.

Distribution and variation of arsenic in Wisconsin surface soils, with data on other trace elements

USGS Publications Warehouse

Stensvold, Krista A.

2012-01-01

Soils with sandy glacial outwash as a parent material have a lower median arsenic concentration (1.0 mg/kg) than soils forming in other parent materials (1.5 to 3.0 mg/kg). Soil texture and drainage category also influence median arsenic concentration. Finer grained soils have a higher observed range of concentrations. For loamy and loess-dominated soil groups, drainage category influences the median arsenic concentration and observed range of values, but a consistent relationship within the data is not apparent. Statistical analysis of the 16 other elements are presented in this report, but the relationships of concentrations to soil properties or geographic areas were not examined.

Practical approaches for application of resistance type strain gages on high temperature composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moore, Thomas C., Sr.

1991-01-01

Four major areas of interest with respect to utilizing strain gages on carbon/carbon (with SiC surfaces) and titanium matrix composites are addressed. Strain gage and adhesive combinations on carbon/carbon (C/C) at temperatures from minus 190 C to to 540 C, half-bridge gaging for reducing apparent strain on C/C using Poisson's ratio and bending configurations, a review of the 'field installation' techniques developed for gaging a C/C hypersonic generic elevon, and results of initial strain gaging efforts on titanium matrix composites are discussed. Current research in developing techniques for increasing the maximum temperature for strain gages on carbon/carbon are reviewed.

STS-54 Earth observation of a ship wake in the Bay of Bengal

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1993-01-01

STS-54 Earth observation taken aboard Endeavour, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 105, is of a ship wake in the Bay of Bengal. The sun glint pattern on the ocean reveals many patterns of sea surface roughness related to currents, waves, wind roughening, and biology that and are not apparent when the ocean is viewed away from the sun's reflection. In this view of the Bay of Bengal, southeast of Madras, India, sun glint highlights convergence zones between ocean currents (bright, linear features), a eddy, and the wake of a ship. In several locations where the ship has passed areas of current shear, the ship wake is distorted, indicating the relative current direction.

Patterns of light interference produced by damaged cuticle cells in human hair.

PubMed

Gamez-Garcia, Manuel; Lu, Yuan

2007-01-01

Colorful patterns of light interference have been observed to occur in human hair cuticle cells. The light interference phenomenon has been analyzed by optical microscopy. The strong patterns of light interference appeared only in cuticle cells that had been damaged either mechanically or by thermal stresses. Cuticle cells that were not damaged did not produce this phenomenon. The zones of light interference on the hair surface were seen to extend to cuticle sheath areas whose damage was not apparent when analyzed under the Scanning Electron Microscope. The presence of oils and other hydrophobic materials in the hair had a strong effect in the appearance or disappearance of the interference patterns.

An integrated surface-geophysical investigation of the University of Connecticut landfill, Storrs, Connecticut, 2000

USGS Publications Warehouse

Johnson, Carole D.; Dawson, C.B.; Belaval, Marcel; Lane, John W.

2002-01-01

A surface-geophysical investigation to characterize the hydrogeology and contaminant distribution of the former landfill area at the University of Connecticut in Storrs, Connecticut, was conducted in 2000 to supplement the preliminary hydrogeologic assessment of the contamination of soil, surface water, and ground water at the site. A geophysical-toolbox approach was used to characterize the hydrogeology and contaminant distribution of the former landfill. Two-dimensional direct-current resistivity, inductive terrain-conductivity, and seismic-refraction surface-geophysical data were collected and interpreted in an iterative manner with exploratory drilling, borehole geophysics, and hydraulic testing. In this investigation, a geophysical-toolbox approach was used to 1) further define previously identified conductive anomalies and leachate plumes; 2) identify additional leachate plumes, possible fracture zones, and (or) conductive lithologic layers in the bedrock; and 3) delineate bedrock-surface topography in the drainage valleys north and south of the landfill. Resistivity and terrain-conductivity surveys were used to further delineate previously identified geophysical anomalies to the north and southwest of the landfill. A conductive anomaly identified in the terrain-conductivity survey to the north of the landfill in 2000 had a similar location and magnitude as an anomaly identified in terrain-conductivity surveys conducted in 1998 and 1999. Collectively, these surveys indicated that the magnitude of the conductive anomaly decreased with depth and with distance from the landfill. These anomalies indicated landfill leachate in the overburden and shallow bedrock. Results of previous surface-geophysical investigations southwest of the landfill indicated a shallow conductive anomaly in the overburden that extended into the fractured-bedrock aquifer. This conductive anomaly had a sheet-like geometry that had a north-south strike, dipped to the west, and terminated abruptly about 450 feet southwest of the landfill. The sheet-like conductive anomaly was interpreted as a fractured, conductive lithologic feature filled with conductive fluids. To further delineate this anomaly, two two-dimensional resistivity profiles were collected west of the sheet-like conductive anomaly to assess the possibility that the sheet-like conductive anomaly continued to the west in its down-dip direction. Each of the north-south oriented resistivity profiles showed bullet-shaped rather than linear-shaped anomalies, with a relatively smaller magnitude of conductivity than the sheet-like conductive anomaly to the east. If these bullet-like features are spatially connected, they may represent a linear, or pipe-like, conductive anomaly in the bedrock with a trend of N290?E and a plunge of 12?. Additional surveys were conducted to assess the apparent southern termination of the sheet-like conductive feature. Terrain-conductivity surveys indicated the sheet-like feature was not continuous to the south. A two-dimensional resistivity line and a coincident terrain-conductivity profile indicated the presence of a steep, eastward dipping, low magnitude, electrically conductive anomaly on the eastern end of the profile. Although the sheet-like conductive anomaly apparently did not continue to the south, the survey conducted in 2000 identified an isolated, weak conductive anomaly south of the previously identified anomaly. Inductive terrain-conductivity surveys performed north of the sheet-like conductive anomaly and west of the landfill indicated the anomaly did not extend to the north into the area of the former chemical-waste disposal pits. No conductive plumes or conductive features were observed in the subsurface bedrock west of the landfill. A conductive anomaly was identified in the southern section of the new terrain-conductivity grid. The magnitude and distribution of the apparent conductivity of this anomaly was identified as a nearly vertica

Experimental Determination of Air Density Using a 1 kg Mass Comparator in Vacuum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gläser, M.; Schwartz, R.; Mecke, M.

1991-01-01

The density of ambient air has been determined by a straightforward experimental method. The apparent masses of two artefacts having about the same mass and surface, but different well-known volumes, have been compared by using a 1 kg balance in vacuum and in air. The differences of apparent masses and volumes yield the air density with a relative uncertainty (1σ) of 5 × 10-5. From measurements made using a third artefact, surface sorption effects caused by the change between vacuum and air conditions gave a coefficient of about 0,2 μg cm-2.

Spectroscopy of scattered light for the characterization of micro and nanoscale objects in biology and medicine.

PubMed

Turzhitsky, Vladimir; Qiu, Le; Itzkan, Irving; Novikov, Andrei A; Kotelev, Mikhail S; Getmanskiy, Michael; Vinokurov, Vladimir A; Muradov, Alexander V; Perelman, Lev T

2014-01-01

The biomedical uses for the spectroscopy of scattered light by micro and nanoscale objects can broadly be classified into two areas. The first, often called light scattering spectroscopy (LSS), deals with light scattered by dielectric particles, such as cellular and sub-cellular organelles, and is employed to measure their size or other physical characteristics. Examples include the use of LSS to measure the size distributions of nuclei or mitochondria. The native contrast that is achieved with LSS can serve as a non-invasive diagnostic and scientific tool. The other area for the use of the spectroscopy of scattered light in biology and medicine involves using conducting metal nanoparticles to obtain either contrast or electric field enhancement through the effect of the surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Gold and silver metal nanoparticles are non-toxic, they do not photobleach, are relatively inexpensive, are wavelength-tunable, and can be labeled with antibodies. This makes them very promising candidates for spectrally encoded molecular imaging. Metal nanoparticles can also serve as electric field enhancers of Raman signals. Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a powerful method for detecting and identifying molecules down to single molecule concentrations. In this review, we will concentrate on the common physical principles, which allow one to understand these apparently different areas using similar physical and mathematical approaches. We will also describe the major advancements in each of these areas, as well as some of the exciting recent developments.

Multiparameter Analysis of Gas Transport Phenomena in Shale Gas Reservoirs: Apparent Permeability Characterization.

PubMed

Shen, Yinghao; Pang, Yu; Shen, Ziqi; Tian, Yuanyuan; Ge, Hongkui

2018-02-08

The large amount of nanoscale pores in shale results in the inability to apply Darcy's law. Moreover, the gas adsorption of shale increases the complexity of pore size characterization and thus decreases the accuracy of flow regime estimation. In this study, an apparent permeability model, which describes the adsorptive gas flow behavior in shale by considering the effects of gas adsorption, stress dependence, and non-Darcy flow, is proposed. The pore size distribution, methane adsorption capacity, pore compressibility, and matrix permeability of the Barnett and Eagle Ford shales are measured in the laboratory to determine the critical parameters of gas transport phenomena. The slip coefficients, tortuosity, and surface diffusivity are predicted via the regression analysis of the permeability data. The results indicate that the apparent permeability model, which considers second-order gas slippage, Knudsen diffusion, and surface diffusion, could describe the gas flow behavior in the transition flow regime for nanoporous shale. Second-order gas slippage and surface diffusion play key roles in the gas flow in nanopores for Knudsen numbers ranging from 0.18 to 0.5. Therefore, the gas adsorption and non-Darcy flow effects, which involve gas slippage, Knudsen diffusion, and surface diffusion, are indispensable parameters of the permeability model for shale.

Evidence for volcanism in NW Ishtar Terra, Venus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gaddis, L.; Greeley, Ronald

1989-01-01

Venera 15/16 radar data for an area in NW Ishtar Terra, Venus, show an area with moderate radar return and a smooth textured surface which embays low lying areas of the surrounding mountainous terrain. Although this unit may be an extension of the lava plains of Lakshmi Planum to the southeast, detailed study suggests a separate volcanic center in NW Ishtar Terra. Lakshmi Planum, on the Ishtar Terra highland, exhibits major volcanic and tectonic features. On the Venera radar image radar brightness is influenced by slope and roughness; radar-facing slopes (east-facing) and rough surfaces (approx. 8 cm average relief) are bright, while west-facing slopes and smooth surfaces are dark. A series of semi-circular features, apparently topographic depressions, do not conform in orientation to major structural trends in this region of NW Ishtar Terra. The large depression in NW Ishtar Terra is similar to the calderas of Colette and Sacajawea Paterae, as all three structures are large irregular depressions. NW Ishtar Terra appears to be the site of a volcanic center with a complex caldera structure, possibly more than one eruptive vent, and associated lobed flows at lower elevations. The morphologic similarity between this volcanic center and those of Colette and Sacajawea suggests that centralized eruptions have been the dominant form of volcanism in Ishtar. The location of this volcanic center at the intersection of two major compressional mountain belts and the large size of the calders (with an inferred larg/deep magma source) support a crustal thickening/melting rather than a hot-spot origin for these magmas.

Evidence for volcanism in NW Ishtar Terra, Venus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaddis, L.; Greeley, Ronald

Venera 15/16 radar data for an area in NW Ishtar Terra, Venus, show an area with moderate radar return and a smooth textured surface which embays low lying areas of the surrounding mountainous terrain. Although this unit may be an extension of the lava plains of Lakshmi Planum to the southeast, detailed study suggests a separate volcanic center in NW Ishtar Terra. Lakshmi Planum, on the Ishtar Terra highland, exhibits major volcanic and tectonic features. On the Venera radar image radar brightness is influenced by slope and roughness; radar-facing slopes (east-facing) and rough surfaces (approx. 8 cm average relief) are bright, while west-facing slopes and smooth surfaces are dark. A series of semi-circular features, apparently topographic depressions, do not conform in orientation to major structural trends in this region of NW Ishtar Terra. The large depression in NW Ishtar Terra is similar to the calderas of Colette and Sacajawea Paterae, as all three structures are large irregular depressions. NW Ishtar Terra appears to be the site of a volcanic center with a complex caldera structure, possibly more than one eruptive vent, and associated lobed flows at lower elevations. The morphologic similarity between this volcanic center and those of Colette and Sacajawea suggests that centralized eruptions have been the dominant form of volcanism in Ishtar. The location of this volcanic center at the intersection of two major compressional mountain belts and the large size of the calders (with an inferred large/deep magma source) support a crustal thickening/melting rather than a hot-spot origin for these magmas.

Liquid slip over gas nanofilms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramisetti, Srinivasa B.; Borg, Matthew K.; Lockerby, Duncan A.; Reese, Jason M.

2017-08-01

We propose the rarefied-gas-cushion model (r-GCM), as an extended version of the gas-cushion model (GCM), to estimate the apparent slip of water flowing over a gas layer trapped at a solid surface. Nanobubbles or gas nanofilms may manifest rarefied-gas effects and the r-GCM incorporates kinetic boundary conditions for the gas component in the slip Knudsen regime. These enable an apparent hydrodynamic slip length to be calculated given the gas thickness, the Knudsen number, and the bulk fluid viscosities. We assess the r-GCM through nonequilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD) simulations of shear-driven liquid flow over an infinite gas nanofilm covering a solid surface, from the gas slip regime to the early transition regime, beyond which NEMD is computationally impractical. We find that, over the flow regimes examined, the r-GCM provides better predictions of the apparent liquid slip and retrieves both the GCM and the free-molecular behavior in the appropriate limits.

Flight investigation of the effect of control centering springs on the apparent spiral stability of a personal-owner airplane

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Campbell, John P; Hunter, Paul A; Hewes, Donald E; Whitten, James B

1952-01-01

Report presents the results of a flight investigation conducted on a typical high-wing personal-owner airplane to determine the effect of control centering springs on apparent spiral stability. Apparent spiral stability is the term used to describe the spiraling tendencies of an airplane in uncontrolled flight as affected both by the true spiral stability of the perfectly trimmed airplane and by out-of-trim control settings. Centering springs were used in both the aileron and rudder control systems to provide both a positive centering action and a means of trimming the airplane. The springs were preloaded so that when they were moved through neutral they produced a nonlinear force gradient sufficient to overcome the friction in the control surface at the proper setting for trim. The ailerons and rudder control surfaces did not have trim tabs that could be adjusted in flight.

Fabricating Superhydrophobic and Superoleophobic Surfaces with Multiscale Roughness Using Airbrush and Electrospray

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

AL-Milaji, Karam N.

Examples of superhydrophobic surfaces found in nature such as self-cleaning property of lotus leaf and walking on water ability of water strider have led to an extensive investigation in this area over the past few decades. When a water droplet rests on a textured surface, it may either form a liquid-solid-vapor composite interface by which the liquid droplet partially sits on air pockets or it may wet the surface in which the water replaces the trapped air depending on the surface roughness and the surface chemistry. Super water repellent surfaces have numerous applications in our daily life such as drag reduction, anti-icing, anti-fogging, energy conservation, noise reduction, and self-cleaning. In fact, the same concept could be applied in designing and producing surfaces that repel organic contaminations (e.g. low surface tension liquids). However, superoleophobic surfaces are more challenging to fabricate than superhydrophobic surfaces since the combination of multiscale roughness with re-entrant or overhang structure and surface chemistry must be provided. In this study, simple, cost-effective and potentially scalable techniques, i.e., airbrush and electrospray, were employed for the sake of making superhydrophobic and superoleophobic coatings with random and patterned multiscale surface roughness. Different types of silicon dioxide were utilized in this work to in order to study and to characterize the effect of surface morphology and surface roughness on surface wettability. The experimental findings indicated that super liquid repellent surfaces with high apparent contact angles and extremely low sliding angles were successfully fabricated by combining re-entrant structure, multiscale surface roughness, and low surface energy obtained from chemically treating the fabricated surfaces. In addition to that, the experimental observations regarding producing textured surfaces in mask-assisted electrospray were further validated by simulating the actual working conditions and geometries using COMSOL Multiphysics.

Microcontact Peeling: A Cell Micropatterning Technique for Circumventing Direct Adsorption of Proteins to Hydrophobic PDMS.

PubMed

Yokoyama, Sho; Matsui, Tsubasa S; Deguchi, Shinji

2017-06-19

Microcontact printing (μCPr) is one of the most popular techniques used for cell micropatterning. In conventional μCPr, a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) stamp with microfeatures is used to adsorb extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins onto the featured surface and transfer them onto particular areas of a cell culture substrate. However, some types of functional proteins other than ECM have been reported to denature upon direct adsorption to hydrophobic PDMS. Here we describe a detailed protocol of an alternative technique--microcontact peeling (μCPe)--that allows for cell micropatterning while circumventing the step of adsorbing proteins to bare PDMS. This technique employs microfeatured materials with a relatively high surface energy such as copper, instead of using a microfeatured PDMS stamp, to peel off a cell-adhesive layer present on the surface of substrates. Consequently, cell-nonadhesive substrates are exposed at the specific surface that undergoes the physical contact with the microfeatured material. Thus, although μCPe and μCPr are apparently similar, the former does not comprise a process of transferring biomolecules through hydrophobic PDMS. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

High- and low-molecular-mass microbial surfactants.

PubMed

Rosenberg, E; Ron, E Z

1999-08-01

Microorganisms synthesize a wide variety of high- and low-molecular-mass bioemulsifiers. The low-molecular-mass bioemulsifiers are generally glycolipids, such as trehalose lipids, sophorolipids and rhamnolipids, or lipopeptides, such as surfactin, gramicidin S and polymyxin. The high-molecular-mass bioemulsifiers are amphipathic polysaccharides, proteins, lipopolysaccharides, lipoproteins or complex mixtures of these biopolymers. The low-molecular-mass bioemulsifiers lower surface and interfacial tensions, whereas the higher-molecular-mass bioemulsifiers are more effective at stabilizing oil-in-water emulsions. Three natural roles for bioemulsifiers have been proposed: (i) increasing the surface area of hydrophobic water-insoluble growth substrates; (ii) increasing the bioavailability of hydrophobic substrates by increasing their apparent solubility or desorbing them from surfaces; (iii) regulating the attachment and detachment of microorganisms to and from surfaces. Bioemulsifiers have several important advantages over chemical surfactants, which should allow them to become prominent in industrial and environmental applications. The potential commercial applications of bioemulsifiers include bioremediation of oil-polluted soil and water, enhanced oil recovery, replacement of chlorinated solvents used in cleaning-up oil-contaminated pipes, vessels and machinery, use in the detergent industry, formulations of herbicides and pesticides and formation of stable oil-in-water emulsions for the food and cosmetic industries.

Wettability and Contact Time on a Biomimetic Superhydrophobic Surface.

PubMed

Liang, Yunhong; Peng, Jian; Li, Xiujuan; Huang, Jubin; Qiu, Rongxian; Zhang, Zhihui; Ren, Luquan

2017-03-02

Inspired by the array microstructure of natural superhydrophobic surfaces (lotus leaf and cicada wing), an array microstructure was successfully constructed by high speed wire electrical discharge machining (HS-WEDM) on the surfaces of a 7075 aluminum alloy without any chemical treatment. The artificial surfaces had a high apparent contact angle of 153° ± 1° with a contact angle hysteresis less than 5° and showed a good superhydrophobic property. Wettability, contact time, and the corresponding superhydrophobic mechanism of artificial superhydrophobic surface were investigated. The results indicated that the micro-scale array microstructure was an important factor for the superhydrophobic surface, while different array microstructures exhibited different effects on the wettability and contact time of the artificial superhydrophobic surface. The length ( L ), interval ( S ), and height ( H ) of the array microstructure are the main influential factors on the wettability and contact time. The order of importance of these factors is H > S > L for increasing the apparent contact angle and reducing the contact time. The method, using HS-WEDM to fabricate superhydrophobic surface, is simple, low-cost, and environmentally friendly and can easily control the wettability and contact time on the artificial surfaces by changing the array microstructure.

Wettability and Contact Time on a Biomimetic Superhydrophobic Surface

PubMed Central

Liang, Yunhong; Peng, Jian; Li, Xiujuan; Huang, Jubin; Qiu, Rongxian; Zhang, Zhihui; Ren, Luquan

2017-01-01

Inspired by the array microstructure of natural superhydrophobic surfaces (lotus leaf and cicada wing), an array microstructure was successfully constructed by high speed wire electrical discharge machining (HS-WEDM) on the surfaces of a 7075 aluminum alloy without any chemical treatment. The artificial surfaces had a high apparent contact angle of 153° ± 1° with a contact angle hysteresis less than 5° and showed a good superhydrophobic property. Wettability, contact time, and the corresponding superhydrophobic mechanism of artificial superhydrophobic surface were investigated. The results indicated that the micro-scale array microstructure was an important factor for the superhydrophobic surface, while different array microstructures exhibited different effects on the wettability and contact time of the artificial superhydrophobic surface. The length (L), interval (S), and height (H) of the array microstructure are the main influential factors on the wettability and contact time. The order of importance of these factors is H > S > L for increasing the apparent contact angle and reducing the contact time. The method, using HS-WEDM to fabricate superhydrophobic surface, is simple, low-cost, and environmentally friendly and can easily control the wettability and contact time on the artificial surfaces by changing the array microstructure. PMID:28772613

Effect of seasonal and long-term changes in stress on sources of water to wells

USGS Publications Warehouse

Reilly, Thomas E.; Pollock, David W.

1995-01-01

The source of water to wells is ultimately the location where the water flowing to a well enters the boundary surface of the ground-water system . In ground-water systems that receive most of their water from areal recharge, the location of the water entering the system is at the water table . The area contributing recharge to a discharging well is the surface area that defines the location of the water entering the groundwater system. Water entering the system at the water table flows to the well and is eventually discharged from the well. Many State agencies are currently (1994) developing wellhead-protection programs. The thrust of some of these programs is to protect water supplies by determining the areas contributing recharge to water-supply wells and by specifying regulations to minimize the opportunity for contamination of the recharge water by activities at the land surface. In the analyses of ground-water flow systems, steady-state average conditions are frequently used to simplify the problem and make a solution tractable. Recharge is usually cyclic in nature, however, having seasonal cycles and longer term climatic cycles. A hypothetical system is quantitatively analyzed to show that, in many cases, these cyclic changes in the recharge rates apparently do not significantly affect the location and size of the areas contributing recharge to wells. The ratio of the mean travel time to the length of the cyclic stress period appears to indicate whether the transient effects of the cyclic stress must be explicitly represented in the analysis of contributing areas to wells. For the cases examined, if the ratio of the mean travel time to the period of the cyclic stress was much greater than one, then the transient area contributing recharge to wells was similar to the area calculated using an average steady-state condition. Noncyclic long-term transient changes in water use, however, and cyclic stresses on systems with ratios less than 1 can and do affect the location and size of the areas contributing recharge to wells.

Erosion patterns produced by the paleo Haizishan ice cap, SE Tibetan Plateau

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, P.; Stroeven, A. P.; Harbor, J.; Hättestrand, C.; Heyman, J.; Caffee, M. W.

2017-12-01

Erosion is a primary driver of landscape evolution, topographic relief production, geochemical cycles, and climate change. Combining in situ 10Be and 26Al exposure age dating, geomorphological mapping, and field investigations, we examine glacial erosion patterns of the almost 4,000 km2 paleo Haizishan ice cap on the southeastern Tibetan Plateau. Our results show that ice caps on the low relief Haizishan Plateau produced a zonal pattern of landscape modification. In locations where apparent exposure ages on bedrock are consistent with the last deglaciation, complete resetting of the cosmogenic exposure age clock indicates glacial erosion of at least a few meters. However, older apparent exposure ages on bedrock in areas known to have been covered by the paleo ice cap during the Last Glacial Maximum indicate inheritance and thus limited glacial erosion. Inferred surface exposure ages from cosmogenic depth profiles through two saprolites vary from resetting and thus saprolite profile truncation to nuclide inheritance indicating limited erosion. Finally, significant nuclide inheritance in river sand samples from basins on the scoured plateau surface also indicate limited glacial erosion during the last glaciation. Hence, for the first time, our study shows clear evidence of preservation under non-erosive ice on the Tibetan Plateau. As patterns of glacial erosion intensity are largely driven by the basal thermal regime, our results confirm earlier inferences from geomorphology for a concentric basal thermal pattern for the paleo Haizishan ice cap during the LGM.

Investigation of hydrogen peroxide reduction reaction on graphene and nitrogen doped graphene nanoflakes in neutral solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amirfakhri, Seyed Javad; Binny, Dustin; Meunier, Jean-Luc; Berk, Dimitrios

2014-07-01

H2O2 reduction reaction (HPRR) is studied on both graphene (GNF) and nitrogen doped graphene nanoflakes in 0.1 M Na2SO4 solution by rotating disk electrode. The XPS results indicate that N-doped graphene nanoflakes with high nitrogen content, 32 at%N (N-GNF32), are synthesised successfully by an inductively-coupled thermal plasma (ICP) reactor. Pyridinic, pyrrolic and graphitic N species contribute up to 67% of the total nitrogen. Kinetic parameters such as Tafel slope and stoichiometric number suggest that HPRR occurs by the same mechanism on both GNF and N-GNF32. Although nitrogen does not change the mechanism of HPRR, the results indicate that the reaction rate of H2O2 reduction is enhanced on N-GNF32. The exchange current density of H2O2 reduction based on the active surface area of N-GNF32 is (8.3 ± 0.3) × 10-9 A cm-2, which is 6 times higher than the value determined for GNF. The apparent number of electrons involved in the process suggests that H2O2 decomposition competes with H2O2 reduction on both catalysts. Evaluation of the apparent heterogeneous reaction rate constant and the Tafel slope indicate that simultaneous reduction of O2 and H2O2 is negligible on the N-GNF32. On the other hand, the reduction of O2 and H2O2 occurs simultaneously on the GNF surface.

Investigating the wetting behavior of a surface with periodic reentrant structures using integrated microresonators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klingel, S.; Oesterschulze, E.

2017-08-01

The apparent contact angle is frequently used as an indicator of the wetting state of a surface in contact with a liquid. However, the apparent contact angle is subject to hysteresis that depends furthermore strongly on both the material properties and the roughness and structure of the sample surface. In this work, we show that integrated microresonators can be exploited to determine the wetting state by measuring both the frequency shift caused by the hydrodynamic mass of the liquid and the change in the quality factor as a result of damping. For this, we integrated electrically driven hybrid bridge resonators (HBRs) into a periodically structured surface intended for wetting experiments. We could clearly differentiate between the Wenzel state and the Cassie-Baxter state because the resonant frequency and quality factor of the HBR changed by over 35% and 40%, respectively. This offers the capability to unambiguously distinguish between the different wetting states.

Ion beam microtexturing of surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Robinson, R. S.

1981-01-01

Some recent work in surface microtecturing by ion beam sputtering is described. The texturing is accomplished by deposition of an impurity onto a substrate while simultaneously bombarding it with an ion beam. A summary of the theory regarding surface diffusion of impurities and the initiation of cone formation is provided. A detailed experimental study of the time-development of individual sputter cones is described. A quasi-liquid coating was observed that apparently reduces the sputter rate of the body of a cone compared to the bulk material. Experimental measurements of surface diffusion activation energies are presented for a variety of substrate-seed combinations and range from about 0.3 eV to 1.2 eV. Observations of apparent crystal structure in sputter cones are discussed. Measurements of the critical temperature for cone formation are also given along with a correlation of critical temperature with substrate sputter rate.

Fracture processes and mechanisms of crack growth resistance in human enamel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bajaj, Devendra; Park, Saejin; Quinn, George D.; Arola, Dwayne

2010-07-01

Human enamel has a complex micro-structure that varies with distance from the tooth’s outer surface. But contributions from the microstructure to the fracture toughness and the mechanisms of crack growth resistance have not been explored in detail. In this investigation the apparent fracture toughness of human enamel and the mechanisms of crack growth resistance were evaluated using the indentation fracture approach and an incremental crack growth technique. Indentation cracks were introduced on polished surfaces of enamel at selected distances from the occlusal surface. In addition, an incremental crack growth approach using compact tension specimens was used to quantify the crack growth resistance as a Junction of distance from the occlusal surface. There were significant differences in the apparent toughness estimated using the two approaches, which was attributed to the active crack length and corresponding scale of the toughening mechanisms.

Gasification Characteristics of Coal/Biomass Mixed Fuels

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mitchell, Reginald

2014-09-01

A research project was undertaken that had the overall objective of developing the models needed to accurately predict conversion rates of coal/biomass mixtures to synthesis gas under conditions relevant to a commercially-available coal gasification system configured to co-produce electric power as well as chemicals and liquid fuels. In our efforts to accomplish this goal, experiments were performed in an entrained flow reactor in order to produce coal and biomass chars at high heating rates and temperatures, typical of the heating rates and temperatures fuel particles experience in real systems. Mixed chars derived from coal/biomass mixtures containing up to 50% biomassmore » and the chars of the pure coal and biomass components were subjected to a matrix of reactivity tests in a pressurized thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) in order to obtain data on mass loss rates as functions of gas temperature, pressure and composition as well as to obtain information on the variations in mass specific surface area during char conversion under kinetically-limited conditions. The experimental data were used as targets when determining the unknown parameters in the chemical reactivity and specific surface area models developed. These parameters included rate coefficients for the reactions in the reaction mechanism, enthalpies of formation and absolute entropies of adsorbed species formed on the carbonaceous surfaces, and pore structure coefficients in the model used to describe how the mass specific surface area of the char varies with conversion. So that the reactivity models can be used at high temperatures when mass transport processes impact char conversion rates, Thiele modulus – effectiveness factor relations were also derived for the reaction mechanisms developed. In addition, the reactivity model and a mode of conversion model were combined in a char-particle gasification model that includes the effects of chemical reaction and diffusion of reactive gases through particle pores and energy exchange between the particle and its environment. This char-particle gasification model is capable of predicting the average mass loss rates, sizes, apparent densities, specific surface areas, and temperatures of the char particles produced when co-firing coal and biomass to the type environments established in entrained flow gasifiers operating at high temperatures and elevated pressures.« less

Probabilistic constraints from existing and future radar imaging on volcanic activity on Venus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lorenz, Ralph D.

2015-11-01

We explore the quantitative limits that may be placed on Venus' present-day volcanic activity by radar imaging of surface landforms. The apparent nondetection of new lava flows in the areas observed twice by Magellan suggests that there is a ~60% chance that the eruption rate is ~1 km3/yr or less, using the eruption history and area/volume flow geometry of terrestrial volcanoes (Etna, Mauna Loa and Merapi) as a guide. However, if the detection probability of an individual flow is low (e.g. ~10%) due to poor resolution or quality and unmodeled viewing geometry effects, the constraint (<10 km3/yr) is not useful. Imaging at Magellan resolution or better of only ~10% of the surface area of Venus on a new mission (30 years after Magellan) would yield better than 99% chance of detecting a new lava flow, even if the volcanic activity is at the low end of predictions (~0.01 km3/yr) and is expressed through a single volcano with a stochastic eruption history. Closer re-examination of Magellan data may be worthwhile, both to search for new features, and to establish formal (location-dependent) limits on activity against which data from future missions can be tested. While Magellan-future and future-future comparisons should offer much lower detection thresholds for erupted volumes, a probabilistic approach will be required to properly understand the implications.

Estimating small amplitude tremor sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Katakami, S.; Ito, Y.; Ohta, K.

2017-12-01

Various types of slow earthquakes have been recently observed at both the updip and downdip edges of the coseismic slip areas [Obara and Kato, 2016]. Frequent occurrence of slow earthquakes may help us to reveal the physics underlying megathrust events as useful analogs. Maeda and Obara [2009] estimated spatiotemporal distribution of seismic energy radiation from low-frequency tremors. They applied their method to only the tremors, whose hypocenters had been decided with multiple station method. However, recently Katakami et al. (2016) identified a lot of continuous tremors with small amplitude that were not recorded multiple stations. These small events should be important to reveal the whole slow earthquake activity and to understand strain condition around a plate boundary in subduction zones. First, we apply the modified frequency scanning method (mFSM) at a single station to NIED Hi-net data in the southwestern Japan to understand whole tremor activity which were included weak signal tremors. Second, we developed a method to identify the tremor source area by using the difference of apparent tremor energy at each station by mFSM. We estimated the apparent source tremor energy after correcting both site amplification factor and geometrical spreading. Finally we calculate a tremor source area if the difference of apparent tremor energy between each pair of sites is the smallest. We checked a validity of this analysis by using only tremors which were already detected by envelope correlation method [Idehara et al., 2014]. We calculated the average amplitude as apparent tremor energy in 5 minutes window after occurring tremor at each station. Our results almost consistent to hypocenters which were determined the envelope correlation method. We successfully determined apparent tremor source areas of weak continuous tremors after estimating possible tremor occurrence time windows by using mFSM.

Mineral Surface Chemistry and Nanoparticle-aggregation Control Membrane Self-Assembly

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sahai, Nita; Kaddour, Hussein; Dalai, Punam; Wang, Ziqiu; Bass, Garrett; Gao, Min

2017-03-01

The self-assembly of lipid bilayer membranes to enclose functional biomolecules, thus defining a “protocell,” was a seminal moment in the emergence of life on Earth and likely occurred at the micro-environment of the mineral-water interface. Mineral-lipid interactions are also relevant in biomedical, industrial and technological processes. Yet, no structure-activity relationships (SARs) have been identified to predict lipid self-assembly at mineral surfaces. Here we examined the influence of minerals on the self-assembly and survival of vesicles composed of single chain amphiphiles as model protocell membranes. The apparent critical vesicle concentration (CVC) increased in the presence of positively-charged nanoparticulate minerals at high loadings (mg/mL) suggesting unfavorable membrane self-assembly in such situations. Above the CVC, initial vesicle formation rates were faster in the presence of minerals. Rates were correlated with the mineral’s isoelectric point (IEP) and reactive surface area. The IEP depends on the crystal structure, chemical composition and surface hydration. Thus, membrane self-assembly showed rational dependence on fundamental mineral properties. Once formed, membrane permeability (integrity) was unaffected by minerals. Suggesting that, protocells could have survived on rock surfaces. These SARs may help predict the formation and survival of protocell membranes on early Earth and other rocky planets, and amphiphile-mineral interactions in diverse other phenomena.

Mineral Surface Chemistry and Nanoparticle-aggregation Control Membrane Self-Assembly

PubMed Central

Sahai, Nita; Kaddour, Hussein; Dalai, Punam; Wang, Ziqiu; Bass, Garrett; Gao, Min

2017-01-01

The self-assembly of lipid bilayer membranes to enclose functional biomolecules, thus defining a “protocell,” was a seminal moment in the emergence of life on Earth and likely occurred at the micro-environment of the mineral-water interface. Mineral-lipid interactions are also relevant in biomedical, industrial and technological processes. Yet, no structure-activity relationships (SARs) have been identified to predict lipid self-assembly at mineral surfaces. Here we examined the influence of minerals on the self-assembly and survival of vesicles composed of single chain amphiphiles as model protocell membranes. The apparent critical vesicle concentration (CVC) increased in the presence of positively-charged nanoparticulate minerals at high loadings (mg/mL) suggesting unfavorable membrane self-assembly in such situations. Above the CVC, initial vesicle formation rates were faster in the presence of minerals. Rates were correlated with the mineral’s isoelectric point (IEP) and reactive surface area. The IEP depends on the crystal structure, chemical composition and surface hydration. Thus, membrane self-assembly showed rational dependence on fundamental mineral properties. Once formed, membrane permeability (integrity) was unaffected by minerals. Suggesting that, protocells could have survived on rock surfaces. These SARs may help predict the formation and survival of protocell membranes on early Earth and other rocky planets, and amphiphile-mineral interactions in diverse other phenomena. PMID:28266537

The effect of multiple stressors on salt marsh end-of-season biomass

USGS Publications Warehouse

Visser, J.M.; Sasser, C.E.; Cade, B.S.

2006-01-01

It is becoming more apparent that commonly used statistical methods (e.g., analysis of variance and regression) are not the best methods for estimating limiting relationships or stressor effects. A major challenge of estimating the effects associated with a measured subset of limiting factors is to account for the effects of unmeasured factors in an ecologically realistic matter. We used quantile regression to elucidate multiple stressor effects on end-of-season biomass data from two salt marsh sites in coastal Louisiana collected for 18 yr. Stressor effects evaluated based on available data were flooding, salinity, air temperature, cloud cover, precipitation deficit, grazing by muskrat, and surface water nitrogen and phosphorus. Precipitation deficit combined with surface water nitrogen provided the best two-parameter model to explain variation in the peak biomass with different slopes and intercepts for the two study sites. Precipitation deficit, cloud cover, and temperature were significantly correlated with each other. Surface water nitrogen was significantly correlated with surface water phosphorus and muskrat density. The site with the larger duration of flooding showed reduced peak biomass, when cloud cover and surface water nitrogen were optimal. Variation in the relatively low salinity occurring in our study area did not explain any of the variation in Spartina alterniflora biomass. ?? 2006 Estuarine Research Federation.

The effect of multiple stressors on salt marsh end-of-season biomass

USGS Publications Warehouse

Visser, J.M.; Sasser, C.E.; Cade, B.S.

2006-01-01

It is becoming more apparent that commonly used statistical methods (e.g. analysis of variance and regression) are not the best methods for estimating limiting relationships or stressor effects. A major challenge of estimating the effects associated with a measured subset of limiting factors is to account for the effects of unmeasured factors in an ecologically realistic matter. We used quantile regression to elucidate multiple stressor effects on end-of-season biomass data from two salt marsh sites in coastal Louisiana collected for 18 yr. Stressor effects evaluated based on available data were flooding, salinity air temperature, cloud cover, precipitation deficit, grazing by muskrat, and surface water nitrogen and phosphorus. Precipitation deficit combined with surface water nitrogen provided the best two-parameter model to explain variation in the peak biomass with different slopes and intercepts for the two study sites. Precipitation deficit, cloud cover, and temperature were significantly correlated with each other. Surface water nitrogen was significantly correlated with surface water phosphorus and muskrat density. The site with the larger duration of flooding showed reduced peak biomass, when cloud cover and surface water nitrogen were optimal. Variation in the relatively low salinity occurring in our study area did not explain any of the variation in Spartina alterniflora biomass.

Control of Attachment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Burkholderia cepacia to Surfaces by Shear Force.

PubMed

Hui, Yew Woh; Narayanan, Kumaran; Dykes, Gary A

2016-11-01

  The effect of physical shearing on the attachment of six Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains and six Burkholderia cepacia strains to glass, stainless steel, polystyrene and Teflon® was determined. A significant (p < 0.05) decrease in hydrophobicity was apparent for all P. aeruginosa strains (17-36%) and B. cepacia, MS 5 (20%) after shearing. A significant (p < 0.05) decrease in attachment of some P. aeruginosa (0.2-0.5 log CFU/cm2) and B. cepacia (0.2-0.4 log CFU/cm2) strains to some surface types was apparent after shearing. Significant (p < 0.05) correlation was observed for both numbers of flagellated cells and hydrophobicity against attachment to glass, stainless steel and polystyrene for P. aeruginosa while only hydrophobicity showed significant correlation against the same surfaces for B. cepacia. Scanning electron microscopy and protein analysis showed that shearing removed surface proteins from the cells and may have led to the observed changes in hydrophobicity and attachment to abiotic surfaces.

AFM Study of Surface Nanobubbles on Binary Self-Assembled Monolayers on Ultraflat Gold with Identical Macroscopic Static Water Contact Angles and Different Terminal Functional Groups.

PubMed

Song, Bo; Chen, Kun; Schmittel, Michael; Schönherr, Holger

2016-11-01

All experimental findings related to surface nanobubbles, such as their pronounced stability and the striking differences of macroscopic and apparent nanoscopic contact angles, need to be addressed in any theory or model of surface nanobubbles. In this work we critically test a recent explanation of surface nanobubble stability and their consequences and contrast this with previously proposed models. In particular, we elucidated the effect of surface chemical composition of well-controlled solid-aqueous interfaces of identical roughness and defect density on the apparent nanoscopic contact angles. Expanding on a previous atomic force microscopy (AFM) study on the systematic variation of the macroscopic wettability using binary self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on ultraflat template stripped gold (TSG), we assessed here the effect of different surface chemical composition for macroscopically identical static water contact angles. SAMs on TSG with a constant macroscopic water contact angle of 81 ± 2° were obtained by coadsorption of a methyl-terminated thiol and a second thiol with different terminal functional groups, including hydroxy, amino, and carboxylic acid groups. In addition, surface nanobubbles formed by entrainment of air on SAMs of a bromoisobutyrate-terminated thiol were analyzed by AFM. Despite the widely differing surface potentials and different functionality, such as hydrogen bond acceptor or donor, and different dipole moments and polarizability, the nanoscopic contact angles (measured through the condensed phase and corrected for AFM tip broadening effects) were found to be 145 ± 10° for all surfaces. Hence, different chemical functionalities at identical macroscopic static water contact angle do not noticeably influence the apparent nanoscopic contact angle of surface nanobubbles. This universal contact angle is in agreement with recent models that rely on contact line pinning and the equilibrium of gas outflux due to the Laplace pressure and gas influx due to gas oversaturation in the aqueous medium.

Preliminary appraisal of the hydrology of the Red Oak area, Latimer County, Oklahoma

USGS Publications Warehouse

Marcher, M.V.; Bergman, D.L.; Stoner, J.D.; Blumer, S.P.

1983-01-01

Bed rock in the Red Oak area consists of shale, siltstone, and sandstone of the McAlester and Savanna Formations of Pennsylvanian age. Water in bedrock occurs in bedding planes, joints, and fractures and is confined. The potentiometric surface generally is less than 20 feet below the land surface. Wells yield enough water for domestic and stock use, but larger amounts of ground water are not available. Ground water commonly is a sodium or mixed cation carbonate/bicarbonate type with dissolved-solids concentrations ranging from 321 to 714 milligrams per liter. Although variable in quality, ground water generally is suitable for domestic use. No relationship between water chemistry and well depth or location is apparent. Brazil Creek, the principal stream in the area, has no flow 15 percent of the time, and flow is less than 1 cubic foot per second about 25 percent of the time. Water in Brazil Creek is a mixed cation carbonate/bicarbonate type. Dissolved-solids concentrations in Brazil Creek upstream from areas of old and recent mining ranged from 31 to 99 milligrams per liter with a mean of 58 milligrams per liter, whereas concentrations downstream from the mine areas ranged from 49 to 596 milligrams per liter with a mean of 132 milligrams per liter. Water in Brazil and Rock Creeks had concentrations of cadmium, chromium, lead, and mercury that exceeded maximum contaminant levels established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency at least once during the 1979-81 water years. Maximum suspended-sediment discharge, in tons per day, was 2,500 for Brazil Creek and 3,318 for Rock Creek. Silt-clay particles (diameters less than 0.062 millimeter) were the dominant sediment size. A significant hydrologic effect of surface mining is creation of additional water storage in mine ponds; one such pond supplies water for the town of Red Oak. Other effects or potential effects of surface mining include changes in rock permeability and ground-water storage, changes in drainage patterns, and changes in the chemical quality and sediment loads of streams.

Effect of substrate roughness on the apparent surface free energy of sputter deposited superhydrophobic polytetrafluoroethylene coatings: A comparison of experimental data with different theoretical models

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Selvakumar, N.; Barshilia, Harish C.; Rajam, K. S.

2010-07-15

We have studied the effect of substrate roughness on the wettability and the apparent surface free energy (SFE) of sputter deposited polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coatings deposited on untreated glass (average roughness, R{sub a}=2.0 nm), plasma etched glass (R{sub a}=7.4 nm), and sandblasted glass (R{sub a}=4500 nm) substrates. The wettability of the PTFE coatings deposited on substrates with varying roughnesses was evaluated by measuring the apparent contact angle (CA) using a series of probe liquids from nonpolar aprotic to polar protic. The wettability measurements indicate that an apparent water CA of 152 deg. with a sliding angle of 8 deg. was achievedmore » for PTFE coatings deposited on a substrate with R{sub a}=4500 nm. The superhydrophobicity observed in these coatings is attributed to the presence of dual scale roughness, densely packed microstructure and the presence of CF{sub 3} groups. Unlike the bulk PTFE which is mainly dispersive, the sputter deposited PTFE coatings are expected to have some degree of polar component due to the plasma treatment. In order to calculate the dispersive SFE of PTFE coatings, we have used the Girifalco-Good-Fowkes (GGF) method and validated it with the Zisman model. Furthermore, the Owens-Wendt model has been used to calculate the dispersive and the polar components of the apparent SFE of the PTFE coatings. These results are further corroborated using the Fowkes method. Finally, an ''equation of state'' theory proposed by Neumann has been used to calculate the apparent SFE values of the PTFE coatings. The results indicate that the apparent SFE values of the PTFE coatings obtained from the Owens-Wendt and the Fowkes methods are comparable to those obtained from the Neumann's method. The analyses further demonstrate that the GGF and the Zisman methods underestimate the apparent SFE values of the sputter deposited PTFE coatings.« less

Evolving Hořava cosmological horizons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fathi, Mohsen; Mohseni, Morteza

2016-09-01

Several sets of radially propagating null congruence generators are exploited in order to form 3-dimensional marginally trapped surfaces, referred to as black hole and cosmological apparent horizons in a Hořava universe. Based on this method, we deal with the characteristics of the 2-dimensional space-like spheres of symmetry and the peculiarities of having trapping horizons. Moreover, we apply this method in standard expanding and contracting FLRW cosmological models of a Hořava universe to investigate the conditions under which the extra parameters of the theory may lead to trapped/anti-trapped surfaces both in the future and in the past. We also include the cases of negative time, referred to as the finite past, and discuss the formation of anti-trapped surfaces inside the cosmological apparent horizons.

Winter fidelity and apparent survival of lesser snow goose populations in the Pacific flyway

USGS Publications Warehouse

Williams, C.K.; Samuel, M.D.; Baranyuk, Vasily V.; Cooch, E.G.; Kraege, Donald K.

2008-01-01

The Beringia region of the Arctic contains 2 colonies of lesser snow geese (Chen caerulescens caerulescens) breeding on Wrangel Island, Russia, and Banks Island, Canada, and wintering in North America. The Wrangel Island population is composed of 2 subpopulations from a sympatric breeding colony but separate wintering areas, whereas the Banks Island population shares a sympatric wintering area in California, USA, with one of the Wrangel Island subpopulations. The Wrangel Island colony represents the last major snow goose population in Russia and has fluctuated considerably since 1970, whereas the Banks Island population has more than doubled. The reasons for these changes are unclear, but hypotheses include independent population demographics (survival and recruitment) and immigration and emigration among breeding or wintering populations. These demographic and movement patterns have important ecological and management implications for understanding goose population structure, harvest of admixed populations, and gene flow among populations with separate breeding or wintering areas. From 1993 to 1996, we neckbanded molting birds at their breeding colonies and resighted birds on the wintering grounds. We used multistate mark-recapture models to evaluate apparent survival rates, resighting rates, winter fidelity, and potential exchange among these populations. We also compared the utility of face stain in Wrangel Island breeding geese as a predictor of their wintering area. Our results showed similar apparent survival rates between subpopulations of Wrangel Island snow geese and lower apparent survival, but higher emigration, for the Banks Island birds. Males had lower apparent survival than females, most likely due to differences in neckband loss. Transition between wintering areas was low (<3%), with equal movement between northern and southern wintering areas for Wrangel Island birds and little evidence of exchange between the Banks and northern Wrangel Island populations. Face staining was an unreliable indicator of wintering area. Our findings suggest that northern and southern Wrangel Island subpopulations should be considered a metapopulation in better understanding and managing Pacific Flyway lesser snow geese. Yet the absence of a strong population connection between Banks Island and Wrangel Island geese suggests that these breeding colonies can be managed as separate but overlapping populations. Additionally, winter population fidelity may be more important in lesser snow geese than in other species, and both breeding and wintering areas are important components of population management for sympatric wintering populations.

Availability of environmental radioactivity to honey bee colonies at Los Alamos

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hakonson, T.E.; Bostick, K.V.

Data are presented on the availability of tritium, cesium 137, and plutonium to honey bee colonies foraging in the environment surrounding the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory. Sources of these radionuclides in the laboratory environs include liquid and atmospheric effluents and buried solid waste. Honey bee colonies were placed in three canyon liquid waste disposal areas and were sampled frequently, along with honey, surface water, and surrounding vegetation, to qualitatively determine the availability of these radionuclides to bees (Apis mellifera) and to identify potential food chain sources of the elements. Tritium concentrations in bee and honey samples from the canyons increasedmore » rapidly from initial values of <1 pCi/ml moisture to as much as 9.2 nCi/ml in 75 days after placement of the hives in the canyons. Seasonal patterns in foraging activities as influenced by weather and food availability were apparent in the data. It appears that several sources of tritium were utilized by the colonies, including surface water in the canyons and vegetation receiving tritium from atmospheric effluents and buried solid waste. Concentrations of cesium 137 and plutonium were generally low or undetectable in bees throughout the study. However, levels of both nuclides increased by factors of 10 to 20 in bees from two of the canyon study areas during a 3-month period in 1973. It was speculated that the liquid effluents in the two canyons were the source of the increased concentrations in bee samples, since this water was the only significant source of /sup 137/Cs in the environs. The existence of at least three radionuclide sources in the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory (LASL) environs complicates the interpretation of the data. However, it is apparent that honey bees can acquire /sup 3/H, /sup 137/Cs, and Pu from multiple sources in the environs.« less

Status and trends in demography of northern spotted owls, 1985-2003

USGS Publications Warehouse

Anthony, R.G.; Forsman, E.D.; Franklin, A.B.; Anderson, D.R.; Burnham, K.P.; White, Gary C.; Schwarz, C.J.; Nichols, J.D.; Hines, J.E.; Olson, G.S.; Ackers, S.H.; Andrews, L.S.; Biswell, B.L.; Carlson, P.C.; Diller, L.V.; Dugger, K.M.; Fehring, K.E.; Fleming, T.L.; Gerhardt, R.P.; Gremel, S.A.; Gutierrez, R.J.; Happe, P.J.; Herter, D.R.; Higley, J.M.; Horn, R.B.; Irwin, L.L.; Loschl, P.J.; Reid, J.A.; Sovern, S.G.; Krausman, P.R.

2006-01-01

We analyzed demographic data from northern spotted owls (Strix occidentalis caurina) from 14 study areas in Washington, Oregon, and California for 1985-2003. The purpose of our analyses was to provide an assessment of the status and trends of northern spotted owl populations throughout most of their geographic range. The 14 study areas made up approximately 12% of the range of the subspecies and included federal, tribal, private, and mixed federal and private lands. The study areas also included all the major forest types that the subspecies inhabits. The analyses followed rigorous protocols that were developed a priori and were the result of extensive discussions and consensus among the authors. Our primary objectives were to estimate fecundity, apparent survival (??), and annual rate of population change (??) and to determine if there were any temporal trends in these population parameters. In addition to analyses of data from individual study areas, we conducted 2 meta-analyses on each demographic parameter. One meta-analysis was conducted on all 14 areas, and the other was restricted to the 8 areas that constituted the Effectiveness Monitoring Plan for northern spotted owls under the Northwest Forest Plan. The average number of years of reproductive data per study area was 14 (range = 5-19), and the average number of recapture occasions per study area was 13 (range = 4-18). Only 1 study area had 1 year old. We found no differences in apparent survival rates between sexes except for 1 area (Marin), which had only 6 years of data. Estimates of apparent survival from individual study areas indicated that there were differences among age classes with adults generally having higher survival than 1- and 2-year-olds. Apparent survival rates ranged from 0.750 (SE=0.026) to 0.886 (SE=0.010) for adults, 0.626 (SE=0.073) to 0.886 (SE=0.010) for 2-year-olds, and 0.415 (SE=0.111) to 0.860 (SE=0.017) for 1-year-olds. These estimates were comparable to survival rates from previous studies on the subspecies. We found evidence for negative time trends in survival rate

AUTORADIOGRAPHIC STUDIES OF THE UTILIZATION OF S35-SULFATE BY THE CHICK EMBRYO

PubMed Central

Johnston, Perry M.; Comar, Cyril L.

1957-01-01

From studies of autoradiograms of various developmental stages of the chick embryo containing S35 given us sulfate it was determined that as early as Stages 3+ and 4 there is a selective utilization or accumulation of sulfate by the various parts. The earliest accumulation site is the axial portion of the primitive streak and the floor of the groove. Later S35 was found in the head process, Hensen's node, notochord, amniocardiac vesicle, wall of the omphalomesenteric vein, endocardium, subendocardial jelly, mesenchyme destined to become cartilage, basement membrane area of the gut, and a mucopolysaccharide layer formed on the free surface of the stomach. The early notochordal localizations of S35 coincide with the region in which a thin ring of chondroitin sulfate is subsequently laid down. However, it is apparent that there is an intracellular accumulation of inorganic sulfate by the chondroitin-forming cells prior to the time they produce sufficient chondroitin sulfate to be demonstrable histochemically. It was interesting to note that the endocardium appears to concentrate sulfate that later apparently finds its way into the subendocardial jelly. The fact that those mesenchymal cells which later form chondroblasts begin to utilize sulfate selectively before histological differentiation is apparent was determined. In addition, the presence of sulfate-containing substances in the forming basement membrane of the gut would seem to indicate that sulfate is important in the histological differentiation of this membrane. PMID:13438906

Effect of surface roughness on contact line dynamics of a thin droplet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhattacharjee, Debanik; Soltannia, Babak; Nazaripoor, Hadi; Sadrzadeh, Mohtada

2017-11-01

Any surface possesses inherent roughness. Droplet spreading on a surface is an example of a contact line problem. The tri-phase contact line is prone to stress singularity which can be relieved by using precursor film assumption and disjoining pressure. In this study, an axisymmetric, incompressible, Newtonian droplet spreading on a surface was investigated. An evolution equation which tracks the droplet height over time was obtained considering the lubrication approximation. The nonlinear PDE of evolution equation was solved using finite difference scheme. A simplified Gaussian model was used as a starting point to assess the role of roughness in the dynamics of contact line. The preliminary results revealed that, for both impermeable and permeable surfaces, the apparent contact angle increased in the presence of defects whereas the equilibrium stage remained unaffected. The apparent contact angle, however, was more strongly dependent on the nature and density of defects for impermeable surfaces due to the longer droplet lifetime. Furthermore, random self-affine and non-Gaussian models are employed. The mathematical model results are finally compared with theoretical models like the Cassie-Baxter, Wenzel, and Penetration modes. NSERC.

Habitat use and population characteristics of potentially spawning shovelnose sturgeon Scaphirhynchus platorynchus (Rafinesque, 1820), blue sucker ( Cycleptus elongatus (Lesueur, 1817), and associated species in the lower Wisconsin River, USA

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lyons, John D.; Walchak, D.; Haglund, J.

The goal of this study was to compare the possible locations, timing, and characteristics of potentially spawning shovelnose sturgeon ( Scaphirhynchus platorynchus), blue sucker ( Cycleptus elongatus), and associated species during the spring of 2007-2015 in the 149-km-long lower Wisconsin River, Wisconsin, USA, a large, shallow, sand-dominated Mississippi River tributary. A 5-km index station of two pairs of rocky shoals surrounded by sandy areas was electrofished for shovelnose sturgeon and blue sucker in a standardized fashion a total of 40 times from late March through mid- June, the presumed spawning period. On one date in 2008 and two dates inmore » 2012, all rocky shoals and adjacent sandy areas in the lowermost 149 km of the river were also electrofished for both species. Shovelnose sturgeon and blue sucker appeared to spawn in the limited rocky areas of the river along with at least four other species: mooneye ( Hiodon tergisus), quillback ( Carpiodes cyprinus), smallmouth buffalo ( Ictiobus bubalus), and shorthead redhorse ( Moxostoma macrolepidotum), usually at depths of 0.8-2.0 m and surface velocities of 0.4–1.0 m/s. However, apparently spawning shovelnose sturgeon were found only on mid-channel cobble and coarse gravel shoals within a single 7-km segment that included the 5-km index station, whereas apparently spawning blue suckers were encountered on these same shoals but also more widely throughout the river on eroding bluff shorelines of bedrock and boulder and on artificial boulder wing dams and shoreline rip-rap. Both species showed evidence of homing to the same mid-channel shoal complexes across years.« less

Habitat use and population characteristics of potentially spawning shovelnose sturgeon Scaphirhynchus platorynchus (Rafinesque, 1820), blue sucker ( Cycleptus elongatus (Lesueur, 1817), and associated species in the lower Wisconsin River, USA

DOE PAGES

Lyons, John D.; Walchak, D.; Haglund, J.; ...

2016-11-07

The goal of this study was to compare the possible locations, timing, and characteristics of potentially spawning shovelnose sturgeon ( Scaphirhynchus platorynchus), blue sucker ( Cycleptus elongatus), and associated species during the spring of 2007-2015 in the 149-km-long lower Wisconsin River, Wisconsin, USA, a large, shallow, sand-dominated Mississippi River tributary. A 5-km index station of two pairs of rocky shoals surrounded by sandy areas was electrofished for shovelnose sturgeon and blue sucker in a standardized fashion a total of 40 times from late March through mid- June, the presumed spawning period. On one date in 2008 and two dates inmore » 2012, all rocky shoals and adjacent sandy areas in the lowermost 149 km of the river were also electrofished for both species. Shovelnose sturgeon and blue sucker appeared to spawn in the limited rocky areas of the river along with at least four other species: mooneye ( Hiodon tergisus), quillback ( Carpiodes cyprinus), smallmouth buffalo ( Ictiobus bubalus), and shorthead redhorse ( Moxostoma macrolepidotum), usually at depths of 0.8-2.0 m and surface velocities of 0.4–1.0 m/s. However, apparently spawning shovelnose sturgeon were found only on mid-channel cobble and coarse gravel shoals within a single 7-km segment that included the 5-km index station, whereas apparently spawning blue suckers were encountered on these same shoals but also more widely throughout the river on eroding bluff shorelines of bedrock and boulder and on artificial boulder wing dams and shoreline rip-rap. Both species showed evidence of homing to the same mid-channel shoal complexes across years.« less

Distribution and features of landslides induced by the 2008 Wengchuan Earthquake, Sichuan, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chigira, M.; Xiyong, W.; Inokuchi, T.; Gonghui, W.

2009-04-01

2008 Sichuan earthquake with a magnitude of Mw 7.9 induced numerous mass movements around the fault surface ruptures of which maximum separations we observed were 3.6 m vertical and 1.5 m horizontal (right lateral). The affected area was mountainous areas with elevations from 1000 m to 4500 m on the west of the Sichuan Basin. The NE-trending Longmenshan fault zone runs along the boundary between the mountains on the west and the Sichuan basin (He and Tsukuda, 2003), of which Yinghsiuwan-Beichuan fault was the main fault that generated the 2008 earthquake (Xu, 2008). The basement rocks of the mountainous areas range from Precambrian to Cretaceous in age. They are basaltic rocks, granite, phyllite, dolostone, limestone, alternating beds of sandstone and shale, etc. There were several types of landslides ranging from small, shallow rockslide, rockfall, debris slide, deep rockslide, and debris flows. Shallow rockslide, rock fall, and debris slide were most common and occurred on convex slopes or ridge tops. When we approached the epicentral area, first appearing landslides were of this type and the most conspicuous was a failure of isolated ridge-tops, where earthquake shaking would be amplified. As for rock types, slopes of granitic rocks, hornfels, and carbonate rocks failed in wide areas to the most. They are generally hard and their fragments apparently collided and repelled to each other and detached from the slopes. Alternating beds of sandstone and mudstone failed on many slopes near the fault ruptures, including Yinghsiuwan near the epicenter. Many rockfalls occurred on cliffs, which had taluses on their feet. The fallen rocks tumbled down and mostly stopped within the talus surfaces, which is quite reasonable because taluses generally develop by this kind of processes. Many rockslides occurred on slopes of carbonate rocks, in which dolostone or dolomitic limestone prevails. Deep-seated rockslide occurred on outfacing slopes and shallow rockslide and rockfall occurred on infacing slopes. Infacing slopes generally are steeper than outfacing slopes and hence surface rocks on infacing slopes tend to be loosened by gravity. Detachment surfaces of carbonate rocks are generally not smooth surfaces but are rough surfaces with dimple-like depressions, which are made by dissolution of these rocks. This feature is one of the most important causes to induce landslide in carbonate rocks. Many gravitational deformations were observed on phyllite slopes. Landslides on the west of Beichuan city is probably of weathered phyllite, which had been preceded by gravitational deformation beforehand. Taochishan landslide in Beichuan occurred on probable outfacing slope of phyllite. The Formosat II images on Google earth indicated that this landslide was also preceded by gravitational deformation, which appeared as spur-crossing depressions with upslope-convex traces on plan. Satellite images indicated that some landslides had long lobate forms, suggesting that they were flow. One of them was Shechadientsu landslide 34 km northeast of Dujiangyan, occurring across the probable earthquake fault rupture. It was 1.5 km long with a maximum width of 250 m and an apparent friction angle of 22°. The top of this landslide area was a steep cliff of Precambrian granite, which failed to go down a small valley. The volume of the slope failure was estimated much less than the volume of the deposit. The small valley had sporadic patches of bedrock consisting of alternating beds of sandstone and mudstone of Triassic in age. The bedrock was covered by bluish grey, clayey, water-saturated debris, which was not disturbed and in turn covered by water-saturated brownish debris with rubbles. The landslide deposits had wrinkles on the surface and streaks of same color rock fragments. In addition, cross section near the distal part had clearly defined reverse grading, in which larger rubbles with a maximum diameter of 5 m concentrated at the surface part. These characteristics strongly suggest that valley-fill sediments mobilized by the earthquake and flowed down the valley, getting higher at the outer side of the valley bent. The largest landslide with an estimated volume of 1 billion m3 occurred on an outfacing carbonate rock slope, which had been preceded by gravitational deformation appearing as a ridge-top depression. The second largest one occurred on a smooth outfacing slope that had been undercut.

Sediments in Arctic sea ice: Implications for entrainment, transport and release

USGS Publications Warehouse

Nurnberg, D.; Wollenburg, I.; Dethleff, D.; Eicken, H.; Kassens, H.; Letzig, T.; Reimnitz, E.; Thiede, Jorn

1994-01-01

Despite the Arctic sea ice cover's recognized sensitivity to environmental change, the role of sediment inclusions in lowering ice albedo and affecting ice ablation is poorly understood. Sea ice sediment inclusions were studied in the central Arctic Ocean during the Arctic 91 expedition and in the Laptev Sea (East Siberian Arctic Region Expedition 1992). Results from these investigations are here combined with previous studies performed in major areas of ice ablation and the southern central Arctic Ocean. This study documents the regional distribution and composition of particle-laden ice, investigates and evaluates processes by which sediment is incorporated into the ice cover, and identifies transport paths and probable depositional centers for the released sediment. In April 1992, sea ice in the Laptev Sea was relatively clean. The sediment occasionally observed was distributed diffusely over the entire ice column, forming turbid ice. Observations indicate that frazil and anchor ice formation occurring in a large coastal polynya provide a main mechanism for sediment entrainment. In the central Arctic Ocean sediments are concentrated in layers within or at the surface of ice floes due to melting and refreezing processes. The surface sediment accumulation in central Arctic multi-year sea ice exceeds by far the amounts observed in first-year ice from the Laptev Sea in April 1992. Sea ice sediments are generally fine grained, although coarse sediments and stones up to 5 cm in diameter are observed. Component analysis indicates that quartz and clay minerals are the main terrigenous sediment particles. The biogenous components, namely shells of pelecypods and benthic foraminiferal tests, point to a shallow, benthic, marine source area. Apparently, sediment inclusions were resuspended from shelf areas before and incorporated into the sea ice by suspension freezing. Clay mineralogy of ice-rafted sediments provides information on potential source areas. A smectite maximum in sea ice sediment samples repeatedly occurred between 81??N and 83??N along the Arctic 91 transect, indicating a rather stable and narrow smectite rich ice drift stream of the Transpolar Drift. The smectite concentrations are comparable to those found in both Laptev Sea shelf sediments and anchor ice sediments, pointing to this sea as a potential source area for sea ice sediments. In the central Arctic Ocean sea ice clay mineralogy is significantly different from deep-sea clay mineral distribution patterns. The contribution of sea ice sediments to the deep sea is apparently diluted by sedimentary material provided by other transport mechanisms. ?? 1994.

Analysis of Coaxial Soil Cell in Reflection and Transmission

PubMed Central

Pelletier, Mathew G.; Viera, Joseph A.; Schwartz, Robert C.; Evett, Steven R.; Lascano, Robert J.; McMichael, Robert L.

2011-01-01

Accurate measurement of moisture content is a prime requirement in hydrological, geophysical and biogeochemical research as well as for material characterization and process control. Within these areas, accurate measurements of the surface area and bound water content is becoming increasingly important for providing answers to many fundamental questions ranging from characterization of cotton fiber maturity, to accurate characterization of soil water content in soil water conservation research to bio-plant water utilization to chemical reactions and diffusions of ionic species across membranes in cells as well as in the dense suspensions that occur in surface films. In these bound water materials, the errors in the traditional time-domain-reflectometer, “TDR”, exceed the range of the full span of the material’s permittivity that is being measured. Thus, there is a critical need to re-examine the TDR system and identify where the errors are to direct future research. One promising technique to address the increasing demands for higher accuracy water content measurements is utilization of electrical permittivity characterization of materials. This technique has enjoyed a strong following in the soil-science and geological community through measurements of apparent permittivity via time-domain-reflectometery as well in many process control applications. Recent research however, is indicating a need to increase the accuracy beyond that available from traditional TDR. The most logical pathway then becomes a transition from TDR based measurements to network analyzer measurements of absolute permittivity that will remove the adverse effects that high surface area soils and conductivity impart onto the measurements of apparent permittivity in traditional TDR applications. This research examines the theoretical basis behind the coaxial probe, from which the modern TDR probe originated from, to provide a basis on which to perform absolute permittivity measurements. The research reveals currently utilized formulations in accepted techniques for permittivity measurements which violate the underlying assumptions inherent in the basic models due to the TDR acting as an antenna by radiating energy off the end of the probe, rather than returning it back to the source as is the current assumption. To remove the effects of radiation from the experimental results obtain herein, this research utilized custom designed coaxial probes of various diameters and probe lengths by which to test the coaxial cell measurement technique for accuracy in determination of absolute permittivity. In doing so, the research reveals that the basic models available in the literature all omitted a key correction factor that is hypothesized by this research as being most likely due to fringe capacitance. To test this theory, a Poisson model of a coaxial cell was formulated to calculate the effective extra length provided by the fringe capacitance which is then used to correct the experimental results such that experimental measurements utilizing differing coaxial cell diameters and probe lengths, upon correction with the Poisson model derived correction factor, all produce the same results thereby lending support for the use of an augmented measurement technique, described herein, for measurement of absolute permittivity, as opposed to the traditional TDR measurement of apparent permittivity. PMID:22163757

Diatom Surface Sediment Assemblages from the Bering Sea Shelf: a Tossed Salad or Faithful Recorder of 50 Years of Environmental Change?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Caissie, B.; Brigham-Grette, J.; Kanamaru-Shinn, K.

2010-12-01

Recent environmental change in the Bering Sea includes a shift from the negative to positive phase of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation in 1976/77, a secondary shift in sea level pressure and sea surface temperatures in 1998, increasing sea surface temperatures, an earlier spring, an increase in the number of days that sea ice is present along the shelf-slope break, and a decrease in the number of days that sea ice is present in the Chukchi Sea and Arctic Ocean. These physical changes have manifest biological changes such as a northward migration of invertebrates and fish from the southern Bering Sea and shifts in the timing and duration of sea-ice related primary productivity and the spring bloom. We aim to see if diatom sediment assemblages are faithful recorders of these ecological changes in the Bering Sea or if bioturbation has essentially mixed today’s rapid change down core such that the signal is either muted or no longer apparent. Six continental shelf areas were examined in the Bering Sea ranging from northeast of St. Lawrence Island to the shelf-slope break in the south-central Bering Sea. Diatom assemblages from core tops collected as part of the PROBES program in the 1960s were compared to core tops taken nearby (<40 km away) in 2006 and 2007. Additionally, diatom assemblages, magnetic susceptibility, and grain size were examined in 3 short cores (<20 cm long) from the study area. In general, the diatom assemblages remain relatively stable over the past 50 years and in some cases the variability between sites in the same area is greater than the variability over the past 50 years. However, there are several apparent changes that may reflect changing ice conditions and the related sea-ice bloom. In general, cores collected in the 1960s have a greater relative percentage of Thalassiosira antarctica resting spores than their counterparts from 2006 and 2007. T. antarctica spores are often associated with thick (>7 m) multi-year ice so their decline may be related to the decrease in multi-year ice over the past 30 years. Additionally, in most cases, species diversity has declined over the past 50 years with Fragilariopsis oceanica and Fragilariopsis cylindrus accounting for a greater percentage of the sediment assemblages today. These two species are collectively considered indicators of seasonal sea ice; their relative abundance peaks when ice is present for 5 months per year. Ongoing down core analyses in these six areas will further reveal the nature of these assemblage changes.

Effect of Surface-active Additives on Physical Properties of Slurries of Vapor-process Magnesium

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pinns, Murray L

1955-01-01

The presence of 3 to 5 percent surface-active additive gave the lowest Brookfield apparent viscosity, plastic viscosity, and yield value that were obtained for slurry fuels containing approximately 50 percent vapor-process magnesium in JP-1 fuel. The slurries settled little and were easily remixed. A polyoxyethylene dodecyl alcohol was the most effective of 13 additives tested in reducing the Brookfield apparent viscosity and the yield value of the slurry. The seven most effective additives all had a hydroxyl group plus an ester or polyoxethylene group in the molecule. The densities of some of the slurries were measured.

A Long-Term Scientific Survey of the Hessdalen Phenomenon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Teodorani, M.

2004-06-01

The balls of light which appear in the Hessdalen valley in Norway are exemplary of anomalous atmospheric luminous phenomena that occur frequently at some locations on Earth. The recurrence of the phenomenon and the existence of an instrumented observation station makes this area an ideal research site. The apparent correlation of luminous phenomena with magnetic perturbations, radio emission, and radar tracks, found by Norwegian researchers, led some Italian physicists and engineers of the EMBLA Project to reanalyze the Norwegian data. The second step was three explorative, instrumented, field-study expeditions. The behavior of the phenomenon was monitored with optical, radio, and radar techniques. The global picture of the phenomenon obtained so far shows that the phenomenon's radiant power varies, reaching values up to 19 kW. These changes are caused by sudden surface variations of the illuminated area owing to the appearance of clusters of light balls that behave in a thermally self-regulated way. Apparent characteristics consistent with a solid are strongly suspected from the study of distributions of radiant power. Other anomalous characteristics include the capability to eject smaller light balls, some unidentified frequency shift in the VLF range, and possible deposition of metallic particles. A self-consistent definitive theory of the phenomenon's nature and origin in all its aspects cannot be constructed yet quantitatively, but some of the observations can be explained by an electrochemical model for the ball-lightning phenomenon. The importance is stressed of using more sophisticated instrumentation in the future.

All is not lost: deriving a top-down mass budget of plastic at sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koelmans, Albert A.; Kooi, Merel; Lavender Law, Kara; van Sebille, Erik

2017-11-01

Understanding the global mass inventory is one of the main challenges in present research on plastic marine debris. Especially the fragmentation and vertical transport processes of oceanic plastic are poorly understood. However, whereas fragmentation rates are unknown, information on plastic emissions, concentrations of plastics in the ocean surface layer (OSL) and fragmentation mechanisms is available. Here, we apply a systems engineering analytical approach and propose a tentative ‘whole ocean’ mass balance model that combines emission data, surface area-normalized plastic fragmentation rates, estimated concentrations in the OSL, and removal from the OSL by sinking. We simulate known plastic abundances in the OSL and calculate an average whole ocean apparent surface area-normalized plastic fragmentation rate constant, given representative radii for macroplastic and microplastic. Simulations show that 99.8% of the plastic that had entered the ocean since 1950 had settled below the OSL by 2016, with an additional 9.4 million tons settling per year. In 2016, the model predicts that of the 0.309 million tons in the OSL, an estimated 83.7% was macroplastic, 13.8% microplastic, and 2.5% was < 0.335 mm ‘nanoplastic’. A zero future emission simulation shows that almost all plastic in the OSL would be removed within three years, implying a fast response time of surface plastic abundance to changes in inputs. The model complements current spatially explicit models, points to future experiments that would inform critical model parameters, and allows for further validation when more experimental and field data become available.

Clay mineral continental amplifier for marine carbon sequestration in a greenhouse ocean.

PubMed

Kennedy, Martin J; Wagner, Thomas

2011-06-14

The majority of carbon sequestration at the Earth's surface occurs in marine continental margin settings within fine-grained sediments whose mineral properties are a function of continental climatic conditions. We report very high mineral surface area (MSA) values of 300 and 570 m(2) g in Late Cretaceous black shales from Ocean Drilling Program site 959 of the Deep Ivorian Basin that vary on subcentennial time scales corresponding with abrupt increases from approximately 3 to approximately 18% total organic carbon (TOC). The observed MSA changes with TOC across multiple scales of variability and on a sample-by-sample basis (centimeter scale), provides a rigorous test of a hypothesized influence on organic carbon burial by detrital clay mineral controlled MSA. Changes in TOC also correspond with geochemical and sedimentological evidence for water column anoxia. Bioturbated intervals show a lower organic carbon loading on mineral surface area of 0.1 mg-OC m(-2) when compared to 0.4 mg-OC m(-2) for laminated and sulfidic sediments. Although either anoxia or mineral surface protection may be capable of producing TOC of < 5%, when brought together they produced the very high TOC (10-18%) apparent in these sediments. This nonlinear response in carbon burial resulted from minor precession-driven changes of continental climate influencing clay mineral properties and runoff from the African continent. This study identifies a previously unrecognized land-sea connection among continental weathering, clay mineral production, and anoxia and a nonlinear effect on marine carbon sequestration during the Coniacian-Santonian Oceanic Anoxic Event 3 in the tropical eastern Atlantic.

The Nature and Timing of Tele-Pseudoscopic Experiences

PubMed Central

Hill, Harold; Allison, Robert S

2016-01-01

Interchanging the left and right eye views of a scene (pseudoscopic viewing) has been reported to produce vivid stereoscopic effects under certain conditions. In two separate field studies, we examined the experiences of 124 observers (76 in Study 1 and 48 in Study 2) while pseudoscopically viewing a distant natural outdoor scene. We found large individual differences in both the nature and the timing of their pseudoscopic experiences. While some observers failed to notice anything unusual about the pseudoscopic scene, most experienced multiple pseudoscopic phenomena, including apparent scene depth reversals, apparent object shape reversals, apparent size and flatness changes, apparent reversals of border ownership, and even complex illusory foreground surfaces. When multiple effects were experienced, patterns of co-occurrence suggested possible causal relationships between apparent scene depth reversals and several other pseudoscopic phenomena. The latency for experiencing pseudoscopic phenomena was found to correlate significantly with observer visual acuity, but not stereoacuity, in both studies. PMID:27482368

Coordination and establishment of centralized facilities and services for the University of Alaska ERTS survey of the Alaskan environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Belon, A. E. (Principal Investigator); Miller, J. M.

1973-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. Scene 1072-21173 of the Anaktuvuk Pass region of the Brooks Range, Alaska, was studied from the point of view of a resource survey for purposes of land use planning as part of the effort to develop ERTS data processing and interpretation techniques. Other data sources and surface observations were utilized to produce a resource survey of a remote and undeveloped region of Alaska. Three vegetative types are apparent: moist tundra, low brush, and high brush. Watersheds are easily defined on the multispectral imagery. Features related indirectly to economic minerals are discernible from ERTS-1 imagery supported by ground truth data. These include mountains, outwash plains and alluvial deposits, drainage patterns, lineaments and probable bedding planes. This region falls within present land class categories which are not inconsistent with the imperatives of the resources. These land class categories include native village withdrawals, regional deficiency area, national interest study area for possible inclusion in a national system, public interest areas, utility corridor, and state land selection.

Preliminary results from an investigation of AIS-1 data over an area of epithermal alteration: Plateau, Northern Queensland, Australia

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mackin, Steve; Munday, Tim; Hook, Simon

1987-01-01

Airborne Imaging Spectrometer-1 (AIS-1) data were flown over undifferentiated sequences of acid to intermediate volcanics and intrusives; meta-sediments; and a series of partially lateritized sedimentary rocks. The area exhibits a considerable spectral variability, after the suppression of striping effects. Log residual, and Internal Average Relative Reflectance (IARR) analytical techniques were used to enhance mineralogically related spectral features. Both methods produce similar results, but did not visually highlight mineral absorption features due to processing artifacts in areas of significant vegetation cover. The enhancement of mineral related absorption features was achieved using a hybrid processing approach based on the relative reflectance differences between vegetated and non-vegetated surfaces at 1.2 and 2.1 micron. The result is an image with little overall contrast, but which enhances the more subtle spectral features believed to be associated with clays and epidote. The AIS data was subject to interactive analysis using SPAM. Clear separation of clay and epidote related absorption features was apparent, and the identification of kaolinite was possible despite detrimental spectral effects.

Energetic Residues and Crater Geometries from the Firing of 120-mm High-Explosive Mortar Projectiles into Eagle River Flats, June 2007

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-07-01

samples. ERDC/CRREL TR-08-10 15 c. US DH-48 isokinetic sampler. Figure 7 (cont’d). The second activity was the collection of soil at the...3 0.28 Mc1/3 0.3 Mc1/3 Ra Apparent radius of the crater in meters Mc Mass of the explosive charge in kilograms Da Apparent depth of the crater in... meters The apparent depth and radius of a crater will increase with the depth of explosive charge below the surface down to a maximum depth called

Effect of the Chemical State of the Surface on the Relaxation of the Surface Shell Atoms in SiC and GaN Nanocrystals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Palosz, B.; Grzanka, E.; Stelmakh, S.; Pielaszek, R.; Bismayer, U.; Weber, H. P.; Janik, J. F.; Palosz, W.; Curreri, Peter A. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

The effect of the chemical state of the surface of nanoparticles on the relaxation in the near-surface layer was examined using the concept of the apparent lattice parameter (alp) determined for different diffraction vectors Q. The apparent lattice parameter is a lattice parameter determined either from an individual Bragg reflection, or from a selected region of the diffraction pattern. At low diffraction vectors the Bragg peak positions are affected mainly by the structure of the near-surface layer, while at high Q-values only the interior of the nano-grain contributes to the diffraction pattern. Following the measurements on raw (as prepared) powders we investigated powders cleaned by annealing at 400C under vacuum, and the same powders wetted with water. Theoretical alp-Q plots showed that the structure of the surface layer depends on the sample treatment. Semi-quantitative analysis based on the comparison of the experimental and theoretical alp-Q plots was performed. Theoretical alp-Q relations were obtained from the diffraction patterns calculated for models of nanocrystals with a strained surface layer using the Debye functions.

Land Surface Microwave Emissivities Derived from AMSR-E and MODIS Measurements with Advanced Quality Control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moncet, Jean-Luc; Liang, Pan; Galantowicz, John F.; Lipton, Alan E.; Uymin, Gennady; Prigent, Catherine; Grassotti, Christopher

2011-01-01

A microwave emissivity database has been developed with data from the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer-EOS (AMSR-E) and with ancillary land surface temperature (LST) data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on the same Aqua spacecraft. The primary intended application of the database is to provide surface emissivity constraints in atmospheric and surface property retrieval or assimilation. An additional application is to serve as a dynamic indicator of land surface properties relevant to climate change monitoring. The precision of the emissivity data is estimated to be significantly better than in prior databases from other sensors due to the precise collocation with high-quality MODIS LST data and due to the quality control features of our data analysis system. The accuracy of the emissivities in deserts and semi-arid regions is enhanced by applying, in those regions, a version of the emissivity retrieval algorithm that accounts for the penetration of microwave radiation through dry soil with diurnally varying vertical temperature gradients. These results suggest that this penetration effect is more widespread and more significant to interpretation of passive microwave measurements than had been previously established. Emissivity coverage in areas where persistent cloudiness interferes with the availability of MODIS LST data is achieved using a classification-based method to spread emissivity data from less-cloudy areas that have similar microwave surface properties. Evaluations and analyses of the emissivity products over homogeneous snow-free areas are presented, including application to retrieval of soil temperature profiles. Spatial inhomogeneities are the largest in the vicinity of large water bodies due to the large water/land emissivity contrast and give rise to large apparent temporal variability in the retrieved emissivities when satellite footprint locations vary over time. This issue will be dealt with in the future by including a water fraction correction. Also note that current reliance on the MODIS day-night algorithm as a source of LST limits the coverage of the database in the Polar Regions. We will consider relaxing the current restriction as part of future development.

Combined geophysical investigation for the detection of ancient metallurgical installations near Keratea City, Greece

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Apostolopoulos, George V.

2014-05-01

Archaeological excavation in an area of Lavrio (mining area from ancient times) has revealed ancient metallurgical installations which offer valuable information on this activity at those times. Within this context, a combined geophysical investigation was carried out in a place near Keratea City to find out whether there are additional installations apart from those that have already been revealed in the immediate area. More importantly, the objective was to locate the ancient tanks which provided water to the installations. Archaeological and geological information have helped in the design of the survey. EMI method measuring apparent conductivity was used to cover the whole area of investigation. Conductivity maps in various investigation depths have positioned the tanks and stacked first derivative maps in two directions (the two directions of the revealed walls) show covered walls. The EMI survey has indicated the position of three (3) ERT profiles made with the dipole-dipole array, which presented the ancient tanks with great detail in depth. GPR profiles for the detection of walls were noisy with the coarse material surface layer but the interrelation with ERT and EMI results confirmed the detected features.

Multiseasonal-multispectral remote sensing of phenological change for natural vegetation inventory. Ph.D. Thesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schrumpf, B. J. (Principal Investigator)

1975-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. Variations in phenological development among plant species was noted, as well as the tendency for the seasonal appearance of some vegetation types to be dominated by the appearance of one or a few similarly developing species. Most of the common plants in the study area could be characterized by temporal aspects of their phenological development. There was a strong similarity among the spectral signatures of vegetation types in which the spectral return was dominated by green plant material. When the soil background dominated the spectral return from a vegetation stand, then the spectral radiance and the vegetation physiognomy were apparently related. When the deciduous shrubs lost their leaves, their spectral signature altered with a slight decrease of radiance in the visible wavelengths and a strong decrease in the near infrared. As the foliage of perennial grasses cured from August to November, its apparent green radiance remained unchanged, red radiance increased over 50 percent, and near infrared radiance decreased approximately 30 percent. A reflective mineral surface exhibited high radiance levels in all four bands, thus providing a marked contrast to the absorption characteristics of vegetation canopies.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dodson-Robinson, Sarah E.; Salyk, Colette, E-mail: sdr@astro.as.utexas.edu

Although there has yet been no undisputed discovery of a still-forming planet embedded in a gaseous protoplanetary disk, the cleared inner holes of transitional disks may be signposts of young planets. Here, we show that the subset of accreting transitional disks with wide, optically thin inner holes of 15 AU or more can only be sculpted by multiple planets orbiting inside each hole. Multiplanet systems provide two key ingredients for explaining the origins of transitional disks. First, multiple planets can clear wide inner holes where single planets open only narrow gaps. Second, the confined, non-axisymmetric accretion flows produced by multiplemore » planets provide a way for an arbitrary amount of mass transfer to occur through an apparently optically thin hole without overproducing infrared excess flux. Rather than assuming that the gas and dust in the hole are evenly and axisymmetrically distributed, one can construct an inner hole with apparently optically thin infrared fluxes by covering a macroscopic fraction of the hole's surface area with locally optically thick tidal tails. We also establish that other clearing mechanisms, such as photoevaporation, cannot explain our subset of accreting transitional disks with wide holes. Transitional disks are therefore high-value targets for observational searches for young planetary systems.« less

Using nonlinear programming to correct leakage and estimate mass change from GRACE observation and its application to Antarctica

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Jingshi; Cheng, Haowen; Liu, Lin

2012-11-01

The Gravity Recovery And Climate Experiment (GRACE) mission has been providing high quality observations since its launch in 2002. Over the years, fruitful achievements have been obtained and the temporal gravity field has revealed the ongoing geophysical, hydrological and other processes. These discoveries help the scientists better understand various aspects of the Earth. However, errors exist in high degree and order spherical harmonics, which need to be processed before use. Filtering is one of the most commonly used techniques to smooth errors, yet it attenuates signals and also causes leakage of gravity signal into surrounding areas. This paper reports a new method to estimate the true mass change on the grid (expressed in equivalent water height or surface density). The mass change over the grid can be integrated to estimate regional or global mass change. This method assumes the GRACE-observed apparent mass change is only caused by the mass change on land. By comparing the computed and observed apparent mass change, the true mass change can be iteratively adjusted and estimated. The problem is solved with nonlinear programming (NLP) and yields solutions which are in good agreement with other GRACE-based estimates.

Determinants of heat production in newborn lambs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eales, F. A.; Small, J.

1980-06-01

Measurement of summit metabolism (the maximum rate of heat production) in lambs aged 1 or 4h revealed considerable between animal variation. Summit metabolism per unit body weight decreased as body weight increased whereas summit metabolism per unit body surface area was independent of body weight. Severe pre-partum hypoxia was apparently associated with a low summit metabolism at 1 or 4h of age which made such lambs very susceptible to hypothermia. This deficiency in heat production capacity did not appear to be a permanent featuresince most lambs so affected recovered full thermoregulatory ability by 12h of age. Feeding of colostrum conferred an immediate 18% increase in summit metabolism. The significance of these findings to the prevention of hypothermia in the newborn lamb is discussed.

Production of carbon molecular sieves from illinois coals. An assessment

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lizzio, Anthony A.; Rostam-Abadi, Massoud

1991-01-01

Chars were produced from an Illinois No. 2 bituminous coal under various pyrolysis and activation conditions and tested for their molecular sieve properties. The amount of N2 compared to the amount of CO2 adsorbed by each char was used as a preliminary indicator of its molecular sieve properties. This relatively simple, but apparently useful test was confirmed by successfully characterizing the well-known molecular sieve properties of a commercial zeolite and molecular sieve carbon. In addition, coal chars having relatively high surface areas (800-1800 m2/g) were produced and tested for their molecular sieving capabilities. These carbon materials, which have high adsorption capacities and relatively narrow pore size distributions, should be ideal candidates for the commercial production of CMS.

Out-coupling membrane for large-size organic light-emitting panels with high efficiency and improved uniformity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, Lei; Wang, Lu-Wei; Zhou, Lei; Zhang, Fang-hui

2016-12-01

An out-coupling membrane embedded with a scattering film of SiO2 spheres and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic was successfully developed for 150 × 150 mm2 green OLEDs. Comparing with a reference OLED panel, an approximately 1-fold enhancement in the forward emission was obtained with an out-coupling membrane adhered to the surface of the external glass substrate of the panel. Moreover, it was verified that the emission color at different viewing angles can be stabilized without apparent spectral distortion. Particularly, the uniformity of the large-area OLEDs was greatly improved. Theoretical calculation clarified that the improved performance of the lighting panels is primarily attributed to the effect of particle scattering.

Influence of continuous magnetic field on the separation of ephedrine enantiomers by molecularly imprinted polymers.

PubMed

Guerreiro, António R; Korkhov, Vadim; Mijangos, Irene; Piletska, Elena V; Rodins, Juris; Turner, Anthony P F; Piletsky, Sergey A

2008-02-28

A set of polymers was imprinted with (-)-ephedrine using UV initiation, under the influence of a constant external magnetic field with intensities ranging from 0 to 1.55 T. Synthesised materials were characterised by X-ray crystallography, infrared spectroscopy, swelling and surface area. Recognition properties were assessed by the ability to discriminate between (+) and (-)-ephedrine and by Scatchard analyses on chromatographic mode. It was shown that polymer morphology and recognition properties are affected by the magnetic field. This resulted in considerable improvements in the chromatographic resolution of ephedrine enantiomers by materials synthesised under the influence of magnetic field. Apparently the magnetic field improved the ordering of the polymer structure and facilitated the formation of more uniform imprinting sites.

Possible climate-related signals in high-resolution topography of lobate debris aprons in Tempe Terra, Mars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grindrod, Peter M.; Fawcett, Stephen A.

2011-10-01

Lobate debris aprons are common features in the mid-latitudes of Mars that are assumed to be the result of the flow of ice-rich material. We produce high-resolution digital elevation models of two of these features in the Tempe Terra region of Mars using HiRISE stereo images. We identify two main topographic features of different wavelength using a power spectrum analysis approach. Short wavelength features, between approximately 10 and 20 m in length, correspond to a polygonal surface texture present throughout our study area. Long wavelength features, between approximately 700 and 1800 m in length, correspond to broad ridges that are up to 20 m in amplitude. We interpret both topographic signals to be the likely result of climate change affecting the debris contribution and/or the flow regime of the lobate debris aprons. The apparent surface age of about 300 Ma could be evidence of an astronomical forcing mechanism recorded in these lobate debris aprons at this time in Mars' history.

The theoretical relationship between foliage temperature and canopy resistance in sparse crops

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shuttleworth, W. James; Gurney, Robert J.

1990-01-01

One-dimensional, sparse-crop interaction theory is reformulated to allow calculation of the canopy resistance from measurements of foliage temperature. A submodel is introduced to describe eddy diffusion within the canopy which provides a simple, empirical simulation of the reported behavior obtained from a second-order closure model. The sensitivity of the calculated canopy resistance to the parameters and formulas assumed in the model is investigated. The calculation is shown to exhibit a significant but acceptable sensitivity to extreme changes in canopy aerodynamics, and to changes in the surface resistance of the substrate beneath the canopy at high and intermediate values of leaf area index. In very sparse crops changes in the surface resistance of the substrate are shown to contaminate the calculated canopy resistance, tending to amplify the apparent response to changes in water availability. The theory is developed to allow the use of a measurement of substrate temperature as an option to mitigate this contamination.

Illustration Comparing Apparent Sizes of Moons

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-08-15

This image from NASA Mars rover Curiosity provides a comparison for how big the moons of Mars appear to be, as seen from the surface of Mars, in relation to the size that Earth moon appears to be when seen from the surface of Earth.

Characterizing the surface roughness of thermomechanical pulp fibers with atomic force microscopy

Treesearch

Rebecca Snell; Leslie H. Groom; Timothy G. Rials

2001-01-01

Loblolly pine, separated into mature and juvenile portions, was refined at various pressures (4, 8 and 12 bar). Fiber surfaces were investigated using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM). Refiner pressure had a significant effect on the fiber surefaces. SEM images showed an apparent increase in surface roughness with increased...

The Moon Illusion and the Height of the Sky

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abhyankar, K. D.

1989-09-01

It is shown that the apparently flattened celestial vault can be represented by a geocentric sphere at a height of 3000-4000 km above the surface of the earth. It is also argued that our eye estimates the distance to this `sky sphere' by its apparent opacity which is a function of the air mass. A hypothesis regarding the physiology of distance vision is proposed.

Air-Surface-Ground Water Cycling in an Agricultural Desert Valley of Southern Colorado

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lanzoni, M.

2017-12-01

In dryland areas around the world, vegetation plays an important role in stabilizing soil and encouraging recharge. In the Colorado high desert of the San Luis Valley, windstorms strip away topsoil and deposit dust on the surrounding mountain snowpack. Dust-on-snow lowers albedo and hastens melting, which in turn lowers infiltration and aquifer recharge. Since the 1990s, the San Luis Valley has experienced a sharp decline in aquifer levels due to over-development of its water resources. Where agricultural abstraction is significant, the unconfined aquifer has experienced a 9 m (30 ft) drop. Over the course of three years, this dryland hydrology study analyzed rain, snow, surface and ground water across a 20,000 km2 high desert area to establish a baseline of water inputs. δ18O and δ2H were analyzed to develop a LMWL specific to this region of the southern Rockies and isotopic differences were examined in relation to chemistry to understand environmental influences on meteoric waters. This work identifies a repeating pattern of acid rainfall with trace element contaminants, including actinides.To better understand how the area's dominant vegetation responds to a lowered water table, 76 stem water samples were collected from the facultative phreatophyte shrubs E. nauseosa and S. vermiculatus over the summer, fall, spring, and summer of 2015 and 2016 from study plots chosen for increasing depths to groundwater. This research shows distinct patterns of water capture strategy and seasonal shifts among the E. nauseosa and S. vermiculatus shrubs. These differences are most apparent where groundwater is most accessible. However, where the water table has dropped 6 m (20 feet) over the last decade, both E. nauseosa and S. vermiculatus survive only on near-surface snowmelt and rain.

Dietary zinc modifies diabetic-induced renal pathology in rats

PubMed Central

Elsaed, Wael M.; Mohamed, Hazem Abdelhamid

2017-01-01

Abstract This study was conducted to investigate how far dietary zinc (Zn) modifies the histomorphological alterations induced by diabetes in rat kidneys. The animals were divided into negative control group (10 rats). Diabetes was induced in thirty animals by streptozotocin. After confirming diabetes, the animals were divided into three groups (n = 10). Group II served as the positive control group (fed on standard diet), group III was fed on Zn deficient diet, and group IV was fed on Zn supplemented diet. Caspase-3 immune staining was used to estimate the caspase activity. Stereological procedures were used to measure the quantity of the immune stain and the surface area of the Bowman’s space. The renal cortices of group II rats revealed apparent widening of Bowman’s spaces with few apoptotic figures. The filtration barrier showed thickening of the basement membrane. The proximal convoluted tubules showed patchy loss of the apical microvilli with swollen mitochondria. The distal convoluted tubules revealed area of irregular basal enfolding. The picture was aggravated by Zn deficiency in group III besides areas of cortical interstitial fibrosis. The histopathological alterations were minimal in the cortices of group IV. A significant increase of the Bowman’s space surface area in group II and IV while decrease in group III compared with group I. The expression of Caspase-3 density was significantly increased in group II and III compared with group I while in group IV was non significant. In conclusion, dietary Zn modulated renal cortical changes caused by diabetes in rats. PMID:27882813

A CSF-SPH method for simulating drainage and imbibition at pore-scale resolution while tracking interfacial areas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sivanesapillai, Rakulan; Falkner, Nadine; Hartmaier, Alexander; Steeb, Holger

2016-09-01

We present a conservative smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) model to study the flow of multiple, immiscible fluid phases in porous media using direct pore-scale simulations. Particular focus is put on continuously tracking the evolution of interfacial areas, which are considered to be important morphological quantities affecting multiphase transport in porous media. In addition to solving the Navier-Stokes equations, the model accounts for the effects of capillarity at interfaces and contact lines. This is done by means of incorporating the governing interfacial mass and momentum balances using the continuum surface force (CSF) method, thus rendering model calibration routines unnecessary and minimizing the set of constitutive and kinematic assumptions. We address the application of boundary conditions at rigid solid surfaces and study the predictive capability of the model as well as optimal choices for numerical parameters using an extensive model validation procedure. We demonstrate the applicability of the model to simulate multiphase flows involving partial wettability, dynamic effects, large density ratios (up to 1000), large viscosity ratios (up to 100), as well as fragmentation and coalescence of fluid phases. The model is used to study the evolution of fluid-fluid interfacial areas during saturation-controlled primary drainage and main imbibition of heterogeneous pore spaces at low capillary numbers. A variety of pore-scale effects, such as wetting phase entrapment and fragmentation due to snap-off, are observed. Specific fluid-fluid interfacial area is observed to monotonically increase during primary drainage and hysteretic effects are apparent during main imbibition.

Characterizing crustal and uppermost mantle anisotropy with a depth-dependent tilted hexagonally symmetric elastic tensor: theory and examples

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, L.; Xie, J.; Ritzwoller, M. H.

2017-12-01

Two major types of surface wave anisotropy are commonly observed by seismologists but are only rarely interpreted jointly: apparent radial anisotropy, which is the difference in propagation speed between horizontally and vertically polarized waves inferred from Love and Rayleigh waves, and apparent azimuthal anisotropy, which is the directional dependence of surface wave speeds (usually Rayleigh waves). We describe a method of inversion that interprets simultaneous observations of radial and azimuthal anisotropy under the assumption of a hexagonally symmetric elastic tensor with a tilted symmetry axis defined by dip and strike angles. With a full-waveform numerical solver based on the spectral element method (SEM), we verify the validity of the forward theory used for the inversion. We also present two examples, in the US and Tibet, in which we have successfully applied the tomographic method to demonstrate that the two types of apparent anisotropy can be interpreted jointly as a tilted hexagonally symmetric medium.

VizieR Online Data Catalog: Be star rotational velocities distribution (Zorec+, 2016)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zorec, J.; Fremat, Y.; Domiciano de Souza, A.; Royer, F.; Cidale, L.; Hubert, A.-M.; Semaan, T.; Martayan, C.; Cochetti, Y. R.; Arias, M. L.; Aidelman, Y.; Stee, P.

2016-06-01

Table 1 contains apparent fundamental parameters of the 233 Galactic Be stars. For each Be star is given the HD number, the effective temperature, effective surface gravity and bolometric luminosity. They correspond to the parameters of a plan parallel model of stellar atmosphere that fits the energy distribution of the stellar apparent hemisphere rotationally deformed. In Table 1 are also given the color excess E(B-V) and the vsini rotation parameter determined with model atmospheres of rigidly rotating stars. For each parameter is given the 1sigma uncertainty. In the notes are given the authors that produced some reported the data or the methods used to obtain the data. Table 4 contains parent-non-rotating-counterpart fundamental parameters of 233 Be stars: effective temperature, effective surface gravity, bolometric luminosity in solar units, stellar mass in solar units, fractional main-sequence stellar age, pnrc-apparent rotational velocity, critical velocity, ratio of centrifugal-force to gravity in the equator, inclination angle of the rotational axis. (2 data files).

Hydrology, nutrient concentrations, and nutrient yields in nearshore areas of four lakes in northern Wisconsin, 1999-2001

USGS Publications Warehouse

Graczyk, David J.; Hunt, Randall J.; Greb, Steven R.; Buchwald, Cheryl A.; Krohelski, James T.

2003-01-01

The effects of shoreline development on water quality and nutrient yields in nearshore areas of four lakes in northern Wisconsin were investigated from October 1999 through September 2001. The study measured surface runoff and ground-water flows from paired developed (sites containing lawn, rooftops, sidewalks, and driveways) and undeveloped (mature and immature woods) catchments adjacent to four lakes in northern Wisconsin. Water samples from surface runoff and ground water were collected and analyzed for nutrients. Coupled with water volumes, loads and subsequent yields of selected constituents were computed for developed and undeveloped catchments. The median runoff from lawn surfaces ranged from 0.0019 to 0.059 inch over the catchment area. Median surface runoff estimates from the wooded catchments were an order of magnitude less than those from the lawn catchments. The increased water volumes from the lawn catchments resulted in greater nutrient loads and subsequent annual nutrient yields from the developed sites. Soil temperature and soil moisture were measured at two sites with mixed lawn and wooded areas. At both of these sites, the area covered with a lawn commonly was warmer than the wooded area. No consistent differences in soil moisture were found. A ground-water model was constructed to simulate the local flow systems at two of the paired catchments. Model simulations showed that much of the ground water delivered to the lake originated from distant areas that did not contribute runoff directly to the lake. Surface runoff and ground-water nutrient concentrations from the lawn and wooded catchments did not have apparent patterns. Some of the median concentrations from lawns were significantly different (at the 0.05 significance level) from those at wooded catchments. Water wells and piezometers were sampled for chemical analyses three times during the study period. Variability in the shallow ground-water chemistry over time in the lawn samples was larger than samples from the wooded areas and upgradient wells. Median nutrient yields in surface runoff from lawns always were greater than those from the wooded catchments. Runoff volumes were the most important factor in determining whether lawns or wooded catchments contribute more nutrients to the lake. The ground-water system had appreciable nutrient concentrations, and are likely an important pathway for nutrient transport to the lake. The nitrate plus nitrite nitrogen and total phosphorus yields to the ground-water system from a lawn catchment were approximately 3 to 4 times greater than those from the wooded catchment. There was no difference in the yields of dissolved inorganic phosphorus to the ground-water system from the lawn and wooded catchments. Study results demonstrate that choosing the appropriate landscape position for locating lawns in sloped areas (specifically, slopes that do not terminate at the lake or areas with intervening flat or buffer zones between lawn and lake) can help reduce the adverse effect of lawns on the shallow ground water and, ultimately, the lake. Additional information would be needed to extrapolate these results to a large drainage area of a lake.

Greenland's Biggest Losers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Box, J. E.; Hubbard, A.; Howat, I. M.; Csatho, B. M.; Decker, D. T.; Bates, R.; Tulaczyk, S. M.

2010-12-01

On 4 August, 2010, 275 square km of the front of the floating Petermann Glacier, far northwest Greenland, broke away. The glacier effectively retreated 15 km. Petermann has retreated 21 km since year 2000. Consulting available imagery, publications, and maps spanning the past century, we conclude that this is a retreat to a minimum extent in the observational record. This glacier is not the only ice are loser in Greenland. GRACE observations verify the concern of increased mass budget deficit. Retreat is ongoing at the 110 km wide Humboldt glacier and at the 23 km wide Zachariae ice stream. Humboldt, Zachariae, and Petermann (16 km wide) are among a handful of large marine-terminating outlets that have bedrock trenches that lead inland below sea level to the thick, interior reservoir of the ice sheet. Sleeping giants are awakening. Our area change survey of the 35 widest Greenland outlets indicates an annual marine-terminating glacier area loss rate in excess of 130 sq km per year. Here, we evaluate in this context the mechanisms for marine-terminating glacier retreat, dynamical responses to calving, and the apparent climate forcings. The work thus consults a suite of data sets, including: long-term meteorological station records; satellite-derived sea and land surface temperatures; satellite-derived sea ice extent; regional climate model output; oceanographic casts; time lapse cameras, surface elevation change, and tidal records. Cumulative area change at Greenland’s glacier top 5 “losers”. 2010 areas are measured ~1 month prior to the end of summer melt when the survey usually is made . We do not expect 2010 area changes to be much different using the future data. If anything, we expect the losses to be larger. Click here for a full resolution graphic.

The behaviour of 39 pesticides in surface waters as a function of scale

USGS Publications Warehouse

Capel, P.D.; Larson, S.J.; Winterstein, T.A.

2001-01-01

A portion of applied pesticides runs off agricultural fields and is transported through surface waters. In this study, the behaviour of 39 pesticides is examined as a function of scale across 14 orders of magnitude from the field to the ocean. Data on pesticide loads in streams from two US Geological Survey programs were combined with literature data from field and watershed studies. The annual load as percent of use (LAPU) was quantified for each of the fields and watersheds and was used as the normalization factor across watersheds and compounds. The in-stream losses of each pesticide were estimated for a model stream with a 15 day travel time (similar in characteristics to the upper Mississippi River). These estimated in-stream losses agreed well with the observed changes in apparent LAPU values as a function of watershed area. In general, herbicides applied to the soil surface had the greatest LAPU values and minimal in-stream losses. Soil-incorporated herbicides had smaller LAPU values and substantial in-stream losses. Insecticides generally had LAPU values similar to the incorporated herbicides, but had more variation in their in-stream losses. On the basis of the LAPU values of the 39 pesticides as a function of watershed area, a generalized conceptual model of the movement of pesticides from the field to the ocean is suggested. The importance of considering both field runoff and in-stream losses is discussed in relation to interpreting monitoring data and making regulatory decisions.

Investigation of the potential for concealed base-metal mineralization at the Drenchwater Creek Zn-Pb-Ag occurrence, northern Alaska, using geology, reconnaissance geochemistry, and airborne electromagnetic geophysics

USGS Publications Warehouse

Graham, Garth E.; Deszcz-Pan, Maria; Abraham, Jared E.; Kelley, Karen D.

2011-01-01

No drilling has taken place at the Drenchwater occurrence, so alternative data sources (for example, geophysics) are especially important in assessing possible indicators of mineralization. Data from the 2005 electromagnetic survey define the geophysical character of the rocks at Drenchwater and, in combination with geological and surface-geochemical data, can aid in assessing the possible shallow (up to about 50 m), subsurface lateral extent of base-metal sulfide accumulations at Drenchwater. A distinct >3-km-long electromagnetic conductive zone (observed in apparent resistivity maps) coincides with, and extends further westward than, mineralized shale outcrops and soils anomalously high in Pb concentrations within the Kuna Formation; this conductive zone may indicate sulfide-rich rock. Models of electrical resistivity with depth, generated from inversion of electromagnetic data, which provide alongflight-line conductivity-depth profiles to between 25 and 50 m below ground surface, show that the shallow subsurface conductive zone occurs in areas of known mineralized outcrops and thins to the east. Broader, more conductive rock along the western ~1 km of the geophysical anomaly does not reach ground surface. These data suggest that the Drenchwater deposit is more extensive than previously thought. The application of inversion modeling also was applied to another smaller geochemical anomaly in the Twistem Creek area. The results are inconclusive, but they suggest that there may be a local conductive zone, possibly due to sulfides.

Coal resources for part of the Wilcox group (Paleocene through Eocene), central Texas

USGS Publications Warehouse

Warwick, Peter D.; Aubourg, Claire E.; Suitt, Stephen E.; Podwysocki, Steven M.; Schultz, Adam C.; Warwick, Peter D.; Karlsen, Alexander K.; Merrill, Matthew D.; Valentine, Brett J.

2011-01-01

The Wilcox Group of central Texas contains shallow (less than 500 ft) coal deposits that are mined for use in mine-mouth electric power generating plants. These coal deposits range in apparent rank from lignite to sub-bituminous (Pierce et al., 2011) and are similar in rank and composition to shallow coal deposits in the northeast and south Texas areas (Figure 1). The coal zones and associated strata in the central Texas assessment area generally dip to the southeast toward the Gulf of Mexico coastline and basin center. The central Texas resource assessment area includes parts of eight counties (Figure 2). The assessment area was selected to encompass current mining areas and areas with available subsurface stratigraphic data. The assessment area is roughly 160 miles long and 5 to 25 miles wide and generally follows the outcrop of the Paleocene to Eocene Wilcox Group in central Texas (Figures 1, 2). Approximately 1800 subsurface stratigraphic records from rotary and core drill holes were used to assess the resources of the central Texas assessment area. Of the 1800 drill holes, only 167 are public data points and are primarily located in the areas that have been permitted for surface mining (Figure 2; Appendix 1). The remaining 1632 drill holes, which are distributed throughout the assessment area, were provided to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) on a confidential basis by various coal companies for use in regional studies.

Effect of topically applied Saccharomyces boulardii on the healing of acute porcine wounds: a preliminary study.

PubMed

Partlow, Jessica; Blikslager, Anthony; Matthews, Charles; Law, Mac; Daniels, Joshua; Baker, Rose; Labens, Raphael

2016-04-11

Normal wound healing progresses through a series of interdependent physiological events: inflammation, angiogenesis, re-epithelialization, granulation tissue formation and extracellular matrix remodeling. Alterations in this process as well as the bacterial type and load on a wound may alter the wound healing rate. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of topical Saccharomyces boulardii on the healing of acute cutaneous wounds, using a prospective, controlled, experimental study, with six purpose bred landrace pigs. All wounds healed without apparent complications. Comparison of the mean 3D and 2D wound surface area measurements showed no significant difference between treatment groups as wounds decreased similarly in size over the duration of the study. A significant reduction in wound surface area was identified sooner using 3D assessments (by day 9) compared to 2D assessments (by day 12) (P < 0.001). There was no significant effect of treatment group on the number of multiple isolates or the most common isolates obtained relative to control wounds. There was no histologically appreciable difference between the wounds of the different groups. Topical application of Saccharomyces boulardii does not hasten wound healing or change the wounds' microbiome under the conditions reported in this study.

Pluto and Charon in False Color Show Compositional Diversity

NASA Image and Video Library

2015-07-14

This July 13, 2015, image of Pluto and Charon is presented in false colors to make differences in surface material and features easy to see. It was obtained by the Ralph instrument on NASA's New Horizons spacecraft, using three filters to obtain color information, which is exaggerated in the image. These are not the actual colors of Pluto and Charon, and the apparent distance between the two bodies has been reduced for this side-by-side view. The image reveals that the bright heart-shaped region of Pluto includes areas that differ in color characteristics. The western lobe, shaped like an ice-cream cone, appears peach color in this image. A mottled area on the right (east) appears bluish. Even within Pluto's northern polar cap, in the upper part of the image, various shades of yellow-orange indicate subtle compositional differences. The surface of Charon is viewed using the same exaggerated color. The red on the dark northern polar cap of Charon is attributed to hydrocarbon materials including a class of chemical compounds called tholins. The mottled colors at lower latitudes point to the diversity of terrains on Charon. This image was taken at 3:38 a.m. EDT on July 13, one day before New Horizons' closest approach to Pluto. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA19707

The possible influence of upstream upper-level baroclinic processes on the development of the QE II storm

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Uccellini, L. W.

1986-01-01

An analysis of the QE II storm of September 9-11, 1978 presents evidence for the existence of upper-level baroclinic processes upstream of the rapidly developing cyclone. The analysis shows that a deepening shortwave trough was located 400 to 500 km upstream of the site of the storm 12 h prior to rapid cyclogenesis. The trough was associated with: (1) a polar jet marked by 65 m/s winds in its core and significant vertical and horizontal wind shear, (2) positive vorticity advection and divergence at the 300 mb level, and (3) an intense frontal zone that extended from 300 mb down to the surface. It also appears that a tropopause fold likely extruded stratospheric air down to the 700-800 mb level, 400-500 km upstream of the surface low and 12 h prior to the explosive development phase of the cyclone. These findings raise questions about Gyakum's (1983) assertion that the QE II storm developed in an area in which the baroclinic support was confined to the lower troposphere and the related assertion by Anthes et al. (1983) that upper-level forcing upstream of the area of rapid cyclogenesis was weak and apparently not important in this case.

Interactions of Multiple Factors in Creating Small Patterned-Ground Features Across the Arctic Bioclimate Gradient

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Walker, D. A.; Epstein, H. E.; Kuss, P.; Michaelson, G. J.; Ping, C. L.; Raynolds, M. K.; Romanovsky, V. E.; Tarnocai, C. T.

2004-12-01

Small patterned-ground landforms are described along a bioclimate gradient in northern Canada and Alaska and summarized in tables and figures showing strength of influence of contraction cracking, differential frost heave, and vegetation - within five bioclimate subzones and four major soil texture classes. In the coldest parts of the Arctic (bioclimate subzones A and B), contraction cracking at small scales (10-30 cm between cracks) is the dominant process and contributes to the formation of hummocky terrain; differential frost heave has a small role here except in course rocky terrain where sorted circles are common. The presence of contraction cracks on all surfaces, wet and dry, and on all soil types indicate that the majority of the contraction cracks are caused by thermal processes and not desiccation. Larger mounds, apparently the result of differential frost heave, occur in some areas of Subzone B where there is more vegetation and peat. In the Middle Arctic (bioclimate subzone C), both small turf hummocks and well-developed non-sorted circles occur. Turf hummocks are dominant on hill slopes; erosion of the inter-hummock areas and accumulation of eolian material on the hummock tops creates taller hummocks. Non-sorted stripes occur on many slopes. In the northern Low Arctic (Subzone D), non-sorted circles are the most common features; and turf hummocks are restricted to small areas - generally steep snow beds. The centers of most frost boils are barren or partially vegetated in Subzone D. In the sourthern Low Arctic (Subzone E), the vegetation is very active and able to colonize and totally cover frost boils. Large vegetated mounds are apparently the remnants of once active frost boils. In areas with more clayey soils of subzones D and E, well-developed tightly packed mounds are common, and frost boils often occur on the tops of the mounds. The spacing of the mound centers is often 2-3 m. Mounds are also common south of treeline. Soil texture affects frost boil morphology and heave characteristics. In silty areas of northern Alaska non-sorted circles have annual differential heave in the order of 20 cm - apparently contributing to the strong patterning in many areas (spotted tundra in the Russian literature). Areas with sandy soil have little differential heave and no frost boils in areas of pure sand; whereas, areas with clayey soils have mound shaped frost boils with little annual heave. Vegetation plays a major role in defining the boundaries of the patterned-ground features, possibly affecting differential frost heave by decreasing the soil temperature and thickness of the active layer in the inter-circle areas; however, at two sites on sandy soils with well-developed non-sorted circles only minor differential soil heave was measured. The cause of the barren centers at these sites is probably unrelated to heave and may be due to the accumulation of salts within the frost-boils. Needle ice is another major contributing cause of barrenness on frost boils and appears to develop most strongly on saturated silts.

Laboratory-based geoelectric monitoring of water infiltration in consolidated ground

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Lining; Sun, Qiang; Yang, Haiping

2018-04-01

Infiltration usually plays a significant role in construction failures and transfer of contaminants. Therefore, it is very important to monitor underground water migration. In this study, a soil infiltration experiment was carried out using an indoor model test. The water infiltration characteristics were recorded and analyzed based on the response of the geoelectric field, including the primary field potential, self-potential, excitation current and apparent resistivity. The phreatic water surface and the infiltration velocity were determined. The inversion results were compared with direct observations. The results showed that the changes in the geoelectric field parameters explain the principles of groundwater flow. The infiltration velocity and the phreatic surface can be determined based on the primary field potential response and the excitation current. When the phreatic surface reached the location of the electrodes, the primary field potential and self-potential decreased rapidly whereas the excitation current increased rapidly. The height of the phreatic surface and the infiltration time exhibited a linear relationship for both the observation data and the calculations of the excitation current. The apparent resistivity described the infiltration status in the soil and tracked the phreatic surface accurately.

Elevated surface temperature depresses survival of banner-tailed kangaroo rats: will climate change cook a desert icon?

PubMed

Moses, Martin R; Frey, Jennifer K; Roemer, Gary W

2012-01-01

Modest increases in global temperature have been implicated in causing population extirpations and range shifts in taxa inhabiting colder environs and in ectotherms whose thermoregulation is more closely tied to environmental conditions. Many arid-adapted endotherms already experience conditions at their physiological limits, so it is conceivable that they could be similarly affected by warming temperatures. We explored how climatic variables might influence the apparent survival of the banner-tailed kangaroo rat (Dipodomys spectabilis), a rodent endemic to the Chihuahuan Desert of North America and renowned for its behavioral and physiological adaptations to arid environments. Relative variable weight, strength of variable relationships, and other criteria indicated that summer, diurnal land surface temperature (SD_LST) was the primary environmental driver of apparent survival in these arid-adapted rodents. Higher temperatures had a negative effect on apparent survival, which ranged from 0.15 (SE = 0.04) for subadults to 0.50 (SE = 0.07) for adults. Elevated SD_LST may negatively influence survival through multiple pathways, including increased water loss and energy expenditure that could lead to chronic stress and/or hyperthermia that could cause direct mortality. Land surface temperatures are predicted to increase by as much 6.5°C by 2099, reducing apparent survival of adults to ~0.15 in some regions of the species' range, possibly causing a shift in their distribution. The relationship between SD_LST and survival suggests a mechanism whereby physiological tolerances are exceeded resulting in a reduction to individual fitness that may ultimately cause a shift in the species' range over time.

Configuration of the Moho discontinuity beneath the Japanese Islands derived from three-dimensional seismic tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matsubara, Makoto; Sato, Hiroshi; Ishiyama, Tatsuya; Van Horne, Anne

2017-07-01

The Mohorovičić discontinuity (Moho) is defined on the basis of an abrupt increase in seismic velocity in the lithosphere which has been observed using seismic refraction and receiver function analysis methods worldwide. Moho depth varies regionally and remains a fundamental parameter of crustal structure. We present a new method of mapping the Moho using a 3D seismic tomography model. Since the tomographic method cannot locate discontinuities, we treat the Moho as a zone of high velocity gradient. Maximum lower crust/minimum upper mantle P-wave velocities in Japan are known to be 7.0 km/s and 7.5 km/s, respectively. We map the residual between isovelocity surfaces of 7.0 km/s and 7.5 km/s to find areas where the residual is small, the separation between the surfaces is narrow, and the velocity gradient is high. The Moho is best constrained where the isovelocity surfaces are close together, and under much of Japan, they are < 6 km and rarely > 10 km apart. We chose an isovelocity surface of 7.2 km/s as a representative Moho 'proxy' in these areas. Our resulting 'Moho' map under Japan compares favorably with existing regional Moho models that were obtained from controlled-source seismic investigations. The 'Moho' varies from shallow (25-30 km) to deep (> 30 km), and this variability relates to the structural evolution of the Japanese islands: the opening of the Sea of Japan back-arc, ongoing arc-arc collisions at the Hidaka and Izu collision zones, ongoing back-arc extension in Kyushu, and a possible failed back-arc extensional event of Mesozoic age. It is apparent that the Moho is less well-constrained in areas where the crustal structure has been modified by magmatic activity or thickened due to arc-arc collision.

Lead contents in the surface enamel of deciduous teeth sampled in vivo from children in uncontaminated and in lead-contaminated areas

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Almeida, Glauce Regina Costa de; Pereira Saraiva, Maria da Conceicao; Barbosa Jr, Fernando

2007-07-15

This study aimed to: (1) measure lead contents in the surface enamel of two populations consisting of 4-6-year-old children, one from an apparently uncontaminated area (Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo State, SP, Brazil, n=247) and the other from an area notoriously contaminated with lead (Bauru, Sao Paulo State, Brazil, n=26); (2) compare biopsy depths between the two populations; (3) correlate biopsy depth with lead content; (4) stratify samples according to biopsy depth to compare lead contents in samples from similar biopsy depths. A surface enamel acid-etch microbiopsy was performed in vivo on a single upper deciduous incisor for each sample. Leadmore » was measured by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) while phosphorus was measured colorimetrically to establish biopsy depth. Samples from both populations were classified into categories of similar biopsy depths based on biopsy depth quartiles. Median lead contents were statistically different between the Ribeirao Preto population (206 {mu}g/g, range: 5-1399 {mu}g/g) and the Bauru population (786 {mu}g/g, range: 320-4711 {mu}g/g) (p<0.001); however, biopsy depth did not differ between the Ribeirao Preto (3.9 {mu}m, Standard Deviation, SD=0.9) and Bauru (3.8 {mu}m, SD=0.9) populations (p=0.7940). Pearson's correlation coefficient for biopsy depths versus log{sub 10} lead values was -0.29 for Ribeirao Preto and -0.18 for Bauru. Lead contents were statistically different between the two populations for all quartiles of biopsy depth. These findings suggest that lead accumulated in the surface enamel of deciduous teeth is linked to the environment in which people reside, indicating that this tissue should be further explored as an accessible biomarker of lead exposure.« less

Multispectral thermal infrared mapping of the 1 October 1988 Kupaianaha flow field, Kilauea volcano, Hawaii

USGS Publications Warehouse

Realmuto, V.J.; Hon, K.; Kahle, A.B.; Abbott, E.A.; Pieri, D.C.

1992-01-01

Multispectral thermal infrared radiance measurements of the Kupaianaha flow field were acquired with the NASA airborne Thermal Infrared Multispectral Scanner (TIMS) on the morning of 1 October 1988. The TIMS data were used to map both the temperature and emissivity of the surface of the flow field. The temperature map depicted the underground storage and transport of lava. The presence of molten lava in a tube or tumulus resulted in surface temperatures that were at least 10?? C above ambient. The temperature map also clearly defined the boundaries of hydrothermal plumes which resulted from the entry of lava into the ocean. The emissivity map revealed the boundaries between individual flow units within the Kupaianaha field. In general, the emissivity of the flows varied systematically with age but the relationship between age and emissivity was not unique. Distinct spectral anomalies, indicative of silica-rich surface materials, were mapped near fumaroles and ocean entry sites. This apparent enrichment in silica may have resulted from an acid-induced leaching of cations from the surfaces of glassy flows. Such incipient alteration may have been the cause for virtually all of the emissivity variations observed on the flow field, the spectral anomalies representing areas where the acid attack was most intense. ?? 1992 Springer-Verlag.

Uniform large-area growth of nanotemplated high-quality monolayer MoS2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Young, Justin R.; Chilcote, Michael; Barone, Matthew; Xu, Jinsong; Katoch, Jyoti; Luo, Yunqiu Kelly; Mueller, Sara; Asel, Thaddeus J.; Fullerton-Shirey, Susan K.; Kawakami, Roland; Gupta, Jay A.; Brillson, Leonard J.; Johnston-Halperin, Ezekiel

2017-06-01

Over the past decade, it has become apparent that the extreme sensitivity of 2D crystals to surface interactions presents a unique opportunity to tune material properties through surface functionalization and the mechanical assembly of 2D heterostructures. However, this opportunity carries with it a concurrent challenge: an enhanced sensitivity to surface contamination introduced by standard patterning techniques that is exacerbated by the difficulty in cleaning these atomically thin materials. Here, we report a templated MoS2 growth technique wherein Mo is deposited onto atomically stepped sapphire substrates through a SiN stencil with feature sizes down to 100 nm and subsequently sulfurized at high temperature. These films have a quality comparable to the best MoS2 prepared by other methodologies, and the thickness of the resulting MoS2 patterns can be tuned layer-by-layer by controlling the initial Mo deposition. The quality and thickness of the films are confirmed by scanning electron, scanning tunneling, and atomic force microscopies; Raman, photoluminescence, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopies; and electron transport measurements. This approach critically enables the creation of patterned, single-layer MoS2 films with pristine surfaces suitable for subsequent modification via functionalization and mechanical stacking. Further, we anticipate that this growth technique should be broadly applicable within the family of transition metal dichalcogenides.

Seismic interferometry of railroad induced ground motions: body and surface wave imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quiros, Diego A.; Brown, Larry D.; Kim, Doyeon

2016-04-01

Seismic interferometry applied to 120 hr of railroad traffic recorded by an array of vertical component seismographs along a railway within the Rio Grande rift has recovered surface and body waves characteristic of the geology beneath the railway. Linear and hyperbolic arrivals are retrieved that agree with surface (Rayleigh), direct and reflected P waves observed by nearby conventional seismic surveys. Train-generated Rayleigh waves span a range of frequencies significantly higher than those recovered from typical ambient noise interferometry studies. Direct P-wave arrivals have apparent velocities appropriate for the shallow geology of the survey area. Significant reflected P-wave energy is also present at relatively large offsets. A common midpoint stack produces a reflection image consistent with nearby conventional reflection data. We suggest that for sources at the free surface (e.g. trains) increasing the aperture of the array to record wide angle reflections, in addition to longer recording intervals, might allow the recovery of deeper geological structure from railroad traffic. Frequency-wavenumber analyses of these recordings indicate that the train source is symmetrical (i.e. approaching and receding) and that deeper refracted energy is present although not evident in the time-offset domain. These results confirm that train-generated vibrations represent a practical source of high-resolution subsurface information, with particular relevance to geotechnical and environmental applications.

Constrained energy minimization applied to apparent reflectance and single-scattering albedo spectra: a comparison

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Resmini, Ronald G.; Graver, William R.; Kappus, Mary E.; Anderson, Mark E.

1996-11-01

Constrained energy minimization (CEM) has been applied to the mapping of the quantitative areal distribution of the mineral alunite in an approximately 1.8 km2 area of the Cuprite mining district, Nevada. CEM is a powerful technique for rapid quantitative mineral mapping which requires only the spectrum of the mineral to be mapped. A priori knowledge of background spectral signatures is not required. Our investigation applies CEM to calibrated radiance data converted to apparent reflectance (AR) and to single scattering albedo (SSA) spectra. The radiance data were acquired by the 210 channel, 0.4 micrometers to 2.5 micrometers airborne Hyperspectral Digital Imagery Collection Experiment sensor. CEM applied to AR spectra assumes linear mixing of the spectra of the materials exposed at the surface. This assumption is likely invalid as surface materials, which are often mixtures of particulates of different substances, are more properly modeled as intimate mixtures and thus spectral mixing analyses must take account of nonlinear effects. One technique for approximating nonlinear mixing requires the conversion of AR spectra to SSA spectra. The results of CEM applied to SSA spectra are compared to those of CEM applied to AR spectra. The occurrence of alunite is similar though not identical to mineral maps produced with both the SSA and AR spectra. Alunite is slightly more widespread based on processing with the SSA spectra. Further, fractional abundances derived from the SSA spectra are, in general, higher than those derived from AR spectra. Implications for the interpretation of quantitative mineral mapping with hyperspectral remote sensing data are discussed.

A spatio-temporal index for heat vulnerability assessment.

PubMed

Kershaw, Suzanne E; Millward, Andrew A

2012-12-01

The public health consequences of extreme heat events are felt most intensely in metropolitan areas where population density is high and the presence of the urban heat island phenomenon exacerbates the potential for prolonged exposure. This research develops an approach to map potential heat stress on humans by combining temperature and relative humidity into an index of apparent temperature. We use ordinary kriging to generate hourly prediction maps describing apparent temperature across the Greater Toronto Area, Canada. Meteorological data were obtained from 65 locations for 6 days in 2008 when extreme heat alerts were issued for the City of Toronto. Apparent temperature and exposure duration were integrated in a single metric, humidex degree hours (HDH), and mapped. The results show a significant difference in apparent temperature between built and natural locations from 3 PM to 7 AM; this discrepancy was greatest at 12 AM where built locations had a mean of 2.8 index values larger, t(71) = 5.379, p < 0.001. Spatial trends in exposure to heat stress (apparent temperature, ≥ 30°C) show the downtown core of the City of Toronto and much of Mississauga (west of Toronto) as likely to experience hazardous levels of prolonged heat and humidity (HDH ≥ 72) during a heat alert. We recommend that public health officials use apparent temperature and exposure duration to develop spatially explicit heat vulnerability assessment tools; HDH is one approach that unites these risk factors into a single metric.

Surface Curvature in Island Groups and Discontinuous Cratonic Structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McDowell, M. S.

2002-05-01

The Canadian Archipelago includes eight major islands and a host of smaller ones. They are separated by water bodies, of varying widths attributable to glacial activity and ocean currents. Land form varies from relatively rugged mountains (~2000 m) in eastern, glacial, islands, to low lying western, similar to the continental topography adjacent. The Arctic region is thought to have been low average elevation before the Pleistocene. To a picture puzzler, it all looks like it fit together. Experimentally cutting apart the islands from large scale maps shows that the rough edges match fairly well. However, when those independent pieces are sutured together, without restraint, as in free air, the fit is far better. Far more importantly, they consistently form a noticeably concave surface. This tendency is not at all apparent in flat surface or computer screen manipulation; the pieces need to be "hand joined" or on a molded surface to allow the assembly to freely form as it will. Fitting together the coastlines above 60 \\deg north, from 120 \\deg west to 45 \\deg east, and comparing the resulting contracted area to the original, obtains an 8 percent area reduction. The curvature "humps" a trial planar section of 15 cms by 1.6 cm, a substantial difference in the radius of curvature. If you rashly suggest applying that formula globally, the resulting sphere would have a surface area of 4.7 x108,(down from 5 x108), and therefore radius of 6117 km, down from 6400, which is a rather preposterous conclusion. As nobody would believe it, I tested the idea elsewhere. The Huronian succession of six named cratons is adjacent on the south. I cut this map apart, too, and fit it together, once again getting a curvature, this time more pronounced. I am trying it with the Indonesian Archipelago, although this area has volcanic complications, and with Precambrian Basins in western Australia and Nimibia, Africa. Indications are - an essentially similar pattern of fit, but non uniform distance separations, perhaps related to geologic time scale. What could this mean? 1) Two-dimensional expansion of an original Precambrian craton can be justified as rupture in some non explosive way (apparently not volcanic or quake action) with resulting cracks subsequently filled in from below. The cause of the initial cracking is problematic - consider an eggshell: a good whack on the outside, or a good chick on the inside, could make it happen. But 2) the tightened arc? The propensity to "curl up"? Is there something freaky about connecting flat map projections to make this happen, or has it really been there all along and we never realized it? If this is applied in reverse, curvature flattening further with time, the significance could be interesting. For idle speculation, the Atlantic mid-ocean ridge is calculated opening at 3cms/year. That's 3 km in 100,000 years. At that rate it would have taken 2.2 x 109 to open the Canadian archipelago this far. Which puts it almost into the Archean, matching Slave Province, not Wopmay, associated with the Huronian. So what WAS the early sea floor spreading rate? Monster speculations. Scientific research has created a fortress of opinion on Archean land masses and how they grew. This study proposes a phenomenon that has the advantage of measurability, one we can literally get our hands on, in our effort to know.

Remote sensing and geologic studies of the orientale basin region

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hawke, B. Ray; Lucey, P. G.; Taylor, G. J.; Bell, Jeffrey F.; Peterson, C. A.; Blewett, D.; Horton, K.; Spudis, P. D.

1991-01-01

Both visual and near-infrared spectral observations are combined with multispectral imaging to study the Orientale interior and exterior, the Cruger region, Grimaldi Region, the Schiller-Schickard Region, and the Humorum Region of the Moon. It was concluded that anorthosites occur in the Inner Rook Mountains of Orientale, the inner ring of Grimaldi, and the main ring of Humorum. Imaging spectroscopy shows that the entire eastern Inner Rook Mountains are composed of anorthosites. Orientale ejecta are strikingly like the surface materials in the region where Apollo 16 landed. This similarity indicates similar mineralogy, i.e., noritic anorthosite. Thus, Orientile ejecta is more mafic than the Inner Rook Mountains. This situation is also true for the Nectaris, Humorum, and Gramaldi basins. Isolated areas of the Orientale region show the presence of gabbroic rocks, but, in general, Orientale ejecta are noritic anorthosites, which contain much more low-Ca pyroxene than high-Ca pyroxene. Ancient (pre-Orientale) mare volcanism apparently occurred in several areas of the western limb.

Bone structure studies with holographic interferometric nondestructive testing and x-ray methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Silvennoinen, Raimo; Nygren, Kaarlo; Rouvinen, Juha; Petrova, Valentina V.

1994-02-01

Changes in the biomechanics and in the molecular texture and structure of isolated radioulnar bones of subadult European moose (Alces alces L.) collected in various environmentally polluted areas of Finland were investigated by means of holographic interferometric non- destructive testing (HNDT), radiological, morphometrical, and x-ray diffraction methods. By means of small caudal-cranial bending forces, the surface movements of the lower end (distal epiphysis) of the radial bone were recorded with the HNDT method. To study bone molecular texture and structure changes under external compressing forces, the samples for x-ray diffraction analysis were taken from the upper end of the ulnar bone (olecranon tip). Results showed that the bones obtained from the Harjavalta area and those of North Karelian moose showing malnutrition and healing femoral fractures produced different HNDT pictures compared with the four normally developed North Karelian moose. In the x-ray diffraction, the Harjavalta samples showed changes in molecular texture and structure compared with the samples from the apparently normal North Karelian animals.

Results from the NOAA National Status and Trends Program on distribution and effects of chemical contamination in the coastal and estuarine United States.

PubMed

O'Connor, T P; Ehler, C N

1991-04-01

The NOAA National Status and Trends (NS&T) Program has been monitoring chemical contamination in fish livers, and surface sediments since 1984 and in molluscan tissue and sediments since 1986. Data from fine-grained sediment at 175 sites are used to describe the spatial distribution of contamination throughout the coastal and estuarine United States. Highest levels are generally found in, and considered representative of, urban areas. It should be noted, however, that these levels are not as high as have been found near discharge pipes or in isolated industrial areas through other monitoring efforts. Dramatic biological responses, such as liver tumors in fish or apparently toxic contaminant levels in sediment, are found infrequently. Subtle biological changes, especially those that affect reproductive ability, are being sought. Data from three annual collections of mollusks have been used to identify early signals of temporal trends in contamination at NS&T sites.

Influence of Fault Surface Heterogeneity on Apparent Frictional Strength, Slip Mode and Rupture Mode: Insights from Meter-Scale Rock Friction Experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, S.; Fukuyama, E.; Yamashita, F.; Mizoguchi, K.; Takizawa, S.; Kawakata, H.

2016-12-01

Influence of fault zone heterogeneity on the behavior of fault motion has been studied in many aspects, such as strain partitioning, heat generation, slip mode, rupture mode, and effective friction law. However, a multi-scale investigation of fault behavior due to heterogeneity was difficult in nature, because of the limited access to natural fault zones at the seismogenic depth and the lack of in situ high-resolution observations. To overcome these difficulties, we study the behavior of a meter-scale synthetic fault made of Indian metagabbro during laboratory direct shear experiments, utilizing high-density arrays of strain gauges mounted close to the fault. We focus on two target experiments that are loaded under the same normal stress of 6.7 MPa and loading rate of 0.01 mm/s, but with different initial surface conditions. To change the surface condition, we applied a fast loading experiment under a rate of 1 mm/s between the two target experiments. It turned out the fast loading activated many foreshocks before the mainshock and caused a roaming of the mainshock nucleation site. These features were closely related to the re-distribution of the real contact area and surface wear, which together reflected a more heterogeneous state of the surface condition. During the first target experiment before the fast loading, the synthetic fault moved in a classic stick-slip fashion and the typical rupture mode was subshear within the range of the fault length. However, during the second target experiment, the synthetic fault inherited the heterogeneous features generated from the previous fast loading, showing a macroscopic creep-like behavior that actually consisted of many small stick-slip events. The apparent frictional strength increased while the recurrence interval and the stress drop decreased, compared to the levels seen in the first target experiment. The rupture mode became more complicated; supershear phases sometimes emerged but may only exist transiently. Their occurrence or termination showed a strong correlation with the local stress field characterized by short-range coherence. These observations highlight the role of surface heterogeneity in influencing fault motion, both macroscopically and locally, and have important implications for understanding the behavior of natural faults.

Global pattern of plant utilization across different organisms: Does plant apparency or plant phylogeny matter?

PubMed

Dai, Xiaohua; Zhang, Wei; Xu, Jiasheng; Duffy, Kevin J; Guo, Qingyun

2017-04-01

The present study is the first to consider human and nonhuman consumers together to reveal several general patterns of plant utilization. We provide evidence that at a global scale, plant apparency and phylogenetic isolation can be important predictors of plant utilization and consumer diversity. Using the number of species or genera or the distribution area of each plant family as the island "area" and the minimum phylogenetic distance to common plant families as the island "distance", we fitted presence-area relationships and presence-distance relationships with a binomial GLM (generalized linear model) with a logit link. The presence-absence of consumers among each plant family strongly depended on plant apparency (family size and distribution area); the diversity of consumers increased with plant apparency but decreased with phylogenetic isolation. When consumers extended their host breadth, unapparent plants became more likely to be used. Common uses occurred more often on common plants and their relatives, showing higher host phylogenetic clustering than uncommon uses. On the contrary, highly specialized uses might be related to the rarity of plant chemicals and were therefore very species-specific. In summary, our results provide a global illustration of plant-consumer combinations and reveal several general patterns of plant utilization across humans, insects and microbes. First, plant apparency and plant phylogenetic isolation generally govern plant utilization value, with uncommon and isolated plants suffering fewer parasites. Second, extension of the breadth of utilized hosts helps explain the presence of consumers on unapparent plants. Finally, the phylogenetic clustering structure of host plants is different between common uses and uncommon uses. The strength of such consistent plant utilization patterns across a diverse set of usage types suggests that the persistence and accumulation of consumer diversity and use value for plant species are determined by similar ecological and evolutionary processes.

A zonal evaluation of intrinsic susceptibility in selected principal aquifers of the United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wellman, Tristan P.; Kauffman, Leon; Clark, Brian

2012-01-01

A method was developed to evaluate intrinsic groundwater susceptibility in 11 study areas across the United States. Calibrated groundwater-flow models and a variable-advection particle-tracking scheme that accounts for uncertainty were used to derive ranges of conservative solute concentration and groundwater age within spatially defined zones from solute loading to the water table. Aquifers were partitioned into six zones; four relative depth zones and two zones to represent pumping wells and surface water. Five years after solute was introduced in simulated recharge and stream leakage, normalized zone concentrations were detected at values above 10-4 in the shallowest aquifer zone, well zone, and surface-water zone for 10 of the 11 study areas. At the 125-year time scale, 9 out of the 11 study areas exhibited detectable concentrations in all zones and the majority of zones possess concentrations that are substantial relative to the source concentration (ClCo > 10-1). Thresholds defined by the time representing the earliest 1% of groundwater-transit times were used to identify fast transport pathways within the groundwater. The 1% thresholds occurred in a period of days to years for the shallow zone, days to decades for the well and surface-water zones, and years to millennia for the deeper zones. Thresholds defined by the 99th percentile of groundwater travel times were used to reflect late-time response and ranged considerably between study area (~102 to ~106 years), which highlights the potential for chemical constituents to persist in groundwater for long periods under a conservative state. The results of this investigation provide an instructive example of the intricate relations between climate and aquifer characteristics and their role on solute transport in groundwater. The proposed method accounts for dynamical processes in the aquifer and complements more traditional assessments of susceptibility using (apparent) mean water age.

Characterization of modified zeolite as microbial immobilization media on POME anaerobic digestion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cahyono, Rochim B.; Ismiyati, Sri; Ginting, Simparmin Br; Mellyanawaty, Melly; Budhijanto, Wiratni

2018-03-01

As the world’s biggest palm oil producer, Indonesia generates also huge amount of Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) wastewater and causes serious problem in environment. In conventional method, POME was converted into biogas using lagoon system which required extensive land area. Anaerobic Fluidized Bed Reactor (AFBR) proposes more effective biogas producing with smaller land area. In the proposed system, a immobilization media would be main factor for enhancing productivity. This research studied on characterization of Lampung natural zeolite as immobilization media in the AFBR system for POME treatment. Various activation method such as physical and chemical were attempted to create more suitable material which has larger surface area, pore size distribution as well as excellent surface structures. The physical method was applied by heating up the material till 400°C while HCl was used on the chemical activation. Based on the result, the chemical activation increased the surface area significantly into 71 m2/g compared to physical as well as original zeolite. The strong acid material was quite effective to enforce the impurities within zeolite pore structure compared to heating up the material. According to distribution data, the Lampung zeolite owned the pore size with the range of 3 – 5 μm which was mesopore material. The pore size was appropriate for immobilization media as it was smaller than size of biogas microbial. The XRD patterns verified that chemical activation could maintain the zeolite structure as the original. Obviously, the SEM photograph showed apparent structure and pore size on the modified zeolite using chemical method. The testing of modified zeolite on the batch system was done to evaluate the characterization process. The modified zeolite using chemical process resulted fast reduction of COD and stabilized the volatile fatty acid as the intermediate product of anaerobic digestion, especially in the beginning of the process. Therefore, the chemical activation process was most suitable to produce the immobilization media from Lampung natural zeolite for POME waste treatment

Formation of Adsorbed Oxygen Radicals on Minerals at the Martian Surface and the Decomposition of Organic Molecules

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yen, A. S.; Kim, S. S.; Freeman, B. A.; Hecht, M. H.

2000-01-01

We present experimental evidence that superoxide ions form on mineral grains at the martian surface and show that these adsorbates can explain the unusual reactivity of the soil as well as the apparent absence of organic molecules.

Coal resources for the Chemard Lake (Naborton No. 2) coal zone of the lower Wilcox group (Paleocene), northwestern Louisiana

USGS Publications Warehouse

Warwick, Peter D.; Podwysocki, Steven M.; Schultz, Adam C.; Warwick, Peter D.; Karlsen, Alexander K.; Merrill, Matthew D.; Valentine, Brett J.

2011-01-01

The lower part of the Wilcox Group of northwest Louisiana contains shallow (less than 500 ft) coal deposits that are mined for use in mine-mouth electric power-generating plants. The coal deposits, which are lignite A in apparent rank (Pierce et al., 2011), occur on the eastern part of the Sabine uplift (Figure 1). The coal zones and associated strata in the assessment area generally dip away from the axis of the Red River-Bull Bayou dome that is located in the north-central part of the Louisiana Sabine assessment area (Figure 1). This assessment area includes parts of four parishes: De Soto, Red River, Natchitoches, and Sabine (Figure 2). The assessment area was selected because of its proximity to current mining areas and the availability of stratigraphic data in the area. The assessment area is roughly 60 miles long and 15 miles wide and generally extends across the central-eastern part of the Sabine uplift in northwest Louisiana (Figure 2). More than 950 stratigraphic records from rotary and core drill holes were used to assess the coal resources of the Louisiana Sabine area. Of these, 210 are public data points and are located in or near the areas that have been permitted or proposed for surface mining (Figure 2; Appendix 1). Most of the stratigraphic data used for this assessment were provided to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) on a confidential basis by various coal companies for use in regional studies.

McCauley Sinks: A compound breccia pipe in evaporite karst, Holbrook Basin, Arizona, U.S.A

USGS Publications Warehouse

Neal, J.T.; Johnson, K.S.

2002-01-01

The McCauley Sinks, in the Holbrook basin of northeastern Arizona, are comprised of some 50 individual sinkholes within a 3-km-wide depression. The sinks are grouped in a semi-concentric pattern of three nested rings. The outer ring is an apparent tension zone containing ring fractures. The two inner rings are semi-circular chains of large sinkholes, ranging up to 100 m across and 50 m deep. Several sub-basins within the larger depression show local downwarping and possible incipient sinkholes. Permian Kaibab Formation limestone is the principal surface lithology; the limestone here is less than 15 m thick and is near its easternmost limit. Although surface rillenkarren are present, and the sinks are seen in the Kaibab limestone outcrops, the Kaibab is mainly a passive rock unit that has collapsed into solution cavities developed in underlying salt beds. Beneath the Kaibab is Coconino Sandstone, which overlies the Permian Schnebly Hill Formation, the unit containing the evaporite rocks-principally halite in the Corduroy Member. Evaporite karst in this part of the Holbrook basin is quite different from the eastern part, probably because of the westward disappearance of the Holbrook anticline, a structure that has major joint systems that help channel water down to the salt beds farther to the east. Also, the McCauley Sinks are near the western limits of the evaporites. The structure at McCauley Sinks suggests a compound breccia pipe, with multiple sinks contributing to the inward-dipping major depression. The Richards Lake depression, 5 km southeast of McCauley Sinks, is similar in form and size but contains only a single, central sinkhole. An apparent difference in hydrogeology at McCauley Sinks is their proximity to the adjacent, deeply incised, Chevelon Canyon drainage, but the hydrologic connections are unknown. The 3-km-wide McCauley Sinks karst depression, along with five other nearby depressions, provide substantial hydrologic catchment. Because of widespread piping into karst features and jointed bedrock at shallow depth, runoff water does not pond easily at the surface. There appears to be a greater recharge efficiency here than in alluvial areas; thus concern exists for groundwater users downgradient from the karst area. Accordingly, sinkholes and open fissures should not be used for waste disposal.

Electronic structure of dense Pb overlayers on Si(111) investigated using angle-resolved photoemission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, W. H.; Koh, H.; Rotenberg, E.; Yeom, H. W.

2007-02-01

Dense Pb overlayers on Si(111) are important as the wetting layer for anomalous Pb island growth as well as for their own complex “devil’s-staircase” phases. The electronic structures of dense Pb overlayers on Si(111) were investigated in detail by angle-resolved photoemission. Among the series of ordered phases found recently above one monolayer, the low-coverage 7×3 and the high-coverage 14×3 phases are studied; they are well ordered and form reproducibly in large areas. The band dispersions and Fermi surfaces of the two-dimensional (2D) electronic states of these overlayers are mapped out. A number of metallic surface-state bands are identified for both phases with complex Fermi contours. The basic features of the observed Fermi contours can be explained by overlapping 2D free-electron-like Fermi circles. This analysis reveals that the 2D electrons near the Fermi level of the 7×3 and 14×3 phases are mainly governed by strong 1×1 and 3×3 potentials, respectively. The origins of the 2D electronic states and their apparent Fermi surface shapes are discussed based on recent structure models.

Microwave remote sensing of snowpacks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stiles, W. H.; Ulaby, F. T.

1980-01-01

The interaction mechanisms responsible for the microwave backscattering and emission behavior of snow were investigated, and models were developed relating the backscattering coefficient (sigma) and apparent temperature (T) to the physical parameters of the snowpack. The microwave responses to snow wetness, snow water equivalent, snow surface roughness, and to diurnal variations were investigated. Snow wetness was shown to have an increasing effect with increasing frequency and angle of incidence for both active and passive cases. Increasing snow wetness was observed to decrease the magnitude sigma and increase T. Snow water equivalent was also observed to exhibit a significant influence sigma and T. Snow surface configuration (roughness) was observed to be significant only for wet snow surface conditions. Diurnal variations were as large as 15 dB for sigma at 35 GHz and 120 K for T at 37 GHz. Simple models for sigma and T of a snowpack scene were developed in terms of the most significant ground-truth parameters. The coefficients for these models were then evaluated; the fits to the sigma and T measurements were generally good. Finally, areas of needed additional observations were outlined and experiments were specified to further the understanding of the microwave-snowpack interaction mechanisms.

Crystalline desiccation patterns and film break up from evaporating drops on hydrophobic oxide surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McBride, Samantha; Dash, Susmita; Khan, Sami; Varanasi, Kripa

2017-11-01

Solute-laden sessile drops evaporating on a substrate will often force crystallization of the solute at the triple phase contact line between the drop, substrate, and air in an effect similar to the ``coffee-ring'' deposition of particles from a particle-laden drop. We report new observations of ring-shaped desiccation patterns of gypsum crystals on hydrophobic oxide substrates; ceria, erbia, and silica. These surfaces have similar contact angles ( 105 degrees), and evaporation of sessile drops proceeds at the same rate and without contact angle hysteresis on all three substrates. However, despite the apparent similarity, the patterns of crystal deposits exhibit large differences across the substrates. The supersaturation and elapsed time at the onset of crystallization also varied across substrates, despite overall evaporation rates being identical. The differences in patterns can be explained in light of the position and morphology of the crystals just prior to completion of evaporation when the sessile drop has transitioned to a thin film spread over the deposit area. Break-up of this film occurs very differently on the different surfaces, and is simultaneously influenced by existing crystals while also influencing final crystalline patterns. This work was supported by the NSF GRFP.

The Mechanism of Methylated Seed Oil on Enhancing Biological Efficacy of Topramezone on Weeds

PubMed Central

Zhang, Jinwei; Jaeck, Ortrud; Menegat, Alexander; Zhang, Zongjian; Gerhards, Roland; Ni, Hanwen

2013-01-01

Methylated seed oil (MSO) is a recommended adjuvant for the newly registered herbicide topramezone in China and also in other countries of the world, but the mechanism of MSO enhancing topramezone efficacy is still not clear. Greenhouse and laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the effects of MSO on efficacy, solution property, droplet spread and evaporation, active ingredient deposition, foliar absorption and translocation of topramezone applied to giant foxtail (Setaria faberi Herrm.) and velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medic.). Experimental results showed that 0.3% MSO enhanced the efficacy of topramezone by 1.5-fold on giant foxtail and by 1.0-fold on velvetleaf. When this herbicide was mixed with MSO, its solution surface tension and leaf contact angle decreased significantly, its spread areas on weed leaf surfaces increased significantly, its wetting time was shortened on giant foxtail but not changed on velvetleaf, and less of its active ingredient crystal was observed on the treated weed leaf surfaces. MSO increased the absorption of topramezone by 68.9% for giant foxtail and by 45.9% for velvetleaf 24 hours after treatment. It also apparently promoted the translocation of this herbicide in these two weeds. PMID:24086329

Solution Process Synthesis of High Aspect Ratio ZnO Nanorods on Electrode Surface for Sensitive Electrochemical Detection of Uric Acid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmad, Rafiq; Tripathy, Nirmalya; Ahn, Min-Sang; Hahn, Yoon-Bong

2017-04-01

This study demonstrates a highly stable, selective and sensitive uric acid (UA) biosensor based on high aspect ratio zinc oxide nanorods (ZNRs) vertical grown on electrode surface via a simple one-step low temperature solution route. Uricase enzyme was immobilized on the ZNRs followed by Nafion covering to fabricate UA sensing electrodes (Nafion/Uricase-ZNRs/Ag). The fabricated electrodes showed enhanced performance with attractive analytical response, such as a high sensitivity of 239.67 μA cm-2 mM-1 in wide-linear range (0.01-4.56 mM), rapid response time (~3 s), low detection limit (5 nM), and low value of apparent Michaelis-Menten constant (Kmapp, 0.025 mM). In addition, selectivity, reproducibility and long-term storage stability of biosensor was also demonstrated. These results can be attributed to the high aspect ratio of vertically grown ZNRs which provides high surface area leading to enhanced enzyme immobilization, high electrocatalytic activity, and direct electron transfer during electrochemical detection of UA. We expect that this biosensor platform will be advantageous to fabricate ultrasensitive, robust, low-cost sensing device for numerous analyte detection.

Carbonization in Titan Tholins: implication for low albedo on surfaces of Centaurs and trans-Neptunian objects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giri, Chaitanya; McKay, Christopher P.; Goesmann, Fred; Schäfer, Nadine; Li, Xiang; Steininger, Harald; Brinckerhoff, William B.; Gautier, Thomas; Reitner, Joachim; Meierhenrich, Uwe J.

2016-07-01

Astronomical observations of Centaurs and trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) yield two characteristic features - near-infrared (NIR) reflectance and low geometric albedo. The first feature apparently originates due to complex organic material on their surfaces, but the origin of the material contributing to low albedo is not well understood. Titan tholins synthesized to simulate aerosols in the atmosphere of Saturn's moon Titan have also been used for simulating the NIR reflectances of several Centaurs and TNOs. Here, we report novel detections of large polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, nanoscopic soot aggregates and cauliflower-like graphite within Titan tholins. We put forth a proof of concept stating the surfaces of Centaurs and TNOs may perhaps comprise of highly `carbonized' complex organic material, analogous to the tholins we investigated. Such material would apparently be capable of contributing to the NIR reflectances and to the low geometric albedos simultaneously.

Localization of Virtual Objects in the Near Visual Field (Operator Interaction with Simple Virtual Objects)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ellis, Stephen R.; Menges, Brian M.

1998-01-01

Errors in the localization of nearby virtual objects presented via see-through, helmet mounted displays are examined as a function of viewing conditions and scene content in four experiments using a total of 38 subjects. Monocular, biocular or stereoscopic presentation of the virtual objects, accommodation (required focus), subjects' age, and the position of physical surfaces are examined. Nearby physical surfaces are found to introduce localization errors that differ depending upon the other experimental factors. These errors apparently arise from the occlusion of the physical background by the optically superimposed virtual objects. But they are modified by subjects' accommodative competence and specific viewing conditions. The apparent physical size and transparency of the virtual objects and physical surfaces respectively are influenced by their relative position when superimposed. The design implications of the findings are discussed in a concluding section.

Kinetics of gas phase formic acid decomposition on platinum single crystal and polycrystalline surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Detwiler, Michael D.; Milligan, Cory A.; Zemlyanov, Dmitry Y.; Delgass, W. Nicholas; Ribeiro, Fabio H.

2016-06-01

Formic acid dehydrogenation turnover rates (TORs) were measured on Pt(111), Pt(100), and polycrystalline Pt foil surfaces at a total pressure of 800 Torr between 413 and 513 K in a batch reactor connected to an ultra-high vacuum (UHV) system. The TORs, apparent activation energies, and reaction orders are not sensitive to the structure of the Pt surface, within the precision of the measurements. CO introduced into the batch reactor depressed the formic acid dehydrogenation TOR and increased the reaction's apparent activation energies on Pt(111) and Pt(100), consistent with behavior predicted by the Temkin equation. Two reaction mechanisms were explored which explain the formic acid decomposition mechanism on Pt, both of which include dissociative adsorption of formic acid, rate limiting formate decomposition, and quasi-equilibrated hydrogen recombination and CO adsorption. No evidence was found that catalytic supports used in previous studies altered the reaction kinetics or mechanism.

Usefulness of the apparent diffusion coefficient for the evaluation of the white matter to differentiate between glioblastoma and brain metastases.

PubMed

Miquelini, L A; Pérez Akly, M S; Funes, J A; Besada, C H

2016-01-01

To determine whether there are significant differences in the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) between the apparently normal peritumor white matter surrounding glioblastomas and that surrounding brain metastases. We retrospectively reviewed 42 patients with histologically confirmed glioblastomas and 42 patients with a single cerebral metastasis. We measured the signal intensity in the apparently normal peritumor white matter and in the abnormal peritumor white matter on the ADC maps. We used mean ADC values in the contralateral occipital white matter as a reference from which to design normalized ADC indices. We compared mean values between the two tumor types. We calculated the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve and estimated the sensitivity and specificity of the measurements taken. Supratentorial lesions and compromise of the corpus callosum were more common in patients with glioblastoma than in patients with brain metastases. The maximum diameter of the enhanced area after injection of a contrast agent was greater in the glioblastomas (p<0.001). The minimum ADC value measured in the apparently normal peritumor white matter was higher for the glioblastomas than for the metastases (p=0.002). Significant differences in the ADC index were found only for the minimum ADC value in apparently normal peritumor white matter. The sensitivity and specificity were less than 70% for all variables analyzed. There are differences in the ADC values of apparently normal peritumor white matter between glioblastomas and cerebral metastases, but the magnitude of these differences is slight and the application of these differences in clinical practice is still limited. Copyright © 2015 SERAM. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Aspects of the bottom sediment of Lake Nakaumi and Honjo area ~ featuring with organic matter and the Sulfides ~

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shinohara, R.

2015-12-01

Lake Nakaumi is a brackish water located at southwest Japan. Seawater from the Sea of Japan inflows through Sakai-strait, and river water flows through the Oohashi River into this lake. Lake Nakaumi is characterized with hypoxic and/or anoxic condition of bottom water derived with the distinct stratification of salinity in summer season. In this lake, a public project had been carried out for land reclamation since 1963. Honjo Area located to the north part of Lake Nakaumi, was semi-separated from Lake Nakaumi by reclamation dikes constructed for this project at 1981. However, this public project was aborted with the change of social conditions. To the effective utilization of the area, the partial removal of dike was carried out. Seawater from Sakai-strait flows directly into Honjo Area again. Environmental change of the lake is expected by this inflow of the seawater in Lake Nakaumi and Honjo Area after this restoration. It is well known that the surface sediment reflects the environment of lake bottom. The organic matter and the sulfides in sediment are good indicators of sedimentation environment. In this study, we analyzed them by several methods and grasped the bottom environment of both areas after the removal of dikes. We examined the impact of the restoration to both areas by comparing the observations with the past data. Surface sediment samples in Lake Nakaumi and Honjo Area were obtained at 77 and 40 stations, respectively. We collected surface sediment (about 1cm) were for each station, and analyzed total organic carbon (TOC) and total nitrogen (TN) as organic matter, and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in pore water, total sulfide (TS) and acid volatile sulfide (AVS) as sulfides. TOC contents of Lake Nakaumi and Honjo Area range within 0.0-5.1% and 0.2-4.9%, respectively. TN contents range within 0.0-0.6 % and 0.1-0.6 %. TS contents range within 0.1-2.6% and 0.0-2.0 %. H2S contents range within 0.3-119.0 ppm and 0.5-140.4 ppm. AVS contents range within 0.0-9.4 mg/g and 0.0-5.1 mg/g. In comparison between Lake Nakaumi and Honjo Area, the apparent difference was not detected in H2S and AVS contents, but there was a broad distinction in TS contents. This results shows that Honjo Area deposits significantly little FeS2 contents. It was thought that a difference in the form of sulfide showed a characteristic of Honjo Area.

Outcrops, Fossils, Geophysical Logs, and Tectonic Interpretations of the Upper Cretaceous Frontier Formation and Contiguous Strata in the Bighorn Basin, Wyoming and Montana

USGS Publications Warehouse

Merewether, E.A.; Cobban, W.A.; Tillman, R.W.

2010-01-01

In the Bighorn Basin of north-central Wyoming and south-central Montana, the Frontier Formation of early Late Cretaceous age consists of siliciclastic, bentonitic, and carbonaceous beds that were deposited in marine, brackish-water, and continental environments. Most lithologic units are laterally discontinuous. The Frontier Formation conformably overlies the Mowry Shale and is conformably overlain by the Cody Shale. Molluscan fossils collected from outcrops of these formations and listed in this report are mainly of marine origin and of Cenomanian, Turonian, and Coniacian ages. The lower and thicker part of the Frontier in the Bighorn Basin is of Cenomanian age and laterally equivalent to the Belle Fourche Member of the Frontier in central Wyoming. Near the west edge of the basin, these basal strata are disconformably overlain by middle Turonian beds that are the age equivalent of the Emigrant Gap Member of the Frontier in central Wyoming. The middle Turonian beds are disconformably overlain by lower Coniacian strata. Cenomanian strata along the south and east margins of the basin are disconformably overlain by upper Turonian beds in the upper part of the Frontier, as well as in the lower part of the Cody; these are, in turn, conformably overlain by lower Coniacian strata. Thicknesses and ages of Cenomanian strata in the Bighorn Basin and adjoining regions are evidence of regional differential erosion and the presence of an uplift during the early Turonian centered in northwestern Wyoming, west of the basin, probably associated with a eustatic event. The truncated Cenomanian strata were buried by lower middle Turonian beds during a marine transgression and possibly during regional subsidence and a eustatic rise. An uplift in the late middle Turonian, centered in north-central Wyoming and possibly associated with a eustatic fall, caused the erosion of lower middle Turonian beds in southern and eastern areas of the basin as well as in an adjoining region of north-central Wyoming. Similarly, in east-central Wyoming and an adjacent area to the south, Cenomanian strata are disconformably overlain by upper middle and lower upper Turonian strata that probably reflect uplift and erosion in that region during the interim period of middle Turonian time. During later subsidence and a marine transgression, upper Turonian deposits buried Cenomanian beds in areas along the south and east margins of the Bighorn Basin and buried lower middle Turonian beds in much of northern Wyoming. Upper Turonian and lower Coniacian strata are apparently conformable in eastern and southern areas of the basin as well as near Riverton, Kaycee, and Casper in central Wyoming. Upper Turonian strata are absent on the west flank of the Bighorn Basin and in outcrops west of the basin, where middle Turonian beds are disconformably overlain by lower Coniacian beds . The conformable upper Turonian and lower Coniacian beds apparently transgressed an eroded middle Turonian surface in the region, but only Coniacian strata overlie middle Turonian beds on the west side of the basin and areas farther west. Coniacian strata onlap the truncated lower middle Turonian surface west of the basin, indicating a region that had higher elevation possibly resulting from tectonic uplift. In east-central Wyoming and an adjoining region to the south, upper middle Turonian and lower upper Turonian strata are disconformably overlain by lower and middle Coniacian beds. That region apparently was uplifted and eroded during the latest Turonian.

Apparent late Quaternary fault slip rate increase in the southwestern Lower Rhine Graben, central Europe

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gold, Ryan D.; Friedrich, Anke M.; Kubler, Simon; Salamon, Martin

2017-01-01

In regions of low strain, long earthquake recurrence intervals (104–106  yrs) and erosive processes limit preservation of Quaternary markers suitable for distinguishing whether faults slip at uniform or secularly varying rates. The Lower Rhine graben in the border region of Germany, The Netherlands, and Belgium provides a unique opportunity to explore Quaternary slip‐rate variations in a region of low strain using the basal (2.29±0.29  Ma) and surface (700±80  ka) contacts of the regionally extensive main terrace (“Hauptterrasse”), deposited by the Rhine and Maas Rivers. These surfaces are vertically offset 3–140 m and 0–68 m, respectively, across individual fault strands within a distributed network of northwest‐trending, slow‐slipping (<0.1  mm/yr) normal faults. In this investigation, we construct Quaternary slip histories for the southern Lower Rhine graben faults using new main terrace surface vertical offset measurements made from light detection and ranging (lidar)‐derived bare‐earth digital terrain models, which we synthesize with existing constraints on the offset basal contact of this fluvial deposit (n=91 collocated sites with displacement constraints). We find that >80% of the sites record an apparent increase in slip rate for the more recent interval from 700 ka to present, which corresponds to a period of increased uplift of the nearby Rhenish Massif and regional volcanism. However, the apparent increase in slip rate could result, in part, from erosion of the footwall surface below the main terrace, leading to an apparent displacement that is smaller than the total vertical offset since the start of the Quaternary. Prior work focused on characterization of these faults as seismic sources in the Lower Rhine graben has preferentially relied on the average fault‐slip rate constrained using the base of the main terrace. We suggest that average fault‐slip rates calculated using the ∼700  ka main terrace surface are subjected to fewer uncertainties and sample a time interval that is more relevant for seismic‐hazard analysis.

Highly Effective Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Materials based on Silver Nanowire/Cellulose Papers.

PubMed

Lee, Tae-Won; Lee, Sang-Eui; Jeong, Young Gyu

2016-05-25

We fabricated silver nanowire (AgNW)-coated cellulose papers with a hierarchical structure by an efficient and facile dip-coating process, and investigated their microstructures, electrical conductivity and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness. SEM images confirm that AgNWs are coated dominantly on the paper surfaces, although they exist partially in the inner parts of the cellulose papers, which demonstrates that the AgNW density gradually decreases in thickness direction of the AgNW/cellulose papers. This result is supported by the anisotropic apparent electrical conductivity of the AgNW/cellulose papers depending on in-plane or thickness direction. Even for a AgNW/cellulose paper obtained by a single dip-coating cycle, the apparent electrical conductivity in the in-plane direction of 0.34 S/cm is achieved, which is far higher than the neat cellulose paper with ∼10(-11) S/cm. In addition, the apparent electrical conductivity of the papers in the in-plane direction increases significantly from 0.34 to 67.51 S/cm with increasing the number of dip-coating cycle. Moreover, although the AgNW/cellulose paper with 67.51 S/cm possesses 0.53 vol % AgNW only, it exhibits high EMI shielding performance of ∼48.6 dB at 1 GHz. This indicates that the cellulose paper structure is highly effective to form a conductive AgNW network. Overall, it can be concluded that the AgNW/cellulose papers with high flexibility and low density can be used as electrically conductive components and EMI shielding elements in advanced application areas.

Some Fundamental Experiments on Apparent Dissolution Rate of Gas Phase in the Groundwater Recovery Processes of the Geological Disposal System - 12146

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yoshii, Taiki; Niibori, Yuichi; Mimura, Hitoshi

The apparent dissolution rates of gas phase in the co-presence of solid phase were examined by in-room experiments in this study. The apparent dissolution rate of gas phase q (mol/m{sup 3}.s) was generally defined by q=aK{sub L}(γP{sub g}-c), where a (1/m) is specific surface area of the interface between gas and liquid phases, K{sub L} (m/s) is overall mass transfer coefficient, γ (mol/(Pa.m{sup 3})) is reciprocal number of Henry constant, P{sub g} (Pa) is partial pressure of gas phase, and c (mol/m{sup 3}) is the concentration of gas component in liquid phase. As a model gas, CO{sub 2} gas wasmore » used. For evaluating the values of K{sub L}, this study monitored pH or the migration rate of the interface between water/gas phases, using some experiments such as the packed beds and the micro channel consisting of granite chip and rubber sheet including a slit. In the results, the values of K{sub L} were distributed in the range from 5.0x10{sup -6} m/s to 5.0x10{sup -7} m/s. These values were small, in comparison with that (7.8x10{sup -4} m/s) obtained from the bubbling test where gas phase was continually injected into deionized water without solid phase. This means that the solid phase limits the local mixing of water phase near gas-liquid interfaces. (authors)« less

Meteorological conditions are associated with physical activities performed in open-air settings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suminski, Richard R.; Poston, Walker C.; Market, Patrick; Hyder, Melissa; Sara, Pyle A.

2008-01-01

Meteorological conditions (MC) are believed to modify physical activity. However, studies in this area are limited and none have looked at the associations between MC and physical activity in open-air settings. Therefore, we examined the relationships between MC and physical activities performed on sidewalks/streets and outdoor oval tracks. Observation techniques were used to count individuals walking to school, exercising on oval tracks and walking/jogging/biking on sidewalks/streets. Meteorological conditions were obtained from an Automated Surface Observing System located at a nearby airport for the same time periods physical activities were observed. On weekdays, fewer children were seen walking to school and more bicyclists were observed on sidewalks/streets as wind speed increased ( p < 0.05). Ambient and apparent temperatures were positively ( p < 0.05) and humidity and barometric pressure negatively ( p < 0.005) related to the number of individuals walking on the track. Meteorological conditions were not significantly associated with physical activities observed on weekends. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that apparent temperature (+), barometric pressure (-) and dew point (-) accounted for 58.0% of the variance in the number of walkers on the track. A significant proportion of the variance (>30%) in the number of joggers and the length of time they jogged was accounted for by apparent temperature (+) and dew point (-). We found that meteorological conditions are related to physical activity in open-air settings. The results embellish the context in which environmental-physical activity relationships should be interpreted and provide important information for researchers applying the observation method in open-air settings.

High surface area aerogels for energy storage and efficiency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maloney, Ryan Patrick

The dissertation is divided into two main chapters, each focused on a different application for aerogel. The first chapter concerns the development of silica aerogel for thermal insulation. It begins with initial characterization of a silica aerogel insulation for a next-generation Advanced Radioisotope Stirling Generator for space vehicles. While the aerogel as made performs well, it is apparent that further improvements in mechanical strength and durability are necessary. The chapter then continues with the exploration of chlorotrimethysilane surface modification, which somewhat surprisingly provides a drastic increase in mechanical properties, allowing the inherently brittle silica network to deform plastically to >80% strain. It is hypothesized that the hydrophobic surface groups reduce capillary forces during drying, lowering the number of microcracks that may form and weaken the gel. This surface modification scheme is then implemented in a fiber-reinforced, opacified aerogel insulation for a prototypical thermoelectric generator for automotive waste heat recovery. This is the first known report of aerogel insulation for thermoelectrics. The aerogel insulation is able to increase the efficiency of the thermoelectric generator by 40% compared with commercial high-temperature insulating wool. Unfortunately, the supercritical drying process adds significant cost to the aerogel insulation, limiting its commercial viability. The chapter then culminates in the development and characterization of an Ambiently Dried Aerogel Insulation (ADAI) that eliminates the need for expensive supercritical drying. It is believed that this report represents the first aerogel insulation that can be dried without undergoing a large volume change before "springing back" to near its original volume, which allows it to be cast into place into complex geometries and around rigid inclusions. This reduces a large barrier to the commercial viability of aerogel insulation. The advantages of ADAI are demonstrated in a third-generation prototypical thermoelectric generator for automotive waste heat recovery. The second chapter then details two different aerogel-based materials for electrochemical energy storage. It begins with lithium titanate aerogel, which takes advantage of the high surface area of the aerogel morphology to display a batt-cap behavior. This should allow the lithium titanate aerogel to perform at higher rates than would normally be expected for the bulk oxide material. Additionally, the flexibility of the sol-gel process is demonstrated through the incorporation of electrically conductive high-surface area exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets in the oxide. The last section describes the characterization of a LiMn2O 4 spinel coated carbon nanofoam in a non-aqueous electrolyte. The short diffusion path, high surface area and intimately wired architecture of the nanofoam allows the oxide to retain its capacity at significantly higher rates when compared with literature values for the bulk oxide. Additionally, the nanometric length scale improves cycle life, and the high surface area dramatically increases the insertion capacity by providing a higher concentration of surface defects. Taken together, it is clear that aerogels are an extremely attractive class of material for applications pertaining to energy and efficiency, and further research in this area will provide valuable solutions for pressing societal needs. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).

Spatial and temporal distribution and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments of Taihu Lake, eastern China.

PubMed

Tang, Zhi; Guo, Jianyang; Liao, Haiqing; Zhao, Xiaoli; Wu, Fengchang; Zhu, Yuanrong; Zhang, Liang; Giesy, John P

2015-04-01

Spatial and temporal distributions of concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surface sediments and dated sediment core from Taihu Lake in eastern China were determined. The sum of concentrations of PAHs (sum of total 16 USEPA priority PAH (∑PAHs)) of the entire Taihu Lake ranged from 2.9 × 10(2) to 8.4 × 10(2) ng/g dry mass (dm). Concentrations of ∑PAHs in surface sediments near more urbanized regions of the lake shore were greater than those in areas more remote from the urban centers. Temporal trends in concentrations of ∑PAHs ranged from 5.1 × 10(2) to 1.5 × 10(3) ng/g dm, increasing from deeper layers to surface sediments with some fluctuations, especially in the past three decades after the inception of China's Reform and Opening Up Policy, in which China's economy and urbanization underwent rapid development. Forensic analysis of surface sediments indicates that PAHs originated primarily from combustion of grass/wood/coal except for the special function water area, which was most likely influenced by petroleum products of traveling vessels. Vertical profiles of relative concentrations of PAHs suggested that the contribution of lesser-molecular-weight PAHs was gradually decreasing, while due to the heavier consumption of petroleum products, the proportion of greater-molecular-weight PAHs was increasing. When assessed by use of the rather conservative, apparent effect threshold method, concentrations of ∑PAHs in sediments from most locations in Taihu Lake are predicted to pose little risk of harm to benthic invertebrates.

Assessment of Irrigation Physics in a Land Surface Modeling Framework Using Non-Traditional and Human-Practice Datasets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lawston, Patricia M.; Santanello, Joseph A.; Rodell, Matthew; Franz, Trenton E.

2017-01-01

Irrigation increases soil moisture, which in turn controls water and energy fluxes from the land surface to the10 planetary boundary layer and determines plant stress and productivity. Therefore, developing a realistic representation of irrigation is critical to understanding land-atmosphere interactions in agricultural areas. Irrigation parameterizations are becoming more common in land surface models and are growing in sophistication, but there is difficulty in assessing the realism of these schemes, due to limited observations (e.g., soil moisture, evapotranspiration) and scant reporting of irrigation timing and quantity. This study uses the Noah land surface model run at high resolution within NASAs Land15 Information System to assess the physics of a sprinkler irrigation simulation scheme and model sensitivity to choice of irrigation intensity and greenness fraction datasets over a small, high resolution domain in Nebraska. Differences between experiments are small at the interannual scale but become more apparent at seasonal and daily time scales. In addition, this study uses point and gridded soil moisture observations from fixed and roving Cosmic Ray Neutron Probes and co-located human practice data to evaluate the realism of irrigation amounts and soil moisture impacts simulated by the model. Results20 show that field-scale heterogeneity resulting from the individual actions of farmers is not captured by the model and the amount of irrigation applied by the model exceeds that applied at the two irrigated fields. However, the seasonal timing of irrigation and soil moisture contrasts between irrigated and non-irrigated areas are simulated well by the model. Overall, the results underscore the necessity of both high-quality meteorological forcing data and proper representation of irrigation foraccurate simulation of water and energy states and fluxes over cropland.

Clay mineral continental amplifier for marine carbon sequestration in a greenhouse ocean

PubMed Central

Kennedy, Martin J.; Wagner, Thomas

2011-01-01

The majority of carbon sequestration at the Earth’s surface occurs in marine continental margin settings within fine-grained sediments whose mineral properties are a function of continental climatic conditions. We report very high mineral surface area (MSA) values of 300 and 570 m2 g in Late Cretaceous black shales from Ocean Drilling Program site 959 of the Deep Ivorian Basin that vary on subcentennial time scales corresponding with abrupt increases from approximately 3 to approximately 18% total organic carbon (TOC). The observed MSA changes with TOC across multiple scales of variability and on a sample-by-sample basis (centimeter scale), provides a rigorous test of a hypothesized influence on organic carbon burial by detrital clay mineral controlled MSA. Changes in TOC also correspond with geochemical and sedimentological evidence for water column anoxia. Bioturbated intervals show a lower organic carbon loading on mineral surface area of 0.1 mg-OC m-2 when compared to 0.4 mg-OC m-2 for laminated and sulfidic sediments. Although either anoxia or mineral surface protection may be capable of producing TOC of < 5%, when brought together they produced the very high TOC (10–18%) apparent in these sediments. This nonlinear response in carbon burial resulted from minor precession-driven changes of continental climate influencing clay mineral properties and runoff from the African continent. This study identifies a previously unrecognized land–sea connection among continental weathering, clay mineral production, and anoxia and a nonlinear effect on marine carbon sequestration during the Coniacian-Santonian Oceanic Anoxic Event 3 in the tropical eastern Atlantic. PMID:21576498

Effect of abalone farming on sediment geochemistry in the Shallow Sea near Wando, South Korea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, Jeongwon; Lee, Yeon Gyu; Jeong, Da Un; Lee, Jung Sick; Choi, Yang Ho; Shin, Yun Kyung

2015-12-01

Wando County has grown up to 93% of the total abalone produced in South Korea since the late 1990s; however, this production has been decreasing in recent years. The objectives of this study were to understand the potential contamination risks of abalone farming and to examine the influence of intensive abalone farming on sediment quality by analyzing grain-size composition, organic matter (total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), total sulfur (TS)) and heavy metal content, pH, and 210Pb geochronology. The results of organic matter analysis from surface and core sediment (length: 64 cm) showed that the area around the abalone farm had oxic marine-to-brackish conditions, but that the area directly below an abalone cage (location 7) had reductive conditions, with a C/S ratio of ~2. The average TN levels in the surface and core sediments were 0.25% and 0.29%, respectively, and this was predominantly due to the use of seaweed for feed. The low sediment pH (surface, 7.23; core, 7.04), indicates that acidification of the bottom sediment has gradually increased since the initiation of abalone farming and is likely due to the continuous accumulation of uneaten feed and feces. Heavy metal pollution was not apparent based on the examination of EF and Igeo, although the excess metal flux of Ni, Pb, Cu, Co, As, and Cd increased toward surface of the sediment core. These sediment changes may be caused by the rapid accumulation (sedimentation rate: 1.45 cm/year) of sludge discharged from the abalone farm and may be controlled by tidal currents, physiography, water depth, and tidal ranges.

Glacial Buzzcutting and Scarp Encroachment Limit the Height of Tropical Mountains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cunningham, M.; Stark, C. P.; Kaplan, M. R.; Schaefer, J. M.; Winckler, G.

2016-12-01

In many mountain ranges hypsometric maxima occur between the glacial equilibrium line altitude (ELA) of the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and that of today. A common interpretation of this large-scale observation is that a "glacial buzzsaw" acting throughout the Pleistocene concentrated area within the altitudinal band of ELA fluctuation. This hypothesis remains controversial, however, as there are many examples of uplifted relict surfaces in heavily glaciated areas that occur near the ELA by coincidence. We have focused on the role of glacial erosion in the tropics, where it is spatially restricted to high elevations and temporally limited to global glacial maxima, but appears to have nevertheless truncated vertical orogen growth. Evidence of glacial buzzcutting in some of these ranges has been obscured by post-glacial destruction of glacial valleys by expanding fluvial catchments. We deduce that a duel between glacial buzzcuting and fluvially-driven scarp encroachment has proceeded throughout the Pleistocene in these places. In Costa Rica, we use 10Be and 3He surface-exposure age dating and topographic analysis to confirm that substantial glacial denudation took place at high elevations during the LGM, and employ topographic metrics there and in the Central Range of Taiwan to reveal shrinkage of glacially buzzcut surfaces driven by post-glacial scarp encroachment. These data cast new light on the buzzsaw hypothesis by showing that glacial erosion works with remarkable efficiency in the tropics, precisely where it is likely to be least effective. Our work also draws attention to landscapes with ambiguous signs of glacial erosion, as there are apparent instances of heavily modified, pre-LGM buzzcut surfaces in several tropical ranges. These perched, possibly pre-LGM landscapes may offer a window into previous phases of buzzcutting, and place speed limits on the rate of post-glacial scarp encroachment.

Aging of Nanocrystalline Mackinawite (FeS): Mineralogical and Physicochemical Properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jeong, H. Y.; Lee, H.

2011-12-01

Due to the extraordinary physical properties and high surface areas, nanocrystalline minerals have been widely investigated for their potential uses in treating contaminated groundwaters and surface waters. Most previous studies in this field have focused on either preparation of nanocrystalline minerals or measurement of their reactivity with environmental contaminants. Nanocrystalline minerals, due to the inherent thermodynamic instability, tend to change the physicochemical and mineralogical properties over time, usually resulting in the decreased reactivity. Thus, to better assess the long-term effectiveness of nanocrystalline minerals in field applications, such "aging" effects should be clearly delineated. In the present work, we have investigated the aging impact on nanocrystalline mackinawite (FeS), the ubiquitous Fe-bearing mineral in anoxic sulfidic sediments. Mackinawite (FeS) is known to be an effective scavenger for metal pollutants and a strong reducing reagent for chromate and chlorinated organic compounds. Our preliminary results indicate that nanocrystalline FeS ages via Ostwald ripening, particle aggregation, or mineralogical transformation. By X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, aging of nanocrystalline FeS via Ostwald ripening is found to be dominant at acidic pH. Cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (TEM) shows that particle aggregation is most evident at neutral pH. Transformation of nanosized FeS into a more thermodynamically stable greigite (Fe3S4) is observed in the presence of folic acid at acidic pH. The pH-dependent aging process may be linked with changes in the apparent solubility and surface charge of FeS with pH. The Ostwald ripening or particle aggregation of nanocrystalline FeS leads to the decrease surface area, thus causing the decreased reactivity. Given the less reactivity of greigite, the transformation of nanocrystalline FeS to greigite is also expected to result in the decreased reactivity.

Characterization of Soil Heterogeneity Across Scales in an Intensively Investigated Soil Volume

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patterson, Matthew; Gimenez, Daniel; Nemes, Attila; Dathe, Annette; French, Helen; Bloem, Esther; Koestel, John; Jarvis, Nick

2016-04-01

Heterogeneous water flow in undisturbed soils is a natural occurrence that is complex to model due to potential changes in hydraulic properties in soils over changes in space. The use of geophysical methods, such as Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), can provide a minimally-invasive approximation of the spatial heterogeneity of the soil. This spatial distribution can then be combined with measured hydraulic properties to inform a model. An experiment was conducted on an Intensively Investigated Soil Volume (IISV), with dimensions of 2m x 1m x 0.8m, located in an agricultural field that is part of the Gryteland catchment in Ås, Norway. The location of the IISV was determined through surface ERT runs at two sequential resolutions. The first run was used to find an area of higher apparent electrical resistivity in a 23.5 x 11.5 m area with 0.5 m spacing. The second run measured apparent electrical resistivity in a 4.7 x 1 m area with 0.1 m spacing, from which the final IISV volume was derived. Distinct features found in the higher resolution run of the IISV, including a recent tire track from a harvester, were used as a spatial reference point for the installation of 20 pairs of TDR probes and tensiometers. The instruments measured water content, temperature and pressure potential at 10 minute intervals and ran continuously for a period of two weeks. After completion of the data collection the IISV was intensively sampled, with 30 samples taken for bulk density, 62 for hydraulic property measurements, and 20 to be used for both CT scanning and hydraulic property measurements. The measurement of hydraulic properties is ongoing and retention will be measured in the 0 - 100 cm range on a sand table, and from 100 - approx. 900 cm with an automated evaporation method. The formation of spatial clusters to represent the soil heterogeneity as relatively homogeneous units based on mesoscale properties like apparent electrical resistivity, bulk density, texture, in-situ measurements and image-derived properties at the microscale will be presented and discussed. Work combining the spatial clusters with estimated and measured hydraulic properties to inform the HYDRUS 3D model will also be discussed.

Landslides in the western Columbia Gorge, Skamania County, Washington

USGS Publications Warehouse

Pierson, Thomas C.; Evarts, Russell C.; Bard, Joseph A.

2016-11-04

SummaryRecent light detection and ranging (lidar) imagery has allowed us to identify and map a large number of previously unrecognized landslides, or slides, in heavily forested terrain in the western Columbia Gorge, Skamania County, Washington, and it has revealed that the few previously recognized areas of instability are actually composites of multiple smaller landslides. The high resolution of the imagery further reveals that landslides in the map area have complex movement histories and span a wide range of relative ages. Movement histories are inferred from relative landslide locations and crosscutting relations of surface features. Estimated age ranges are based on (1) limited absolute dating; (2) relative fineness of landscape surface textures, calibrated by comparison with surfaces of currently active and dated landslides as interpreted from interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR), global positioning system (GPS), and historical records; (3) sharpness and steepness of larger-scale surface morphologic features, calibrated by comparison with similar dated features in other regions; (4) degree of surface erosion; and (5) evidence of erosion or deposition by late Pleistocene (15–22 ka) Missoula floods at or below 200 m altitude. The relative age categories are recent (0 to ~1,000 years old), intermediate-age (~1,000 to ~15,000 years old), and old (>~15,000 years old). Within the 221.5 km2 map area, we identified 215 discrete landslides, covering 140.9 km2 (64 percent of the map area). At least 12 of the recent landslides are currently moving or have moved within the last two decades. Mapping for this study expanded the area of previously recognized unstable terrain by 56 percent. Landslide geometries suggest that more than half (62 percent) of these slope failures are translational landslides or composite landslides with translational elements, with failure occurring along gently sloping bedding planes in zones of deeply weathered, locally clay rich volcaniclastic sedimentary units. Approximately two-thirds of the mapped landslide area comprises landslides that have remobilized parts of older slides, and 37 percent of these reactivated slides have involved reactivation of material from two or more older slides. The largest two recent landslides have volumes ≈1 km3 and runouts ≈6 km. One of these, the Bonneville landslide, temporarily dammed the Columbia River almost 600 years ago, and subsequent dam-break flooding inundated downstream areas. The other, the Red Bluffs landslide, slid into the river adjacent to the Bonneville landslide but apparently did not form a landslide dam. Another such landslide rapidly sliding into the Columbia River today could have a catastrophic impact on downstream communities and on the transportation and energy-distribution infrastructure of the Pacific Northwest.

Usefulness of the convexity apparent hyperperfusion sign in 123I-iodoamphetamine brain perfusion SPECT for the diagnosis of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus.

PubMed

Ohmichi, Takuma; Kondo, Masaki; Itsukage, Masahiro; Koizumi, Hidetaka; Matsushima, Shigenori; Kuriyama, Nagato; Ishii, Kazunari; Mori, Etsuro; Yamada, Kei; Mizuno, Toshiki; Tokuda, Takahiko

2018-03-16

OBJECTIVE The gold standard for the diagnosis of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is the CSF removal test. For elderly patients, however, a less invasive diagnostic method is required. On MRI, high-convexity tightness was reported to be an important finding for the diagnosis of iNPH. On SPECT, patients with iNPH often show hyperperfusion of the high-convexity area. The authors tested 2 hypotheses regarding the SPECT finding: 1) it is relative hyperperfusion reflecting the increased gray matter density of the convexity, and 2) it is useful for the diagnosis of iNPH. The authors termed the SPECT finding the convexity apparent hyperperfusion (CAPPAH) sign. METHODS Two clinical studies were conducted. In study 1, SPECT was performed for 20 patients suspected of having iNPH, and regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) of the high-convexity area was examined using quantitative analysis. Clinical differences between patients with the CAPPAH sign (CAP) and those without it (NCAP) were also compared. In study 2, the CAPPAH sign was retrospectively assessed in 30 patients with iNPH and 19 healthy controls using SPECT images and 3D stereotactic surface projection. RESULTS In study 1, rCBF of the high-convexity area of the CAP group was calculated as 35.2-43.7 ml/min/100 g, which is not higher than normal values of rCBF determined by SPECT. The NCAP group showed lower cognitive function and weaker responses to the removal of CSF than the CAP group. In study 2, the CAPPAH sign was positive only in patients with iNPH (24/30) and not in controls (sensitivity 80%, specificity 100%). The coincidence rate between tight high convexity on MRI and the CAPPAH sign was very high (28/30). CONCLUSIONS Patients with iNPH showed hyperperfusion of the high-convexity area on SPECT; however, the presence of the CAPPAH sign did not indicate real hyperperfusion of rCBF in the high-convexity area. The authors speculated that patients with iNPH without the CAPPAH sign, despite showing tight high convexity on MRI, might have comorbidities such as Alzheimer's disease.

Permeation Properties and Pore Structure of Surface Layer of Fly Ash Concrete

PubMed Central

Liu, Jun; Qiu, Qiwen; Xing, Feng; Pan, Dong

2014-01-01

This paper presents an experimental study on the nature of permeation properties and pore structure of concrete surface layers containing fly ash. Concretes containing different dosages of fly ash as a replacement for cement (15% and 30% by weight of total cement materials, respectively) were investigated. Concrete without any fly ash added was also employed as the reference specimen. Laboratory tests were conducted to determine the surface layer properties of concrete including chloride transport, apparent water permeability and pore structure. The results demonstrate that incorporation of fly ash, for the early test period, promotes the chloride ingress at the surface layer of concrete but substituting proportions of fly ash may have little impact on it. With the process of chloride immersion, the chloride concentration at the surface layer of concrete with or without fly ash was found to be nearly the same. In addition, it is suggested that the water permeability at the concrete surface area is closely related to the fly ash contents as well as the chloride exposure time. Pore structure was characterized by means of mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) test and the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. The modification of pore structure of concrete submersed in distilled water is determined by the pozzolanic reaction of fly ash and the calcium leaching effect. The pozzolanic reaction was more dominant at the immersion time of 180 days while the calcium leaching effect became more evident after 270 days. PMID:28788677

Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Enterococcus spp and Staphylococcus spp isolated from surfaces in a veterinary teaching hospital.

PubMed

Hamilton, Elizabeth; Kaneene, John B; May, Katherine J; Kruger, John M; Schall, William; Beal, Matthew W; Hauptman, Joe G; DeCamp, Charles E

2012-06-15

To determine the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of enterococci and staphylococci collected from environmental surfaces at a veterinary teaching hospital (VTH). Longitudinal study. Samples collected from surfaces in 5 areas (emergency and critical care, soft tissue and internal medicine, and orthopedic wards; surgery preparation and recovery rooms; and surgery office and operating rooms) of a VTH. Selected surfaces were swabbed every 3 months during the 3-year study period (2007 to 2009). Isolates of enterococci and staphylococci were identified via biochemical tests, and antimicrobial susceptibility was evaluated with a microbroth dilution technique. A subset of isolates was analyzed to assess clonality by use of pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. 430 samples were collected, and isolates of enterococci (n = 75) and staphylococci (110) were identified. Surfaces significantly associated with isolation of Enterococcus spp and Staphylococcus spp included cages and a weight scale. Fourteen Enterococcus spp isolates and 17 Staphylococcus spp isolates were resistant to ≥ 5 antimicrobials. Samples collected from the scale throughout the study suggested an overall increase in antimicrobial resistance of Enterococcus faecium over time. Clonality was detected for E faecium isolates collected from 2 different surfaces on the same day. Although not surprising, the apparent increase in antimicrobial resistance of E faecium was of concern because of the organism's ability to transmit antimicrobial resistance genes to other pathogens. Results reported here may aid in identification of critical control points to help prevent the spread of pathogens in VTHs.

A COMPARISON OF ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES TO SELECTED AIR POLLUTANTS BETWEEN TWO APPARENT SOCIO-ECONOMICALLY DIVERSE POPULATIONS IN THE RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK METROPOLITAN AREA

EPA Science Inventory

Human exposures to certain size fractions of ambient air Particulate Matter (PM) have been related to apparent associations in increased mortality and morbidity in the U.S. population. This risk association would appear to be relevant to the general population and even more pro...

Recent advances in quantitative analysis of fluid interfaces in multiphase fluid flow measured by synchrotron-based x-ray microtomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schlueter, S.; Sheppard, A.; Wildenschild, D.

2013-12-01

Imaging of fluid interfaces in three-dimensional porous media via x-ray microtomography is an efficient means to test thermodynamically derived predictions on the relationship between capillary pressure, fluid saturation and specific interfacial area (Pc-Sw-Anw) in partially saturated porous media. Various experimental studies exist to date that validate the uniqueness of the Pc-Sw-Anw relationship under static conditions and with current technological progress direct imaging of moving interfaces under dynamic conditions is also becoming available. Image acquisition and subsequent image processing currently involves many steps each prone to operator bias, like merging different scans of the same sample obtained at different beam energies into a single image or the generation of isosurfaces from the segmented multiphase image on which the interface properties are usually calculated. We demonstrate that with recent advancements in (i) image enhancement methods, (ii) multiphase segmentation methods and (iii) methods of structural analysis we can considerably decrease the time and cost of image acquisition and the uncertainty associated with the measurement of interfacial properties. In particular, we highlight three notorious problems in multiphase image processing and provide efficient solutions for each: (i) Due to noise, partial volume effects, and imbalanced volume fractions, automated histogram-based threshold detection methods frequently fail. However, these impairments can be mitigated with modern denoising methods, special treatment of gray value edges and adaptive histogram equilization, such that most of the standard methods for threshold detection (Otsu, fuzzy c-means, minimum error, maximum entropy) coincide at the same set of values. (ii) Partial volume effects due to blur may produce apparent water films around solid surfaces that alter the specific fluid-fluid interfacial area (Anw) considerably. In a synthetic test image some local segmentation methods like Bayesian Markov random field, converging active contours and watershed segmentation reduced the error in Anw associated with apparent water films from 21% to 6-11%. (iii) The generation of isosurfaces from the segmented data usually requires a lot of postprocessing in order to smooth the surface and check for consistency errors. This can be avoided by calculating specific interfacial areas directly on the segmented voxel image by means of Minkowski functionals which is highly efficient and less error prone.

Spectral Dimensionality and Scale of Urban Radiance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Small, Christopher

2001-01-01

Characterization of urban radiance and reflectance is important for understanding the effects of solar energy flux on the urban environment as well as for satellite mapping of urban settlement patterns. Spectral mixture analyses of Landsat and Ikonos imagery suggest that the urban radiance field can very often be described with combinations of three or four spectral endmembers. Dimensionality estimates of Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) radiance measurements of urban areas reveal the existence of 30 to 60 spectral dimensions. The extent to which broadband imagery collected by operational satellites can represent the higher dimensional mixing space is a function of both the spatial and spectral resolution of the sensor. AVIRIS imagery offers the spatial and spectral resolution necessary to investigate the scale dependence of the spectral dimensionality. Dimensionality estimates derived from Minimum Noise Fraction (MNF) eigenvalue distributions show a distinct scale dependence for AVIRIS radiance measurements of Milpitas, California. Apparent dimensionality diminishes from almost 40 to less than 10 spectral dimensions between scales of 8000 m and 300 m. The 10 to 30 m scale of most features in urban mosaics results in substantial spectral mixing at the 20 m scale of high altitude AVIRIS pixels. Much of the variance at pixel scales is therefore likely to result from actual differences in surface reflectance at pixel scales. Spatial smoothing and spectral subsampling of AVIRIS spectra both result in substantial loss of information and reduction of apparent dimensionality, but the primary spectral endmembers in all cases are analogous to those found in global analyses of Landsat and Ikonos imagery of other urban areas.

Sulfates on Mars: TES Observations and Thermal Inertia Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cooper, C. D.; Mustard, J. F.

2001-05-01

The high resolution thermal emission spectra returned by the TES spectrometer on the MGS spacecraft have allowed the mapping of a variety of minerals and rock types by different sets of researchers. Recently, we have used a linear deconvolution approach to compare sulfate-palagonite soil mixtures created in the laboratory with Martian surface spectra. This approach showed that a number of areas on Mars have spectral properties that match those of sulfate-cemented soils (but neither loose powder mixtures of sulfates and soils nor sand-sized grains of disaggregated crusted soils). These features do not appear to be caused by atmospheric or instrumental effects and are thus believed to be related to surface composition and texture. The distribution and physical state of sulfate are important pieces of information for interpreting surface processes on Mars. A number of different mechanisms could have deposited sulfate in surface layers. Some of these include evaporation of standing bodies of water, aerosol deposition of volcanic gases, hydrothermal alteration from groundwater, and in situ interaction between the atmosphere and soil. The areas on Mars with cemented sulfate signatures are spread across a wide range of elevations and are generally large in spatial scale. Some of the areas are associated with volcanic regions, but many are in dark red plains that have previously been interpreted as duricrust deposits. Our current work compares the distribution of sulfate-cemented soils as mapped by the spectral deconvolution approach with thermal inertia maps produced from both Viking and MGS-TES. Duricrust regions, interpreted from intermediate thermal inertia values, are large regions thought to be sulfate-cemented soils similar to coherent, sulfate-rich materials seen at the Viking lander sites. Our observations of apparent regions of cemented sulfate are also large in spatial extent. This scale information is important for evaluating formation mechanisms for the sulfate material, although we currently lack the data to analyze sulfates on the outcrop scale. Analyzing our sulfate maps from spectral deconvolution together with thermal inertia data gives more information on the distribution of possible duricrusts, which provides insight into possible surface processes on Mars.

Simulation of variation of apparent resistivity in resistivity surveys using finite difference modelling with Monte Carlo analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aguirre, E. E.; Karchewski, B.

2017-12-01

DC resistivity surveying is a geophysical method that quantifies the electrical properties of the subsurface of the earth by applying a source current between two electrodes and measuring potential differences between electrodes at known distances from the source. Analytical solutions for a homogeneous half-space and simple subsurface models are well known, as the former is used to define the concept of apparent resistivity. However, in situ properties are heterogeneous meaning that simple analytical models are only an approximation, and ignoring such heterogeneity can lead to misinterpretation of survey results costing time and money. The present study examines the extent to which random variations in electrical properties (i.e. electrical conductivity) affect potential difference readings and therefore apparent resistivities, relative to an assumed homogeneous subsurface model. We simulate the DC resistivity survey using a Finite Difference (FD) approximation of an appropriate simplification of Maxwell's equations implemented in Matlab. Electrical resistivity values at each node in the simulation were defined as random variables with a given mean and variance, and are assumed to follow a log-normal distribution. The Monte Carlo analysis for a given variance of electrical resistivity was performed until the mean and variance in potential difference measured at the surface converged. Finally, we used the simulation results to examine the relationship between variance in resistivity and variation in surface potential difference (or apparent resistivity) relative to a homogeneous half-space model. For relatively low values of standard deviation in the material properties (<10% of mean), we observed a linear correlation between variance of resistivity and variance in apparent resistivity.

Paraneurons in the gills and airways of fishes.

PubMed

Zaccone, G; Fasulo, S; Ainis, L; Licata, A

1997-04-01

This chapter describes the distributional patterns of the neuroendocrine cells in the respiratory surfaces of fishes and their bioactive secretions which are compared with similar elements in higher vertebrates. The neuroendocrine cells in the airways of fishes differentiate as solitary and clustered cells, but the clusters are not converted into neuroepithelial bodies which are reported in terrestrial vertebrates. The dipnoan fish Protopterus has innervated neuroendocrine cells in the pneumatic duct region. In Polypterus and Amia the lungs have neuroendocrine cells that are apparently not innervated. Two types of neuroendocrine cells are found in the gill of teleost fishes. These cells are very different by their location, structure and immunohistochemistry. Advanced studies on functional morphology of neuroendocrine cells in fish airways are still necessary to increase our understanding of their multifunctional role in the gill area.

Leilah Fluctus Despeckled

NASA Image and Video Library

2015-02-12

Presented here are side-by-side comparisons of a traditional Cassini Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) view, at left, and one made using a new technique for handling electronic noise that results in clearer views of Titan's surface, at right. The technique, called despeckling, produces images that can be easier for researchers to interpret. The terrain seen here is in the flow region named Leilah Fluctus (55 degrees north, 80 degrees west). With the speckle noise suppressed, the overall pattern of bright and dark in the scene becomes more apparent. In particular, cone-shaped features near lower right stand out, which could be alluvial analogues on Titan -- features produced by the action of rivers or floods. North is toward right in this image, which shows an area about 50 miles (80 kilometers) wide. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA19054

Self-Expansion Construction of Ultralight Carbon Nanotube Aerogels with a 3D and Hierarchical Cellular Structure.

PubMed

Luo, Yufeng; Luo, Shu; Wu, Hengcai; Li, Mengya; Wang, Ke; Yan, Lingjia; Jiang, Kaili; Li, Qunqing; Fan, Shoushan; Wang, Jiaping

2017-07-01

A novel and simple strategy is developed to construct ultralight and 3D pure carbon nanotube (CNT) aerogels by the spontaneous expansion of superaligned CNT films soaked in a piranha (mixed H 2 SO 4 and H 2 O 2 ) solution, followed by cryodesiccation. The macroscopic CNT aerogels have an extremely low apparent density (0.12 mg cm -3 ), ultrahigh porosity (99.95%), high specific surface area (298 m 2 g -1 ), and a hierarchical cellular structure with giant and ultrathin CNT sheets as cell walls. The pure CNT aerogels show high adsorption abilities for various kinds of solvents, and have great potential in widespread applications such as energy storage, catalysis, and bioengineering. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

An unsupervised classification approach for analysis of Landsat data to monitor land reclamation in Belmont county, Ohio

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brumfield, J. O.; Bloemer, H. H. L.; Campbell, W. J.

1981-01-01

Two unsupervised classification procedures for analyzing Landsat data used to monitor land reclamation in a surface mining area in east central Ohio are compared for agreement with data collected from the corresponding locations on the ground. One procedure is based on a traditional unsupervised-clustering/maximum-likelihood algorithm sequence that assumes spectral groupings in the Landsat data in n-dimensional space; the other is based on a nontraditional unsupervised-clustering/canonical-transformation/clustering algorithm sequence that not only assumes spectral groupings in n-dimensional space but also includes an additional feature-extraction technique. It is found that the nontraditional procedure provides an appreciable improvement in spectral groupings and apparently increases the level of accuracy in the classification of land cover categories.

ARC-1979-AC79-7081

NASA Image and Video Library

1979-07-08

P-21747 C Range: 2,200,000 miles This image shows a region of the Jovian atmosphere from approximately 25° N to the equatorial region. The north temperate jet, at approximately 23° N, where the wind speed is about 150 meters per second, is seen as a dark brown line from the left-hand edge to the right-hand corner of the picture. The wispy clouds of the north equatorial belt appear as shades of brown. The lower right-hand corner of the image shows the brighter (white) clouds of the equatorial region. A small blue area is apparent near the lower edge, which corresponds to a region free of the upper clouds, where it is possible to penetrate to cloud layers approximately 60 kilometers below the visible surface.

ARC-1979-A79-7081

NASA Image and Video Library

1979-07-08

P-21747 BW Range: 2,200,000 miles This image shows a region of the Jovian atmosphere from approximately 25° N to the equatorial region. The north temperate jet, at approximately 23° N, where the wind speed is about 150 meters per second, is seen as a dark brown line from the left-hand edge to the right-hand corner of the picture. The wispy clouds of the north equatorial belt appear as shades of brown. The lower right-hand corner of the image shows the brighter (white) clouds of the equatorial region. A small blue area is apparent near the lower edge, which corresponds to a region free of the upper clouds, where it is possible to penetrate to cloud layers approximately 60 kilometers below the visible surface.

Molecularly imprinted composite cryogels for hemoglobin depletion from human blood.

PubMed

Baydemir, Gözde; Andaç, Müge; Perçin, Işιk; Derazshamshir, Ali; Denizli, Adil

2014-09-01

A molecularly imprinted composite cryogel (MICC) was prepared for depletion of hemoglobin from human blood prior to use in proteome applications. Poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) based MICC was prepared with high gel fraction yields up to 90%, and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer, scanning electron microscopy, swelling studies, flow dynamics and surface area measurements. MICC exhibited a high binding capacity and selectivity for hemoglobin in the presence of immunoglobulin G, albumin and myoglobin. MICC column was successfully applied in fast protein liquid chromatography system for selective depletion of hemoglobin for human blood. The depletion ratio was highly increased by embedding microspheres into the cryogel (93.2%). Finally, MICC can be reused many times with no apparent decrease in hemoglobin adsorption capacity. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A study of the possible characteristics of a low-altitude electron layer in the Martian atmosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wallio, H. A.

1974-01-01

The apparent diurnal Martian surface pressure variations, as deduced from radio occultation experiments, is discussed and explained as possibly arising from the effect of a low-altitude electron layer. Possible source and loss mechanisms for the low altitude electron layer are presented and discussed. Time dependent differential equations describing the electron layer are derived, and then integrated to investigate the electron distribution resulting from several processes that might occur in the atmosphere. It is concluded that the source mechanism is the sublimation of alkali atoms from a permanent dust layer, and that the dominant loss process must involve CO2 clustering about the alkali atoms. An electron layer is developed which explains the apparent diurnal surface pressure variation.

Geohydrology of test well USW H-1, Yucca Mountain, Nye County, Nevada

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rush, F.E.; Thordarson, W.; Pyles, D.G.

This report contains the results of hydraulic testing, hydrologic monitoring, and geophysical logging of test well USW H-1, one of several wells drilled in the southwestern part of the Nevada Test Site in cooperation with the US Department of Energy for investigations related to the isolation of high-level radioactive wastes. All rocks penetrated by the well to a total depth of 1829 meters were of volcanic origin and of Tertiary age. Hydraulic head in the zone 688 to 741 meters below land surface was 730 meters above sea level and at a depth of 572 meters below land surface. Deepermore » zones had hydraulic heads of 781 meters above sea level or higher, indicating an upward component of ground-water flow at the site. The most transmissive zone, with an apparent transmissivity of about 150 meters squared per day, is in the Prow Pass Member of the Crater Flat Tuff in the depth range from 572 to 688 meters below land surface. The remainder of the penetrated rocks in the saturated zone, 688 to 1829 meters, has an apparent transmissivity of about 1 meter squared per day. The most transmissive part of the lower depth range is in the Bullfrog Member of the Crater Flat Tuff in the depth interval from 736 to 741 meters. The apparent hydraulic conductivity of the rocks in this lower depth interval from 688 to 1829 meters commonly ranges between 10{sup -4} and 10{sup -7} meter per day. Water chemistry is typical of tuffaceous rocks of southern Nevada. The water is a sodium bicarbonate type and has an apparent age of 12,000 to 13,000 years before present, as determined by carbon-14 dating.« less

Near-surface location, geometry, and velocities of the Santa Monica Fault Zone, Los Angeles, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Catchings, R.D.; Gandhok, G.; Goldman, M.R.; Okaya, D.; Rymer, M.J.; Bawden, G.W.

2008-01-01

High-resolution seismic-reflection and seismic-refraction imaging, combined with existing borehole, earthquake, and paleoseismic trenching data, suggest that the Santa Monica fault zone in Los Angeles consists of multiple strands from several kilometers depth to the near surface. We interpret our seismic data as showing two shallow-depth low-angle fault strands and multiple near-vertical (???85??) faults in the upper 100 m. One of the low-angle faults dips northward at about 28?? and approaches the surface at the base of a topographic scarp on the grounds of the Wadsworth VA Hospital (WVAH). The other principal low-angle fault dips northward at about 20?? and projects toward the surface about 200 m south of the topographic scarp, near the northernmost areas of the Los Angeles Basin that experienced strong shaking during the 1994 Northridge earthquake. The 20?? north-dipping low-angle fault is also apparent on a previously published seismic-reflection image by Pratt et al. (1998) and appears to extend northward to at least Wilshire Boulevard, where the fault may be about 450 m below the surface. Slip rates determined at the WVAH site could be significantly underestimated if it is assumed that slip occurs only on a single strand of the Santa Monica fault or if it is assumed that the near-surface faults dip at angles greater than 20-28??. At the WVAH, tomographic velocity modeling shows a significant decrease in velocity across near-surface strands of the Santa Monica fault. P-wave velocities range from about 500 m/sec at the surface to about 4500 m/sec within the upper 50 m on the north side of the fault zone at WVAH, but maximum measured velocities on the south side of the low-angle fault zone at WVAH are about 3500 m/sec. These refraction velocities compare favorably with velocities measured in nearby boreholes by Gibbs et al. (2000). This study illustrates the utility of com- bined seismic-reflection and seismic-refraction methods, which allow more accurate reflection imaging and compositional estimations across areas with highly variable velocities, a property that is characteristic of most fault zones.

Influence of the Quaternary Climate Change on the Landscape of the Southern Part of the Middle Russian Upland (Russia)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romanovskaya, M.; Bessudnov, A. N.; Kuznetsova, T. V.; Sukhanova, T. V.; Krilkov, N. M.

2017-12-01

The study area belongs to the East European Plain. In paleoclimatic terms the northern limits of this area were covered by ice sheet during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and the entire area was located within the permafrost zone of the Last Permafrost Maximum (LPM) according to the published maps. The results of our geological and geomorphologic exploration of the area have clearly shown that this area is an actively growing neo-tectonic structure. Geomorphologic study and modeling have revealed the presence of erosion-shaped surfaces of different age which were formed by neo-tectonic movements and the effects of climate fluctuations. The entire landscape of the area is a system of altitudinal steps. Each surface has its own complex of recent deposits, which closely related to climate change. The fluvial terraces of the rivers Don and Tikhaya Sosna were formed under the influence of the Don, Dnepr, Moscow and, Valdai Glaciations. There are many calcareous loess layers and paleosol layers in the Quaternary geological sections of the area. Radiocarbon dating of fossils and paleosol layers found at the archaeological site Divnogorie-9 located in loess-like loam parts of the section (50.9649ºN, 39.3031ºE) provides the age 12-14 ka BP. Our rock-magnetism studies of this section have shown that its formation was affected by regional paleoclimate. We believe that a decrease of the erosion basis during the LGM led to a deepening of the erosion network. Later on, when the climate warmed the powerful but short-lived water streams filled the ravines with thick proluvial deposits. The degradation of the permafrost after LPM within the study area apparently had no significant effects on its landscape formation, as evidenced by the very small number of ice-wedge pseudomorphs and specific morphological features reported for this area. This conclusion is also supported by the results of our carbon research of loess-like loam and paleosol layers. Thus the emerging picture of the landscape of the study area being formed by the work of exogenous agents and neo-tectonic movements and also reflects climatic fluctuations during the Pleistocene and Holocene.

High-Functioning Wetland Formed Atop Abandoned Pavement in Eutrophic Reservoir Watershed

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clifford, C.; Heffernan, J. B.

2017-12-01

Water scientists and managers regularly observe how wetlands, whether natural or created, can mitigate the influence of artificial impervious surfaces on water quality. However, we rarely study or mention wetlands accidentally (sensu Palta et al. 2017) formed atop impervious surfaces. This silence occurs even though many urbanites have likely noticed sedges rimming a clogged drainage grate or in the low bits of a poorly graded or aging parking lot, or similar. A more extreme example occurs in the Little River Waterfowl Impoundment vicinity of the Butner-Falls of Neuse Game Land in Durham, North Carolina. There, a macadam road that connected local residents and a store, and served as the primary route through the area, by 1910-1920, was apparently abandoned by 1951. Later, damming nearby downstream Falls Lake Reservoir in 1981, and smaller-scale construction locally, apparently increased water table depth and flow exposure. Yet, the road remains largely intact structurally, though mostly buried and sometimes underwater. In a particularly wet segment of the road, surrounded by and partially holding back standing water even in drought, a substantial, mostly native wetland plant community has formed. This community includes trees such as overcup oak (Quercus lyrata) as large as 15 cm in diameter, shrubs such as (Cephalanthus occidentalus), sedges such as woolgrass (Scirpus cyperinus), rushes (multiple Juncus species), grasses such as wood oats (Chasmanthium latifolium), crayfish and fish, and multiple orders of herptiles. The plants grow rooted in fluffy sediment three to rarely more than 20cm deep, over solid pavement. Alongside the old road, the ditches have widened and become shallower and less surficially connected through tree roots and debris dams; they resemble pools. Sediment in these abandoned ditches has accumulated to depths of tens of centimeters, generally reforming a clay-dominated, gleyed soil, in some places buried under more tens of centimeters of very low-density particulate organic matter. How this old road and its ditches has apparently "naturalized," in spite of the pavement's continued existence, suggests that even abandoned pavement within urban matrices could grow to improve water quality. This possibility raises many new questions, and maybe later new options.

Detection of rabies antigen in the saliva and brains of apparently healthy dogs slaughtered for human consumption and its public health implications in abia state, Nigeria.

PubMed

Mshelbwala, P P; Ogunkoya, A B; Maikai, B V

2013-01-01

The study was carried out in eight dogs slaughtering outlets within four Local Government Areas of the State for the determination of rabies antigen in the saliva and brain of apparently healthy dogs slaughtered for human consumption. A total of one hundred (100) samples each of saliva and brain were collected before and after slaughter, respectively, between April to June, 2013, in the selected areas. The saliva was subjected to rapid immune-chromatographic test (RICT) while direct fluorescent antibody test (DFAT) was carried out on the brain samples. Structured questionnaire was administered to nineteen (19) dog meat processors comprising 18 males and 1 female in the selected areas. Sixty four percent of the samples tested were from female dogs while 36% were from males, 5% tested positive for rabies antigen with the use of both tests; there was no statistical association between sex and rabies status of the dogs sampled (P > 0.05). Butchers bitten during the course of slaughtering were 94.7% out of which 72.8% utilized traditional method of treatment and only 27.8% reported to the hospital for proper medical attention. This study has established the presence of rabies antigen in apparently healthy dogs in the study area.

Population dynamics of spotted owls in the Sierra Nevada, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Blakesley, J.A.; Seamans, M.E.; Conner, M.M.; Franklin, A.B.; White, Gary C.; Gutierrez, R.J.; Hines, J.E.; Nichols, J.D.; Munton, T.E.; Shaw, D.W.H.; Keane, J.J.; Steger, G.N.; McDonald, T.L.

2010-01-01

The California spotted owl (Strix occidentalis occidentalis) is the only spotted owl subspecies not listed as threatened or endangered under the United States Endangered Species Act despite petitions to list it as threatened. We conducted a meta-analysis of population data for 4 populations in the southern Cascades and Sierra Nevada, California, USA, from 1990 to 2005 to assist a listing evaluation by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Our study areas (from N to S) were on the Lassen National Forest (LAS), Eldorado National Forest (ELD), Sierra National Forest (SIE), and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (SKC). These study areas represented a broad spectrum of habitat and management conditions in these mountain ranges. We estimated apparent survival probability, reproductive output, and rate of population change for spotted owls on individual study areas and for all study areas combined (meta-analysis) using model selection or model-averaging based on maximum-likelihood estimation. We followed a formal protocol to conduct this analysis that was similar to other spotted owl meta-analyses. Consistency of field and analytical methods among our studies reduced confounding methodological effects when evaluating results. We used 991 marked spotted owls in the analysis of apparent survival. Apparent survival probability was higher for adult than for subadult owls. There was little difference in apparent survival between male and female owls. Model-averaged mean estimates of apparent survival probability of adult owls varied from 0.811 ?? 0.021 for females at LAS to 0.890 ?? 0.016 for males at SKC. Apparent survival increased over time for owls of all age classes at LAS and SIE, for adults at ELD, and for second-year subadults and adults at SKC. The meta-analysis of apparent survival, which included only adult owls, confirmed an increasing trend in survival over time. Survival rates were higher for owls on SKC than on the other study areas. We analyzed data from 1,865 observations of reproductive outcomes for female spotted owls. The proportion of subadult females among all territorial females of known age ranged from 0.00 to 0.25 among study areas and years. The proportion of subadults among female spotted owls was negatively related to reproductive output (no. of young fledged/territorial F owl) for ELD and SIE. Eldorado study area and LAS showed an alternate-year trend in reproductive output, with higher output in even-numbered years. Mean annual reproductive output was 0.988 ?? 0.154 for ELD, 0.624 ?? 0.140 for LAS, 0.478 ?? 0.106 for SIE, and 0.555 ?? 0.110 for SKC. Eldorado Study Area exhibited a declining trend and the greatest variation in reproductive output over time, whereas SIE and SKC, which had the lowest reproductive output, had the lowest temporal variation. Meta-analysis confirmed that reproductive output varied among study areas. Reproductive output was highest for adults, followed by second-year subadults, and then by first-year subadults. We used 842 marked subadult and adult owls to estimate population rate of change. Modeling indicated that ??t (??t is the finite rate of population change estimated using the reparameterized JollySeber estimator Pradel 1996) was either stationary (LAS and SIE) or increasing after an initial decrease (ELD and SKC). Mean estimated ??t for the 4 study areas was 1.007 (95 CI 0.9521.066) for ELD; 0.973 (95 CI 0.9461.001) for LAS; 0.992 (95 CI 0.9661.018) for SIE; and 1.006 (95 CI 0.9471.068) for SKC. The best meta-analysis model of population trend indicated that ?? varied across time but was similar in trend among the study areas. Our estimates of realized population change (??t; Franklin et al. 2004), which we estimated as the product 1 ?? ??3 ?? ??4 ?? .?? ??k -1, were based on estimates of ??t from individual study areas and did not require estimating annual population size for each study area. Trends represented the proportion of the population size in the first ye

TOPEX/El Niño Watch - La Niña Barely Has a Pulse, June 18, 1999

NASA Image and Video Library

1999-08-23

Lingering just a month ago in the eastern Pacific Ocean, the La Niña phenomenon, with its large volume of chilly water, barely has a pulse this month, according to new satellite data from NASA U.S.-French TOPEX/Poseidon mission. The data, taken during a 10-day cycle of data collection ending June 18, show that the equatorial Pacific Ocean is warming up and returning to normal (green) as La Niña all but vanishes. The warming trend is most apparent in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, where only a few patches of cooler, low sea levels (seen in blue and purple) remain. The blue areas are between 5 and 13 centimeters (2 and 5 inches) below normal, whereas the purple areas range from 14 to 18 centimeters (6 to 7 inches) below normal. Like its counterpart, El Niño, a La Niña condition will influence global climate and weather until it has completely subsided. As summer begins in the northern hemisphere, lower-than-normal sea surface levels and cool ocean temperatures persist in the northeastern Gulf of Alaska and along the western coast of North America. In contrast, the trend is the opposite over most of the Pacific, where above-normal sea surface heights and warmer ocean temperatures (indicated by the red and white areas) appear to be increasing and dominating the overall Pacific Ocean. Red areas are about 10 centimeters (4 inches) above normal; white areas show the sea surface height is between 14 and 32 centimeters (6 and 13 inches) above normal. Scientists are not ready to administer last rites to La Niña, though. In the last 12 months, the pool of unusually cold water in the Pacific has shrunk (warmed) several times before cooling (expanding) again. This summer's altimeter data will help them determine whether La Niña has truly dissipated or whether they will see another resurgence of cool water in the Pacific. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA01586

Organic matter degradation in surface sediments of the Changjiang estuary: Evidence from amino acids.

PubMed

Wang, Kui; Chen, Jianfang; Jin, Haiyan; Li, Hongliang; Zhang, Weiyan

2018-05-12

Organic matter degradation is a key component of the processes of carbon preservation and burial in seafloor sediments. The aim of this study was to explore organic matter degradation state within the open-shelf Changjiang Estuary of the East China Sea, using an amino acids-based degradation index (DI) in conjunction with information about organic matter source (marine versus terrestrial), bottom water oxygenation state, and sediment grain size. The relative molar percentages of 17 individual amino acids (characterized using principal component analysis) in surface sediments indicate that organic matter is degraded to varying extents across the estuary seabed. Sediments with DI >0 (relatively labile) were found mostly within a coastal hypoxic area. Sediments of DI less than -1 (relatively refractory) were found near the Changjiang River mouth and the northern and southern parts of the central shelf. We consider DI to be a more reliable indicator of degradation than simple ratios of AAs. DI was inversely correlated with the proportion of terrestrial organic material (F t ) in the sediments, indicating that relatively fresh/labile organic matter was generally associated with marine sources. DI was significantly correlated with F t and bottom water apparent oxygen utilization (AOU bot ) together. The parameter DI and the (labile) amino acid tyrosine were highest in hypoxic areas, suggesting the presence of relatively fresh organic matter, probably due to a combination of marine-source inputs and better preservation of organic matter in the silt and clay sediments of these areas (as compared to sandy sediments). Less degraded organic matter with high amino acids was also favorable to benthic animals. Overall, sedimentary estuarine organic matter was least degraded in areas characterized by marine sources of organic matter, low-oxygen conditions, and fine-grained sediments. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Application of remote sensing analysis and MT method for identification geothermal prospect zone in Mt. Endut

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akbar, A. M.; Permadi, A. N.; Wildan, D.; Sobirin, R.; Supriyanto

2017-07-01

Mount Endut is located at Banten Province, 40 km southward Rangkasbitung City, with geographic UTM position between 9261000-9274000 N and 639000-652000 E. Preliminary survey at Mt. Endut was geological and geochemical survey in 2006, resistivity survey and MT survey in 2007 with 27 measurement point. All survey conducted by Pusat Sumber Daya Geologi (PSDG). According to result of premilinary survey, Mt. Endut is dominated by quartenary volcanic rock produced by Mt. Endut, which breakthrough tertiary sediment layer. NE to SW normal fault produced surface manifestation, namely Cikawah (CKW) hot spring and Handeleum (HDL) hot spring. According to SiO2 and NaK geothermometer, subsurface temperature of Mt Endut is ranging from 162 to 180 °C. Apparent resistivity maps show that thermal manifestation areas coincide with pronounced high anomaly due to resistive intrusion bodies contrast to conductive sedimentary basements. In order to delineate permeability zone, fracture fault density (FFD) analysis from remote sensing image is carry out. FFD analysis from lansdat 7 image shows the area on westward flank of Mt. Endut have high fracture fault density (162-276 m/km2), higher than it's surrounding area and can be assume that area is weak zone and have high permeability. That's structure density anomaly coincide with low resistivity from Magnetotelluric data. Resistivity structure from Magnetotelluric data shows western flank have low permeability layer (14-27 Ohmm) with average thickness 250 m. Below this layer there is layer with higher resistivity (37-100 Ohmm) with ±1000 m depth and interpreted as shallow reservoir. Massive resistif intrusive bodies act controlled the surface manifestation, and act as boundary and bounded the geothermal system in western part of Mt. Endut.

Wetting of soap bubbles on hydrophilic, hydrophobic, and superhydrophobic surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arscott, Steve

2013-06-01

Wetting of sessile bubbles on various wetting surfaces (solid and liquid) has been studied. A model is presented for the apparent contact angle of a sessile bubble based on a modified Young's equation--the experimental results agree with the model. Wetting a hydrophilic surface results in a bubble contact angle of 90° whereas using a superhydrophobic surface one observes 134°. For hydrophilic surfaces, the bubble angle diminishes with bubble radius whereas on a superhydrophobic surface, the bubble angle increases. The size of the plateau borders governs the bubble contact angle, depending on the wetting of the surface.

Wastewater collection and treatment technologies for semi-urban areas of India: a case study.

PubMed

Sundaravadivel, M; Vigneswaran, S

2001-01-01

Sanitation and wastewater management problems in small and medium towns in India (referred to as "semi-urban areas"--SUAs) are distinctly different from those of large cities or rural villages. There is an apparent lack of choices of appropriate sanitation options for these semi-urban areas, leading them to adopt on-site sanitation technologies. A field study of four such small towns in India was conducted to evaluate the suitability of available low-cost wastewater collection and treatment technologies, in light of their current practice. Based on the field study, this paper suggests a system comprising "combined surface sewers" and "reed-bed channel" for collection and treatment of wastewater for semi-urban areas, that can utilize all the existing infrastructure to effect better sanitation at lower costs. The suggested system involves converting the existing open wastewater collection drains on the road sides, as "decentralized" networks of covered drains with simple structural modifications to collect both wastewater and stormwater; and, converting the large open drains on the outskirts of SUAs that carry wastewater to agricultural fields, as gravel media filled beds planted with local reeds. Cost estimates for the towns studied indicate this system to be over 70% cheaper compared to conventional collection and treatment systems.

Pesticides in mountain yellow-legged frogs (Rana muscosa) from the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Fellers, G.M.; McConnell, L.L.; Pratt, D.; Datta, S.

2004-01-01

In 1997, pesticide concentrations were measured in mountain yellow-legged frogs (Rana muscosa) from two areas in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, USA. One area (Sixty Lakes Basin, Kings Canyon National Park) had large, apparently healthy populations of frogs. A second area (Tablelands, Sequoia National Park) once had large populations, but the species had been extirpated from this area by the early 1980s. The Tablelands is exposed directly to prevailing winds from agricultural regions to the west. When an experimental reintroduction of R. muscosa in 1994 to 1995 was deemed unsuccessful in 1997, the last 20 (reintroduced) frogs that could be found were collected from the Tablelands, and pesticide concentrations in both frog tissue and the water were measured at both the Tablelands and at reference sites at Sixty Lakes. In frog tissues, dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) concentration was one to two orders of magnitude higher than the other organochlorines (46 ?? 20 ng/g wet wt at Tablelands and 17 ?? 8 Sixty Lakes). Both ??-chlordane and trans-nonachlor were found in significantly greater concentrations in Tablelands frog tissues compared with Sixty Lakes. Organophosphate insecticides, chlorpyrifos, and diazinon were observed primarily in surface water with higher concentrations at the Tablelands sites. No contaminants were significantly higher in our Sixty Lakes samples.

Interpreting diel hysteresis between soil respiration and temperature

Treesearch

C. Phillips; N. Nickerson; D. Risk; B.J. Bond

2011-01-01

Increasing use of automated soil respiration chambers in recent years has demonstrated complex diel relationships between soil respiration and temperature that are not apparent from less frequent measurements. Soil surface flux is often lagged from soil temperature by several hours, which results in semielliptical hysteresis loops when surface flux is plotted as a...

Study of the Vibrational Modes of Subsurface Oxygen on Al (111) Using Diode Laser Infrared Reflection-Absorption Spectroscopy.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-10-15

apparent shift of this band to higher energy with increasing coverage, observed at lower resolution (but higher sensitivity) in electron energy loss...apparent shift of this band to higher energy with increasing coverage, observed at lower resolution (but higher sen- sitivity) in electron energy ...11 using high-resolution electron energy -loss spectroscopy (EELS), is especially intriguing. 02 dissociates on this surface to populate two types of

Earth Observations taken by Expedition 26 Crewmember

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-01-13

ISS026-E-017421 (13 Jan. 2011) --- Photographed by an Expedition 26 crew member on the International Space Station, this detailed photograph illustrates flooding in suburbs of the Brisbane, Australia metropolitan region. The Brisbane area experienced catastrophic flooding following unusually heavy rainfall on Jan. 10, 2011. With surficial soils already saturated from previous rainfall events, eastward-draining surface flow caused the Brisbane River to flood—inundating an estimated 20,000 homes in suburbs of the capital city of Queensland. Other cities in Queensland have also experienced damaging floods during previous heavy rainfall events this year. The image highlights several suburbs along the Brisbane River in the southern part of the Brisbane metropolitan area. The light-colored rooftops of residences and other structures contrast sharply with green vegetation and brown, sediment laden floodwaters. Most visible low-lying areas are inundated by floodwater, perhaps the most striking being Rocklea at upper left. The suburb of Yeronga (lower left) also has evident regions of flooding, as does a park and golf course located along a bend in the Brisbane River to the south of St. Lucia (center). Flooding becomes less apparent near the higher elevations of Mt. Coot-Tha at right.

Geochemistry, faunal composition and trophic structure in reducing sediments on the southwest South Georgia margin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bell, James B.; Aquilina, Alfred; Woulds, Clare; Glover, Adrian G.; Little, Crispin T. S.; Reid, William D. K.; Hepburn, Laura E.; Newton, Jason; Mills, Rachel A.

2016-09-01

Despite a number of studies in areas of focused methane seepage, the extent of transitional sediments of more diffuse methane seepage, and their influence upon biological communities is poorly understood. We investigated an area of reducing sediments with elevated levels of methane on the South Georgia margin around 250 m depth and report data from a series of geochemical and biological analyses. Here, the geochemical signatures were consistent with weak methane seepage and the role of sub-surface methane consumption was clearly very important, preventing gas emissions into bottom waters. As a result, the contribution of methane-derived carbon to the microbial and metazoan food webs was very limited, although sulfur isotopic signatures indicated a wider range of dietary contributions than was apparent from carbon isotope ratios. Macrofaunal assemblages had high dominance and were indicative of reducing sediments, with many taxa common to other similar environments and no seep-endemic fauna, indicating transitional assemblages. Also similar to other cold seep areas, there were samples of authigenic carbonate, but rather than occurring as pavements or sedimentary concretions, these carbonates were restricted to patches on the shells of Axinulus antarcticus (Bivalvia, Thyasiridae), which is suggestive of microbe-metazoan interactions.

Speckle interferometry of asteroids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Drummond, Jack

1988-01-01

By studying the image two-dimensional power spectra or autocorrelations projected by an asteroid as it rotates, it is possible to locate its rotational pole and derive its three axes dimensions through speckle interferometry under certain assumptions of uniform, geometric scattering, and triaxial ellipsoid shape. However, in cases where images can be reconstructed, the need for making the assumptions is obviated. Furthermore, the ultimate goal for speckle interferometry of image reconstruction will lead to mapping albedo features (if they exist) as impact areas or geological units. The first glimpses of the surface of an asteroid were obtained from images of 4 Vesta reconstructed from speckle interferometric observations. These images reveal that Vesta is quite Moon-like in having large hemispheric-scale albedo features. All of its lightcurves can be produced from a simple model developed from the images. Although undoubtedly more intricate than the model, Vesta's lightcurves can be matched by a model with three dark and four bright spots. The dark areas so dominate one hemisphere that a lightcurve minimum occurs when the maximum cross-section area is visible. The triaxial ellipsoid shape derived for Vesta is not consistent with the notion that the asteroid has an equilibrium shape in spite of its having apparently been differentiated.

Geochemistry, faunal composition and trophic structure in reducing sediments on the southwest South Georgia margin

PubMed Central

Aquilina, Alfred; Woulds, Clare; Glover, Adrian G.; Little, Crispin T. S.; Hepburn, Laura E.; Newton, Jason; Mills, Rachel A.

2016-01-01

Despite a number of studies in areas of focused methane seepage, the extent of transitional sediments of more diffuse methane seepage, and their influence upon biological communities is poorly understood. We investigated an area of reducing sediments with elevated levels of methane on the South Georgia margin around 250 m depth and report data from a series of geochemical and biological analyses. Here, the geochemical signatures were consistent with weak methane seepage and the role of sub-surface methane consumption was clearly very important, preventing gas emissions into bottom waters. As a result, the contribution of methane-derived carbon to the microbial and metazoan food webs was very limited, although sulfur isotopic signatures indicated a wider range of dietary contributions than was apparent from carbon isotope ratios. Macrofaunal assemblages had high dominance and were indicative of reducing sediments, with many taxa common to other similar environments and no seep-endemic fauna, indicating transitional assemblages. Also similar to other cold seep areas, there were samples of authigenic carbonate, but rather than occurring as pavements or sedimentary concretions, these carbonates were restricted to patches on the shells of Axinulus antarcticus (Bivalvia, Thyasiridae), which is suggestive of microbe–metazoan interactions. PMID:27703692

Effects of Ambient Temperature and Relative Humidity on Subsurface Defect Detection in Concrete Structures by Active Thermal Imaging.

PubMed

Tran, Quang Huy; Han, Dongyeob; Kang, Choonghyun; Haldar, Achintya; Huh, Jungwon

2017-07-26

Active thermal imaging is an effective nondestructive technique in the structural health monitoring field, especially for concrete structures not exposed directly to the sun. However, the impact of meteorological factors on the testing results is considerable and should be studied in detail. In this study, the impulse thermography technique with halogen lamps heat sources is used to detect defects in concrete structural components that are not exposed directly to sunlight and not significantly affected by the wind, such as interior bridge box-girders and buildings. To consider the effect of environment, ambient temperature and relative humidity, these factors are investigated in twelve cases of testing on a concrete slab in the laboratory, to minimize the influence of wind. The results showed that the absolute contrast between the defective and sound areas becomes more apparent with an increase of ambient temperature, and it increases at a faster rate with large and shallow delaminations than small and deep delaminations. In addition, the absolute contrast of delamination near the surface might be greater under a highly humid atmosphere. This study indicated that the results obtained from the active thermography technique will be more apparent if the inspection is conducted on a day with high ambient temperature and humidity.

Geophysical investigation of 216-U-8 clay vitrified pipe transfer line, 200 West Area

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bergstrom, K.A.

1994-12-05

Two geophysical surveys were conducted over a vitrified clay pipeline (VCP) that was used to transfer liquid radioactive waste from the 224-U Building to the 216-U-8 and 216-U-12 cribs. The objectives of the surveys were to locate the VCP in the northern site, locate the bends in the VCP in the southern site, and locate possible utilities or pipelines at both sites. Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) was the method chosen for the surveys. Electromagnetic induction (EMI) was also used at the southern site to map the extent of a possible pipeline. It is very difficult to detect most VCPs with GPR,more » however, excavation boundaries for the pipeline are often discernible. The VCP was not identified in the GPR data at the northern site. Its anticipated depth was 10--12 ft. The VCP at the southern site appears to be much shallower. The data suggest it may be 5 ft or less below the surface in places. The edges of the excavation from N100 to N190 are between E120 and E135 and were quite distinct in the data. However, the excavation boundaries weren`t apparent north of N190, suggesting that the VCP bends to the north near N200. Several profiles were extended beyond N200. These profiles detected a linear, with the characteristic signature of a pipeline, approximately 3 ft below the surface. There was no previous knowledge of the pipeline. The linear was traced across the entire surface contamination area with an EMI geophysical tool.« less

Anomalous abundance and redistribution patterns of rare earth elements in soils of a mining area in Inner Mongolia, China.

PubMed

Wang, Lingqing; Liang, Tao

2016-06-01

The Bayan Obo Mine, the largest rare earth element (REE) deposit ever found in the world, has been mined for nearly 60 years for iron and rare earth elements. To assess the influences of mining activities on geochemical behavior of REEs in soils, 27 surface soil samples and three soil profile samples were collected from different directions in the vicinity of the mine area. The total concentrations of REEs in surface soils varied from 149.75 to 18,891.81 mg kg(-1) with an average value of 1906.12 mg kg(-1), which was apparently higher than the average values in China (181 mg kg(-1)). The order of the average concentrations of individual REEs in surface soils was similar to that in Bayan Obo ores, which confirmed that the concentration and distribution of REEs in the soils was influenced by the mining activities. The concentrations of single REE in the soil profiles showed a similar trend with depth with an increase at 0-25 cm section, then decreased and remained relatively stable in the deep part. The normalized curves inclined to the right side, showing the conspicuous fractionation between the light and heavy REEs, which supported by the North American Shale Composite (NASC) and Post-Archean Australian Shale (PAAS) normalized concentration ratios calculated for selected elements (La N /Yb N , La N /Sm N , Gd N /Yb N ). Slight positive Ce anomaly and negative Eu anomaly were also observed.

Effective use of ERTS multisensor data in the Great Plains

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Myers, V. I. (Principal Investigator)

1972-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. One unique advantage of ERTS imagery for delineating soil associations is the large area that can be scanned with one photo. Although soil associations usually are published at scales of 1:500,000 or 1:1,000,000, the delineations are drawn on much larger scale maps covering small pieces of the scene and then pieced together. Alluvial areas are usually swollen out of proportion to other soil areas. ERTS imagery puts alluvial areas into their proper size. A second feature of ERTS imagery is that a soil association map constructed with its aid assures that the cartographic level of the associations is more nearly the same. Another advantage of ERTS imagery is that the actual shape and configuration of soil associations are apparent. Also with ERTS imagery significant new delineations may become apparent which were missed when constructing soil association maps from conventional large scale photos.

9 CFR 72.6 - Interstate movement of cattle from quarantined areas not eradicating ticks.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... quarantined areas not eradicating ticks. 72.6 Section 72.6 Animals and Animal Products ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH... areas not eradicating ticks. Cattle in quarantined areas where tick eradication is not being conducted 3... inspector just prior to final dipping, found to be apparently free of ticks, and be certified as such by...

9 CFR 72.6 - Interstate movement of cattle from quarantined areas not eradicating ticks.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... quarantined areas not eradicating ticks. 72.6 Section 72.6 Animals and Animal Products ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH... areas not eradicating ticks. Cattle in quarantined areas where tick eradication is not being conducted 3... inspector just prior to final dipping, found to be apparently free of ticks, and be certified as such by...

9 CFR 72.6 - Interstate movement of cattle from quarantined areas not eradicating ticks.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... quarantined areas not eradicating ticks. 72.6 Section 72.6 Animals and Animal Products ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH... areas not eradicating ticks. Cattle in quarantined areas where tick eradication is not being conducted 3... inspector just prior to final dipping, found to be apparently free of ticks, and be certified as such by...

Closer look at the effect of AFM imaging conditions on the apparent dimensions of surface nanobubbles.

PubMed

Walczyk, Wiktoria; Schönherr, Holger

2013-01-15

To date, TM AFM (tapping mode or intermittent contact mode atomic force microscopy) is the most frequently applied direct imaging technique to visualize surface nanobubbles at the solid-aqueous interface. On one hand, AFM is the only profilometric technique that provides estimates of the bubbles' nanoscopic dimensions. On the other hand, the nanoscopic contact angles of surface nanobubbles estimated from their apparent dimensions that are deduced from AFM "height" images of nanobubbles differ markedly from the macrocopic water contact angles on the identical substrates. Here we show in detail how the apparent bubble height and width of surface nanobubbles on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) depend on the free amplitude of the cantilever oscillations and the amplitude setpoint ratio. (The role of these two AFM imaging parameters and their interdependence has not been studied so far for nanobubbles in a systematic way.) In all experiments, even with optimal scanning parameters, nanobubbles at the HOPG-water interface appeared to be smaller in the AFM images than their true size, which was estimated using a method presented herein. It was also observed that the severity of the underestimate increased with increasing bubble height and radius of curvature. The nanoscopic contact angle of >130° for nanobubbles on HOPG extrapolated to zero interaction force was only slightly overestimated and hence significantly higher than the macroscopic contact angle of water on HOPG (63 ± 2°). Thus, the widely reported contact angle discrepancy cannot be solely attributed to inappropriate AFM imaging conditions.

Polymer-Reinforced, Non-Brittle, Lightweight Cryogenic Insulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hess, David M.

2013-01-01

The primary application for cryogenic insulating foams will be fuel tank applications for fueling systems. It is crucial for this insulation to be incorporated into systems that survive vacuum and terrestrial environments. It is hypothesized that by forming an open-cell silica-reinforced polymer structure, the foam structures will exhibit the necessary strength to maintain shape. This will, in turn, maintain the insulating capabilities of the foam insulation. Besides mechanical stability in the form of crush resistance, it is important for these insulating materials to exhibit water penetration resistance. Hydrocarbon-terminated foam surfaces were implemented to impart hydrophobic functionality that apparently limits moisture penetration through the foam. During the freezing process, water accumulates on the surfaces of the foams. However, when hydrocarbon-terminated surfaces are present, water apparently beads and forms crystals, leading to less apparent accumulation. The object of this work is to develop inexpensive structural cryogenic insulation foam that has increased impact resistance for launch and ground-based cryogenic systems. Two parallel approaches will be pursued: a silica-polymer co-foaming technique and a post foam coating technique. Insulation characteristics, flexibility, and water uptake can be fine-tuned through the manipulation of the polyurethane foam scaffold. Silicate coatings for polyurethane foams and aerogel-impregnated polyurethane foams have been developed and tested. A highly porous aerogel-like material may be fabricated using a co-foam and coated foam techniques, and can insulate at liquid temperatures using the composite foam

Impact of iron on silicon utilization by diatoms in the Southern Ocean: A case study of Si/N cycle decoupling in a naturally iron-enriched area

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mosseri, Julie; Quéguiner, Bernard; Armand, Leanne; Cornet-Barthaux, Véronique

2008-03-01

Biogenic silica stocks and fluxes were investigated in austral summer over the naturally iron-fertilized Kerguelen Plateau and in nearby high-nutrient, low-chlorophyll (HNLC) off-plateau surface waters. The Kerguelen Plateau hosted a large-diatom bloom, with high levels of biogenic silica (BSi) but relatively low silicic acid (Si(OH) 4) uptake rates (1100±600 mmol m -2 and 8±4 mmol m -2 d -1, respectively). Diatoms of the naturally iron-enriched area presented high affinities for silicic acid, allowing them in combination with a beneficial nutrient vertical supply to grow in low silicic acid waters (<2 μM). Si(OH) 4 acid uptake rates were also compared with carbon and nitrogen uptake rates. As expected for diatoms growing in favourable nutrient conditions, and from previous artificial iron-enrichment experiments, Si:C and Si:NO 3 elemental uptake ratios of the natural diatom community of the plateau were close to 0.13 and 1, respectively. In contrast, diatom communities in the HNLC waters were composed of strongly silicified (high Si:C, Si:NO 3 uptake ratios) diatoms with low affinities for Si(OH) 4. Although the Si:NO 3 uptake ratio in the surface waters of the plateau was close to 1, the apparent consumption of nitrate on a seasonal basis was much lower (˜5 μM) than the apparent consumption of silicic acid (˜15 μM). This was mainly due to diatoms growing actively on ammonium (i.e. 39-77% of the total nitrogen uptake) produced by an intense heterotrophic activity. Thus we find that while Fe fertilization does increase N uptake with respect to Si uptake, rapid recycling of N decouples nitrogen and carbon export from silica export so that the "silicate pump" remains more efficient than that of N (or P). For this reason an iron-fertilized Southern Ocean is unlikely to experience nitrate exhaustion or export silicic acid to the global ocean.

The geochemical evolution of riparian ground water in a forested piedmont catchment

USGS Publications Warehouse

Burns, Douglas A.; Plummer, Niel; McDonnell, Jeffrey J.; Busenberg, Eurybiades; Casile, Gerolamo C.; Kendall, Carol; Hooper, Richard P.; Freer, James E.; Peters, Norman E.; Beven, Keith; Schlosser, Peter

2003-01-01

The principal weathering reactions and their rates in riparian ground water were determined at the Panola Mountain Research Watershed (PMRW) near Atlanta, Georgia. Concentrations of major solutes were measured in ground water samples from 19 shallow wells completed in the riparian (saprolite) aquifer and in one borehole completed in granite, and the apparent age of each sample was calculated from chloroflourocarbons and tritium/helium-3 data. Concentrations of SiO2, Na+, and Ca2+ generally increased downvalley and were highest in the borehole near the watershed outlet. Strong positive correlations were found between the concentrations of these solutes and the apparent age of ground water that was modern (zero to one year) in the headwaters, six to seven years midway down the valley, and 26 to 27 years in the borehole, located ∼500 m downstream from the headwaters. Mass-balance modeling of chemical evolution showed that the downstream changes in ground water chemistry could be largely explained by weathering of plagioclase to kaolinite, with possible contributions from weathering of K-feldspar, biotite, hornblende, and calcite. The in situ rates of weathering reactions were estimated by combining the ground water age dates with geochemical mass-balance modeling results. The weathering rate was highest for plagioclase (∼6.4 μmol/L/year), but could not be easily compared with most other published results for feldspar weathering at PMRW and elsewhere because the mineral-surface area to which ground water was exposed during geochemical evolution could not be estimated. However, a preliminary estimate of the mineral-surface area that would have contacted the ground water to provide the observed solute concentrations suggests that the plagioclase weathering rate calculated in this study is similar to the rate calculated in a previous study at PMRW, and three to four orders of magnitude slower than those published in previous laboratory studies of feldspar weathering. An accurate model of the geochemical evolution of riparian ground water is necessary to accurately model the geochemical evolution of stream water at PMRW.

On the dependence of charge density on surface curvature of an isolated conductor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhattacharya, Kolahal

2016-03-01

A study of the relation between the electrostatic charge density at a point on a conducting surface and the curvature of the surface (at that point) is presented. Two major papers in the scientific literature on this topic are reviewed and the apparent discrepancy between them is resolved. Hence, a step is taken towards obtaining a general analytic formula for relating the charge density with surface curvature of conductors. The merit of this formula and its limitations are discussed.

Differential subsidence in Mexico City and implications to its Collective Transport System (Metro).

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Solano Rojas, D. E.; Wdowinski, S.; Cabral-Cano, E.; Osmanoglu, B.

2017-12-01

Mexico City is one of the fastest subsiding metropolis in the world. At displacement rates ranging from 0 to -380 [mm/yr], the complex geological setting is subjected to differential subsidence, which has led to damage, operation interruptions, and accidents to the Collective Transport System, or Metro. The Metro plays a critical role in Mexico City, carrying more than four million passengers per day. However, no previous study has focused on the deformation monitoring along the 93 km of the Metro surface railways, mainly because of the limitations of the traditional geodetic techniques. In this study, we use high-resolution Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) observations to monitor land subsidence throughout the city and quantify differential subsidence along surface Metro lines. Our analysis is based on 34 TerraSAR-X StripMap scenes acquired from May 2011 to June 2013 and 36 COSMO-SkyMed Stripmap scenes acquired from June 2011 to June 2012. The data were processed using the StaMPS InSAR time series technique, obtaining point densities of up to 4827 points/km2. Our post-processing methodologies include the following two components: (1) Detection of differential subsidence along the metro lines by calculating subsidence gradients, and (2) Detection of apparent uplift—areas subsiding slower than their surroundings—by using spatial frequency filtering. The two analyses allow us to recognize four main consequences of differential subsidence in the Metro system: 1. Deflection in elevated railways, 2. Deflection in street-level railways, 3. Columns with decreased loading capacity, and 4. Apparent uplift affecting surrounding infrastructure. Our results aim at shortening the large gap between scientific geodetic studies and applicable engineering parameters that can be used by local authorities in the city for maintenance and new lines development.

Influence of environmental and anthropogenic factors on the composition, concentration and spatial distribution of microplastics: A case study of the Bay of Brest (Brittany, France).

PubMed

Frère, L; Paul-Pont, I; Rinnert, E; Petton, S; Jaffré, J; Bihannic, I; Soudant, P; Lambert, C; Huvet, A

2017-06-01

The concentration and spatial distribution of microplastics in the Bay of Brest (Brittany, France) was investigated in two surveys. Surface water and sediment were sampled at nine locations in areas characterized by contrasting anthropic pressures, riverine influences or water mixing. Microplastics were categorized by their polymer type and size class. Microplastic contamination in surface water and sediment was dominated by polyethylene fragments (PE, 53-67%) followed by polypropylene (PP, 16-30%) and polystyrene (PS, 16-17%) microparticles. The presence of buoyant microplastics (PE, PP and PS) in sediment suggests the existence of physical and/or biological processes leading to vertical transfer of lightweight microplastics in the bay. In sediment (upper 5 cm), the percentage of particles identified by Raman micro-spectroscopy was lower (41%) than in surface water (79%) and may explain the apparent low concentration observed in this matrix (0.97 ± 2.08 MP kg -1 dry sediment). Mean microplastic concentration was 0.24 ± 0.35 MP m -3 in surface water. We suggest that the observed spatial MP distribution is related to proximity to urbanized areas and to hydrodynamics in the bay. A particle dispersal model was used to study the influence of hydrodynamics on surface microplastic distribution. The outputs of the model showed the presence of a transitional convergence zone in the centre of the bay during flood tide, where floating debris coming from the northern and southern parts of the bay tends to accumulate before being expelled from the bay. Further modelling work and observations integrating (i) the complex vertical motion of microplastics, and (ii) their point sources is required to better understand the fate of microplastics in such a complex coastal ecosystem. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The dissolution kinetics of major elements in municipal solid waste incineration bottom ash particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bendz, David; Tüchsen, Peter L.; Christensen, Thomas H.

2007-12-01

Leaching and tracer experiments in batches at L/S 20 were performed with 3-month-old MSWI bottom ash separated into eight different particle sizes. The time-dependent leaching of major elements (Ca 2+, K +, Na +, Cl - and SO 4- 2 ) was monitored for up to 747 h. Physical properties of the particles, the specific surface (BET), pore volume and pore volume distribution over pore sizes (BJH) were determined for all particle classes by N 2 adsorption/desorption experiments. Some common features of physical pore structure for all particles were revealed. The specific surface and the particle pore volume were found to be negatively correlated with particle size, ranging from 3.2 m 2/g to 25.7 m 2/g for the surface area and from 0.0086 cm 3/g to 0.091 cm 3/g for the pore volume. Not surprisingly, the specific surface area was found to be the major material parameter that governed the leaching behavior for all elements (Ca 2+, K +, Na +, Cl - and SO 4- 2 ) and particle sizes. The diffusion resistance was determined independently by separate tracer (tritium) experiments. Diffusion gave a significant contribution to the apparent leaching kinetics for all elements during the first 10-40 h (depending on the particle size) of leaching and surface reaction was the overall rate controlling mechanism at late times for all particle sizes. For Ca 2+ and SO 4- 2 , the coupled effect of diffusion resistance and the degree of undersaturation in the intra particle pore volume was found to be a major rate limiting dissolution mechanism for both early and late times. The solubility control in the intra particulate porosity may undermine any attempt to treat bottom ash by washing out the sulfate. Even for high liquid/solid ratios, the solubility in the intra-particular porosity will limit the release rate.

Correlations of norbornenyl crosslinked polyimide resin structures with resin thermo-oxidative stability, resin glass transition temperature and composite initial mechanical properties

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alston, William B.

1988-01-01

PMR (polymerization of monomeric reactants) methodology was used to prepare 70 different polyimide oligomeric resins and 30 different unidirectional graphite fiber/polyimide composites. Monomeric composition as well as chain length between sites of crosslinks were varied to examine their effects on resin thermo-oxidative stability and glass transition temperature (Tg) of the cured/postcured resins. A linear correlation of decreasing 316 C resin weight loss/surface area versus (1) decreasing aliphatic content, or (2) increasing benzylic/aliphatic content stoichiometry ratio over a wide range of resin compositions was observed. An almost linear correlation of Tg versus molecular distance between the crosslinks was also observed. An attempt was made to correlate Tg with initial composite mechanical properties (flexural strength and interlaminar shear strength). However, the scatter in mechanical strength data prevented obtaining a clear correlation. Instead, only a range of composite mechanical properties was obtained at 25, 288, and 316 C. Perhaps more importantly, what did become apparent during the correlation study was (1) the PMR methodology could be used to prepare composites from resins containing a wide variety of monomer modifications, (2) that these composites almost invariably provided satisfactory initial mechanical properties as long as the resins formulated exhibited satisfactory processing flow, and (3) that PMR resins exhibited predictable rates of 316 C weight loss/surface area based on their benzylic/aliphatic stoichiometery ratio.

Methylene blue adsorption by algal biomass based materials: biosorbents characterization and process behaviour.

PubMed

Vilar, Vítor J P; Botelho, Cidália M S; Boaventura, Rui A R

2007-08-17

Dead algal biomass is a natural material that serves as a basis for developing a new family of sorbent materials potentially suitable for many industrial applications. In this work an algal industrial waste from agar extraction process, algae Gelidium and a composite material obtained by immobilization of the algal waste with polyacrylonitrile (PAN) were physical characterized and used as biosorbents for dyes removal using methylene blue as model. The apparent and real densities and the porosity of biosorbents particles were determined by mercury porosimetry and helium picnometry. The methylene blue adsorption in the liquid phase was the method chosen to calculate the specific surface area of biosorbent particles as it seems to reproduce better the surface area accessible to metal ions in the biosorption process than the N2 adsorption-desorption dry method. The porous texture of the biosorbents particles was also studied. Equilibrium isotherms are well described by the Langmuir equation, giving maximum uptake capacities of 171, 104 and 74 mg g(-1), respectively for algae, algal waste and composite material. Kinetic experiments at different initial methylene blue concentrations were performed to evaluate the equilibrium time and the importance of the driving force to overcome mass transfer resistances. The pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetic models adequately describe the kinetic data. The biosorbents used in this work proved to be promising materials for removing methylene blue from aqueous solutions.

Chromium distribution in an Amazonian river exposed to tannery effluent.

PubMed

de Sousa, Eduardo Araujo; Luz, Cleber Calado; de Carvalho, Dario Pires; Dorea, Caetano Chang; de Holanda, Igor Bruno Barbosa; Manzatto, Ângelo Gilberto; Bastos, Wanderley Rodrigues

2016-11-01

This study aims to evaluate the Cr concentrations in surface water, suspended particles, and bottom sediments exposed to tannery effluent releases in the Candeias River. Cr concentrations were compared in relation to environmental thresholds imposed by United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the Brazilian Environmental Council (CONAMA), and the geoaccumulation index (Igeo) was calculated in bottom sediment. Samples were collected in flood and dry seasons. Cr extraction was done by an acid extraction and quantified by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Most samples were found to be below the environmental thresholds imposed by CONAMA and USEPA, except in the one from the discharge zone sampled during the dry season, showing values 1.5 and 6.1 higher than CONAMA in water and bottom sediment, respectively. Cr concentrations were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in suspended particles during dry season than flood season. Surface water and bottom sediment did not show significant differences between the seasons. The Igeo revealed an enrichment of Cr in bottom sediments after discharge zone, indicating that the effluent may be contributing to metal accumulation in the sediment. Apparently, the Candeias River shows a wash behavior on the river bottom, leaching the accumulated metal deposited on the riverbed to other areas during the flood pulses, which decreases Cr concentration in the discharge zone during dry seasons. Thus, this behavior can promote Cr dispersion to unpolluted areas.

Preparation of affordable and multifunctional clay-based ceramic filter matrix for treatment of drinking water.

PubMed

Shivaraju, H Puttaiah; Egumbo, Henok; Madhusudan, P; Anil Kumar, K M; Midhun, G

2018-02-01

Affordable clay-based ceramic filters with multifunctional properties were prepared using low-cost and active ingredients. The characterization results clearly revealed well crystallinity, structural elucidation, extensive porosity, higher surface area, higher stability, and durability which apparently enhance the treatment efficiency. The filtration rates of ceramic filter were evaluated under gravity and the results obtained were compared with a typical gravity slow sand filter (GSSF). All ceramic filters showed significant filtration rates of about 50-180 m/h, which is comparatively higher than the typical GSSF. Further, purification efficiency of clay-based ceramic filters was evaluated by considering important drinking water parameters and contaminants. A significant removal potential was achieved by the clay-based ceramic filter with 25% and 30% activated carbon along with active agents. Desired drinking water quality parameters were achieved by potential removal of nitrite (98.5%), nitrate (80.5%), total dissolved solids (62%), total hardness (55%), total organic pollutants (89%), and pathogenic microorganisms (100%) using ceramic filters within a short duration. The remarkable purification and disinfection efficiencies were attributed to the extensive porosity (0.202 cm 3  g -1 ), surface area (124.61 m 2  g -1 ), stability, and presence of active nanoparticles such as Cu, TiO 2 , and Ag within the porous matrix of the ceramic filter.

Histamine-binding capacities of different natural zeolites: a comparative study.

PubMed

Selvam, Thangaraj; Schwieger, Wilhelm; Dathe, Wilfried

2018-06-07

Two different natural zeolites from Cuba and Mexico, which are already being used as contemporaneous drugs or dietary supplements in Germany and Mexico, respectively, are applied in a comparative study of their histamine-binding capacities as a function of their particle sizes. The zeolites are characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and N 2 -sorption measurements (BET surface areas). The Cuban zeolite contains clinoptilolite and mordenite as major phases (78% zeolite), whereas the Mexican one contains only clinoptilolite (65% zeolite). Both zeolites are apparently free from fibrous materials according to SEM. Both zeolites adsorb significant amount of histamine under the experimental conditions. Nevertheless, the results showed that the histamine-binding capacity of the Cuban zeolite is higher than the Mexican one and the smaller the particle size of zeolite, the higher the histamine-binding capacity. This difference could be due to the variation in their mineralogical compositions resulting in varied BET surface areas. Thus, the high histamine-binding capacities of Cuban zeolites seem to be due at least partly to the presence of the large-pore zeolite mordenite, providing high total pore volumes, which will be discussed in detail. For the first time, we have shown that the mineralogical compositions of natural zeolites and their particle sizes play a key role in binding histamine, which is one of the most important regulators in human physiology.

Enhanced Hydrothermal Stability and Catalytic Performance of HKUST-1 by Incorporating Carboxyl-Functionalized Attapulgite.

PubMed

Yuan, Bo; Yin, Xiao-Qian; Liu, Xiao-Qin; Li, Xing-Yang; Sun, Lin-Bing

2016-06-29

Much attention has been paid to metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) due to their large surface areas, tunable functionality, and diverse structure. Nevertheless, most reported MOFs show poor hydrothermal stability, which seriously hinders their applications. Here a strategy is adopted to tailor the properties of MOFs by means of incorporating carboxyl-functionalized natural clay attapulgite (ATP) into HKUST-1, a well-known MOF. A new type of hybrid material was thus fabricated from the hybridization of HKUST-1 and ATP. Our results indicated that the hydrothermal stability of the MOFs as well as the catalytic performance was apparently improved. The frameworks of HKUST-1 were severely destroyed after hydrothermal treatment (hot water vapor, 60 °C), while that of the hybrid materials was maintained. For the hybrid materials containing 8.4 wt % of ATP, the surface area reached 1302 m(2)·g(-1) and was even higher than that of pristine HKUST-1 (1245 m(2)·g(-1)). In the ring-opening of styrene oxide, the conversion reached 98.9% at only 20 min under catalysis from the hybrid material, which was obviously higher than that over pristine HKUST-1 (80.9%). Moreover, the hybrid materials showed excellent reusability and the catalytic activity was recoverable without loss after six cycles. Our materials provide promising candidates for heterogeneous catalysis owing to the good catalytic activity and reusability.

Preparation and pharmaceutical characterization of amorphous cefdinir using spray-drying and SAS-process.

PubMed

Park, Junsung; Park, Hee Jun; Cho, Wonkyung; Cha, Kwang-Ho; Kang, Young-Shin; Hwang, Sung-Joo

2010-08-30

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of micronization and amorphorization of cefdinir on solubility and dissolution rate. The amorphous samples were prepared by spray-drying (SD) and supercritical anti-solvent (SAS) process, respectively and their amorphous natures were confirmed by DSC, PXRD and FT-IR. Thermal gravimetric analysis was performed by TGA. SEM was used to investigate the morphology of particles and the processed particle had a spherical shape, while the unprocessed crystalline particle had a needle-like shape. The mean particle size and specific surface area were measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and BET, respectively. The DLS result showed that the SAS-processed particle was the smallest, followed by SD and the unprocessed cefdinir. The BET result was the same as DLS result in that the SAS-processed particle had the largest surface area. Therefore, the processed cefdinir, especially the SAS-processed particle, appeared to have enhanced apparent solubility, improved intrinsic dissolution rate and better drug release when compared with SD-processed and unprocessed crystalline cefdinir due not only to its amorphous nature, but also its reduced particle size. Conclusions were that the solubility and dissolution rate of crystalline cefdinir could be improved by physically modifying the particles using SD and SAS-process. Furthermore, SAS-process was a powerful methodology for improving the solubility and dissolution rate of cefdinir. Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Progressive replacement of oral mucosa by conjunctiva in osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis: preliminary observations.

PubMed

Pecorella, Irene; Maurizio, Taloni; Antonio, Ciardi; Giancarlo, Falcinelli

2006-02-01

In a Strampelli osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis, a patch of oral mucosa is frequently used to cover the ocular surface after implantation of an osteodental lamina into the eye. In many cases, gross modifications in the eye covering become apparent a few years later. The aim of this study was to investigate the histologic findings in the clinically modified ocular surface. Biopsies were performed in 7 patients at the junction between the osteodental acrylic lamina and surrounding modified oral mucosa, during surgery for local plastic reconstruction or positioning of antiglaucoma silicone tubes. Specimens were examined by light microscopy. Six of the 7 clinically modified specimens corresponded microscopically to conjunctiva. Typical oral mucosa could still be observed overlying the osteodental acrylic lamina. The production of local regulatory factors is a possible explanation for the survival of oral mucosa over the osteodental acrylic lamina, whereas their absence in distant areas may have induced the oral mucosa to transdifferentiate into a conjunctival-type lining. Alternatively, conjunctival regrowth from forniceal stem cells should be taken into consideration.

Venusian tectonics: Convective coupling to the lithosphere?

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Phillips, R. J.

1987-01-01

The relationship between the dominant global heat loss mechanism and planetary size has motivated the search for tectonic style on Venus. Prior to the American and Soviet mapping missions of the past eight years, it was thought that terrestrial style plate tectonics was operative on Venus because this planet is approximately the size of the Earth and is conjectured to have about the same heat source content per unit mass. However, surface topography mapped by the altimeter of the Pioneer Venus spacecraft did not show any physiographic expression of terrestrial style spreading ridges, trenches, volcanic arcs or transform faults, although the horizontal resolution was questionable for detection of at least some of these features. The Venera 15 and 16 radar missions mapped the northern latitudes of Venus at 1 to 2 km resolution and showed that there are significant geographic areas of deformation seemingly created by large horizontal stresses. These same high resolution images show no evidence for plate tectonic features. Thus a fundamental problem for venusian tectonics is the origin of large horizontal stresses near the surface in the apparent absence of plate tectonics.

Fabrication of Au nanoparticles supported on CoFe2O4 nanotubes by polyaniline assisted self-assembly strategy and their magnetically recoverable catalytic properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Zhen; Jiang, Yanzhou; Chi, Maoqiang; Yang, Zezhou; Nie, Guangdi; Lu, Xiaofeng; Wang, Ce

2016-02-01

This article reports the fabrication of magnetically responsive Au nanoparticles supported on CoFe2O4 nanotubes through polyaniline (PANI) assisted self-assembly strategy which can be used as an efficient magnetically recoverable nanocatalyst. The central magnetic CoFe2O4 nanotubes possess a strong magnetic response under an externally magnetic field, enabling an easy and efficient separation from the reaction system for reuse. The thorn-like PANI layer on the surface of CoFe2O4 nanotubes provides large surface area for supporting Au nanocatalysts due to the electrostatic interactions. The as-prepared CoFe2O4/PANI/Au nanotube assemblies exhibit a high catalytic activity for the hydrogenation of 4-nitrophenol by sodium borohydride (NaBH4) at room temperature, with an apparent kinetic rate constant (Kapp) of about 7.8 × 10-3 s-1. Furthermore, the composite nanocatalyst shows a good recoverable property during the catalytic process. This work affords a reliable way in developing multifunctional nanocomposite for catalysis and other potential applications in many fields.

Modeling the thermal structure and magnetic properties of the crust of active regions with application to the Rio Grande rift

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1982-01-01

Experiments in Curie depth estimation from long wavelength magnetic anomalies are summarized. The heart of the work is equivalent-layer-type magnetization models derived by inversion of high-elevation, long wavelength magnetic anomaly data. The methodology is described in detail in the above references. A magnetization distribution in a thin equivalent layer at the Earth's surface having maximum detail while retaining physical significance, and giving rise to a synthetic anomaly field which makes a best fit to the observed field in a least squares sense is discussed. The apparent magnetization contrast in the equivalent layer is approximated using an array of dipoles distributed in equal area at the Earth's surface. The dipoles are pointed in the direction of the main magnetic field, which carries the implicit assumption that crustal magnetization is dominantly induced or viscous. The determination of the closest possible dipole spacing giving a stable inversion to a solution having physical significance is accomplished by plotting the standard deviation of the solution parameters against their spatial separation for a series of solutions.

Air pollutant intrusion into the Wieliczka Salt Mine

USGS Publications Warehouse

Salmon, L.G.; Cass, G.R.; Kozlowski, R.; Hejda, A.; Spiker, E. C.; Bates, A.L.

1996-01-01

The Wieliczka Salt Mine World Cultural Heritage Site contains many rock salt sculptures that are threatened by water vapor condensation from the mine ventilation air. Gaseous and particulate air pollutant concentrations have been measured both outdoors and within the Wieliczka Salt Mine, along with pollutant deposition fluxes to surfaces within the mine. One purpose of these measurements was to determine whether or not low deliquescence point ionic materials (e.g., NH4NO3) are accumulating on surfaces to an extent that would exacerbate the water vapor condensation problems in the mine. It was found that pollutant gases including SO2 and HNO3 present in outdoor air are removed rapidly and almost completely from the air within the mine by deposition to surfaces. Sulfur isotope analyses confirm the accumulation of air pollutant-derived sulfur in liquid dripping from surfaces within the mine. Particle deposition onto interior surfaces in the mine is apparent, with resulting soiling of some of those sculptures that have been carved from translucent rock salt. Water accumulation by salt sculpture surfaces was studied both experimentally and by approximate thermodynamic calculations. Both approaches suggest that the pollutant deposits on the sculpture surfaces lower the relative humidity (RH) at which a substantial amount of liquid water will accumulate by 1% to several percent. The extraordinarily low SO2 concentrations within the mine may explain the apparent success of a respiratory sanatorium located deep within the mine.

Mapping apparent stress and energy radiation over fault zones of major earthquakes

USGS Publications Warehouse

McGarr, A.; Fletcher, Joe B.

2002-01-01

Using published slip models for five major earthquakes, 1979 Imperial Valley, 1989 Loma Prieta, 1992 Landers, 1994 Northridge, and 1995 Kobe, we produce maps of apparent stress and radiated seismic energy over their fault surfaces. The slip models, obtained by inverting seismic and geodetic data, entail the division of the fault surfaces into many subfaults for which the time histories of seismic slip are determined. To estimate the seismic energy radiated by each subfault, we measure the near-fault seismic-energy flux from the time-dependent slip there and then multiply by a function of rupture velocity to obtain the corresponding energy that propagates into the far-field. This function, the ratio of far-field to near-fault energy, is typically less than 1/3, inasmuch as most of the near-fault energy remains near the fault and is associated with permanent earthquake deformation. Adding the energy contributions from all of the subfaults yields an estimate of the total seismic energy, which can be compared with independent energy estimates based on seismic-energy flux measured in the far-field, often at teleseismic distances. Estimates of seismic energy based on slip models are robust, in that different models, for a given earthquake, yield energy estimates that are in close agreement. Moreover, the slip-model estimates of energy are generally in good accord with independent estimates by others, based on regional or teleseismic data. Apparent stress is estimated for each subfault by dividing the corresponding seismic moment into the radiated energy. Distributions of apparent stress over an earthquake fault zone show considerable heterogeneity, with peak values that are typically about double the whole-earthquake values (based on the ratio of seismic energy to seismic moment). The range of apparent stresses estimated for subfaults of the events studied here is similar to the range of apparent stresses for earthquakes in continental settings, with peak values of about 8 MPa in each case. For earthquakes in compressional tectonic settings, peak apparent stresses at a given depth are substantially greater than corresponding peak values from events in extensional settings; this suggests that crustal strength, inferred from laboratory measurements, may be a limiting factor. Lower bounds on shear stresses inferred from the apparent stress distribution of the 1995 Kobe earthquake are consistent with tectonic-stress estimates reported by Spudich et al. (1998), based partly on slip-vector rake changes.

Apparent climate-mediated loss and fragmentation of core habitat of the American pika in the Northern Sierra Nevada, California, USA.

PubMed

Stewart, Joseph A E; Wright, David H; Heckman, Katherine A

2017-01-01

Contemporary climate change has been widely documented as the apparent cause of range contraction at the edge of many species distributions but documentation of climate change as a cause of extirpation and fragmentation of the interior of a species' core habitat has been lacking. Here, we report the extirpation of the American pika (Ochotona princeps), a temperature-sensitive small mammal, from a 165-km2 area located within its core habitat in California's Sierra Nevada mountains. While sites surrounding the area still maintain pikas, radiocarbon analyses of pika fecal pellets recovered within this area indicate that former patch occupancy ranges from before 1955, the beginning of the atmospheric spike in radiocarbon associated with above ground atomic bomb testing, to c. 1991. Despite an abundance of suitable rocky habitat climate warming appears to have precipitated their demise. Weather station data reveal a 1.9°C rise in local temperature and a significant decline in snowpack over the period of record, 1910-2015, pushing pika habitat into increasingly tenuous climate conditions during the period of extirpation. This is among the first accounts of an apparently climate-mediated, modern extirpation of a species from an interior portion of its geographic distribution, resulting in habitat fragmentation, and is the largest area yet reported for a modern-era pika extirpation. Our finding provides empirical support to model projections, indicating that even core areas of species habitat are vulnerable to climate change within a timeframe of decades.

GLORI: A GNSS-R Dual Polarization Airborne Instrument for Land Surface Monitoring

PubMed Central

Motte, Erwan; Zribi, Mehrez; Fanise, Pascal; Egido, Alejandro; Darrozes, José; Al-Yaari, Amen; Baghdadi, Nicolas; Baup, Frédéric; Dayau, Sylvia; Fieuzal, Remy; Frison, Pierre-Louis; Guyon, Dominique; Wigneron, Jean-Pierre

2016-01-01

Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry (GNSS-R) has emerged as a remote sensing tool, which is complementary to traditional monostatic radars, for the retrieval of geophysical parameters related to surface properties. In the present paper, we describe a new polarimetric GNSS-R system, referred to as the GLObal navigation satellite system Reflectometry Instrument (GLORI), dedicated to the study of land surfaces (soil moisture, vegetation water content, forest biomass) and inland water bodies. This system was installed as a permanent payload on a French ATR42 research aircraft, from which simultaneous measurements can be carried out using other instruments, when required. Following initial laboratory qualifications, two airborne campaigns involving nine flights were performed in 2014 and 2015 in the Southwest of France, over various types of land cover, including agricultural fields and forests. Some of these flights were made concurrently with in situ ground truth campaigns. Various preliminary applications for the characterisation of agricultural and forest areas are presented. Initial analysis of the data shows that the performance of the GLORI instrument is well within specifications, with a cross-polarization isolation better than −15 dB at all elevations above 45°, a relative polarimetric calibration accuracy better than 0.5 dB, and an apparent reflectivity sensitivity better than −30 dB, thus demonstrating its strong potential for the retrieval of land surface characteristics. PMID:27213393

GLORI: A GNSS-R Dual Polarization Airborne Instrument for Land Surface Monitoring.

PubMed

Motte, Erwan; Zribi, Mehrez; Fanise, Pascal; Egido, Alejandro; Darrozes, José; Al-Yaari, Amen; Baghdadi, Nicolas; Baup, Frédéric; Dayau, Sylvia; Fieuzal, Remy; Frison, Pierre-Louis; Guyon, Dominique; Wigneron, Jean-Pierre

2016-05-20

Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry (GNSS-R) has emerged as a remote sensing tool, which is complementary to traditional monostatic radars, for the retrieval of geophysical parameters related to surface properties. In the present paper, we describe a new polarimetric GNSS-R system, referred to as the GLObal navigation satellite system Reflectometry Instrument (GLORI), dedicated to the study of land surfaces (soil moisture, vegetation water content, forest biomass) and inland water bodies. This system was installed as a permanent payload on a French ATR42 research aircraft, from which simultaneous measurements can be carried out using other instruments, when required. Following initial laboratory qualifications, two airborne campaigns involving nine flights were performed in 2014 and 2015 in the Southwest of France, over various types of land cover, including agricultural fields and forests. Some of these flights were made concurrently with in situ ground truth campaigns. Various preliminary applications for the characterisation of agricultural and forest areas are presented. Initial analysis of the data shows that the performance of the GLORI instrument is well within specifications, with a cross-polarization isolation better than -15 dB at all elevations above 45°, a relative polarimetric calibration accuracy better than 0.5 dB, and an apparent reflectivity sensitivity better than -30 dB, thus demonstrating its strong potential for the retrieval of land surface characteristics.

Correlation Functions Quantify Super-Resolution Images and Estimate Apparent Clustering Due to Over-Counting

PubMed Central

Veatch, Sarah L.; Machta, Benjamin B.; Shelby, Sarah A.; Chiang, Ethan N.; Holowka, David A.; Baird, Barbara A.

2012-01-01

We present an analytical method using correlation functions to quantify clustering in super-resolution fluorescence localization images and electron microscopy images of static surfaces in two dimensions. We use this method to quantify how over-counting of labeled molecules contributes to apparent self-clustering and to calculate the effective lateral resolution of an image. This treatment applies to distributions of proteins and lipids in cell membranes, where there is significant interest in using electron microscopy and super-resolution fluorescence localization techniques to probe membrane heterogeneity. When images are quantified using pair auto-correlation functions, the magnitude of apparent clustering arising from over-counting varies inversely with the surface density of labeled molecules and does not depend on the number of times an average molecule is counted. In contrast, we demonstrate that over-counting does not give rise to apparent co-clustering in double label experiments when pair cross-correlation functions are measured. We apply our analytical method to quantify the distribution of the IgE receptor (FcεRI) on the plasma membranes of chemically fixed RBL-2H3 mast cells from images acquired using stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM/dSTORM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We find that apparent clustering of FcεRI-bound IgE is dominated by over-counting labels on individual complexes when IgE is directly conjugated to organic fluorophores. We verify this observation by measuring pair cross-correlation functions between two distinguishably labeled pools of IgE-FcεRI on the cell surface using both imaging methods. After correcting for over-counting, we observe weak but significant self-clustering of IgE-FcεRI in fluorescence localization measurements, and no residual self-clustering as detected with SEM. We also apply this method to quantify IgE-FcεRI redistribution after deliberate clustering by crosslinking with two distinct trivalent ligands of defined architectures, and we evaluate contributions from both over-counting of labels and redistribution of proteins. PMID:22384026

Spatio-temporal pattern of eco-environmental parameters in Jharia coalfield, India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saini, V.; Gupta, R. P.; Arora, M. K.

2015-10-01

Jharia coal-field holds unequivocal importance in the Indian context as it is the only source of prime coking coal in the country. The coalfield is also known for its infamous coal mine fires which have been burning since last more than a century. Haphazard mining over a century has led to eco-environmental changes to a large extent such as changes in vegetation distribution and widespread development of surface and subsurface fires. This article includes the spatiotemporal study of remote sensing derived eco-environmental parameters like vegetation index (NDVI), tasseled cap transformation (TCT) and temperature distribution in fire areas. In order to have an estimate of the temporal variations of NDVI over the years, a study has been carried out on two subsets of the Jharia coalfield using Landsat images of 1972 (MSS), 1992 (TM), 1999 (ETM+) and 2013 (OLI). To assess the changes in brightness and greenness over the year s, difference images have been calculated using the 1992 (TM) and 2013 (OLI) images. Radiance images derived from thermal bands have been used to calculate at-sensor brightness temperature over a 23 year period from 1991 to 2013. It has been observed that during the years 1972 to 2013, moderate to dense vegetation has decreased drastically due to the intense mining going on in the area. TCT images show the areas that have undergone changes in both brightness and greenness from 1992 to 2013. Surface temperature data obtained shows a constant increase from 1991 to 2013 apparently due to coal fires. The utility of remote sensing data in such EIA studies has been emphasized.

The surface brightness of reflection nebulae. Ph.D. Thesis, Dec. 1972

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rush, W. F.

1974-01-01

Hubble's equation relating the maximum apparent angular extent of a reflection nebula to the apparent magnitude of the illuminating star has been reconsidered under a set of less restrictive assumptions. A computational technique is developed which permits the use of fits to observed m, log a values to determine the albedo of the particles composing reflection nebulae, providing only that one assumes a particular phase function. Despite the fact that all orders of scattering, anisotropic phase functions, and illumination by the general stellar field are considered, the albedo which is determined for reflection nebulae by this method appears larger than that for interstellar particles in general. The possibility that the higher surface brightness might be due to a continuous fluorescence mechanism is considered both theoretically and observationally.

The Face of Alaska: A Look at Land Cover and the Potential Drivers of Change

USGS Publications Warehouse

Jones, Benjamin M.

2008-01-01

The purpose of this report is to provide statewide baseline information on the status and potential drivers of land-cover change in Alaska. The information gathered for this report is based on a review and analysis of published literature and consists of prominent factors contributing to the current state of the land surface of Alaska as well as a synthesis of information about the status and trends of the factors affecting the land surface of Alaska. The land surface of Alaska is sparsely populated and the impacts from humans are far less extensive when compared to the contiguous United States. The changes in the population and the economy of Alaska have historically been driven by boom and bust cycles, primarily from mineral discoveries, logging, military expansion, and oil and gas development; however, the changes as a result of these factors have occurred in relatively small, localized areas. Many of the large-scale statewide changes taking place in the land surface however, are a result of natural or climate driven processes as opposed to direct anthropogenic activities. In recent times, reports such as this have become increasingly useful as a means of synthesizing information about the magnitude and frequency of changes imparted by natural and anthropogenic forces. Thus, it is essential to assess the current state of the land surface of Alaska and identify apparent trends in the surficial changes that are occurring in order to be prepared for the future.

Aquifer recharge, depletion, and connectivity: Inferences from GRACE, land surface models, and geochemical and geophysical data

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mohamed, Ahmed; Sultan, Mohamed; Ahmed, Mohamed

We used data from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) and outputs of the CLM4.5 model to estimate recharge and depletion rates for large aquifers, investigate the connectivity of an aquifer's subbasins, and identify barriers and preferred pathways for groundwater flow within an aquifer system. The Nubian Sandstone Aquifer System and its subbasins (Dakhla, Northern Sudan Platform, and Kufra) in northeast Africa were used for demonstration purposes, and findings were tested and verified against geological, geophysical, remote sensing, geochronologic, and geochemical data. There are four major findings. (1) The average annual precipitation data over recharge areas in the southernmore » Kufra section and the Northern Sudan Platform subbasin were estimated at 54.8 km 3, and 32.8 km 3, respectively, and knowing the annual extraction rates over these two areas (similar to 0.40 ± 0.20 km 3), recharge rates were estimated at 0.78 ± 0.49 km 3/yr and 1.44 ± 0.42 km 3/yr, respectively. (2) GRACEderived groundwater depletion rates over the Dakhla subbasin and the Northern Kufra section were estimated at 4.44 ± 0.42 km 3/yr and 0.48 ± 0.32 km 3/yr, respectively. (3) The observed depletion in the southern parts of the Dakhla subbasin is apparently caused by the presence of the east- west- trending Uweinat-Aswan basement uplift, which impedes the south-to-north groundwater flow and hence reduces replenishment from recharge areas in the south. (4) A major northeast- southwest- trending shear zone (Pelusium shear system) is apparently providing a preferred groundwater flow pathway from the Kufra to the Dakhla subbasin. Thus, inte-grated approach provides a replicable and cost-effective model for better understanding of the hydrogeologic setting of large aquifers worldwide and for optimum management of these groundwater resources.« less

Aquifer recharge, depletion, and connectivity: Inferences from GRACE, land surface models, and geochemical and geophysical data

DOE PAGES

Mohamed, Ahmed; Sultan, Mohamed; Ahmed, Mohamed; ...

2016-12-22

We used data from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) and outputs of the CLM4.5 model to estimate recharge and depletion rates for large aquifers, investigate the connectivity of an aquifer's subbasins, and identify barriers and preferred pathways for groundwater flow within an aquifer system. The Nubian Sandstone Aquifer System and its subbasins (Dakhla, Northern Sudan Platform, and Kufra) in northeast Africa were used for demonstration purposes, and findings were tested and verified against geological, geophysical, remote sensing, geochronologic, and geochemical data. There are four major findings. (1) The average annual precipitation data over recharge areas in the southernmore » Kufra section and the Northern Sudan Platform subbasin were estimated at 54.8 km 3, and 32.8 km 3, respectively, and knowing the annual extraction rates over these two areas (similar to 0.40 ± 0.20 km 3), recharge rates were estimated at 0.78 ± 0.49 km 3/yr and 1.44 ± 0.42 km 3/yr, respectively. (2) GRACEderived groundwater depletion rates over the Dakhla subbasin and the Northern Kufra section were estimated at 4.44 ± 0.42 km 3/yr and 0.48 ± 0.32 km 3/yr, respectively. (3) The observed depletion in the southern parts of the Dakhla subbasin is apparently caused by the presence of the east- west- trending Uweinat-Aswan basement uplift, which impedes the south-to-north groundwater flow and hence reduces replenishment from recharge areas in the south. (4) A major northeast- southwest- trending shear zone (Pelusium shear system) is apparently providing a preferred groundwater flow pathway from the Kufra to the Dakhla subbasin. Thus, inte-grated approach provides a replicable and cost-effective model for better understanding of the hydrogeologic setting of large aquifers worldwide and for optimum management of these groundwater resources.« less

Ground Tilt Time Delays between Kilauea Volcano's Summit and East Rift Zone Caused by Magma Reservoir Buffering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haney, M. M.; Patrick, M. R.; Anderson, K. R.

2016-12-01

A cyclic pattern of ground deformation, called a deflation-inflation (DI) cycle, is commonly observed at Kilauea Volcano, Hawai`i. These cycles are an important part of Kilauea's eruptive activity because they directly influence the level of the summit lava lake as well as the effusion rate (and resulting lava flow hazard) at the East Rift Zone eruption site at Pu`u `O`o. DI events normally span several days, and are measured both at the summit and at Pu`u `O`o cone (20 km distance). Signals appear first at the summit and are then observed at Pu`u `O`o after an apparent delay of between 0.5 and 10 hours, which has been previously interpreted as reflecting magma transport time. We propose an alternate explanation, in which the apparent delay is an artifact of buffering by the small magma reservoir thought to exist at Pu`u `O`o. Simple Poiseuille flow modeling demonstrates that this apparent delay can be reproduced by the changing balance of inflow (from the summit) and outflow (to surface lava flows) at the Pu`u `O`o magma reservoir. The apparent delay is sensitive to the geometry of the conduit leaving Pu`u `O`o, feeding surface lava flows. We demonstrate how the reservoir buffering is quantitatively equivalent to a causal low-pass filter, which explains both the apparent delay as well as the smoothed, skewed nature of the signal at Pu`u `O`o relative to the summit. By comparing summit and Pu`u `O`o ground tilt signals over an extended time period, it may be possible to constrain the changing geometry of the shallow magmatic system through time.

Dual-Frequency Bistatic Radar Probing of Mars: Potential and Pitfalls for Depth Sounding at Centimeter Wavelengths

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simpson, R. A.; Tyler, G. L.; Paetzold, M.; Haeusler, B.; Asmar, S. W.

2009-12-01

Early spacecraft-to-Earth bistatic radar (BSR) probing of Mars' surface emphasized measurement of rms surface slopes on scales of centimeters to a few meters, information of particular interest to the design and deployment of landers and rovers. Shorter wavelengths yielded higher values, consistent with fractal models in which surface texture becomes rougher as the measuring instrument senses more detail. Although Mars Express (MEX) has found the smoothest extraterrestrial solid surface yet observed by radar (0.17 deg rms in the north polar region), its antenna pattern typically illuminates only part of the scattering surface, making rms slope determination difficult. With careful calibration, however, the ratio of echo power in its two orthogonal polarizations can be used to infer the dielectric constant of the surface material from the Fresnel reflection coefficients. Early results showed larger dielectric constant at 12.6 cm than 3.6 cm, consistent with materials which become more densely packed at depth; as the data collection continued, regional variations became apparent. More puzzling, are cases in which the derived dielectric constant is 30 percent larger at the shorter wavelength, suggesting a centimeter of crust (invisible at 12.6 cm wavelength) overlying less dense regolith below. Duricrust layers have been inferred in some of these areas from thermal measurements; and a layer of gravel, stripped of finer particles, could produce similar effects. Earth-to-spacecraft BSR could improve measurement sensitivity by factors of 100-1000; spacecraft-to-spacecraft experiments could improve surface coverage. All three configurations, including the conventional 'downlink' experiments now being conducted, can provide basic information on surface structure to depths of a few centimeters.

Island morphology statistics and growth mechanism for oxidation of the Al(111) surface with thermal O2 and NO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sexton, J. Z.; Kummel, A. C.

2004-10-01

Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) was employed to study the mechanism for the oxidation of Al(111) with thermal O2 and NO in the 20%-40% monolayer coverage regime. Experiments show that the islands formed upon exposure to thermal O2 and NO have dramatically different shapes, which are ultimately dictated by the dynamics of the gas surface interaction. The circumference-to-area ratio and other island morphology statistics are used to quantify the average difference in the two island types. Ultrahigh-vacuum STM was employed to make the following observations: (1) Oxygen islands on the Al(111) surface, formed upon exposure to thermal oxygen, are elongated and noncompact. (2) Mixed O/N islands on the Al(111) surface, formed upon exposure to thermal nitric oxide (NO), are round and compact. (3) STM movies acquired during thermal O2 exposure indicate that a complex mechanism involving chemisorption initiated rearrangement of preexisting oxygen islands leads to the asymmetric and elongated island shapes. The overall mechanism for the oxidation of the Al(111) surface can be summarized in three regimes. Low coverage is dominated by widely isolated small oxygen features (<3 O atoms) where normal dissociative chemisorption and oxygen abstraction mechanisms are present. At 20%-40% monolayer coverage, additional oxygen chemisorption induces rearrangement of preexisting islands to form free-energy minimum island shapes. At greater than ˜40% monolayer coverage, the apparent surface oxygen coverage asymptotes corresponding to the conversion of the 2D islands to 3D Al2O3 surface crystallites. The rearrangement of oxygen islands on the surface to form the observed islands indicates that there is a short-range oxygen-oxygen attractive potential and a long-range oxygen-oxygen repulsive potential.

Fulvic acid-sulfide ion competition for mercury ion binding in the Florida everglades

USGS Publications Warehouse

Reddy, M.M.; Aiken, G.R.

2001-01-01

Negatively charged functional groups of fulvic acid compete with inorganic sulfide ion for mercury ion binding. This competition is evaluated here by using a discrete site-electrostatic model to calculate mercury solution speciation in the presence of fulvic acid. Model calculated species distributions are used to estimate a mercury-fulvic acid apparent binding constant to quantify fulvic acid and sulfide ion competition for dissolved inorganic mercury (Hg(II)) ion binding. Speciation calculations done with PHREEQC, modified to use the estimated mercury-fulvic acid apparent binding constant, suggest that mercury-fulvic acid and mercury-sulfide complex concentrations are equivalent for very low sulfide ion concentrations (about 10-11 M) in Everglades' surface water. Where measurable total sulfide concentration (about 10-7 M or greater) is present in Everglades' surface water, mercury-sulfide complexes should dominate dissolved inorganic mercury solution speciation. In the absence of sulfide ion (for example, in oxygenated Everglades' surface water), fulvic acid binding should dominate Everglades' dissolved inorganic mercury speciation.

Non-destructive testing principles and accurate evaluation of the hydraulic measure impact range using the DC method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qiu, Liming; Shen, Rongxi; Song, Dazhao; Wang, Enyuan; Liu, Zhentang; Niu, Yue; Jia, Haishan; Xia, Shankui; Zheng, Xiangxin

2017-12-01

An accurate and non-destructive evaluation method for the hydraulic measure impact range in coal seams is urgently needed. Aiming at the application demands, a theoretical study and field test are presented using the direct current (DC) method to evaluate the impact range of coal seam hydraulic measures. We firstly analyzed the law of the apparent resistivity response of an abnormal conductive zone in a coal seam, and then investigated the principle of non-destructive testing of the coal seam hydraulic measure impact range using the DC method, and used an accurate evaluation method based on the apparent resistivity cloud chart. Finally, taking hydraulic fracturing and hydraulic flushing as examples, field experiments were carried out in coal mines to evaluate the impact ranges. The results showed that: (1) in the process of hydraulic fracturing, coal conductivity was enhanced by high-pressure water in the coal seam, and after hydraulic fracturing, the boundary of the apparent resistivity decrease area was the boundary impact range. (2) In the process of hydraulic flushing, coal conductivity was reduced by holes and cracks in the coal seam, and after hydraulic flushing, the boundary of the apparent resistivity increase area was the boundary impact range. (3) After the implementation of the hydraulic measures, there may be some blind zones in the coal seam; in hydraulic fracturing blind zones, the apparent resistivity increased or stayed constant, while in hydraulic flushing blind zones, the apparent resistivity decreased or stayed constant. The DC method realized a comprehensive and non-destructive evaluation of the impact range of the hydraulic measures, and greatly reduced the time and cost of evaluation.

Characterization of the interface between cellulosic fibers and a thermoplastic matrix

Treesearch

Feipeng P. Liu; Michael P. Wolcott; Douglas J. Gardner; Timothy G. Rials

1994-01-01

The applicability of the microbond test to evaluate the interfacial properties between cellulosic fibers and thermoplastics was studied. Acetylation and beat treatment were applied to modify the surface of cellulosic fibers (rayon, cotton, and wood). The apparent diameters and surface free energies of the fibers were estimated by dynamic contact angle (DCA) analysis....

Vitamin D status of apparently healthy schoolgirls from two different socioeconomic strata in Delhi: relation to nutrition and lifestyle.

PubMed

Puri, Seema; Marwaha, Raman K; Agarwal, Neha; Tandon, Nikhil; Agarwal, Rashmi; Grewal, Khushi; Reddy, D H K; Singh, Satveer

2008-04-01

Forty to fifty per cent of skeletal mass, accumulated during childhood and adolescence, is influenced by sunlight exposure, physical activity, lifestyle, endocrine status, nutrition and gender. In view of scarce data on association of nutrition and lifestyle with hypovitaminosis D in Indian children and adolescents, an in-depth study on 3,127 apparently healthy Delhi schoolgirls (6-18 years) from the lower (LSES, n 1,477) and upper socioeconomic strata (USES, n 1650) was carried out. These girls were subjected to anthropometry and clinical examination for hypovitaminosis D. Girls randomly selected from the two strata (LSES, n 193; USES, n 211) underwent detailed lifestyle, dietary, biochemical and hormonal assessment. Clinical vitamin D deficiency was noted in 11.5 % girls (12.4 % LSES, 10.7 % USES). USES girls had significantly higher BMI than LSES counterparts. Prevalence of biochemical hypovitaminosis D (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D < 50 nmol/l) was seen in 90.8 % of girls (89.6 % LSES, 91.9 % USES, NS). Mean intake of energy, protein, fat, Ca, vitamin D and milk/milk products was significantly higher in USES than LSES girls. Conversely, carbohydrate, fibre, phytate and cereal intakes were higher in LSES than USES girls. Physical activity and time spent outdoors was significantly higher in LSES girls (92.8 v. 64 %, P = 0.000). Significant correlation between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and estimated sun exposure (r 0.185, P = 0.001) and percentage body surface area exposed (r 0.146, P = 0.004) suggests that these lifestyle-related factors may contribute significantly to the vitamin D status of the apparently healthy schoolgirls. Hence, in the absence of vitamin D fortification of foods, diet alone appears to have an insignificant role.

Multilayer apparent magnetization mapping approach and its application in mineral exploration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, L.; Meng, X.; Chen, Z.

2016-12-01

Apparent magnetization mapping is a technique to estimate magnetization distribution in the subsurface from the observed magnetic data. It has been applied for geologic mapping and mineral exploration for decades. Apparent magnetization mapping usually models the magnetic layer as a collection of vertical, juxtaposed prisms in both horizontal directions, whose top and bottom surfaces are assumed to be horizontal or variable-depth, and then inverts or deconvolves the magnetic anomalies in the space or frequency domain to determine the magnetization of each prism. The conventional mapping approaches usually assume that magnetic sources contain no remanent magnetization. However, such assumptions are not always valid in mineral exploration of metallic ores. In this case, the negligence of the remanence will result in large geologic deviation or the occurrence of negative magnetization. One alternate strategy is to transform the observed magnetic anomalies into some quantities that are insensitive or weakly sensitive to the remanence and then subsequently to perform inversion on these quantities, without needing any a priori information about remanent magnetization. Such kinds of quantities include the amplitude of the magnetic total field anomaly (AMA), and the normalized magnetic source strength (NSS). Here, we present a space-domain inversion approach for multilayer magnetization mapping based on the AMA for reducing effects of remanence. In the real world, magnetization usually varies vertically in the subsurface. If we use only one-layer model for mapping, the result is simply vertical superposition of different magnetization distributions. Hence, a multi-layer model for mapping would be a more realistic approach. We test the approach on the real data from a metallic deposit area in North China. The results demonstrated that our approach is feasible and produces considerable magnetization distribution from top layer to bottom layer in the subsurface.

Prescribed burning for oak savanna restoration in central Minnesota.

Treesearch

Alan S. White

1986-01-01

Low intensity, spring prescribed burns have been used since 1964 at the Cedar Creek Natural History Area in Minnesota in an attempt to restore the area to an oak savanna. Burned areas are now more savanna like (having greater grass and forb and lower shrub and lower tree representation) than unburned areas but still have higher overstory densities than apparently...

The General Penrose Inequality: Lessons from Numerical Evidence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karkowski, J.; Malec, E.

2005-01-01

Formulation of the Penrose inequality becomes ambiguous when the past and future apparent horizons do cross. We test numerically several natural possibilities of stating the inequality in punctured and boosted single- and double-black holes, in a Dain--Friedrich class of initial data and in conformally flat spheroidal data. The Penrose inequality holds true in vacuum configurations for the outermost element amongst the set of disjoint future and past apparent horizons (as expected) and (unexpectedly) for each of the outermost past and future apparent horizons, whenever these two bifurcate from an outermost minimal surface, regardless of whether they intersect or remain disjoint. In systems with matter the conjecture breaks down only if matter does not obey the dominant energy condition.

Depositional environments and tectonic significance of the Wajid Sandstone of southern Saudi Arabia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dabbagh, Mohamed E.; Rogers, John J. W.

The Wajid Sandstone, of probable Early Paleozoic age, rests disconformably on crystalline rocks of the southern part of the Arabian shield. Scattered outcrops extend over an area about 450 km north-south and 300 km east-west. The southern part of the formation, near the Yemen border, consists of fluvial sandstones and very minor siltstones and silty shales. The fluvial origin is demonstrated by the presence of fining-upward cycles, channels, trough cross bedding, and absence of all organic traces. The northern part of the outcrop area consists of internally homogeneous, tabular cross-bedded, horizontally bedded sandstones apparently formed in a shallow marine environment. These marine rocks contain trace fossils broadly similar to Skolithos. Abundant cross bedding in both facies of the Wajid indicates a northward transport direction, toward what is now the center of the Arabian shield. The southern part of the Arabian shield, which was cratonized about 500 to 600 Ma ago (Pan-African age), was apparently still a depositional area receiving sediments from a southern source in Early Paleozoic time. Other, older, shields also show a tendency to be areas of deposition shortly after their apparent age of stabilization, becoming sources of clastic sediments only after several hundreds of millions of years. The conversion from basin to uplifted source may indicate a prolonged process of shield maturation after initial stabilization.

Seismic seiches from the March 1964 Alaska earthquake: Chapter E in The Alaska earthquake, March 27, 1964: effects on hydrologic regimen

USGS Publications Warehouse

McGarr, Arthur; Vorhis, Robert C.

1968-01-01

Seismic seiches caused by the Alaska earthquake of March 27, 1964, were recorded at more than 850 surface-water gaging stations in North America and at 4 in Australia. In the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii, 763 of 6,435 gages registered seiches. Nearly all the seismic seiches were recorded at teleseismic distance. This is the first time such far-distant effects have been reported from surface-water bodies in North America. The densest occurrence of seiches was in States bordering the Gulf of Mexico. The seiches were recorded on bodies of water having a wide range in depth, width, and rate of flow. In a region containing many bodies of water, seiche distribution is more dependent on geologic and seismic factors than on hydro-dynamic ones. The concept that seiches are caused by the horizontal acceleration of water by seismic surface waves has been extended in this paper to show that the distribution of seiches is related to the amplitude distribution of short-period seismic surface waves. These waves have their greatest horizontal acceleration when their periods range from 5 to 15 seconds. Similarly, the water bodies on which seiches were recorded have low-order modes whose periods of oscillation also range from 5 to 15 seconds. Several factors seem to control the distribution of seiches. The most important is variations of thickness of low-rigidity sediments. This factor caused the abundance of seiches in the Gulf Coast area and along the edge of sedimentary overlaps. Major tectonic features such as thrust faults, basins, arches, and domes seem to control seismic waves and thus affect the distribution of seiches. Lateral refraction of seismic surface waves due to variations in local phase-velocity values was responsible for increase in seiche density in certain areas. For example, the Rocky Mountains provided a wave guide along which seiches were more numerous than in areas to either side. In North America, neither direction nor distance from the epicenter had any apparent effect on the distribution of seiches. Where seismic surface waves propagated into an area with thicker sediment, the horizontal acceleration increased about in proportion to the increasing thickness of the sediment. In the Mississippi Embayment however, where the waves emerged from high rigidity crust into the sediment, the horizontal acceleration increased near the edge of the embayment but decreased in the central part and formed a shadow zone. Because both seiches and seismic intensity depend on the horizontal acceleration from surface waves, the distribution of seiches may be used to map the seismic intensity that can be expected from future local earthquakes.

Ferrocene-decorated nanocrystalline cellulose with charge carrier mobility.

PubMed

Eyley, Samuel; Shariki, Sara; Dale, Sara E C; Bending, Simon; Marken, Frank; Thielemans, Wim

2012-04-24

Ferrocene-decorated cellulose nanowhiskers were prepared by the grafting of ethynylferrocene onto azide functionalized cotton-derived cellulose nanowhiskers using azide-alkyne cycloaddition. Successful surface modification and retention of the crystalline morphology of the nanocrystals was confirmed by elemental analysis, inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The coverage with ferrocenyl is high (approximately 1.14 × 10(-3) mol g(-1) or 4.6 × 10(13) mol cm(-2) corresponding to a specific area of 61 Å(2) per ferrocene). Cyclic voltammetry measurements of films formed by deposition of ferrocene-decorated nanowhiskers showed that this small spacing of redox centers along the nanowhisker surface allowed conduction hopping of electrons. The apparent diffusion coefficient for electron (or hole) hopping via Fe(III/II) surface sites is estimated as Dapp = 10(-19) m(2)s(-1) via impedance methods, a value significantly less than nonsolvated ferrocene polymers, which would be expected as the 1,2,3-triazole ring forms a rigid linker tethering the ferrocene to the nanowhisker surface. In part, this is believed to be also due to "bottleneck" diffusion of charges across contact points where individual cellulose nanowhiskers contact each other. However, the charge-communication across the nanocrystal surface opens up the potential for use of cellulose nanocrystals as a charge percolation template for the preparation of conducting films via covalent surface modification (with applications similar to those using adsorbed conducting polymers), for use in bioelectrochemical devices to gently transfer and remove electrons without the need for a solution-soluble redox mediator, or for the fabrication of three-dimensional self-assembled conducting networks.

Nanomagnets La0.8Pb0.2(Fe0.8Co0.2)O3 assembled with a bonded surface graphene oxide: sensitive for sensing small gas molecules.

PubMed

Bhargav, K K; Ram, S; Majumder, S B

2012-04-01

Nanocrystallites La0.8Pb0.2(Fe0.8Co0.2)O3 (LPFC) when bonded through a surface layer (carbon) in small ensembles display surface sensitive magnetism useful for biological probes, electrodes, and toxic gas sensors. A simple dispersion and hydrolysis of the salts in ethylene glycol (EG) in water is explored to form ensembles of the nanocrystallites (NCs) by combustion of a liquid precursor gel slowly in microwave at 70-80 dgrees C (apparent) in a closed container in air. In a dilute sample, the EG molecules mediate hydrolyzed species to configure in small groups in process to form a gel. Proposed models describe how a residual carbon bridges a stable bonded layer of a graphene-oxide-like hybrid structure on the LPFC-NCs in attenuating the magnetic structure. SEM images, measured from a pelletized sample which was used to study the gas sensing features in terms of the electrical resistance, describe plate shaped NCs, typically 30-60 nm widths, 60-180 nm lengths and -50 m2/g surface area (after heating at -750 degrees C). These NCs are arranged in ensembles (200-900 nm size). As per the X-ray diffraction, the plates (a Pnma orthorhombic structure) bear only small strain -0.0023 N/m2 and oxygen vacancies. The phonon and electronic bands from a bonded surface layer disappear when it is etched out slowly by heating above 550 degrees C in air. The surface layer actively promotes selective H2 gas sensor properties.

Large Decadal Decline of the Arctic Multiyear Ice Cover

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Comiso, Josefino C.

2011-01-01

The perennial ice area was drastically reduced to 38% of its climatological average in 2007 but recovered somewhat in 2008, 2009 and 2010 with the areas being 10%, 24%, and 11% higher than in 2007, respectively. However, the trends in the extent and area remain strongly negative at -12.2% and -13.5 %/decade, respectively. The thick component of the perennial ice, called multiyear ice, as detected by satellite data in the winters of 1979 to 2011 was studied and results reveal that the multiyear ice extent and area are declining at an even more rapid rate of -15.1% and -17.2 % per decade, respectively, with record low value in 2008 followed by higher values in 2009, 2010 and 2011. Such high rate in the decline of the thick component of the Arctic ice cover means a reduction in average ice thickness and an even more vulnerable perennial ice cover. The decline of the multiyear ice area from 2007 to 2008 was not as strong as that of the perennial ice area from 2006 to 2007 suggesting a strong role of second year ice melt in the latter. The sea ice cover is shown to be strongly correlated with surface temperature which is increasing at about three times global average in the Arctic but appears weakly correlated with the AO which controls the dynamics of the region. An 8 to 9-year cycle is apparent in the multiyear ice record which could explain in part the slight recovery in the last three years.

The Antarctic environment and its effect upon the total carbon and sulfur abundances in recovered meteorites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gibson, E. K., Jr.; Andrawes, F. F.

1980-01-01

Total carbon and sulfur abundances have been measured for 25 meteorites recovered from the Allan Hills area of Antarctica. The majority (greater than 67%) of the meteorites analyzed do not contain enriched carbon abundances resulting from weathering processes. The presence of secondary carbonates in samples which give no apparent evidence of weathering was noted during pyrolysis experiments, despite the 'normal' total carbon abundances. In selected cases, the surfaces of weathered samples may contain up to a factor of two greater carbon content than the interior. Variations in carbon abundances may reflect the degree of weathering and the amount of secondary minerals present. One of the surprises of this study is that the majority of the Antarctic meteorites studied do not exhibit total carbon and sulfur abundances outside the ranges previously observed for falls.

Photographic Volume Estimation of CPAS Main Parachutes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ray, Eric S.

2017-01-01

Capsule Parachute Assembly System (CPAS) flight tests regularly stage a helicopter to observe inflation of 116 ft D o ringsail Main parachutes. These side views can be used to generate 3-D models of inflating canopies to estimate enclosed volume. Assuming a surface of revolution is inadequate because reefed canopies in a cluster are elongated due to mutual aerodynamic interference. A method was developed to combine the side views with upward looking HD video to account for non-circular cross sections. Approximating the cross sections as elliptical greatly improves accuracy. But since that correction requires manually tracing projected outlines, the actual irregular shapes can be used to generate high fidelity models. Compensation is also made for apparent tilt angle. Validation was accomplished by comparing perimeter and projected area with known line lengths and/or high quality photogrammetry.

Scanning electron microscopic observations of Cysticercus fasciolaris (=Taenia taeniaeformis) after treatment of mice with mebendazole.

PubMed

Verheyen, A; Vanparijs, O; Borgers, M; Thienpont, D

1978-06-01

The time-related topographical changes in mature cysticerci of Taenia taeniaformis induced after medication of infected mice with 250 ppm of mebendazole are described. The changes included the gradual disappearance of microtriches and progressive degeneration of the tegment resulting in an irregular surface with grooves, holes, and craterlike structures. Host cells adhered to the altered areas and the number of these cells increased when more severe changes became apparent. Finally the necrotized cysticerci, which lost their tegument completely, were almost entirely covered with adhesive host cells. A difference in the time sequence of the reported changes occurred between the scolex, the pseudoproglottids, and the bladder. This difference in susceptibility towards the drug between the three parts of the parasite in relation to the morphology of their microtrichous covering is discussed.

Powder properties of hydrogenated ball-milled graphite

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, Y., E-mail: y.zhang062012@gmail.com; Wedderburn, J.; Harris, R.

2014-12-15

Ball milling is an effective way of producing defective and nanostructured graphite. In this work, the hydrogen storage properties of graphite, ball-milled in a tungsten carbide milling pot under 3 bar hydrogen for various times (0–40 h), were investigated by TGA-Mass Spectrometry, XRD, SEM and laser diffraction particle size analysis. For the conditions used in this study, 10 h is the optimum milling time resulting in desorption of 5.5 wt% hydrogen upon heating under argon to 990 °C. After milling for 40 h, the graphite became significantly more disordered, and the amount of desorbed hydrogen decreased. After milling up tomore » 10 h, the BET surface area increased while particle size decreased; however, there is no apparent correlation between these parameters, and the hydrogen storage properties of the hydrogenated ball-milled graphite.« less

An atlas of 1976 GEOS-3 radar altimeter data for tropical cyclone studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stanley, H. R.; Chan, B.; Givens, C.; Taylor, R.

1979-01-01

The means for locating and extracting GEOS-3 altimeter data acquired for the analysis of specific hurricanes, typhoons, and other tropical cyclones are presented. These data are also expected to be extremely useful in the analysis of the behavior of the altimeter instrument in the presence of severe meteorological disturbances as well as provide a data base which can be useful in the resolution of apparently anomalous geoid or sea surface characteristics. Geographic locations of 1976 tropical cyclones were correlated with the closest approaching orbits of the GEOS-3 satellite and its radar altimeter. The cyclone locations and altimeter data were correlated for the 1976 season. The area of coverage includes the northern hemisphere. This document is a sequel to NASA TM-X-69364 which covered the majority of the 1975 season.

Rainfall-soil moisture relations in landslide-prone areas of a tropical rain forest, Puerto Rico

USGS Publications Warehouse

Larsen, Matthew C.; Torres-Sanchez, Angel J.; Krishna, J.H.; Quinones-Aponte, Vicente; Gomez-Gomez, Fernando; Morris, G.L.

1990-01-01

Detailed studies of the relation between rainfall and soil moisture are underway at two forested sites on slopes in the CNF. Soil at the sites is characterized by a layer of silty-clay colluvial soil about 1 m thick, which is underlain by up to 10 m of saprolite, and overlies weathered volcaniclastic or quartz-diorite bedrock. Although considerable surface runoff has been observed at the study sites, data show moderate to rapid increases in pore pressure in repsonse to short duration storm events. Pore-pressure increases are greatest in the lower sections of concave slopes apparently due to convergent flow. It is anticipated that these pore-pressure data will provide a means of assessing rainfall characteristics leading to landslide initiation as well as insight to the mechanics of shallow landslides

Construction of uric acid biosensor based on biomimetic titanate nanotubes.

PubMed

Tao, Haisheng; Wang, Xuebin; Wang, Xizhang; Hu, Yemin; Ma, Yanwen; Lu, Yinong; Hu, Zheng

2010-02-01

A uric acid biosensor has been fabricated through the immobilization of uricase on glassy carbon electrode modified by biomimetic titanate nanotubes of high specific surface area synthesized by hydrothermal decomposition. The so-constructed biosensor presents a high affinity to uric acid with a small apparent Michaelis-Menten constant of only 0.66 mM. The biosensor exhibits fairly good electrochemical properties such as the high sensitivity of 184.3 microAcm(-2)mM(-1), the fast response of less than 2 s, as well as the wide linear range from 1 microM to 5 mM. These performances indicate that titanate nanotubes could provide a favorable microenvironment for uricase immobilization, stabilize its biological activity, and function as an efficient electron conducting tunnel to facilitate the electron transfer. This suggests an important potential of titanate nanotubes in uric acid biosensors.

Deposition of conductive TiN shells on SiO2 nanoparticles with a fluidized bed ALD reactor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Didden, Arjen; Hillebrand, Philipp; Wollgarten, Markus; Dam, Bernard; van de Krol, Roel

2016-02-01

Conductive TiN shells have been deposited on SiO2 nanoparticles (10-20 nm primary particle size) with fluidized bed atomic layer deposition using TDMAT and NH3 as precursors. Analysis of the powders confirms that shell growth saturates at approximately 0.4 nm/cycle at TDMAT doses of >1.2 mmol/g of powder. TEM and XPS analysis showed that all particles were coated with homogeneous shells containing titanium. Due to the large specific surface area of the nanoparticles, the TiN shells rapidly oxidize upon exposure to air. Electrical measurements show that the partially oxidized shells are conducting, with apparent resistivity of approximately 11 kΩ cm. The resistivity of the powders is strongly influenced by the NH3 dose, with a smaller dose giving an order-of-magnitude higher resistivity.

Impact craters on Venus: Initial analysis from Magellan

USGS Publications Warehouse

Phillips, R.J.; Arvidson, R. E.; Boyce, J.M.; Campbell, D.B.; Guest, J.E.; Schaber, G.G.; Soderblom, L.A.

1991-01-01

Magellan radar images of 15 percent of the planet show 135 craters of probable impact origin. Craters more than 15 km across tend to contain central peaks, multiple central peaks, and peak rings. Many craters smaller than 15 km exhibit multiple floors or appear in clusters; these phenomena are attributed to atmospheric breakup of incoming meteoroids. Additionally, the atmosphere appears to have prevented the formation of primary impact craters smaller than about 3 km and produced a deficiency in the number of craters smaller than about 25 km across. Ejecta is found at greater distances than that predicted by simple ballistic emplacement, and the distal ends of some ejecta deposits are lobate. These characteristics may represent surface flows of material initially entrained in the atmosphere. Many craters are surrounded by zones of low radar albedo whose origin may have been deformation of the surface by the shock or pressure wave associated with the incoming meteoroid. Craters are absent from several large areas such as a 5 million square kilometer region around Sappho Patera, where the most likely explanation for the dearth of craters is volcanic resurfacing, There is apparently a spectrum of surface ages on Venus ranging approximately from 0 to 800 million years, and therefore Venus must be a geologically active planet.

The dynamic bacterial communities of a melting High Arctic glacier snowpack

PubMed Central

Hell, Katherina; Edwards, Arwyn; Zarsky, Jakub; Podmirseg, Sabine M; Girdwood, Susan; Pachebat, Justin A; Insam, Heribert; Sattler, Birgit

2013-01-01

Snow environments can occupy over a third of land surface area, but little is known about the dynamics of snowpack bacteria. The effect of snow melt on bacterial community structure and diversity of surface environments of a Svalbard glacier was examined using analyses of 16S rRNA genes via T-RFLP, qPCR and 454 pyrosequencing. Distinct community structures were found in different habitat types, with changes over 1 week apparent, in particular for the dominant bacterial class present, Betaproteobacteria. The differences observed were consistent with influences from depositional mode (snowfall vs aeolian dusts), contrasting snow with dust-rich snow layers and near-surface ice. Contrary to that, slush as the decompositional product of snow harboured distinct lineages of bacteria, further implying post-depositional changes in community structure. Taxa affiliated to the betaproteobacterial genus Polaromonas were particularly dynamic, and evidence for the presence of betaproteobacterial ammonia-oxidizing bacteria was uncovered, inviting the prospect that the dynamic bacterial communities associated with snowpacks may be active in supraglacial nitrogen cycling and capable of rapid responses to changes induced by snowmelt. Furthermore the potential of supraglacial snowpack ecosystems to respond to transient yet spatially extensive melting episodes such as that observed across most of Greenland's ice sheet in 2012 merits further investigation. PMID:23552623

The dynamic bacterial communities of a melting High Arctic glacier snowpack.

PubMed

Hell, Katherina; Edwards, Arwyn; Zarsky, Jakub; Podmirseg, Sabine M; Girdwood, Susan; Pachebat, Justin A; Insam, Heribert; Sattler, Birgit

2013-09-01

Snow environments can occupy over a third of land surface area, but little is known about the dynamics of snowpack bacteria. The effect of snow melt on bacterial community structure and diversity of surface environments of a Svalbard glacier was examined using analyses of 16S rRNA genes via T-RFLP, qPCR and 454 pyrosequencing. Distinct community structures were found in different habitat types, with changes over 1 week apparent, in particular for the dominant bacterial class present, Betaproteobacteria. The differences observed were consistent with influences from depositional mode (snowfall vs aeolian dusts), contrasting snow with dust-rich snow layers and near-surface ice. Contrary to that, slush as the decompositional product of snow harboured distinct lineages of bacteria, further implying post-depositional changes in community structure. Taxa affiliated to the betaproteobacterial genus Polaromonas were particularly dynamic, and evidence for the presence of betaproteobacterial ammonia-oxidizing bacteria was uncovered, inviting the prospect that the dynamic bacterial communities associated with snowpacks may be active in supraglacial nitrogen cycling and capable of rapid responses to changes induced by snowmelt. Furthermore the potential of supraglacial snowpack ecosystems to respond to transient yet spatially extensive melting episodes such as that observed across most of Greenland's ice sheet in 2012 merits further investigation.

Forsterite surface composition in aqueous solutions: a combined potentiometric, electrokinetic, and spectroscopic approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pokrovsky, Oleg S.; Schott, Jacques

2000-10-01

Surfaces of natural and synthetic forsterite (Fo 91 and Fo 100) in aqueous solutions at 25°C were investigated using surface titrations in batch and limited residence time reactors, column filtration experiments, electrokinetic measurements (streaming potential and electrophoresis techniques), Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Spectroscopy (DRIFT), and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). At pH < 9, a Mg-depleted, Si-rich layer (<20 Å thick) is formed on the forsterite surface due to a Mg 2+ ↔ H + exchange reaction. Electrokinetic measurements yield a pH IEP value of 4.5 corresponding to the dominance of SiO 2 in the surface layer at pH < 9. In contrast, surface titrations of fresh powders give an apparent pH PZC of about 10 with the development of a large positive charge (up to 10 -4 mol/m 2 or 10 C/m 2) in the acid pH region. This may be explained by penetration of H + into the first unit cells of forsterite surface. The surface charge of acid-reacted forsterite is one or two orders of magnitude lower than that of unreacted forsterite with an apparent pH PZC at around 6.5 and a pH IEP value of 2.1 which is close to that for amorphous silica and reflects the formation of a silica-rich layer on the surface. XPS analyses indicate the penetration of hydrogen into the surface and the polymerization of silica tetrahedra in this leached layer. At pH > 10, a Si-deficient, Mg-rich surface layer is formed as shown by XPS analyses and the preferential Si release from the surface during column filtration experiments.

Thermophysical Properties Measurement of High-Temperature Liquids Under Microgravity Conditions in Controlled Atmospheric Conditions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Watanabe, Masahito; Ozawa, Shumpei; Mizuno, Akotoshi; Hibiya, Taketoshi; Kawauchi, Hiroya; Murai, Kentaro; Takahashi, Suguru

2012-01-01

Microgravity conditions have advantages of measurement of surface tension and viscosity of metallic liquids by the oscillating drop method with an electromagnetic levitation (EML) device. Thus, we are preparing the experiments of thermophysical properties measurements using the Materials-Science Laboratories ElectroMagnetic-Levitator (MSL-EML) facilities in the international Space station (ISS). Recently, it has been identified that dependence of surface tension on oxygen partial pressure (Po2) must be considered for industrial application of surface tension values. Effect of Po2 on surface tension would apparently change viscosity from the damping oscillation model. Therefore, surface tension and viscosity must be measured simultaneously in the same atmospheric conditions. Moreover, effect of the electromagnetic force (EMF) on the surface oscillations must be clarified to obtain the ideal surface oscillation because the EMF works as the external force on the oscillating liquid droplets, so extensive EMF makes apparently the viscosity values large. In our group, using the parabolic flight levitation experimental facilities (PFLEX) the effect of Po2 and external EMF on surface oscillation of levitated liquid droplets was systematically investigated for the precise measurements of surface tension and viscosity of high temperature liquids for future ISS experiments. We performed the observation of surface oscillations of levitated liquid alloys using PFLEX on board flight experiments by Gulfstream II (G-II) airplane operated by DAS. These observations were performed under the controlled Po2 and also under the suitable EMF conditions. In these experiments, we obtained the density, the viscosity and the surface tension values of liquid Cu. From these results, we discuss about as same as reported data, and also obtained the difference of surface oscillations with the change of the EMF conditions.